application_number
int64 10.3M
15.9M
| decision
stringclasses 3
values | title
stringlengths 3
468
| abstract
stringlengths 43
4.3k
| claims
stringlengths 44
338k
| description
stringlengths 1.93k
2.86M
| background
stringlengths 0
194k
| summary
stringlengths 0
391k
| cpc_label
stringlengths 0
12
| filing_date
stringlengths 8
8
| patent_issue_date
stringclasses 691
values | date_published
stringclasses 720
values | examiner_id
stringlengths 0
7
| ipc_label
stringlengths 0
10
| npe_litigated_count
int64 0
410
| examiner_full_name
stringlengths 6
34
| invention_title
stringlengths 3
410
| small_entity_indicator
stringclasses 3
values | continuation
int64 0
1
| decision_as_of_2020
stringclasses 6
values | main_ipcr_label_subclass
stringclasses 451
values | filing_year
int64 2k
2.02k
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10,894,735 | ACCEPTED | Electrical connector with dual-function housing protrusions | An electrical connector (1) for connecting a land grid array (LGA) chip with a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a housing (10), and terminals (11) received in passageways (104) of the housing. The housing defines a base (100) and sidewalls (12, 14), the base and the sidewalls cooperatively defining a space therebetween for receiving the LGA chip. The base has a multiplicity of walls respectively between every two adjacent passageways along a length thereof, and four peripheral raised portions (102) extending upwardly and adjoining the sidewalls respectively. A multiplicity of protrusions (106) extends upwardly from the walls respectively. A height of the raised portions is the same as that of the protrusions. When a force is exerted down on the LGA chip to make the LGA chip engege with the terminals, a proportion of the force is borne by the protrusions and the raised portions. | 1. An electrical connector for connecting an electronic package with a circuit substrate, the electrical connector comprising: an insulative housing having a base and sidewalls extending upwardly from the base, the base and the sidewalls cooperatively defining a space therebetween for receiving the electronic package therein, the base defining a generally rectangular array of passageways, a plurality of walls forming respectively between every two adjacent passageways, and at least two raised portions extending upwardly and adjoining the sidewalls of the housing respectively, a plurality of protrusions extending upwardly from the corresponding walls; and a plurality of conductive terminals received in the passageways of the housing, respectively. 2. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein a height of the protrusions is the same as that of the raised portions. 3. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cross-section of each of the protrusions is trapezoidal. 4. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the terminal comprises a retaining portion received in the housing, and a spring arm extending slantingly upwardly from a top end of the retaining portion, an elbow being formed in a middle portion of the spring arm. 5. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 4, wherein the elbow is lower than a top surface of the protrusion. 6. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein two opposite sidewalls each define a multiplicity of evenly spaced recesses therein, thereby forming a multiplicity of evenly spaced projections. 7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 6, wherein an inner portion of each of the recesses is disposed lower than an outer portion thereof. 8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 6, wherein a cross-section of each of the projections is trapezium-shaped. 9. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the projections comprises an inmost first surface for abutting the electronic package, a top second surface parallel to the base, and a chamfered surface between the first surface and the second surface. 10. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base of the housing defines a central cavity therein. 11. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein two blocks are formed at the other two opposite of the sidewalls. 12. An electrical connector for connecting an electronic package with a circuit substrate, the electrical connector comprising: an insulative housing having a base and sidewalls extending upwardly from the base, the base and the sidewalls cooperatively defining a space therebetween for receiving the electronic package therein, the base defining a plurality of passageways, a plurality of protrusions extending upwardly from an upper face of the housing around the corresponding passageways, respectively; and a plurality of conductive terminals received in the passageways of the housing, respectively; wherein the terminals originally extend above said corresponding protrusions, respectively, while downwardly deflected to be flush with the protrusions by said electronic package when said electronic package is seated upon said protrusion. 13. An electrical connector for connecting an electronic package with a circuit substrate, the electrical connector comprising: an insulative housing having a base with a space above an upper face of said base for receiving the electronic package therein, the base defining a plurality of passageways in rows and columns; and a plurality of conductive terminals received in the passageways of the housing, respectively, each of the terminals received in the corresponding passageway and defining a spring arm including a contacting portion far away from a root portion of the spring arm for engagement with the electronic package; wherein said spring arm further defines at least one obliquely extending section, which is oblique to said rows and columns, so as to have the contacting portion located outside of the corresponding passageway from a top view, and essentially vertically located above a position which is offset from the corresponding row where the corresponding passageway is located, rather than another position which is aligned with said corresponding row. 14. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 13, wherein said position is essentially located between said corresponding row and an adjacent row which said obliquely extending section directs to. 15. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 13, wherein said position is essentially in a diagonal direction relative to the corresponding passageway the terminal is disposed in. 16. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 15, wherein said position is closer to a neighboring passageway in said diagonal direction than to the corresponding passageway the terminal is disposed in. 17. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 13, wherein each of said terminals includes a retaining portion which extends in a direction either along the corresponding row or column where the corresponding passageway is located, so that said retaining portion is oblique to said obliquely extending section from a top view. 18. An electrical connector for connecting an electronic package with a circuit substrate, the electrical connector comprising: an insulative housing having a base with a space above an upper face of said base for receiving the electronic package therein, the base defining a plurality of passageways in rows and columns, said upper face forming a plurality of protrusions thereon around the corresponding passageways, respectively; and a plurality of conductive terminals received in the passageways of the housing, respectively, each of the terminals defining an upper contact portion at an end for contacting the electronic package; wherein said upper contact portion is essentially located outside of the corresponding passageway from a top view, and said protrusions are respectively located between the corresponding terminals and the neighboring terminals for isolation and anti-misplacement consideration. 19. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 18, wherein said protrusion is dimensioned to be high enough as a protection device for sharing forces from said electronic package with the terminals. 20. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 18, wherein each of said terminals defines an obliquely extending section so as to have the terminal offset from the protrusion of the corresponding passageway or that of the neighboring passageway without interference. | CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application relates to a co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/318,593 filed on Dec. 13, 2002, entitled “ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH DUAL-FUNCTION SIDEWALLS,” invented by Hao-Yuan Ma, and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrical connector for electrically connecting an electronic package such as a land grid array (LGA) chip with a circuit substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB), and particularly to a connector having protrusions that minimize the risk of accidental damage to an associated electronic package. 2. Description of the Prior Art Land grid array (LGA) electrical connectors are widely used in the connector industry for electrically connecting LGA chips to printed circuit boards (PCBs) in personal computers (PCs). As described in “Nonlinear Analysis Helps Design LGA Connectors” (Connector Specifier, February 2001, pp. 18-20), the LGA connector mainly comprises an insulative housing and a multiplicity of terminals. The housing comprises a multiplicity of terminal passageways defined therein in a generally rectangular array, for interferentially receiving corresponding conductive terminals. Due to the very high density of the terminal array in a typical LGA chip, the LGA chip need to be precisely seated on the LGA connector to ensure reliable signal transmission between the terminals and the LGA chip. Means for accurately attaching the LGA chip to the LGA connector are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,967,797, 6,132,220, 6,146,151 and 6,176,707. Referring to FIG. 8, a conventional connector 6 comprises an insulative housing 60 and a multiplicity of conductive terminals 61 received therein. In forming the connector 6, a plurality of carrier strips (not shown) is used. Each carrier strip comprises a row of the terminals 61, and a row of connecting sections 610 respectively connecting the terminals 61 with a main body of the carrier strip. The housing 60 comprises four raised sidewalls 62, and a flat base 63 disposed between the four raised sidewalls 62. Four raised portions 630 are formed upwardly around the flat base 63. Two opposite of the sidewalls 62 each have a sloped surface that slants down toward a corresponding raised portion 630. The base 63 and the sidewalls 62 cooperatively define a space therebetween for receiving an LGA chip (not shown) therein. The base 63 defines a multiplicity of terminal passageways 64 for receiving the terminals 61 therein. When the LGA chip is seated on the LGA connector 6, the four raised portions 630 and the four sidewalls 62 can securely engage the LGA chip therebetween. When a carrier strip is used to insert a row of terminals 61 into a row of the passageways 64 that is adjacent either of said opposite sidewalls 62, the sloped surfaces provide additional space to manipulate the carrier strip so that the connecting sections 610 can be easily cut off from their corresponding terminals 61. However, the sloped surfaces diminish the main function of said opposite sidewalls 62, which is to provide sufficiently large surface areas that ensure the LGA chip is securely retained between the sidewalls 62. If the LGA chip is not securely retained, this can reduce the reliability of signal transmission between the terminals 61 and the LGA chip. In addition, when a force is exerted down on the LGA chip to make pads (not shown) of the LGA chip engage with the terminals 61, the force is borne by the four raised portions 630 around the base 63. A middle portion of the LGA chip is liable to be deformed downwardly. This can adversely affect the reliability of signal transmission between the terminals 61 and the LGA chip, and may even permanently damage the LGA chip. In addition, when said force is exerted, the pads of the LGA chip push contacting portions of the terminals 61 to deform downwardly. The contacting portions may also be laterally displaced during such movement. When this happens, the contacting portions may not be accurately engaged with the corresponding pads, resulting in faulty electronic connection between the terminals 61 and the pads. Therefore, a new LGA electrical connector which overcomes the above-mentioned problems is desired. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector for electrically connecting an electronic package such as an LGA chip with a circuit substrate such as a PCB, whereby the electrical connector is configured to minimize the risk of accidental damage to an associated electronic package. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector configured so that terminals of the connector can accurately engage with the associated electronic package. To achieve the above objects, an electrical connector in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is for connecting a land grid array (LGA) chip with a printed circuit board (PCB). The connector includes an insulative housing, and a multiplicity of conductive terminals received in the housing. The housing has four sidewalls and a flat base disposed between the sidewalls, the base and the sidewalls cooperatively defining a space therebetween for receiving the LGA chip therein. The base defines a multiplicity of walls respectively between every two adjacent passageways along a length thereof. The base also defines four peripheral raised portions extending upwardly and adjoining the sidewalls of the housing respectively. A multiplicity of protrusions extends upwardly from the walls respectively. A height of the raised portions is the same as that of the protrusions. Two opposite of the sidewalls each define a multiplicity of evenly spaced recesses therein, thereby forming a multiplicity of evenly spaced projections. When terminals are installed near the projections, a common carrier strip connecting the terminals is bent down so that connecting sections of the carrier strip are received in corresponding recesses. Junction portions between the terminals and their respective connecting sections are cut, and a main body of the carrier strip having the connecting sections is removed. The recesses enable the carrier strip to be manipulated so that sufficient space is made available for cutting off of the connecting sections without interfering with the sidewall thereat. The projections provide precise fitting positioning of the LGA chip in the space. In addition, when a force is exerted down on the LGA chip to make the LGA chip engege with the terminals, the force is borne by and distributed among the raised portions and the protrusions of the walls. This protects the LGA chip from distortion or damage should the force be unduly great. This helps ensure that engagement between the connector and the LGA chip is accurate and reliable. Furthermore, when the force is exerted on the LGA chip to make pads of the LGA chip engage with the terminals, the protrusions can prevent the terminals from being laterally displaced so that the terminals accurately connect with the pads of the LGA chip. This ensures that engagement between the connector and the LGA chip is reliable. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a simplified, exploded, isometric view of an LGA electrical connector in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing only one conductive terminal thereof; FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a circled portion II of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an assembled view of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a top plan view of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part of FIG. 4, but showing a plurality of conductive terminals; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 3; FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6, but schematically showing a portion of an LGA chip mounted onto the connector; and FIG. 8 is a simplified, exploded, isometric view of a conventional LGA electrical connector. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe the present invention in detail. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an LGA electrical connector 1 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention is used for electrically connecting an electronic package such as a land grid array (LGA) central processing unit (CPU) 2 with a circuit substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown). The LGA CPU 2 is hereinafter referred to as the LGA chip 2. The connector 1 comprises an insulative housing 10, and a multiplicity of conductive terminals 11 received in the housing 10. A carrier strip (not shown) comprises a row of the terminals 11, and a row of connecting sections respectively connecting the terminals 11 with a main body of the carrier strip. Referring also to FIGS. 6 and 7, each terminal 11 comprises a retaining portion 113 received in the housing 10, and a spring arm 114 extending slantingly upwardly from a top end of the retaining portion 113. An arcuate contacting portion 111 is defined at a distal end of the spring arm 114, for resiliently electrically contacting a corresponding conductive pad 20 of the LGA chip 2. An elbow 115 is formed in a middle portion of the spring arm 114. The housing 10 is substantially rectangular, and is formed by molding. The housing 10 comprises two opposite first sidewalls 12, two opposite second sidewalls 14 interconnecting the first sidewalls 12, and a flat base 100 disposed between the first and second sidewalls 12, 14. The base 100 and first and second sidewalls 12, 14 cooperatively define a space therebetween for receiving the LGA chip 2 therein. The base 100 defines a square central cavity 103 therein, and a multiplicity of terminal passageways 104 regularly arranged in a generally rectangular array around the cavity 103. The passageways 104 are for interferentially receiving corresponding terminals 11 therein. The base 100 defines a multiplicity of walls 105 (see FIG. 6) respectively between every two adjacent passageways 104 along a length thereof. The base 100 also defines four peripheral raised portions 102 extending upwardly and adjoining the first and second sidewalls 12, 14 of the housing 10 respectively. A multiplicity of protrusions 106 extends upwardly from the walls 105 respectively. A cross section of each protrusion 106 is trapezoidal. However, in alternative embodiments, each protrusion 106 may have any other suitable shape. A height of the raised portions 102 is the same as that of the protrusions 106. Top surfaces of the protrusions 106 are higher than the elbows 115 of the spring arms 114 of the terminals 11. When a force is exerted down on the LGA chip 2 to make the pads 20 of the LGA chip 2 engage with the terminals 11, a proportion of the force is borne by the protrusions 106 and the raised portions 102. Each first sidewall 12 is chamfered at a top inner portion thereof. Each first sidewall 12 defines a multiplicity of evenly spaced recesses 123 therein, thereby forming a multiplicity of evenly spaced projections 120. Each recess 123 is bounded at a bottom thereof by a sloped surface of the first sidewall 12, such that an inner portion of the recess 123 is disposed lower than an outer portion thereof. Accordingly, a cross section of each projection 120 is trapezium-shaped. The projection 120 comprises an inmost vertical first surface 121, a top second surface 122, and a chamfered surface between the first surface 121 and the second surface 122. Two blocks 140 are respectively formed on opposite inner faces of the second sidewalls 14. The LGA chip 2 can be guidably fixed between the blocks 140 and the first surfaces 121 of the first sidewalls 12. Referring to FIGS. 3-6, in assembly of the LGA connector 1, a plurality of the carrier strips is provided. A first carrier strip is positioned above the base 100 of the housing 10, parallel and close to the first surfaces 121 of the projections 120 of one first sidewall 12. The carrier strip is moved downwardly, so that the terminals 11 thereof are received into corresponding terminal passageways 104 of the housing 10. The connecting sections of the carrier strip are located above the passageways 104, parallel to the first surfaces 121 of the projections 120 and opposite corresponding recesses 123 of the first sidewall 12. The carrier strip is bent down toward the first sidewall 12, so that the connecting sections of the carrier strip are received in the corresponding recesses 123. Junction portions between the terminals 11 and their respective connecting sections are cut, and the main body of the carrier strip having the connecting sections is removed. The above procedure is repeated as necessary for one or more other carrier strips at either or both of the first sidewalls 12. Thus, assembly of the LGA connector 1 is completed. The recesses 123 enable each carrier strip to be manipulated so that sufficient space is made available for cutting off of the connecting sections without interfering with the corresponding first sidewall 12. Referring to FIGS. 5-7, when a force is exerted down on the LGA chip 2 to make the pads 20 of the LGA chip 2 engage with the contacting portions 111 of the corresponding terminals 11, the force is borne by and distributed among the raised portions 102 and the protrusions 106 of the walls. This protects the LGA chip 2 from distortion or damage should the force be unduly great. This helps ensure that engagement between the connector 1 and the LGA chip 2 is accurate and reliable. In addition, because the protrusions 106 extend upwardly from the walls, the elbow 115 of the spring arm 114 of each terminal 11 is lower than the top surfaces of two adjacent protrusions 106. When the force is exerted on the LGA chip 2 to make the spring arm 114 deform downwardly, the adjacent protrusions 106 prevent the spring arm 114 from being laterally displaced. Therefore the contacting portion 111 can accurately and reliably connect with the corresponding pad 20 of the LGA chip 2. Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is not to be construed as being limited thereto. Various alterations and modifications can be made to the embodiments without in any way departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrical connector for electrically connecting an electronic package such as a land grid array (LGA) chip with a circuit substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB), and particularly to a connector having protrusions that minimize the risk of accidental damage to an associated electronic package. 2. Description of the Prior Art Land grid array (LGA) electrical connectors are widely used in the connector industry for electrically connecting LGA chips to printed circuit boards (PCBs) in personal computers (PCs). As described in “Nonlinear Analysis Helps Design LGA Connectors” (Connector Specifier, February 2001, pp. 18-20), the LGA connector mainly comprises an insulative housing and a multiplicity of terminals. The housing comprises a multiplicity of terminal passageways defined therein in a generally rectangular array, for interferentially receiving corresponding conductive terminals. Due to the very high density of the terminal array in a typical LGA chip, the LGA chip need to be precisely seated on the LGA connector to ensure reliable signal transmission between the terminals and the LGA chip. Means for accurately attaching the LGA chip to the LGA connector are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,967,797, 6,132,220, 6,146,151 and 6,176,707. Referring to FIG. 8 , a conventional connector 6 comprises an insulative housing 60 and a multiplicity of conductive terminals 61 received therein. In forming the connector 6 , a plurality of carrier strips (not shown) is used. Each carrier strip comprises a row of the terminals 61 , and a row of connecting sections 610 respectively connecting the terminals 61 with a main body of the carrier strip. The housing 60 comprises four raised sidewalls 62 , and a flat base 63 disposed between the four raised sidewalls 62 . Four raised portions 630 are formed upwardly around the flat base 63 . Two opposite of the sidewalls 62 each have a sloped surface that slants down toward a corresponding raised portion 630 . The base 63 and the sidewalls 62 cooperatively define a space therebetween for receiving an LGA chip (not shown) therein. The base 63 defines a multiplicity of terminal passageways 64 for receiving the terminals 61 therein. When the LGA chip is seated on the LGA connector 6 , the four raised portions 630 and the four sidewalls 62 can securely engage the LGA chip therebetween. When a carrier strip is used to insert a row of terminals 61 into a row of the passageways 64 that is adjacent either of said opposite sidewalls 62 , the sloped surfaces provide additional space to manipulate the carrier strip so that the connecting sections 610 can be easily cut off from their corresponding terminals 61 . However, the sloped surfaces diminish the main function of said opposite sidewalls 62 , which is to provide sufficiently large surface areas that ensure the LGA chip is securely retained between the sidewalls 62 . If the LGA chip is not securely retained, this can reduce the reliability of signal transmission between the terminals 61 and the LGA chip. In addition, when a force is exerted down on the LGA chip to make pads (not shown) of the LGA chip engage with the terminals 61 , the force is borne by the four raised portions 630 around the base 63 . A middle portion of the LGA chip is liable to be deformed downwardly. This can adversely affect the reliability of signal transmission between the terminals 61 and the LGA chip, and may even permanently damage the LGA chip. In addition, when said force is exerted, the pads of the LGA chip push contacting portions of the terminals 61 to deform downwardly. The contacting portions may also be laterally displaced during such movement. When this happens, the contacting portions may not be accurately engaged with the corresponding pads, resulting in faulty electronic connection between the terminals 61 and the pads. Therefore, a new LGA electrical connector which overcomes the above-mentioned problems is desired. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector for electrically connecting an electronic package such as an LGA chip with a circuit substrate such as a PCB, whereby the electrical connector is configured to minimize the risk of accidental damage to an associated electronic package. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector configured so that terminals of the connector can accurately engage with the associated electronic package. To achieve the above objects, an electrical connector in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is for connecting a land grid array (LGA) chip with a printed circuit board (PCB). The connector includes an insulative housing, and a multiplicity of conductive terminals received in the housing. The housing has four sidewalls and a flat base disposed between the sidewalls, the base and the sidewalls cooperatively defining a space therebetween for receiving the LGA chip therein. The base defines a multiplicity of walls respectively between every two adjacent passageways along a length thereof. The base also defines four peripheral raised portions extending upwardly and adjoining the sidewalls of the housing respectively. A multiplicity of protrusions extends upwardly from the walls respectively. A height of the raised portions is the same as that of the protrusions. Two opposite of the sidewalls each define a multiplicity of evenly spaced recesses therein, thereby forming a multiplicity of evenly spaced projections. When terminals are installed near the projections, a common carrier strip connecting the terminals is bent down so that connecting sections of the carrier strip are received in corresponding recesses. Junction portions between the terminals and their respective connecting sections are cut, and a main body of the carrier strip having the connecting sections is removed. The recesses enable the carrier strip to be manipulated so that sufficient space is made available for cutting off of the connecting sections without interfering with the sidewall thereat. The projections provide precise fitting positioning of the LGA chip in the space. In addition, when a force is exerted down on the LGA chip to make the LGA chip engege with the terminals, the force is borne by and distributed among the raised portions and the protrusions of the walls. This protects the LGA chip from distortion or damage should the force be unduly great. This helps ensure that engagement between the connector and the LGA chip is accurate and reliable. Furthermore, when the force is exerted on the LGA chip to make pads of the LGA chip engage with the terminals, the protrusions can prevent the terminals from being laterally displaced so that the terminals accurately connect with the pads of the LGA chip. This ensures that engagement between the connector and the LGA chip is reliable. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: | 20040719 | 20080513 | 20050120 | 99649.0 | 1 | LEON MUNOZ, EDWIN A | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH DUAL-FUNCTION HOUSING PROTRUSIONS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,894,767 | ACCEPTED | Carton blank for direct injection molded closures | A carton blank is used in a form, fill and seal machine on which a closure is directly molded onto the carton. The molding portion of the machine includes a tool set having first and second tool elements in which the first tool element has an aligning member extending therefrom in a direction transverse to a direction of loading the carton between the first and second tool elements. The aligning element has a predetermined shape having diverging surfaces. The carton blank includes a rear wall panel, a first side wall panel, a front wall panel and a second side wall panel. Each panel is separated from its adjacent panels by a vertical score line. A closure panel is adjacent the front wall panel, has an opening therein and is configured for having a closure molded thereon. The closure panel is partitioned from the front wall panel by a first horizontal score line. The closure panel has a closure panel fin panel extending from a side opposite the front wall panel. The closure panel fin panel has a height measured to an edge of the fin panel. A first upper side panel is adjacent the first side wall panel and is adjacent the closure panel. The first upper side panel has a first upper side panel fin panel having a height. The closure panel fin panel has a cut-out formed therein. The cut-out has converging edges having a shape complementary to the first tool element aligning member and configured to mate with the first tool element aligning member to laterally align the carton with the first tool. | 1. A carton blank for use in a form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing a carton, the machine configured to mold a closure directly onto the carton, the machine including a tool set having first and second tool elements, the first tool element having an aligning member extending therefrom in a direction transverse to a direction of loading the carton between the first and second tool elements, the aligning member having a predetermined shape having diverging surfaces, the carton blank comprising: a rear wall panel, a first side wall panel, a front wall panel and a second side wall panel, each panel separated from its adjacent panels by a vertical score line; a closure panel adjacent the front wall panel, the closure panel partitioned from the front wall panel by a first horizontal score line, the closure panel having a closure panel fin panel extending from a side opposite the front wall panel, the closure panel fin panel having a height measured to an edge of the fin panel, the closure panel configured for having a closure molded thereon; and a first upper side panel adjacent the first side wall panel, the upper side panel being adjacent the closure panel, the first upper side panel having a first upper side panel fin panel having a height, the closure panel fin panel having at least one cut-out formed therein, the cut-out having converging edges and a shape complementary to the first tool element aligning member and configured to mate with the first tool element aligning member to laterally align the carton with the first tool. 2. The carton blank in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cut-out has a depth that is less than a difference between the closure panel fin panel height and the first upper side panel fin panel height. 3. The carton blank in accordance with claim 1 wherein the fin panel has a plurality of cut-outs formed therein, at least one of the cut-outs configured to mate with an aligning member on the external tool. 4. The carton blank in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cut-out has opposing converging edges and a base portion inward of the edge of the fin panel. 5. The carton blank in accordance with claim 4 wherein the edges and base portion define a V-shape. 6. The carton blank in accordance with claim 4 wherein the sides are straight and wherein the base portion is straight, extending between the sides, the base portion being parallel to the edge of the fin panel. 7. The carton blank in accordance with claim 1 including one cut-out, wherein the cut-out is laterally off-center of the fin panel. 8. The carton blank in accordance with claim 1 including one cut-out, wherein the cut-out is laterally centered on the fin panel. 9. The carton blank in accordance with claim 1 wherein the closure panel has an opening therein about which the closure is formed. 10. The carton blank in accordance with claim 1 wherein the second side wall panel is adjacent the front wall panel, on a side opposite the first side wall panel and wherein the rear wall panel is adjacent the second side wall panel, opposite the front wall panel, the blank including a sealing panel adjacent the first side wall panel, opposite the front wall panel. 11. A carton blank for use in a form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing a carton, the machine configured to mold a closure directly onto the carton, the machine including a tool set having first and second tool elements, the first tool element having an aligning member extending therefrom in a direction transverse to a direction of loading the carton between the first and second tool elements, the aligning member having a predetermined shape having diverging surfaces, the carton blank comprising: a rear wall panel, a first side wall panel, a front wall panel and a second side wall panel, each panel separated from its adjacent panels by a vertical score line; a closure panel adjacent the front wall panel, the closure panel partitioned from the front wall panel by a first horizontal score line, the closure panel having a closure panel fin panel extending from a side opposite the front wall panel, the closure panel fin panel having a height measured to an edge of the fin panel, the closure panel configured for having a closure molded thereon; and a first upper side panel adjacent the first side wall panel, the upper side panel being adjacent the closure panel, the first upper side panel having a first upper side panel fin panel having a height, means, located on the closure fin panel, for laterally aligning the carton with the first tool. 12. The carton blank in accordance with claim 11 including means for longitudinally aligning the carton with the first tool. 13. The carton blank in accordance with claim 12 wherein the means for laterally aligning the carton and the means for longitudinally aligning the carton are integral with one another. 14. A carton blank for use in a form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing a carton, the machine configured to mold a closure directly onto the carton, the machine including a tool set having first and second tool elements, the first tool element having a stop surface extending therefrom for preventing over-insertion of the carton in a direction of loading the carton between the first and second tool elements and including an aligning member formed in the stop surface, the aligning member having a predetermined shape, the carton blank comprising: a rear wall panel, a first side wall panel, a front wall panel and a second side wall panel, each panel separated from its adjacent panels by a vertical score line; a closure panel adjacent the front wall panel, the closure panel partitioned from the front wall panel by a first horizontal score line, the closure panel having a closure panel fin panel extending from a side opposite the front wall panel, the closure panel fin panel having a height measured to an edge of the fin panel, the closure panel configured for having a closure molded thereon; and a first upper side panel adjacent the first side wall panel, the upper side panel being adjacent the closure panel, the first upper side panel having a first upper side panel fin panel having a height, the closure panel fin panel having a formation therein for mating with the first tool element aligning member to laterally align the carton with the first tool element as the carton contacts the stop surface and is longitudinally positioned relative to the first tool element by engagement with the stop surface carton. 15. The carton blank in accordance with claim 14 wherein the closure panel fin panel formation is an outwardly extending tab. 16. The carton blank in accordance with claim 14 wherein the closure panel fin panel formation is a cut-out. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains to a carton blank. More particularly, this invention pertains to a carton blank adapted for directly injection molding a closure onto the carton blank. Consumers have come to recognize and appreciate resealable closures for containers to store, for example, liquid food products and the like. These resealable closures permit ready access to the product while providing the ability to reseal the container to prolong the life and freshness of the product. Typically, the containers or cartons are formed from a composite of paperboard material having one or more polymer coatings or layers to establish a liquid impervious structure. In conventional packages (also referred to as cartons or containers) the closures, which are formed in a separate process and transported to the packaging process, are subsequently affixed to the cartons as part of the overall form, fill and seal operation. Typically, the closures are affixed to the partially erected carton prior to filling the carton with product. Recently, in order to avoid the additional steps of transporting, handling and affixing the closures to the cartons, containers and processes have been developed in which closures are formed directly on the carton. That is, the closure is formed, for example, by injection molding, directly onto the carton material. In such an arrangement, a mold tool is closed over the carton (having an open area around which the closure is formed). The tool includes internal and external tool portions that are positioned at the interior and exterior regions of the carton, respectively to define a mold cavity. Plastic is then injected into the space between the internal and external tool portions to form the closure. Such an arrangement is disclosed in Lees et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,467,238 and 6,536,187, which patents are commonly assigned with the present application and are incorporated herein by reference. Such an arrangement is also disclosed in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled, Molding Unit for Forming Direct Injection Molded Closures, filed on even date herewith. It has however been found that in order to properly form the closure, it is necessary to precisely position or locate the carton blank between the mold tools both longitudinally and laterally. Even the slightest of misplacement in either the longitudinal or lateral directions can result in an improperly formed or incompletely formed closure. Such a closure renders the carton unusable. Accordingly, there exists a need for a carton and molding system for directly molding resealable closures onto the carton. Such a carton and molding system include a straightforward configuration to assure that the carton is properly aligned (longitudinally and laterally) within the molding system for plastic injection. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A carton blank is configured for having a direct injection molded closure formed thereon. Such a carton blank is used in a form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing the carton. A molding unit or mold portion of the machine is configured to mold the closure directly onto the carton. Such a machine includes a tool set having first and second tool elements. The first tool element has an aligning member extending therefrom in a direction transverse to a direction of loading the carton between the first and second tool elements. The aligning member has a predetermined shape. In one form, the aligning member is a projection having diverging surfaces. The carton blank includes a rear wall panel, a first side wall panel, a front wall panel and a second side wall panel. Each panel is separated from its adjacent panels by a vertical score line. A closure panel is adjacent the front wall panel. The closure panel is partitioned from the front wall panel by a first horizontal score line. The closure panel has a closure panel fin panel extending from a side opposite the front wall panel. The closure panel fin panel has a height measured to an edge of the fin panel. The closure panel is configured for having a closure molded thereon. A first upper side panel is adjacent the first side wall panel. The upper side panel is adjacent the closure panel and has a first upper side panel fin panel having a height. The closure panel fin panel has a cut-out formed therein. The cut-out has a shape complementary to the first tool element aligning member and is configured to mate with the first tool element aligning member. As such, the cut-out has converging edges to mate with the aligning member. In this manner, the carton blank laterally aligns with the first tool to assure proper position of the carton for molding the closure on the carton. In a present blank, the cut-out has a depth that is less than a difference between the closure panel fin panel height and the first upper side panel fin panel height. The blank can have a plurality of cut-outs (e.g., two cut-outs) formed therein. Each cut-out is configured to mate with an aligning member on the internal tool. Alternately, the carton can have a tab formed therein that cooperates with a notch formed in (in lieu of a projection extending from) the stop surface. In one form, the cut-out has opposing converging sides or edges and a base portion inward of the edge of the fin panel. In such a manner, the carton is urged into alignment on the internal tool when the cut-out engages the aligning member. The cut-out can be formed having straight converging, meeting sides that define a V-shaped profile. Alternately, the cutout can have a straight base portion extending between the sides. In such an arrangement, the base portion is preferably parallel to the edge of the fin panel. The cut-out or cut-outs can be laterally off-center of the fin panel, or laterally centered on the fin panel. When two cut-outs are used they can be positioned in mirror image relation to one another relative to a longitudinal centerline through the closure panel. A present blank is formed such that the second side wall panel is adjacent the front wall panel, on a side opposite the first side wall panel and the rear wall panel is adjacent the second side wall panel, opposite the front wall panel. The blank includes a sealing panel adjacent the first side wall panel, opposite the front wall panel. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1A is a plan view of a carton blank configured for having a direct injection molded closure formed thereon and having an aligning cut-out in accordance with the principles of the present invention; FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a carton formed form a blank embodying the principles of the present invention, the carton having a closure formed thereon; FIG. 1C is an enlarged view of the closure panel of the blank of FIG. 1A; FIG. 2A is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a direct injection molded closure carton blank; FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the closure panel of the blank of FIG. 2A; FIG. 2C is still further enlarged view of the fin portion of the panel of FIG. 2B; FIG. 3A is a plan view of an another alternate embodiment of a direct injection molded closure carton blank; FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the closure panel of the blank of FIG. 3A; FIGS. 4 and 5 are closure panels illustrating portions of still other embodiments of blanks; FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate external and internal mold tools, respectively, for use with the carton blank of FIG. 1; and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional illustration closure formed on a carton blank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated. It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description Of The Invention”, relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein. In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular. Referring now to the figures in particular to FIG. 1 there is shown one embodiment of a carton blank 10 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The blank 10 includes a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18 that correspond to the front wall, rear wall and side walls (first side wall panel and second side wall panel) of an erected carton C (FIG. 1B). The panels 12, 14, 16, 18 are partitioned from one another by a plurality of vertical score lines 20, 22, 24, 26. A plurality of corresponding bottom panels 28, 30, 32, 34 are partitioned from the corresponding front, side and rear wall panels by a lower horizontal score line 36. A plurality of lower diagonal score lines 38 further define bottom panels for folding purposes. A sealing panel 40 is adjacent to second side wall panel 18 for sealing to the rear wall panel 14. Each the front, rear and side wall panels 12, 14, 16, 18 includes a top panel 42, 44, 46, 48. The top panels 42, 44, 46, 48 are partitioned from their respective wall panels 12, 14, 16, 18 by an upper horizontal score line 50. The front top panel 42 includes an aperture 52 that is configured as the carton opening and around which the closure is formed. The side top panels 46, 48 are further partitioned by slanted score lines 54 (to form triangular top panels) to form the sides of the familiar gable top. The top fin 56 of the package C (see FIG. 1B) is formed by a plurality of fin panels 58, 60, 62, 64 (see FIG. 1A). The fin panels 58, 60, 62, 64 are partitioned from their corresponding top panels 42, 44, 46, 48 by a top horizontal score line 66. Fin panel 58 is separated from its corresponding top panel 42 by the top horizontal score line 66. The front and rear wall panel fin panels 58, 60 have a greater height h58 than the side wall fin panels h62. Front (closure) panel fin panel 58 includes a cut-out formation 68 therein. The cut-out formation 68 has opposing non-parallel edges 70, 72 that are oriented toward (converge) one another. The illustrated cut-out 68 includes a pair of opposing inwardly oriented edges that terminate at a base 74 forming a V-shape. In a preferred carton blank 10, the cut-out 68 is formed in the fin 58 corresponding to the panel 42 in which the opening 52 is formed. As illustrated, the cut-out 68 is off-centered relative to panels 12, 42, 58 (see, for example panel 12 axis A12). It will be appreciated that the cut-out 68 is formed in the fin panel 58 such that the base 74 of the cut-out 68 does not extend so far as top horizontal score line 66, and preferably not as far as the height of adjacent panels 62, 64 (h62), as indicated by the phantom line 67 in FIG. 1C. In this manner, when the carton C is sealed, with fin panels 58 and 60 sealed to one another (with fin panels 62 and 64 therebetween), the portion 58a of fin panel 58 below the cut-out 68 is sealed to fin panels 60, 62, 64. In such a configuration, the integrity of the seal is maintained, even with the reduced material available for sealing. Referring now briefly to FIGS. 6A and 6B, external and internal tools 80, 82, respectively for use with the blank 10 are shown. The external tool 80 is formed in two portions 80a, 80b that mate with one another. As mated, the external tool portions 80a, 80b (referred to as tool 80 when mated) define a cavity 84 that defines the outside of the closure L (see FIG. 7). The internal tool 82 includes a plug 90 that resides in the cavity 84 when the tools 80, 82 are mated with one another, and defines the interior of the closure L. The internal tool 82 further includes a stop wall 86, a stop surface 87 and an aligning projection 88. The stop wall 86 is configured for receipt in a recess 92 in the external tool 80. The wall 86 abuts the interior surface 93 of the recess 92 to position or space the internal and external tools 82, 80 from one another. That is, engagement of the wall 86 with the recess 92 (and recess wall 93) provides proper spacing between the tools 80, 82 for the carton blank material. The stop wall 86 thus stops relative movement of the tools 80, 82 to provide proper spacing for the carton blank material. In this manner, the space or gap between the mated tools 80, 82 (which also defines that mold cavity) is a precisely measured, gauged distance, that is dependent upon the distance d86 that the wall 86 extends beyond the tool 82 surface in conjunction with the depth d92 of the external tool recess 92. The aligning projection 88, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed with, or as part of, the stop wall 86 and stop surface 87, has a predetermined, particular shape such that the projection 88 mates with the carton cut-out 68 to properly laterally position the carton between the mold tools 80, 82. It will be understood that the stop 86 and projection 88 need not be integrally formed as shown, nor positioned on the internal tool 82. In use, the external tool portions 80a,b are mated with one another and the carton C is passed between the internal 82 and external tools 80. The carton C is positioned against the internal tool 82 such that the cut-out 68 aligns with the aligning projection 88 and the edge 76 of the fin panel 58 is positioned on (or against) the stop surface 87. The stop surface 87 thus prevents over insertion of the carton C; that is, the stop surface 87 provides for proper longitudinal positioning of the carton C between the tools 80, 82. In the event that the carton C is slightly laterally askew, as the carton C comes down onto the aligning projection 88, contact between the cut-out edges 70, 72 and the (side) walls of the aligning projection 88 will reposition or urge the carton C into lateral position on the internal tool 82. The internal and external tools 82, 80 are then mated with one another with (with the carton C therebetween), and with the plug 90 positioned through the carton opening 52. Proper spacing between the tools 80, 82 is assured by contact of the stop wall 86 with the interior surface 93 of the recess 92. The tools 80, 82 are then locked to one another and plastic is injected into the cavity formed between the tools 80, 82 (around the carton C) to form the closure L. The edges of the opening 52 are encapsulated with the closure L plastic, as the closure L is formed. In order to minimize deflection of the carton C material once it is in the mold and as plastic is injected into the mold cavity, paper control ribs 98 extend generally radially from about the base of the plug 90. In a present embodiment, a shallow well or channel 96 is formed around the base of the plug 90 in which the ribs 98 are formed. The ribs 98 support the paper to prevent localized deflection of the carton C. The ribs 98 also tend to improve contact between the flowing polymer and the carton (paper) material which enhances bonding. As seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a paper compression ring 99 is formed on the external tool 80 for engaging and compressing the paperboard against the internal tool 82, outside of the well 96. This forms the boundary to which the polymer flows during closure L molding. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that (even though not shown) the paper compression ring can alternately be formed on the internal tool. When the internal and external tools 82, 80 are closed and secured, the paper compression ring 99 is about 0.35 mm from the internal tool to compress the paper to about 0.35 mm from about 0.5 mm. FIGS. 2A-5 illustrate alternate embodiments of the carton blank 110, 210, 310, 410. In FIGS. 2A-2C, the fin panel 158 includes one centrally disposed cut-out 168 that lies along the longitudinal centerline A112 of panels 112, 142, 158. The cut-out 168 includes tapered or inclined walls 170, 172 that terminate at a flat base wall 174. The base wall 174 does not extend so far as the uppermost edges of adjacent panels 162, 164 (as indicated by phantom line 167). FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a blank 210 having a fin panel 258 with a two, mirror-image cut-outs 268a,b that have the flat bottom profile. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the carton blank 310 having a pair of V-shaped cut-outs 368a, 368b. FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of the blank 410 that includes a projecting tab 468 instead of the cut-outs. The tab 468 is configured to cooperate with a mating notch (not shown) in the stop surface (which can be formed in the internal or external tools) much that same way that the cut-outs and projections cooperate to prevent lateral movement of the carton relative to the tools 80, 82. Although the carton cut-outs and tool aligning projections are shown having a triangular (wedge) or flat, truncated shape, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other shapes, such as semicircular or arcuate shapes and the like, as well as plural or other shapes, e.g., pairs of spaced apart projections, can be used, which shapes and configurations, as well as other shapes and configurations, are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of this disclosure. From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention pertains to a carton blank. More particularly, this invention pertains to a carton blank adapted for directly injection molding a closure onto the carton blank. Consumers have come to recognize and appreciate resealable closures for containers to store, for example, liquid food products and the like. These resealable closures permit ready access to the product while providing the ability to reseal the container to prolong the life and freshness of the product. Typically, the containers or cartons are formed from a composite of paperboard material having one or more polymer coatings or layers to establish a liquid impervious structure. In conventional packages (also referred to as cartons or containers) the closures, which are formed in a separate process and transported to the packaging process, are subsequently affixed to the cartons as part of the overall form, fill and seal operation. Typically, the closures are affixed to the partially erected carton prior to filling the carton with product. Recently, in order to avoid the additional steps of transporting, handling and affixing the closures to the cartons, containers and processes have been developed in which closures are formed directly on the carton. That is, the closure is formed, for example, by injection molding, directly onto the carton material. In such an arrangement, a mold tool is closed over the carton (having an open area around which the closure is formed). The tool includes internal and external tool portions that are positioned at the interior and exterior regions of the carton, respectively to define a mold cavity. Plastic is then injected into the space between the internal and external tool portions to form the closure. Such an arrangement is disclosed in Lees et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,467,238 and 6,536,187, which patents are commonly assigned with the present application and are incorporated herein by reference. Such an arrangement is also disclosed in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled, Molding Unit for Forming Direct Injection Molded Closures, filed on even date herewith. It has however been found that in order to properly form the closure, it is necessary to precisely position or locate the carton blank between the mold tools both longitudinally and laterally. Even the slightest of misplacement in either the longitudinal or lateral directions can result in an improperly formed or incompletely formed closure. Such a closure renders the carton unusable. Accordingly, there exists a need for a carton and molding system for directly molding resealable closures onto the carton. Such a carton and molding system include a straightforward configuration to assure that the carton is properly aligned (longitudinally and laterally) within the molding system for plastic injection. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A carton blank is configured for having a direct injection molded closure formed thereon. Such a carton blank is used in a form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing the carton. A molding unit or mold portion of the machine is configured to mold the closure directly onto the carton. Such a machine includes a tool set having first and second tool elements. The first tool element has an aligning member extending therefrom in a direction transverse to a direction of loading the carton between the first and second tool elements. The aligning member has a predetermined shape. In one form, the aligning member is a projection having diverging surfaces. The carton blank includes a rear wall panel, a first side wall panel, a front wall panel and a second side wall panel. Each panel is separated from its adjacent panels by a vertical score line. A closure panel is adjacent the front wall panel. The closure panel is partitioned from the front wall panel by a first horizontal score line. The closure panel has a closure panel fin panel extending from a side opposite the front wall panel. The closure panel fin panel has a height measured to an edge of the fin panel. The closure panel is configured for having a closure molded thereon. A first upper side panel is adjacent the first side wall panel. The upper side panel is adjacent the closure panel and has a first upper side panel fin panel having a height. The closure panel fin panel has a cut-out formed therein. The cut-out has a shape complementary to the first tool element aligning member and is configured to mate with the first tool element aligning member. As such, the cut-out has converging edges to mate with the aligning member. In this manner, the carton blank laterally aligns with the first tool to assure proper position of the carton for molding the closure on the carton. In a present blank, the cut-out has a depth that is less than a difference between the closure panel fin panel height and the first upper side panel fin panel height. The blank can have a plurality of cut-outs (e.g., two cut-outs) formed therein. Each cut-out is configured to mate with an aligning member on the internal tool. Alternately, the carton can have a tab formed therein that cooperates with a notch formed in (in lieu of a projection extending from) the stop surface. In one form, the cut-out has opposing converging sides or edges and a base portion inward of the edge of the fin panel. In such a manner, the carton is urged into alignment on the internal tool when the cut-out engages the aligning member. The cut-out can be formed having straight converging, meeting sides that define a V-shaped profile. Alternately, the cutout can have a straight base portion extending between the sides. In such an arrangement, the base portion is preferably parallel to the edge of the fin panel. The cut-out or cut-outs can be laterally off-center of the fin panel, or laterally centered on the fin panel. When two cut-outs are used they can be positioned in mirror image relation to one another relative to a longitudinal centerline through the closure panel. A present blank is formed such that the second side wall panel is adjacent the front wall panel, on a side opposite the first side wall panel and the rear wall panel is adjacent the second side wall panel, opposite the front wall panel. The blank includes a sealing panel adjacent the first side wall panel, opposite the front wall panel. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. | 20040720 | 20090811 | 20060126 | 98038.0 | B65D4300 | 0 | ELKINS, GARY E | CARTON BLANK FOR DIRECT INJECTION MOLDED CLOSURES | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | B65D | 2,004 |
|
10,894,815 | ACCEPTED | Method and kit for removing a residue from an imaging member | A method for removing a residue, such as lateral charge migration (LCM) film, from an imaging member includes contacting at least a portion of the imaging member with a wash liquid capable of removing the residue. The wash liquid containing the residue is then removed, for example, by applying an absorbent material such as a toner, to the contacted portion of the imaging member. | 1. A method for removing a residue from an imaging member comprising: contacting at least a portion of the imaging member with a wash liquid capable of removing the residue from the imaging member; and removing the wash liquid contaminated with residue from the imaging member. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the removal of the wash liquid contaminated with residue comprises: applying an absorbent material to the contacted portion of the imaging member. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the absorbent material includes toner. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein removal of the wash liquid contaminated with residue further comprises: removing at least a portion of the applied absorbent material and contaminated wash liquid associated with the absorbent material with an electrostatic cleaner. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the residue comprises reaction products of corona effluents with volatile organic chemicals. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the residue comprises morpholine and the wash liquid comprises a solvent for morpholine. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the wash liquid includes water. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the wash liquid comprises a fugitive organic chemical. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the fugitive organic chemical comprises a lower alcohol selected from C1 to C8 alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, alkanes, and combinations thereof. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the fugitive organic chemical includes a C3 alcohol. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the C3 alcohol includes isopropyl alcohol. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the wash liquid further includes water and wherein the water is present in the wash liquid at a concentration of at least 5% by weight. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the alcohol is present in the wash liquid at a concentration of at least 40%, by weight. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the wash liquid comprises about 70% isopropyl alcohol and about 30% water. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein contacting at least a portion of the imaging member with a wash liquid includes: contacting the imaging member with an applicator which carries the wash liquid; and driving the imaging member while the applicator is in contact with the imaging member. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising, prior to contacting the imaging member with an applicator which carries the wash liquid: mounting a presoaked pad on a removable module; and docking the removable module in a selected location adjacent the imaging member. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the module is configured for removably replacing a component of an imaging device which incorporates the imaging member and docking of the module includes replacing the component with the module. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the component includes at least one of at least a portion of a transfer deck and at least a portion of a charging station. 19. A wash kit for removing residue from a substrate comprising: a pad; a wash liquid carried by the pad; and means associated with the pad for removably mounting the pad to an associated module capable of maintaining contact between the substrate and the pad; and packaging which encloses the pad and wash liquid prior to use in a residue removal process. 20. The wash kit of claim 19, wherein the means for mounting comprises a strip of hook or loop material configured for engagement with a corresponding strip of loop or hook material carried by the associated module. 21. A system for removing residue from a substrate comprising: a pad; a wash liquid carried by the pad; and a module configured for mounting adjacent the substrate for contacting the substrate with the pad whereby the residue is brought into contact with the wash liquid; means associated with the pad for removably mounting the pad to the module. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the means for mounting comprises a strip of hook or loop material configured for engagement with a corresponding strip of loop or hook material carried by the module. 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the module is configured for removably replacing one of a corona generator and a charging station of an associated imaging system for forming latent images on the substrate. 24. An imaging system comprising: an imaging member; means for forming a latent image on the imaging member; means for transferring the latent image to a transfer material; means for driving the imaging member relative to the forming and transferring means; and a cleaning module capable of replacing at least a portion of the forming and transferring means, the cleaning module comprising a carrier material soaked with a wash liquid, whereby when the means for driving drives the imaging member, the wash liquid removes residue from the imaging member, the residue being formed during forming of a latent image. 25. The imaging system of claim 24, wherein the imaging member comprises a photoreceptor belt. 26. The imaging system of claim 24, wherein the means for forming a latent image comprises at least one charging station for charging the imaging member prior to forming a latent image, at least a portion of the charging station being in the form of a removable module; and the cleaning module is configured for selectively replacing the module of the charging station. 27. The imaging system of claim 24, wherein the means for transferring the latent image includes a removable module comprising a corona generating device and wherein the cleaning module is configured for selectively replacing the removable module comprising the corona generating device. 28. A method for cleaning a substrate surface contaminated with a morphaline deposit comprising: contacting the substrate with water and an alcohol to remove morpholine deposit and, thereafter, contacting the substrate with a toner. 29. A method for imaging comprising: forming images on an imaging member; transferring the images to transfer media, wherein the formation of the images results in a residue being formed on the imaging member which reduces the quality of the transferred image; contacting the imaging member with a wash liquid to remove residue; applying a toner composition to the imaging member to remove the wash liquid and residue from the imaging member; and optionally, removing the toner composition and the associated wash liquid and residue with an electrostatic cleaner. | BACKGROUND The present disclosure relates to removal of deposits from a substrate, such as an imaging member. It finds particular application in conjunction with removal of a lateral charge migration film from a photoconductive receptor belt, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present disclosure is also amenable to other like applications. In an electrophotographic application such as xerography, a charge retentive surface (i.e., photoconductor, photoreceptor, or imaging surface) is electrostatically charged and exposed to a light pattern of an original image to be reproduced to selectively discharge the surface in accordance therewith. The resulting pattern of charged and discharged areas on that surface form an electrostatic charge pattern (an electrostatic latent image) conforming to the original image. The latent image is developed by contacting it with a finely divided electrostatically attractable powder referred to as “toner.” Toner is held on the image areas by the electrostatic charge on the surface. Thus, a toner image is produced in conformity with a light image of the original being reproduced. The toner image may then be transferred to a substrate (e.g., paper), and the image affixed thereto to form a permanent record of the image to be reproduced. Subsequent to development, excess toner left on the charge retentive surface is cleaned from the surface. This process is known, and useful for light lens copying from an original, and printing applications from electronically generated or stored originals, where a charged surface may be image-wise discharged in a variety of ways. Ion projection devices where a charge is image-wise deposited on a charge retentive substrate operate similarly. Electrophotographic imaging members are commonly multilayered photoreceptors that include a substrate support, an optional electrically conductive layer, an optional charge blocking layer, an optional adhesive layer, a charge generating layer, a charge transport layer, and an optional protective or overcoating layer(s). The imaging members can take several forms, including flexible belts, rigid drums, and the like. Electrophotographic machines utilizing multilayered organic photoreceptors employ corotrons or scorotrons to charge the photoreceptors prior to exposure of an image. During the operating lifetime of photoreceptors, they are subjected to corona effluents which include ozone, various oxides of nitrogen, and the like. In the presence of volatile organic chemicals and water, a reaction occurs between the corona effluents. Over time, an electrically conductive film may develop on the photoreceptor belt. Furthermore, during operation of the electrophotographic machine, a region of the top surface of the photoreceptor, such as a photoreceptor belt, is continuously worn away, thereby preventing or limiting accumulation of the conductive film. However, when the machine is not operating (i.e., in idle mode), for example, between two large copy runs, or at any time when the belt is moving but unprotected by toner, a conductive film can develop. In the idle mode, a portion of the photoreceptor comes to rest beneath a corotron. Although the high voltage to the corotron is turned off during the time period when the photoreceptor is stationary, some effluents (e.g. nitric acid, etc.) continue to be emitted from the corotron shield and corotron housing. This effluent emission is focused on the portion of the photoreceptor directly beneath the corotron, increasing the conductivity of the surface. When machine operation is resumed for the next copy run, image spreading and loss of resolution tends to occur in the region of the photoconductor where surface conductivity has increased, known as lateral charge migration (LCM). Deletion may also be observed in the loss of fine lines and details in the final print. Loss of resolution along the entire imaging surface can also occur due to an increase in surface conductance caused by corona species interaction. In the case of excessive increases in conductivity, there can be regions of extreme deletions in the images. This problem is particularly severe in devices employing arylamine charge transport molecules such as N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine and charge transport polymers incorporating diamine transporting moieties. The common solution to the problem of LCM deposits has been to replace the photoreceptor belt, resulting in down time of the imaging device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,913 to Pai, et al. discloses a long life photoreceptor having improved resistance to corona effluent induced deletions. The photoreceptor comprises a substrate, a charge generating layer, a charge transport layer, and an overcoat layer. The overcoat layer comprises a hydroxy triphenyl methane having at least one hydroxy functional group and a polyamide film forming binder capable of forming hydrogen bonds with the hydroxy functional group. The charge transport layer is substantially free of triphenyl methane molecules. There remains a need for a method of removal of residues, such as LCM films, from electrophotographic imaging members. Furthermore, there is a continuing need for an improved system for removing residues, such as those comprising morpholine derivation and/or the reaction products of corona effluents with volatile organic chemicals, from photoreceptors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for removing a residue, such as LCM film, from an imaging member is provided. The method includes contacting at least a portion of the imaging member with a wash liquid capable of removing the residue. The wash liquid containing the residue is then removed, for example, by applying an absorbent material such as a toner to the contacted portion of the imaging member. The imaging member may include a photoreceptor in the form of a continuous belt. Additionally, the wash liquid may include an aqueous solvent which is applied by an applicator such as a presoaked pad. In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosure, a wash kit for removing residue from a substrate, such as an imaging member, is provided. The wash kit includes an application means such as an applicator or a pad and a wash liquid, carried by the pad. Means associated with the pad are provided for removably mounting the pad to an associated module capable of maintaining contact between the substrate and the pad. Packaging encloses the pad and wash liquid prior to use in a residue removal process. The residue may comprise reaction products of corona effluents with volatile organic chemicals, LCM films, etc. In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for cleaning a substrate, such as an imaging member, includes contacting the substrate with a wash liquid comprising water and a fugitive organic chemical such as an alcohol to remove morpholine deposit and, thereafter, contacting or applying to the substrate with an absorbent material. The applied absorbent material containing the wash liquid is then removed, such as with a cleaning agent. Also disclosed herein is an imaging system comprising an imaging member, means for forming a latent image on the imaging member, means for transferring the latent image to a transfer material, means for driving the imaging member relative to the forming and transferring means, and a cleaning module capable of replacing at least a portion of the forming and transferring means. The cleaning module comprises a carrier material soaked with a wash liquid, whereby when the means for driving drives the imaging member, the wash liquid removes residue from the imaging member, the residue being formed during forming of a latent image. The means for forming a latent image may comprise at least one charging station for charging the imaging member prior to forming a latent image, at least a portion of the charging station being in the form of a removable module. The cleaning module may be configured for selectively replacing the module of the charging station or may be located at the image transfer location. In a further embodiment, a method for cleaning a substrate surface contaminated with a morphaline deposit is also disclosed. The method comprises the step of contacting the substrate with water and an alcohol to remove morpholine deposit and, thereafter, contacting the substrate with a toner. In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for imaging is provided. The method comprises the steps of forming images on an imaging member, transferring the images to transfer media, the step of forming images resulting in residue forming a film on the imaging member which reduces the quality of the transferred image, contacting the imaging member with a wash liquid to remove residue, applying a toner composition to the imaging member to remove wash liquid and residue from the imaging member and, optionally, removing toner composition and associated wash liquid and residue with an electrostatic cleaner. These and other non-limiting aspects of the disclosure are more particularly described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following is a brief description of the drawings, which are presented for the purposes of illustrating the disclosure set forth herein and not for the purposes of limiting the same. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional imaging system according to the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is an enlarged side sectional view of a lower end of the photoreceptor belt and transfer deck of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a side view of a packaged wash kit according to the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wash kit positioned for mounting on an applicator device according to the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is an enlarged end top plan view of the application device of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the wash kit and applicator device of FIG. 4 in an assembled position; and FIG. 7 is an enlarged side sectional view of the lower end of the photoreceptor belt and transfer deck of FIG. 2 with a wash kit and applicator module replacing the detack dicorotron. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present disclosure is directed to a method for removing a residue from a substrate, such as an imaging member. The method comprises contacting at least a portion of the imaging member with a wash liquid capable of removing the residue and removing the wash liquid contaminated with the residue, for example, by applying a toner to the contacted portion of the imaging member. In this regard, the imaging member may include a photoreceptor in the form of a continuous belt. The wash liquid may include an aqueous solvent, such as water and/or an alcohol, such as isopropyl alcohol. The wash liquid may be carried on a presoaked pad. Among other characteristics, the method increases the lifetime of a photoreceptor belt. The present application is also directed to a system for removing a residue from an imaging member. The system includes a pad soaked in a wash liquid and means for mounting the pad to a photoreceptor belt. A more complete understanding of the processes and apparatuses disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the existing art and/or the present development, and are, therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the assemblies or components thereof. Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to component of like function. With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary imaging device is shown. The device can be a reprographic device, a printer, or the like. In electronic printers, information forming documents to be printed are provided in electronic form to the printer. This electronic information can come from many sources, including, for example, a scanner, created by a software program, retrieved from a storage medium, or supplied from a computer or computer network. The imaging device includes a charge retentive surface, such as a photoconductor, photoreceptor, or imaging surface. In the illustrated embodiment, a photoreceptor 10 comprises a continuous belt supported on rollers 12. The photoreceptor belt 10 has a charge retentive surface 14. At least one charging station 16 is disposed adjacent the photoreceptor belt for charging the surface 14 of the photoreceptor 10. The charging station may include a corotron or dicorotron corona generating device. For a single color imaging device, a single charging station is used. FIG. 1 illustrates an imaging system made up of four color separations, magenta, yellow, cyan, and black, each color having its own charging station 16M, 16Y, 16C and 16B respectively arranged at spaced locations around the belt. In one embodiment, at least a portion of one of the charging system is in the form of a removable module 17. A power source (not shown) applies a voltage on the charging station 16M, 16Y, 16C, 16B. An image input device (latent image forming unit) 18M, 18Y, 18C, 18B forms a latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor 10. A developing station 20M, 20Y, 20C, 20B is associated with each charging station for developing the latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 10 by applying a toner to obtain a toner image. A pretransfer charging unit 22 charges the developed latent image. A transferring unit 24 transfers the toner image thus formed to the surface of a transfer material (illustrated by path 26), such as a sheet of paper. The pretransfer charging unit 22 includes a corona generating device which charges the photoreceptor belt 10 so that the transfer material is tacked to the belt and the toner powder image is attracted from photoreceptor belt 10 to the transfer material. A fixing device 28 fixes the toner image transferred to the surface of the transfer material 24 by heat and/or pressure to form a copy or print. In one embodiment, a combination of electrostatic charges, sound waves and pressure move the dry toner down to the paper's surface, transferring the complete image in one step. After transfer, a transfer detack corona generator 30, such as a corotron or dicorotron, charges the transfer material with an opposite polarity to detack the transfer material from the belt. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the dicorotron 30 is in the form of a removable module which is carried in a socket 32 of a transfer deck 34. The transfer deck is docked at a lower end of the photoreceptor belt and is pivotable between an upper position in which the dicorotron is adjacent the unprinted surface of the paper and a lower position (FIG. 2), in which the dicorotron is well spaced from the paper path to allow access for servicing and clearance of paper jams. A cleaning unit 36 (FIG. 1) removes remaining toner from the surface 14 of the photoreceptor 10. The operation of the imaging device is under the control of a central processor 38. The central processor receives inputs, such as manual inputs from a keypad, not shown, or instructions from a processor of a computer which is linked to the imaging device, and controls the various components of the imaging device to generate prints on the passing substrate. Over time, LCM film may develop on the surface 14 of the photoreceptor belt 10. The LCM film may be a continuous layer on the photoreceptor surface or discontinuous. The LCM film generally comprises a build up of water soluble conductive salts on the photoreceptor surface, such as those derived from morpholine and other organic amines. While the chemical processes involved with the buildup are not of particular relevance here, the salts are believed to be formed by reaction of nitrogen oxides and ozone in the charging stations with environmental air contaminants, such as volatile organic chemicals, and chemicals from the belt itself. For example, nitrous oxide from the corona discharge reacts with water to form nitric acid, which reacts with ammonia, morpholine, or other basic substances present on or near the belt. The reaction produces a salt, which forms a film on the belt. The salt is conductive in the presence of water. Morpholine is sometimes present when it is used as an additive in forming the charge transport layer of a photoreceptor belt. Ammonia may be present as an air contaminant. Morpholine-derived salts tend to be more conductive than ammonia-derived salts, such as ammonium nitrate. The LCM film containing the conductive salt may also contain other components, such as oils. The salt film is not readily visible to the naked eye, but appears as an artifact on the print. Specifically, the salt in the LCM film creates a discharge path in the non-image areas of a latent image. Areas of the belt surface that have been discharged in this way tend to encourage charge migration from surrounding non-discharged areas. This may cause the potential in these surrounding areas to fall below the threshold and start to develop toner in the imaging process. The crisp distinction between charged and discharged areas is thus lost. Thus, some of the effects which may indicate the development of LCM film include blurring of the image and the loss of fine lines and details in the final print. Because the imaging process lays toner on the belt during operation, an LCM artifact may also resemble a negative image of a previous image which was printed on the photoreceptor, commonly referred to as ghosting. In one embodiment, the artifact is identified by an operator who determines that an LCM wash should be carried out. Alternatively, the initiation of an LCM wash is carried out by the imaging device, for example, at predetermined time intervals or after a predetermined number of print copies have been generated. In yet another embodiment, the imaging device is programmed to detect the development of LCM film, for example, by evaluating a half tone or non-imaged region of a print formed after a test image has been made which is expected to create artifacts when LCM film is present. The LCM wash process includes applying a wash liquid to the photoreceptor belt 10 to remove, either partially or completely, LCM film or components thereof from the surface 14 of the belt. In one embodiment, the LCM residue comprising the film is reduced to a level at which artifacts caused by the LCM film are not visible or do not appreciably impair the print quality. The wash liquid includes one or more solvents capable of dissolving, dislodging, or otherwise removing the LCM film, or components thereof, from the surface of the photoreceptor belt. In one embodiment, the wash liquid includes water. Salts, such as mopholine-derived salts and ammonia-derived salts tend to be water soluble. To improve the rate of drying of the surface treated with the wash liquid, the water may be combined with a fugitive organic material. Suitable fugitive organic materials are those which are liquid at ambient temperatures (i.e., in the range of about 15° C. to about 35° C.), but which are more volatile than water. Additionally, the fugitive material is preferably one which does not tend to leave a residue on the belt after the cleaning process is complete or cause damage to the belt. Suitable fugitive organic materials include C1-C6 alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, alkanes, combinations thereof, and the like. Exemplary alcohols include methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, propan-2-ol (also known as isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol), n-butanol, butan-2-ol, and the like, alone or in combination. Isopropyl alcohol has been found to be particularly effective in removal of morpholine-derived LCM films. Fugitive organic materials, such as those described above, may also be used in a wash liquid without water, for example, where the LCM film is soluble therein. In one embodiment, the wash liquid includes water and isopropyl alcohol, alone or in combination with other solvents. For example, a wash liquid suitable for removing morpholine and similar residues comprises from 1-99% by volume isopropyl alcohol (or other fugitive organic material) and 99-1 vol. % water. In a further embodiment, the water is present at a concentration of at least 5 vol. %, in another embodiment, the wash liquid comprises at least 10 vol. % water, and in yet another embodiment at least 20 vol. % water. In one embodiment, the water concentration is less than 60 vol. %, in another embodiment, less than 50 vol. %, and in yet another embodiment, less than 40 vol. %. In one embodiment, the isopropyl alcohol is present in the wash at a concentration of at least 40 vol. %, and in another embodiment, the isopropyl alcohol concentration is at least 50 vol. %, and in yet another embodiment, at least 60 vol. %. For example, one wash composition comprises about 70% alcohol and about 30% water. The concentration of the various components of the wash liquid may depend, to some degree, on the resistance of the photoreceptor belt to degradation by the components and on the effects of residual water on the image quality. A 70/30 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water was found to reduce the impact of the isopropyl alcohol on the belt used in a XeroX™ Docu Color iGen3™ imaging device while minimizing the effects of low water evaporation on subsequent images formed using the photoreceptor belt. The optimum ratio of alcohol to water may vary, however, for example, depending on the composition of the photoreceptor belt, toner materials, ambient temperature, alcohol used and the like. The water used to form the wash liquid can be deionized, distilled, or other water which is low in impurities. The alcohol can also be of high purity, such as 98% purity, 99% purity, or greater. The wash liquid may be applied with a carrier material. For example, a carrier material is soaked in the wash liquid and brought into contact with the photoreceptor belt. Suitable carrier materials include, foams, woven and non woven cloth, pads, and the like. Cleaning of the photoreceptor belt can be carried out manually or by an automated or semi-automated process in which the carrier material is brought into contact with the photoreceptor belt and held in contact while the belt rotates by one or more, preferably several complete revolutions. With reference now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, a wash kit 40 comprises a layer of a carrier material 42 in the form of a pad, or the like which carries a predetermined quantity of the wash liquid. The material for the pad is selected to retain an adequate amount of the wash liquid, without releasing it too quickly when pressed against the photoreceptor belt. The pad can be formed from a non-woven felt, a woven cloth, or a foam material. Polyester microdenier needlefelt pads have advantages in that the density and microdenier can be selected so as to retain the low viscosity solution and yet wick it to the belt at an appropriate rate during cleaning. One such material suitable for forming the carrier layer 42 of the pad is available as # MF106PEH from BMP America, Inc. Polyurethane foam, cotton cloths, and the like are also contemplated. The presoaked pad is wrapped, prior to use, in a sealed package 44, which allows the presoaked pad to be shipped and stored without appreciable loss of the solvent. The package 44 may be formed of any suitable material which is substantially impermeable to the wash liquid components. The pad is of a suitable shape and size to span the width of the photoreceptor belt or at least those areas of the belt which are employed for imaging. Prior to use, the soaked pad is removed from its packaging and mounted on an applicator device 46 (FIGS. 4-6). Suitable mounting means 48 allow the presoaked pad to be removably mounted on the applicator device, such as Velcro™ hook and loop strips, adhesive means, hooks, ties, or the like. Hook and loop strips have advantages in that they do not need hardware for attachment to the applicator device which could pose a risk of damage to the photoreceptor belt were the hardware to protrude into the belt plane. In one embodiment, a strip of Velcro™ material 50 is mounted to a rear surface of the pad prior to soaking with the wash liquid. The Velcro™ strip 50 is removably mounted to a complimentary strip 52 of Velcro™ material carried by the applicator device 46. In a wash liquid application step, the applicator device 46 brings the presoaked pad into contact with the photoreceptor belt. The central processor 38 of the imaging device is programmed to instruct a belt drive system 54 such as a motor, to drive the belt to rotate it a preselected number of rotations or partial rotations. The applicator device 46 applies a sufficient pressure on the pad to maintain contact between the pad and the belt as the belt rotates. The applicator device 46 applies a uniform pressure across the width of the pad while the belt is moving, thereby applying the wash liquid evenly across the surface of the belt. During driving of the belt, the wash liquid on the pad 42, and the slight mechanical action of the pad rubbing against the belt, removes LCM film, or components thereof from the surface of the belt and transfers it to the solvent or otherwise releases the LCM film from the surface in a manner which allows the LCM film to be removed. The dissolved or otherwise treated LCM film may remain on the belt in a layer of the wash liquid and/or be absorbed by the pad during this stage of the cleaning process. The applicator device 46 may be located at any convenient position around the photoreceptor belt loop. In one embodiment, the applicator device comprises a removable module, which replaces in whole or in part one of the components of the imaging system. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the applicator device 46 comprises a removable module which is configured for replacement of the detack dicorotron 30 (FIG. 2) of the imaging device transfer deck. The transfer deck is lowered and the detack dicorotron is removed from its socket 32. The removable module 46 is positioned in the socket, as shown in FIG. 7. The applicator device 46 includes a hook 53 (FIG. 6), or other suitable engagement portion, for engagement with a suitable latching portion (not shown) in the socket. The transfer deck is then raised and the presoaked pad contacts the belt uniformly. The belt is driven by the drive system 54, under the control of the central processor 38, such that the wash liquid is applied to the entire belt, as discussed above. When the deck is raised, the pad comes into contact with the photoreceptor belt adjacent an assist drive roll 58, which assists in supporting the belt in even contact with the presoaked pad. With reference to FIGS. 4-6, in this embodiment, the applicator 46 includes an elongate housing 60, formed from metal, plastic, or other rigid material, and similarly shaped to the detack dicorotron 30 which it is to replace. The housing defines an upward opening cavity 62. A biasing element, such as a foam pad 64, is seated in the cavity and extends beyond the housing. The hook and loop material 52 is mounted to the foam pad by a suitable adhesive. Ends of the strip of hook and loop material 52 are attached to the housing 60 with screws 66 or other suitable fixing members. When the presoaked pad 40 is attached to the hook and loop material 52, the foam pad 64 assists in biasing the pad 40 into even contact with the belt, while ensuring that the rigid parts of the housing 60 do not come into contact with the belt. It is also contemplated that the foam pad may form a part of the wash kit, in which case, it may be sandwiched intermediate the pad 40 and the hook and loop material 50 by means of an adhesive or other suitable attachment means. In another embodiment, all or a portion of one of the charging stations 16M, 16Y, 16C and 16B is removed from the imaging device by an operator and replaced by a dummy charging device in the form of a removable module similar to module 46 on which the presoaked pad is mounted in a similar manner to that described above. By way of example, the removable module is configured for replacing the replaceable portion 17 of the magenta charging station 16M. In the illustrated imaging device, the magenta charging station 16M is furthest from the cleaner 36, due to the layout of the cavity. This allows extra time for the solvent to dry before the belt reaches the cleaner 36. One advantage of positioning the applicator device in one of the charging stations 16M, 16Y, 16C and 16B is that the photoreceptor belt is supported, where the charging station docks, by a respective backer bar 56M, 56Y, 56C and 56B, which promotes a uniform pressure of the solvent soaked pad 42 onto the photoreceptor belt 10. As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the wash kit may include a presoaked pad which is removably mounted to the applicator module with suitable mounting means, such as a Velcro™ strip. In yet another embodiment (not illustrated), the applicator device comprises a dedicated wash station, which brings the presoaked pad into contact with the photoreceptor belt 10 while applying a pressure to the pad to maintain contact with the photoreceptor belt throughout one or more revolutions of the belt. The dedicated wash station may be installed permanently in the imaging device and brought into an application position under the control of the central processor 38. The available drying time for the treated photoreceptor belt can vary considerably, depending on the distance of the module 46 from the cleaner 36. Thus, the preferred ratio of water to solvent to allow for a sufficient drying of the photoreceptor belt is dependent, to some degree, upon the architecture of the system, as well as on the choice of solvent. For example, where the module is located close to the cleaner, such as in the transfer detack dicorotron location, a higher proportion of isopropyl alcohol may be appropriate than what would be suitable for a module located in the magenta charging location. While a presoaked and prepackaged pad 42 facilitates application of a uniform film of the wash liquid to the photoreceptor belt, it is also contemplated that in place of a presoaked pad, the wash liquid may alternatively be applied to the pad either shortly before mounting to the module 46, or after applying the pad to the module. Once the wash step is complete, the dummy module 46, or other wash liquid applying means, may be removed from the imaging device or otherwise disengaged from the photoreceptor belt. The dummy module is replaced with the original component of the imaging system (e.g., charging station 16M, dicorotron 30, or portion thereof) which was removed during the wash step. The wash liquid application step is optionally followed by a wash liquid removal step. In the wash liquid removal step, the contaminated wash liquid is removed from the surface 14 of the photoreceptor belt. In one embodiment, a dry pad (not shown) is used to absorb the residual wash liquid contaminated with LCM film components from the photoreceptor. As the photoreceptor belt is driven, the dry pad absorbs the residual contaminated wash liquid from the belt. In one embodiment, the dry pad is mounted on the replaceable module 46 and held in contact with the photoreceptor belt in a similar manner to the presoaked pad. The dry pad optionally replaces the wash liquid soaked pad 42. In another embodiment, the module 46 carries both the liquid soaked pad 42 and the dry pad and selectively presents one or other of them to the belt. In yet another embodiment, the dry pad is mounted to contact the belt at a spaced distance from the pad so as to remove the contaminated wash liquid that has been applied to the belt as the belt is driven. The wash liquid removal step may alternatively or additionally comprise applying an absorbent material to the belt and removing the absorbent material therefrom. The absorbent material can comprise absorbent particles, such as an inert inorganic material. For example, the absorbent material may comprise toner which is normally used in forming a print. In one embodiment, after the wash liquid application step, the central processor 38 stops the drive system 54 of the photoreceptor belt. The soaked pad 42 and optionally its module 46 are then removed from the imaging system. The central processor 38 then initiates a laying down of toner on the surface of the belt as the belt is driven, for example, by activating one or more of the charging stations 16 and one or more of the developing stations 20. In one embodiment, the charge is applied such that the entire imaging portion of the belt is treated with the toner. The applied toner is optionally transferred to paper, which is then discarded. After one or more revolutions of the belt, the belt is optionally cleaned of any non transferred toner by the cleaning station 36. In some cases, the toner application step may reduce the onset of development of LCM film on the cleaned belt. The photoreceptor belt 10 is thereby cleaned of LCM film residue and is ready for use in subsequent imaging processes. By using a semi-automated process, such as that described above, in which a presoaked pad 42 is removed from packaging, applied to a replaceable module 46, 46′, and inserted into the image device, the entire cleaning process can be completed in about 15 minutes or less, typically, in about 10 minutes. This significantly reduces the downtime of the imaging device, as compared with a belt replacement, which typically takes at least about 45 minutes to complete. The toner employed in the toner wash step can include one or more of the toner materials used in a conventional imaging process. For example, the toner is applied by one or more of the toner developing stations 20M, 20Y, 20C, and 20B. In practice, a magenta toner wash has been found to result in a more uniform half tone than a black toner wash. While not fully understood, it is suggested that this difference may be due to the chemical makeup of the respective toners, the contact time prior to removal at the cleaning station, or the charge/recharge process that the toner goes through at each charge and recharge station. In the illustrated imaging device, the magenta toner goes through the charge/recharge process of each of the other colors before reaching the cleaner. The toner wash may comprise any suitable toner material. Toners generally comprise particles of an inert inorganic material and toner particles. The toner particles generally comprise a binder resin and a colorant. Examples of the binder resin include homopolymers and copolymers of the following: styrene compounds, such as styrene and chlorostyrene; monoolefins, such as ethylene, propylene, butylene and isoprene, vinyl esters, such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl benzoate and vinyl butyrate, α-methylene aliphatic monocarboxylates, such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate and dodecyl methacrylate, vinyl ethers, such as vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether and vinyl butyl ether, and vinyl ketones, such as vinyl methyl ketone, vinyl hexyl ketone and vinyl isopropenyl ketone. In particular, representative examples of the binder resin include polystyrene, styrene-alkyl acrylate copolymers, styrene-alkyl methacrylate copolymers, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Other exemplary binders include polyesters, polyurethanes, epoxy resins, silicone resins, polyamides, modified rosin, and paraffin waxes. Representative examples of the colorant include magnetic powder, such as magnetite and ferrite, carbon black, Aniline Blue, Calco Oil Blue, Chrome Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Du Pont Oil Red, Quinoline Yellow, Methylene Blue Chloride, Phthalocyanine Blue, Malachite Green Oxalate, Lamp Black, Rose Bengal, C.I. Pigment Red 48:1, C.I. Pigment Red 122, C.I. Pigment Red 57:1, C.I. Pigment Yellow 12, C.I. Pigment Yellow 17, C.I. Pigment Yellow 97, C.I. Pigment Yellow 128, C.I. Pigment Yellow 151, C.I. Pigment Yellow 155, C.I. Pigment Yellow 173, C.I. Pigment Yellow 180, C.I. Pigment Yellow 185, C.I. Pigment Blue 15:1 and C.I. Pigment Blue 15:3. Known additives, such as a charge controlling agent, a releasing agent and other inorganic particles, may be added to the toner parent particles through an internal addition treatment or an external addition treatment, as is known in the art. Representative examples of the releasing agent include low molecular weight polyethylene, low molecular weight polypropylene, Fischer-Tropsch wax, montan wax, carnauba wax, rice wax and candelilla wax. The charge controlling agent may be known products, and an azo metallic complex compound, a metallic complex compound of salicylic acid and a resin type charge controlling agent containing a polar group may be used. As the inorganic particles, one or more of silica, alumina, titania, metatitanic acid, zinc oxide, zirconia, magnesia, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium phosphate, cerium oxide, and strontium titanate may be employed. The inorganic particles may include particles of a small diameter and may be subjected to a surface treatment, such as a hydrophobic treatment with a halogenated silane, such as methyltrichlorosilane, to improve the dispersibility and to improve the flowability of the toner. Spherical silica is often used from the standpoint of dispersibility. Particles having an average primary particle diameter of about 80 to 300 nm and a spherical shape may be employed. Amounts of smaller or larger average diameter particles (e.g., particles in the 5 to 50 nm range) may be incorporated to improve flowability. As the particles having such functions, titanium oxide Is particularly effective for suppression of the temperature and humidity dependence of the charge amount of the toner. The electrophotographic toner can be obtained by mixing the toner particles and the inorganic particles. The process for mixing (blending) is not particularly limited, and known processes can be employed. A carrier material may also be present in or used in association with the toner. Examples of the carrier include iron powder, glass beads, ferrite powder, nickel powder and powder formed by coating a resin on the surface of the powder. While it is convenient to use a toner wash to remove residual wash liquid from the photoreceptor belt, it will be appreciated that the “toner” used in the toner wash step need not include all of the ingredients found in a conventional toner as long as the residual wash liquid is removed to a level that subsequent print quality is not unduly impaired. The cleaning station 36 may comprise an electrostatic cleaning device. Electrostatic cleaning devices employed on automatic xerographic devices typically utilize a brush (not shown) with soft conductive fiber bristles or with insulative soft bristles which have suitable triboelectric characteristics. While the bristles are soft for the insulative brush, they provide sufficient mechanical force to dislodge residual toner particles from the charge retentive surface 14. In the case of the conductive brush, the brush is usually electrically biased to provide an electrostatic force for toner detachment from the charge retentive surface. The accumulated toner is removed from these types of cleaner brushes with a brush cleaner, such as a flicker bar (not shown). U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,834 (Thayer), which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, discloses another embodiment of an electrostatic cleaner which may be used with the present system. FIG. 2 of the '834 patent shows a dual polarity electrostatic cleaner which comprises a transfer belt, carried by rollers, which moves in a direction opposed to that of the photoreceptor belt. Two of the rollers support the transfer belt in brushing contact with the photoreceptor belt, while a third, smaller roller forms a detoning nip with an electrostatic detoning roll. The transfer belt comprises a continuous loop of conductive backing material, e.g., a piezoelectric polymer film, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), to which conductive brush fibers are attached. The following examples describe exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These examples are merely illustrative, and in no way limit the present development to the specific materials, conditions or process parameters set forth therein. All parts and percentages are by volume unless otherwise indicated. EXAMPLES Cleaning tests are carried out using a pad soaked with a wash liquid. The wash liquid comprised isopropyl alcohol at varying concentration levels. The presoaked pad is fitted to a dummy module used to replace the detack dicorotron of a Xerox iGen printer similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1. After a wash step, toner is applied and removed with the electrostatic cleaner of the printer, fitted with a spots blade. The quality of prints formed subsequent to the cleaning step is examined. The printer was run to form prints. After a cleaning process performed with 100% isopropyl alcohol a slight spots band is observed. After a 34% isopropyl alcohol/66% distilled water wash, slight deposits of tacky material are observed on the spots blade. Prints formed after a 70% isopropyl alcohol/30% distilled water or 50% isopropyl alcohol/50% distilled water wash do not exhibit either of these print quality factors. While particular embodiments have been described, alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents that are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants or others skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed and as they may be amended are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present disclosure relates to removal of deposits from a substrate, such as an imaging member. It finds particular application in conjunction with removal of a lateral charge migration film from a photoconductive receptor belt, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present disclosure is also amenable to other like applications. In an electrophotographic application such as xerography, a charge retentive surface (i.e., photoconductor, photoreceptor, or imaging surface) is electrostatically charged and exposed to a light pattern of an original image to be reproduced to selectively discharge the surface in accordance therewith. The resulting pattern of charged and discharged areas on that surface form an electrostatic charge pattern (an electrostatic latent image) conforming to the original image. The latent image is developed by contacting it with a finely divided electrostatically attractable powder referred to as “toner.” Toner is held on the image areas by the electrostatic charge on the surface. Thus, a toner image is produced in conformity with a light image of the original being reproduced. The toner image may then be transferred to a substrate (e.g., paper), and the image affixed thereto to form a permanent record of the image to be reproduced. Subsequent to development, excess toner left on the charge retentive surface is cleaned from the surface. This process is known, and useful for light lens copying from an original, and printing applications from electronically generated or stored originals, where a charged surface may be image-wise discharged in a variety of ways. Ion projection devices where a charge is image-wise deposited on a charge retentive substrate operate similarly. Electrophotographic imaging members are commonly multilayered photoreceptors that include a substrate support, an optional electrically conductive layer, an optional charge blocking layer, an optional adhesive layer, a charge generating layer, a charge transport layer, and an optional protective or overcoating layer(s). The imaging members can take several forms, including flexible belts, rigid drums, and the like. Electrophotographic machines utilizing multilayered organic photoreceptors employ corotrons or scorotrons to charge the photoreceptors prior to exposure of an image. During the operating lifetime of photoreceptors, they are subjected to corona effluents which include ozone, various oxides of nitrogen, and the like. In the presence of volatile organic chemicals and water, a reaction occurs between the corona effluents. Over time, an electrically conductive film may develop on the photoreceptor belt. Furthermore, during operation of the electrophotographic machine, a region of the top surface of the photoreceptor, such as a photoreceptor belt, is continuously worn away, thereby preventing or limiting accumulation of the conductive film. However, when the machine is not operating (i.e., in idle mode), for example, between two large copy runs, or at any time when the belt is moving but unprotected by toner, a conductive film can develop. In the idle mode, a portion of the photoreceptor comes to rest beneath a corotron. Although the high voltage to the corotron is turned off during the time period when the photoreceptor is stationary, some effluents (e.g. nitric acid, etc.) continue to be emitted from the corotron shield and corotron housing. This effluent emission is focused on the portion of the photoreceptor directly beneath the corotron, increasing the conductivity of the surface. When machine operation is resumed for the next copy run, image spreading and loss of resolution tends to occur in the region of the photoconductor where surface conductivity has increased, known as lateral charge migration (LCM). Deletion may also be observed in the loss of fine lines and details in the final print. Loss of resolution along the entire imaging surface can also occur due to an increase in surface conductance caused by corona species interaction. In the case of excessive increases in conductivity, there can be regions of extreme deletions in the images. This problem is particularly severe in devices employing arylamine charge transport molecules such as N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine and charge transport polymers incorporating diamine transporting moieties. The common solution to the problem of LCM deposits has been to replace the photoreceptor belt, resulting in down time of the imaging device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,913 to Pai, et al. discloses a long life photoreceptor having improved resistance to corona effluent induced deletions. The photoreceptor comprises a substrate, a charge generating layer, a charge transport layer, and an overcoat layer. The overcoat layer comprises a hydroxy triphenyl methane having at least one hydroxy functional group and a polyamide film forming binder capable of forming hydrogen bonds with the hydroxy functional group. The charge transport layer is substantially free of triphenyl methane molecules. There remains a need for a method of removal of residues, such as LCM films, from electrophotographic imaging members. Furthermore, there is a continuing need for an improved system for removing residues, such as those comprising morpholine derivation and/or the reaction products of corona effluents with volatile organic chemicals, from photoreceptors. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION <EOH>In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for removing a residue, such as LCM film, from an imaging member is provided. The method includes contacting at least a portion of the imaging member with a wash liquid capable of removing the residue. The wash liquid containing the residue is then removed, for example, by applying an absorbent material such as a toner to the contacted portion of the imaging member. The imaging member may include a photoreceptor in the form of a continuous belt. Additionally, the wash liquid may include an aqueous solvent which is applied by an applicator such as a presoaked pad. In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosure, a wash kit for removing residue from a substrate, such as an imaging member, is provided. The wash kit includes an application means such as an applicator or a pad and a wash liquid, carried by the pad. Means associated with the pad are provided for removably mounting the pad to an associated module capable of maintaining contact between the substrate and the pad. Packaging encloses the pad and wash liquid prior to use in a residue removal process. The residue may comprise reaction products of corona effluents with volatile organic chemicals, LCM films, etc. In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for cleaning a substrate, such as an imaging member, includes contacting the substrate with a wash liquid comprising water and a fugitive organic chemical such as an alcohol to remove morpholine deposit and, thereafter, contacting or applying to the substrate with an absorbent material. The applied absorbent material containing the wash liquid is then removed, such as with a cleaning agent. Also disclosed herein is an imaging system comprising an imaging member, means for forming a latent image on the imaging member, means for transferring the latent image to a transfer material, means for driving the imaging member relative to the forming and transferring means, and a cleaning module capable of replacing at least a portion of the forming and transferring means. The cleaning module comprises a carrier material soaked with a wash liquid, whereby when the means for driving drives the imaging member, the wash liquid removes residue from the imaging member, the residue being formed during forming of a latent image. The means for forming a latent image may comprise at least one charging station for charging the imaging member prior to forming a latent image, at least a portion of the charging station being in the form of a removable module. The cleaning module may be configured for selectively replacing the module of the charging station or may be located at the image transfer location. In a further embodiment, a method for cleaning a substrate surface contaminated with a morphaline deposit is also disclosed. The method comprises the step of contacting the substrate with water and an alcohol to remove morpholine deposit and, thereafter, contacting the substrate with a toner. In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for imaging is provided. The method comprises the steps of forming images on an imaging member, transferring the images to transfer media, the step of forming images resulting in residue forming a film on the imaging member which reduces the quality of the transferred image, contacting the imaging member with a wash liquid to remove residue, applying a toner composition to the imaging member to remove wash liquid and residue from the imaging member and, optionally, removing toner composition and associated wash liquid and residue with an electrostatic cleaner. These and other non-limiting aspects of the disclosure are more particularly described below. | 20040720 | 20070515 | 20060126 | 95987.0 | G03G2100 | 0 | BRASE, SANDRA L | METHOD AND KIT FOR REMOVING A RESIDUE FROM AN IMAGING MEMBER | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G03G | 2,004 |
|
10,894,837 | ACCEPTED | Easy open package | A thermoformed package can be easily opened when it is comprised of a first enclosing section, an intermediate section, and a second enclosing section. The first enclosing section and second enclosing section are each bonded to the intermediate section about the periphery of the intermediate section to form the package. The package can have a hinge at the base of the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section. The intermediate section can be a plastic, a plastic containing laminate, a paper material such as a paperboard, or a paper containing laminate. The strength of the bond of at least one of the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section to the intermediate section being less than the shear strength of the material of the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section. Further when the intermediate section is a paper or a paper containing laminate the shear strength of the paper or the paper containing laminate is less than the shear strength of the first enclosing section or the second enclosing section. On an upper part of the package there is an area where the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section can be gripped to open the package. The package is easily opened by breaking the bond of the first enclosing section or second enclosing section to the intermediate section, or in the alternative when the intermediate section is a paper or paper containing material, delaminating the paper containing material. | 1. A package for an article comprising a first enclosing section, a second enclosing section and an intermediate section disposed between the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section, the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section having a peripheral edge, the intermediate section extending between the peripheral edge of the first enclosing section and the peripheral edge of the second enclosing section, each of the peripheral edge of the first enclosing section and peripheral edge of the second enclosing section bonded to the intermediate section, the shear strength of the bond of the peripheral edge of the first enclosing section and of the peripheral edge of the second enclosing section to the intermediate section being less than the shear strength of at least one of the shear strength of the material of the first enclosing section and of the second enclosing section. 2. A package as in claim 1 wherein the material of said first enclosing section and said second enclosing section is a plastic. 3. A package as in claim 2 wherein the material of the intermediate section is a plastic. 4. A package as in claim 2 wherein the plastic of said first enclosing section and the second enclosing section is a thermoplastic. 5. A package as in claim 4 wherein the thermoplastic is selected from the group consisting of polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butene and butadiene. 6. A package as in claim 2 wherein the shear strength of the bond of the peripheral edge of the first enclosing section and of the second enclosing section to the intermediate section is less than the shear strength of the material of the first enclosing section and of the material of the second enclosing section. 7. A package as in claim 6 wherein the bond of the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section to the intermediate section is an adhesive bond. 8. A package as in claim 1 wherein the article contained in the package is a toothbrush. 9. A package as in claim 1 wherein the material of the intermediate section contains a paper material. 10. A package as in claim 9 wherein the material of the intermediate section contains a plastic. 11. A package as in claim 10 wherein the material of the intermediate section is a plastic/paper material laminate. 12. A package as in claim 9 wherein the material of the intermediate layer is a paperboard. 13. A package as in claim 9 wherein the shear strength of the material of at least one of the first section and the second section is greater that the shear strength of the material of the intermediate section. 14. A package as in claim 9 wherein the shear strength of the bond of the peripheral edge of the first enclosing section and of the second enclosing section to the intermediate section is less than the shear strength of the material of the first enclosing section and of the material of the second enclosing section. 15. A package as in claim 9 wherein the shear strength of the intermediate section is less than the shear strength of the material of the first enclosing section and of the material of the second enclosing section whereby the intermediate section can delaminate upon a force to open the package. 16. A package as in claim 1 wherein the article contained in the package is a toothbrush. 17. A package as in claim 1 wherein there is a hinge at the base of the package connecting the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section. 18. A package as in claim 17 wherein there is an opening grip at an upper part of the package. 19. A package as in claim 1 wherein there is an opening grip at an upper part of the package. 20. A package as in claim 1 wherein there is a base of sufficient dimensions for the package to maintain a stand-up orientation. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed to an easy open package. More particularly this invention is directed to an easy open thermoform package. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thermoformed packages are used to package a large number of products. These include cell phones, cell phone parts, hardware items, electronic devices, household items and personal care items such as combs, hairbrushes, curlers and oral care items such as toothbrushes. These packages can be of a self-supporting type or can be hung from a peg or hook. The advantages of such packages are their low cost, ease of display and the use of transparent packaging so that the product can be seen by the purchaser. Thermoformed packages can have one section formed to a desired shape and the other side planar through the use of a backing card, or both sections can be formed to a shape. In the latter embodiment the package usually will hold and display a single three dimensional object. In the former embodiment the planar part can be a plastic or a paper such as paperboard. A problem with many thermoformed packages is the opening of the packages. They very securely hold the packaged item to the extent that it can be difficult to open the package. To open the package a knife or a scissors may be needed. This invention provides an easy-opening feature for a thermoformed package. The package can be opened without the need for a knife or scissors or other implement. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed to an easy-opening thermoformed package. The package is comprised of a first enclosing section, an intermediate section, and a second enclosing section. The first enclosing section, and the second enclosing section can both be shaped or either can be planar. The intermediate section likewise can be shaped or planar and will have an adhesive at least on its periphery. This adhesive will be on each side. The intermediate section can be a plastic or a paper material, such as a paperboard. In the packaging of an article it is placed in the thermoformed package at least supported in part by the first enclosing section, the intermediate section and/or second enclosing section. The periphery of the first enclosing section and the periphery of the second enclosing section are bonded to the periphery of the intermediate section by the adhesive on at least the periphery of the intermediate section. The article then is enclosed and sealed in the thermoformed package by the activation of the adhesive. The adhesive bond between the intermediate section and the first enclosing section, and the intermediate section and the second enclosing section has a strength less than the shear strength of the material of the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section. Consequently the bond between the first enclosing section and the intermediate section, and/or the bond between the second enclosing section and the intermediate section will break upon an applied tension force of pulling one enclosing section away from another enclosing section. The intermediate section can be a plastic, a plastic/plastic laminate, a paper material such as paperboard, a paper/plastic laminate or a plastic/paper/plastic laminate. The plastic usually will be a thermoplastic. When the intermediate section is a paper material, such as a paperboard, or a laminate containing a paper material it may delaminate upon the opening of the package to further assist in the ease of opening the package. Otherwise the adhesive between the intermediate section and the first enclosing section and/or between the second enclosing section and the intermediate section will yield. The adhesive is chosen so as to maintain the integrity of the package during shipping and display and sale but yield under tension when the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section are pulled away from the intermediate section. The package can have a hinge connecting the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section. Such a package can be made using a male mold section with a heated plastic placed on the male section and the female mold section and vacuum drawing the heated plastic onto the male mold to produce the package. The package also can be made using a female mold section with a heated plastic placed on the female section and a vacuum applied to draw the heated plastic onto the female mold section to produce the package. Using these types of molds and molding processes the package can be made with a hinge between the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section. This hinge can be at the top or the bottom of these enclosing sections. However the hinge will be at the bottom for a self-supporting stand-up thermoformed package. The package at the point of sale can hang on a hook or can be in a stand-up orientation. If displayed in a stand-up orientation the center of gravity of the packaged product preferably is clearly within the perimeter of the base of the package. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the thermoformed package with a toothbrush. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the thermoformed package of FIG. 1 along line 1A-1A of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the thermoformed package of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the package in an open orientation prior to inserting a toothbrush. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the intermediate section. FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the thermoformed package of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the base dimension to provide for a stand-up thermoformed package. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention will be described in its preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The invention may be modified but such modifications will be within the present package concept. FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the thermoformed package 10. The package 10 has a first enclosing section 12 with a surrounding peripheral edge 14. A second enclosing section 42 is shown in FIG. 2. There is a base section 16(a) which in combination with a base section 16(b) (FIG. 2) will be sufficient in length and width to support the package in an upright orientation when on display. The package also can be hung from a pin or peg through aperture 20. Shown contained in package 10 is toothbrush 18. The toothbrush has a bristle area 22, thumb grip 24 and hand grip 26. The package has raised areas 23 and 25 to accommodate raised bristle area 22 and thumb grip 24 respectively. The surface 27 of the first enclosing section can be generally curved to accommodate the packaged toothbrush. The package also will contain an intermediate section 30 which can be substantially planar sheet of plastic, paper, plastic/plastic laminate; plastic/foil laminate; plastic/paper laminate; plastic/paper/plastic laminate, plastic/paperboard laminate, plastic/paperboard/plastic laminate or solely paperboard. The intermediate section 30 will extend into the peripheral edge area 14. The intermediate section also can be in the form of a shaped sheet. FIG. 1A shows a cross-section of the package of FIG. 1 along line 1A-1A. There is shown first enclosing section 12 with raised area 24. The peripheral edge 14 of the first enclosing section 12 and the peripheral edge 44 of the second enclosing section are on either side of the intermediate section 30. The intermediate section is shown with an opening 32 to hold the toothbrush. The intermediate section has an adhesive layer 36 adjacent the first enclosing section 12 and adhesive layer 34 adjacent the second enclosing section 40. FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the package 10. This is comprised of second enclosing section 42 with peripheral edge 44. There is a substantially planar area 48 for the UPC symbol and other information. It is preferred that the UPC symbol be planar, or near planar, for ease of scanning at the point of purchase. The film of the enclosing section 42 will be shaped to accommodate the article being packaged, like a toothbrush. The base portions 16(a) and 16(b) will be of a suitable length and width dimension to support the packaged product in a stand-up orientation. FIG. 3 shows the package in a form to receive the article to be packaged, here a toothbrush. This is a side elevation view of the package not yet assembled. This view shows first enclosing section 12, intermediate section 30 and second enclosing section 42. The intermediate section 30 extends between peripheral edge 14 of the first enclosing section 12 and the peripheral edge 44 of the second enclosing section 42. A hinge 17 connects base portions 16(a) and 16(b). This intermediate section 30 will have an adhesive on substantially all of its periphery as is shown in FIGS. 1A and 3A. Here in FIG. 3A the intermediate layer 30 is shown with a layer 34 of adhesive on a first side and a layer of adhesive 36 on a second side. However an option is for the adhesive to be on the full surfaces of the intermediate layer 30. In FIG. 3 the intermediate layer 30 will have shaped apertures to receive and hold the article to be packaged, like a toothbrush. Even with this aperture there will be sufficient space on the intermediate layer 30 for advertising and other descriptive information. In packaging a toothbrush the toothbrush is placed in intermediate layer 20. The intermediate layer 20 then is placed in the first enclosing section 12 and the second enclosing section 42 is folded over onto the first enclosing section by base hinge 17. The peripheral edge of the first enclosing section 12 and of the second enclosing section 42 then are each bonded to the intermediate layer to form a completed package. FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the toothbrush package. This view shows the parts of the first enclosing section of FIG. 1 and of the second enclosing section 42. However shown in more detail is the UPC label section 4B and the shaped section 41. There also is seen here the three layer edge of the first enclosing section 12, the second enclosing section 42 and the intermediate layer 30. Shown in FIG. 4A is a top edge of the package of FIG. 4. On portion 60 there is no adhesive on the peripheral edge of intermediate layer 30. In this area a person can grip the first enclosing section 12 and the second enclosing section 42 and pull them apart to open package 10. The first enclosing section 12 and on the second enclosing section 42 bond with intermediate section 30 will yield to open the package. And when the intermediate layer is a laminate containing paper or paperboard there can be a delamination of the paper or paperboard to open the package. This is a form of shear of the intermediate section 30. That is, there will be a shear of the adhesive at the interface of the first enclosing section and intermediate section interface, the second enclosing section and intermediate section interface, a shear of the intermediate section, or a combination of these shear to open the package. In any regards the foregoing shear force to open the package is less than the shear force of the material of the first enclosing section 12 and the second enclosing section 42. The force to shear these materials will be greater than the force to shear the adhesive bonds of the first enclosing section and second enclosing section to the intermediate section, or to shear the intermediate section. This results in a way to more easily open a thermoformed package. FIG. 4A is a cross-section of the top of the package showing a separation of the first enclosing section 12 and the second enclosing section 42. At a top part of the package there is no adhesive between the first section 12 and the second section 42 and the intermediate section 30. Further in order to enhance the opening the intermediate section will be cut-away at this area to better grip the first section 12 and the second section 42 to peel open the package. This is shown in FIG. 4B. The package also will have a hinge 17 at the base 16(a)/16(b) of the package and the base will be of a length and width versus height to be capable of stand-up orientation on a planar surface such as a store shelf. Also to be taken into consideration is the distribution of the weight of the packaged item. These all are factors that must be considered. The center of gravity of the packaged item should be within a shape of the base that is of about 80% and preferably about 60% of the length and width of the base as shown in FIG. 5. That is, the center of gravity should be within the area defined by the dashed line 51, and preferably within the area defined by the dashed line 52. The hinge is at the base and the easy open feature at an upper part of the package so as to provide for a stand-up orientation. The hinge is recessed in the base so as not to interfere with the stand-up orientation of the package. The package is made by vacuum thermoforming using either a male or a female mold and using known thermoforming processes. In these processes a heated sheet of plastic is drawn onto the mold by a vacuum. There can be on assist by an insert pad to assure that the heated plastic makes a close contact with the mold surface. After shaping to the contour of the mold surface the new shaped plastic sheet is removed from the mold, cooled and along with an intermediate section available to package an article such as a toothbrush. The plastic used for forming the first enclosing section 12 and second enclosing section 42 can be any thermoplastic commonly used for thermoforming. These include polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butene, and butadiene. Essentially any known and commonly used thermoforming polymers can be used. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Thermoformed packages are used to package a large number of products. These include cell phones, cell phone parts, hardware items, electronic devices, household items and personal care items such as combs, hairbrushes, curlers and oral care items such as toothbrushes. These packages can be of a self-supporting type or can be hung from a peg or hook. The advantages of such packages are their low cost, ease of display and the use of transparent packaging so that the product can be seen by the purchaser. Thermoformed packages can have one section formed to a desired shape and the other side planar through the use of a backing card, or both sections can be formed to a shape. In the latter embodiment the package usually will hold and display a single three dimensional object. In the former embodiment the planar part can be a plastic or a paper such as paperboard. A problem with many thermoformed packages is the opening of the packages. They very securely hold the packaged item to the extent that it can be difficult to open the package. To open the package a knife or a scissors may be needed. This invention provides an easy-opening feature for a thermoformed package. The package can be opened without the need for a knife or scissors or other implement. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention is directed to an easy-opening thermoformed package. The package is comprised of a first enclosing section, an intermediate section, and a second enclosing section. The first enclosing section, and the second enclosing section can both be shaped or either can be planar. The intermediate section likewise can be shaped or planar and will have an adhesive at least on its periphery. This adhesive will be on each side. The intermediate section can be a plastic or a paper material, such as a paperboard. In the packaging of an article it is placed in the thermoformed package at least supported in part by the first enclosing section, the intermediate section and/or second enclosing section. The periphery of the first enclosing section and the periphery of the second enclosing section are bonded to the periphery of the intermediate section by the adhesive on at least the periphery of the intermediate section. The article then is enclosed and sealed in the thermoformed package by the activation of the adhesive. The adhesive bond between the intermediate section and the first enclosing section, and the intermediate section and the second enclosing section has a strength less than the shear strength of the material of the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section. Consequently the bond between the first enclosing section and the intermediate section, and/or the bond between the second enclosing section and the intermediate section will break upon an applied tension force of pulling one enclosing section away from another enclosing section. The intermediate section can be a plastic, a plastic/plastic laminate, a paper material such as paperboard, a paper/plastic laminate or a plastic/paper/plastic laminate. The plastic usually will be a thermoplastic. When the intermediate section is a paper material, such as a paperboard, or a laminate containing a paper material it may delaminate upon the opening of the package to further assist in the ease of opening the package. Otherwise the adhesive between the intermediate section and the first enclosing section and/or between the second enclosing section and the intermediate section will yield. The adhesive is chosen so as to maintain the integrity of the package during shipping and display and sale but yield under tension when the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section are pulled away from the intermediate section. The package can have a hinge connecting the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section. Such a package can be made using a male mold section with a heated plastic placed on the male section and the female mold section and vacuum drawing the heated plastic onto the male mold to produce the package. The package also can be made using a female mold section with a heated plastic placed on the female section and a vacuum applied to draw the heated plastic onto the female mold section to produce the package. Using these types of molds and molding processes the package can be made with a hinge between the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section. This hinge can be at the top or the bottom of these enclosing sections. However the hinge will be at the bottom for a self-supporting stand-up thermoformed package. The package at the point of sale can hang on a hook or can be in a stand-up orientation. If displayed in a stand-up orientation the center of gravity of the packaged product preferably is clearly within the perimeter of the base of the package. | 20040720 | 20070508 | 20060126 | 95050.0 | B65D8310 | 0 | GEHMAN, BRYON P | EASY OPEN PACKAGE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | B65D | 2,004 |
|
10,894,881 | ACCEPTED | Microtitration plate | A microtitration plate has a frame (2) made of a first stiff plastic and having a plate (4) with multiplicity of holes (2′), and a multiplicity of vessels (3) made of a second plastic suited for the PCR and/or exhibiting permeability to oxygen, which are fixedly connected to the plate (4) by directly molding them to the holes (6), which have a receiving portion (9, 10, 11) protruding from an underside (8) of the plate (4), and which are accessible from an upper surface (7) of the plate through apertures (15). | 1. A microtitration plate comprising: a frame (2) made of a first stiff plastic and having a plate (4) with multiplicity of holes (2′); a multiplicity of vessels (3) made of a second plastic suited for the PCR and/or exhibiting permeability to oxygen, which are fixedly connected to the plate (4) by directly molding them to the holes (2′), which have a receiving portion (9, 10, 11) protruding from an underside (8) of the plate (4), and which are accessible from an upper surface (7) of the plate through apertures (15), and means for formlockingly connecting the vessels (3) to the plate (4). 2. A microtitration plate according to claim 1, wherein the vessels (3) each has a collar (12), and the formlockingly connecting means comprises two projections (13,14) provided on the collar (12) for engaging, respectively, the uppers surface (7) and the underside of the plate (4). 3. A microtitation plate according to claim 1, wherein the vessels (3) each has a collar (12), and the formlockingly connecting means comprises complementarily shaped profiles of a wall of the holes (2′) and an outer surface of the vessels (3) and formed of at least two different sections. 4. The microtitration plate according to claim 3, wherein the vessels (3) have a wall portion (10) adjacent of the vessel bottom and having a wall thickness of from about 0.05 to 0.25 mm. 5. The microtitration plate according to claim 1, wherein the vessels (3) have at least one of a substantially cup-shaped bottom (9) and a wall portions (10) of a small wall thickness which are at least one of substantially conical and, in a wall portion (11) adjoining the bottom, are of a wall thickness which gradually increases upwardly. 6. The microtitration plate according to claim 1, wherein the frame (2) has a bordering (5) protruding from the underside (8) thereof at an edge of the plate (4). 7. The microtitration plate according to claim 1, wherein the frame (2) has several edge side gate marks. 8. The microtitration plate according to claim 1, wherein the frame (2) is made of one of an amorphous plastic and partially crystalline, heavily filled plastic. 9. The microtitration plate according to claim 1, wherein the frame (2) is made of polycarbonate. 10. The microtitration plate according to claim 1, wherein the vessels (3) are made of at least one of a soft plastic and partially crystalline plastic. 11. The microtitration plate according to claim 1, wherein the vessels are made of one of polypropylene and silicone. 12. The microtitration plate according to claim 1, wherein the vessels (3) are made of LSR. 13. A microtitration plate, comprising: a frame (2) made of a stiff first plastic which has a plate (4) with a multiplicity of holes (2′), and a multiplicity of vessels (3) made of a second plastic suited for PCR and exhibiting permeability to oxygen and having a receiving portion (9, 10, 11) protruding from an underside (8) of the plate (4), and are accessible from an upper surface (7) of the plate through apertures (15), wherein the vessels (3) each has a collar (12) at an upper wall portion of increased thickness and molded directly to the plate (4) in the hole area. 14. A microtitration plate, comprising: a frame (2) made of a still first plastic which has a plate (4) with a multiplicity of holes (2′), and a multiplicity of vessels (3) made of a second plastic suited for the PCR and/or exhibiting permeability to oxygen, which are fixedly connected to the plate (4) by directly molding them to the holes (2′), have a receiving portion (9, 10, 11) protruding from an underside (8) of the plate (4), and are accessible from an upper surface (7) of the plate through apertures (15), wherein bottoms (9) of the vessels (3) each has at least one gate mark. 15. The microtitration plate according to claim 14, wherein the vessels (3) are connected to the plate (4) by at least one of frictionally and being molded thereto. | RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/867,087 filed May 29, 2001. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a microtitration plate. Microtitration plates are used for most varied microbiological, cell-breeding, and immunological techniques. In particular, microtitration plates are employed for the PCR (polymerase-chain-reaction) or the breeding of microorganisms or cells. Microtitration plates have already been known which have a frame with a plate to which a multiplicity of vessels are fixed which have a receiving portion protruding from the underside of the plate and are accessible from the upper surface of the plate through apertures. The vessels are also referred to as “wells”. The current 96-type microtitration plates have 8×12=96 vessels in rows and columns. However, microtitration plates having a larger number of vessels are used more and more. Single-component microtitration plates in polystyrene are unsuitable for the PCR, particularly because the softening temperature of this plastic (about 85° C.) is exceeded during the PCR. Single-component microtitration plates in polypropylene generally are adapted to be used for the PCR. However, they are flexurally soft, tend to be distorted, are uneven and are manufactured only at large tolerances and undergo large tolerance variations when in use. Specifically, they are not particularly suited for being handled by automatic devices because their softness makes it difficult for automatic devices to grip them. Further, their low dimensional stability may have the consequence that the proportioning needles will contact the walls while being introduced into the vessels. Furthermore, heat transfer into the walls is poor because the thick walls of the vessels impede it, which is adverse to temperature regulation and the length of cycle times during the PCR. It is particularly in breeding microorganisms or cells that the sample requires sufficient oxygen supply. In the 96-type microtitration plates, this can be ensured because of the relatively large apertures of the vessels. However, in microtitration plates having a larger number of vessels, e.g. 384, oxygen supply may be impaired very much by the reduced cross-sections of the apertures. In addition, it would be desirable to ensure oxygen supply even if the apertures are closed in order to avoid transversal contaminations between the samples of various vessels. Attempts to avoid transversal contaminations are also made in other applications of microtitration plates. To this end, there are sealing foils which are welded onto the upper surface of the microtitration plate and have to be released again if an access is required to the contents of the vessels. In addition, there are rubber mats which have cones at their underside in order to sealingly engage the apertures of the vessels when placed on the microtitration plate. Further, there are plastic strips which are designed with stoppers at their underside in order to be forced into the apertures of a row of vessels in the microtitration plate. The known sealing methods are complicated in use and do not satisfy the increased requirements to tightness. Therefore, it is the object of the invention to provide a microtitration plate having more favourable characteristics in use. In addition, a technique for the manufacture of the microtitration plate will be provided. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is achieved by providing a microtitration plate comprising: a frame made of a stiff first plastic which has a plate with a multiplicity of holes, and a multiplicity of vessels made of a second plastic suited for the PCR and/or exhibiting permeability to oxygen, which are fixedly connected to the plate by directly molding them to the holes, have a receiving portion protruding from the underside of the plate, and are accessible from the upper surface of the plate through apertures, means for formlockingly connecting the vessels with the plate. Because of its stiffness, the frame of the microtitration plate is particularly suited for being handled by automatic devices. Preferably, its edge is provided with a bordering protruding from the underside which increases its stability, may form a surface to stand on and a surface for engagement by the automatic device. For this purpose, the frame may be manufactured so as to have particularly low distortion and particularly low tolerance. The first plastic may be an amorphous plastic or even a partially crystalline, heavily filled plastic. The plastic concerned may be polycarbonate which actually is unsuited for the PCR or oxygen supply. Since this plastic is confined to the frame, however, it allows to utilize its advantageous characteristics even for microtitration plates for the PCR or oxygen supply to samples. The vessels are made of a plastic different from that of the frame. It is a second plastic which is suitable for the PCR and/or is permeable to oxygen. Suitability for the PCR may be given, in particular, by an increased resistance to temperatures (up to about 90 to 95° C.). It may further be given by a reduced plastic affinity or neutrality of the plastic to DNA or other substances of the PCR. It preferably is a soft and/or partially crystalline plastic. Preferably, the second plastic can be polypropylene. Each vessel is molded directly to the hole associated therewith. Generally, the vessels can be positively, formlockingly connected to the plate and/or can be non-positively, frictionally connected with the plate, and/or be connected by molding the vessels in holes having varying cross-sections in an axial direction and/or to the marginal area of the holes on at least one side of the plate, while connecting them thereto in a non-positive manner. With a vessel being molded in a hole, it becomes bonded to the plate by the material the vessel is made of. Under a formlocking connection is understood a connection in which two connected parts are provided with interengaging elements having complementary forms or shapes. Upon connection of the two parts, the interengaging complementary elements prevent the two parts from being disconnected. Molding the vessels to the plate directly provides very short flow paths of the material in molding, which allows to achieve particularly small wall thicknesses which preferably are in the range of about 0.05 to 0.25 mm and, in particular, may be about 0.1 mm. This favors heat transfer. The vessel bottom of each vessel has a gate mark and from which the material fills the first wall portion of a reduced wall thickness and an upper wall portion connected to the plate. A gate mark is a point corresponding to a point in a mold for an injection-molded part at which a plastified plastic enters the mold. On a finished part, the gate mark is a visible as e.g., an uneveness on a surface. It is preferred that the upper wall portion be designed as a collar of an increased wall thickness, which allows to manufacture the microtitration plate with particularly small tolerances. Since the frame is manufactured from a first plastic and the vessels are manufactured from a second plastic the best solutions possible will be achieved with materials which correspond to the desired functions of the frame and vessels. Higher rigidity, better planarity, a lower tendency to distortion, and smaller tolerances are achieved by using an amorphous, rigid, and highly temperature-resistant material for the frame. The extremely thinness of the walls for better heat transfer is achieved by molding the vessels thereto in a direct way. The frame is not filled via the vessels so that the entire pressure gradient always is available to one vessel only. The vessels may be molded of soft materials suited for the PCR. It is uncritical to mold the frame. It preferably may have several edge-side gate marks (about four to six) provided on the frame edge. In order to ensure an increased permeability to oxygen the second plastic preferably is silicon. In particular, it may be LSR (Liquid Silicon Rubber). According to the inventive manufacturing technique, the frame and vessels are produced by a multi-component molding technique. In the simplest case, it is a two-component molding technique or “twin-shot” technique. For manufacture at particularly low tolerances, it is preferred to mold the frame initially and the vessels subsequently. This has the advantage that the frame first may undergo a certain shrinkage before the vessels are molded thereto. The time interval from molding the frame to molding the vessels thereto may be chosen so that the shrinkage of the frame (by cooling it down) essentially is effected completely. Once the vessels are molded on, shrinking techniques virtually do not impair the dimensional stability of the microtitration plate any longer. It specifically is the tolerance of the vessel-to-vessel distance which, thus, can be confined to very low values (about t 0.15 mm). This makes it easier to introduce proportioning needles with no wall contact. It is particularly advantageous here if the upper wall region of the vessels is designed as a collar of an increased wall thickness because the collar may compensate hole position tolerances that have remained during molding. The object further is achieved by providing a microtitration plate which comprises: a rigid frame which includes a plate, a multiplicity of vessels, which are fixedly connected to the plate, have a receiving portion protruding from the underside of the plate, and are accessible from the upper surface of the plate through apertures, a rigid lid adapted to be releasably attached on the upper surface of the plate, and at least one seal between the lid and the plate which is of an elastic material which deviates from the plastic of the plate and/or the lid and is fixedly connected to the lid and/or the plate in order to close the apertures when the lid is disposed on the plate. In other words, according to the invention, the plate and/or the lid is designed with at least one seal of an elastic material deviating from the material of the plate and/or the lid. In particular, the material concerned may be a thermoplastic, elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer or rubber. The connection of the seal to the plate and/or the lid may be a non-positive and/or positive and/or by the material of the vessel when the vessel is bonded to the plate. Thermoplastic elastomers, in particular, enable a non-positive connection with matching materials of the plate and lid. In particular, in a microtitration plate, the seal may be provided on a collar of the vessels. If the vessels are manufactured from an elastic material, there is a possibility of forming the seals integrally with the vessels here. In this microtitration plate, the at least one integrated sealing, in conjunction with a rigid lid, makes possible rapid and simple sealing of the apertures which satisfies the high requirements to tightness. It is particularly advantageous for handling and sealing that the lid is designed so as to be adapted to be locked with the frame, specifically by locking it with the marginal area of the frame. Specifically if designed with a plane seal at its underside, the lid can also be used with known microtitration plates having thermoplastic sealing collars at the apertures of the vessels. If the at least one seal is to be connected to the plate annular contours enclosing the apertures are preferred. If connected to the lid, the seals particularly may be annular, plug-shaped, mat-shaped or lip-shaped seals. For the manufacture of this microtitration plate, it again is a multi-component molding technique which preferably is employed, particularly a two-component molding technique (a “twin-shot” technique) or a three-component molding technique (a “three-shot” technique. A three-component molding technique may be employed particularly if two different plastics are used for the frame and vessels, and a third plastic is employed for the at least one seal. It is preferred that the frame be molded initially and the at least one seal is molded to the frame subsequently and/or the lid is molded initially and the at least one seal is molded to the lid subsequently. If required, the frame is molded integrally with the vessels. However, the vessels may be molded in a second step and the at least one sealing in a third step. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings of embodiments. In the drawings: FIG. 1 shows a 96 type microtitration plate with a frame and vessels made of various plastics in a plan view; FIG. 2 shows the same microtitration plate in an oblique perspective view from bottom; FIG. 3 shows the same microtitration plate in a largely magnified vertical section-in-part through the plate of the frame and a vessel; FIG. 4 shows a 96 type microtitration plate which is integrally made from a single plastic and has integrated annular sealings in an oblique perspective view from top; FIG. 5 shows a microtitration plate modified by connection webs between the sealings as compared to the embodiment of FIG. 4 in an oblique partial perspective view from top; FIG. 6 shows a microtitration plate having a lid with integrated plug-shaped sealings in a partial perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the drawings, the same elements are designated by identical reference numerals. The description pertaining thereto applies to all of the embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a microtitration plate 1 comprises a frame 2 and a multiplicity of vessels 3. There is a total of 96 vessels arranged in eight columns and twelve rows. The frame 2 has a substantially rectangular plate 4 the outer edge of which is surrounded by a bordering 5 which protrudes approximately perpendicular from the underside of the plate 4, i.e. beyond the vessels 3. At bottom, the bordering 5, as is known, has an expansion 6 which enables stacking on the upper surface of an appropriate microtitration plate 1. The frame 2 has a total of ninety-six holes 2′ in the plate 4. These have a profile 2″ of the cross-section which widens towards the upper surface 7 of the plate 4 in two portions of different conicity and towards the underside 8 of the plate 4 in a conical portion. In a first molding step, the frame 2 is integrally molded from a plastic which is relatively rigid when cured. Gate marks are formed at the edge of frame 2, e.g. at the lower edge of the bordering 5. At their base, vessels 3 have a cup-shaped bottom 9 which is bordered by a conical wall portion 10 of a very small wall thickness (about 0.1 mm). Above it, there is a wall portion 11 the wall thickness of which gradually increases towards the top. At its outside, it has the same conicity as the wall portion 10. At its inside, however, it is designed nearly cylindrically, which results in an approximately wedge-shaped profile of the cross-section. Wall portion 11 terminates in a collar 12 which also is of a largely increased wall thickness with respect to wall portion 10. Vessels 3 are molded to plate 4 in the area of collar 12. To this end, a collar 12 externally bears against the inner periphery of holes 2′. It further has a projection 13, 14 at the upper surface 7 and the underside 8 of plate 4, respectively. With the engagement of the projections 13, 14 with the upper surface 7 and the underside 8, a formlocking connection of the collar 12 and, thereby, of the vessel 3 with plate 4 is formed. As shown in FIG. 3, the collar 12 has an outer profile 12′ of the cross-section that widens likewise as the profile 2″ of the hold 1′, toward the upper surface 7 of the plate 4 in two portions of different conicity and toward the underside 8 of the plate 4 in a conical portion, i.e., the cross-sectional profile 2″ of the hole 2′ and the cross-sectional profile 12′ of the collar 12 are complementarily formed. Therefore, a form locking connection is already formed when a vessel 3 is inserted in the hole 2′. The projections 13, 14 only inhance the already formed form locking connection. The collar 12 can have not two but only one projection 13 or 14. Both projections are necessary when the complementary profiles of the vessel 3 and the hole 2′ have a circular cross-section. Though a specific cross-sectional profile of the hole 2′ and the vessel 3 was described, it should be understood that they can have a different shape, e.g. the hole wall can have a convex profile, with the outer surface of the collar having a concave profile. Further, the complementary profiles of the hole 2′ and the vessel 3 can be formed of two sections, a cylindrical section and a conical section widening to the upper surface 7 of the plate 4 or to the underside 8. In case the conical section widens toward the upper surface 7 of the plate 4, the collar 12 is provided with a bottom projection 14. If the comical section widens to the underside 8 of the plate 4, the collar is provided with the upper projection 13. In the area of collar 12, vessels 3 have a cross-section expanding towards the top in two portions of different conicity. Vessels are accessible from the upper surface of plate 4 through apertures 15. All of the vessels are simultaneously molded directly to the frame 2 and the holes 2′ thereof. Each vessel 3 has its own central gate mark at the underside of bottom 9. This helps achieve shorter flow paths of the plastic which are made possible by the particularly small wall thickness in wall portion 10. The material used is polypropylen or LSR, for example, for the purpose of the PCR or oxygen supply to a sample inside the vessel. FIG. 4 shows a microtitration plate 1′ in which the frame 2″ and the vessels 3′ are integrally made of a single plastic in a known manner. The outer shape of microtitration plate 1′ substantially corresponds to that of the preceding example with the vessels 3′, however, having a substantially uniform course of wall thickness and are fused to plate 4′ with no projections. At the edge, plate 4′ is connected, in a known manner, to bordering 5′ which has the expansion 6′ at the bottom. Vessels 3′ are accessible from the top through apertures 15′ with an annular sealing 16 made of an elastic material being disposed around each aperture. In the example, it is a plastic which is capable of getting connected to the plastic of microtitration plate 1′ by being bonded thereto. Instead, a non-positive connection may be produced by placing seal 16 in an undercut groove in the upper surface of plate 4′. Preferably, seals 16 are fixedly connected to microtitration plate 1′ by a multicomponent molding technique. Now, it is possible to sealingly close apertures 15′ by placing thereon a lid (not shown) made of a rigid material. The lid may approximately have the dimensions of plate 4′. Preferably, it is locked in the marginal area of microtitration plate 1′. Such locking may be effected, for example, in the recesses 17 which the bordering 5′ has directly beneath plate 4′. The embodiment of FIG. 5 differs from the aforementioned in that the adjoining annular seals 16 are connected to each other by straight-lined webs 18, 19 which extend in the row and column directions. This may be advantageous particularly for technical reasons of manufacture, but also for reasons of fixedly connecting the seals to the microtitration plate 1′ or for providing additional sealing. Referring to FIG. 6, a microtitration plate 1′ is shown which is made of a single material only in correspondence to the one of FIG. 4. However, there are no annular seals 16 here. Plate 4′ of microtitration plate 1′ has seated thereon a lid 20. It has a plate 21 the contours of which substantially are the same as those of the plate 4′. Plate 21 is supported on the upper surface of plate 4′ in marginal areas 21′. It is spaced by a small gap from plate 4′ in a region 21″ between marginal areas 21′. This allows it to be placed onto conventional microtitration plates which have sealing collars at the upper surface of retaining plate 4′. In region 21″, plate 21 has plug-like seals 22 which protrude from its underside. These plug-like seals 22 have a circumferential sealing bulge 23 at their outer periphery. Each aperture 15′ of vessels 3′ has associated thereto a seal 22. Here, seals 22 engage apertures 15′ so as to sealingly cause their sealing bulges 23 to bear against the inner wall of vessels 3′. Seals 22 are disposed in appropriate recesses of plate 21. They are connected to each other by short webs 24, 25 which extend in the row and column directions. Borderings 26 protrude from the underside of the plate at the edge thereof, from which borderings catch projections 27 protrude inwardly which are adapted to be locked in the recesses 17 (see FIG. 4) of microtitration plate 1′. Handles 28 project upwardly from borderings 26. Those make it easier for lid 20 to be locked. Furthermore, pivoting the handles 28 makes it possible to disconnect the locking engagement between catch projections 27 and recesses 17 because the borderings 26 will be pivoted along. Preferably, lid 21 with seals 22 is also manufactured by a multi-component molding technique. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to a microtitration plate. Microtitration plates are used for most varied microbiological, cell-breeding, and immunological techniques. In particular, microtitration plates are employed for the PCR (polymerase-chain-reaction) or the breeding of microorganisms or cells. Microtitration plates have already been known which have a frame with a plate to which a multiplicity of vessels are fixed which have a receiving portion protruding from the underside of the plate and are accessible from the upper surface of the plate through apertures. The vessels are also referred to as “wells”. The current 96-type microtitration plates have 8×12=96 vessels in rows and columns. However, microtitration plates having a larger number of vessels are used more and more. Single-component microtitration plates in polystyrene are unsuitable for the PCR, particularly because the softening temperature of this plastic (about 85° C.) is exceeded during the PCR. Single-component microtitration plates in polypropylene generally are adapted to be used for the PCR. However, they are flexurally soft, tend to be distorted, are uneven and are manufactured only at large tolerances and undergo large tolerance variations when in use. Specifically, they are not particularly suited for being handled by automatic devices because their softness makes it difficult for automatic devices to grip them. Further, their low dimensional stability may have the consequence that the proportioning needles will contact the walls while being introduced into the vessels. Furthermore, heat transfer into the walls is poor because the thick walls of the vessels impede it, which is adverse to temperature regulation and the length of cycle times during the PCR. It is particularly in breeding microorganisms or cells that the sample requires sufficient oxygen supply. In the 96-type microtitration plates, this can be ensured because of the relatively large apertures of the vessels. However, in microtitration plates having a larger number of vessels, e.g. 384, oxygen supply may be impaired very much by the reduced cross-sections of the apertures. In addition, it would be desirable to ensure oxygen supply even if the apertures are closed in order to avoid transversal contaminations between the samples of various vessels. Attempts to avoid transversal contaminations are also made in other applications of microtitration plates. To this end, there are sealing foils which are welded onto the upper surface of the microtitration plate and have to be released again if an access is required to the contents of the vessels. In addition, there are rubber mats which have cones at their underside in order to sealingly engage the apertures of the vessels when placed on the microtitration plate. Further, there are plastic strips which are designed with stoppers at their underside in order to be forced into the apertures of a row of vessels in the microtitration plate. The known sealing methods are complicated in use and do not satisfy the increased requirements to tightness. Therefore, it is the object of the invention to provide a microtitration plate having more favourable characteristics in use. In addition, a technique for the manufacture of the microtitration plate will be provided. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The object of the invention is achieved by providing a microtitration plate comprising: a frame made of a stiff first plastic which has a plate with a multiplicity of holes, and a multiplicity of vessels made of a second plastic suited for the PCR and/or exhibiting permeability to oxygen, which are fixedly connected to the plate by directly molding them to the holes, have a receiving portion protruding from the underside of the plate, and are accessible from the upper surface of the plate through apertures, means for formlockingly connecting the vessels with the plate. Because of its stiffness, the frame of the microtitration plate is particularly suited for being handled by automatic devices. Preferably, its edge is provided with a bordering protruding from the underside which increases its stability, may form a surface to stand on and a surface for engagement by the automatic device. For this purpose, the frame may be manufactured so as to have particularly low distortion and particularly low tolerance. The first plastic may be an amorphous plastic or even a partially crystalline, heavily filled plastic. The plastic concerned may be polycarbonate which actually is unsuited for the PCR or oxygen supply. Since this plastic is confined to the frame, however, it allows to utilize its advantageous characteristics even for microtitration plates for the PCR or oxygen supply to samples. The vessels are made of a plastic different from that of the frame. It is a second plastic which is suitable for the PCR and/or is permeable to oxygen. Suitability for the PCR may be given, in particular, by an increased resistance to temperatures (up to about 90 to 95° C.). It may further be given by a reduced plastic affinity or neutrality of the plastic to DNA or other substances of the PCR. It preferably is a soft and/or partially crystalline plastic. Preferably, the second plastic can be polypropylene. Each vessel is molded directly to the hole associated therewith. Generally, the vessels can be positively, formlockingly connected to the plate and/or can be non-positively, frictionally connected with the plate, and/or be connected by molding the vessels in holes having varying cross-sections in an axial direction and/or to the marginal area of the holes on at least one side of the plate, while connecting them thereto in a non-positive manner. With a vessel being molded in a hole, it becomes bonded to the plate by the material the vessel is made of. Under a formlocking connection is understood a connection in which two connected parts are provided with interengaging elements having complementary forms or shapes. Upon connection of the two parts, the interengaging complementary elements prevent the two parts from being disconnected. Molding the vessels to the plate directly provides very short flow paths of the material in molding, which allows to achieve particularly small wall thicknesses which preferably are in the range of about 0.05 to 0.25 mm and, in particular, may be about 0.1 mm. This favors heat transfer. The vessel bottom of each vessel has a gate mark and from which the material fills the first wall portion of a reduced wall thickness and an upper wall portion connected to the plate. A gate mark is a point corresponding to a point in a mold for an injection-molded part at which a plastified plastic enters the mold. On a finished part, the gate mark is a visible as e.g., an uneveness on a surface. It is preferred that the upper wall portion be designed as a collar of an increased wall thickness, which allows to manufacture the microtitration plate with particularly small tolerances. Since the frame is manufactured from a first plastic and the vessels are manufactured from a second plastic the best solutions possible will be achieved with materials which correspond to the desired functions of the frame and vessels. Higher rigidity, better planarity, a lower tendency to distortion, and smaller tolerances are achieved by using an amorphous, rigid, and highly temperature-resistant material for the frame. The extremely thinness of the walls for better heat transfer is achieved by molding the vessels thereto in a direct way. The frame is not filled via the vessels so that the entire pressure gradient always is available to one vessel only. The vessels may be molded of soft materials suited for the PCR. It is uncritical to mold the frame. It preferably may have several edge-side gate marks (about four to six) provided on the frame edge. In order to ensure an increased permeability to oxygen the second plastic preferably is silicon. In particular, it may be LSR (Liquid Silicon Rubber). According to the inventive manufacturing technique, the frame and vessels are produced by a multi-component molding technique. In the simplest case, it is a two-component molding technique or “twin-shot” technique. For manufacture at particularly low tolerances, it is preferred to mold the frame initially and the vessels subsequently. This has the advantage that the frame first may undergo a certain shrinkage before the vessels are molded thereto. The time interval from molding the frame to molding the vessels thereto may be chosen so that the shrinkage of the frame (by cooling it down) essentially is effected completely. Once the vessels are molded on, shrinking techniques virtually do not impair the dimensional stability of the microtitration plate any longer. It specifically is the tolerance of the vessel-to-vessel distance which, thus, can be confined to very low values (about t 0.15 mm). This makes it easier to introduce proportioning needles with no wall contact. It is particularly advantageous here if the upper wall region of the vessels is designed as a collar of an increased wall thickness because the collar may compensate hole position tolerances that have remained during molding. The object further is achieved by providing a microtitration plate which comprises: a rigid frame which includes a plate, a multiplicity of vessels, which are fixedly connected to the plate, have a receiving portion protruding from the underside of the plate, and are accessible from the upper surface of the plate through apertures, a rigid lid adapted to be releasably attached on the upper surface of the plate, and at least one seal between the lid and the plate which is of an elastic material which deviates from the plastic of the plate and/or the lid and is fixedly connected to the lid and/or the plate in order to close the apertures when the lid is disposed on the plate. In other words, according to the invention, the plate and/or the lid is designed with at least one seal of an elastic material deviating from the material of the plate and/or the lid. In particular, the material concerned may be a thermoplastic, elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer or rubber. The connection of the seal to the plate and/or the lid may be a non-positive and/or positive and/or by the material of the vessel when the vessel is bonded to the plate. Thermoplastic elastomers, in particular, enable a non-positive connection with matching materials of the plate and lid. In particular, in a microtitration plate, the seal may be provided on a collar of the vessels. If the vessels are manufactured from an elastic material, there is a possibility of forming the seals integrally with the vessels here. In this microtitration plate, the at least one integrated sealing, in conjunction with a rigid lid, makes possible rapid and simple sealing of the apertures which satisfies the high requirements to tightness. It is particularly advantageous for handling and sealing that the lid is designed so as to be adapted to be locked with the frame, specifically by locking it with the marginal area of the frame. Specifically if designed with a plane seal at its underside, the lid can also be used with known microtitration plates having thermoplastic sealing collars at the apertures of the vessels. If the at least one seal is to be connected to the plate annular contours enclosing the apertures are preferred. If connected to the lid, the seals particularly may be annular, plug-shaped, mat-shaped or lip-shaped seals. For the manufacture of this microtitration plate, it again is a multi-component molding technique which preferably is employed, particularly a two-component molding technique (a “twin-shot” technique) or a three-component molding technique (a “three-shot” technique. A three-component molding technique may be employed particularly if two different plastics are used for the frame and vessels, and a third plastic is employed for the at least one seal. It is preferred that the frame be molded initially and the at least one seal is molded to the frame subsequently and/or the lid is molded initially and the at least one seal is molded to the lid subsequently. If required, the frame is molded integrally with the vessels. However, the vessels may be molded in a second step and the at least one sealing in a third step. | 20040720 | 20080325 | 20050317 | 68025.0 | 1 | HANDY, DWAYNE K | MICROTITRATION PLATE | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,894,999 | ACCEPTED | Pharmaceutical compositions containing exendins | Methods for treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake are disclosed which comprise administration of an effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist, alone or in conjunction with other compounds or compositions that affect satiety. The methods are useful for treating conditions or disorders, including obesity, Type II diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. The methods are also useful for lowering the plasma glucose level, lowering the plasma lipid level, reducing the cardiac risk, reducing the appetite, and reducing the weight of subjects. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the methods of the invention are also disclosed. | 1-31. (canceled) 32. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an exendin-4 and a buffer, wherein said composition has a pH of from about 3.0 to about 8.0. 33. The composition of claim 32, wherein said pH is from about 5.6 to about 7.4. 34. The composition of claim 32, wherein said pH is from about 3.5 to about 5. 35. The composition of claim 32, wherein said pH is about 4.5. 36. The composition of claim 32, further comprising an exendin-3. 37. The composition of claim 32, wherein said buffer comprises an acetate buffer. 38. The composition of claim 32, further comprising an isotonicity agent. 39. The composition of claim 38, wherein said isotonicity agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, dextrose, boric acid, sodium tartrate, propylene glycol, polyols, and any combination thereof. 40. The composition of claim 32, further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, lactose, glucose, sucrose, starch, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, oils, polyethylene glycol, and any combination thereof. 41. The composition of claim 32, further comprising at least one additional substance other than an exendin that reduces food intake, appetite, body weight, obesity or any combination thereof. 42. The composition of claim 41, wherein said at least one additional substance is selected from the group consisting of amylin, an amylin agonist, a leptin, a cholecystokinin (CCK), CCK-8, a calcitonin, and any combination thereof. 43. The composition of claim 41, wherein said at least one additional substance comprises 25,28,29 Pro human amylin. 44. The composition of claim 32, wherein said composition is formulated to provide a daily dose of from about 0.1 μg/kg to about 100 μg/kg of said exendin in a single or divided dose. 45. The composition of claim 32, wherein said composition is formulated to provide a daily dose of from about 0.1 μg/kg to about 10 μg/kg of said exendin in a single or divided dose. 46. The composition of claim 32, wherein said composition is formulated to provide a daily dose of from about 0.1 μg/kg to about 1 μg/kg of said exendin in a single or divided dose. 47. The composition of claim 32, wherein said composition is formulated to provide a daily dose of from about 0.01 mg to about 5 mg of said exendin in a single or divided dose. 48. The composition of claim 32, wherein said composition is formulated to provide a daily dose of from about 0.01 mg to about 2 mg of said exendin in a single or divided dose. 49. The composition of claim 32, wherein said composition is formulated to provide a daily dose of from about 0.01 mg to about 1 mg of said exendin in a single or divided dose. 50. The composition of claim 32, wherein said composition is formulated to provide a daily dose of from about 0.01 mg to about 0.5 mg of said exendin in a single or divided dose. 51. The composition of claim 32, wherein said composition is formulated for intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, oral, topical, transmucosal or pulmonary administration. 52. A pharmaceutical composition comprising exendin-4, mannitol, and an acetate buffer, wherein said composition has a pH of about 4.5. 53. The composition of claim 52, wherein said composition is formulated to provide a daily dose of from about 0.1 μg/kg to about 1 μg/kg of said exendin-4 in a single or divided dose. 54. The composition of claim 52, wherein said composition is formulated to provide a daily dose of from about 0.01 mg to about 0.5 mg of said exendin-4 in a single or divided dose. 55. The composition of claim 52, further comprising at least one additional substance other than an exendin that reduces food intake, appetite, body weight, obesity or any combination thereof. 56. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an exendin-3 and a buffer, wherein said composition has a pH of from about 3.0 to about 8.0. 57. The composition of claim 56, wherein said pH is from about 3.5 to about 5. 58. The composition of claim 56, wherein said buffer comprises an acetate buffer. 59. The composition of claim 56, further comprising an isotonicity agent. 60. The composition of claim 56, wherein said isotonicity agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, dextrose, boric acid, sodium tartrate, propylene glycol, polyols, and any combination thereof. 61. The composition of claim 56, further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, lactose, glucose, sucrose, starch, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, oils, polyethylene glycol, and any combination thereof. 62. The composition of claim 56, further comprising at least one additional substance other than an exendin that reduces food intake, appetite, body weight, obesity or any combination thereof. 63. The composition of claim 62, wherein said at least one additional substance is selected from the group consisting of amylin, an amylin agonist, a leptin, a cholecystokinin (CCK), CCK-8, a calcitonin, and any combination thereof. 64. The composition of claim 62, wherein said at least one additional substance comprises 25,28,29 Pro human amylin. 65. The composition of claim 56, wherein said composition is formulated to provide a daily dose of from about 0.1 μg/kg to about 100 μg/kg of said exendin in a single or divided dose. 66. The composition of claim 56, wherein said composition is formulated to provide a daily dose of from about 0.1 μg/kg to about 10 μg/kg of said exendin in a single or divided dose. 67. The composition of claim 56, wherein said composition is formulated to provide a daily dose of from about 0.1 μg/kg to about 1 μg/kg of said exendin in a single or divided dose. 68. The composition of claim 56, wherein said composition is formulated to provide a daily dose of from about 0.01 mg to about 5 mg of said exendin in a single or divided dose. 69. The composition of claim 56, wherein said composition is formulated to provide a daily dose of from about 0.01 mg to about 0.5 mg of said exendin in a single or divided dose. 70. The composition of claim 56, wherein said composition is formulated for intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, oral, topical, transmucosal or pulmonary administration. 71. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an exendin selected from the group consisting of exendin-4 (1-30), exendin-4 (1-30) amide, exendin-4 (1-28) amide, 14Leu, 25Phe exendin-4 amide, 4Leu, 25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide, 14Leu, 22Ala, 25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide, and any combination thereof; and a buffer, wherein said composition has a pH of from about 3.0 to about 8.0. | This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/034,905, filed Jan. 7, 1997, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/055,404, filed Aug. 8, 1997, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/066,029 filed Nov. 14, 1997, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/065,442, Nov. 14, 1997. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to methods for treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake comprising administration of an effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist alone or in conjunction with other compounds or compositions that affect satiety such as a leptin or an amylin agonist. The methods are useful for treating conditions or disorders, in which the reduction of food intake is of value, including obesity, Type II diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. The methods are also useful for lowering the plasma lipid level, reducing the cardiac risk, reducing the appetite, and reducing the weight of subjects. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the methods of the invention are also disclosed. BACKGROUND The following description summarizes information relevant to the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art to the presently claimed invention, nor that any of the publications specifically or implicitly referenced are prior art to that invention. Exendin Exendins are peptides that are found in the venom of the Gila-monster, a lizard found in Arizona, and the Mexican Beaded Lizard. Exendin-3 is present in the venom of Heloderma horridum, and exendin-4 is present in the venom of Heloderma suspectum (Eng, J., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265:20259-62, 1990; Eng., J., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 267:7402-05, 1992). The exendins have some sequence similarity to several members of the glucagon-like peptide family, with the highest homology, 53%, being to GLP-1[7-36]NH2 (Goke, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 268:19650-55, 1993). GLP-1[7-36]NH2, also known as proglucagon [78-107], has an insulinotropic effect, stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells; GLP also inhibits glucagon secretion from pancreatic α-cells (Orskov, et al., Diabetes, 42:658-61, 1993; D'Alessio, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 97:133-38, 1996). GLP-1 is reported to inhibit gastric emptying (Williams B, et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 81 (1): 327-32, 1996; Wettergren A, et al., Dig Dis Sci 38 (4): 665-73, 1993), and gastric acid secretion. (Schjoldager B T, et al., Dig Dis Sci 34 (5): 703-8, 1989; O'Halloran D J, et al., J Endocrinol 126 (1): 169-73, 1990; Wettergren A, et al., Dig Dis Sci 38 (4): 665-73, 1993). GLP-1[7-37], which has an additional glycine residue at its carboxy terminus, also stimulates insulin secretion in humans (Orskov, et al., Diabetes, 42:658-61, 1993). A transmembrane G-protein adenylate-cyclase-coupled receptor believed to be responsible for the insulinotropic effect of GLP-1 is reported to have been cloned from a β-cell line (Thorens, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:8641-45 (1992)). Exendin-4 potently binds at GLP-1 receptors on insulin-secreting βTC1 cells, at dispersed acinar cells from guinea pig pancreas, and at parietal cells from stomach; the peptide is also said to stimulate somatostatin release and inhibit gastrin release in isolated stomachs (Goke, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 268:19650-55, 1993; Schepp, et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol., 69:183-91, 1994; Eissele, et al., Life Sci., 55:629-34, 1994). Exendin-3 and exendin-4 were reported to stimulate cAMP production in, and amylase release from, pancreatic acinar cells (Malhotra, R., et al., Regulatory Peptides, 41:149-56, 1992; Raufman, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 267:21432-37, 1992; Singh, et al., Regul. Pept. 53:47-59, 1994). The use of exendin-3 and exendin-4 as insulinotrophic agents for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and the prevention of hyperglycemia has been proposed (Eng, U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,286). C-terminally truncated exendin peptides such as exendin[9-39], a carboxyamidated molecule, and fragments 3-39 through 9-39 have been reported to be potent and selective antagonists of GLP-1 (Goke, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 268:19650-55, 1993; Raufman, J. P., et al., J. Biol. Chem. 266:2897-902, 1991; Schepp, W., et al., Eur. J. Pharm. 269:183-91, 1994; Montrose-Rafizadeh, et al., Diabetes, 45(Suppl. 2):152A, 1996). Exendin[9-39] is said to block endogenous GLP-1 in vivo, resulting in reduced insulin secretion. Wang, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 95:417-21, 1995; D'Alessio, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 97:133-38, 1996). The receptor apparently responsible for the insulinotropic effect of GLP-1 has reportedly been cloned from rat pancreatic islet cell (Thorens, B., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:8641-8645, 1992). Exendins and exendin[9-39] are said to bind to the cloned GLP-1 receptor (rat pancreatic β-cell GLP-1 receptor (Fehmann H C, et al., Peptides 15 (3): 453-6, 1994) and human GLP-1 receptor (Thorens B, et al., Diabetes 42 (11): 1678-82, 1993). In cells transfected with the cloned GLP-1 receptor, exendin-4 is reportedly an agonist, i.e., it increases cAMP, while exendin[9-39] is identified as an antagonist, i.e., it blocks the stimulatory actions of exendin-4 and GLP-1. Id. Exendin[9-39] is also reported to act as an antagonist of the full length exendins, inhibiting stimulation of pancreatic acinar cells by exendin-3 and exendin-4 (Raufman, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 266:2897-902, 1991; Raufman, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 266:21432-37, 1992). It is also reported that exendin[9-39] inhibits the stimulation of plasma insulin levels by exendin-4, and inhibits the somatostatin release-stimulating and gastrin release-inhibiting activities of exendin-4 and GLP-1 (Kolligs, F., et al., Diabetes, 44:16-19, 1995; Eissele, et al., Life Sciences, 55:629-34, 1994). Exendins have recently been found to inhibit gastric emptying (U.S. Ser. No. 08/694,954, filed Aug. 8, 1996, which enjoys common ownership with the present invention and is hereby incorporated by reference). Exendin [9-39] has been used to investigate the physiological relevance of central GLP-1 in control of food intake (Turton, M. D. et al. Nature 379:69-72, 1996). GLP-1 administered by intracerebroventricular injection inhibits food intake in rats. This satiety-inducing effect of GLP-1 delivered ICV is reported to be inhibited by ICV injection of exendin [9-39] (Turton, supra). However, it has been reported that GLP-1 does not inhibit food intake in mice when administered by peripheral injection (Turton, M. D., Nature 379:69-72, 1996; Bhavsar, S. P., Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 21:460 (188.8), 1995). Obesity and Hypernutrition Obesity, excess adipose tissue, is becoming increasingly prevalent in developed societies. For example, approximately 30% of adults in the U.S. were estimated to be 20 percent above desirable body weight—an accepted measure of obesity sufficient to impact a health risk (Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 12th Edition, McGraw Hill, Inc. (1991) p. 411). The pathogenesis of obesity is believed to be multifactorial but the basic problem is that in obese subjects food intake and energy expenditure do not come into balance until there is excess adipose tissue. Attempts to reduce food intake, or hypernutrition, are usually fruitless in the medium term because the weight loss induced by dieting results in both increased appetite and decreased energy expenditure (Leibel et al., (1995) New England Journal of Medicine 322: 621-628). The intensity of physical exercise required to expend enough energy to materially lose adipose mass is too great for most people to undertake on a sufficiently frequent basis. Thus, obesity is currently a poorly treatable, chronic, essentially intractable metabolic disorder. Not only is obesity itself believed by some to be undesirable for cosmetic reasons, but obesity also carries serious risk of co-morbidities including, Type 2 diabetes, increased cardiac risk, hypertension, atherosclerosis, degenerative arthritis, and increased incidence of complications of surgery involving general anesthesia obesity due to hypernutrition is also a risk factor for the group of conditions called insulin resistance syndrome, or “syndrome X.” In syndrome X, it has been reported that there is a linkage between insulin resistance and hypertension. (Watson N. and Sandler M., Curr. Med. Res. Opin., 12(6):374-378 (1991); Kodama J. et al., Diabetes Care, 13(11):1109-1111 (1990); Lithell et al., J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol., 15 Suppl. 5:S46-S52 (1990)). In those few subjects who do succeed in losing weight, by about 10 percent of body weight, there can be striking improvements in co-morbid conditions, most especially Type 2 diabetes in which dieting and weight loss are the primary therapeutic modality, albeit relatively ineffective in many patients for the reasons stated above. Reducing food intake in obese subjects would decrease the plasma glucose level, the plasma lipid level, and the cardiac risk in these subjects. Hypernutrition is also the result of, and the psychological cause of, many eating disorders. Reducing food intake would also be beneficial in the treatment of such disorders. Thus, it can be appreciated that an effective means to reduce food intake is a major challenge and a superior method of treatment would be of great utility. Such a method, and compounds and compositions which are useful therefor, have been invented and are described and claimed herein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns the surprising discovery that exendins and exendin agonists have a profound and prolonged effect on inhibiting food intake. The present invention is directed to novel methods for treating conditions or disorders associated with hypernutrition, comprising the administration of an exendin, for example, exendin-3 [SEQ ID NO. 1: His Ser Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser], or exendin-4 [SEQ ID NO. 2: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser], or other compounds which effectively bind to the receptor at which exendin exerts its action on reducing food intake. These methods will be useful in the treatment of, for example, obesity, diabetes, including Type II or non-insulin dependent diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. In a first aspect, the invention features a method of treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. By an “exendin agonist” is meant a compound that mimics the effects of exendin on the reduction of food intake by binding to the receptor or receptors where exendin causes this effect. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/055,404, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Aug. 8, 1997; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/065,442, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Nov. 14, 1997; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/066,029, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Nov. 14, 1997; all of which enjoy common ownership with the present application and all of which are incorporated by this reference into the present application as though fully set forth herein. By “condition or disorder which can be alleviated by reducing food intake” is meant any condition or disorder in a subject that is either caused by, complicated by, or aggravated by a relatively high food intake, or that can be alleviated by reducing food intake. Such conditions or disorders include, but are not limited to, obesity, diabetes, including Type II diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. Thus, in a first embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake in a subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/055,404; 60/065,442; and 60/066,029, which have been incorporated by reference in the present application. Preferably, the subject is a vertebrate, more preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human. In preferred aspects, the exendin or exendin agonist is administered parenterally, more preferably by injection. In a most preferred aspect, the injection is a peripheral injection. Preferably, about 10 μg-30 μg to about 5 mg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day. More preferably, about 10-30 μg to about 2 mg, or about 10-30 μg to about 1 mg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day. Most preferably, about 30 μg to about 500 μg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day. In various preferred embodiments of the invention, the condition or disorder is obesity, diabetes, preferably Type II diabetes, an eating disorder, or insulin-resistance syndrome. In other preferred aspects of the invention, a method is provided for reducing the appetite of a subject comprising administering to said subject an appetite-lowering amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. In yet other preferred aspects, a method is provided for lowering plasma lipids comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. The methods of the present invention may also be used to reduce the cardiac risk of a subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. In one preferred aspect, the exendin or exendin agonist used in the methods of the present invention is exendin-3. In another preferred aspect, said exendin is exendin-4. Other preferred exendin agonists include exendin-4 (1-30) [SEQ ID NO 6: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly], exendin-4 (1-30) amide [SEQ ID NO 7: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH2], exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO 40: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2], 14Leu,25Phe exendin-4 amide [SEQ ID NO 9: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser-NH2], 14Leu, 25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO 41: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2], and 14Leu, 22Ala,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO 8: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Ala Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2]. In the methods of the present invention, the exendins and exendin agonists may be administered separately or together with one or more other compounds and compositions that exhibit a long term or short-term satiety action, including, but not limited to other compounds and compositions that comprise an amylin agonist, cholecystokinin (CCK), or a leptin (ob protein). Suitable amylin agonists include, for example, [25,28,29Pro-]-human amylin (also known as “pramlintide,” and previously referred to as “AC-137”) as described in “Amylin Agonist Peptides and Uses Therefor,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,511, issued Nov. 11, 1997, and salmon calcitonin. The CCK used is preferably CCK octopeptide (CCK-8). Leptin is discussed in, for example, Pelleymounter, M. A., et al. Science 269:540-43 (1995); Halaas, J. L., et al. Science 269:543-46 (1995); and Campfield, L. A., et al. Eur. J. Pharmac. 262:133-41 (1994). In other embodiments of the invention is provided a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or exendin agonist in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount for a human subject. The pharmaceutical composition may preferably be used for reducing the appetite of a subject, reducing the weight of a subject, lowering the plasma lipid level of a subject, or reducing the cardiac risk of a subject. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the pharmaceutical composition will preferably comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or exendin agonist to accomplish the desired effect in the subject. The pharmaceutical compositions may further comprise one or more other compounds and compositions that exhibit a long-term or short-term satiety action, including, but not limited to other compounds and compositions that comprise an amylin agonist, CCK, preferably CCK-8, or leptin. Suitable amylin agonists include, for example, [25,28,29Pro]-human amylin and salmon calcitonin. In one preferred aspect, the pharmaceutical composition comprises exendin-3. In another preferred aspect, the pharmaceutical composition comprises exendin-4. In other preferred aspects, the pharmaceutical compositions comprises a peptide selected from: exendin-4 (1-30), exendin-4 (1-30) amide, exendin-4 (1-28) amide, 14Leu,25Phe exendin-4 amide, 14Leu,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide, and 14Leu ,22Ala,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4 and GLP-1. FIG. 2 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in obese mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4. FIG. 3 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in rats after intracerebroventricular injection of exendin-4 FIG. 4 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4 (1-30) (“Compound 1”). FIG. 5 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4 (1-30) amide (“Compound 2”). FIG. 6 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 3”). FIG. 7 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of 14Leu,25Phe exendin4 amide (“Compound 4”). FIG. 8 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of 14Leu,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 5”). FIG. 9 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of 14Leu,22Ala,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 6”). FIG. 10 depicts the amino acid sequences for certain exendin agonist compounds useful in the present invention [SEQ ID NOS 9-39]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Exendins and exendin agonists are useful as described herein in view of their pharmacological properties. Activity as exendin agonists can be indicated by activity in the assays described below. Effects of exendins or exendin agonists on reducing food intake can be identified, evaluated, or screened for, using the methods described in the Examples below, or other methods known in the art for determining effects on food intake or appetite. Exendin Agonist Compounds Exendin agonist compounds are those described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/055,404, including compounds of the formula (I) [SEQ ID NO. 3]: 1 5 10 Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Gly Thr Xaa4 Xaa5 Xaa6 Xaa7 Xaa8 15 20 Ser Lys Gln Xaa9 Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu 25 30 Xaa10 Xaa11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Xaa14 35 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Xaa18-Z wherein Xaa1 is His, Arg or Tyr; Xaa2 is Ser, Gly, Ala or Thr; Xaa3 is Asp or Glu; Xaa4 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa, is Thr or Ser; Xaa6 is Ser or Thr; Xaa7 is Asp or Glu; Xaa8 is Leu, Ile, Val, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa9 is Leu, Ile, pentylglycine, Val or Met; Xaa10 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa11 is Ile, Val, Leu, pentylglycine, tert-butylglycine or Met; Xaa12 is Glu or Asp; Xaa13 is Trp, Phe, Tyr, or naphthylalanine; Xaa14, Xaa15, Xaa16 and Xaa17 are independently Pro, homoproline, 3Hyp, 4Hyp, thioproline, N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine or N-alkylalanine; Xaa18 is Ser, Thr or Tyr; and Z is —OH or —NH2; with the proviso that the compound is not exendin-3 or exindin-4. Preferred N-alkyl groups for N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine and N-alkylalanine include lower alkyl groups preferably of 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, more preferably of 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Suitable compounds include those listed in FIG. 10 having amino acid sequences of SEQ. ID. NOS. 9 to 39. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those wherein Xaa1 is His or Tyr. More preferably Xaa1 is His. Preferred are those compounds wherein Xaa2 is Gly. Preferred are those compounds wherein Xaa9 is Leu, pentylglycine or Met. Preferred compounds include those wherein Xaa13 is Trp or Phe. Also preferred are compounds where Xaa4 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa11 is Ile or Val and Xaa14, Xaa15, Xaa16 and Xaa17 are independently selected from Pro, homoproline, thioproline or N-alkylalanine. Preferably N-alkylalanine has a N-alkyl group of 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. According to an especially preferred aspect, Xaa15, Xaa16 and Xaa17 are the same amino acid reside. Preferred are compounds wherein Xaa18 is Ser or Tyr, more preferably Ser. Preferably Z is —NH2. According to one aspect, preferred are compounds of formula (I) wherein Xaa1 is His or Tyr, more preferably His; Xaa2 is Gly; Xaa4 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa9 is Leu, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa10 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa11 is Ile or Val; Xaa14, Xaa15, Xaa16 and Xaa17 are independently selected from Pro, homoproline, thioproline or N-alkylalanine; and Xaa18 is Ser or Tyr, more preferably Ser. More preferably Z is —NH2. According to an especially preferred aspect, especially preferred compounds include those of formula (I) wherein: Xaa1 is His or Arg; Xaa2 is Gly; Xaa3 is Asp or Glu; Xaa4 is Phe or napthylalanine; Xaa5 is Thr or Ser; Xaa6 is Ser or Thr; Xaa7 is Asp or Glu; Xaa8 is Leu or pentylglycine; Xaa9 is Leu or pentylglycine; Xaa10 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa11 is Ile, Val or t-butyltylglycine; Xaa12 is Glu or Asp; Xaa13 is Trp or Phe; Xaa14, Xaa15, Xaa16, and Xaa17 are independently Pro, homoproline, thioproline, or N-methylalanine; Xaa18 is Ser or Tyr: and Z is —OH or —NH2; with the proviso that the compound does not have the formula of either SEQ. ID. NOS. 1 or 2. More preferably Z is —NH2. Especially preferred compounds include those having the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NOS. 9, 10, 21, 22, 23, 26, 28, 34, 35 and 39. According to an especially preferred aspect, provided are compounds where Xaa9 is Leu, Ile, Val or pentylglycine, more preferably Leu or pentylglycine, and Xaa13 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine, more preferably Phe or naphthylalanine. These compounds will exhibit advantageous duration of action and be less subject to oxidative degration, both in vitro and in vivo, as well as during synthesis of the compound. Exendin agonist compounds also include those described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/065,442, including compounds of the formula (II) [SEQ ID NO. 4]: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Gly Xaa5 Xaa6 Xaa7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Xaa10 Xaa11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Xaa15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Ala Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 Xaa22 Xaa23 Xaa24 Xaa25 Xaa26 Xaa27 Xaa28-Z1; wherein Xaa1 is His, Arg or Tyr; Xaa2 is Ser, Gly, Ala or Thr; Xaa3 is Asp or Glu; Xaa5 is Ala or Thr; Xaa6 is Ala, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa7 is Thr or Ser; Xaa8 is Ala, Ser or Thr; Xaa9 is Asp or Glu; Xaa10 is Ala, Leu, Ile, Val, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa11 is Ala or Ser; Xaa12 is Ala or Lys; Xaa13 is Ala or Gln; Xaa14 is Ala, Leu, Ile, pentylglycine, Val or Met; Xaa15 is Ala or Glu; Xaa16 is Ala or Glu; Xaa17 is Ala or Glu; Xaa19 is Ala or Val; Xaa20 is Ala or Arg; Xaa21 is Ala or Leu; Xaa22 is Ala, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa23 is Ile, Val, Leu, pentylglycine, tert-butylglycine or Met; Xaa24 is Ala, Glu or Asp; Xaa25 is Ala, Trp, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa26 is Ala or Leu; Xaa27 is Ala or Lys; Xaa28 is Ala or Asn; Z1 is —OH, —NH2 Gly-Z2, Gly Gly-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36 Xaa37-Z2 or Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36 Xaa37 Xaa38-Z2; Xaa31, Xaa36, Xaa37 and Xaa38 are independently Pro, homoproline, 3Hyp, 4Hyp, thioproline, N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine or N-alkylalanine; and Z2 is —OH or —NH2; provided that no more than three of Xaa3, Xaa5, Xaa6, Xaa8, Xaa10, Xaa11, Xaa12, Xaa13, Xaa14, Xaa15, Xaa16, Xaa17, Xaa19, Xaa20, Xaa21, Xaa24, Xaa25, Xaa26, Xaa27 and Xaa28 are Ala. Preferred N-alkyl groups for N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine and N-alkylalanine include lower alkyl groups preferably of 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, more preferably of 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those wherein Xaa1 is His or Tyr. More preferably Xaa1 is His. Preferred are those compounds wherein Xaa2 is Gly. Preferred are those compounds wherein Xaa14 is Leu, pentylglycine or Met. Preferred compounds are those wherein Xaa2, is Trp or Phe. Preferred compounds are those where Xaa6 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa22 is Phe or naphthylalanine and Xaa23 is Ile or Val. Preferred are compounds wherein Xaa31, Xaa36, Xaa37 and Xaa38 are independently selected from Pro, homoproline, thioproline and N-alkylalanine. Preferably Z1 is —NH2. Preferable Z2 is —NH2. According to one aspect, preferred are compounds of formula (I) wherein Xaa1 is His or Tyr, more preferably His; Xaa2 is Gly; Xaa6 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa14 is Leu, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa22 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa23 is Ile or Val; Xaa31, Xaa36, Xaa37 and Xaa38 are independently selected from Pro, homoproline, thioproline or N-alkylalanine. More preferably Z, is —NH2. According to an especially preferred aspect, especially preferred compounds include those of formula (I) wherein: Xaa1 is His or Arg; Xaa2 is Gly or Ala; Xaa3 is Asp or Glu; Xaa5 is Ala or Thr; Xaa6 is Ala, Phe or nephthylalaine; Xaa7 is Thr or Ser; Xaa8 is Ala, Ser or Thr; Xaa9 is Asp or Glu; Xaa10 is Ala, Leu or pentylglycine; Xaa11 is Ala or Ser; Xaa12 is Ala or Lys; Xaa13 is Ala or Gln; Xaa14 is Ala, Leu or pentylglycine; Xaa15 is Ala or Glu; Xaa16 is Ala or Glu; Xaa17 is Ala or Glu; Xaa19 is Ala or Val; Xaa20 is Ala or Arg; Xaa21 is Ala or Leu; Xaa22 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa23 is Ile, Val or tert-butylglycine; Xaa24 is Ala, Glu or Asp; Xaa25 is Ala, Trp or Phe; Xaa26 is Ala or Leu; Xaa27 is Ala or Lys; Xaa28 is Ala or Asn; Z1 is —OH, —NH2, Gly-Z2, Gly Gly-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36 Xaa37-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36 Xaa37 Xaa38-Z2; Xaa31, Xaa36, Xaa37 and Xaa38 being independently Pro homoproline, thioproline or N-methylalanine; and Z2 being —OH or —NH2; provided that no more than three of Xaa3, Xaa5, Xaa6, Xaa8, Xaa10, Xaa11, Xaa12, Xaa13, Xaa14, Xaa15, Xaa16, Xaa17, Xaa19, Xaa20, Xaa21, Xaa24, Xaa25, Xaa26, Xaa27 and Xaa28 are Ala. Especially preferred compounds include those having the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NOS. 40-61. According to an especially preferred aspect, provided are compounds where Xaa14 is Leu, Ile, Val or pentylglycine, more preferably Leu or pentylglycine, and Xaa25 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine, more preferably Phe or naphthylalanine. These compounds will be less susceptive to oxidative degration, both in vitro and in vivo, as well as during synthesis of the compound. Exendin agonist compounds also include those described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/066,029, including compounds of the formula (III) [SEQ ID NO. 5]: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Xaa6 Xaa7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Xaa10 Xaa11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Xaa15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Ala Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 Xaa22 Xaa23 Xaa24 Xaa25 Xaa26 Xaa27 Xaa28-Z1; wherein Xaa1 is His, Arg, Tyr, Ala, Norval, Val or Norleu; Xaa2 is Ser, Gly, Ala or Thr; Xaa3 is Ala, Asp or Glu; Xaa4 is Ala, Norval, Val, Norleu or Gly; Xaa5 is Ala or Thr; Xaa6 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa7 is Thr or Ser; Xaa8 is Ala, Ser or Thr; Xaa9 is Ala, Norval, Val, Norleu, Asp or Glu; Xaa10 is Ala, Leu, Ile, Val, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa11 is Ala or Ser; Xaa12 is Ala or Lys; Xaa13 is Ala or Gln; Xaa14 is Ala, Leu, Ile, pentylglycine, Val or Met; Xaa15 is Ala or Glu; Xaa16 is Ala or Glu; Xaa17 is Ala or Glu; Xaa19 is Ala or Val; Xaa20 is Ala or Arg; Xaa21 is Ala or Leu; Xaa22 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa23 is Ile, Val, Leu, pentylglycine, tert-butylglycine or Met; Xaa24 is Ala, Glu or Asp; Xaa25 is Ala, Trp, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa26 is Ala or Leu; Xaa27 is Ala or Lys; Xaa28 is Ala or Asn; Z1 is —OH, —NH2, Gly-Z2, Gly Gly-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36 Xaa37-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36 Xaa37 Xaa38-Z2 or Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36 Xaa37 Xaa38 Xaa39-Z2; wherein Xaa3l, Xaa36, Xaa37 and Xaa38 are independently Pro, homoproline, 3Hyp, 4Hyp, thioproline, N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine or N-alkylalanine; and Z2 is —OH or —NH2; provided that no more than three of Xaa3, Xaa4, Xaa5, Xaa6, Xaa8, Xaa9, Xaa10, Xaa11, Xaa12, Xaa13, Xaa14, Xaa15, Xaa16, Xaa17, Xaa19, Xaa20, Xaa21, Xaa24, Xaa25, Xaa26, Xaa27 and Xaa28 are Ala; and provided also that, if Xaa1 is His, Arg or Tyr, then at least one of Xaa3, Xaa4 and Xaa9 is Ala. Definitions In accordance with the present invention and as used herein, the following terms are defined to have the following meanings, unless explicitly stated otherwise. The term “amino acid” refers to natural amino acids, unnatural amino acids, and amino acid analogs, all in their D and L stereoisomers if their structure allow such stereoisomeric forms. Natural amino acids include alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (Glu), glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), Lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), typtophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr) and valine (Val). Unnatural amino acids include, but are not limited to azetidinecarboxylic acid, 2-aminoadipic acid, 3-aminoadipic acid, beta-alanine, aminopropionic acid, 2-aminobutyric acid, 4-aminobutyric acid, 6-aminocaproic acid, 2-aminoheptanoic acid, 2-aminoisobutyric acid, 3-aminoisbutyric acid, 2-aminopimelic acid, tertiary-butylglycine, 2,4-diaminoisobutyric acid, desmosine, 2,2′-diaminopimelic acid, 2,3-diaminopropionic acid, N-ethylglycine, N-ethylasparagine, homoproline, hydroxylysine, allo-hydroxylysine, 3-hydroxyproline, 4-hydroxyproline, isodesmosine, allo-isoleucine, N-methylalanine, N-methylglycine, N-methylisoleucine, N-methylpentylglycine, N-methylvaline, naphthalanine, norvaline, norleucine, ornithine, pentylglycine, pipecolic acid and thioproline. Amino acid analogs include the natural and unnatural amino acids which are chemically blocked, reversibly or irreversibly, or modified on their N-terminal amino group or their side-chain groups, as for example, methionine sulfoxide, methionine sulfone, S-(carboxymethyl)-cysteine, S-(carboxymethyl)-cysteine sulfoxide and S-(carboxymethyl)-cysteine sulfone. The term “amino acid analog” refers to an amino acid wherein either the C-terminal carboxy group, the N-terminal amino group or side-chain functional group has been chemically codified to another functional group. For example, aspartic acid-(beta-methyl ester) is an amino acid analog of aspartic acid; N-ethylglycine is an amino acid analog of glycine; or alanine carboxamide is an amino acid analog of alanine. The term “amino acid residue” refers to radicals having the structure: (1) —C(O)—R—NH—, wherein R typically is —CH(R′)—, wherein R′ is an amino acid side chain, typically H or a carbon containing substitutent; or (2), wherein p is 1, 2 or 3 representing the azetidinecarboxylic acid, proline or pipecolic acid residues, respectively. The term “lower” referred to herein in connection with organic radicals such as alkyl groups defines such groups with up to and including about 6, preferably up to and including 4 and advantageously one or two carbon atoms. Such groups may be straight chain or branched chain. “Pharmaceutically acceptable salt” includes salts of the compounds described herein derived from the combination of such compounds and an organic or inorganic acid. In practice the use of the salt form amounts to use of the base form. The compounds are useful in both free base and salt form. In addition, the following abbreviations stand for the following: “ACN” or “CH3CN” refers to acetonitrile. “Boc”, “tBoc” or “Tboc” refers to t-butoxy carbonyl. “DCC” refers to N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. “Fmoc” refers to fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl. “HBTU” refers to 2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3,-tetramethyluronium hexaflurophosphate. “HOBt” refers to 1-hydroxybenzotriazole monohydrate. “homop” or hpro” refers to homoproline. “MeAla” or “Nme” refers to N-methylalanine. “naph” refers to naphthylalanine. “pG” or pGly” refers to pentylglycine. “tBuG” refers to tertiary-butylglycine. “ThioP” or tPro” refers to thioproline. 3Hyp” refers to 3-hydroxyproline 4Hyp” refers to 4-hydroxyproline NAG” refers to N-alkylglycine NAPG” refers to N-alkylpentylglycine “Norval” refers to norvaline “Norleu” refers to norleucine Preparation of Compounds The exendins and exendin agonists described herein may be prepared using standard solid-phase peptide synthesis techniques and preferably an automated or semiautomated peptide synthesizer. Typically, using such techniques, an α-N-carbamoyl protected amino acid and an amino acid attached to the growing peptide chain on a resin are coupled at room temperature in an inert solvent such as dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone or methylene chloride in the presence of coupling agents such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole in the presence of a base such as diisopropylethylamine. The α-N-carbamoyl protecting group is removed from the resulting peptide-resin using a reagent such as trifluoroacetic acid or piperidine, and the coupling reaction repeated with the next desired N-protected amino acid to be added to the peptide chain. Suitable N-protecting groups are well known in the art, with t-butyloxycarbonyl (tBoc) and fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) being preferred herein. The solvents, amino acid derivatives and 4-methylbenzhydryl-amine resin used in the peptide synthesizer may be purchased from Applied Biosystems Inc. (Foster City, Calif.). The following side-chain protected amino acids may be purchased from Applied Biosystems, Inc.: Boc-Arg(Mts), Fmoc-Arg(Pmc), Boc-Thr(Bzl), Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu), Boc-Ser(Bzl), Fmoc-Ser(t-Bu), Boc-Tyr(BrZ), Fmoc-Tyr(t-Bu), Boc-Lys(Cl-Z), Fmoc-Lys(Boc), Boc-Glu(Bzl), Fmoc-Glu(t-Bu), Fmoc-His(Trt), Fmoc-Asn(Trt), and Fmoc-Gln(Trt). Boc-His(BOM) may be purchased from Applied Biosystems, Inc. or Bachem Inc. (Torrance, Calif.). Anisole, dimethylsulfide, phenol, ethanedithiol, and thioanisole may be obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company (Milwaukee, Wis.). Air Products and Chemicals (Allentown, Pa.) supplies HF. Ethyl ether, acetic acid and methanol may be purchased from Fisher Scientific (Pittsburgh, Pa.). Solid phase peptide synthesis may be carried out with an automatic peptide synthesizer (Model 430A, Applied Biosystems Inc., Foster City, Calif.) using the NMP/HOBt (Option 1) system and tBoc or Fmoc chemistry (see, Applied Biosystems User's Manual for the ABI 430A Peptide Synthesizer, Version 1.3B Jul. 1, 1988, section 6, pp. 49-70, Applied Biosystems, Inc., Foster City, Calif.) with capping. Boc-peptide-resins may be cleaved with HF (−5° C. to 0° C., 1 hour). The peptide may be extracted from the resin with alternating water and acetic acid, and the filtrates lyophilized. The Fmoc-peptide resins may be cleaved according to standard methods (Introduction to Cleavage Techniques, Applied Biosystems, Inc., 1990, pp. 6-12). Peptides may be also be assembled using an Advanced Chem Tech Synthesizer (Model MPS 350,. Louisville, Ky.). Peptides may be purified by RP-HPLC (preparative and analytical) using a Waters Delta Prep 3000 system. A C4, C8 or C18 preparative column (10μ, 2.2×25 cm; Vydac, Hesperia, Calif.) may be used to isolate peptides, and purity may be determined using a C4, C8 or C18 analytical column (5μ, 0.46×25 cm; Vydac). Solvents (A=0.1% TFA/water and B=0.1% TFA/CH3CN) may be delivered to the analytical column at a flowrate of 1.0 ml/min and to the preparative column at 15 ml/min. Amino acid analyses may be performed on the Waters Pico Tag system and processed using the Maxima program. Peptides may be hydrolyzed by vapor-phase acid hydrolysis (115° C., 20-24 h). Hydrolysates may be derivatized and analyzed by standard methods (Cohen, et al., The Pico Tag Method: A Manual of Advanced Techniques for Amino Acid Analysis, pp. 11-52, Millipore Corporation, Milford, Mass. (1989)). Fast atom bombardment analysis may be carried out by M-Scan, Incorporated (West Chester, Pa.). Mass calibration may be performed using cesium iodide or cesium iodide/glycerol. Plasma desorption ionization analysis using time of flight detection may be carried out on an Applied Biosystems Bio-Ion 20 mass spectrometer. Electrospray mass spectroscopy may be carried out on a VG-Trio machine. Peptide compounds useful in the invention may also be prepared using recombinant DNA techniques, using methods now known in the art. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2d Ed., Cold Spring Harbor (1989). Non-peptide compounds useful in the present invention may be prepared by art-known methods. For example, phosphate-containing amino acids and peptides containing such amino acids, may be prepared using methods known in the art. See. e.g., Bartlett and Landen, Biorg. Chem. 14:356-377 (1986). The compounds described above are useful in view of their pharmacological properties. In particular, the compounds of the invention possess activity as agents to reduce food intake. They can be used to treat conditions or diseases which can be alleviated by reducing food intake. Compositions useful in the invention may conveniently be provided in the form of formulations suitable for parenteral (including intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous) or nasal or oral administration. In some cases, it will be convenient to provide an exendin or exendin agonist and another food-intake-reducing, plasma glucose-lowering or plasma lipid-lowering agent, such as amylin, an amylin agonist, a CCK, or a leptin, in a single composition or solution for administration together. In other cases, it may be more advantageous to administer the additional agent separately from said exendin or exendin agonist. A suitable administration format may best be determined by a medical practitioner for each patient individually. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and their formulation are described in standard formulation treatises, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences by E. W. Martin. See also Wang, Y. J. and Hanson, M. A. “Parenteral Formulations of Proteins and Peptides: Stability and Stabilizers,” Journal of Parenteral Science and Technology, Technical Report No. 10, Supp. 42:2S (1988). Compounds useful in the invention can be provided as parenteral compositions for injection or infusion. They can, for example, be suspended in an inert oil, suitably a vegetable oil such as sesame, peanut, olive oil, or other acceptable carrier. Preferably, they are suspended in an aqueous carrier, for example, in an isotonic buffer solution at a pH of about 3.0 to 8.0, preferably at a pH of about 3.5 to 5.0. These compositions may be sterilized by conventional sterilization techniques, or may be sterile filtered. The compositions may contain pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances as required to approximate physiological conditions, such as pH buffering agents. Useful buffers include for example, sodium acetate/acetic acid buffers. A form of repository or “depot” slow release preparation may be used so that therapeutically effective amounts of the preparation are delivered into the bloodstream over many hours or days following transdermal injection or delivery. The desired isotonicity may be accomplished using sodium chloride or other pharmaceutically acceptable agents such as dextrose, boric acid, sodium tartrate, propylene glycol, polyols (such as mannitol and sorbitol), or other inorganic or organic solutes. Sodium chloride is preferred particularly for buffers containing sodium ions. The claimed compositions can also be formulated as pharmaceutically acceptable salts (e.g., acid addition salts) and/or complexes thereof. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are non-toxic salts at the concentration at which they are administered. The preparation of such salts can facilitate the pharmacological use by altering the physical-chemical characteristics of the composition without preventing the composition from exerting its physiological effect. Examples of useful alterations in physical properties include lowering the melting point to facilitate transmucosal administration and increasing the solubility to facilitate the administration of higher concentrations of the drug. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include acid addition salts such as those containing sulfate, hydrochloride, phosphate, sulfamate, acetate, citrate, lactate, tartrate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, cyclohexylsulfamate and quinate. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be obtained from acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfamic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, malonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, cyclohexylsulfamic acid, and quinic acid. Such salts may be prepared by, for example, reacting the free acid or base forms of the product with one or more equivalents of the appropriate base or acid in a solvent or medium in which the salt is insoluble, or in a solvent such as water which is then removed in vacuo or by freeze-drying or by exchanging the ions of an existing salt for another ion on a suitable ion exchange resin. Carriers or excipients can also be used to facilitate administration of the compound. Examples of carriers and excipients include calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars such as lactose, glucose, or sucrose, or types of starch, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, vegetable oils, polyethylene glycols and physiologically compatible solvents. The compositions or pharmaceutical composition can be administered by different routes including intravenously, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular, orally, topically, transmucosally, or by pulmonary inhalation. If desired, solutions of the above compositions may be thickened with a thickening agent such as methyl cellulose. They may be prepared in emulsified form, either water in oil or oil in water. Any of a wide variety of pharmaceutically acceptable emulsifying agents may be employed including, for example, acacia powder, a non-ionic surfactant (such as a Tween), or an ionic surfactant (such as alkali polyether alcohol sulfates or sulfonates, e.g., a Triton) Compositions useful in the invention are prepared by mixing the ingredients following generally accepted procedures. For example, the selected components may be simply mixed in a blender or other standard device to produce a concentrated mixture which may then be adjusted to the final concentration and viscosity by the addition of water or thickening agent and possibly a buffer to control pH or an additional solute to control tonicity. For use by the physician, the compositions will be provided in dosage unit form containing an amount of an exendin or exendin agonist, for example, exendin-3, and/or exendin-4, with or without another food intake-reducing, plasma glucose-lowering or plasma lipid-lowering agent. Therapeutically effective amounts of an exendin or exendin agonist for use in reducing food intake are those that suppress appetite at a desired level. As will be recognized by those in the field, an effective amount of therapeutic agent will vary with many factors including the age and weight of the patient, the patient's physical condition, the blood sugar level and other factors. The effective daily appetite-suppressing dose of the compounds will typically be in the range of about 10 to 30 μg to about 5 mg/day, preferably about 10 to 30 μg to about 2 mg/day and more preferably about 10 to 100 μg to about 1 mg/day, most preferably about 30 μg to about 500 μg/day, for a 70 kg patient, administered in a single or divided doses. The exact dose to be administered is determined by the attending clinician and is dependent upon where the particular compound lies within the above quoted range, as well as upon the age, weight and condition of the individual. Administration should begin whenever the suppression of food intake, or weight lowering is desired, for example, at the first sign of symptoms or shortly after diagnosis of obesity, diabetes mellitus, or insulin-resistance syndrome. Administration may be by injection, preferably subcutaneous or intramuscular orally active compounds may be taken orally, however dosages should be increased 5-10 fold. The optimal formulation and mode of administration of compounds of the present application to a patient depend on factors known in the art such as the particular disease or disorder, the desired effect, and the type of patient. While the compounds will typically be used to treat human subjects they may also be used to treat similar or identical diseases in other vertebrates such as other primates, farm animals such as swine, cattle and poultry, and sports animals and pets such as horses, dogs and cats. To assist in understanding the present invention, the following Examples are included. The experiments relating to this invention should not, of course, be construed as specifically limiting the invention and such variations of the invention, now known or later developed, which would be within the purview of one skilled in the art are considered to fall within the scope of the invention as described herein and hereinafter claimed. EXAMPLE 1 Exendin Injections Reduced the Food Intake of Normal Mice All mice (NIH:Swiss mice) were housed in a stable environment of 22 (±2)° C., 60 (±10) % humidity and a 12:12 light:dark cycle; with lights on at 0600. Mice were housed in groups of four in standard cages with ad libitum access to food (Teklad: LM 485; Madison, Wis.) and water except as noted, for at least two weeks before the experiments. All experiments were conducted between the hours of 0700 and.0900. The mice were food deprived (food removed at 1600 hr from all animals on day prior to experiment) and individually housed. All mice received an intraperitoneal injection (5 μl/kg) of either saline or exendin-4 at doses of 0.1, 1.0, 10 and 100 μg/kg and were immediately presented with a pre-weighed food pellet (Teklad LM 485). The food pellet was weighed at 30-minute, 1-hr, 2-hr and 6-hr intervals to determine the amount of food eaten. FIG. 1 depicts cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH:Swiss mice following ip injection of saline, 2 doses of GLP-1, or 4 doses of exendin-4. At doses up to 100 μg/kg, GLP-1 had no effect on food intake measured over any period, a result consistent with that previously reported (Bhavsar, S. P., et al., Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 21:460 (188.8) (1995); and Turton, M. D., Nature, 379:69-72, (1996)). In contrast, exendin-4 injections potently and dose-dependently inhibited food intake. The ED50 for inhibition of food intake over 30 min was 1 μg/kg, which is a level about as potent as amylin (ED50 3.6 μg/kg) or the prototypical peripheral satiety agent, CCK (ED50 0.97 μg/kg) as measured in this preparation. However, in contrast to the effects of amylin or CCK, which abate after 1-2 hours, the inhibition of food intake with exendin-4 was still present after at least 6 hours after injection. EXAMPLE 2 Exendin Reduced the Food Intake of Obese Mice All mice (female ob/ob mice) were housed in a stable environment of 22 (±2)° C., 60 (±10) % humidity and a 12:12 light:dark cycle; with lights on at 0600. Mice were housed in groups of four in standard cages with ad libitum access to food (Teklad: LM 485) and water except as noted, for at least two weeks before the experiments. All experiments were conducted between the hours of 0700 and 0900. The mice were food deprived (food removed at 1600 hr from all animals on day prior to experiment) and individually housed. All mice received an intraperitoneal injection (5 μl/kg) of either saline or exendin-4 at doses of 0.1, 1.0 and 10 μg/kg (female ob/ob mice) and were immediately presented with a pre-weighed food pellet (Teklad LM 485). The food pellet was weighed at 30-minute, 1 -hr, 2-hr and 6-hr intervals to determine the amount of food eaten. FIG. 2 depicts the effect of exendin-4 in the ob/ob mouse model of obesity. The obese mice had a similar food intake-related response to exendin as the normal mice. Moreover, the obese mice were not hypersensitive to exendin, as has been observed with amylin and leptin (Young, A. A., et al., Program and Abstracts, 10th International Congress of Endocrinology, Jun. 12-15, 1996 San Francisco, pg 419 (P2-58)). EXAMPLE 3 Intracerebroventricular Injections of Exendin Inhibited Food Intake in Rats All rats (Harlan Sprague-Dawley) were housed in a stable environment of 22 (±2)° C., 60 (±10) % humidity and a 12:12 light:dark cycle; with lights on at 0600. Rats were obtained from Zivic Miller with an intracerebroventricular cannula (ICV cannula) implanted (coordinates determined by actual weight of animals and referenced to Paxinos, G. and Watson, C. “The Rat Brain in stereotaxic coordinates,” second edition. Academic Press) and were individually housed in standard cages with ad libitum access to food (Teklad: LM 485) and water for at least one week before the experiments. All injections were given between the hours of 1700 and 1800. The rats were habituated to the ICV injection procedure at least once before the ICV administration of compound. All rats received an ICV injection (2 μl/30 seconds) of either saline or exendin-4 at doses of 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 μg. All animals were then presented with pre-weighed food (Teklad LM 485) at 1800, when the lights were turned off. The amount of food left was weighed at 2-hr, 12-hr and 24-hr intervals to determine the amount of food eaten by each animal. FIG. 3 depicts a dose-dependent inhibition of food intake in rats that received doses greater than 0.1 μg/rat. The ED50 was≈0.1 μg, exendin-4 is thus≈100-fold more potent than intracerebroventricular injections of GLP-1 as reported by Turton, M. D., et al. (Nature 379:69-72 (1996)). EXAMPLE 4 Exendin Agonists Reduced the Food Intake in Mice All mice (NIH:Swiss mice) were housed in a stable environment of 22 (±2)° C., 60 (±10) % humidity and a 12:12 light:dark cycle; with lights on at 0600. Mice were housed in groups of four in standard cages with ad libitum access to food (Teklad: LM 485; Madison, Wis.) and water except as noted, for at least two weeks before the experiments. All experiments were conducted between the hours of 0700 and 0900. The mice were food deprived (food removed at 1600 hr from all animals on day prior to experiment) and individually housed. All mice received an intraperitoneal injection (5 μl/kg) of either saline or test compound at doses of 1, 10, and 100 μg/kg and immediately presented with a food pellet (Teklad LM 485). The food pellet was weighed at 30-minute, 1-hr, 2-hr and 6-hr intervals to determine the amount of food eaten. FIG. 4 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH:Swiss mice following ip injection-of saline or exendin-4 (1-30) (“Compound 1”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg. FIG. 5 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH:Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or exendin-4 (1-30) amide (“Compound 2”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg. FIG. 6 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH:Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 3”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg. FIG. 7 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH:Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or 14Leu, 25Phe exendin-4 amide (“Compound 4”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg. FIG. 8 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH:Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or 14Leu,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 5”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg. FIG. 9 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH:Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or 14Leu,22Ala,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 6”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg. EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of Amidated Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 9 The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.). In general, single-coupling cycles were used throughout the synthesis and Fast Moc (HBTU activation) chemistry was employed. However, at some positions coupling was less efficient than expected and double couplings were required. In particular, residues Asp9, Thr7 and Phe6 all required double coupling. Deprotection (Fmoc group removal)of the growing peptide chain using piperidine was not always efficient. Double deprotection was required at positions Arg20, Val19 and Leu14. Final deprotection of the completed peptide resin was achieved using a mixture of triethylsilane (0.2 mL), ethanedithiol (0.2 mL), anisole (0.2 mL), water (0.2 mL) and trifluoroacetic acid (15 mL) according to standard methods (Introduction to Cleavage Techniques, Applied Biosystems, Inc.) The peptide was precipitated in ether/water (50 mL) and centrifuged. The precipitate was reconstituted in glacial acetic acid and lyophilized. The lyophilized peptide was dissolved in water). Crude purity was about 55%. Used in purification steps and analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). The solution containing peptide was applied to a preparative C-18 column and purified (10% to 40% Solvent B in Solvent A over 40 minutes). Purity of fractions was determined isocratically using a C-18 analytical column. Pure fractions were pooled furnishing the above-identified peptide. Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4131.7; found 4129.3. EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 10 The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 25% to 75% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 21.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4168.6; found 4171.2. EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 11 The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4147.6; found 4150.2. EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 12 The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 65% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 19.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4212.6; found 4213.2. EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 13 The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 50% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 16.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4262.7; found 4262.4. EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 14 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4172.6 EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 15 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl-phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4224.7. EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 16 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4172.6 EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 17 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4186.6 EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 18 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4200.7 EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 19 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4200.7 EXAMPLE 16 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 20 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4202.7. EXAMPLE 17 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 21 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4145.6. EXAMPLE 18 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 22 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4184.6. EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 23 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4145.6. EXAMPLE 20 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 24 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4224.7. EXAMPLE 21 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 25 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4172.6. EXAMPLE 22 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 26 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4115.5. EXAMPLE 23 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 27 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4188.6. EXAMPLE 24 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 28 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4131.6. EXAMPLE 25 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 29 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4172.6. EXAMPLE 26 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 30 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4145.6. EXAMPLE 27 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 31 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the thioproline positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4266.8. EXAMPLE 28 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 32 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the thioproline positions 38, 37 and 36. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4246.8. EXAMPLE 29 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 33 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the homoproline positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4250.8. EXAMPLE 30 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 34 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the homoproline positions 38, 37, and 36. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4234.8. EXAMPLE 31 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 35 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the thioproline positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4209.8. EXAMPLE 32 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 36 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the homoproline positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4193.7. EXAMPLE 33 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 37 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the N-methylalanine positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3858.2. EXAMPLE 34 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 38 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the N-methylalanine positions 38, 37 and 36. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3940.3. EXAMPLE 35 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 39 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the N-methylalanine positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3801.1. EXAMPLE 36 Preparation of C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the above C-Terminal Amide Sequences The above peptides of Examples 5 to 35 are assembled on the so called Wang resin (p-alkoxybenzylalacohol resin (Bachem, 0.54 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M). EXAMPLE 37 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 7 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp [SEQ. ID. NO. 7] Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.). In general, single-coupling cycles were used throughout the synthesis and Fast Moc (HBTU activation) chemistry was employed. Deprotection (Fmoc group removal)of the growing peptide chain was achieved using piperidine. Final deprotection of the completed peptide resin was achieved using a mixture of triethylsilane (0.2 mL), ethanedithiol (0.2 mL), anisole (0.2 mL), water (0.2 mL) and trifluoroacetic acid (15 mL) according to standard methods (Introduction to Cleavage Techniques, Applied Biosystems, Inc.) The peptide was precipitated in ether/water (50 mL) and centrifuged. The precipitate was reconstituted in glacial acetic acid and lyophilized. The lyophilized peptide was dissolved in water). Crude purity was about 75%. Used in purification steps and analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). The solution containing peptide was applied to a preparative C-18 column and purified (10% to 40% Solvent B in Solvent A over 40 minutes). Purity of fractions was determined isocratically using a C-18 analytical column. Pure fractions were pooled furnishing the above-identified peptide. Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 50% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 18.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3408.0; found 3408.9. EXAMPLE 38 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 40 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 40] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 40% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3294.7; found 3294.8. EXAMPLE 39 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 41 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 41] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 29% to 36% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 20.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3237.6; found 3240. EXAMPLE 40 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 42 His Ala Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 42] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 15.2 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3251.6; found 3251.5. EXAMPLE 41 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 43 His Gly Glu Gly Ala Phe Thr [SEQ. ID. NO. 43] Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 13.1 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3207.6; found 3208.3. EXAMPLE 42 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 44 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Ala Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 44] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 12.8 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3161.5; found 3163. EXAMPLE 43 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 45 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ala [SEQ. ID. NO. 45] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 15.2 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3221.6; found 3222.7. EXAMPLE 44 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 46 [SEQ. ID. NO. 46] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 34% to 44% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5; found 3199.4. EXAMPLE 45 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 47 [SEQ. ID. NO. 47] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ala Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 15.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3221.6; found 3221.6. EXAMPLE 46 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 48 [SEQ. ID. NO. 48] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Ala Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 18.1 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3180.5; found 3180.9. EXAMPLE 47 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 49 [SEQ. ID. NO. 49] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Ala Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Compound 1. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.0 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3180.6; found 3182.8. EXAMPLE 48 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 50 [SEQ. ID. NO. 50] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Ala Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 32% to 42% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5; found 3195.9. EXAMPLE 49 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 51 [SEQ. ID. NO. 51] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to 47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6; found 3179.0. EXAMPLE 50 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 52 [SEQ. ID. NO. 52] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Ala Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to 47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6; found 3180.0. EXAMPLE 51 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 53 [SEQ. ID. NO. 53] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Ala Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to .47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 13.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6; found 3179.0. EXAMPLE 52 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 54 [SEQ. ID. NO. 54] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Ala Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.0 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3209.6; found 3212.8. EXAMPLE 53 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 55 [SEQ. ID. NO. 55] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Ala Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3152.5; found 3153.5. EXAMPLE 54 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 56 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 56] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Ala Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 12.1 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5; found 3197.7. EXAMPLE 55 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 57 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 57] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Ala Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 10.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6; found 3180.5. EXAMPLE 56 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 58 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 58] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Ala Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 32% to 42% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3161.5; found 3163.0. EXAMPLE 57 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 59 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 59] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Ala Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 32% to 42% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 19.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5; found 3199. EXAMPLE 58 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 60 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 60] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Ala Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3180.5; found 3183.7. EXAMPLE 59 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 61 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 61] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 34% to 44% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 22.8 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3194.6; found 3197.6. EXAMPLE 60 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 62 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 62] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4099.6. EXAMPLE 61 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 63 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 63] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4042.5. EXAMPLE 62 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 64 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 64] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4002.4 EXAMPLE 63 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 65 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 65] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3945.4. EXAMPLE 64 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 66 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 66] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(21-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3905.3. EXAMPLE 65 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 67 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 67] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3848.2. EXAMPLE 66 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 68 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 68] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3808.2. EXAMPLE 67 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 69 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 69] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3751.1. EXAMPLE 68 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 70 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 70] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3737.1. EXAMPLE 69 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 71 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 71] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3680.1. EXAMPLE 70 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 72 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 72] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3680.1 EXAMPLE 71 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 73 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 73] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3623.0. EXAMPLE 72 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 74 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 74] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser- NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3593.0 EXAMPLE 73 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 75 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 75] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser- NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3535.9 EXAMPLE 74 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 76 [SEQ. ID. NO. 76] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro-NH2 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3505.9. EXAMPLE 75 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 77 [SEQ. ID. NO. 77] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3448.8. EXAMPLE 76 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 78 [SEQ. ID. NO. 78] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH2 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3351.7. EXAMPLE 77 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 79 [SEQ. ID. NO. 79] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly-NH2 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3351.8. EXAMPLE 78 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 80 [SEQ. ID. NO. 80] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3294.7. EXAMPLE 79 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 81 [SEQ. ID. NO. 81] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly tPro Ser Ser Gly Ala tPro tPro tPro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 37,36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4197.1. EXAMPLE 80 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 82 [SEQ. ID. NO. 82] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala tPro tPro tPro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4179.1. EXAMPLE 81 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 83 [SEQ. ID. NO. 83] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly NMeala Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3948.3. EXAMPLE 82 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 84 [SEQ. ID. NO. 84] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly NMeala Ser Ser Gly Ala NMeala Nmeala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3840.1. EXAMPLE 83 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 85 [SEQ. ID. NO. 85] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro hPro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4050.1. EXAMPLE 84 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 86 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 86] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. A double coupling is required at residue 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3937.1 EXAMPLE 85 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 87 Arg Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 87] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3827.2. EXAMPLE 86 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 88 His Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 88] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes). of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3394.8. EXAMPLE 87 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 89 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Naphthylala [SEQ. ID. NO. 89] Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3289.5. EXAMPLE 88 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 90 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Ser Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 90] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3280.7. EXAMPLE 89 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 91 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Ser Thr [SEQ. ID. NO. 91] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3294.7. EXAMPLE 90 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 92 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 92] Glu Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3250.7. EXAMPLE 91 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 93 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 93] Asp pentylgly Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3253.5. EXAMPLE 92 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 94 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 94] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Naphthylala Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3289.5. EXAMPLE 93 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 95 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 95] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe tButylgly Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3183.4. EXAMPLE 94 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 96 [SEQ. ID. NO. 96] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Asp Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3237.6. EXAMPLE 95 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 97 [SEQ. ID. NO. 97] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3637.9. EXAMPLE 96 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 98 [SEQ. ID. NO. 98] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3309.7. EXAMPLE 97 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 99 [SEQ. ID. NO. 99] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Tie Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro hPro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Ecample 37. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3711.1. EXAMPLE 98 Preparation of C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the Above C-Terminal Amide Sequences for SEQ ID NOS. 7, 40-61, 68-75, 78-80 and 87-96 Peptides having the sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 7, 40-61, 68-75, 78-80 and 87-96 are assembled on the so called Wang resin (p-alkoxybenzylalacohol resin (Bachem, 0.54 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M). EXAMPLE 99 Preparation of C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the Above C-Terminal Amide Sequences for SEQ ID NOS. 62-67, 76, 77 and 81-86 Peptides having the sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 62-67, 76, 77 and 81-86 are assembled on the 2-chlorotritylchloride resin (200-400 mesh), 2% DVB (Novabiochem, 0.4-1.0 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M). EXAMPLE 100 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 100 [SEQ. ID. NO. 100] Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.). In general, single-coupling cycles were used throughout the synthesis and Fast Moc (HBTU activation) chemistry was employed. Deprotection (Fmoc group removal)of the growing peptide chain was achieved using piperidine. Final deprotection of the completed peptide resin was achieved using a mixture of triethylsilane (0.2 mL), ethanedithiol (0.2 mL), anisole (0.2 mL), water (0.2 mL) and trifluoroacetic acid (15 mL) according to standard methods (Introduction to Cleavage Techniques, Applied Biosystems, Inc.) The peptide was precipitated in ether/water (50 mL) and centrifuged. The precipitate was reconstituted in glacial acetic acid and lyophilized. The lyophilized peptide was dissolved in water). Crude purity was about 75%. Used in purification steps and analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). The solution containing peptide was applied to a preparative C-18 column and purified (10% to 40% Solvent B in Solvent A over 40 minutes). Purity of fractions was determined isocratically using a C-18 analytical column. Pure fractions were pooled furnishing the above-identified peptide. Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 19.2 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3171.6; found 3172. EXAMPLE 101 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 101 [SEQ. ID. NO. 101] His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6; found 3180. EXAMPLE 102 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 102 [SEQ. ID. NO. 102] His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to 47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 12.2 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3251.6; found 3253.3. EXAMPLE 103 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 103 [SEQ. ID. NO. 103] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 16.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3193.6; found 3197. EXAMPLE 104 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 104 [SEQ. ID. NO. 104] Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3228.6. EXAMPLE 105 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 105 [SEQ. ID. NO. 105] His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3234.7. EXAMPLE 106 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 106 [SEQ. ID. NO. 106] His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3308.7. EXAMPLE 107 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 107 [SEQ. ID. NO. 107] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3250.7 EXAMPLE 108 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 108 [SEQ. ID. NO. 108] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3252.6. EXAMPLE 109 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 109 [SEQ. ID. NO. 109] Ala Ala Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3200.6. EXAMPLE 110 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 110 [SEQ. ID. NO. 110] Ala Ala Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4 -(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl) -Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3143.5. EXAMPLE 111 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 111 [SEQ. ID. NO. 111] Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3214.6. EXAMPLE 112 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 112 [SEQ. ID. NO. 112] Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3157.5. EXAMPLE 113 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 113 [SEQ. ID. NO. 113] Ala Gly Asp Gly Ala Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3184.6. EXAMPLE 114 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 114 [SEQ. ID. NO. 114] Ala Gly Asp Gly Ala Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3127.5. EXAMPLE 115 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 115 [SEQ. ID. NO. 115] Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr NaphthylAla Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3266.4. EXAMPLE 116 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 116 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Naphthylala [SEQ. ID. NO. 116] Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3209.4. EXAMPLE 117 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 117 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Ser Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 117] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3200.6. EXAMPLE 118 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 118 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Ser Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 118] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3143.5. EXAMPLE 119 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 119 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ala [SEQ. ID. NO. 119] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3198.6. EXAMPLE 120 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 120 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ala [SEQ. ID. NO. 120] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3141.5. EXAMPLE 121 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 121 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 121] Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3170.6. EXAMPLE 122 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 122 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 122] Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3113.5. EXAMPLE 123 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 123 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 123] Glu Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3228.6. EXAMPLE 124 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 124 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 124] Glu Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3171.6. EXAMPLE 125 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 125 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 125] Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3172.5. EXAMPLE 126 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 126 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 126] Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptiden is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3115.4. EXAMPLE 127 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 127 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 127] Asp Pentylgly Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3230.4. EXAMPLE 128 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 128 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 128] Asp Pentylgly Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3198.6. EXAMPLE 129 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 129 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 129] Asp Leu Ala Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3141.5. EXAMPLE 130 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 130 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 130] Asp Leu Ala Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3157.5. EXAMPLE 131 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 131 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 131] Asp Leu Ser Ala Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3100.4. EXAMPLE 132 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 132 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 132] Asp Leu Ser Ala Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3157.6. EXAMPLE 133 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 133 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 133] Asp Leu Ser Lys Ala Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3100.5. EXAMPLE 134 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 134 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 134] Asp Leu Ser Lys Ala Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3100.5. EXAMPLE 135 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 135 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 135] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Ala Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3154.5. EXAMPLE 136 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 136 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 136] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Ala Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3115.5. EXAMPLE 137 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 137 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 137] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Pentylgly Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3212.4. EXAMPLE 138 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 138 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 138] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Pentylgly Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3173.4. EXAMPLE 139 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 139 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 139] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3156.6. EXAMPLE 140 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 140 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 140] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3099.5. EXAMPLE 141 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 141 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 141] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Ala Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3156.6. EXAMPLE 142 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 142 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 142] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Ala Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3099.5. EXAMPLE 143 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 143 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 143] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Ala Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3156.6. EXAMPLE 144 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 144 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 144] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Ala Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3099.5. EXAMPLE 145 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 145 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 145] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Ala Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3186.6. EXAMPLE 146 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 146 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 146] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Ala Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3129.5. EXAMPLE 147 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 147 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 147] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Ala Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3129.5. EXAMPLE 148 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 148 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 148] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Ala Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3072.4. EXAMPLE 149 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 149 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 149] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Ala Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3172.5. EXAMPLE 150 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 150 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 150] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Ala Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3115.5. EXAMPLE 151 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 151 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 151] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Naphthylala Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3266.4. EXAMPLE 152 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 152 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 152] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Naphthylala Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3209.4. EXAMPLE 153 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 153 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 153] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Val Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3200.6. EXAMPLE 154 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 154 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 154] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Val Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3143.5. EXAMPLE 155 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 155 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 155] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe tButylgly Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3216.5. EXAMPLE 156 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 156 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 156] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe tButylgly Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3159.4. EXAMPLE 157 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 157 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 157] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Asp Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3200.6. EXAMPLE 158 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 158 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 158] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Asp Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3143.5. EXAMPLE 159 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 159 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 159] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Ala Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3099.5. EXAMPLE 160 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 160 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 160] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Ala Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3081.4. EXAMPLE 161 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 161 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 161] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Ala Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3172.5. EXAMPLE 162 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 162 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 162] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Ala Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3115.5. EXAMPLE 163 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 163 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 163] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Ala Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3157.5. EXAMPLE 164 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 164 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 164] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Ala Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3100.4. EXAMPLE 165 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 165 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 165] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3171.6. EXAMPLE 166 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 166 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 166] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3114.5. EXAMPLE 167 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 167 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 167] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4033.5. EXAMPLE 168 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 168 His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 168] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3984.4. EXAMPLE 169 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 169 His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 169] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4016.5. EXAMPLE 170 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 170 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 170] Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3861.3. EXAMPLE 171 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 171 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 171] Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3746.1. EXAMPLE 172 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 172 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 172] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3742.1. EXAMPLE 173 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO. 173 His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 173] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3693.1. EXAMPLE 174 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 174 His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 174] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3751.2. EXAMPLE 175 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 175 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 175] Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3634.1. EXAMPLE 176 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 176 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 176] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3526.9. EXAMPLE 177 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 177 His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 177] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3477.9. EXAMPLE 178 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 178 His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 178] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3519.9. EXAMPLE 179 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 179 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 179] Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3307.7. EXAMPLE 180 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 180 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 180] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3186.5. EXAMPLE 181 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 181 His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 181] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly tPro Ser Ser Gly Ala tPro tPro tPro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Double couplings are required at residues 37,36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4121.1. EXAMPLE 182 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 182 His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 182] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala tPro tPro tPro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Double couplings are required at residues 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4173.2. EXAMPLE 183 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 183 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 183] Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly NMeala Ser Ser Gly Ala NMeala NMeala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Compound 1. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3796.1. EXAMPLE 184 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 184 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 184] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. A double coupling is required at residue 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3871.1. EXAMPLE 185 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 185 His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 185] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3750.2. EXAMPLE 186 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 186 His Gly Asp Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 186] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH2 The above-identified amdiated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3408.8. EXAMPLE 187 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 187 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 187] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4120.6. EXAMPLE 188 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 188 Ala Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 188] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4005.5. EXAMPLE 189 Preparation of C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the Above C-Terminal Amide Sequences for Peptides Having SEQ ID NOS. 100-166. 172-177. 179-180 and 185-188 C-terminal carboxylic acid peptides corresponding to amidated having SEQ ID NOS. 100-166, 172-177, 179-180 and 185-188 are assembled on the so called Wang resin (p-alkoxybenzylalacohol resin (Bachem, 0.54 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to that described in Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M). EXAMPLE 190 Preparation of C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the Above C-Terminal Amide Sequences for Peptides Having SEQ ID NOS. 167-171, 178 and 181-184 C-terminal carboxylic acid eptides corresponding to amidated SEQ ID NOS. 167-171, 178 and 181-184 are assembled on the 2-chlorotritylchloride resin (200-400 mesh), 2% DVB (Novabiochem, 0.4-1.0 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to that described in Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M). Various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and fall within the scope of the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The following description summarizes information relevant to the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art to the presently claimed invention, nor that any of the publications specifically or implicitly referenced are prior art to that invention. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention concerns the surprising discovery that exendins and exendin agonists have a profound and prolonged effect on inhibiting food intake. The present invention is directed to novel methods for treating conditions or disorders associated with hypernutrition, comprising the administration of an exendin, for example, exendin-3 [SEQ ID NO. 1: His Ser Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser], or exendin-4 [SEQ ID NO. 2: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser], or other compounds which effectively bind to the receptor at which exendin exerts its action on reducing food intake. These methods will be useful in the treatment of, for example, obesity, diabetes, including Type II or non-insulin dependent diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. In a first aspect, the invention features a method of treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. By an “exendin agonist” is meant a compound that mimics the effects of exendin on the reduction of food intake by binding to the receptor or receptors where exendin causes this effect. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/055,404, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Aug. 8, 1997; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/065,442, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Nov. 14, 1997; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/066,029, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Nov. 14, 1997; all of which enjoy common ownership with the present application and all of which are incorporated by this reference into the present application as though fully set forth herein. By “condition or disorder which can be alleviated by reducing food intake” is meant any condition or disorder in a subject that is either caused by, complicated by, or aggravated by a relatively high food intake, or that can be alleviated by reducing food intake. Such conditions or disorders include, but are not limited to, obesity, diabetes, including Type II diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. Thus, in a first embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake in a subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/055,404; 60/065,442; and 60/066,029, which have been incorporated by reference in the present application. Preferably, the subject is a vertebrate, more preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human. In preferred aspects, the exendin or exendin agonist is administered parenterally, more preferably by injection. In a most preferred aspect, the injection is a peripheral injection. Preferably, about 10 μg-30 μg to about 5 mg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day. More preferably, about 10-30 μg to about 2 mg, or about 10-30 μg to about 1 mg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day. Most preferably, about 30 μg to about 500 μg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day. In various preferred embodiments of the invention, the condition or disorder is obesity, diabetes, preferably Type II diabetes, an eating disorder, or insulin-resistance syndrome. In other preferred aspects of the invention, a method is provided for reducing the appetite of a subject comprising administering to said subject an appetite-lowering amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. In yet other preferred aspects, a method is provided for lowering plasma lipids comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. The methods of the present invention may also be used to reduce the cardiac risk of a subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. In one preferred aspect, the exendin or exendin agonist used in the methods of the present invention is exendin-3. In another preferred aspect, said exendin is exendin-4. Other preferred exendin agonists include exendin-4 (1-30) [SEQ ID NO 6: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly], exendin-4 (1-30) amide [SEQ ID NO 7: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH 2 ], exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO 40: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH 2 ], 14 Leu, 25 Phe exendin-4 amide [SEQ ID NO 9: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser-NH 2 ], 14 Leu, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO 41: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2 ], and 14 Leu, 22 Ala, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO 8: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Ala Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2 ]. In the methods of the present invention, the exendins and exendin agonists may be administered separately or together with one or more other compounds and compositions that exhibit a long term or short-term satiety action, including, but not limited to other compounds and compositions that comprise an amylin agonist, cholecystokinin (CCK), or a leptin (ob protein). Suitable amylin agonists include, for example, [ 25,28,29 Pro-]-human amylin (also known as “pramlintide,” and previously referred to as “AC-137”) as described in “Amylin Agonist Peptides and Uses Therefor,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,511, issued Nov. 11, 1997, and salmon calcitonin. The CCK used is preferably CCK octopeptide (CCK-8). Leptin is discussed in, for example, Pelleymounter, M. A., et al. Science 269:540-43 (1995); Halaas, J. L., et al. Science 269:543-46 (1995); and Campfield, L. A., et al. Eur. J. Pharmac. 262:133-41 (1994). In other embodiments of the invention is provided a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or exendin agonist in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount for a human subject. The pharmaceutical composition may preferably be used for reducing the appetite of a subject, reducing the weight of a subject, lowering the plasma lipid level of a subject, or reducing the cardiac risk of a subject. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the pharmaceutical composition will preferably comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or exendin agonist to accomplish the desired effect in the subject. The pharmaceutical compositions may further comprise one or more other compounds and compositions that exhibit a long-term or short-term satiety action, including, but not limited to other compounds and compositions that comprise an amylin agonist, CCK, preferably CCK-8, or leptin. Suitable amylin agonists include, for example, [ 25,28,29 Pro]-human amylin and salmon calcitonin. In one preferred aspect, the pharmaceutical composition comprises exendin-3. In another preferred aspect, the pharmaceutical composition comprises exendin-4. In other preferred aspects, the pharmaceutical compositions comprises a peptide selected from: exendin-4 (1-30), exendin-4 (1-30) amide, exendin-4 (1-28) amide, 14 Leu, 25 Phe exendin-4 amide, 14 Leu, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide, and 14 Leu , 22 Ala, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide. | 20040719 | 20071120 | 20050929 | 92250.0 | 2 | LIU, SAMUEL W | PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING EXENDINS | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,895,110 | ACCEPTED | Automobile entertainment system linking multiple video systems for coordinated sharing of video content | An automobile entertainment system includes a plurality of video systems, each video system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body and a first downwardly extending extension arm having a passage extending therethrough. The entertainment system also includes a central switching assembly linking the plurality of video systems. At least one of the video systems includes an output transmitting signals to the central switching assembly to transfer to the remaining video systems. Each video system also includes an input transmitting signals from the central switching assembly to the respective video systems. | 1. An automobile entertainment system, comprising: a plurality of video systems, each video system mounted within an automobile headrest, the headrest including a headrest body and a first downwardly extending extension arm having a passage extending therethrough; a central switching assembly linking the plurality of video systems; at least one of the video systems including an output transmitting signals to the central switching assembly to transfer to the remaining video systems; and each video system including an input transmitting signals from the central switching assembly to the respective video systems. 2. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein each video system includes a video monitor and a video source. 3. The entertainment system according to claim 2, wherein the video source is a DVD player. 4. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the central switching assembly includes a wireless transmitter. 5. The entertainment system according to claim 4, wherein the wireless transmitter is an FM wireless transmitter for the transmission of audio signals to an automobile radio. 6. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of video systems includes a first video system, a second video system, a third video system and a fourth video system. 7. The entertainment system according to claim 6, wherein the first video system and the second video system respectively include an output transmitting signals to the central switching assembly. 8. The entertainment system according to claim 7, wherein the outputs of the first video system and the second video system include wiring for power, right and left audio output signals, and a video output signal. 9. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the output includes wiring for power, right and left audio output signals, and a video output signal. 10. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the input of each video system includes wiring for power, right and left audio output signals, and a video output signal. 11. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the central switching assembly includes a central processor programmed to control the transmission of signals in an efficient manner. 12. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the central switching assembly supplies power to the various video systems connected thereto. 13. The entertainment system according to claim 12, wherein the central switching assembly is connected to an automobile power supply. | CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/517,862, filed Nov. 7, 2003, entitled “AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM”, 60/534,705, filed Jan. 8, 2004, entitled “AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM”, and ______, filed on May 17, 2004, entitled “AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM”. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to an automobile entertainment system. More particularly, the invention relates to the networking of multiple video systems within an automobile for selective sharing of video content among the multiple video systems within the automobile. 2. Description of the Prior Art Entertainment systems for automobiles are well known. As such, many advances have been made in the development of entertainment systems that make the otherwise tedious task of riding in an automobile more bearable. In addition to the development of overhead systems pioneered by the present inventor, systems that mount within the headrest of an automobile have also been developed. These headrest entertainment systems allow multiple individuals to view a variety of different video sources within the same vehicle. However, and as those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, it is often desirable to share the video content being presented on the various video systems within the vehicle. The present invention provides a distribution system for sharing video content within an automobile employing multiple video systems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an automobile entertainment system including a plurality of video systems, each video system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body and a first downwardly extending extension arm having a passage extending therethrough. The entertainment system also includes a central switching assembly linking the plurality of video systems. At least one of the video systems includes an output transmitting signals to the central switching assembly to transfer to the remaining video systems. Each video system also includes an input transmitting signals from the central switching assembly to the respective video systems. It is another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein each video system includes a video monitor and a video source. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the video source is a DVD player. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the central switching assembly includes a wireless transmitter. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the wireless transmitter is an FM wireless transmitter for the transmission of audio signals to an automobile radio. It is also another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the plurality of video systems includes a first video system, a second video system, a third video system and a fourth video system. It is still another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the first video system and the second video system respectively include an output transmitting signals to the central switching assembly. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the outputs of the first video system and the second video system include wiring for power, right and left audio output signals, and a video output signal. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the output includes wiring for power, right and left audio output signals, and a video output signal. It is also a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the input of each video system includes wiring for power, right and left audio output signals, and a video output signal. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the central switching assembly includes a central processor programmed to control the transmission of signals in an efficient manner. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the central switching assembly supplies power to the various video systems connected thereto. It is another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the central switching assembly is connected to an automobile power supply. Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of the subject invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 present various views of the video system in accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 disclose alternate embodiments of the video system in accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 9a and 9b respectively disclose a front view of the video system housing and a cross sectional view of the video system housing along the line B-B in FIG. 9a. FIGS. 10a and 10b are wiring schematics for installation of the present automobile entertainment system in accordance with a first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side view of a multi-wire cable used in directing power and audio signals through the back of a vehicle seat. FIG. 12 is a side view of a removable eyelet utilized in drawing the cable shown in FIG. 11 through the back of a vehicle seat. FIG. 12a is a perspective view of the eyelet shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 is a side view of a power/audio adaptor for connecting the present system to various remote components. FIGS. 14 and 15 disclose alternate embodiments of a power adaptor for connecting the present system to a power supply. FIGS. 16a and 16b are wiring schematics for installation of the present automobile entertainment system employing an alternate wiring arrangement. FIG. 17 is a schematic of a further embodiment in accordance with the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 15, an automobile entertainment system 10 is disclosed. The automobile entertainment system 10 is composed of a series of video and audio components integrated within an automobile 11. In particular, the entertainment system 10 includes a video system 12 mounted within a standard headrest 14 of an automobile 11. The video system 12 generally includes a video monitor 16 for presenting video content and a video source 20 integrated therewith. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the video source is a DVD player 20 coupled to the video monitor 16 for the transmission of video content thereto. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the video source may take a variety of forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention; for example, and not limited to, satellite video systems and Bluetooth wireless based systems. The video system 12 also includes an associated support frame 18. The video system 12 is mounted along the rear portion of the headrest 14 such that an individual sitting in the rear seat of the automobile 11 may watch the material presented on the video monitor 16 without disturbing the driver of the automobile 11. The video system 12 also includes an associated housing 17 with a support frame 18. The video system 12 is mounted along the rear portion of the headrest 14 such that an individual sitting in the rear seat of the automobile 11 may watch the material presented on the video monitor 16 without disturbing the driver of the automobile 11. The video monitor 16, DVD player 20 and associated control components are mounted within the housing 17. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the video monitor 16 is mounted for viewing via an opening in the housing 17. With regard to the DVD player 20, it is integrally molded within the housing 17 and positioned for insertion of the DVDs behind the video monitor 16. By mounting the DVD player 20 in this way, a stable structure is developed that is well adapted for the automobile environment. While the DVD player 20 is disclosed as being a slot-loaded design with insertion behind the video monitor, the DVD player could take a variety of other forms while still being integrated with the video monitor 16. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the DVD player 116 may be positioned beneath the pivotally mounted video monitor 115. With reference to FIG. 7, the DVD player 216 may be integrated with the video monitor 215 and facilitate access via a side loading slot 217. Referring to FIG. 8, the DVD player 316 is integrated with the underside of the video monitor 315 and the DVD is snapped into DVD player 316 when the monitor is pivoted upward. In addition, the DVD player may be designed with a built in TV tuner for providing the user with a choice of video sources. The DVD player may also be provided remotely from the video monitor and housing without departing from the spirit of the present invention. With reference to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the housing 17 for the present video system is disclosed. The housing 17 includes a support frame 18 in which the video monitor 16 is pivotally mounted. More specifically, the support frame 18 is a generally rectangular shell in which the video monitor 16 is mounted. The support frame 18 includes a top wall 21 and a bottom wall 22 connected by a first and second sidewalls 24, 26. The first and second sidewalls 24, 26 are respectively provided with bearing slots 28 shaped and dimensioned for receiving lateral posts 30 extending from the sides of the video monitor 16. In this way, the lateral posts 30 are mounted within the bearing slots 28 permitting controlled pivoting of the video monitor 16 within the support frame 18. The controlled movement of the video monitor 16 within the support frame 18 is facilitated by the provision of selectively engageable recesses 32 and detents 34 respectively formed on the support frame 18 and the video monitor 16. The detents 34 are shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the various recesses 32 as the video monitor 16 is pivoted relative to the support frame 18. More specifically, the detents 34 interact with the recesses 32 to control movement of the video monitor 16 by creating predetermined stopping points. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the support frame 18 includes an outer flange 36 facilitating attachment of the video system 12 to the headrest 14 of an automobile 11. As briefly mentioned above, the video system 12 is mounted within the headrest 14. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the video system 12 is provided with inputs 39 and outputs 41 for audio and video. With reference to the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 10, a multi-wire cable 38 extends from the outputs 41 of the video system 12. The wires making up the multi-wire cable 38 include those for a power supply 40 and the left and right audio outputs 42, 44 used in providing audio to an alternate audio system, for example, a wireless RF transmitter 46 as will be discussed below in greater detail. Referring to FIG. 10, the video system 12 is electrically connected to the remainder of the automobile 11 and a wireless RF transmitter 46 via electrical communication lines extending through the extension arm 48 of the headrest 14 and the back 50 of the vehicle seat 52. For example, and as will be discussed below in substantial detail, a power source wire 40 and audio output wires 42, 44 are respectively connected to the video system 12 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In order to facilitate ease of installation, and with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the multiple wires required for the power source 40 and audio outputs 42, 44 are maintained within a single multi-wire cable 38. The multiple wires are passed through a single extension arm 48 of the headrest 14 with the chosen extension arm 48 functioning as a conduit for running the multi-wire cable 38 from the video system 12 to the remainder of the automobile 11. Referring to FIGS. 10, 12 and 12a, the passage of the multi-wire cable 38 through the headrest extension arm 48 and the back 50 of the vehicle seat 52 is facilitated by the provision of a selectively removable eyelet 54 coupled to the connector shroud 56 at the distal end 58 of the multi-wire cable 38. The provision of the eyelet 54 allows the connector shroud 56 to be gripped and pulled through the extension arm 48 and the back 50 of the vehicle seat 52 through utilization of a traditional “wire puller” 59 used by electricians to pull wires through walls and other confined spaces. Passage of the connector shroud 56 through the extension arm 48 and the back 50 of the vehicle seat 52 is further enhanced by the shape of the connector shroud 56. More particularly, the connector shroud 56 is cylindrical and is shaped and dimensioned to readily fit within the extension arm 48 of a conventional headrest 44. As will be discussed below in greater detail, the connector shroud 56 houses a plurality of connector pins 80 used in linking the video system to other components of the present invention. The eyelet 54 includes a cylindrical housing 60 shaped and dimensioned to fit over the connector shroud 56. The eyelet 54 is selectively secured to the shroud 56 via a conventional lock arm 62 used in the secure connection of cable connectors. The cylindrical housing 60 includes an open first end 64 that is shaped to receive the connector shroud 56 and a second end 66 having a closed loop 68 extending therefrom. The closed loop 68 is shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the “wire puller” 59. In this way, the eyelet 54 is secured to the connector shroud 56 at the distal end 58 of the multi-wire cable 38 and both are drawn through the back 50 of the vehicle seat 52 by the “wire puller” 59. Once the distal end 58 of the multi-wire cable 38 is pulled through the vehicle seat 52, the eyelet 54 is removed from the connector shroud 56 and the cable 38 is ready for attachment to various components as described below in greater detail. Although a closed loop is disclosed for attachment to the wire puller in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, other structural coupling members, for example, hook, snap, open loop, etc. could be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Once the distal end 58 of the multi-wire cable 38 is pulled though the back 50 of the vehicle seat 52, various adaptors may be used to couple it to the appropriate power, video and audio sources. With reference to FIG. 13, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a power/audio adaptor 70 including wiring for power transmission 72, left audio transmission 74 and right audio transmission 76 is shown. The proximal end 78 of the adaptor 70 is provided with male pins 80 for connection with the female connection structures (not shown) provided at the distal end 58 of the multi-wire cable 38. The distal end 82 of the adaptor 70 includes a power connection 84 and standard RCA connections 86 for the audio signal. FIGS. 14 and 15 disclose further power adaptors 88, 88′ for connection to the power connection 84 of the power/audio adaptor 70 shown in FIG. 13. In particular, FIG. 14 discloses a power adaptor 88 for tapping into a power source via a DC “cigarette lighter”, or power adaptor outlets, provided in most vehicles and FIG. 15 discloses a power adaptor 88′ for direct connection to the vehicle power source (not shown). The power adaptor 88 shown in FIG. 14 includes first and second connectors 90, 92 (potentially a third connector 93 for attachment to the power input of the RF transmitter 46) shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the power connectors 84 of the power/audio adaptors 70 of the two video systems 12 installed in adjacent headrests 14. The power adaptor 88 also includes a conventional power plug 94 at the opposite end for plugging into a power adaptor outlet. As such, multiple systems 12 may be connected to a single power source. The power adaptor 88′ shown in FIG. 15 includes first and second connectors 90′, 92′ (potentially a third connector 93′ for attachment to the power input of the RF transmitter 46) shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the power connectors 84 of the power/audio adaptors 70 of the two video systems 12 installed in adjacent headrests 14. The power adaptor 88′ also includes a conventional pair of electrical lines 94′ at the opposite end for connection to the automobile power supply. As such, multiple systems 12 may be connected to a single power source. More particularly, and in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, the power source wire 40 may runs either directly from the main automobile power source (see FIG. 15) or via the power adaptor outlet via a power adaptor outlet (see FIG. 14). As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the audio portion of the source may be transmitted to users in a variety of ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the video monitors 16 are provided with a direct audio input 61 allowing users to simply plug-in their headphones to listen to the audio content of the source being transmitted by the video monitor 16. In accordance with still a further feature of the present invention, the audio source being generated by the DVD player 20 is transmitted to a wireless RF transmitter 46 via the audio output wires 40, 42 discussed above, which transmits the audio content at a frequency received by the radio system of the automobile 11 or wireless headphones. In this way, the users of the present system need only tune to a predetermined radio frequency to listen to the audio content through the traditional speaker system of the automobile 11. Further, and in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the audio output wires 40, 42 of the DVD player 20 may be hardwired to the radio of the automobile 11 for listening over the stereo system of the automobile 11. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, it is further contemplated the audio output wires 40, 42 may be connected to a variety of other sound transducers which convert the audio signals to audible sounds for listening by those watching the video monitor without departing from the spirit of the present invention. As mentioned above, where headphones are utilized the audio outputs will preferably be connected to a wireless transmitter for use in conjunction with wireless headphones. Optionally, it is contemplated the audio outputs may be connected to a switch box allowing for selective use of both the audio system of the automobile and/or an audio jack (for attachment with a headphone). As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the system will also include ports for the attachment of video games and other video sources. Control of the DVD player 20 is facilitated by the provision of control buttons (not shown) along the outer surface of the DVD player. The control buttons are conventional in the art and may take a variety of forms. In addition to the provision of manual control buttons, the DVD player may further include a remote control (not shown) such that an individual need not actually touch the DVD player 20 or video system 12 to control the video content or the volume generated by the video system 12. Once again, and as those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, a variety of remote control systems may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The versatility of the present system may be further enhanced by the provision of different cables for the power and the audio output. For example, and with reference to FIG. 16, separate cables 138, 139 extend through the respective support arms 148a, 4148b of the headrest 14. As with the prior embodiment, the passage of the power cable 138 and the audio output cable 139 through the headrest extension arms 148a, 148b and the back 150 of the vehicle seat 152 is facilitated by the provision of an eyelet 154 with the connector shroud 156 at the distal end 158 of the cables 138, 139. The provision of the eyelet 154 allows for the connector shroud 156 to be gripped and pulled through the extension arms 148a, 148b and the back 150 of the vehicle seat 152 through utilization of a traditional “wire puller” 159 used by electricians to pull wires through walls and other confined spaces. As mentioned above, once the distal end 158 of the power cable 138 and audio output cable 139 are pulled though the back 150 of the vehicle seat 152, various adaptors may be used to couple it to the appropriate power and audio sources. In accordance with this embodiment, it is preferred that the audio output cable 139 be directly connected to a wireless RF transmitter 146, while either of the power adaptors 188, 188′ disclosed in FIGS. 14 and 15 may be used for coupling the video system 112 to a source of power. As shown in FIG. 16, the embodiment provides for two RF transmitters 146 making it possible for individuals sitting next to each other to watch different videos and listen to the different videos through wireless headphones. In accordance with yet a further embodiment and with reference to FIG. 17, each video system 212a-d is provided with an input 239a-d and an output 241a-d providing the ability to input and output video and audio signals for use in conjunction with other video systems found within the same automobile. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, there are times when people sitting within an automobile will wish to watch the same thing on different video systems. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present, the plurality of video systems 212 a-d within the automobile may be linked. As such, the content of a DVD playing in one video system 212 a-d may be transferred to the other video system(s) 212a-d such that people viewing other video systems 212 a-d installed within an automobile can simultaneously watch and listen to the same video content. The use of the switching system described below does not negate the ability of an automobile passenger to individually watch a video without sharing via the central switching assembly 213. With this mind and with reference to FIG. 17, an entertainment system 210 employing four linked video systems 212a-d is disclosed. The entertainment system 210 includes a central switching assembly 213 to which the various video systems 212a-d are linked for outputting signals to and receiving signals from. The central switching assembly 213 receives and transmits video and audio content in a controlled manner such that the same audio and video content is selectively provided for individuals viewing different monitors 216a-d while sitting in an automobile. This is accomplished by linking the audio and video inputs 239a-d and outputs 241a-d from the various video systems 212a-d installed with a vehicle and selectively transmitting the desired content to the different video systems 212a-d. The central switching assembly 213 also includes a separate audio/video input 215 (for example, RCA plugs) for receiving video content from a remote source for transmission to the various video systems 212a-d connected thereto. More specifically, the central switching assembly 213 is provided with the ability to receive audio and video outputs from the various video systems 212a-d connected thereto and transmit, in a predetermined manner under the control of the vehicle operator, video and audio inputs to the various video systems 212a-d connected thereto. In addition, to providing for the ready transfer of information between the various video systems 212a-d connected thereto, the central switching assembly 213 is also provided with a wireless FM transmitter 217. The transmitter 217 allows for the transmission of audio signals to the automobile radio (not shown) for listening on a predetermined frequency via the automobile stereo. In particular, and as those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the transmitter 217 is designed to transmit audio signals on a predetermined frequency receivable by the vehicle radio. The signal is received by the vehicle radio, demodulated and played over the vehicle stereo. The central switching assembly 213 may also be provided with a TV tuner, a modulator and/or other wireless transmitters. With regard to the system disclosed with reference to FIG. 17, a first video system 212a, a second video system 212b, a third video system 212c and a fourth video system 212d are provided. The first and second video systems 212a, 221b are positioned within the respective headrests 214a, 214b of the front vehicle seats 252a, 252b, while the third and fourth video systems 212c, 212d are positioned within the respective headrests 214c, 214d of the second row of seating found in the automobile. In accordance with the disclosed configuration, the first and second video systems 212a, 212b are coupled to both audio/video inputs 270a, 270b and audio/video outputs 272a, 272b, while the third and fourth video systems are only connected with audio/video inputs 270c, 270d coming from the central switching assembly 213. As with the various embodiments described above, the cables coupling the first, second, third and fourth video systems 212a-d to the central switching assembly 213 are passed through the extension arm of the headrest 214a-d and down the back of the vehicle seat 252a-d. While a specific configuration is disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the input and output configurations may be readily varied without departing from the spirit of the present invention. With reference to the first and second video systems 212a-d, each includes two six-pin cables 276, 278 extending therefrom, one for the input side 239a, 239b of the system and the other for the output side 241a, 241b of the video system 212a, 212b. Each of the six-pin cables 276, 278 is passed through a respective extension arm of the headrest 214a, 214b. With reference to the output side 241a, 241b of the video system 212a, 212b, the six-pin cable 278 includes wiring for power, right and left audio output signals, and a video output signal. In this way, the first and second video systems are able to readily transfer video and audio information to the central switching assembly 213 for sharing with the remaining video systems 212a-d connected thereto. As mentioned above, each of the first, second, third and fourth video systems 212a-d include an input cable 276 for receiving audio and video signals from the central switching assembly 213. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the input cables 276 is a six-pin cable includes wiring for power, right and left audio input signals, and a video input signal. In this way, the first, second, third and fourth video systems 212a-d are able to readily receive video and audio information from the central switching assembly 213. With output cables 278 transferring audio and video signals to the central switching assembly 213, and input cables 276 transferring audio and video signals to the video systems 212a-d, the central switching assembly 213 includes a central processor 280 programmed to control to the transmission of signals in an efficient manner. The power supply 282 for the video systems 212a-d is run through the central switching assembly 213. As mentioned above, each of the cables 276, 278 coupled to the various video systems 212a-d includes wiring for power transmission. With this in mind, the central switching assembly 213 is linked to a power source 282, for example, an auxiliary power plug commonly found in vehicles or a direct link to the vehicle power source via cable previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, respectively. The power supplied to the central switching assembly 213 is then transferred to the various video systems 212a-d via the power lines of the six-pin cables 276, 278 linking the video systems 212a-d to the central switching assembly 213. Through implementation of the switching system described above, automobile passengers have the choice of watching individual videos by using the video systems as self contained units or watching the same video through the linking provided via the implementation of the central switching assembly 213. While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to an automobile entertainment system. More particularly, the invention relates to the networking of multiple video systems within an automobile for selective sharing of video content among the multiple video systems within the automobile. 2. Description of the Prior Art Entertainment systems for automobiles are well known. As such, many advances have been made in the development of entertainment systems that make the otherwise tedious task of riding in an automobile more bearable. In addition to the development of overhead systems pioneered by the present inventor, systems that mount within the headrest of an automobile have also been developed. These headrest entertainment systems allow multiple individuals to view a variety of different video sources within the same vehicle. However, and as those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, it is often desirable to share the video content being presented on the various video systems within the vehicle. The present invention provides a distribution system for sharing video content within an automobile employing multiple video systems. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an automobile entertainment system including a plurality of video systems, each video system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body and a first downwardly extending extension arm having a passage extending therethrough. The entertainment system also includes a central switching assembly linking the plurality of video systems. At least one of the video systems includes an output transmitting signals to the central switching assembly to transfer to the remaining video systems. Each video system also includes an input transmitting signals from the central switching assembly to the respective video systems. It is another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein each video system includes a video monitor and a video source. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the video source is a DVD player. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the central switching assembly includes a wireless transmitter. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the wireless transmitter is an FM wireless transmitter for the transmission of audio signals to an automobile radio. It is also another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the plurality of video systems includes a first video system, a second video system, a third video system and a fourth video system. It is still another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the first video system and the second video system respectively include an output transmitting signals to the central switching assembly. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the outputs of the first video system and the second video system include wiring for power, right and left audio output signals, and a video output signal. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the output includes wiring for power, right and left audio output signals, and a video output signal. It is also a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the input of each video system includes wiring for power, right and left audio output signals, and a video output signal. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the central switching assembly includes a central processor programmed to control the transmission of signals in an efficient manner. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the central switching assembly supplies power to the various video systems connected thereto. It is another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the central switching assembly is connected to an automobile power supply. Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of the subject invention. | 20040721 | 20120828 | 20050512 | 96800.0 | 2 | SCHNURR, JOHN R | AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM LINKING MULTIPLE VIDEO SYSTEMS FOR COORDINATED SHARING OF VIDEO CONTENT | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,895,121 | ACCEPTED | Weight measuring systems and methods for vehicles | Weight sensor for determining the weight of an occupant of a seat including a bladder arranged in a seat portion of the seat and including material or structure in an interior thereof which constrains fluid flow therein and one or more transducers for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the bladder. The material or structure might be open cell foam. The bladder may include one or more chambers, and if more than one chamber is formed, each chamber can be arranged at a different location in the seat portion of the seat. | 1. A weight sensor for determining the weight of an occupant of a seat, comprising: a bladder having an interior and being adapted to be arranged in a seat portion of the seat, said bladder including constraining means arranged in said interior for constraining fluid flow within said interior; and at least one transducer for measuring the pressure of the fluid in said bladder. 2. The weight sensor of claim 1, wherein said constraining means comprise open cell foam. 3. The weight sensor of claim 1, wherein said bladder is cylindrical. 4. The weight sensor of claim 1, further comprising a container, said bladder being arranged in said container. 5. The weight sensor of claim 4, wherein said container is rectangular and said bladder is cylindrical. 6. The weight sensor of claim 4, wherein an orifice having an adjustable size is formed in said bladder opening to an interior of said container. 7. The weight sensor of claim 6, further comprising a control circuit arranged to control the amount of opening of said orifice. 8. The weight sensor of claim 1, wherein said bladder comprises a plurality of chambers, each of said chambers being adapted to be arranged at a different location in the seat portion of the seat. 9. An apparatus for determining the weight distribution of the occupant comprising the weight sensor of claim 8, said at least one transducer comprising a plurality of transducers, said bladder including a plurality of chambers, each of said transducers being associated with one of said chambers whereby the weight distribution of the occupant is obtained from the pressure measurements of said transducers. 10. The weight sensor of claim 1, wherein said at least one transducer consists of a single transducer. 11. A vehicle seat, comprising: a seat portion adapted to support an occupant, said seat portion including a container having an interior containing fluid and a mechanism in said interior arranged to restrict flow of the fluid from one portion of said interior to another portion of said interior; a back portion arranged at an angle to said seat portion; and a measurement system arranged to obtain an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on said seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in said container. 12. The seat of claim 11, wherein said mechanism is open cell foam. 13. The seat of claim 11, wherein said container is cylindrical. 14. The seat of claim 11, further comprising an additional container arranged around said fluid-containing container. 15. The seat of claim 14, wherein said additional container is rectangular and said fluid-containing container is cylindrical. 16. The seat of claim 14, wherein an orifice having an adjustable size is formed in said fluid-containing container opening to an interior of said additional container. 17. The seat of claim 16, further comprising a control circuit arranged to control the amount of opening of said orifice. 18. The seat of claim 11, wherein said seat portion includes a plurality of said containers, each of said containers being adapted to be arranged at a different location in the seat portion of the seat. 19. The seat of claim 11, wherein said measurement system comprises at least one transducer. 20. A method for determining the weight of an occupant of an automotive seat, comprising the steps of: arranging a bladder having at least one chamber in a seat portion of the seat; measuring the pressure in each of the at least one chamber; and deriving the weight of the occupant based on the measured pressure. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one chamber comprises a plurality of individual chambers. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the pressure in each of the chambers is measured by a respective transducer associated with the chamber. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of determining a distribution of the weight of the occupant based on the pressure measured by the transducers. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of determining a position of the occupant based on the weight distribution. 25. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of determining a center of gravity of the occupant based on the weight distribution. 26. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of: arranging the bladder in a container; and permitting fluid flow between the bladder and the container. 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of regulating the flow of fluid between the bladder and the container. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the bladder includes an adjustable orifice leading to the container, the flow of fluid being regulated by adjusting the orifice. 29. A vehicle seat, comprising: a seat portion adapted to support an occupant, said seat portion including a container having an interior containing fluid and being partitioned into multiple sections between which the fluid flows as a function of pressure applied to said seat portion, a back portion coupled to and arranged at an angle to said seat portion; and a measurement system arranged to obtain an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on said seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in said container. 30. The seat of claim 29, wherein said interior of said container includes open cell foam. 31. The seat of claim 29, wherein said container is partitioned into an inner bladder and an outer container. 32. The seat of claim 31, wherein said inner bladder includes an orifice leading to said outer container. 33. The seat of claim 32, wherein said orifice has an adjustable size, further comprising a control circuit arranged to control the amount of opening of said orifice. 34. The seat of claim 29, wherein said measurement system comprises at least one transducer. 35. A seat for a vehicle, comprising: a seat portion adapted to support an occupant, said seat portion including a bladder having a fluid-containing interior, a back portion coupled to and arranged at an angle to said seat portion; a mounting structure for mounting said seat portion to a floor pan of the vehicle and a measurement system associated with said bladder and arranged to obtain an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on said seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in said bladder. 36. The seat of claim 35, wherein said measurement system comprises at least one transducer for measuring the pressure of the fluid in said bladder. 37. The seat of claim 35, wherein said bladder including constraining means arranged in said interior for constraining fluid flow within said interior. 38. The seat of claim 37, wherein said constraining means comprise open cell foam. 39. The seat of claim 35, wherein said bladder includes a plurality of individual chambers. 40. The seat of claim 39, wherein said measurement system comprises a transducer arranged in connection with of said chambers. 41. A control system for controlling a vehicle component based on occupancy of a seat, comprising: a bladder having at least one chamber adapted to arranged in a seat portion of the seat; a measurement system for measuring the pressure in said at least one chamber; an adjustment system arranged to adjust the component in the vehicle; and a processor coupled to said measurement system and to said adjustment system for determining an adjustment for the component by said adjustment system based at least in part on the pressure measured by said measurement system. 42. The control system of claim 41, wherein said adjustment system is a system for adjusting deployment of an occupant restraint device. 43. The control system of claim 42, wherein the occupant restraint device is an airbag and said deployment adjustment system is arranged to control at least one of flow of gas into an airbag, flow of gas out of an airbag, rate of generation of gas and amount of generated gas. 44. The control system of claim 41, wherein said adjustment system is a system for adjusting the seat. 45. The control system of claim 44, wherein said seat adjustment system comprises at least one motor for moving the seat. 46. The control system of claim 41, wherein said adjustment system is a system for adjusting the steering wheel. 47. The control system of claim 46, wherein said steering wheel adjustment system comprises a motor coupled to the steering wheel. 48. The control system of claim 41, wherein said adjustment system is a system for adjusting a pedal. 49. The control system of claim 48, wherein said steering wheel adjustment system comprises a motor coupled to the pedal. 50. The control system of claim 41, wherein said bladder includes constraining means arranged in said interior for constraining flow of fluid within said interior, said measurement system measuring the pressure of the fluid in said bladder. 51. The control system of claim 50, wherein said constraining means comprise open cell foam. 52. The control system of claim 50, wherein said bladder comprises a plurality of chambers, each of said chambers being adapted to be arranged at a different location in the seat portion of the seat. 53. The control system of claim 52, wherein said measurement system comprises a plurality of transducer, each arranged in association with a respective one of said chambers. 54. The control system of claim 50, wherein said bladder consists of a single chamber, said measurement system comprising a transducer arranged in association with said single chamber. 55. The control system of claim 41, wherein said bladder has an interior containing fluid and a mechanism in said interior arranged to restrict flow of the fluid from one portion of said interior to another portion of said interior. 56. The control system of claim 55, wherein said mechanism is open cell foam. 57. The control system of claim 41, further comprising a container having a fluid-containing interior, said container being in flow communication with said bladder such that the fluid flows between said container and said bladder as a function of pressure applied to said container and said bladder. 58. The control system of claim 57, wherein said bladder is arranged in an interior of said container. 59. The control system of claim 57, wherein said bladder has an adjustable orifice leading to said container, said measurement system being arranged in connection with said orifice. | CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/733,957 filed Dec. 11, 2003 which is: 1. a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/437,535 filed Nov. 10, 1999 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/047,703 filed Mar. 25, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,139, which is: A) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/640,068 filed Apr. 30, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,782, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/239,978 filed May 9, 1994, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/040,978 filed Mar. 31, 1993, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/878,571 filed May 5, 1992, now abandoned; and B) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/905,876 filed Aug. 4, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,802, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/505,036 filed Jul. 21, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,462, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/040,978 filed Mar. 31, 1993, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/878,571 filed May 5, 1992, now abandoned; 2. a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/116,808 filed Apr. 5, 2002 which is: A) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/925,043 filed Aug. 8, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,507,779, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/765,559 filed Jan. 19, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,296, which is: 1) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/476,255 filed Dec. 30, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,324,453, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/114,507 filed Dec. 31, 1998, and 2) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/389,947 filed Sep. 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,133, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/200,614, filed Nov. 30, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,432, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/474,786 filed Jun. 7, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,000; and B) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/838,919 filed Apr. 20, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,442,465, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/765,559 filed Jan. 19, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,296, which is: 1) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/476,255 filed Dec. 30, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,324,453, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/114,507 filed Dec. 31, 1998, and 2) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/389,947 filed Sep. 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,133, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/200,614, filed Nov. 30, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,432, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/474,786 filed Jun. 7, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,000; 3. a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/838,920 filed Apr. 20, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/563,556 filed May 3, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,683, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/437,535 filed Nov. 10, 1999 (the history of which is set forth above); 4. a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/849,559 filed May 4, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,962, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/193,209 filed Nov. 17, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,701, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/128,490 filed Aug. 4, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,854, which is: A) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/474,783 filed Jun. 7, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,707; and B) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/970,822 filed Nov. 14, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,757; 5. a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/058,706 filed Jan. 28, 2002 which is: A) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/891,432, filed Jun. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,833, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/838,920 filed Apr. 20, 2001 (the history of which is set forth above); B) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/543,678 filed Apr. 7, 2000 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/047,704 filed Mar. 25, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,638 which is: 1) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/640,068 filed Apr. 30, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,782, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/239,978 filed May 9, 1994, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/040,978 filed Mar. 31, 1993, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/878,571 filed May 5, 1992, now abandoned; and 2) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/905,876 filed Aug. 4, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,802, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/505,036 filed Jul. 21, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,462, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/040,978 filed Mar. 31, 1993, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/878,571 filed May 5, 1992, now abandoned; and C) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/639,299 filed Aug. 15, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,595, which is: 1) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/409,625 filed Oct. 1, 1999 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/905,877 filed Aug. 4, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,537, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/505,036 filed Jul. 21, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,462, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/040,978 filed Mar. 31, 1993, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/878,571 filed May 5, 1992, now abandoned; 2) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/448,337 filed Nov. 23, 1999 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/905,877 filed Aug. 4, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,537 (the history of which is set forth above); 3) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/448,338 filed Nov. 23, 1999 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/905,877 filed Aug. 4, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,537 (the history of which is set forth above); and 4) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/905,877 filed Aug. 4, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,537 (the history of which is set forth above); 6. a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/061,016 filed Jan. 30, 2002 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/901,879 filed Jul. 9, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,555,766, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/849,559 filed May 4, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,962 (the history of which is set forth above); 7. a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/114,533 filed Apr. 2, 2002 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/058,706 filed Jan. 28, 2002 (the history of which is set forth above); 8. a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/151,615 filed May 20, 2002 which is: A) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/891,432, filed Jun. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,833 (the history of which is set forth above); B) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/543,678 filed Apr. 7, 2000 (the history of which is set forth above); and C) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/639,299 filed Aug. 15, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,595 (the history of which is set forth above); 9. a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/227,781 filed Aug. 26, 2002 which is: A) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/061,016 filed Jan. 30, 2002 (the history of which is set forth above); and B) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/500,346 filed Feb. 8, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,442,504, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/128,490 filed Aug. 4, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,854, which is: 1) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/474,783 filed Jun. 7, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,707; and 2) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/970,822 filed Nov. 14, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,757; 10. a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/234,436 filed Sep. 3, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/853,118 filed May 10, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,445,988, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/474,147 filed Dec. 29, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,136, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/382,406 filed Aug. 24, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,529,809, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/136,163 filed May 27, 1999 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/919,823, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,295, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/798,029 filed Feb. 6, 1997, now abandoned; 11. a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/302,105 filed Nov. 22, 2002 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/116,808 filed Apr. 5, 2002 (the history of which is set forth above); 12. a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/365,129 filed Feb. 12, 2003 which is: A) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/114,533 filed Apr. 2, 2002 (the history of which is set forth above); and B) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/151,615 filed May 20, 2002 (the history of which is set forth above); 13. a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/613,925 filed Jul. 11, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/992,525, filed Dec. 17, 1997, now U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,088,640; and 14. a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/234,063 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/613,925 (the history of which is set forth above). This application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,320 issued Dec. 2, 1997 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,014 issued Dec. 18, 2001, on the grounds that it includes common subject matter. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to occupant sensing in general and more particular to sensing characteristics or the classification of an occupant of a vehicle for the purpose of controlling a vehicular system, subsystem or component based on the sensed characteristics or classification. The present invention also relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the seat weight including the weight of an occupying item of the vehicle seat and, more specifically, to a seat weight measuring apparatus having advantages including that the production cost and the assembling cost of such apparatus may be reduced. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Note, all of the patents, patent applications, technical papers and other references referenced below are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety unless stated otherwise. Automobiles equipped with airbags are well known in the prior art. In such airbag systems, the car crash is sensed and the airbags rapidly inflated thereby insuring the safety of an occupation in a car crash. Many lives have now been saved by such airbag systems. However, depending on the seated state of an occupant, there are cases where his or her life cannot be saved even by present airbag systems. For example, when a passenger is seated on the front passenger seat in a position other than a forward facing, normal state, e.g., when the passenger is out of position and near the deployment door of the airbag, there will be cases when the occupant will be seriously injured or even killed by the deployment of the airbag. Also, sometimes a child seat is placed on the passenger seat in a rear facing position and there are cases where a child sitting in such a seat has been seriously injured or killed by the deployment of the airbag. Furthermore, in the case of a vacant seat, there is no need to deploy an airbag, and in such a case, deploying the airbag is undesirable due to a high replacement cost and possible release of toxic gases into the passenger compartment. Nevertheless, most airbag systems will deploy the airbag in a vehicle crash even if the seat is unoccupied. Thus, whereas thousands of lives have been saved by airbags, a large number of people have also been injured, some seriously, by the deploying airbag, and over 100 people have now been killed. Thus, significant improvements need to be made to airbag systems. As discussed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,462, for a variety of reasons vehicle occupants may be too close to the airbag before it deploys and can be seriously injured or killed as a result of the deployment thereof. Also, a child in a rear facing child seat that is placed on the right front passenger seat is in danger of being seriously injured if the passenger airbag deploys. For these reasons and, as first publicly disclosed in Breed, D. S. “How Airbags Work” presented at the International Conference on Seatbelts and Airbags in 1993 in Canada, occupant position sensing and rear facing child seat detection systems are required in order to minimize the damages caused by deploying front and side airbags. It also may be required in order to minimize the damage caused by the deployment of other types of occupant protection and/or restraint devices that might be installed in the vehicle. For these reasons, there has been proposed an occupant sensor system also known as a seated-state detecting unit such as disclosed in the following U.S. patents assigned to the current assignee of the present application: Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,462); Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,782); Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,707): Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,320); Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,473); Varga et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,295); Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,854); Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,757); and Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,701). Typically, in some of these designs three or four sensors or sets of sensors are installed at three or four points in a vehicle for transmitting ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves toward the passenger or drivers seat and receiving the reflected waves. Using appropriate hardware and software, the approximate configuration of the occupancy of either the passenger or driver seat can be determined thereby identifying and categorizing the occupancy of the relevant seat. These systems will solve the out-of-position occupant and the rear facing child seat problems related to current airbag systems and prevent unneeded and unwanted airbag deployments when a front seat is unoccupied. Some of the airbag systems will also protect rear seat occupants in vehicle crashes and all occupants in side impacts. However, there is a continual need to improve the systems which detect the presence of occupants, determine if they are out-of-position and to identify the presence of a rear facing child seat in the rear seat as well as the front seat. Future automobiles are expected to have eight or more airbags as protection is sought for rear seat occupants and from side impacts. In addition to eliminating the disturbance and possible harm of unnecessary airbag deployments, the cost of replacing these airbags will be excessive if they all deploy in an accident needlessly. The improvements described below minimize this cost by not deploying an airbag for a seat, which is not occupied by a human being. An occupying item of a seat may be a living occupant such as a human being or dog, another living organism such as a plant, or an inanimate object such as a box or bag of groceries. A child in a rear facing child seat, which is placed on the right front passenger seat, is in danger of being seriously injured if the passenger airbag deploys. This has now become an industry-wide concern and the U.S. automobile industry is continually searching for an economical solution that will prevent the deployment of the passenger side airbag if a rear facing child seat is present. The inventions disclosed herein include sophisticated apparatus to identify objects within the passenger compartment and address this concern. The need for an occupant out-of-position sensor has also been observed by others and several methods have been described in certain U.S. patents for determining the position of an occupant of a motor vehicle. However, none of these prior art systems are capable of solving the many problems associated with occupant sensors and no prior art has been found that describe the methods of adapting such sensors to a particular vehicle model to obtain high system accuracy. Also, none of these systems employ pattern recognition technologies that are believed to be essential to accurate occupant sensing. Each of these prior are systems will be discussed below. In 1984, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a requirement for frontal crash protection of automobile occupants known as FMVSS-208. This regulation mandated “passive occupant restraints” for all passenger cars by 1992. A further modification to FMVSS-208 required both driver and passenger side airbags on all passenger cars and light trucks by 1998. FMVSS-208 was later modified to require all vehicles to have occupant sensors. The demand for airbags is constantly accelerating in both Europe and Japan and all vehicles produced in these areas and eventually worldwide will likely be, if not already, equipped with airbags as standard equipment and eventually with occupant sensors. A device to monitor the vehicle interior and identify its contents is needed to solve these and many other problems. For example, once a Vehicle Interior Identification and Monitoring System (VIMS) for identifying and monitoring the contents of a vehicle is in place, many other products become possible as discussed below. Inflators now exist which will adjust the amount of gas flowing to the airbag to account for the size and position of the occupant and for the severity of the accident. The VIMS discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,782 will control such inflators based on the presence and position of vehicle occupants or of a rear facing child seat. The inventions here are improvements on that VIMS system and some use an advanced optical system comprising one or more CCD or CMOS arrays plus a source of illumination preferably combined with a trained neural network pattern recognition system. In the early 1990's, the current assignee (ATI) developed a scanning laser radar optical occupant sensor that had the capability of creating a three dimensional image of the contents of the passenger compartment. After proving feasibility, this effort was temporarily put aside due to the high cost of the system components and the current assignee then developed an ultrasonic based occupant sensor that was commercialized and is now in production on some Jaguar models. The current assignee has long believed that optical systems would eventually become the technology of choice when the cost of optical components came down. This has now occurred and for the past several years, ATI has been developing a variety of optical occupant sensors. The current assignee's first camera optical occupant sensing system was an adult zone-classification system that detected the position of the adult passenger. Based on the distance from the airbag, the passenger compartment was divided into three zones, namely safe-seating zone, at-risk zone, and keep-out zone. This system was implemented in a vehicle under a cooperative development program with NHTSA. This proof-of-concept was developed to handle low-light conditions only. It used three analog CMOS cameras and three near-infrared LED clusters. It also required a desktop computer with three image acquisition boards. The locations of the camera/LED modules were: the A-pillar, the IP, and near the overhead console. The system was trained to handle camera blockage situations, so that the system still functioned well even when two cameras were blocked. The processing speed of the system was close to 50 fps giving it the capability of tracking an occupant during pre-crash braking situations—that is a dynamic system. The second camera optical system was an occupant classification system that separated adult occupants from all other situations (i.e., child, child restraint and empty seat). This system was implemented using the same hardware as the first camera optical system. It was also developed to handle low-light conditions only. The results of this proof-of-concept were also very promising. Since the above systems functioned well even when two cameras were blocked, it was decided to develop a stand alone system that is FMVSS208-compliant, and price competitive with weight-based systems but with superior performance. Thus, a third camera optical system (for occupant classification) was developed. Unlike the earlier systems, this system used one digital CMOS camera and two high-power near-infrared LEDs. The camera/LED module was installed near the overhead console and the image data was processed using a laptop computer. This system was developed to divide the occupancy state into four classes: 1) adult; 2) child, booster seat and forward facing child seat; 3) infant carrier and rearward facing child seat; and 4) empty seat. This system included two subsystems: a nighttime subsystem for handling low-light conditions, and a daytime subsystem for handling ambient-light conditions. Although the performance of this system proved to be superior to the earlier systems, it exhibited some weakness mainly due to a non-ideal aiming direction of the camera. Finally, a fourth camera optical system was implemented using near production intent hardware using, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) to replace the laptop computer. In this system, the remaining problems of earlier systems were overcome. The hardware in this system is not unique so the focus below will be on algorithms and software which represent the innovative heart of the system. 1. Prior Art Occupant Sensors In White et al., (U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,160) a single acoustic sensor is described and, as illustrated, is disadvantageously mounted lower than the steering wheel. White et al. correctly perceive that such a sensor could be defeated, and the airbag falsely deployed (indicating that the system of White et al. deploys the airbag on occupant motion rather then suppressing it), by an occupant adjusting the control knobs on the radio and thus they suggest the use of a plurality of such sensors. White et al. does not disclose where such sensors would be mounted, other than on the instrument panel below the steering wheel, or how they would be combined to uniquely monitor particular locations in the passenger compartment and to identify the object(s) occupying those locations. The adaptation process to vehicles is not described nor is a combination of pattern recognition algorithms, nor any pattern recognition algorithm. White et al. also describe the use of error correction circuitry, without defining or illustrating the circuitry, to differentiate between the velocity of one of the occupant's hands, as in the case where he/she is adjusting the knob on the radio, and the remainder of the occupant. Three ultrasonic sensors of the type disclosed by White et al. might, in some cases, accomplish this differentiation if two of them indicated that the occupant was not moving while the third was indicating that he or she was moving. Such a combination, however, would not differentiate between an occupant with both hands and arms in the path of the ultrasonic transmitter at such a location that they were blocking a substantial view of the occupant's head or chest. Since the sizes and driving positions of occupants are extremely varied, trained pattern recognition systems, such as neural networks and combinations thereof, are required when a clear view of the occupant, unimpeded by his/her extremities, cannot be guaranteed. White et al. do not suggest the use of such neural networks. Mattes et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,134) describe a variety of methods of measuring the change in position of an occupant including ultrasonic, active or passive infrared and microwave radar sensors, and an electric eye. The sensors measure the change in position of an occupant during a crash and use that information to access the severity of the crash and thereby decide whether or not to deploy the airbag. They are thus using the occupant motion as a crash sensor. No mention is made of determining the out-of-position status of the occupant or of any of the other features of occupant monitoring as disclosed in one or more of the above-referenced patents and patent applications. Nowhere does Mattes et al. discuss how to use active or passive infrared to determine the position of the occupant. As pointed out in one or more of the above-referenced patents and patent applications, direct occupant position measurement based on passive infrared is probably not possible with a single detector and, until very recently, was very difficult and expensive with active infrared requiring the modulation of an expensive GaAs infrared laser. Since there is no mention of these problems, the method of use contemplated by Mattes et al. must be similar to the electric eye concept where position is measured indirectly as the occupant passes by a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart sensors. The object of an occupant out-of-position sensor is to determine the location of the head and/or chest of the vehicle occupant in the passenger compartment relative to the occupant protection apparatus, such as an airbag, since it is the impact of either the head or chest with the deploying airbag that can result in serious injuries. Both White et al. and Mattes et al. disclose only lower mounting locations of their sensors that are mounted in front of the occupant such as on the dashboard or below the steering wheel. Both such mounting locations are particularly prone to detection errors due to positioning of the occupant's hands, arms and legs. This would require at least three, and preferably more, such sensors and detectors and an appropriate logic circuitry, or pattern recognition system, which ignores readings from some sensors if such readings are inconsistent with others, for the case, for example, where the driver's arms are the closest objects to two of the sensors. The determination of the proper transducer mounting locations, aiming and field angles and pattern recognition system architectures for a particular vehicle model are not disclosed in either White et al. or Mattes et al. and are part of the vehicle model adaptation process described herein. Fujita et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,583, describe another method of determining the position of the occupant but do 110 not use this information to control and suppress deployment of an airbag if the occupant is out-of-position, or if a rear facing child seat is present. In fact, the closer that the occupant gets to the airbag, the faster the inflation rate of the airbag is according to the Fujita et al. patent, which thereby increases the possibility of injuring the occupant. Fujita et al. do not measure the occupant directly but instead determine his or her position indirectly from measurements of the seat position and the vertical size of the occupant relative to the seat. This occupant height is determined using an ultrasonic displacement sensor mounted directly above the occupant's head. It is important to note that in all cases in the above-cited prior art, except those assigned to the current assignee of the instant invention, no mention is made of the method of determining transducer location, deriving the algorithms or other system parameters that allow the system to accurately identify and locate an object in the vehicle. In contrast, in one implementation of the instant invention, the return wave echo pattern corresponding to the entire portion of the passenger compartment volume of interest is analyzed from one or more transducers and sometimes combined with the output from other transducers, providing distance information to many points on the items occupying the passenger compartment. Other patents describing occupant sensor systems include U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,314 (Corrado et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,085 (Corrado et al.). These patents, which were filed after the initial filings of the inventions herein and thus not necessarily prior art, describe a system for sensing the presence, position and type of an occupant in a seat of a vehicle for use in enabling or disabling a related airbag activator. A preferred implementation of the system includes two or more different but collocated sensors which provide information about the occupant and this information is fused or combined in a microprocessor circuit to produce an output signal to the airbag controller. According to Corrado et al., the fusion process produces a decision as to whether to enable or disable the airbag with a higher reliability than a single phenomena sensor or non-fused multiple sensors. By fusing the information from the sensors to make a determination as to the deployment of the airbag, each sensor has only a partial effect on the ultimate deployment determination. The sensor fusion process is a crude pattern recognition process based on deriving the fusion “rules” by a trial and error process rather than by training. The sensor fusion method of Corrado et al. requires that information from the sensors be combined prior to processing by an algorithm in the microprocessor. This combination can unnecessarily complicate the processing of the data from the sensors and other data processing methods can provide better results. For example, as discussed more fully below, it has been found to be advantageous to use a more efficient pattern recognition algorithm such as a combination of neural networks or fuzy logic algorithms that are arranged to receive a separate stream of data from each sensor, without that data being combined with data from the other sensors (as in done in Corrado et al.) prior to analysis by the pattern recognition algorithms. In this regard, it is important to appreciate that sensor fusion is a form of pattern recognition but is not a neural network and that significant and fundamental differences exist between sensor fusion and neural networks. Thus, some embodiments of the invention described below differ from that of Corrado et al. because they include a microprocessor which is arranged to accept only a separate stream of data from each sensor such that the stream of data from the sensors are not combined with one another. Further, the microprocessor processes each separate stream of data independent of the processing of the other streams of data, that is, without the use of any fusion matrix as in Corrado et al. 1.1 Ultrasonics The use of ultrasound for occupant sensing has many advantages and some drawbacks. It is economical in that ultrasonic transducers cost less than $1 in large quantities and the electronic circuits are relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture. However, the speed of sound limits the rate at which the position of the occupant can be updated to approximately 7 milliseconds, which though sufficient for most cases, is marginal if the position of the occupant is to be tracked during a vehicle crash. Secondly, ultrasound waves are diffracted by changes in air density that can occur when the heater or air conditioner is operated or when there is a high-speed flow of air past the transducer. Thirdly, the resolution of ultrasound is limited by its wavelength and by the transducers, which are high Q tuned devices. Typically, this resolution is on the order of about 2 to 3 inches. Finally, the fields from ultrasonic transducers are difficult to control so that reflections from unwanted objects or surfaces add noise to the data. Ultrasonics can be used in several configurations for monitoring the interior of a passenger compartment of an automobile as described in the above-referenced patents and patent applications and in particular in U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,295. Using the teachings here, the optimum number and location of the ultrasonic and/or optical transducers can be determined as part of the adaptation process for a particular vehicle model. In the cases of the inventions disclosed here, as discussed in more detail below, regardless of the number of transducers used, a trained pattern recognition system is preferably used to identify and classify, and in some cases to locate, the illuminated object and its constituent parts. The ultrasonic system is the least expensive and potentially provides less information than the optical or radar systems due to the delays resulting from the speed of sound and due to the wave length which is considerably longer than the optical (including infrared) systems. The wavelength limits the detail that can be seen by the system. In spite of these limitations, ultrasonics can provide sufficient timely information to permit the position and velocity of an occupant to be accurately known and, when used with an appropriate pattern recognition system, it is capable of positively determining the presence of a rear facing child seat. One pattern recognition system that has been successfully used to identify a rear facing child seat employs neural networks and is similar to that described in papers by Gorman et al. However, in the aforementioned literature using ultrasonics, the pattern of reflected ultrasonic waves from an adult occupant who may be out of position is sometimes similar to the patterns of reflected waves from a rear facing child seat. Also, it is sometimes difficult to discriminate the wave pattern of a normally seated child with the seat in a rear facing position from an empty seat with the seat in a more forward position. In other cases, the reflected wave pattern from a thin slouching adult with raised knees can be similar to that from a rear facing child seat. In still other cases, the reflected pattern from a passenger seat that is in a forward position can be similar to the reflected wave pattern from a seat containing a forward facing child seat or a child sitting on the passenger seat. In each of these cases, the prior art ultrasonic systems can suppress the deployment of an airbag when deployment is desired or, alternately, can enable deployment when deployment is not desired. If the discrimination between these cases can be improved, then the reliability of the seated-state detecting unit can be improved and more people saved from death or serious injury. In addition, the unnecessary deployment of an airbag can be prevented. Recently filed U.S. Pat. No. 6,411,202 (Gal et al.) describes a safety system for a vehicle including at least one sensor that receives waves from a region in an interior portion of the vehicle, which thereby defines a protected volume at least partially in front of the vehicle airbag. A processor is responsive to signals from the sensor for determining geometric data of objects in the protected volume. The teachings of this patent, which is based on ultrasonics, are fully disclosed in the prior patents of the current assignee referenced above. 1.2 Optics Optics can be used in several configurations for monitoring the interior of a passenger compartment or exterior environment of an automobile. In one known method, a laser optical system uses a GaAs infrared laser beam to momentarily illuminate an object, occupant or child seat, in the manner as described and illustrated in FIG. 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,782 referenced above. The receiver can be a charge-coupled device or CCD or a CMOS imager to receive the reflected light. The laser can either be used in a scanning mode, or, through the use of a lens, a cone of light can be created which covers a large portion of the object. In these configurations, the light can be accurately controlled to only illuminate particular positions of interest within or around the vehicle. In the scanning mode, the receiver need only comprise a single or a few active elements while in the case of the cone of light, an array of active elements is needed. The laser system has one additional significant advantage in that the distance to the illuminated object can be determined as disclosed in the commonly owned '462 patent as also described below. When a single receiving element is used, a PIN or avalanche diode is preferred. In a simpler case, light generated by a non-coherent light emitting diode (LED) device is used to illuminate the desired area. In this case, the area covered is not as accurately controlled and a larger CCD or CMOS array is required. Recently the cost of CCD and CMOS arrays has dropped substantially with the result that this configuration may now be the most cost-effective system for monitoring the passenger compartment as long as the distance from the transmitter to the objects is not needed. If this distance is required, then the laser system, a stereographic system, a focusing system, a combined ultrasonic and optic system, or a multiple CCD or CMOS array system as described herein is required. Alternately, a modulation system such as used with the laser distance system can be used with a CCD or CMOS camera and distance determined on a pixel by pixel basis. As discussed above, the optical systems described herein are also applicable for many other sensing applications both inside and outside of the vehicle compartment such as for sensing crashes before they occur as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,782, for a smart headlight adjustment system and for a blind spot monitor (also disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/851,362). 1.3 Ultrasonics and Optics The laser systems described above are expensive due to the requirement that they be modulated at a high frequency if the distance from the airbag to the occupant, for example, needs to be measured. Alternately, modulation of another light source such as an LED can be done and the distance measurement accomplished using a CCD or CMOS array on a pixel by pixel basis, as discussed below. Both laser and non-laser optical systems in general are good at determining the location of objects within the two dimensional plane of the image and a pulsed laser radar system in the scanning mode can determine the distance of each part of the image from the receiver by measuring the time of flight such as through range gating techniques. Distance can also be determined by using modulated electromagnetic radiation and measuring the phase difference between the transmitted and received waves. It is also possible to determine distance with a non-laser system by focusing, or stereographically if two spaced apart receivers are used and, in some cases, the mere location in the field of view can be used to estimate the position relative to the airbag, for example. Finally, a recently developed pulsed quantum well diode laser also provides inexpensive distance measurements as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,324,453. Acoustic systems are additionally quite effective at distance measurements since the relatively low speed of sound permits simple electronic circuits to be designed and minimal microprocessor capability is required. If a coordinate system is used where the z-axis is from the transducer to the occupant, acoustics are good at measuring z dimensions while simple optical systems using a single CCD or CMOS arrays are good at measuring x and y dimensions. The combination of acoustics and optics, therefore, permits all three measurements to be made from one location with low cost components as discussed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,000 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,835,613, incorporated by reference herein. One example of a system using these ideas is an optical system which floods the passenger seat with infrared light coupled with a lens and a receiver array, e.g., CCD or CMOS array, which receives and displays the reflected light and an analog to digital converter (ADC) which digitizes the output of the CCD or CMOS and feeds it to an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) or other pattern recognition system for analysis. This system uses an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver for measuring the distances to the objects located in the passenger seat. The receiving transducer feeds its data into an ADC and from there, the converted data is directed into the ANN. The same ANN can be used for both systems thereby providing full three-dimensional data for the ANN to analyze. This system, using low cost components, will permit accurate identification and distance measurements not possible by either system acting alone. If a phased array system is added to the acoustic part of the system, the optical part can determine the location of the driver's ears, for example, and the phased array can direct a narrow beam to the location and determine the distance to the occupant's ears. 2. Adaptation The adaptation of an occupant sensor system to a vehicle is the subject of a great deal of research and its own extensive body of knowledge as will be disclosed below. There is no significant prior art in the field with the possible exception of the descriptions of sensor fusion methods in the Corrado patents discussed above. 3. Mounting Locations for and Quantity of Transducers There is little in the literature discussed herein concerning the mounting of cameras or other imagers or transducers in the vehicle other than in the current assignee's patents referenced above. Where camera mounting is mentioned the general locations chosen are the instrument panel, roof or headliner, A-Pillar or rear view mirror. Virtually no discussion is provided as to the methodology for choosing a particular location except in the current assignee's patents. 3.1 Single Camera, Dual Camera with Single Light Source Farmer et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,958) describes a method and system for detecting the type and position of a vehicle occupant utilizing a single camera unit. The single camera unit is positioned at the driver or passenger side A-pillar in order to generate data of the front seating area of the vehicle. The type and position of the occupant is used to optimize the efficiency and safety in controlling deployment of an occupant protection device such as an air bag. A single camera is, naturally, the least expensive solution but suffers from the problem that there is no easy method of obtaining three-dimensional information about people or objects that are occupying the passenger compartment. A second camera can be added but to locate the same objects or features in the two images by conventional methods is computationally intensive unless the two cameras are close together. If they are close together, however, then the accuracy of the three dimensional information is compromised. Also if they are not close together, then the tendency is to add separate illumination for each camera. An alternate solution, for which there is no known prior art, is to use two cameras located at different positions in the passenger compartment but to use a single lighting source. This source can be located adjacent to one camera to minimize the installation sites. Since the LED illumination is now more expensive than the imager, the cost of the second camera does not add significantly to the system cost. The correlation of features can then be done using pattern recognition systems such as neural networks. Two cameras also provide a significant protection from blockage and one or more additional cameras, with additional illumination, can be added to provide almost complete blockage protection. 3.2 Camera Location—Mirror, IP, Roof The only prior art for occupant sensor location for airbag control is White et al. and Mattes et al. discussed above. Both place their sensors below or on the instrument panel. The first disclosure of the use of cameras for occupant sensing is believed to appear in the above referenced patents of the current assignee. The first disclosure of the location of a camera anywhere and especially above the instrument panel such as on the A-pillar, roof or rear view mirror also is believed to appear in the current assignee's above-referenced patents. Corrado U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,697 discloses the placement of a camera onto a special type of rear view mirror. DeLine U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,886 also discloses the placement of a video camera on a rear view mirror for sending pictures using visible light over a cell phone. The general concept of placement of such a transducer on a mirror, among other places, is believed to have been first disclosed in commonly owned patent USRE037736 which also first discloses the use of an IR camera and IR illumination that is either co-located or located separately from the camera. 3.3 Color Cameras—Multispectral imaging The accurate detection, categorization and eventually recognition of an object in the passenger compartment are aided by using all available information. Initial camera based systems are monochromic and use active and, in some cases, passive infrared. As microprocessors become more powerful and sensor systems improve there will be a movement to broaden the observed spectrum to the visual spectrum and then further into the mid and far infrared parts of the spectrum. There is no known literature on this at this time except that provided by the current assignee below and in proper patents. 3.4 High Dynamic Range Cameras The prior art of high dynamic range cameras centers around the work of the Fraunhofer-Inst. of Microelectronic Circuits & Systems in Duisburg, Germany and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Licensed to Photobit, and is reflected in several patents including U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,515, U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,204, U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,753, U.S. Pat. No. 5,892,541, U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,383, U.S. Pat. No. 6,215,428, U.S. Pat. No. 6,388,242, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,388,243. The current assignee is believed to be the first to recognize and apply this technology for occupant sensing as well as monitoring the environment surrounding the vehicle and thus there is not believed to be any prior art for this application of the technology. Related to this is the work done at Columbia University by Professor Nayar as disclosed in PCT patent application WO0079784 assigned to Columbia University, which is also applicable to monitoring the interior and exterior of the vehicle. An excellent technical paper also describes this technique: Nayar, S. K. and Mitsunaga, T. “High Dynamic Range Imaging: Spatially Varying Pixel Exposures” Proceedings of IEEE Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition, South Carolina, June 2000. Again there does not appear to be any prior art that predates the disclosure of this application of the technology by the current assignee. A paper entitled “A 256×256 CMOS Brightness Adaptive Imaging Array with Column-Parallel Digital Output” by C. Sodini et al., 1988 IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Vehicles, describes a CMOS image sensor for intelligent transportation system applications such as adaptive cruise control and traffic monitoring. Among the purported novelties is the use of a technique for increasing the dynamic range in a CMOS imager by a factor of approximately 20, which technique is based on a previously described technique for CCD imagers. Waxman et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,244 discloses a novel high dynamic range camera that can be used in low light situations with a frame rate >25 frames per second for monitoring either the interior or exterior of a vehicle. It is suggested that this camera can be used for automotive navigation but no mention is made of its use for safety monitoring. Similarly, Savoye et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,880,777 disclose a high dynamic range imaging system similar to that described in the '244 patent that could be employed in the inventions disclosed herein. There are numerous technical papers of high dynamic range cameras and some recent ones discuss automotive applications, after the concept was first discussed in the current assignee's patents and patent applications. One recent example is T. Lulé1, H. Keller1, M. Wagner1, M. Böhm, C. D. Hamann, L. Humm, U. Efron, “100.000 Pixel 120 dB Imager for Automotive Vision”, presented in the Proceedings of the Conference on Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Applications (AMAA), Berlin, 18./19. March 1999. This paper discusses the desirability of a high dynamic range camera and points out that an integration based method is preferable to a logarithmic system in that greater contrast is potentially obtained. This brings up the question as to what dynamic range is really needed. The current assignee has considered desiring a high dynamic range camera but after more careful consideration, it is really the dynamic range within a given image that is important and that is usually substantially below 120 db, and in fact, a standard 70+db camera is fine for most purposes. As long as the shutter or an iris can be controlled to chose where the dynamic range starts, then, for night imaging a source of illumination is generally used and for imaging in daylight the shutter time or iris can be substantially controlled to provide an adequate image. For those few cases where there is a very bright sunlight entering the vehicle's window but the interior is otherwise in shade, multiple exposures can provide the desired contrast as taught by Nayar and discussed above. This is not to say that a high dynamic range camera is inherently bad, just to illustrate that there are many technologies that can be used to accomplish the same goal. 3.5 Fisheye Lens, Pan and Zoom There is significant prior art on the use of a fisheye or similar high viewing angle lens and a non-moving pan, tilt, rotation and zoom cameras however there appears to be no prior art on the application of these technologies to sensing inside or outside of the vehicle prior to the disclosure by the current assignee. One significant patent is U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,667 to Zimmermann. For some applications, the use of a fisheye type lens can significantly reduce the number of imaging devices that are required to monitor the interior or exterior of a vehicle. An important point is that whereas for human viewing, the images are usually mathematically corrected to provide a recognizable view, when a pattern recognition system such as a neural network is used, it is frequently not necessary to perform this correction, thus simplifying the analysis. Recently, a paper has been published that describes the fisheye camera system disclosed years ago by the current assignee: V. Ramesh, M. Greiffenhagen, S. Boverie, A. Giratt, “Real-Time Surveillance and Monitoring for Automotive Applications”, SAE 2000-01-0347. 4. 3D Cameras 4.1 Stereo European Patent Application No. EP0885782A1 describes a purportedly novel motor vehicle control system including a pair of cameras which operatively produce first and second images of a passenger area. A distance processor determines the distances that a plurality of features in the first and second images are from the cameras based on the amount that each feature is shifted between the first and second images. An analyzer processes the determined distances and determines the size of an object on the seat. Additional analysis of the distance also may determine movement of the object and the rate of movement. The distance information also can be used to recognize predefined patterns in the images and thus identify objects. An air bag controller utilizes the determined object characteristics in controlling deployment of the air bag. Simoncelli in U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,677 discloses an apparatus and method using a single lens and single camera with a pair of masks to obtain three dimensional information about a scene. A paper entitled “Sensing Automobile Occupant Position with Optical Triangulation” by W. Chappelle, Sensors, December 1995, describes the use of optical triangulation techniques for determining the presence and position of people or rear-facing infant seats in the passenger compartment of a vehicle in order to guarantee the safe deployment of an air bag. The paper describes a system called the “Takata Safety Shield” which purportedly makes high-speed distance measurements from the point of air bag deployment using a modulated infrared beam projected from an LED source. Two detectors are provided, each consisting of an imaging lens and a position-sensing detector. A paper entitled “An Interior Compartment Protection System based on Motion Detection Using CMOS Imagers” by S. B. Park et al., 1998 IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Vehicles, describes a purportedly novel image processing system based on a CMOS image sensor installed at the car roof for interior compartment monitoring including theft prevention and object recognition. One disclosed camera system is based on a CMOS image sensor and a near infrared (NIR) light emitting diode (LED) array. Krumm (U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,147) describes a system for determining the occupancy of a passenger compartment including a pair of cameras mounted so as to obtain binocular stereo images of the same location in the passenger compartment. A representation of the output from the cameras is compared to stored representations of known occupants and occupancy situations to determine which stored representation the output from the cameras most closely approximates. The stored representations include that of the presence or absence of a person or an infant seat in the front passenger seat. 4.2 Distance by Focusing A focusing system, such as used on some camera systems, can be used to determine the initial position of an occupant but, in most cases, it is too slow to monitor his position during a crash. This is a result of the mechanical motions required to operate the lens focusing system, however, methods do exist that do not require mechanical motions. By itself, it cannot determine the presence of a rear facing child seat or of an occupant but when used with a charge-coupled or CMOS device plus some infrared illumination for vision at night, and an appropriate pattern recognition system, this becomes possible. Similarly, the use of three dimensional cameras based on modulated waves or range-gated pulsed light methods combined with pattern recognition systems are now possible based on the teachings of the inventions disclosed herein and the commonly assigned patents and patent applications referenced above. U.S. Pat. No. 6,198,998 to Farmer discloses a single IR camera mounted on the A-Pillar where a side view of the contents of the passenger compartment can be obtained. A sort of three dimensional view is obtained by using a narrow depth of focus lens and a de-blurring filter. IR is used to illuminate the volume and the use of a pattern on the LED to create a sort of structured light is also disclosed. Pattern recognition by correlation is also discussed. U.S. Pat. No. 6,229,134 to Nayar et al. is an excellent example of the determination of the three-dimensional shape of a object using active blurring and focusing methods. The use of structured light is also disclosed in this patent. The method uses illumination of the scene with a pattern and two images of the scene are sensed with different imaging parameters. A mechanical focusing system, such as used on some camera systems, can determine the initial position of an occupant but is currently too slow to monitor his/her position during a crash or even during pre-rash braking. Although the example of an occupant is used here as an example, the same or similar principles apply to objects exterior to the vehicle. A distance measuring system based on focusing is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,124 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,443 (Subbarao) that can either be used with a mechanical focusing system or with two cameras, the latter of which would be fast enough to allow tracking of an occupant during pre-crash braking and perhaps even during a crash depending on the field of view that is analyzed. Although the Subbarao patents provide a good discussion of the camera focusing art, it is a more complicated system than is needed for practicing the instant inventions. In fact, a neural network can also be trained to perform the distance determination based on the two images taken with different camera settings or from two adjacent CCD's and lens having different properties as the cameras disclosed in Subbarao making this technique practical for the purposes herein. Distance can also be determined by the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,166 (Girod) by spreading or defocusing a pattern of structured light projected onto the object of interest. Distance can also be measured by using time of flight measurements of the electromagnetic waves or by multiple CCD or CMOS arrays as is a principle teaching of this invention. Dowski, Jr. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,227,890 provides an automatic focusing system for video cameras which can be used to determine distance and thus enable the creation of a three dimensional image. A good description of a camera focusing system is found in G. Zorpette, “Focusing in a flash”, Scientific American August 2000. In each of these cases, regardless of the distance measurement system used, a trained pattern recognition system, as defined above, can be used to identify and classify, and in some cases to locate, the illuminated object and its constituent parts. 4.3 Ranging Cameras can be used for obtaining three dimensional images by modulation of the illumination as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,162,861. The use of a ranging device for occupant sensing is believed to have been first disclosed by the current assignee in the patents mentioned herein. More recent attempts include the PMD camera as disclosed in PCT application WO09810255 and similar concepts disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,909 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,517. A paper by Rudolf Schwarte, et al. entitled “New Powerful Sensory Tool in Automotive Safety Systems Based on PMD-Technology”, Eds. S. Krueger, W. Gessner, Proceedings of the AMAA 2000 Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Applications 2000, Springer Verlag; Berlin, Heidelberg, N. Y., ISBN 3-540-67087-4, describes an implementation of the teachings of the instant invention wherein a modulated light source is used in conjunction with phase determination circuitry to locate the distance to objects in the image on a pixel by pixel basis. This camera is an active pixel camera the use of which for internal and external vehicle monitoring is also a teaching of this invention. The novel feature of the PMD camera is that the pixels are designed to provide a distance measuring capability within each pixel itself. This then is a novel application of the active pixel and distance measuring teachings of the instant invention. The paper “Camera Records color and Depth”, Laser Focus World, Vol. 36 No. 7 Jul. 2000, describes another method of using modulated light to measure distance. “Seeing distances-a fast time-of-flight 3D camera”, Sensor Review Vol. 20 No. 3 2000, presents a time-of-flight camera that also can be used for internal and external monitoring. Similarly, see “Electro-optical correlation arrangement for fast 3D cameras: properties and facilities of the electro-optical mixer device”, SPIE Vol. 3100, 1997 pp. 254-60. A significant improvement to the PMD technology and to all distance by modulation technologies is to modulate with a code, which can be random or pseudo random, that permits accurate distance measurements over a long range using correlation or other technology. There is a question as to whether there is a need to individually modulate each pixel with the sent signal since the same effect can be achieved using a known Pockel or Kerr cell that covers the entire imager, which should be simpler. The instant invention as described in the above-referenced commonly assigned patents and patent applications, teaches the use of modulating the light used to illuminate an object and to determine the distance to that object based on the phase difference between the reflected radiation and the transmitted radiation. The illumination can be modulated at a single frequency when short distances such as within the passenger compartment are to be measured. Typically, the modulation wavelength would be selected such that one wave would have a length of approximately one meter or less. This would provide resolution of 1 cm or less. For larger vehicles, a longer wavelength would be desirable. For measuring longer distances, the illumination can be modulated at more than one frequency to eliminate cycle ambiguity if there is more than one cycle between the source of illumination and the illuminated object. This technique is particularly desirable when monitoring objects exterior to the vehicle to permit accurate measurements of devices that are hundreds of meters from the vehicle as well as those that are a few meters away. Naturally, there are other modulation methods that eliminate the cycle ambiguity such as modulation with a code that is used with a correlation function to determine the phase shift or time delay. This code can be a pseudo random number in order to permit the unambiguous monitoring of the vehicle exterior in the presence of other vehicles with the same system. This is sometimes known as noise radar, noise modulation (either of optical or radar signals), ultra wideband (UWB) or the techniques used in Micropower impulse radar (MIR). Another key advantage is to permit the separation of signals from multiple vehicles. Although a simple frequency modulation scheme has been disclosed so far, it is also possible to use other coding techniques including the coding of the illumination with one of a variety of correlation patterns including a pseudo-random code. Similarly, although frequency and code domain systems have been described, time domain systems are also applicable wherein a pulse of light is emitted and the time of flight measured. Additionally, in the frequency domain case, a chirp can be emitted and the reflected light compared in frequency with the chirp to determine the distance to the object by frequency difference. Although each of these techniques is known to those skilled in the art, they have previously not been believed to have applied for monitoring objects within or outside of a vehicle. 4.4 Pockel or Kerr Cells for Determining Range The technology for modulating a light valve or electronic shutter has been known for many years and is sometimes referred to as a Kerr cell or a Pockel cell. These devices are capable of being modulated at up to 10 billion cycles per second. For determining the distance to an occupant or his or her features, modulations between 100 and 500 MHz are needed. The higher the modulation frequency, the more accurate the distance to the object can be determined. However, if more than one wavelength, or better one-quarter wavelength, exists between the camera and the object, then ambiguities result. On the other hand, once a longer wavelength has ascertained the approximate location of the feature, then more accurate determinations can be made by increasing the modulation frequency since the ambiguity will now have been removed. In practice, only a single frequency is used of about 300 MHz. This gives a wavelength of 1 meter, which can allow cm level distance determinations. In one preferred embodiment of this invention therefore, an infrared LED is modulated at a frequency between 100 and 500 MHz and the returning light passes through a light valve such that amount of light that impinges on the CMOS array pixels is determined by a phase difference between the light valve and the reflected light. By modulating a light valve for one frame and leaving the light valve transparent for a subsequent frame, the range to every point in the camera field of view can be determined based on the relative brightness of the corresponding pixels. Once the range to all of the pixels in the camera view has been determined, range-gating becomes a simple mathematical exercise and permits objects in the image to be easily separated for feature extraction processing. In this manner, many objects in the passenger compartment can be separated and identified independently. Noise, pseudo noise or code modulation techniques can be used in place of the frequency modulation discussed above. This can be in the form of frequency, amplitude or pulse modulation. No prior art is believed to exist on this concept. 4.5 Thin film on ASIC (TFA) Thin film on ASIC technology, as described in Lake, D. W. “TFA Technology: The Coming Revolution in Photography”, Advanced Imaging Magazine, April, 2002 (WWW.ADVANCEDIMAGINGMAG.COM) shows promise of being the next generation of imager for automotive applications. The anticipated specifications for this technology, as reported in the Lake article, are: Dynamic Range 120 db Sensitivity 0.01 lux Anti-blooming 1,000,000:1 Pixel Density 3,200,000 Pixel Size 3.5 um Frame Rate 30 fps DC Voltage 1.8 v Compression 500 to 1 All of these specifications, except for the frame rate, are attractive for occupant sensing. It is believed that the frame rate can be improved with subsequent generations of the technology. Some advantages of this technology for occupant sensing include the possibility of obtaining a three dimensional image by varying the pixel in time in relation to a modulated illumination in a simpler manner than proposed with the PMD imager or with a Pockel or Kerr cell. The ability to build the entire package on one chip will reduce the cost of this imager compared with two or more chips required by current technology. Other technical papers on TFA include: (1) M. Böhm “Imagers Using Amorphous Silicon Thin Film on ASIC (TFA) Technology”, Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, 266-269, pp. 1145-1151, 2000; (2) A. Eckhardt, F. Blecher, B. Schneider, J. Sterzel, S. Benthien, H. Keller, T. Lulé, P. Rieve, M. Sommer, K. Seibel, F. Mütze, M. Böhm, “Image Sensors in TFA (Thin Film on ASIC) Technology with Analog Image Pre-Processing”, H. Reichl, E. Obermeier (eds.), Proc. Micro System Technologies 98, Potsdam, Germany, pp. 165-170, 1998.; (3) T. Lulé, B. Schneider, M. Böhm, “Design and Fabrication of a High Dynamic Range Image Sensor in TFA Technology”, invited paper for IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Special Issue on 1998 Symposium on VLSI Circuits, 1999. (4) M. Böhm, F. Blecher, A. Eckhardt, B. Schneider, S. Benthien, H. Keller, T. Lulé, P. Rieve, M. Sommer, R. C. Lind, L. Humm, M. Daniels, N. Wu, H. Yen, “High Dynamic Range Image Sensors in Thin Film on ASIC—Technology for Automotive Applications”, D. E. Ricken, W. Gessner (eds.), Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Applications, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, pp. 157-172, 1998. (5) M. Böhm, F. Blecher, A. Eckhardt, K. Seibel, B. Schneider, J. Sterzel, S. Benthien, H. Keller, T. Lulé, P. Rieve, M. Sommer, B. Van Uffel, F Librecht, R. C. Lind, L. Humm, U. Efron, E. Rtoh, “Image Sensors in TFA Technology—Status and Future Trends”, Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc., vol. 507, pp.327-338, 1998. 5. Glare Control U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,732 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,751 to Chen concentrate on locating the eyes of the driver so as to position a light filter between a light source such as the sun or the lights of an oncoming vehicle, and the driver's eyes. This patent will be discussed in more detail below. U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,012 to Faris also describes a system for reducing the glare from the headlights of an oncoming vehicle and it is discussed in more detail below. 5.1 Windshield Using an advanced occupant sensor, as explained below, the position of the driver's eyes can be accurately determined and portions of the windshield, or of a special visor, can be selectively darkened to eliminate the glare from the sun or oncoming vehicle headlights. This system can use electro-chromic glass, a liquid crystal device, Xerox Gyricon, Research Frontiers SPD, semiconducting and metallic (organic) polymer displays, spatial light monitors, electronic “Venetian blinds”, electronic polarizers or other appropriate technology, and, in some cases, detectors to detect the direction of the offending light source. In addition to eliminating the glare, the standard sun visor can now also be eliminated. Alternately, the glare filter can be placed in another device such as a transparent sun visor that is placed between the driver's eyes and the windshield. There is no known prior art that places a filter in the windshield. All known designs use an auxiliary system such as a liquid crystal panel that acts like a light valve on a pixel by pixel basis. A description of SPD can be found at SmartGlass.com and in “New ‘Smart’ glass darkens, lightens in a flash”, Automotive News Aug. 21, 1998. 5.2 Rear View Mirrors There is no known prior art that places a pixel addressable filter in a rear view mirror to selectively block glare or for any other purpose. 5.3 Visor for Glare Control and HUD The prior art of this application includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,938, U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,732, U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,012 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,715. 6. Weight Measurement and Biometrics Prior art systems are now being used to identify the vehicle occupant based on a coded key or other object carried by the occupant. This requires special sensors within the vehicle to recognize the coded object. Also, the system only works if the particular person for whom the vehicle was programmed uses the coded object. If a son or daughter, for example, who is using their mother's key, uses the vehicle then the wrong seat, mirror, radio station etc. adjustments are made. Also, these systems preserve the choice of seat position without any regard for the correctness of the seat position. With the problems associated with the 4-way seats, it is unlikely that the occupant ever properly adjusts the seat. Therefore, the error will be repeated every time the occupant uses the vehicle. These coded systems are a crude attempt to identify the occupant. An improvement can be made if the morphological (or biological) characteristics of the occupant can be measured as described herein. Such measurements can be made of the height and weight, for example, and used not only to adjust a vehicular component to a proper position but also to remember that position, as fine tuned by the occupant, for re-positioning the component the next time the occupant occupies the seat. No prior art is believed to exist on this aspect of the invention. Additional biometrics includes physical and behavioral responses of the eyes, hands, face and voice. Iris and retinal scans are discussed in the literature but the shape of the eyes or hands, structure of the face or hands, how a person blinks or squints, the shape of the hands, how he or she grasps the steering wheel, the electrical conductivity or dielectric constant, blood vessel pattern in the hands, fingers, face or elsewhere, the temperature and temperature differences of different areas of the body are among the many biometric variables that can be measures to identify an authorized user of a vehicle, for example. As discussed more fully below, in a preferred implementation, once at least one and preferably two of the morphological characteristics of a driver are determined, for example by measuring his or her height and weight, the component such as the seat can be adjusted and other features or components can be incorporated into the system including, for example, the automatic adjustment of the rear view and/or side mirrors based on seat position and occupant height. In addition, a determination of an out-of-position occupant can be made and based thereon, airbag deployment suppressed if the occupant is more likely to be injured by the airbag than by the accident without the protection of the airbag. Furthermore, the characteristics of the airbag including the amount of gas produced by the inflator and the size of the airbag exit orifices can be adjusted to provide better protection for small lightweight occupants as well as large, heavy people. Even the direction of the airbag deployment can, in some cases, be controlled. The prior art is limited to airbag suppression as disclosed in Mattes (U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,134) and White (U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,160) discussed above. Still other features or components can now be adjusted based on the measured occupant morphology as well as the fact that the occupant can now be identified. Some of these features or components include the adjustment of seat armrest, cup holder, steering wheel (angle and telescoping), pedals, phone location and for that matter the adjustment of all things in the vehicle which a person must reach or interact with. Some items that depend on personal preferences can also be automatically adjusted including the radio station, temperature, ride and others. 6.1 Strain gage weight sensors Previously, various methods have been proposed for measuring the weight of an occupying item of a vehicular seat. The methods include pads, sheets or films that have placed in the seat cushion which attempt to measure the pressure distribution of the occupying item. Prior to its first disclosure in Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,707) referenced above by the current assignee, systems for measuring occupant weight based on the strain in the seat structure had not been considered. Prior art weight measurement systems have been notoriously inaccurate. Thus, a more accurate weight measuring system is desirable. The strain measurement systems described herein, substantially eliminate the inaccuracy problems of prior art systems and permit an accurate determination of the weight of the occupying item of the vehicle seat. Additionally, as disclosed herein, in many cases, sufficient information can be obtained for the control of a vehicle component without the necessity of determining the entire weight of the occupant. For example, the force that the occupant exerts on one of the three support members may be sufficient. A recent U.S. patent application, Publication No. 2003/0168895, is interesting in that it is the first example of the use of time and the opening and closing of a vehicle door to help in the post-processing decision making for distinguishing a child restraint system (CRS) from an adult. This system is based on a load cell (strain gage) weight measuring system. Automotive vehicles are equipped with seat belts and air bags as equipment for ensuring the safety of the passenger. In recent years, an effort has been underway to enhance the performance of the seat belt and/or the air bag by controlling these devices in accordance with the weight or the posture of the passenger. For example, the quantity of gas used to deploy the air bag or the speed of deployment could be controlled. Further, the amount of pretension of the seat belt could be adjusted in accordance with the weight and posture of the passenger. To this end, it is necessary to know the weight of the passenger sitting on the seat by some technique. The position of the center of gravity of the passenger sitting on the seat could also be referenced in order to estimate the posture of the passenger. As an example of a technique to determine the weight or the center of gravity of the passenger of this type, a method of measuring the seat weight including the passenger's weight by disposing the load sensors (load cells) at the front, rear, left and right corners under the seat and summing vertical loads applied to the load cells has been disclosed in the assignee's numerous patents and patent applications on occupant sensing. Since a seat weight measuring apparatus of this type is intended for use in general automotive vehicles, the cost of the apparatus must be as low as possible. In addition, the wiring and assembly also must be easy. Keeping such considerations in mind, the object of the present invention is to provide a seat weight measuring apparatus having such advantages that the production cost and the assembling cost may be reduced. 6.2 Bladder Weight Sensors Similarly to strain gage weight sensors, the first disclosure of weight sensors based of the pressure in a bladder in or under the seat cushion is believed to have been made in Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,707) filed Jun. 7, 1995 by the current assignee. A bladder is disclosed in WO09830411, which claims the benefit of a U.S. provisional application filed on Jan. 7, 1998 showing two bladders. This patent application is assigned to Automotive Systems Laboratory and is part of a series of bladder based weight sensor patents and applications all of which were filed significantly after the current assignee's bladder weight sensor patent applications. Also U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,286 illustrates a single chamber bladder sensor for an exercise bicycle and EP0345806 illustrates a bladder in an automobile seat for the purpose of adjusting the shape of the seat. Although a pressure switch is provided, no attempt is made to measure the weight of the occupant and there is no mention of using the weight to control a vehicle component. IEE of Luxemburg and others have marketed seat sensors that measure the pattern on the object contacting the seat surface but none of these sensors purport to measure the weight of an occupying item of the seat. 6.3 Combined Spatial and Weight Sensors The combination of a weight sensor with a spatial sensor, such as the wave or electric field sensors discussed herein, permits the most accurate determination of the airbag requirements when the crash sensor output is also considered. There is not believed to be any prior art of such a combination. A recent patent, which is not considered prior art, that discloses a similar concept is U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,055. 6.4 Face Recognition (Face and Iris IR Scans) Ishikawa et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,329) describes an image analyzer (M5 in FIG. 1) for analyzing the position of driver including an infrared light source which illuminates the driver's face and an image detector which receives light from the driver's face, determines the position of facial feature, e.g., the eyes in three dimensions, and thus determines the position of the driver in three dimensions. A pattern recognition process is used to determine the position of the facial features and entails converting the pixels forming the image to either black or white based on intensity and conducting an analysis based on the white area in order to find the largest contiguous white area and the center point thereof. Based on the location of the center point of the largest contiguous white area, the driver's height is derived and a heads-up display is adjusted so information is within driver's field of view. The pattern recognition process can be applied to detect the eyes, mouth, or nose of the driver based on the differentiation between the white and black areas. Ishikawa does not attempt to recognize the driver. Ando (U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,946) describes a system which recognizes an image and specifically ascertains the position of the pupils and mouth of the occupant to enable movement of the pupils and mouth to control electrical devices installed in the automobile. The system includes a camera which takes a picture of the occupant and applies algorithms based on pattern recognition techniques to analyze the picture, converted into an electrical signal, to determine the position of certain portions of the image, namely the pupils and mouth. Ando also does not attempt to recognize the driver. Puma (U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,619) describes apparatus and methods for determining the identity of a vehicle operator and whether he or she is intoxicated or falling asleep. Puma uses an iris scan as the identification method and thus requires the driver to place his eyes in a particular position relative to the camera. Intoxication is determined by monitoring the spectral emission from the driver's eyes and drowsiness is determined by monitoring a variety of behaviors of the driver. The identification of the driver by any means is believed to have been first disclosed in the current assignee's patents referenced above as was identifying the impairment of the driver whether by alcohol, drugs or drowsiness through monitoring driver behavior and using pattern recognition. Puma uses pattern recognition but not neural networks although correlation analysis is implied as also taught in the current assignee's prior patents. Other patents on eye tracking include Moran et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,847,486) and Hutchinson (U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,069). In Moran, a scanner is used to project a beam onto the eyes of the person and the reflection from the retina through the cornea is monitored to measure the time that the person's eyes are closed. In Hutchinson, the eye of a computer operator is illuminated with light from an infrared LED and the reflected light causes bright eye effect which outlines the pupil as brighter then the rest of the eye and also causes an even brighter reflection from the cornea. By observing this reflection in the camera's field of view, the direction that the eye is pointing can be determined. In this manner, the motion of the eye can control operation of the computer. Similarly, such apparatus can be used to control various functions within the vehicle such as the telephone, radio, and heating and air conditioning. U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,587 to Aboutalib et al. also describes a drowsy driver detection unit based on the frequency of eyeblinks where an eye blink is determined by correlation analysis with averaged previous states of the eye. U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,858 to Grace describes the use of two frequencies of light to monitor the eyes, one that is totally absorbed by the eye (950 nm) and another that is not and where both are equally reflected by the rest of the face. Thus, subtraction leaves only the eyes. An alternative, not disclosed by Aboutalib et al. or Grace, is to use natural light or a broad frequency spectrum and a filter to filter out all frequencies except 950 nm and then to proportion the intensities. U.S. Pat. No. 6,097,295 to Griesinger also attempts to determine the alertness of the driver by monitoring the pupil size and the eye shutting frequency. U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,334 uses measurements of saccade frequency, saccade speed, and blinking measurements to determine drowsiness. No attempt is made in any of these patents to locate the driver in the vehicle. There are numerous technical papers on eye location and tracking developed for uses other than automotive including: (1) “Eye Tracking in Advanced Interface Design”, Robert J. K. Jacob, Human-Computer Interaction Lab, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C.; (2) F. Smeraldi, O. Carmona, J. Bigün, “Saccadic search with Gabor features applied to eye detection and real-time head tracking”, Image and Vision Computing 18 (2000) 323-329, Elsevier; (2) Y. Wang, B. Yuan, “Human Eyes Location Using Wavelet and Neural Networks”, Proceedings of ICSP2000, IEEE. (3) S. A. Sirohey, A. Rosenfeld, “Eye detection in a face image using linear and nonlinear filters”, Pattern Recognition 34 (2001) 1367-1391, Pergamon. There are also numerous technical papers on human face recognition including: (1) “Pattern Recognition with Fast Feature Extractions”, M. G. Nakhodkin, Y. S. Musatenko, and V. N. Kurashov, Optical Memory and Neural Networks, Vol. 6, No. 3, 1997; (2) C. Beumier, M. Acheroy “Automatic 3D Face Recognition”, Image and Vision Computing, 18 (2000) 315-321, Elsevier. Since the direction of gaze of the eyes is quite precise and relatively easily measured, it can be used to control many functions in the vehicle such as the telephone, lights, windows, HVAC, navigation and route guidance system, and telematics among others. Many of these functions can be combined with a heads-up display and the eye gaze can replace the mouse in selecting many functions and among many choices. It can also be combined with an accurate mapping system to display on a convenient display the writing on a sign that might be hard to read such as a street sign. It can even display the street name when a sign is not present. A gaze at a building can elicit a response providing the address of the building or some information about the building which can be provided either orally or visually. Looking at the speedometer can elicit a response as the local speed limit and looking at the fuel gage can elicit the location of the nearest gas station. None of these functions appear in the prior art discussed above. 6.5 Heartbeat and Health State Although the concept of measuring the heartbeat of a vehicle occupant originated with the patents of the current assignee, Bader in U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,008 uses a comparison of the heartbeat with stored data to determine the age of the occupant. Other uses of heartbeat measurement include determining the presence of an occupant on a particular seat, the determination of the total number of vehicle occupants, the presence of an occupant in a vehicle for security purposes, for example, and the presence of an occupant in the trunk etc. 7. Illumination 7.1 Infrared light In a passive infrared system, as described in Corrado referenced above, for example, a detector receives infrared radiation from an object in its field of view, in this case the vehicle occupant, and determines the presence and temperature of the occupant based on the infrared radiation. The occupant sensor system can then respond to the temperature of the occupant, which can either be a child in a rear facing child seat or a normally seated occupant, to control some other system. This technology could provide input data to a pattern recognition system but it has limitations related to temperature. The sensing of the child could pose a problem if the child is covered with blankets, depending on the IR frequency used. It also might not be possible to differentiate between a rear facing child seat and a forward facing child seat. In all cases, the technology can fail to detect the occupant if the ambient temperature reaches body temperature as it does in hot climates. Nevertheless, for use in the control of the vehicle climate, for example, a passive infrared system that permits an accurate measurement of each occupant's temperature is useful. Prior art systems are limited to single pixel devices. Use of an IR imager removes many of the problems listed above and is novel to the inventions disclosed herein. In a laser optical system, an infrared laser beam is used to momentarily illuminate an object occupant or child seat in the manner as described, and illustrated in FIG. 8, of Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,462) cross-referenced above. In some cases, a CCD or a CMOS device is used to receive the reflected light. In other cases when a scanning laser is used, a pin or avalanche diode or other photo detector can be used. The laser can either be used in a scanning mode, or, through the use of a lens, a cone of light, swept line of light, or a pattern or structured light can be created which covers a large portion of the object. Additionally, one or more LEDs can be used as a light source. Also triangulation can be used in conjunction with an offset scanning laser to determine the range of the illuminated spot from the light detector. Various focusing systems also can have applicability in some implementations to measure the distance to an occupant. In most cases, a pattern recognition system, as defined herein, is used to identify, ascertain the identity of and classify, and can be used to locate and determine the position of; the illuminated object and/or its constituent parts. The optical systems generally provide the most information about the object and at a rapid data rate. Its main drawback is cost which is usually above that of ultrasonic or passive infrared systems. As the cost of lasers and imagers comes down in the future, this system will become more competitive. Depending on the implementation of the system, there may be some concern for the safety of the occupant if a laser light can enter the occupant's eyes. This is minimized if the laser operates in the infrared spectrum particularly at the “eye-safe” frequencies. Another important feature is that the brightness of the point of light from the laser, if it is in the infrared part of the spectrum and if a filter is used on the receiving detector, can overpower the sun with the result that the same classification algorithms can be made to work both at night and under bright sunlight in a convertible. An alternative approach is to use different algorithms for different lighting conditions. Although active and passive infrared light has been disclosed in the prior art, the use of a scanning laser, modulated light, filters, trainable pattern recognition etc. is believed to have been first disclosed by the current assignee in the above-referenced patents. 7.2 Structured Light U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,166 provides an excellent treatise on the use of structured light for range mapping of objects in general. It does not apply this technique for automotive applications and in particular for occupant sensing or monitoring inside or outside of a vehicle. The use of structured light in the automotive environment and particularly for sensing occupants is believed to have been first disclosed by the current assignee in the above-referenced patents. U.S. Pat. No. 6,049,757 to Nakajima et al. describes structured light in the form of bright spots that illuminate the face of the driver to determine the inclination of the face and to issue a warning if the inclination is indicative of a dangerous situation. In the patents to the current assignee, structured light is disclosed to obtain a determination of the location of an occupant and/or his or her parts. This includes the position of any part of the occupant including the occupant's face and thus the invention of this patent is believed to be anticipated by the current assignee's patents referenced above. U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,311 to Griffin et al. repeats much of the teachings of the early patents of the current assignee. A plurality of IR beams are modulated and directed in the vicinity of the passenger seat and used through a photosensitive receiver to detect the presence and location of an object in the passenger seat, although the particular pattern recognition system is not disclosed. The pattern of IR beams used in this patent is a form of structured light. Structured light is also discussed in numerous technical papers for other purposes than vehicle interior or exterior monitoring including: (1) “3D Shape Recovery and Registration Based on the Projection of Non-Coherent Structured Light” by Roberto Rodella and Giovanna Sansoni, INFM and Dept. of Electronics for the Automation, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, I-25123 Brescia—Italy; and (2) “A Low-Cost Range Finder using a Visually Located, Structured Light Source”, R B. Fisher, A. P. Ashbrook, C. Robertson, N. Werghi, Division of Informatics, Edinburgh University, 5 Forrest Hill, Edinburgh EH1 2QL. (3) F. Lerasle, J. Lequellec, M Devy, “Relaxation vs Maximal Cliques Search for Projected Beams Labeling in a Structured Light Sensor”, Proceedings of the International Conference on Pattern Recognition, 2000 IEEE. (4) D. Caspi, N. Kiryati, and J. Shamir, “Range Imaging With Adaptive Color Structured Light”, IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, Vol. 20, No. 5, May 1998. Recently, a paper has been published that describes a structured light camera system disclosed years ago by the current assignee: V. Ramesh, M. Greiffenhagen, S. Boverie, A. Giratt, “Real-Time Surveillance and Monitoring for Automotive Applications”, SAE 2000-01-0347. 7.3 Color and Natural Light A number of systems have been disclosed that use illumination as the basis for occupant detection. The problem with artificial illumination is that it will not always overpower the sun and thus in a convertible on a bright sunny day, for example, the artificial light can be undetectable unless it is a point. If one or more points of light are not the illumination of choice, then the system must also be able to operate under natural light. The inventions herein accomplish the feat of accurate identification and tracking of an occupant under all lighting conditions by using artificial illumination at night and natural light when it is available. This requires that the pattern recognition system be modular with different modules used for different situations as discussed in more detail below. There is no known prior art for using natural radiation for occupant sensing systems. When natural illumination is used, a great deal of useful information can be obtained if various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are used. The ability to locate the face and facial features is enhanced if color is used, for example. Once again, there is no known prior art for the use of color, for example. All known systems that use electromagnetic radiation are monochromatic. 7.4 Radar The radar portion of the electromagnetic spectrum can also be used for occupant detection as first disclosed by the current assignee in the above-referenced patents. Radar systems have similar properties to the laser system discussed above except the ability to focus the beam, which is limited in radar by the frequency chosen and the antenna size. It is also much more difficult to achieve a scanning system for the same reasons. The wavelength of a particular radar system can limit the ability of the pattern recognition system to detect object features smaller than a certain size. Once again, however, there is some concern about the health effects of radar on children and other occupants. This concern is expressed in various reports available from the United States Food and Drug Administration, Division of Devices. When the occupying item is human, in some instances the information about the occupying item can be the occupant's position, size and/or weight. Each of these properties can have an effect on the control criteria of the component. One system for determining a deployment force of an air bag system in described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,904 (Dosdall). This system provides a reflective surface in the vehicle seat that reflects microwaves transmitted from a microwave emitter. The position, size and weight of a human occupant are said to be determined by calibrating the microwaves detected by a detector after the microwaves have been reflected from the reflective surface and pass through the occupant. Although some features disclosed in the '904 patent are not disclosed in the current assignee's above-referenced patents, the use of radar in general for occupant sensing is disclosed in those patents. 7.5 Frequency or Spectrum Considerations As discussed above, it is desirable to obtain information about an occupying item in a vehicle in order to control a component in the vehicle based on the characteristics of the occupying item. For example, if it were known that the occupying item is inanimate, an airbag deployment system would generally be controlled to suppress deployment of any airbags designed to protect passengers seated at the location of the inanimate object. Particular parts of the electromagnetic spectrum interact with animal bodies in a manner differently from inanimate objects and allow the positive identification that there is an animal in the passenger compartment, or in the vicinity of the vehicle. The choice of frequencies for both active and passive observation of people is discussed in detail in Richards, A. Alien Vision. Exploring the Electromagnetic Spectrum with Imaging Technology, 2001, SPIE Press Bellingham, Wash. In particular, in the near IR range (˜850 nm), the eyes of a person at night are easily seen when illuminated. In the near UV range (˜360 nm), distinctive skin patterns are observable that can be used for identification. In the SWIR range (1100-2500 nm), the person can be easily separated from the background. The MWIR range (2.5-7 Microns) in the passive case clearly shows people against a cooler background except when the ambient temperature is high and then everything radiates or reflects energy in that range. However, windows are not transparent to MWIR and thus energy emitted from outside the vehicle does not interfere with the energy emitted from the occupants. This range is particularly useful at night when it is unlikely that the vehicle interior will be emitting significant amounts of energy in this range. In the LWIR range (7-15 Microns), people are even more clearly seen against a dark background that is cooler then the person. Finally, millimeter wave radar can be used for occupant sensing as discussed elsewhere. It is important to note that an occupant sensing system can use radiation in more than one of these ranges depending on what is appropriate for the situation. For example, when the sun is bright, then visual imaging can be very effective and when the sun has set, various ranges of infrared become useful. Thus, an occupant sensing system can be a combination of these subsystems. Once again, there is not believed to be any prior art on the use of these imaging techniques for occupant sensing other than that of the current assignee. 8. Field Sensors Electric and magnetic phenomena can be employed in other ways to sense the presence of an occupant and in particular the fields themselves can be used to determine the dielectric properties, such as the loss tangent or dielectric constant, of occupying items in the passenger compartment. However, it is difficult if not possible to measure these properties using static fields and thus a varying field is used which once again causes electromagnetic waves. Thus, the use of quasi-static low-frequency fields is really a limiting case of the use of waves as described in detail above. Electromagnetic waves are significantly affected at low frequencies, for example, by the dielectric properties of the material. Such capacitive or electric field sensors, for example are described in U.S. patents by Kithil et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,241, U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,734, U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,693, U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,479, U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,486 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,602; by Jinno et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,031; by Saito U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,413; by Kleinberg et al. U.S. Pat. No. 9,770,997; and SAE technical papers 982292 and 971051. Additionally, as discussed in more detail below, the sensing of the change in the characteristics of the near field that surrounds an antenna is an effective and economical method of determining the presence of water or a water-containing life form in the vicinity of the antenna and thus a measure of occupant presence. Measurement of the near field parameters can also yield a specific pattern of an occupant and thus provide a possibility to discriminate a human being from other objects. The use of electric field and capacitance sensors and their equivalence to the occupant sensors described herein requires a special discussion. Electric and magnetic field sensors and wave sensors are essentially the same from the point of view of sensing the presence of an occupant in a vehicle. In both cases, a time varying electric and/or magnetic field is disturbed or modified by the presence of the occupant. At high frequencies in the visual, infrared and high frequency radio wave region, the sensor is usually based on the reflection of electromagnetic energy. As the frequency drops and more of the energy passes through the occupant, the absorption of the wave energy is measured and at still lower frequencies, the occupant's dielectric properties modify the time varying field produced in the occupied space by the plates of a capacitor. In this latter case, the sensor senses the change in charge distribution on the capacitor plates by measuring, for example, the current wave magnitude or phase in the electric circuit that drives the capacitor. In all cases, the presence of the occupant reflects, absorbs or modifies the waves or variations in the electric or magnetic fields in the space occupied by the occupant. Thus, for the purposes of this invention, capacitance and inductance, electric field and magnetic field sensors are equivalent and will be considered as wave sensors. What follows is a discussion comparing the similarities and differences between two types of wave sensors, electromagnetic beam sensors and capacitive sensors as exemplified by Kithil in U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,734. An electromagnetic field disturbed or emitted by a passenger in the case of an electromagnetic beam sensor, for example, and the electric field sensor of Kithil, for example, are in many ways similar and equivalent for the purposes of this invention. The electromagnetic beam sensor is an actual electromagnetic wave sensor by definition, which exploits for sensing a coupled pair of continuously changing electric and magnetic fields, an electromagnetic wave affected or generated by a passenger. The electric field here is not a static, potential one. It is essentially a dynamic, vortex electric field coupled with a changing magnetic field, that is, an electromagnetic wave. It cannot be produced by a steady distribution of electric charges. It is initially produced by moving electric charges in a transmitter, even if this transmitter is a passenger body for the case of a passive infrared sensor. In the Kithil sensor, a static electric field is declared as an initial material agent coupling a passenger and a sensor (see column 5, lines 5-7): “The proximity sensors 12 each function by creating an electrostatic field between oscillator input loop 54 and detector output loop 56, which is affected by presence of a person near by, as a result of capacitive coupling, . . . ”. It is a potential, non-vortex electric field. It is not necessarily coupled with any magnetic field. It is the electric field of a capacitor. It can be produced with a steady distribution of electric charges. Thus, it is not an electromagnetic wave by definition but if the sensor is driven by a varying current then it produces a varying electric field in the space between the plates of the capacitor which necessarily and simultaneously originates an electromagnetic wave. Kithil declares that he uses a static electric field in his capacitance sensor. Thus, from the consideration above, one can conclude that Kithil's sensor cannot be treated as a wave sensor because there are no actual electromagnetic waves but only a static electric field of the capacitor in the sensor system. However, this is not the case. The Kithil system could not operate with a true static electric field because a steady system does not carry any information. Therefore, Kithil is forced to use an oscillator, causing an alternating current in the capacitor and a time varying electric field wave in the space between the capacitor plates, and a detector to reveal an informative change of the sensor capacitance caused by the presence of an occupant (see FIG. 7 and its description). In this case, his system becomes a wave sensor in the sense that it starts generating actual electromagnetic waves according to the definition above. That is, Kithil's sensor can be treated as a wave sensor regardless of the degree to which the electromagnetic field that it creates has developed, a beam or a spread shape. As described in the Kithil patents, the capacitor sensor is a parametric system where the capacitance of the sensor is controlled by influence of the passenger body. This influence is transferred by means of the varying electromagnetic field (i.e., the material agent necessarily originating the wave process) coupling the capacitor electrodes and the body. It is important to note that the same influence takes also place with a true static electric field caused by an unmovable charge distribution, that is in the absence of any wave phenomenon. This would be a situation if there were no oscillator in Kithil's system. However, such a system is not workable and thus Kithil reverts to a dynamic system using electromagnetic waves. Thus, although Kithil declares the coupling is due to a static electric field, such a situation is not realized in his system because an alternating electromagnetic field (“wave”) exists in the system due to the oscillator. Thus, his sensor is actually a wave sensor, that is, it is sensitive to a change of a wave field in the vehicle compartment. This change is measured by measuring the change of its capacitance. The capacitance of the sensor system is determined by the configuration of its electrodes, one of which is a human body, that is, the passenger inside of and the part which controls the electrode configuration and hence a sensor parameter, the capacitance. The physics definition of “wave” from Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary is: “11. Physics. A progressive disturbance propagated from point to point in a medium or space without progress or advance of the points themselves, . . . ”. In a capacitor, the time that it takes for the disturbance (a change in voltage) to propagate through space, the dielectric and to the opposite plate is generally small and neglected but it is not zero. In space, this velocity of propagation is the speed of light. As the frequency driving the capacitor increases and the distance separating the plates increases, this transmission time as a percentage of the period of oscillation can become significant. Nevertheless, an observer between the plates will see the rise and fall of the electric field much like a person standing in the water of an ocean. The presence of a dielectric body between the plates causes the waves to get bigger as more electrons flow to and from the plates of the capacitor. Thus, an occupant affects the magnitude of these waves which is sensed by the capacitor circuit. Thus, the electromagnetic field is a material agent that carries information about a passenger's position in both Kithil's and a beam type electromagnetic wave sensor. The following definitions are from the Encyclopedia Britannica: “electromagnetic field” “A property of space caused by the motion of an electric charge. A stationary charge will produce only an electric field in the surrounding space. If the charge is moving, a magnetic field is also produced. An electric field can be produced also by a changing magnetic field. The mutual interaction of electric and magnetic fields produces an electromagnetic field, which is considered as having its own existence in space apart from the charges or currents (a stream of moving charges) with which it may be related . . . ” (Copyright 1994-1998 Encyclopedia Britannica). “displacement current” “ . . . in electromagnetism, a phenomenon analogous to an ordinary electric current, posited to explain magnetic fields that are produced by changing electric fields. Ordinary electric currents, called conduction currents, whether steady or varying, produce an accompanying magnetic field in the vicinity of the current. [ . . . ] “As electric charges do not flow through the insulation from one plate of a capacitor to the other, there is no conduction current; instead, a displacement current is said to be present to account for the continuity of the magnetic effects. In fact, the calculated size of the displacement current between the plates of a capacitor being charged and discharged in an alternating-current circuit is equal to the size of the conduction current in the wires leading to and from the capacitor. Displacement currents play a central role in the propagation of electromagnetic radiation, such as light and radio waves, through empty space. A traveling, varying magnetic field is everywhere associated with a periodically changing electric field that may be conceived in terms of a displacement current. Maxwell's insight on displacement current, therefore, made it possible to understand electromagnetic waves as being propagated through space completely detached from electric currents in conductors.” Copyright 1994-1998 Encyclopedia Britannica. “electromagnetic radiation” “ . . . energy that is propagated through free space or through a material medium in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves, visible light, and gamma rays. The term also refers to the emission and transmission of such radiant energy. [ . . . ] “It has been established that time-varying electric fields can induce magnetic fields and that time-varying magnetic fields can in like manner induce electric fields. Because such electric and magnetic fields generate each other, they occur jointly, and together they propagate as electromagnetic waves. An electromagnetic wave is a transverse wave in that the electric field and the magnetic field at any point and time in the wave are perpendicular to each other as well as to the direction of propagation. [ . . . ] “Electromagnetic radiation has properties in common with other forms of waves such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference. [ . . . ]” Copyright 1994-1998 Encyclopedia Britannica The main part of the Kithil “circuit means” is an oscillator, which is as necessary in the system as the capacitor itself to make the capacitive coupling effect be detectable. An oscillator by nature creates waves. The system can operate as a sensor only if an alternating current flows through the sensor capacitor, which, in fact, is a detector from which an informative signal is acquired. Then this current (or, more exactly, integral of the current over time—charge) is measured and the result is a measure of the sensor capacitance value. The latter in turn depends on the passenger presence that affects the magnitude of the waves that travel between the plates of the capacitor making the Kithil sensor a wave sensor by the definition herein. An additional relevant definition is: (Telecom Glossary, atis.org/tg2k/_capacitive_coupling.html) “capacitive coupling: The transfer of energy from one circuit to another by means of the mutual capacitance between the circuits. (188) Note 1: The coupling may be deliberate or inadvertent. Note 2: Capacitive coupling favors transfer of the higher frequency components of a signal, whereas inductive coupling favors lower frequency components, and conductive coupling favors neither higher nor lower frequency components.” Another similarity between one embodiment of the sensor of this invention and the Kithil sensor is the use of a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). 9. Telematics One key invention disclosed here and in the current assignee's above-referenced patents is that once an occupancy has been categorized one of the many ways that the information can be used is to transmit all or some of it to a remote location via a telematics link. This link can be a cell phone, WiFi Internet connection or a satellite (LEO or geo-stationary). The recipient of the information can be a governmental authority, a company or an EMS organization. For example, vehicles can be provided with a standard cellular phone as well as the Global Positioning System (GPS), an automobile navigation or location system with an optional connection to a manned assistance facility, which is now available on a number of vehicle models. In the event of an accident, the phone may automatically call 911 for emergency assistance and report the exact position of the vehicle. If the vehicle also has a system as described herein for monitoring each seat location, the number and perhaps the condition of the occupants could also be reported. In that way, the emergency service (EMS) would know what equipment and how many ambulances to send to the accident site. Moreover, a communication channel can be opened between the vehicle and a monitoring facility/emergency response facility or personnel to enable directions to be provided to the occupant(s) of the vehicle to assist in any necessary first aid prior to arrival of the emergency assistance personnel. One existing service is OnStar® provided by General Motors that automatically notifies an OnStar® operator in the event that the airbags deploy. By adding the teachings of the inventions herein, the service can also provide a description on the number and category of occupants, their condition and the output of other relevant information including a picture of a particular seat before and after the accident if desired. There is not believed to be any prior art for these added services. 10. Display Heads-up displays are normally projected onto the windshield. In a few cases, they can appear on a visor that is placed in front of the driver or vehicle passenger. Here, the use of the term heads-up display or HUD will be meant to encompass both systems. 10.1 Heads-up Display (HUD) Various manufacturers have attempted to provide information to a driver through the use of a heads-up display. In some cases, the display is limited to information that would otherwise appear on the instrument panel. In more sophisticated cases, there is an attempt to display information about the environment that would be useful to the driver. Night vision cameras can record that there is a person or an object ahead on the road that the vehicle might run into if the driver is not aware of its presence. Present day systems of this type provide a display at the bottom of the windshield of the scene sensed by the night vision camera. No attempt is made to superimpose this onto the windshield such that the driver would see it at the location that he would normally see it if the object were illuminated. This confuses the driver and in one study the driver actually performed worse than he would have in the absence of the night vision information. The ability to find the eyes of the driver, as taught here, permits the placement of the night vision image exactly where the driver expects to see it. An enhancement is to categorize and identify the objects that should be brought to the attention of the driver and then place an icon at the proper place in the driver's field of view. There is no known prior art of these inventions. There is of course much prior art on night vision. See for example, M. Aguilar, D. A. Fay, W. D. Ross, A. M. Waxman, D. B. Ireland, J. P. Racamato, “Real-time fusion of low-light CCD and uncooled IR imagery for color night vision”, SPIE Vol. 3364 (1998). The University of Minnesota attempts to show the driver of a snow plow where the snow covered road edges are on a LCD display that is placed in front of the windshield. Needless to say this also can confuse the driver and a preferable approach, as disclosed herein, is to place the edge markings on the windshield as they would appear if the driver could see the road. This again requires knowledge of the location of the eyes of the driver. Many other applications of display technology come to mind including aids to a lost driver from the route guidance system. An arrow, lane markings or even a pseudo-colored lane can be properly placed in his field of view when he should make a turn, for example or direct the driver to the closest McDonalds or gas station. For the passenger, objects of interest along with short descriptions (written or oral) can be highlighted on the HUD if the locations of the eyes of the passenger are known. In fact, all of the windows of the vehicle can become semi-transparent computer screens and be used as a virtual reality or augmented reality system guiding the driver and providing information about the environment that is generated by accurate maps, sensors and inter-vehicle communication and vehicle to infrastructure communication. This becomes easier with the development of organic displays that comprise a thin film that can be manufactured as part of the window or appear as part of a transparent visor. Again there is not believed to be any prior art on these features. 10.2 Adjust HUD Based on Driver Seating Position A simpler system that can be implemented without an occupant sensor is to base the location of the HUD display on the expected location of the eyes of the driver that can be calculated from other sensor information such as the position of the rear view mirror, seat and weight of the occupant. Once an approximate location for the display is determined, a knob of another system can be provided to permit the driver to fine tune that location. Again there is not believed to be any prior art for this concept Some relevant patents are U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,907 and WO0235276. 10.3 HUD on Rear Window In some cases, it might be desirable to project the HUD onto the rear window or in some cases even the side windows. For the rear window, the position of the mirror and the occupant's eyes would be useful in determining where to place the image. The position of the eyes of the driver or passenger again would be useful for a HUD display on the side windows. Finally, for an entertainment system, the positions of the eyes of a passenger can allow the display of three-dimensional images onto any in-vehicle display. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,291,906. 10.4 Plastic Electronics Heads-up displays previously have been based on projection systems. With the development of plastic electronics, the possibility now exists for elimination of the projection system and to create the image directly on the windshield. Relevant patents for this technology include U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,553, U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,454, U.S. Pat. No. 5,889,566, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,203. A relevant paper is “Polymer Material Promises an Inexpensive and Thin Full-Color Light-Emitting Plastic Display”, Electronic Design Magazine, Jan. 9, 1996. This display material can be used in conjunction with SPD, for example, to turn the vehicle windows into a multicolored display. Also see “Bright Future for Displays”, MIT Technology Review, pp82-3, April, 2001 11. Pattern Recognition Many of the teachings of the inventions herein are based on pattern recognition technologies as taught in numerous textbooks and technical papers. For example, an important part of the diagnostic teachings of this invention are the manner in which the diagnostic module determines a normal pattern from an abnormal pattern and the manner in which it decides what data to use from the vast amount of data available. This is accomplished using pattern recognition technologies, such as artificial neural networks, combination neural networks, support vector machines, cellular neural networks etc. The present invention relating to occupant sensing uses sophisticated pattern recognition capabilities such as fuzzy logic systems, neural networks, neural-fuzzy systems or other pattern recognition computer-based algorithms to the occupant position measurement system disclosed in the above referenced patents and/or patent applications and greatly extends the areas of application of this technology. The pattern recognition techniques used can be applied to the preprocessed data acquired by various transducers or to the raw data itself depending on the application. For example, as reported in the current assignee's patent applications above-referenced, there is frequently information in the frequencies present in the data and thus a Fourier transform of the data can be inputted into the pattern recognition algorithm. In optical correlation methods, for example, a very fast identification of an object can be obtained using the frequency domain rather than the time domain. Similarly, when analyzing the output of weight sensors the transient response is usually more accurate that the static response, as taught in the current assignee's patents and applications, and this transient response can be analyzed in the frequency domain or in the time domain. An example of the use of a simple frequency analysis is presented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,485 to Kursawe. 11.1 Neural Nets The theory of neural networks including many examples can be found in several books on the subject including: (1) Techniques and Application of Neural Networks, edited by Taylor, M. and Lisboa, P., Ellis Horwood, West Sussex, England, 1993; (2) Naturally Intelligent Systems, by Caudill, M. and Butler, C., MIT Press, Cambridge Mass., 1990; (3) J. M. Zaruda, Introduction to Artificial Neural Systems, West publishing Co., N.Y., 1992, (4) Digital Neural Networks, by Kung, S. Y., PTR Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N. J., 1993, Eberhart, R, Simpson, P., (5) Dobbins, R., Computational Intelligence PC Tools, Academic Press, Inc., 1996, Orlando, Fla., (6) Cristianini, N. and Shawe-Taylor, J. An Introduction to Support Vector Machines and Other Kernel-Based Learning Methods, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge England, 2000; (7) Proceedings of the 2000 6th IEEE International Workshop on Cellular Neural Networks and their Applications (CNNA 2000), IEEE, Piscataway N.J.; and (8) Sinha, N. K. and Gupta, M. M. Soft Computing & Intelligent Systems, Academic Press 2000 San Diego, Calif. The neural network pattern recognition technology is one of the most developed of pattern recognition technologies. The invention described herein uses combinations of neural networks to improve the pattern recognition process. An example of such a pattern recognition system using neural networks using sonar is discussed in two papers by Gorman, R. P. and Sejnowski, T. J. “Analysis of Hidden Units in a Layered Network Trained to Classify Sonar Targets”, Neural Networks, Vol.1. pp. 75-89, 1988, and “Learned Classification of Sonar Targets Using a Massively Parallel Network”, IEEE Transactions on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing, Vol. 36, No. 7, July 1988. A more recent example using cellular neural networks is: M. Milanove, U. Büker, “Object recognition in image sequences with cellular neural networks”, Neurocomputing 31 (2000) 124-141, Elsevier. Another recent example using support vector machines, a form of neural network, is: E. Destéfanis, E. Kienzle, L. Canali, “Occupant Detection Using Support Vector Machines With a Polynomial Kernel Function”, SPIE Vol. 4192 (2000). Japanese Patent No. 3-42337 (A) to Ueno describes a device for detecting the driving condition of a vehicle driver comprising a light emitter for irradiating the face of the driver and a means for picking up the image of the driver and storing it for later analysis. Means are provided for locating the eyes of the driver and then the irises of the eyes and then determining if the driver is looking to the side or sleeping. Ueno determines the state of the eyes of the occupant rather than determining the location of the eyes relative to the other parts of the vehicle passenger compartment. Such a system can be defeated if the driver is wearing glasses, particularly sunglasses, or another optical device which obstructs a clear view of his/her eyes. Pattern recognition technologies such as neural networks are not used. The method of finding the eyes is described but not a method of adapting the system to a particular vehicle model. U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,946 to Ando uses a complicated set of rules to isolate the eyes and mouth of a driver and uses this information to permit the driver to control the radio, for example, or other systems within the vehicle by moving his eyes and/or mouth. Ando uses visible light and illuminates only the head of the driver. He also makes no use of trainable pattern recognition systems such as neural networks, nor is there any attempt to identify the contents neither of the vehicle nor of their location relative to the vehicle passenger compartment. Rather, Ando is limited to control of vehicle devices by responding to motion of the driver's mouth and eyes. As with Ueno, a method of finding the eyes is described but not a method of adapting the system to a particular vehicle model. U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,732 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,751 to Chen also concentrate on locating the eyes of the driver so as to position a light filter in the form of a continuously repositioning small sun visor or liquid crystal shade between a light source such as the sun or the lights of an oncoming vehicle, and the driver's eyes. Chen does not explain in detail how the eyes are located but does supply a calibration system whereby the driver can adjust the filter so that it is at the proper position relative to his or her eyes. Chen references the use of automatic equipment for determining the location of the eyes but does not describe how this equipment works. In any event, in Chen, there is no mention of illumination of the occupant, monitoring the position of the occupant, other than the eyes, determining the position of the eyes relative to the passenger compartment, or identifying any other object in the vehicle other than the driver's eyes. Also, there is no mention of the use of a trainable pattern recognition system. A method for finding the eyes is described but not a method of adapting the system to a particular vehicle model. U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,012 to Faris also describes a system for reducing the glare from the headlights of an oncoming vehicle. Faris locates the eyes of the occupant by using two spaced apart infrared cameras using passive infrared radiation from the eyes of the driver. Again, Faris is only interested in locating the driver's eyes relative to the sun or oncoming headlights and does not identify or monitor the occupant or locate the occupant, a rear facing child seat or any other object for that matter, relative to the passenger compartment or the airbag. Also, Faris does not use trainable pattern recognition techniques such as neural networks. Faris, in fact, does not even say how the eyes of the occupant are located but refers the reader to a book entitled Robot Vision (1991) by Berthold Horn, published by MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass. A review of this book did not appear to provide the answer to this question. Also, Faris uses the passive infrared radiation rather than illuminating the occupant with ultrasonic or electromagnetic radiation as in some implementations of the instant invention. A method for finding the eyes of the occupant is described but not a method of adapting the system to a particular vehicle model. The use of neural networks, or neural fuzz systems, and in particular combination neural networks, as the pattern recognition technology and the methods of adapting this to a particular vehicle, such as the training methods, is important to some of the inventions herein since it makes the monitoring system robust, reliable and accurate. The resulting algorithm created by the neural network program is usually short with a limited number of lines of code written in the C or C++ computer language as opposed to typically a very large algorithm when the techniques of the above patents to Ando, Chen and Faris are implemented. As a result, the resulting systems are easy to implement at a low cost, making them practical for automotive applications. The cost of the ultrasonic transducers, for example, is expected to be less than about $1 in quantities of one million per year and of the CCD and CMOS arrays, which have been prohibitively expensive until recently, currently are estimated to cost less than $5 each in similar quantities also rendering their use practical. Similarly, the implementation of the techniques of the above referenced patents requires expensive microprocessors while the implementation with neural networks and similar trainable pattern recognition technologies permits the use of low cost microprocessors typically costing less than $10 in large quantities. The present invention is best implemented using sophisticated software that develops trainable pattern recognition algorithms such as neural networks and combination neural networks. Usually, the data is preprocessed, as discussed below, using various feature extraction techniques and the results post-processed to improve system accuracy. Examples of feature extraction techniques can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,940 entitled “Process and Apparatus for the Automatic Detection and Extraction of Features in Images and Displays” to Green et al. Examples of other more advanced and efficient pattern recognition techniques can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,136 entitled “Artificial Neuron and Method of Using Same” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,667 entitled “Neural Network That Does Not Require Repetitive Training” to S. T. Wang. Other examples include U.S. Pat. No. 5,235,339 (Morrison et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,744 (Schweizer et al), U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,254 (Schweizer et al), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,270 (Knecht et al). Neural networks as used herein include all types of neural networks including modular neural networks, cellular neural networks and support vector machines and all combinations as described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,445,988 and referred to therein as “combination neural networks” 11.2 Combination Neural Nets A “combination neural network” as used herein will generally apply to any combination of two or more neural networks that are either connected together or that analyze all or a portion of the input data. A combination neural network can be used to divide up tasks in solving a particular occupant problem. For example, one neural network can be used to identify an object occupying a passenger compartment of an automobile and a second neural network can be used to determine the position of the object or its location with respect to the airbag, for example, within the passenger compartment. In another case, one neural network can be used merely to determine whether the data is similar to data upon which a main neural network has been trained or whether there is something radically different about this data and therefore that the data should not be analyzed. Combination neural networks can sometimes be implemented as cellular neural networks. Consider a comparative analysis performed by neural networks to that performed by the human mind. Once the human mind has identified that the object observed is a tree, the mind does not try to determine whether it is a black bear or a grizzly. Further observation on the tree might center on whether it is a pine tree, an oak tree etc. Thus, the human mind appears to operate in some manner like a hierarchy of neural networks. Similarly, neural networks for analyzing the occupancy of the vehicle can be structured such that higher order networks are used to determine, for example, whether there is an occupying item of any kind present. Another neural network could follow, knowing that there is information on the item, with attempts to categorize the item into child seats and human adults etc., i.e., determine the type of item. Once it has decided that a child seat is present, then another neural network can be used to determine whether the child seat is rear facing or forward facing. Once the decision has been made that the child seat is facing rearward, the position of the child seat relative to the airbag, for example, can be handled by still another neural network. The overall accuracy of the system can be substantially improved by breaking the pattern recognition process down into a larger number of smaller pattern recognition problems. Naturally, combination neural networks can now be applied to solving many other pattern recognition problems in and outside of a vehicle including vehicle diagnostics, collision avoidance, anticipatory sensing etc. In some cases, the accuracy of the pattern recognition process can be improved if the system uses data from its own recent decisions. Thus, for example, if the neural network system had determined that a forward facing adult was present, then that information can be used as input into another neural network, biasing any results toward the forward facing human compared to a rear facing child seat, for example. Similarly, for the case when an occupant is being tracked in his or her forward motion during a crash, for example, the location of the occupant at the previous calculation time step can be valuable information to determining the location of the occupant from the current data. There is a limited distance an occupant can move in 10 milliseconds, for example. In this latter example, feedback of the decision of the neural network tracking algorithm becomes important input into the same algorithm for the calculation of the position of the occupant at the next time step. What has been described above is generally referred to as modular neural networks with and without feedback. Actually, the feedback does not have to be from the output to the input of the same neural network. The feedback from a downstream neural network could be input to an upstream neural network, for example. The neural networks can be combined in other ways, for example in a voting situation. Sometimes the data upon which the system is trained is sufficiently complex or imprecise that different views of the data will give different results. For example, a subset of transducers may be used to train one neural network and another subset to train a second neural network etc. The decision can then be based on a voting of the parallel neural networks, sometimes known as an ensemble neural network. In the past, neural networks have usually only been used in the form of a single neural network algorithm for identifying the occupancy state of an automobile. This invention is primarily advancing the state of the art and using combination neural networks wherein two or more neural networks are combined to arrive at a decision. The applications for this technology are numerous as described in the patents and patent applications listed above. However, the main focus of some of the instant inventions is the process and resulting apparatus of adapting the system in the patents and patent applications referenced above and using combination neural networks for the detection of the presence of an occupied child seat in the rear facing position or an out-of-position occupant and the detection of an occupant in a normal seating position. The system is designed so that in the former two cases, deployment of the occupant protection apparatus (airbag) may be controlled and possibly suppressed, and in the latter case, it will be controlled and enabled. One preferred implementation of a first generation occupant sensing system, which is adapted to various vehicle models using the teachings presented herein, is an ultrasonic occupant position sensor, as described below and in the current assignee's above-referenced patents. This system uses a Combination Artificial Neural Network (CANN) to recognize patterns that it has been trained to identify as either airbag enable or airbag disable conditions. The pattern can be obtained from four ultrasonic transducers that cover the front passenger seating area. This pattern consists of the ultrasonic echoes bouncing off of the objects in the passenger seat area. The signal from each of the four transducers includes the electrical representation of the return echoes, which is processed by the electronics. The electronic processing can comprise amplification, logarithmic compression, rectification, and demodulation (band pass filtering), followed by discretization (sampling) and digitization of the signal. The only software processing required, before this signal can be fed into the combination artificial neural network, is normalization (i.e., mapping the input to a fixed range such as numbers between 0 and 1). Although this is a fair amount of processing, the resulting signal is still considered “raw”, because all information is treated equally. A further important application of CANN is where optical sensors such as cameras are used to monitor the inside or outside of a vehicle in the presence of varying illumination conditions. At night, artificial illumination usually in the form of infrared radiation is frequently added to the scene. For example, when monitoring the interior of a vehicle one or more infrared LEDs are frequently used to illuminate the occupant and a pattern recognition system is trained under such lighting conditions. In bright daylight, however, unless the infrared illumination is either very bright or in the form of a scanning laser with a narrow beam, the sun can overwhelm the infrared. However, in daylight there is no need for artificial illumination but the patterns of reflected radiation differ significantly from the infrared case. Thus, a separate pattern recognition algorithm is frequently trained to handle this case. Furthermore, depending on the lighting conditions, more than two algorithms can be trained to handle different cases. If CANN is used for this case, the initial algorithm can determine the category of illumination that is present and direct further processing to a particular neural network that has been trained under similar conditions. Another example would be the monitoring of objects in the vicinity of the vehicle. There is no known prior art on the use on neural networks, pattern recognition algorithms or, in particular, CANN for systems that monitor either the interior or the exterior of a vehicle. 11.3 Interpretation of Other Occupant States—Inattention, Sleep Another example of an invention herein involves the monitoring of the driver's behavior over time that can be used to warn a driver if he or she is falling asleep, or to stop the vehicle if the driver loses the capacity to control it. A paper entitled “Intelligent System for Video Monitoring of Vehicle Cockpit” by S. Boverie et al., SAE Technical Paper Series No. 980613, Feb. 23-26, 1998, describes the installation of an optical/retina sensor in the vehicle and several uses of this sensor. Possible uses are said to include observation of the driver's face (eyelid movement) and the driver's attitude to allow analysis of the driver's vigilance level and warn him/her about critical situations and observation of the front passenger seat to allow the determination of the presence of somebody or something located on the seat and to value the volumetric occupancy of the passenger for the purpose of optimizing the operating conditions for airbags. 11.4 Combining Occupant Monitoring and Car Monitoring As discussed above and in the assignee's above-referenced patents and in particular in U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,408, the vehicle and the occupant can be simultaneously monitored in order to optimize the deployment of the restraint system, for example, using pattern recognition techniques such as CANN. Similarly, the position of the head of an occupant can be monitored while at the same time the likelihood of a side impact or a rollover can be monitored by a variety of other sensor systems such as an IMU, gyroscopes, radar, laser radar, ultrasound, cameras etc. and deployment of the side curtain airbag initiated if the occupant's head is getting too close to the side window. There are of course many other examples where the simultaneous monitoring of two environments can be combined, preferably using pattern recognition, to cause an action that would not be warranted by an analysis of only one environment. There is no known prior art except the current assignee's of monitoring more than one environment to render a decision that would not have been made based on the monitoring of a single environment and particularly through the use of pattern recognition, trained pattern recognition, neural networks or combination neural networks in the automotive field. CANN, as well as the other pattern recognition systems discussed herein, can be implemented in either software or in hardware through the use of cellular neural networks, support vector machines, ASIC, systems on a chip, or FPGAs depending on the particular application and the quantity of units to be made. In particular, for many applications where the volume is large but not huge, a rapid and relatively low cost implementation could be to use a field programmable gate array (FPGA). This technology lends itself well to the implementation of multiple connected networks such as some implementations of CANN. 11.5 Continuous Tracking During the process of adapting an occupant monitoring system to a vehicle, for example, the actual position of the occupant can be an important input during the training phase of a trainable pattern recognition system. Thus, for example, it might be desirable to associate a particular pattern of data from one or more cameras to the measured location of the occupant relative to the airbag. Thus, it is frequently desirable to positively measure the location of the occupant with another system while data collection is taking place. Systems for performing this measurement function include string potentiometers attached to the head or chest of the occupant, for example, inertial sensors such as an IMU attached to the occupant, laser optical systems using any part of the spectrum such as the far, mid or near infrared, visible and ultraviolet, radar, laser radar, stereo or focusing cameras, RF emitters attached to the occupant, or any other such measurement system. There is no known prior art for continuous tracking systems to be used in data collection when adapting a system for monitoring the interior or exterior of a vehicle. 11.6 Preprocessing There are many preprocessing techniques that are and can be used to prepare the data for input into a pattern recognition or other analysis system in an interior or exterior monitoring system. The simplest systems involve subtracting one image from another to determine motion of the object of interest and to subtract out the unchanging background, removing some data that is known not to contain any useful information such as the early and late portions of an ultrasonic reflected signal, scaling, smoothing of filtering the data etc. More sophisticated preprocessing algorithms involve applying a Fourier transform, combining data from several sources using “sensor fusion” techniques, finding edges of objects and their orientation and elimination of non-edge data, finding areas having the same color or pattern and identifying such areas, image segmentation and many others. Very little preprocessing prior art exists other than that of the current assignee. The prior art is limited to the preprocessing techniques of Ando, Chen and Faris for eye detection and the sensor fusion techniques of Corrado all discussed above. 11.7 Post Processing In some cases, after the system has made a decision that there is an out-of-position adult occupying the passenger seat, for example, it is useful for compare that decision with another recent decision to see it they are consistent. If the previous decision 10 milliseconds ago indicates that the adult was safely in position then thermal gradients or some other anomaly perhaps corrupted the data and thus the decision and the new decision should be ignored unless subsequently confirmed. Post processing can involve a number of techniques including averaging the decisions with a 5 decision moving average, applying other more sophisticated filters, applying limits to the decision or to the change from the previous decision, comparing data point by data point the input data that lead to the changed decision and correcting data points that appear to be in error etc. A goal of post processing is to apply a reasonableness test to the decision and thus to improve the accuracy of the decision or eliminate erroneous decisions. There appears to be no known prior art for post processing in the automotive monitoring field other than that of the current assignee. 12. Optical Correlators Optical methods for data correlation analysis are utilized in systems for military purpose such as target tracking, missile self-guidance, aerospace reconnaissance data processing etc. Advantages of these methods are the possibility of parallel processing of the elements of images being recognized providing high speed recognition and the ability to use advanced optical processors created by means of integrated optics technologies. Some prior art includes the following technical papers: 1. 1. Mirkin, L. Singher “Adaptive Scale Invariant Filters”, SPIE Vol. 3159, 1997 2. B. Javidi “Non-linear Joint Transform Correlators”, University of Conn. 3. A. Awwal, H. Michel “Single Step Joint Fourier Transform Correlator”, SPIE Vol. 3073, 1997 4. M. O'Callaghan, D. Ward, S. Perlmuter, L. Ji, C. Walker “A highly integrated single-chip optical correlator” SPIE Vol. 3466, 1998 These papers describe the use of optical methods and tools (optical correlators and spectral analyzers) for image recognition. Paper [1] discusses the use of an optical correlation technique for transforming an initial image to a form invariant to displacements of the respective object in the view. The very recognition of the object is done using a sectoring mask that is built by training with a genetic algorithm similar to methods of neural network training. The system discussed in the paper [2] includes an optical correlator that performs projection of the spectra of the target and the sample images onto a CCD matrix which functions as a detector. The consistent spectrum image at its output is used to detect the maximum of the correlation function by the median filtration method. Papers [3], [4] discuss some designs of optical correlators. The following should be noted in connection with the discussion on the use of optical correlators for a vehicle compartment occupant position sensing task: 1) Making use of optical correlators to detect and classify objects in presence of noise is efficient when the amount of possible alternatives of the object's shape and position is comparatively small with respect to the number of elements in the scene. This is apparent from the character of demonstration samples in papers [1], [2] where there were only a few sample scenes and their respective scale factors involved. 2) The effectiveness of making use of optical correlation methods in systems of military purpose can be explained by a comparatively small number of classes of military objects to be recognized and a low probability of catching several objects of this kind with a single view. 3) In their principles of operation and capabilities, optical correlators are similar to neural associative memory. In the task of occupant's position sensing in a car compartment, for example, the description of the sample object is represented by a training set that can include hundreds of thousands of various images. This situation is fundamentally different from those discussed in the mentioned papers. Therefore, the direct use of the optical correlation methods appears to be difficult and expensive. Nevertheless, making use of the correlation centering technique in order to reduce the image description's redundancy can be a valuable technique. This task could involve a contour extraction technique that does not require excessive computational effort but may have limited capabilities as to the reduction of redundancy. The correlation centering can demand significantly more computational resources, but the spectra obtained in this way will be invariant to objects' displacements and, possibly, will maintain the classification features needed by the neural network for the purpose of recognition. Once again, no prior art is believed to exist on the application of optical correlation techniques to the monitoring of either the interior or the exterior of the vehicle other than that of the current assignee. 13. Other Inputs Many other inputs can be applied to the interior or exterior monitoring systems of the inventions disclosed herein. For interior monitoring these can include, among others, the position of the seat and seatback, vehicle velocity, brake pressure, steering wheel position and motion, exterior temperature and humidity, seat weight sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopes, engine behavior sensors, tire monitors and chemical (oxygen carbon dioxide, alcohol, etc.) sensors. For external monitoring these can include, among others, temperature and humidity, weather forecasting information, traffic information, hazard warnings, speed limit information, time of day, lighting and visibility conditions and road condition information. 14. Other Products, Outputs, Features Pattern recognition technology is important to the development of smart airbags that the occupant identification and position determination systems described in the above-referenced patents and patent applications and to the methods described herein for adapting those systems to a particular vehicle model and for solving particular subsystem problems discussed in this section. To complete the development of smart airbags, an anticipatory crash detecting system such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,810 is also desirable. Prior to the implementation of anticipatory crash sensing, the use of a neural network smart crash sensor, which identifies the type of crash and thus its severity based on the early part of the crash acceleration signature, should be developed and thereafter implemented. U.S. Pat. No. 5,684,701 describes a crash sensor based on neural networks. This crash sensor, as with all other crash sensors, determines whether or not the crash is of sufficient severity to require deployment of the airbag and, if so, initiates the deployment. A smart airbag crash sensor based on neural networks can also be designed to identify the crash and categorize it with regard to severity thus permitting the airbag deployment to be matched not only to the characteristics and position of the occupant but also the severity and timing of the crash itself as described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,295. The applications for this technology are numerous as described in the current assignee's patents and patent applications listed herein. They include, among others: (i) the monitoring of the occupant for safety purposes to prevent airbag deployment induced injuries, (ii) the locating of the eyes of the occupant (driver) to permit automatic adjustment of the rear view mirror(s), (iii) the location of the seat to place the occupant's eyes at the proper position to eliminate the parallax in a heads-up display in night vision systems, (iv) the location of the ears of the occupant for optimum adjustment of the entertainment system, (v) the identification of the occupant for security or other reasons, (vi) the determination of obstructions in the path of a closing door or window, (vii) the determination of the position of the occupant's shoulder so that the seat belt anchorage point can be adjusted for the best protection of the occupant, (viii) the determination of the position of the rear of the occupants head so that the headrest or other system can be adjusted to minimize whiplash injuries in rear impacts, (ix) anticipatory crash sensing, (x) blind spot detection, (xi) smart headlight dimmers, (xii) sunlight and headlight glare reduction and many others. In fact, over forty products alone have been identified based on the ability to identify and monitor objects and parts thereof in the passenger compartment of an automobile or truck. In addition, there are many other applications of the apparatus and methods described herein for monitoring the environment exterior to the vehicle. Unless specifically stated otherwise below, there is no known prior art for any of the applications listed in this section. 14.1 Inflator Control Inflators now exist which will adjust the amount of gas flowing to or from the airbag to account for the size and position of the occupant and for the severity of the accident. The vehicle identification and monitoring system (VIMS) discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,782, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,295 among others, can control such inflators based on the presence and position of vehicle occupants or of a rear facing child seat. Some of the inventions herein are concerned with the process of adapting the vehicle interior monitoring systems to a particular vehicle model and achieving a high system accuracy and reliability as discussed in greater detail below. The automatic adjustment of the deployment rate of the airbag based on occupant identification and position and on crash severity has been termed “smart airbags” and is discussed in great detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,408. 14.2 Seat Adjustment The adjustment of an automobile seat occupied by a driver of the vehicle is now accomplished by the use of either electrical switches and motors or by mechanical levers. As a result, the driver's seat is rarely placed at the proper driving position which is defined as the seat location which places the eyes of the driver in the so-called “eye ellipse” and permits him or her to comfortably reach the pedals and steering wheel. The “eye ellipse” is the optimum eye position relative to the windshield and rear view mirror of the vehicle. There are a variety of reasons why the eye ellipse, which is actually an ellipsoid, is rarely achieved by the actions of the driver. One reason is the poor design of most seat adjustment systems particularly the so-called “4-way-seat”. It is known that there are three degrees of freedom of a seat bottom, namely vertical, longitudinal, and rotation about the lateral or pitch axis. The 4-way-seat provides four motions to control the seat: (1) raising or lowering the front of the seat, (2) raising or lowering the back of the seat, (3) raising or lowering the entire seat, (4) moving the seat fore and aft. Such a seat adjustment system causes confusion since there are four control motions for three degrees of freedom. As a result, vehicle occupants are easily frustrated by such events as when the control to raise the seat is exercised, the seat not only is raised but is also rotated. Occupants thus find it difficult to place the seat in the optimum location using this system and frequently give up trying leaving the seat in an improper driving position. This problem could be solved by the addition of a microprocessor and the elimination of one switch. Many vehicles today are equipped with a lumbar support system that is never used by most occupants. One reason is that the lumbar support cannot be preset since the shape of the lumbar for different occupants differs significantly, for example a tall person has significantly different lumbar support requirements than a short person. Without knowledge of the size of the occupant, the lumbar support cannot be automatically adjusted. As discussed in the above referenced '320 patent, in approximately 95% of the cases where an occupant suffers a whiplash injury, the headrest is not properly located to protect him or her in a rear impact collision. Thus, many people are needlessly injured. Also, the stiffness and damping characteristics of a seat are fixed and no attempt is made in any production vehicle to adjust the stiffness and damping of the seat in relation to either the size or weight of an occupant or to the environmental conditions such as road roughness. All of these adjustments, if they are to be done automatically, require knowledge of the morphology of the seat occupant. The inventions disclosed herein provide that knowledge. Other than that of the current assignee, there is no known prior art for the automatic adjustment of the seat based on the driver's morphology. U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,824 to Sugiyama uses visible colored light to locate the eyes of the driver with the assistance of the driver. Once the eye position is determined, the headrest and the seat are adjusted for optimum protection. 14.3 Side Impacts Side impact airbag systems began appearing on 1995 vehicles. The danger of deployment-induced injuries will exist for side impact airbags as they now do for frontal impact airbags. A child with his head against the airbag is such an example. The system of this invention will minimize such injuries. This fact has been also realized subsequent to its disclosure by the current assignee by NEC and such a system now appears on Honda vehicles. There is no other known prior art. 14.4 Children and Animals Left Alone It is a problem in vehicles that children, infants and pets are sometimes left alone, either intentionally or inadvertently, and the temperature in the vehicle rises or falls. The child, infant or pet is then suffocated by the lack of oxygen in the vehicle or frozen. This problem can be solved by the inventions disclosed herein since the existence of the occupant can be determined as well as the temperature and even oxygen content is desired and preventative measures automatically taken. Similarly, children and pets die every year from suffocation after being locked in a vehicle trunk. The sensing of a life form in the trunk is discussed below. 14.5 Vehicle Theft Another problem relates to the theft of vehicles. With an interior monitoring system, or a variety of other sensors as disclosed herein, connected with a telematics device, the vehicle owner could be notified if someone attempted to steal the vehicle while the owner was away. 14.6 Security, Intruder Protection There have been incidents when a thief waits in a vehicle until the driver of the vehicle enters the vehicle and then forces the driver to provide the keys and exit the vehicle. Using the inventions herein, a driver can be made aware that the vehicle is occupied before he or she enters and thus he or she can leave and summon help. Motion of an occupant in the vehicle who does not enter the key into the ignition can also be sensed and the vehicle ignition, for example, can be disabled. In more sophisticated cases, the driver can be identified and operation of the vehicle enabled. This would eliminate the need even for a key. 14.7 Entertainment System Control Once an occupant sensor is operational, the vehicle entertainment system can be improved if the number, size and location of occupants and other objects are known. However, prior to the inventions disclosed herein engineers have not thought to determine the number, size and/or location of the occupants and use such determination in combination with the entertainment system. Indeed, this information can be provided by the vehicle interior monitoring system disclosed herein to thereby improve a vehicle's entertainment system. Once one considers monitoring the space in the passenger compartment, an alternate method of characterizing the sonic environment comes to mind which is to send and receive a test sound to see what frequencies are reflected, absorbed or excite resonances and then adjust the spectral output of the entertainment system accordingly. As the internal monitoring system improves to where such things as the exact location of the occupants' ears and eyes can be determined, even more significant improvements to the entertainment system become possible through the use of noise canceling sound. It is even possible to beam sound directly to the ears of an occupant using hypersonic-sound if the ear location is known. This permits different occupants to enjoy different programming at the same time. 14.8 HVAC Similarly to the entertainment system, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) could be improved if the number, attributes and location of vehicle occupants were known. This can be used to provide a climate control system tailored to each occupant, for example, or the system can be turned off for certain seat locations if there are no occupants present at those locations. U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,809 to Heinle, describes an air-conditioning system for a vehicle interior comprising a processor, seat occupation sensor devices, and solar intensity sensor devices. Based on seat occupation and solar intensity data, the processor provides the air-conditioning control of individual air-conditioning outlets and window-darkening devices which are placed near each seat in the vehicle. The additional means suggested include a residual air-conditioning function device for maintaining air conditioning operation after vehicle ignition switch-off, which allows maintaining specific climate conditions after vehicle ignition switch-off for a certain period of time provided at least one seat is occupied. The advantage of this design is the allowance for occupation of certain seats in the vehicle. The drawbacks include the lack of some important sensors of vehicle interior and environment condition (such as temperature or air humidity). It is not possible to set climate conditions individually at locations of each passenger seat. U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,178 to Fusco, et al. describes an adaptive controller for an automotive HVAC system which controls air temperature and flow at each of locations that conform to passenger seats based on individual settings manually set by passengers at their seats. If the passenger corrects manual settings for his location, this information will be remembered, allowing for climate conditions taking place at other locations and further, will be used to automatically tune the air temperature and flow at the locations allowing for climate conditions at other locations. The device does not use any sensors of the interior vehicle conditions or the exterior environment, nor any seat occupation sensing. 14.9 Obstruction In some cases, the position of a particular part of the occupant is of interest such as his or her hand or arm and whether it is in the path of a closing window or sliding door so that the motion of the window or door needs to be stopped. Most anti-trap systems, as they are called, are based on the current flow in a motor. When the window, for example, is obstructed, the current flow in the window motor increases. Such systems are prone to errors caused by dirt or ice in the window track, for example. Prior art on window obstruction sensing is limited to the Prospect Corporation anti-trap system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,686 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,157,024. Anti trap systems are discussed in detain in current assignee's pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/152,160 filed May 21, 2002. 14.10 Rear Impacts The largest use of hospital beds in the United States is by automobile accident victims. The largest use of these hospital beds is for victims of rear impacts. The rear impact is the most expensive accident in America. The inventions herein teach a method of determining the position of the rear of the occupants head so that the headrest can be adjusted to minimize whiplash injuries in rear impacts. Approximately 100,000 rear impacts per year result in whiplash injuries to the vehicle occupants. Most of these injuries could be prevented if the headrest were properly positioned behind the head of the occupant and if it had the correct contour to properly support the head and neck of the occupant. Whiplash injuries are the most expensive automobile accident injury even though these injuries are usually are not life threatening and are usually classified as minor. A good discussion of the causes of whiplash injuries in motor vehicle accidents can be found in Dellanno et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,763 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,091, and Dellanno U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,124, U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,489 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,182, as well as many other technical papers. These patents discuss a novel automatic adjustable headrest to minimize such injuries. However, these patents assume that the headrest is properly positioned relative to the head of the occupant. A survey has shown that as many as 95% of automobiles do not have the headrest properly positioned. These patents also assume that all occupants have approximately the same contour of the neck and head. Observations of humans, on the other hand, show that significant differences occur where the back of some people's heads is almost in the same plane as the that of their neck and shoulders, while other people have substantially the opposite case, that is, their neck extends significantly forward of their head back and shoulders. One proposed attempt at solving the problem where the headrest is not properly positioned uses a conventional crash sensor which senses the crash after impact and a headrest composed of two portions, a fixed portion and a movable portion. During a rear impact, a sensor senses the crash and pyrotechnically deploys a portion of the headrest toward the occupant. This system has the following potential problems: 1) An occupant can get a whiplash injury in fairly low velocity rear impacts; thus, either the system will not protect occupants in such accidents or there will be a large number of low velocity deployments with the resulting significant repair expense. 2) If the portion of the headrest which is propelled toward the occupant has significant mass, that is if it is other than an airbag type device, there is a risk that it will injure the occupant. This is especially true if the system has no method of sensing and adjusting for the position of the occupant. 3) If the system does not also have a system which pre-positions the headrest to the proximity of the occupant's head, it will also not be affective when the occupant's head is forward due to pre-crash braking, for example, or for different sized occupants. A variation of this approach uses an airbag positioned in the headrest which is activated by a rear impact crash sensor. This system suffers the same problems as the pyrotechnically deployed headrest portion. Unless the headrest is pre-positioned, there is a risk for the out-of-position occupant. U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,312 to Lenz describes several methods for protecting an occupant from whiplash injuries using the motion of the occupant loading the seat back to stretch a canvas or deploy an airbag using fluid contained within a bag inside the seat back. In the latter case, the airbag deploys out of the top of the seat back and between the occupant's head and the headrest. The system is based on the proposed fact that: “[F]irstly the lower part of the body reacts and is pressed, by a heavy force, against the lower part of the seat back, thereafter the upper part of the body trunk is pressed back, and finally the back of the head and the head is thrown back against the upper part of the seat back . . . ” (Col. 2 lines 47-53). Actually this does not appear to be what occurs. Instead, the vehicle, and thus the seat that is attached to it, begins to decelerate while the occupant continues at its pre-crash velocity. Those parts of the occupant that are in contact with the seat experience a force from the seat and begin to slow down while other parts, the head for example continue moving at the pre crash velocity. In other words, all parts of the body are “thrown back” at the same time. That is, they all have the same relative velocity relative to the seat until acted on by the seat itself Although there will be some mechanical advantage due to the fact that the area in contact with the occupant's back will generally be greater than the area needed to support his or her head, there generally will not be sufficient motion of the back to pump sufficient gas into the airbag to cause it to be projected in between the head that is not rapidly moving toward the headrest. In some cases, the occupant's head is very close to the headrest and in others it is far away. For all cases except when the occupant's head is very far away, there is insufficient time for motion of the occupant's back to pump air and inflate the airbag and position it between the head and the headrest. Thus, not only will the occupant impact the headrest and receive whiplash injuries, but it will also receive an additional impact from the deploying airbag. Lenz also suggests that for those cases where additional deployment speed is required, that the output from a crash sensor could be used in conjunction with a pyrotechnic element. Since he does not mention anticipatory crash sensor, which were not believed to be available at the time of the filing of the Lenz patent application, it must be assumed that a conventional crash sensor is contemplated. As discussed herein, this is either too slow or unreliable since if it is set so sensitive that it will work for low speed impacts where many whiplash injuries occur, there will be many deployments and the resulting high repair costs. For higher speed crashes, the deployment time will be too slow based on the close position of the occupant to the airbag. Thus, if a crash sensor is used, it must be an anticipatory crash sensor as disclosed herein. 14.11 Combined with SDM and Other Systems The above applications illustrate the wide range of opportunities, which become available if the identity and location of various objects and occupants, and some of their parts, within the vehicle are known. Once the system is operational, it would be logical for the system to also incorporate the airbag electronic sensor and diagnostics system (SDM) since it needs to interface with SDM anyway and since they could share computer capabilities, which will result in a significant cost saving to the auto manufacturer. For the same reasons, it would be logical for a monitoring system to include the side impact sensor and diagnostic system. As the monitoring system improves to where such things as the exact location of the occupants' ears and eyes can be determined, even more significant improvements to the entertainment system become possible through the use of noise canceling sound, and the rear view mirror can be automatically adjusted for the driver's eye location. Another example involves the monitoring of the driver's behavior over time, which can be used to warn a driver if he or she is falling asleep, or to stop the vehicle if the driver loses the capacity to control it. 15. Definitions Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below and unless specifically noted, it is the applicants' intention that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art(s). If the applicants intend any other meaning, they will specifically state they are applying a special meaning to a word or phrase. Likewise, applicants' use of the word “function” here is not intended to indicate that the applicants seek to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, to define their invention. To the contrary, if applicants wish to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, to define their invention, they will specifically set forth in the claims the phrases “means for” or “step for” and a function, without also reciting in that phrase any structure, material or act in support of the function. Moreover, even if applicants invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, to define their invention, it is the applicants' intention that their inventions not be limited to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments herein. Rather, if applicants claim their inventions by specifically invoking the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, it is nonetheless their intention to cover and include any and all structure, materials or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any and all known or later developed equivalent structures, materials or acts for performing the claimed function. “Pattern recognition” as used herein will generally mean any system which processes a signal that is generated by an object (e.g., representative of a pattern of returned or received impulses, waves or other physical property specific to and/or characteristic of and/or representative of that object) or is modified by interacting with an object, in order to determine to which one of a set of classes that the object belongs. Such a system might determine only that the object is or is not a member of one specified class, or it might attempt to assign the object to one of a larger set of specified classes, or find that it is not a member of any of the classes in the set. The signals processed are generally a series of electrical signals coming from transducers that are sensitive to acoustic (ultrasonic) or electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible light, infrared radiation, capacitance or electric and/or magnetic fields), although other sources of information are frequently included. Pattern recognition systems generally involve the creation of a set of rules that permit the pattern to be recognized. These rules can be created by fuzzy logic systems, statistical correlations, or through sensor fusion methodologies as well as by trained pattern recognition systems such as neural networks, combination neural networks, cellular neural networks or support vector machines. A trainable or a trained pattern recognition system as used herein generally means a pattern recognition system that is taught to recognize various patterns constituted within the signals by subjecting the system to a variety of examples. The most successful such system is the neural network used either singly or as a combination of neural networks. Thus, to generate the pattern recognition algorithm, test data is first obtained which constitutes a plurality of sets of returned waves, or wave patterns, or other information radiated or obtained from an object (or from the space in which the object will be situated in the passenger compartment, i.e., the space above the seat) and an indication of the identify of that object. A number of different objects are tested to obtain the unique patterns from each object. As such, the algorithm is generated, and stored in a computer processor, and which can later be applied to provide the identity of an object based on the wave pattern being received during use by a receiver connected to the processor and other information. For the purposes here, the identity of an object sometimes applies to not only the object itself but also to its location and/or orientation in the passenger compartment. For example, a rear facing child seat is a different object than a forward facing child seat and an out-of-position adult can be a different object than a normally seated adult. Not all pattern recognition systems are trained systems and not all trained systems are neural networks. Other pattern recognition systems are based on fuzzy logic, sensor fusion, Kalman filters, correlation as well as linear and non-linear regression. Still other pattern recognition systems are hybrids of more than one system such as neural-fuzzy systems. The use of pattern recognition, or more particularly how it is used, is important to the instant invention. In the above-cited prior art, except in that assigned to the current assignee, pattern recognition which is based on training, as exemplified through the use of neural networks, is not mentioned for use in monitoring the interior passenger compartment or exterior environments of the vehicle in all of the aspects of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, the methods used to adapt such systems to a vehicle are also not mentioned. A pattern recognition algorithm will thus generally mean an algorithm applying or obtained using any type of pattern recognition system, e.g., a neural network, sensor fusion, fuzzy logic, etc. To “identify” as used herein will generally mean to determine that the object belongs to a particular set or class. The class may be one containing, for example, all rear facing child seats, one containing all human occupants, or all human occupants not sitting in a rear facing child seat, or all humans in a certain height or weight range depending on the purpose of the system. In the case where a particular person is to be recognized, the set or class will contain only a single element, i.e., the person to be recognized. To “ascertain the identity of” as used herein with reference to an object will generally mean to determine the type or nature of the object (obtain information as to what the object is), i.e., that the object is an adult, an occupied rear facing child seat, an occupied front facing child seat, an unoccupied rear facing child seat, an unoccupied front facing child seat, a child, a dog, a bag of groceries, a car, a truck, a tree, a pedestrian, a deer etc. An “object” in a vehicle or an “occupying item” of a seat may be a living occupant such as a human or a dog, another living organism such as a plant, or an inanimate object such as a box or bag of groceries or an empty child seat. A “rear seat” of a vehicle as used herein will generally mean any seat behind the front seat on which a driver sits. Thus, in minivans or other large vehicles where there are more than two rows of seats, each row of seats behind the driver is considered a rear seat and thus there may be more than one “rear seat” in such vehicles. The space behind the front seat includes any number of such rear seats as well as any trunk spaces or other rear areas such as are present in station wagons. An “optical image” will generally mean any type of image obtained using electromagnetic radiation including visual, infrared and radar radiation. In the description herein on anticipatory sensing, the term “approaching” when used in connection with the mention of an object or vehicle approaching another will usually mean the relative motion of the object toward the vehicle having the anticipatory sensor system. Thus, in a side impact with a tree, the tree will be considered as approaching the side of the vehicle and impacting the vehicle. In other words, the coordinate system used in general will be a coordinate system residing in the target vehicle. The “target” vehicle is the vehicle that is being impacted. This convention permits a general description to cover all of the cases such as where (i) a moving vehicle impacts into the side of a stationary vehicle, (ii) where both vehicles are moving when they impact, or (iii) where a vehicle is moving sideways into a stationary vehicle, tree or wall. “Out-of-position” as used for an occupant will generally mean that the occupant, either the driver or a passenger, is sufficiently close to an occupant protection apparatus (airbag) prior to deployment that he or she is likely to be more seriously injured by the deployment event itself than by the accident. It may also mean that the occupant is not positioned appropriately in order to attain the beneficial, restraining effects of the deployment of the airbag. As for the occupant being too close to the airbag, this typically occurs when the occupant's head or chest is closer than some distance such as about 5 inches from the deployment door of the airbag module. The actual distance where airbag deployment should be suppressed depends on the design of the airbag module and is typically farther for the passenger airbag than for the driver airbag. “Transducer” or “transceiver” as used herein will generally mean the combination of a transmitter and a receiver. In come cases, the same device will serve both as the transmitter and receiver while in others two separate devices adjacent to each other will be used. In some cases, a transmitter is not used and in such cases transducer will mean only a receiver. Transducers include, for example, capacitive, inductive, ultrasonic, electromagnetic (antenna, CCD, CMOS arrays), electric field, weight measuring or sensing devices. In some cases, a transducer will be a single pixel either acting alone, in a linear or an array of some other appropriate shape. In some cases, a transducer may comprise two parts such as the plates of a capacitor or the antennas of an electric field sensor. Sometimes, one antenna or plate will communicate with several other antennas or plates and thus for the purposes herein, a transducer will be broadly defined to refer, in most cases, to any one of the plates of a capacitor or antennas of a field sensor and in some other cases a pair of such plates or antennas will comprise a transducer as determined by the context in which the term is used. “Adaptation” as used here will generally represent the method by which a particular occupant sensing system is designed and arranged for a particular vehicle model. It includes such things as the process by which the number, kind and location of various transducers is determined. For pattern recognition systems, it includes the process by which the pattern recognition system is designed and then taught or made to recognize the desired patterns. In this connection, it will usually include (1) the method of training when training is used, (2) the makeup of the databases used, testing and validating the particular system, or, in the case of a neural network, the particular network architecture chosen, (3) the process by which environmental influences are incorporated into the system, and (4) any process for determining the pre-processing of the data or the post processing of the results of the pattern recognition system. The above list is illustrative and not exhaustive. Basically, adaptation includes all of the steps that are undertaken to adapt transducers and other sources of information to a particular vehicle to create the system that accurately identifies and/or determines the location of an occupant or other object in a vehicle. For the purposes herein, a “neural network” is defined to include all such learning systems including cellular neural networks, support vector machines and other kernel-based learning systems and methods, cellular automata and all other pattern recognition methods and systems that learn. A “combination neural network” as used herein will generally apply to any combination of two or more neural networks as most broadly defined that are either connected together or that analyze all or a portion of the input data. A “morphological characteristic” will generally mean any measurable property of a human such as height, weight, leg or arm length, head diameter, skin color or pattern, blood vessel pattern, voice pattern, finger prints, iris patterns, etc. A “wave sensor” or “wave transducer” is generally any device which senses either ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves. An electromagnetic wave sensor, for example, includes devices that sense any portion of the electromagnetic spectrum from ultraviolet down to a few hertz. The most commonly used kinds of electromagnetic wave sensors include CCD and CMOS arrays for sensing visible and/or infrared waves, millimeter wave and microwave radar, and capacitive or electric and/or magnetic field monitoring sensors that rely on the dielectric constant of the object occupying a space but also rely on the time variation of the field, expressed by waves as defined below, to determine a change in state. A “CCD” will be defined to include all devices, including CMOS arrays, APS arrays, QWIP arrays or equivalent, artificial retinas and particularly HDRC arrays, which are capable of converting light frequencies, including infrared, visible and ultraviolet, into electrical signals. The particular CCD array used for many of the applications disclosed herein is implemented on a single chip that is less than two centimeters on a side. Data from the CCD array is digitized and sent serially to an electronic circuit (at times designated 120 herein) containing a microprocessor for analysis of the digitized data. In order to minimize the amount of data that needs to be stored, initial processing of the image data takes place as it is being received from the CCD array, as discussed in more detail above. In some cases, some image processing can take place on the chip such as described in the Kage et al. artificial retina article referenced above. The “windshield header” as used herein includes the space above the front windshield including the first few inches of the roof. A “sensor” as used herein is the combination of two transducers (a transmitter and a receiver) or one transducer which can both transmit and receive. The headliner is the trim which provides the interior surface to the roof of the vehicle and the A-pillar is the roof-supporting member which is on either side of the windshield and on which the front doors are hinged. An “occupant protection apparatus” is any device, apparatus, system or component which is actuatable or deployable or includes a component which is actuatable or deployable for the purpose of attempting to reduce injury to the occupant in the event of a crash, rollover or other potential injurious event involving a vehicle REFERENCES 1. Jacob, R. J. K. (1995). Eye tracking in advanced interface design. In Barøeld, W., & Furness, T. (Eds.), Advanced Interface Design and Virtual Environments, pp. 258288. Oxford University Press, Oxford. http://citeseer.nj.nec.com/jacob95eye.html 2. Mirkin. Irina; Singher. Liviu “Adaptive scale-invariant filters”; Proceedings of SPIE Volume: 3159 Algorithms, Devices, and Systems for Optical Information Processing Editor(s): Javidi, Bahram; Psaltis, Demetri Published: October 1997 3. O'Callaghan, Michael J.; Wards David J.; Perlmutter. Stephen H.; Ji. Lianhua; Walker. Christopher M.; “Highly integrated single-chip optical correlator”, Proceedings of SPIE Volume: 3466 Algorithms, Devices, and Systems for Optical Information Processing IIEditor(s): Javidi, Bahram: Psaltis, Demetri, Published: October 1998 4. Awwal, Abdul Ahad S.; Michel, Howard E., “Single-step joint Fourier transform correlator”, Proceedings of SPIE Volume: 3073 Optical Pattern Recognition VIII Editor(s): Casasent, David P.; Chao, Tien-Hsin, Published: March 1997 5. Javidi, Bahram, “Nonlinear joint transform correlators”, Real-Time Optical Information Processing, B. Javidi, and J. L. Homer, eds, Academic, NY, (1994) 6. M. Böhm, “Imagers Using Amorphous Silicon Thin Film on ASIC (TFA) Technology”, Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, 266-269, pp. 1145-1151, 2000. 7. A. Eckhardt, F. Blecher, B. Schneider, J. Sterzel, S. Benthien, H. Keller, T. Lulé, P. Rieve, M. Sommer, K. Seibel, F. M{umlaut over (t)}ze, M. Böhm, “Image Sensors in TFA (Thin Film on ASIC) Technology with Analog Image Pre-Processing”, H. Reichl, E. Obermeier (eds.), Proc. Micro System Technologies 98, Potsdam, Germany, pp. 165-170, 1998. 8. T. Lulé, B. Schneider, M. Böhm, “Design and Fabrication of a High Dynamic Range Image Sensor in TFA Technology”, invited paper for IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Special Issue on 1998 Symposium on VLSI Circuits, 1999. 9. M. Böhm, F. Blecher, A. Eckhardt, B. Schneider, S. Benthien, H. Keller, T. Lulé, P. Rieve, M. Sommer, R C. Lind, L. Humm, M. Daniels, N. Wu, H. Yen, “High Dynamic Range Image Sensors in Thin Film on ASIC—Technology for Automotive Applications”, D. E. Ricken, W. Gessner (eds.), Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Applications, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, pp. 157-172, 1998. 10. Lake, D. W. “TFA Technology: The Coming Revolution in Photography”, pp 34-49, Advanced Imagining Magazine, Apr. 2, 2002. 11. M. Böhm, F. Blecher, A. Eckhardt, K. Seibel, B. Schneider, J. Sterzel, S. Benthien, H. Keller, T. Lulé, P. Rieve, M. Sommer, B. van Uffel, F. Librecht, R. C. Lind, L. Humm, U. Efron, E. Roth, “Image Sensors in Thin Film on ASIC Technology—Status & Future Trends”, Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc., vol. 507, pp. 327-338, 1998. 12. Schwarte, R. “A New Powerful Sensory Tool in Automotive Safety Systems Based on PMD-Technology, S-TEC GmbHProceedings of the AMAA 2000 can be ordered at your local bookseller: “Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Applications 2000” Eds. S. Krueger, W. Gessner, Springer Verlag; Berlin, Heidelberg, N. Y., ISBN 3-540-670874 13. Nayar, S. K. and Mitsunaga, T., “High Dynamic Range Imaging: Spatially Varying Pixel Exposures” Proceedings of IEEE Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, June 2000. 14. Zorpette, G, “Working Knowledge: Focusing in a Flash”, Scientific American Magazine, August, 2000. 15. Smeraldi, F., Carmona, J. B., “Saccadic search with Garbor features applied to eye detection and real-time head tracking”, Image and Vision Computing 18 (2000) 323-329, Elsevier Science B. V. 16. Wang, Y., Yuan, B., “Human Eye Location Using Wavelet and Neural Network”, Proceedings of the IEEE Internal Conference on Signal Processing 2000, p 1233-1236. 17. Sirohey, S. A., Rosenfeld, A., “Eye detection in a face using linear and nonlinear filters”, Pattern Recognition 34 (2001) p 1367-1391, Elsevier Science Ltd. 18. Richards, A., Alien Vision, p. 6-9, 2001, SPIE Press, Bellingham, Wash. 19. Aguilar, M., Fay, D. A., Ross, W. D., Waxman, M., Ireland, D. B., and Racamato, J. P., “Real-time fusion of low-light CCD and uncooled IR imagery for color night vision” SPIE Conference on Enhanced and Synthetic Vision 1998, Orlando, Fla. SPIE Vol. 3364 p. 124-133. 20. Fletcher, P., “Polymer material promises as inexpensive and thin full-color light-emitting plastic display”, Electronic Design Magazine, Jan. 8, 1996 21 . . . “Organic light-emitting diodes represent the only display technology poised to meet third-generation mobile phone standards”, p. 82-85 MIT Technology Review, April 2001. 22. Robinson, A. “New ‘smart’ glass darkens, lightens in a flash”, p. 22F, Automotive news, Aug. 31, 1998. 23. “Markets for SPD technology”, refr-spd.com/markets.html 24. Feiner, S. “Augmented Reality: a new way of seeing”, Scientific American Magazine, April 2002. 25. “Sigma SD9 Digital Camera Preview and Foveon Discussion”, http://www.photo. nettsigma/sd9 (May 8, 2002) OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 1. General Occupant Sensors Briefly, the claimed inventions are methods and arrangements for obtaining information about an object in a vehicle. This determination is used in various methods and arrangements for, for example, controlling occupant protection devices in the event of a vehicle crash or adjusting various vehicle components. This invention includes a system to sense the presence, position and type of an occupying item such as a child seat in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and more particularly, to identify and monitor the occupying items and their parts and other objects in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, such as an automobile or truck, by processing one or more signals received from the occupying items and their parts and other objects using one or more of a variety of pattern recognition techniques and illumination technologies. The received signal(s) may be a reflection of a transmitted signal, the reflection of some natural signal within the vehicle, or may be some signal emitted naturally by the object. Information obtained by the identification and monitoring system is then used to affect the operation of some other system in the vehicle. This invention is also a system designed to identify, locate and monitor occupants, including their parts, and other objects in the passenger compartment and in particular an occupied child seat in the rear facing position or an out-of-position occupant, by illuminating the contents of the vehicle with ultrasonic or electromagnetic radiation, for example, by transmitting radiation waves, as broadly defined above to include capacitors and electric or magnetic fields, from a wave generating apparatus into a space above the seat, and receiving radiation modified by passing through the space above the seat using two or more transducers properly located in the vehicle passenger compartment, in specific predetermined optimum locations. More particularly, this invention relates to a system including a plurality of transducers appropriately located and mounted and which analyze the received radiation from any object which modifies the waves or fields, or which analyze a change in the received radiation caused by the presence of the object (e.g., a change in the dielectric constant), in order to achieve an accuracy of recognition not possible to achieve in the past. Outputs from the receivers are analyzed by appropriate computational means employing trained pattern recognition technologies, and in particular combination neural networks, to classify, identify and/or locate the contents, and/or determine the orientation of, for example, a rear facing child seat. In general the information obtained by the identification and monitoring system is used to affect the operation of some other system, component or device in the vehicle and particularly the passenger and/or driver airbag systems, which may include a front airbag, a side airbag, a knee bolster, or combinations of the same. However, the information obtained can be used for controlling or affecting the operation of a multitude of other vehicle systems. When the vehicle interior monitoring system in accordance with the invention is installed in the passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle equipped with an occupant protection apparatus, such as an inflatable airbag, and the vehicle is subjected to a crash of sufficient severity that the crash sensor has determined that the protection apparatus is to be deployed, the system has determined (usually prior to the deployment) whether a child placed in the child seat in the rear facing position is present and if so, a signal has been sent to the control circuitry that the airbag should be controlled and most likely disabled and not deployed in the crash. It must be understood though that instead of suppressing deployment, it is possible that the deployment may be controlled so that it might provide some meaningful protection for the occupied rear-facing child seat. The system developed using the teachings of this invention also determines the position of the vehicle occupant relative to the airbag and controls and possibly disables deployment of the airbag if the occupant is positioned so that he or she is likely to be injured by the deployment of the airbag. As before, the deployment is not necessarily disabled but may be controlled to provide protection for the out-of-position occupant. The invention also includes methods and arrangements for obtaining information about an object in a vehicle. This determination is used in various methods and arrangements for, e.g., controlling occupant protection devices in the event of a vehicle crash. The determination can also used in various methods and arrangements for, e.g., controlling heating and air-conditioning systems to optimize the comfort for any occupants, controlling an entertainment system as desired by the occupants, controlling a glare prevention device for the occupants, preventing accidents by a driver who is unable to safely drive the vehicle and enabling an effective and optimal response in the event of a crash (either oral directions to be communicated to the occupants or the dispatch of personnel to aid the occupants). Thus, one objective of the invention is to obtain information about occupancy of a vehicle and convey this information to remotely situated assistance personnel to optimize their response to a crash involving the vehicle and/or enable proper assistance to be rendered to the occupants after the crash. Some other objects related to general occupant sensors are: To provide a new and improved system for identifying the presence, position and/or orientation of an object in a vehicle. To provide a system for accurately detecting the presence of an occupied rear-facing child seat in order to prevent an occupant protection apparatus, such as an airbag, from deploying, when the airbag would impact against the rear-facing child seat if deployed. To provide a system for accurately detecting the presence of an out-of-position occupant in order to prevent one or more deployable occupant protection apparatus such as airbags from deploying when the airbag(s) would impact against the head or chest of the occupant during its initial deployment phase causing injury or possible death to the occupant. To provide an interior monitoring system that utilizes reflection, scattering, absorption or transmission of waves including capacitive or other field based sensors. To determine the presence of a child in a child seat based on motion of the child. To recognize the presence of a human on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and then to determine his or her velocity relative to the passenger compartment and to use this velocity information to affect the operation of another vehicle system. To determine the presence of a life form anywhere in a vehicle based on motion of the life form. To provide an occupant sensing system which detects the presence of a life form in a vehicle and under certain conditions, activates a vehicular warning system or a vehicular system to prevent injury to the life form. To recognize the presence of a human on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and then to determine his or her position and to use this position information to affect the operation of another vehicle system. To provide a reliable system for recognizing the presence of a rear-facing child seat on a particular seat of a motor vehicle. To provide a reliable system for recognizing the presence of a human being on a particular seat of a motor vehicle. To provide a reliable system for determining the position, velocity or size of an occupant in a motor vehicle. To provide a reliable system for determining in a timely manner that an occupant is out-of-position, or will become out-of-position, and likely to be injured by a deploying airbag. To provide an occupant vehicle interior monitoring system which has high resolution to improve system accuracy and permits the location of body parts of the occupant to be determined. 1.1 Ultrasonics Some objects mainly related to ultrasonic sensors are: To provide adjustment apparatus and methods that evaluate the occupancy of the seat by a combination of ultrasonic sensors and additional sensors and adjust the location and/or orientation relative to the occupant and/or operation of a part of the component or the component in its entirety based on the evaluated occupancy of the seat. To provide an occupant vehicle interior monitoring system this is not affected by temperature or thermal gradients. 1.2 Optics It is an object of this invention to provide for the use of naturally occurring and artificial electromagnetic radiation in the visual, IR and ultraviolet portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Such systems can employ, among others, cameras, CCD and CMOS arrays, Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector arrays, focal plane arrays and other imaging and radiation detecting devices and systems. 1.3 Ultrasonics and Optics It is an object of this invention to employ a combination of optical systems and ultrasonic systems to exploit the advantages of each system. 1.4 Other Transducers It is an object of this invention to also employ other transducers such as seat position, temperature, acceleration, pressure and other sensors and antennas. 2. Adaptation It is an object of this invention to provide for the adaptation of a system comprising a variety of transducers such as seatbelt payout sensors, seatbelt buckle sensors, seat position sensors, seatback position sensors, and weight sensors and which is adapted so as to constitute a highly reliable occupant presence and position system when used in combination with electromagnetic, ultrasonic or other radiation or field sensors. 3. Mounting Locations for and Quantity of Transducers It is an object of this invention to provide for one or a variety of transducer mounting locations in and on the vehicle including the headliner, A-Pillar, B-Pillar, C-Pillar, instrument panel, rear view mirror, windshield, doors, windows and other appropriate locations for the particular application. 3.1 Single Camera, Dual Camera with Single Light Source It is an object of this invention to provide a single camera system that passes the requirements of FMVSS-208. 3.2 Location of the Transducers It is an object of this invention to provide for a driver monitoring system using an imaging transducer mounted on the rear view mirror. It is an object of this invention to provide a system in which transducers are located within the passenger compartment at specific locations such that a high reliability of classification of objects and their position is obtained from the signals generated by the transducers. 3.3 Color Cameras—Multispectral Imaging It is an object of this invention to, where appropriate, use all frequencies or selected frequencies of the IR, visual and ultraviolet portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. 3.4 High Dynamic Range Cameras It is an object of this invention to provide an imaging system that has sufficient dynamic range for the application. This may include the use of a high dynamic range camera (such as 120 db) or the use a lower dynamic range (such as 70 db or less) along with a method of adjusting the exposure either through iris or shutter control. 3.5 Fisheye Lens, Pan and Zoom It is an object of this invention, where appropriate, to provide for the use of a fisheye or similar very wide angle lens and to thereby achieve wide coverage and in some cases a pan and zoom capability. It is a further object of this invention to provide for a low cost single element lens that can mount directly on the imaging chip. 4. 3D Cameras It is a further object of this invention to provide an interior monitoring system which provides three-dimensional information about an occupying item from a single transducer mounting location. 4.1 Stereo Vision It is a further object of this invention for some applications, where appropriate, to achieve a three dimensional representation of objects in the passenger compartment through the use of at least two cameras. When two cameras are used, they may or may not be located near each other. 4.2 Distance by Focusing It is a further object of this invention to provide a method of measuring the distance from a sensor to an occupant or part thereof using calculations based of the degree of focus of an image. 4.3 Ranging Further objects of this invention are: To provide a vehicle monitoring system using modulated radiation to aid in the determining of the distance from a transducer (either ultrasonic or electromagnetic) to an occupying item of a vehicle. To provide a system of frequency domain modulation of the illumination of an object interior or exterior of a vehicle. To utilize code modulation such as with a pseudo random code to permit the unambiguous monitoring of the vehicle exterior in the presence of other vehicles with the same system. To use a chirp frequency modulation technique to aid in determining the distance to an object interior or exterior of a vehicle. To utilize a correlation pattern modulation in a form of code division modulation for determining the distance of an object interior or exterior of a vehicle. 4.4 Pockel or Kerr Cell for Determining Range It is a further object of this invention to utilize a Pockel cell, Kerr cell or equivalent to aid in determining the distance to an object in the interior or exterior of a vehicle. 4.5 Thin film on ASIC (TFA) It is a further object of this invention to incorporate TFA technology in such a manner as to provide a three dimensional image of the interior or exterior of a vehicle. 5. Glare Control Further objects of this invention are: To determine the location of the eyes of a vehicle occupant and the direction of a light source such as the headlights of an oncoming vehicle or the sun and to cause a filter to be placed in such a manner as to reduce the intensity of the light striking the eyes of the occupant. To determine the location of the eyes of a vehicle occupant and the direction of a light source such as the headlights of a rear approaching vehicle or the sun and to cause a filter to be placed to reduce the intensity of the light reflected from the rear view mirrors and striking the eyes of the occupant. To provide a glare filter for a glare reduction system that uses semiconducting or metallic (organic) polymers to provide a low cost system, which may reside in the windshield, visor, mirror or special device. To provide a glare filter based on electronic Venetian blinds, polarizers or spatial light monitors. 5.1 Windshield It is a further object of this invention to determine the location of the eyes of a vehicle occupant and the direction of a light source such as the headlights of an oncoming vehicle or the sun and to cause a filter to be placed to reduce the intensity of the light striking the eyes of the occupant. It is a further object of this invention to provide a windshield where a substantial part of the area is covered by a plastic electronics film for a display and/or glare control. 5.2 Glare in Rear View Mirrors It is an additional object of this invention to determine the location of the eyes of a vehicle occupant and the direction of a light source such as the headlights of a rear approaching vehicle or the sun and to cause a filter to be placed in a rear view mirror such a manner as to reduce the intensity of the light striking the eyes of the occupant. 5.3 Visor for Glare Control and HUD It is a further object of this invention to provide an occupant vehicle interior monitoring system which reduces the glare from sunlight and headlights by imposing a filter between the eyes of an occupant and the light source wherein the filter is placed in a visor. 6. Weight Measurement and Biometrics Further objects of this invention are: To provide a system and method wherein the weight of an occupant is determined utilizing sensors located on the seat structure. To provide apparatus and methods for measuring the weight of an occupying item on a vehicle seat which may be integrated into vehicular component adjustment apparatus and methods which evaluate the occupancy of the seat and adjust the location and/or orientation relative to the occupant and/or operation of a part of the component or the component in its entirety based on the evaluated occupancy of the seat. To provide vehicular seats including a weight measuring feature and weight measuring methods for implementation in connection with vehicular seats. To provide vehicular seats in which the weight applied by an occupying item to the seat is measured based on capacitance between conductive and/or metallic members underlying the seat cushion. To provide adjustment apparatus and methods that evaluate the occupancy of the seat and adjust the location and/or orientation relative to the occupant and/or operation of a part of the component or the component in its entirety based on the evaluated occupancy of the seat and on a measurement of the occupant's weight or a measurement of a force exerted by the occupant on the seat. To provide weight measurement systems in order to improve the accuracy of another apparatus or system that utilizes measured weight as input, e.g., a component adjustment apparatus. To provide a system where the morphological characteristics of an occupant are measured by sensors located within the seat. To provide a system for recognizing the identity of a particular individual in the vehicle. 6.1 Strain Gage Weight Sensors It is a further object of this invention to provide a weight measuring system based on the use of one or more strain gages. Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is a seat weight measuring apparatus for measuring the weight of an occupying item of the seat wherein a load sensor is installed at at least one location where the seat is attached to the vehicle body, for measuring a part of the load applied to the seat including the seat back and the sitting surface of the seat. According to this embodiment of the invention, because a load sensor can be installed only at a single location of the seat, the production cost and the assembling/wiring cost may be reduced in comparison with the related art. An object of the seat weight measuring apparatus stated herein is basically to measure the weight of the occupying item of the seat. Therefore, the apparatus for measuring only the weight of the passenger by canceling the net weight of the seat is included as an optional feature in the seat weight measuring apparatus in accordance with the invention. The seat weight measuring apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is a seat weight measuring apparatus for measuring the weight of an occupying item of the seat comprising a load sensor installed at at least one of the left and right seat frames at a portion of the seat at which the seat is fixed to the vehicle body. The seat weight measuring apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a position sensor for detecting the position of occupying item of the seat. Considering the result detected by the position sensor makes the result detected by the load sensor more accurate. 6.2 Bladder Weight Sensors It is a further object of this invention to provide a weight measuring system based on the use of one or more fluid-filled bladders. To achieve this object and others, a weight sensor for determining the weight of an occupant of a seat, in accordance with the invention includes a bladder arranged in a seat portion of the seat and including material or structure arranged in an interior for constraining fluid flow therein, and one or more transducers for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the interior of the bladder. The material or structure could be open cell foam. The bladder may include one or more chambers and if more than one chamber is provided, each chamber may be arranged at a different location in the seat portion of the seat. An apparatus for determining the weight distribution of the occupant in accordance with the invention includes the weight sensor described above, in any of the various embodiments, with the bladder including several chamber and multiple transducers with each transducer being associated with a respective chamber so that weight distribution of the occupant is obtained from the pressure measurements of said transducers. A method for determining the weight of an occupant of an automotive seat in accordance with the invention involves arranging a bladder having at least one chamber in a seat portion of the seat, measuring the pressure in each chamber and deriving the weight of the occupant based on the measured pressure. The pressure in each chamber may be measured by a respective transducer associated therewith. The weight distribution of the occupant, the center of gravity of the occupant and/or the position of the occupant can be determined based on the pressure measured by the transducer(s). In one specific embodiment, the bladder is arranged in a container and fluid flow between the bladder and the container is permitted and optionally regulated, for example, via an adjustable orifice between the bladder and the container. A vehicle seat in accordance with the invention includes a seat portion including a container having an interior containing fluid and a mechanism, material or structure therein to restrict flow of the fluid from one portion of the interior to another portion of the interior, a back portion arranged at an angle to the seat portion, and a measurement system arranged to obtain an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on the seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in the container. In another vehicle seat in accordance with the invention, a container in the seat portion has an interior containing fluid and partitioned into multiple sections between which the fluid flows as a function of pressure applied to the seat portion. A measurement system obtains an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on the seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in the container. The container may be partitioned into an inner bladder and an outer container. In this case, the inner bladder may include an orifice leading to the outer container which has an adjustable size, and a control circuit controls the amount of opening of the orifice to thereby regulate fluid flow and pressure in and between the inner bladder and the outer container. In another embodiment of a seat for a vehicle, the seat portion includes a bladder having a fluid-containing interior and is mounted by a mounting structure to a floor pan of the vehicle. A measurement system is associated with the bladder and arranged to obtain an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on the seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in the bladder. A control system for controlling vehicle components based on occupancy of a seat as reflected by analysis of the weight of the seat is also disclosed which and includes a bladder having at least one chamber and arranged in a seat portion of the seat; a measurement system for measuring the pressure in the chamber(s), one or more adjustment systems arranged to adjust one or more components in the vehicle and a processor coupled to the measurement system and to the adjustment system for determining an adjustment for the component(s) by the adjustment system based at least in part on the pressure measured by the measurement system. The adjustment system may be a system for adjusting deployment of an occupant restraint device, such as an airbag. In this case, the deployment adjustment system is arranged to control flow of gas into an airbag, flow of gas out of an airbag, rate of generation of gas and/or amount of generated gas. The adjustment system could also be a system for adjusting the seat, e.g., one or more motors for moving the seat, a system for adjusting the steering wheel, e.g., a motor coupled to the steering wheel, a system for adjusting a pedal., e.g., a motor coupled to the pedal. 6.3 Combined Spatial and Weight It is a further object of this invention to provide an occupant sensing system that comprises both a weight measuring system and a special sensing system. 6.4 Face Recognition (Face and Iris IR Scans) It is a further object of this invention to recognize a particular driver based on such factors as facial characteristics, physical appearance or other attributes and to use this information to control another vehicle system such as the vehicle ignition, a security system, seat adjustment, or maximum permitted vehicle velocity, among others. 6.5 Heartbeat and Health State Further objects of this invention are: To provide a system using radar which detects a heartbeat of life forms in a vehicle. To provide an occupant sensor which determines the presence and health state of any occupants in a vehicle. The presence of the occupants may be determined using an animal life or heart beat sensor. To provide an occupant sensor that determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are breathing by analyzing the occupant's motion. It can also be determined whether an occupant is breathing with difficulty. To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are breathing by analyzing the chemical composition of the air/gas in the vehicle, e.g., in proximity of the occupant's mouth. To provide an occupant sensor that determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are conscious by analyzing movement of their eyes. To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are wounded to the extent that they are bleeding by analyzing air/gas in the vehicle, e.g., directly around each occupant. To provide an occupant sensor which determines the presence and health state of any occupants in the vehicle by analyzing sounds emanating from the passenger compartment. Such sounds can be directed to a remote, manned site for consideration in dispatching response personnel. To provide a system using radar that detects a heartbeat of life forms in a vehicle. 7. Illumination 7.1 Infrared Light It is a further object of this invention provide for infrared illumination in one or more of the near IR, SWIR, MWIR or LWIR regions of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum for illuminating the environment inside or outside of a vehicle. 7.2 Structured Light It is a further object of this invention to use structured light to help determine the distance to an object from a transducer. 73 Color and Natural Light It is a further object of this invention to provide a system that uses colored light and natural light in monitoring the interior or exterior of a vehicle. 7.4 Radar Further objects of this invention are: To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are moving using radar systems, e.g., micropower impulse radar (MIR), which can also detect the heartbeats of any occupants. To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are moving using radar systems, such as micropower impulse radar (MIR), which can also detect the heartbeats of any occupants and, optionally, to send this information by telematics to one or more remote sites. 8. Field Sensors and Antennas It is a further object of this invention to provide a very low cost monitoring and presence detection system that uses the property that water in the near field of an antenna changes the antenna's loading or impedance matching or resonant properties. 9. Telematics The occupancy determination can also be used in various methods and arrangements for, controlling heating and air-conditioning systems to optimize the comfort for any occupants, controlling an entertainment system as desired by the occupants, controlling a glare prevention device for the occupants, preventing accidents by a driver who is unable to safely drive the vehicle and enabling an effective and optimal response in the event of a crash (either oral directions to be communicated to the occupants or the dispatch of personnel to aid the occupants) as well as many others. Thus, one objective of the invention is to obtain information about occupancy of a vehicle before, during and/or after a crash and convey this information to remotely situated assistance personnel to optimize their response to a crash involving the vehicle and/or enable proper assistance to be rendered to the occupants after the crash. Further objects of this invention are: To determine the total number of occupants of a vehicle and in the event of an accident to transmit that information, as well as other information such as the condition of the occupants, to a receiver remote from the vehicle. To determine the total number of occupants of a vehicle and in the event of an accident to transmit that information, as well as other information such as the condition of the occupants before, during and/or after a crash, to a receiver remote from the vehicle, such information may include images. To provide an occupant sensor which determines the presence and health state of any occupants in a vehicle and, optionally, to send this information by telematics to one or more remote sites. The presence of the occupants may be determined using an animal life or heartbeat sensors To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are breathing or breathing with difficulty by analyzing the occupant's motion and, optionally, to send this information by telematics to one or more remote sites. To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are breathing by analyzing the chemical composition of in the vehicle and, optionally, to send this information by telematics to one or more remote sites. To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are conscious by analyzing movement of their eyes, eyelids or other parts and, optionally, to send this information by telematics to one or more remote sites. To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are wounded to the extent that they are bleeding by analyzing the gas/air in the vehicle and, optionally, to send this information by telematics to one or more remote sites. To provide an occupant sensor which determines the presence and health state of any occupants in the vehicle by analyzing sounds emanating from the passenger compartment and, optionally, to send this information by telematics to one or more remote sites. Such sounds can be directed to a remote, manned site for consideration in dispatching response personnel. To provide a vehicle monitoring system which provides a communications channel between the vehicle (possibly through microphones distributed throughout the vehicle) and a manned assistance facility to enable communications with the occupants after a crash or whenever the occupants are in need of assistance (e.g., if the occupants are lost, then data forming maps as a navigational aid would be transmitted to the vehicle). 10. Display 10.1 Heads-up Display It is a further object of this invention to provide a heads-up display that positions the display on the windshield based of the location of the eyes of the driver so as to place objects at the appropriate location in the field of view. 10.2 Adjust HUD Based on Driver Seating Position It is a further object of this invention to provide a heads-up display that positions the display on the windshield based of the seating position of the driver so as to place objects at the appropriate location in the field of view. 10.3 HUD on Rear Window It is a further object of this invention to provide a heads-up display that positions the display on a rear window. 10.4 Plastic Electronics It is a further object of this invention to provide a heads-up display that uses plastic electronics rather than a projection system. 11. Pattern Recognition It is a further object of this invention to use pattern recognition techniques for determining the identity or location of an occupant or object in a vehicle. It is a further object of this invention to use pattern recognition techniques for analyzing three-dimensional image data of occupants of a vehicle and objects exterior to the vehicle. 11.1 Neural Nets It is a further object of this invention to use pattern recognition techniques comprising neural networks. 11.2 Combination Neural Nets It is a further object of this invention to use combination neural networks. 11.3 Interpretation of Other Occupant States—Inattention, Sleep Further objects of this invention are: To monitor the position of the head of the vehicle driver and determine whether the driver is falling asleep or otherwise impaired and likely to lose control of the vehicle and to use that information to affect another vehicle system. To monitor the position of the eyes or eyelids of the vehicle driver and determine whether the driver is falling asleep or otherwise impaired and likely to lose control of the vehicle, or is unconscious after an accident, and to use that information to affect another vehicle system. To monitor the position of the head and/or other parts of the vehicle driver and determine whether the driver is falling asleep or otherwise impaired and likely to lose control of the vehicle and to use that information to affect another vehicle system. 11.4 Combining Occupant Monitoring and Car Monitoring It is a further object of this invention to use a combination of occupant monitoring and vehicle monitoring to aid in determining if the driver is about to lose control of the vehicle. 11.5 Continuous Tracking It is a further object of this invention to provide an occupant position determination in a sufficiently short time that the position of an occupant can be tracked during a vehicle crash. It is a further object of this invention that the pattern recognition system is trained on the position of the occupant relative to the airbag rather than what zone the occupant occupies. 11.6 Preprocessing Further objects of this invention are: To determine the presence of a child in a child seat based on motion of the child. To determine the presence of a life form anywhere in a vehicle based on motion of the life form. To provide a system using electromagnetics or ultrasonics to detect motion of objects in a vehicle and enable the use of the detection of the motion for control of vehicular components and systems. 11.7 Post Processing It is another object of this invention to apply a filter to the output of the pattern recognition system that is based on previous decisions as a test of reasonableness. 12. Other Products, Outputs, Features It is an object of the present invention to provide new and improved arrangements and methods for adjusting or controlling a component in a vehicle. Control of a component does not require an adjustment of the component if the operation of the component is appropriate for the situation. It is another object of the present invention to provide new and improved methods and apparatus for adjusting a component in a vehicle based on occupancy of the vehicle. For example, an airbag system may be controlled based on the location of a seat and the occupant of the seat to be protected by the deployment of the airbag. Further objects of this invention related to additional capabilities are: To recognize the presence of an object on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and to use this information to affect the operation of another vehicle system such as the entertainment system, airbag system, heating and air conditioning system, pedal adjustment system, mirror adjustment system, wireless data link system or cellular phone, among others. To recognize the presence of an object on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and then to determine his/her position and to use this position information to affect the operation of another vehicle system. To determine the approximate location of the eyes of a driver and to use that information to control the position of the rear view mirrors of the vehicle. To recognize a particular driver based on such factors as physical appearance or other attributes and to use this information to control another vehicle system such as a security system, seat adjustment, or maximum permitted vehicle velocity, among others. To recognize the presence of a human on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and then to determine his/her velocity relative to the passenger compartment and to use this velocity information to affect the operation of another vehicle system. To provide a system using electromagnetics or ultrasonics to detect motion of objects in a vehicle and enable the use of the detection of the motion for control of vehicular components and systems. To provide a system for passively and automatically adjusting the position of a vehicle component to a near optimum location based on the size of an occupant. To provide adjustment apparatus and methods that reliably discriminate between a normally seated passenger and a forward facing child seat, between an abnormally seated passenger and a rear facing child seat, and whether or not the seat is empty and adjust the location and/or orientation relative to the occupant and/or operation of a part of the component or the component in its entirety based thereon. To provide a system for recognizing a particular occupant of a vehicle and thereafter adjusting various components of the vehicle in accordance with the preferences of the recognized occupant. To provide a pattern recognition system to permit more accurate location of an occupant's head and the parts thereof and to use this information to adjust a vehicle component. To provide a system for automatically adjusting the position of various components of the vehicle to permit safer and more effective operation of the vehicle including the location of the pedals and steering wheel. To recognize the presence of a human on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and then to determine his or her position and to use this position information to affect the operation of another vehicle system. 12.1 Control of Passive Restraints It is another object of the present invention to provide new and improved arrangements and methods for controlling an occupant protection device based on the morphology of an occupant to be protected by the actuation of the device and optionally, the location of a seat on which the occupant is sitting. Control of the occupant protection device can entail suppression of actuation of the device, or adjusting of the actuation parameters of the device if such adjustment is deemed necessary. Further objects of this invention related to control of passive restraints are: To determine the position, velocity or size of an occupant in a motor vehicle and to utilize this information to control the rate of gas generation, or the amount of gas generated, by an airbag inflator system or otherwise control the flow of gas into or out of an airbag. To determine the fact that an occupant is not restrained by a seatbelt and therefore to modify the characteristics of the airbag system. This determination can be done either by monitoring the position of the occupant or through the use of a resonating device placed on the shoulder belt portion of the seatbelt. To determine the presence and/or position of rear seated occupants in the vehicle and to use this information to affect the operation of a rear seat protection airbag for frontal, rear or side impacts, or rollovers. To recognize the presence of a rear facing child seat on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and to use this information to affect the operation of another vehicle system such as the airbag system. To provide a vehicle interior monitoring system for determining the location of occupants within the vehicle and to include within the same system various electronics for controlling an airbag system. To provide an occupant sensing system which detects the presence of a life form in a vehicle and under certain conditions, activates a vehicular warning system or a vehicular system to prevent injury to the life form. To determine whether an occupant is out-of-position relative to the airbag and if so, to suppress deployment of the airbag in a situation in which the airbag would otherwise be deployed. To adjust the flow of gas into or out of the airbag based on the morphology and position of the occupant to improve the performance of the airbag in reducing occupant injury. To provide an occupant position sensor which reliably permits, and in a timely manner, a determination to be made that the occupant is out-of-position, or will become out-of-position, and likely to be injured by a deploying airbag and to then output a signal to suppress the deployment of the airbag. To determine the position, velocity or size of an occupant in a motor vehicle and to utilize this information to control the rate of gas generation, or the amount of gas generated by an airbag inflator system. 12.2 Seat, Seatbelt Adjustment and Resonators Further objects of this invention related to control of passive restraints are: To determine the position of a seat in the vehicle using sensors remote from the seat and to use that information in conjunction with a memory system and appropriate actuators to position the seat to a predetermined location. To remotely determine the fact that a vehicle door is not tightly closed using an illumination transmitting and receiving system such as one employing electromagnetic or acoustic waves. To determine the position of the shoulder of a vehicle occupant and to use that information to control the seatbelt anchorage point. To obtain information about an object in a vehicle using resonators or reflectors arranged in association with the object, such as the position of the object and the orientation of the object. To provide a system designed to determine the orientation of a child seat using resonators or reflectors arranged in connection with the child seat. To provide a system designed to determine whether a seatbelt is in use using resonators and reflectors, for possible use in the control of a safety device such as an airbag. To provide a system designed to determine the position of an occupying item of a vehicle using resonators or reflectors, for possible use in the control of a safety device such as an airbag. To provide a system designed to determine the position of a seat using resonators or reflectors, for possible use in the control of a vehicular component or system which would be affected by different seat positions. To obtain information about an object in a vehicle using resonators or reflectors arranged in association with the object, such as the position of the object and the orientation of the object. To determine the approximate location of the eyes of a driver and to use that information to control the position of the rear view mirrors of the vehicle and/or adjust the seat. To control a vehicle component using eye tracking techniques. To provide systems for approximately locating the eyes of a vehicle driver to thereby permit the placement of the driver's eyes at a particular location in the vehicle. To provide a method of determining whether a seat is occupied and, if not, leaving the seat at a neutral position. 12.3 Side Impacts It is a further object of this invention to determine the presence and/or position of occupants relative to the side impact airbag systems and to use this information to affect the operation of a side impact protection airbag system. 12.4 Children and Animals Left Alone It is a further object of this invention to detect whether children or animals are left alone in a vehicle or vehicle trunk and the environment is placing such children or animals in danger. 12.5 Vehicle Theft It is a further object of this invention to prevent hijackings by warning the driver that a life form is in the vehicle as the driver approaches the vehicle. 12.6 Security, Intruder Protection It is a further object of this invention to provide a security system for a vehicle which determines the presence of an unexpected life form in a vehicle and conveys the determination prior to entry of a driver into the vehicle. It is a further object of this invention to recognize a particular driver based on such factors as physical appearance or other attributes and to use this information to control another vehicle system such as a security system, seat adjustment, or maximum permitted vehicle velocity, among others. 12.7 Entertainment System Control Further objects of this invention related to control of the entertainment system are: To affect the vehicle entertainment system, e.g., the speakers, based on a determination of the number, size and/or location of various occupants or other objects within the vehicle passenger compartment. To determine the location of the ears of one or more vehicle occupants and to use that information to control the entertainment system, e.g., the speakers, so as to improve the quality of the sound reaching the occupants' ears through such methods as noise canceling sound. 12.8 HVAC Further objects of this invention related to control of the HVAC system are: To affect the vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning system based on a determination of the number, size and location of various occupants or other objects within the vehicle passenger compartment. To determine the temperature of an occupant based on infrared radiation coming from that occupant and to use that information to control the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. To recognize the presence of a human on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and to use this information to affect the operation of another vehicle system such as the airbag, heating and air conditioning, or entertainment systems, among others. 12.9 Obstruction Further objects of this invention related to sensing of window and door obstructions are: To determine the openness of a vehicle window and to use that information to affect another vehicle system. To determine the presence of an occupant's hand or other object in the path of a closing window and to affect the window closing system. To determine the presence of an occupant's hand or other object in the path of a closing door and to affect the door closing system. 12.10 Rear Impacts It is a further object of this invention to determine the position of the rear of an occupant's head and to use that information to control the position of the headrest. It is an object of the present invention to provide new and improved headrests for seats in a vehicle which offer protection for an occupant in the event of a crash involving the vehicle. It is another object of the present invention to provide new and improved seats for vehicles which offer protection for an occupant in the event of a crash involving the vehicle. It is still another object of the present invention to provide new and improved cushioning arrangements for vehicles and protection systems including cushioning arrangements which provide protection for occupants in the event of a crash involving the vehicle. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide new and improved cushioning arrangements for vehicles and protection systems including cushioning arrangements which provide protection for occupants in the event of a collision into the rear of the vehicle, i.e., a rear impact. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide new and improved vehicular systems which reduce whiplash injuries from rear impacts of a vehicle by causing the headrest to be automatically positioned proximate to the occupant's head. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide new and improved vehicular systems to position a headrest proximate to the head of a vehicle occupant prior to a pending impact into the rear of a vehicle. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a simple anticipatory sensor system for use with an adjustable headrest to predict a rear impact. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method and arrangement for protecting an occupant in a vehicle during a crash involving the vehicle using an anticipatory sensor system and a cushioning arrangement including a fluid-containing bag which is brought closer toward the occupant or ideally in contact with the occupant prior to or coincident with the crash. The bag would then conform to the portion of the occupant with which it is in contact. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an automatically adjusting system which conforms to the head and neck geometry of an occupant regardless of the occupant's particular morphology to properly support both the head and neck. In order to achieve at least one of the immediately foregoing objects, a vehicle in accordance with the invention comprises a seat including a movable headrest against which an occupant can rest his or her head, an anticipatory crash sensor arranged to detect an impending crash involving the vehicle based on data obtained prior to the crash, and a movement mechanism coupled to the crash sensor and the headrest and arranged to move the headrest upon detection of an impending crash involving the vehicle by the crash sensor. The crash sensor may be arranged to produce an output signal when an object external from the vehicle is approaching the vehicle at a velocity above a design threshold velocity. The crash sensor may be any type of sensor designed to provide an assessment or determination of an impending impact prior to the impact, i.e., from data obtained prior to the impact. Thus, the crash sensor can be an ultrasonic sensor, an electromagnetic wave sensor, a radar sensor, a noise radar sensor and a camera, a scanning laser radar and a passive infrared sensor. To optimize the assessment of an impending crash, the crash sensor can be designed to determine the distance from the vehicle to an external object whereby the velocity of the external object is calculatable from successive distance measurements. To this end, the crash sensor can employ means for measuring time of flight of a pulse, means for measuring a phase change, means for measuring a Doppler radar pulse and means for performing range gating of an ultrasonic pulse, an optical pulse or a radar pulse. To further optimize the assessment, the crash sensor may comprise pattern recognition means for recognizing, identifying or ascertaining the identity of external objects. The pattern recognition means may comprise a neural network, fuzzy logic, fuzzy system, neural-fuzzy system, sensor fusion and other types of pattern recognition systems. The movement mechanism may be arranged to move the headrest from an initial position to a position more proximate to the head of the occupant. Optionally, a determining system determines the location of the head of the occupant in which case, the movement mechanism may move the headrest from an initial position to a position more proximate to the determined location of the head of the occupant. The determining system can include a wave-receiving sensor arranged to receive waves from a direction of the head of the occupant. More particularly, the determining system can comprise a transmitter for transmitting radiation to illuminate different portions of the head of the occupant, a receiver for receiving a first set of signals representative of radiation reflected from the different portions of the head of the occupant and providing a second set of signals representative of the distances from the headrest to the nearest illuminated portion the head of the occupant, and a processor comprising computational means to determine the headrest vertical location corresponding to the nearest part of the head to the headrest from the second set of signals from the receiver. The transmitter and receiver may be arranged in the headrest. The head position determining system can be designed to use waves, energy, radiation or other properties or phenomena. Thus, the determining system may include an electric field sensor, a capacitance sensor, a radar sensor, an optical sensor, a camera, a three-dimensional camera, a passive infrared sensor, an ultrasound sensor, a stereo sensor, a focusing sensor and a scanning system. A processor may be coupled to the crash sensor and the movement mechanism and determines the motion required of the headrest to place the headrest proximate to the head. The processor then provides the motion determination to the movement mechanism upon detection of an impending crash involving the vehicle by the crash sensor. This is particularly helpful when a system for determining the location of the head of the occupant relative to the headrest is provided in which case, the determining system is coupled to the processor to provide the determined head location. A method for protecting an occupant of a vehicle during a crash in accordance with the invention comprises the steps of detecting an impending crash involving the vehicle based on data obtained prior to the crash and moving a headrest upon detection of an impending crash involving the vehicle to a position more proximate to the occupant. Detection of the crash may entail determining the velocity of an external object approaching the vehicle and producing a crash signal when the object is approaching the vehicle at a velocity above a design threshold velocity. Optionally, the location of the head of the occupant is determined in which case, the headrest is moved from an initial position to the position more proximate to the determined location of the head of the occupant. 12.11 Combined with SDM and Other Systems It is a further object of this invention to provide for the combining of the electronics of the occupant sensor and the airbag control module into a single package. 12.12 Exterior Monitoring Further objects of this invention related to monitoring the exterior environment of the vehicle are: To provide a system for monitoring the environment exterior of a vehicle in order to determine the presence and classification, identification and/or location of objects in the exterior environment. To provide an anticipatory sensor that permits accurate identification of the about-to-impact object in the presence of snow and/or fog whereby the sensor is located within the vehicle. To provide a smart headlight dimmer system which senses the headlights from an oncoming vehicle or the tail lights of a vehicle in front of the subject vehicle and identifies these lights differentiating them from reflections from signs or the road surface and then sends a signal to dim the headlights. To provide a blind spot detector which detects and categorizes an object in the driver's blind spot or other location in the vicinity of the vehicle, and warns the driver in the event the driver begins to change lanes, for example, or continuously informs the driver of the state of occupancy of the blind spot. To use the principles of time of flight to measure the distance to an occupant or object exterior to the vehicle. To provide a camera system for interior and exterior monitoring, which can adjust on a pixel by pixel basis for the intensity of the received light. To provide for the use of an active pixel camera for interior and exterior vehicle monitoring. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve some of the above objects, an optical classification method for classifying an occupant in a vehicle in accordance with the invention comprises the steps of acquiring images of the occupant from a single camera and analyzing the images acquired from the single camera to determine a classification of the occupant. The single camera may be a digital CMOS camera, a high-power near-infrared LED, and the LED control circuit. It is possible to detect brightness of the images and control illumination of an LED in conjunction with the acquisition of images by the single camera. The illumination of the LED may be periodic to enable a comparison of resulting images with the LED on and the LED off so as to determine whether a daytime condition or a nighttime condition is present. The position of the occupant can be monitored when the occupant is classified as a child, an adult or a forward-facing child restraint. In one embodiment, analysis of the images entails pre-processing the images, compressing the data from the pre-processed images, determining from the compressed data or the acquired images a particular condition of the occupant and/or condition of the environment in which the images have been acquired, providing a plurality of trained neural networks, each designed to determine the classification of the occupant for a respective one of the conditions, inputting the compressed data into one of the neural networks designed to determine the classification of the occupant for the determined condition to thereby obtain a classification of the occupant and subjecting the obtained classification of the occupant to post-processing to improve the probability of the classification of the occupant corresponding to the actual occupant. The pre-processing step may involve removing random noise and enhancing contrast whereby the presence of unwanted objects other than the occupant are reduced. The presence of unwanted contents in the images other than the occupant may be detected and the camera adjusted to minimize the presence of the unwanted contents in the images. The post-processing may involve filtering the classification of the occupant from the neural network to remove random noise and/or comparing the classification of the occupant from the neural network to a previously obtained classification of the occupant and determining whether any difference in the classification is possible. The classification of the occupant from the neural network may be displayed in a position visible to the occupant and enabling the occupant to change or confirm the classification. The position of the occupant may be monitored when the occupant is classified as a child, an adult or a forward-facing child restraint. One way to do this is to input the compressed data or acquired images into an additional neural network designed to determine a recommendation for control of a system in the vehicle based on the monitoring of the position of the occupant. Also, a plurality of additional neural networks may be used, each designed to determine a recommendation for control of a system in the vehicle for a particular classification of occupant In this case, the compressed data or acquired images is input into one of the neural networks designed to determine the recommendation for control of the system for the obtained classification of the occupant to thereby obtain a recommendation for the control of the system for the particular occupant. If the system in the vehicle is an occupant restraint device, the additional neural networks can be designed to determine a recommendation of a suppression of deployment of the occupant restraint device, a depowered deployment of the occupant restraint device or a full power deployment of the occupant restraint device. In another embodiment, the method also involves acquiring images of the occupant from an additional camera, pre-processing the images acquired from the additional camera, compressing the data from the pre-processed images acquired from the additional camera, determining from the compressed data or the acquired images from the additional camera a particular condition of the occupant or condition of the environment in which the images have been acquired, inputting the compressed data from the pre-processed images acquired by the additional camera into one of the neural networks designed to determine the classification of the occupant for the determined condition to thereby obtain a classification of the occupant, subjecting the obtained classification of the occupant to post-processing to improve the probability of the classification of the occupant corresponding to the actual occupant and comparing the obtained classification using the images acquired form the additional camera to the images acquired from the initial camera to ascertain any variations in classification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following drawings are illustrative of embodiments of the system developed or adapted using the teachings of this invention and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention as encompassed by the claims. In particular, the illustrations below are frequently limited to the monitoring of the front passenger seat for the purpose of describing the system. Naturally, the invention applies as well to adapting the system to the other seating positions in the vehicle and particularly to the driver and rear passenger positions. FIG. 1 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed of a vehicle showing the passenger compartment containing a rear facing child seat on the front passenger seat and a preferred mounting location for an occupant and rear facing child seat presence detector including an antenna field sensor and a resonator or reflector placed onto the forward most portion of the child seat FIG. 2 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed showing schematically the interface between the vehicle interior monitoring system of this invention and the vehicle cellular or other telematics communication system including an antenna field sensor. FIG. 3 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed of a vehicle showing the passenger compartment containing a box on the front passenger seat and a preferred mounting location for an occupant and rear facing child seat presence detector and including an antenna field sensor. FIG. 4 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed of a vehicle showing the passenger compartment containing a driver and a preferred mounting location for an occupant identification system and including an antenna field sensor and an inattentiveness response button. FIG. 5 is a side view, with certain portions removed or cut away, of a portion of the passenger compartment of a vehicle showing several preferred mounting locations of occupant position sensors for sensing the position of the vehicle driver. FIG. 6 shows a seated-state detecting unit in accordance with the present invention and the connections between ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensors, a weight sensor, a reclining angle detecting sensor, a seat track position detecting sensor, a heartbeat sensor, a motion sensor, a neural network and an airbag system installed within a vehicle compartment. FIG. 6A is an illustration as in FIG. 6 with the replacement of a strain gage weight sensor within a cavity within the seat cushion for the bladder weight sensor of FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a vehicle showing the position of the ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensors relative to the driver and front passenger seats. FIG. 8A is a side planar view, with certain portions removed or cut away, of a portion of the passenger compartment of a vehicle showing several preferred mounting locations of interior vehicle monitoring sensors shown particularly for sensing the vehicle driver illustrating the wave pattern from a CCD or CMOS optical position sensor mounted along the side of the driver or centered above his or her head. FIG. 8B is a view as in FIG. 8A illustrating the wave pattern from an optical system using an infrared light source and a CCD or CMOS array receiver using the windshield as a reflection surface and showing schematically the interface between the vehicle interior monitoring system of this invention and an instrument panel mounted inattentiveness warning light or buzzer and reset button. FIG. 8C is a view as in FIG. 8A illustrating the wave pattern from an optical system using an infrared light source and a CCD or CMOS array receiver where the CCD or CMOS array receiver is covered by a lens permitting a wide angle view of the contents of the passenger compartment. FIG. 8D is a view as in FIG. 8A illustrating the wave pattern from a pair of small CCD or CMOS array receivers and one infrared transmitter where the spacing of the CCD or CMOS arrays permits an accurate measurement of the distance to features on the occupant. FIG. 8E is a view as in FIG. 8A illustrating the wave pattern from a set of ultrasonic transmitter/receivers where the spacing of the transducers and the phase of the signal permits an accurate focusing of the ultrasonic beam and thus the accurate measurement of a particular point on the surface of the driver. FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the seated-state detecting unit of the present invention. FIGS. 10(a), 10(b) and 10(c) are each a diagram showing the configuration of the reflected waves of an ultrasonic wave transmitted from each transmitter of the ultrasonic sensors toward the passenger seat, obtained within the time that the reflected wave arrives at a receiver, FIG. 10(a) showing an example of the reflected waves obtained when a passenger is in a normal seated-state, FIG. 10(b) showing an example of the reflected waves, obtained when a passenger is in an abnormal seated-state (where the passenger is seated too close to the instrument panel), and FIG. 10(c) showing a transmit pulse. FIG. 11 is a diagram of the data processing of the reflected waves from the ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensors. FIG. 12A is a functional block diagram of the ultrasonic imaging system illustrated in FIG. 1 using a microprocessor, DSP or field programmable gate array (FGPA). 12B is a functional block diagram of the ultrasonic imaging system illustrated in FIG. 1 using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). FIG. 13 is a cross section view of a steering wheel and airbag module assembly showing a preferred mounting location of an ultrasonic wave generator and receiver. FIG. 14 is a partial cutaway view of a seatbelt retractor with a spool out sensor utilizing a shaft encoder. FIG. 15 is a side view of a portion of a seat and seat rail showing a seat position sensor utilizing a potentiometer. FIG. 16 is a circuit schematic illustrating the use of the occupant position sensor in conjunction with the remainder of the inflatable restraint system. FIG. 17 is a schematic illustrating the circuit of an occupant position-sensing device using a modulated infrared signal, beat frequency and phase detector system. FIG. 18 a flowchart showing the training steps of a neural network. FIG. 19(a) is an explanatory diagram of a process for normalizing the reflected wave and shows normalized reflected waves. FIG. 19(b) is a diagram similar to FIG. 19(a) showing a step of extracting data based on the normalized reflected waves and a step of weighting the extracted data by employing the data of the seat track position detecting sensor, the data of the reclining angle detecting sensor, and the data of the weight sensor. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the interior of the passenger compartment of an automobile, with parts cut away and removed, showing a variety of transmitters that can be used in a phased array system. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a vehicle containing an adult occupant and an occupied infant seat on the front seat with the vehicle shown in phantom illustrating one preferred location of the transducers placed according to the methods taught in this invention. FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of a system for controlling operation of a vehicle or a component thereof based on recognition of an authorized individual. FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of a method for controlling operation of a vehicle based on recognition of an individual. FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of the environment monitoring in accordance with the invention. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of an occupant sensing strategy for a single camera optical system. FIG. 26 is a processing block diagram of the example of FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is a block diagram of an antenna-based near field object discriminator. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a vehicle containing two adult occupants on the front seat with the vehicle shown in phantom illustrating one preferred location of the transducers placed according to the methods taught in this invention. FIG. 29 is a view as in FIG. 28 with the passenger occupant replaced by a child in a forward facing child seat. FIG. 30 is a view as in FIG. 28 with the passenger occupant replaced by a child in a rearward facing child seat. FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating the interaction of two ultrasonic sensors and how this interaction is used to locate a circle is space. FIG. 32 is a view as in FIG. 28 with the occupants removed illustrating the location of two circles in space and how they intersect the volumes characteristic of a rear facing child seat and a larger occupant. FIG. 33 illustrates a preferred mounting location of a three-transducer system. FIG. 34 illustrates a preferred mounting location of a four-transducer system. FIG. 35 is a plot showing the target volume discrimination for two transducers. FIG. 36 illustrates a preferred mounting location of a eight-transducer system. FIG. 37 is a schematic illustrating a combination neural network system. FIG. 38 is a side view, with certain portions removed or cut away, of a portion of the passenger compartment of a vehicle showing preferred mounting locations of optical interior vehicle monitoring sensors FIG. 39 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed of a subject vehicle and an oncoming vehicle, showing the headlights of the oncoming vehicle and the passenger compartment of the subject vehicle, containing detectors of the driver's eyes and detectors for the headlights of the oncoming vehicle and the selective filtering of the light of the approaching vehicle's headlights through the use of electro-chromic glass, organic or metallic semiconductor polymers or electropheric particulates (SPD) in the windshield. FIG. 39A is an enlarged view of the section 39A in FIG. 39. FIG. 40 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed of a vehicle and a following vehicle showing the headlights of the following vehicle and the passenger compartment of the leading vehicle containing a driver and a preferred mounting location for driver eyes and following vehicle headlight detectors and the selective filtering of the light of the following vehicle's headlights through the use of electrochromic glass, SPD glass or equivalent, in the rear view mirror. FIG. 40B is an enlarged view of the section designated 40A in FIG. 40. FIG. 41 illustrates the interior of a passenger compartment with a rear view mirror, a camera for viewing the eyes of the driver and a large generally transparent visor for glare filtering. FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the seat shown in FIG. 48 with the addition of a weight sensor shown mounted onto the seat. FIG. 42A is a view taken along line 42A-24A in FIG. 42. FIG. 42B is an enlarged view of the section designated 42B in FIG. 42. FIG. 42C is a view of another embodiment of a seat with a weight sensor similar to the view shown in FIG. 42A. FIG. 42D is a view of another embodiment of a seat with a weight sensor in which a SAW strain gage is placed on the bottom surface of the cushion. FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a one embodiment of an apparatus for measuring the weight of an occupying item of a seat illustrating weight sensing transducers mounted on a seat control mechanism portion which is attached directly to the seat. FIG. 44 illustrates a seat structure with the seat cushion and back cushion removed illustrating a three-slide attachment of the seat to the vehicle and preferred mounting locations on the seat structure for strain measuring weight sensors of an apparatus for measuring the weight of an occupying item of a seat in accordance with the invention. FIG. 44A illustrates an alternate view of the seat structure transducer mounting location taken in the circle 44A of FIG. 44 with the addition of a gusset and where the strain gage is mounted onto the gusset. FIG. 44B illustrates a mounting location for a weight sensing transducer on a centralized transverse support member in an apparatus for measuring the weight of an occupying item of a seat in accordance with the invention. FIGS. 45A, 45B and 45C illustrate three alternate methods of mounting strain transducers of an apparatus for measuring the weight of an occupying item of a seat in accordance with the invention onto a tubular seat support structural member. FIG. 46 illustrates an alternate weight sensing transducer utilizing pressure sensitive transducers. FIG. 46A illustrates a part of another alternate weight sensing system for a seat. FIG. 47 illustrates an alternate seat structure assembly utilizing strain transducers. FIG. 47A is a perspective view of a cantilevered beam type load cell for use with the weight measurement system of this invention for mounting locations of FIG. 47, for example. FIG. 47B is a perspective view of a simply supported beam type load cell for use with the weight measurement system of this invention as an alternate to the cantilevered load cell of FIG. 47A. FIG. 47C is an enlarged view of the portion designated 47C in FIG. 47B. FIG. 47D is a perspective view of a tubular load cell for use with the weight measurement system of this invention as an alternate to the cantilevered load cell of FIG. 47A. FIG. 47E is a perspective view of a torsional beam load cell for use with the weight measurement apparatus in accordance with the invention as an alternate to the cantilevered load cell of FIG. 47A. FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an automatic seat adjustment system, with the seat shown in phantom, with a movable headrest and sensors for measuring the height of the occupant from the vehicle seat showing motors for moving the seat and a control circuit connected to the sensors and motors. FIG. 49 is a view of the seat of FIG. 48 showing a system for changing the stiffness and the damping of the seat. FIG. 49A is a view of the seat of FIG. 48 wherein the bladder contains a plurality of chambers. FIG. 50 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed of a vehicle showing the passenger compartment containing a front passenger and a preferred mounting location for an occupant head detector and a preferred mounting location of an adjustable microphone and speakers and including an antenna field sensor in the headrest for a rear of occupant's head locator for use with a headrest adjustment system to reduce whiplash injuries, in particular, in rear impact crashes. FIG. 51 is a schematic illustration of a method in which the occupancy state of a seat of a vehicle is determined using a combination neural network in accordance with the invention. FIG. 52 is a schematic illustration of a method in which the identification and position of the occupant is determined using a combination neural network in accordance with the invention. FIG. 53 is a schematic illustration of a method in which the occupancy state of a seat of a vehicle is determined using a combination neural network in accordance with the invention in which bad data is prevented from being used to determine the occupancy state of the vehicle. FIG. 54 is a schematic illustration of another method in which the occupancy state of a seat of a vehicle is determined, in particular, for the case when a child seat is present, using a combination neural network in accordance with the invention. FIG. 55 is a schematic illustration of a method in which the occupancy state of a seat of a vehicle is determined using a combination neural network in accordance with the invention, in particular, an ensemble arrangement of neural networks. FIG. 56 is a flow chart of the environment monitoring in accordance with the invention. FIG. 57 is a schematic drawing of one embodiment of an occupant restraint device control system in accordance with the invention. FIG. 58 is a flow chart of the operation of one embodiment of an occupant restraint device control method in accordance with the invention. FIG. 59 is a view similar to FIG. 48 showing an inflated airbag and an arrangement for controlling both the flow of gas into and the flow of gas out of the airbag during the crash where the determination is made based on a height sensor located in the headrest and a weight sensor in the seat. FIG. 59A illustrates the valving system of FIG. 59. FIG. 60 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed of a seat in the passenger compartment of a vehicle showing the use of resonators or reflectors to determine the position of the seat. FIG. 61 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed of the door system of a passenger compartment of a vehicle showing the use of a resonator or reflector to determine the extent of opening of the driver window and of a system for determining the presence of an object, such as the hand of an occupant, in the window opening and showing the use of a resonator or reflector to determine the extent of opening of the driver window and of another system for determining the presence of an object, such as the hand of an occupant, in the window opening, and also showing the use of a resonator or reflector to determine the extent of opening position of the driver side door. FIG. 62A is a schematic drawing of the basic embodiment of the adjustment system in accordance with the invention. FIG. 62B is a schematic drawing of another basic embodiment of the adjustment system in accordance with the invention. FIG. 63 is a flow chart of an arrangement for controlling a component in accordance with the invention. FIG. 64 is a side plan view of the interior of an automobile, with portions cut away and removed, with two occupant height measuring sensors, one mounted into the headliner above the occupant's head and the other mounted onto the A-pillar and also showing a seatbelt associated with the seat wherein the seatbelt has an adjustable upper anchorage point which is automatically adjusted based on the height of the occupant. FIG. 65 is a view of the seat of FIG. 48 showing motors for changing the tilt of seat back and the lumbar support. FIG. 66 is a view as in FIG. 64 showing a driver and driver seat with an automatically adjustable steering column and pedal system which is adjusted based on the morphology of the driver. FIG. 67 is a view similar to FIG. 48 showing the occupant's eyes and the seat adjusted to place the eyes at a particular vertical position for proper viewing through the windshield and rear view mirror. FIG. 68 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed of a vehicle showing the passenger compartment containing a driver and a preferred mounting location for an occupant position sensor for use in side impacts and also of a rear of occupant's head locator for use with a headrest adjustment system to reduce whiplash injuries in rear impact crashes. FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a vehicle about to impact the side of another vehicle showing the location of the various parts of the anticipatory sensor system of this invention. FIG. 70 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed showing schematically the interface between the vehicle interior monitoring system of this invention and the vehicle entertainment system. FIG. 71 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed showing schematically the interface between the vehicle interior monitoring system of this invention and the vehicle heating and air conditioning system and including an antenna field sensor. FIG. 72 is a circuit schematic illustrating the use of the vehicle interior monitoring sensor used as an occupant position sensor in conjunction with the remainder of the inflatable restraint system. FIG. 73 is a schematic illustration of the exterior monitoring system in accordance with the invention. FIG. 74 is a side planar view, with certain portions removed or cut away, of a portion of the passenger compartment illustrating a sensor for sensing the headlights of an oncoming vehicle and/or the taillights of a leading vehicle used in conjunction with an automatic headlight dimming system. FIG. 75 is a schematic illustration of the position measuring in accordance with the invention. FIG. 76 is a database of data sets for use in training of a neural network in accordance with the invention. FIG. 77 is a categorization chart for use in a training set collection matrix in accordance with the invention. FIGS. 78, 79, 80 are charts of infant seats, child seats and booster seats showing attributes of the seats and a designation of their use in the training database, validation database or independent database in an exemplifying embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 81A-81D show a chart showing different vehicle configurations for use in training of combination neural network in accordance with the invention. FIGS. 82A-82H show a training set collection matrix for training a neural network in accordance with the invention. FIG. 83 shows an independent test set collection matrix for testing a neural network in accordance with the invention. FIG. 84 is a table of characteristics of the data sets used in the invention. FIG. 85 is a table of the distribution of the main training subjects of the training data set. FIG. 86 is a table of the distribution of the types of child seats in the training data set. FIG. 87 is a table of the distribution of environmental conditions in the training data set. FIG. 88 is a table of the distribution of the validation data set. FIG. 89 is a table of the distribution of human subjects in the validation data set. FIG. 90 is a table of the distribution of child seats in the validation data set. FIG. 91 is a table of the distribution of environmental conditions in the validation data set. FIG. 92 is a table of the inputs from ultrasonic transducers. FIG. 93 is a table of the baseline network performance. FIG. 94 is a table of the performance per occupancy subset. FIG. 95 is a tale of the performance per environmental conditions subset. FIG. 96 is a chart of four typical raw signals which are combined to constitute a vector. FIG. 97 is a table of the results of the normalization study. FIG. 98 is a table of the results of the low threshold filter study. FIG. 99 shows single camera optical examples using preprocessing filters. FIG. 100 shows single camera optical examples explaining the use of edge strength and edge orientation. FIG. 101 shows single camera optical examples explaining the use of feature vector generated from distribution of horizontal/vertical edges. FIG. 102 shows single camera optical example explaining the use of feature vector generated from distribution of tilted edges. FIG. 103 shows single camera optical example explaining the use of feature vector generated from distribution of average intensities and deviations. FIG. 104 is a table of issues that may affect the image data. FIG. 105 is a flow chart of the use of two subsystems for handling different lighting conditions. FIG. 106 shows two flow charts of the use of two modular subsystems consisting of 3 neural networks. FIG. 107 is a flow chart of a modular subsystem consisting of 6 neural networks. FIG. 108 is a table of post-processing filters implemented in the invention. FIG. 109 is a flow chart of a decision-locking mechanism implemented using four internal states. FIG. 110 is a table of definitions of the four internal states. FIG. 111 is a table of the paths between the four internal states. FIG. 112 is a table of the distribution of the nighttime database. FIG. 113 is a tale of the success rates of the nighttime neural networks. FIG. 114 is a table of the performance of the nighttime subsystem. FIG. 115 is a table of the distribution of the daytime database. FIG. 116 is a table of the success rates of the daytime neural networks. FIG. 117 is a table of the performance of the daytime subsystem. FIG. 118 is a flow chart of the software components for system development. FIG. 119 is perspective view with portions cut away of a motor vehicle having a movable headrest and an occupant sitting on the seat with the headrest adjacent the head of the occupant to provide protection in rear impacts. FIG. 120 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 showing a rear crash anticipatory sensor connected to an electronic circuit for controlling the position of the headrest in the event of a crash. FIG. 121 is a perspective view of a headrest control mechanism mounted in a vehicle seat and ultrasonic head location sensors consisting of one transmitter and one receiver plus a head contact sensor, with the seat and headrest shown in phantom. FIG. 122 is a perspective view of a female vehicle occupant having a large hairdo and also showing switches for manually adjusting the position of the headrest. FIG. 123 is a perspective view of a male vehicle occupant wearing a winter coat and a large hat. FIG. 124 is view similar to FIG. 3 showing an alternate design of a head sensor using one transmitter and three receivers for use with a pattern recognition system. FIG. 125 is a schematic view of an artificial neural network pattern recognition system of the type used to recognize an occupant's head. FIG. 126 is a perspective view of an of automatically adjusting head and neck supporting headrest. FIG. 126A is a perspective view with portions cut away and removed of the headrest of FIG. 125. FIG. 127A is a side view of an occupant seated in the driver seat of an automobile with the headrest in the normal position. FIG. 127B is a view as in FIG. 126A with the headrest in the head contact position as would happen in anticipation of a rear crash. FIG. 128A is a side view of an occupant seated in the driver seat of an automobile having an integral seat and headrest and an inflatable pressure controlled bladder with the bladder in the normal position. FIG. 128B is a view as in FIG. 127A with the bladder expanded in the head contact position as would happen in anticipation of, e.g., a rear crash. FIG. 129A is a side view of an occupant seated in the driver seat of an automobile having an integral seat and a pivotable headrest and bladder with the headrest in the normal position. FIG. 129B is a view as in FIG. 128A with the headrest pivoted in the head contact position as would happen in anticipation of, e.g., a rear crash. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Note whenever a patent or literature is referred to below it is to be assumed that all of that patent or literature is to be incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent the disclosure of these reference is necessary 1. General Occupant Sensors Referring to the accompanying drawings, FIG. 1 is a side view, with parts cutaway and removed of a vehicle showing the passenger compartment containing a rear facing child seat 2 on a front passenger seat 4 and a preferred mounting location for a first embodiment of a vehicle interior monitoring system in accordance with the invention. The interior monitoring system is capable of detecting the presence of occupying objects such as an occupant or a rear facing child seat 2. In this embodiment, three transducers 6, 8 and 10 are used alone, or, alternately in combination with one or two antenna near field monitoring sensors or transducers, 12 and 14, although any number of wave-transmitting transducers or radiation-receiving receivers may be used. Such transducers or receivers may be of the type that emit or receive a continuous signal, a time varying signal or a spatial varying signal such as in a scanning system. One particular type of radiation-receiving receiver for use in the invention receives electromagnetic waves and another received ultrasonic waves. In an ultrasonic embodiment, transducer 8 transmits ultrasonic energy toward the front passenger seat, which is modified, in this case by the occupying item of the passenger seat, for example a rear facing child seat 2, and the modified waves are received by the transducers 6 and 10. Modification of the ultrasonic energy may constitute reflection of the ultrasonic energy back by the occupying item of the seat. The waves received by transducers 6 and 10 vary with time depending on the shape, location and size of the object occupying the passenger seat, in this case a rear facing child seat 2. Each different occupying item will reflect back waves having a different pattern. Also, the pattern of waves received by transducer 6 will differ from the pattern received by transducer 10 in view of its different mounting location. In some systems, this difference permits the determination of location of the reflecting surface (for example the rear facing child seat 110) through triangulation. Through the use of two transducers 6, 10, a sort of stereographic image is received by the two transducers and recorded for analysis by processor 20, which is coupled to the transducers 6, 8, 10 by wires or a wireless connection. Transducer 8 can also be a source of electromagnetic radiation, such as an LED, and transducers 6 and 10 can be CMOS, CCD imagers or other devices sensitive to electromagnetic radiation or fields. This “image” or return signal will differ for each object that is placed on the vehicle seat and it will also change for each position of a particular object and for each position of the vehicle seat Elements 6, 8, 10, although described as transducers, are representative of any type of component used in a wave-based or electric field analysis technique, including, e.g., a transmitter, receiver, antenna or a capacitor plate. Transducers 12, 14 and 16 can be antennas placed in the seat and instrument panel such that the presence of an object, particularly a water-containing object such as a human, disturbs the near field of the antenna. This disturbance can be detected by various means such as with Micrel parts MICREF102 and MICREF104, which have a built in antenna auto-tune circuit. Note, these parts cannot be used as is and it is necessary to redesign the chips to allow the auto-tune information to be retrieved from the chip. The “image” recorded from each ultrasonic transducer/receiver (transceiver), for ultrasonic systems, is actually a time series of digitized data of the amplitude of the received signal versus time. Since there are two receivers in this example, two time series are obtained which are processed by processor 20. Processor 20 may include electronic circuitry and associated embedded software. Processor 20 constitutes one form of generating mechanism in accordance with the invention that generates information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment based on the waves received by the transducers 6, 8, 10. This three-transducer system is for illustration purposes only and the preferred system will usually have at least three transceivers that may operate at the same or at different frequencies and each may receive reflected waves from itself or any one or more of the other transceivers or sources of radiation. When different objects are placed on the front passenger seat, the two images from transducers 6, 10 are different but there are also similarities between all images of rear facing child seats, for example, regardless of where on the vehicle seat it is placed and regardless of what company manufactured the child seat. Alternately, there will be similarities between all images of people sitting on the seat regardless of what they are wearing, their age or size. The problem is to find the “rules” which differentiate the images of one type of object from the images of other types of objects, e.g., which differentiate the occupant images from the rear facing child seat images. The similarities of these images for various child seats are frequently not obvious to a person looking at plots of the time series, for the ultrasonic case example, and thus computer algorithms are developed to sort out the various patterns. For a more detailed discussion of pattern recognition see US RE 37260 to Varga et. al. Other types of transducers can be used along with the transducers 6, 8, 10 or separately and all are contemplated by this invention. Such transducers include other wave devices such as radar or electronic field sensing such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,241, U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,734, U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,693, U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,479, U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,486, U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,602, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,146 to Kithil, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,031 to Rittmueller. Another technology, for example, uses the fact that the content of the near field of an antenna affects the resonant tuning of the antenna. Examples of such a device are shown as antennas 12, 14 and 16 in FIG. 1. By going to lower frequencies, the near field range is increased and also at such lower frequencies, a ferrite-type antenna could be used to minimize the size of the antenna. Other antennas that may be applicable for a particular implementation include dipole, microstrip, patch, yagi etc. The frequency transmitted by the antenna can be swept and the (VSWR) voltage and current in the antenna feed circuit can be measured. Classification by frequency domain is then possible. That is, if the circuit is tuned by the antenna, the frequency can be measured to determine the object in the field. An alternate system is shown in FIG. 2, which is a side view showing schematically the interface between the vehicle interior monitoring system of this invention and the vehicle cellular or other communication system 32 having an associated antenna 34. In this view, an adult occupant 30 is shown sitting on the front passenger seat 4 and two transducers 6 and 8 are used to determine the presence (or absence) of the occupant on that seat 4. One of the transducers 8 in this case acts as both a transmitter and receiver while transducer 6 acts only as a receiver. Alternately, transducer 6 could serve as both a transmitter and receiver or the transmitting function could be alternated between the two devices. Also, in many cases more that two transmitters and receivers are used and in still other cases, other types of sensors, such as weight, seatbelt tension sensor or switch, heartbeat, self tuning antennas (12, 14), motion and seat and seatback position sensors, are also used alone or in combination with the radiation sensors 6 and 8. As is also the case in FIG. 1, the transducers 6 and 8 are attached to the vehicle embedded in the A-pillar and headliner trim, where their presence is disguised, and are connected to processor 20 that may also be hidden in the trim as shown or elsewhere. Naturally, other mounting locations can also be used and, in most cases, preferred as disclosed in Varga et. al. (US RE 37260). The transducers 6 and 8 in conjunction with the pattern recognition hardware and software described below enable the determination of the presence of an occupant within a short time after the vehicle is started. The software is implemented in processor 20 and is packaged on a printed circuit board or flex circuit along with the transducers 6 and 8. Similar systems can be located to monitor the remaining seats in the vehicle, also determine the presence of occupants at the other seating locations and this result is stored in the computer memory, which is part of each monitoring system processor 20. Processor 20 thus enables a count of the number of occupants in the vehicle to be obtained by addition of the determined presences of occupants by the transducers associated with each seating location, and in fact can be designed to perform such an addition. In FIG. 3, a view of the system of FIG. 1 is illustrated with a box 28 shown on the front passenger seat in place of a rear facing child seat. The vehicle interior monitoring system is trained to recognize that this box 28 is neither a rear facing child seat nor an occupant and therefore it is treated as an empty seat and the deployment of the airbag is suppressed. The auto-tune antenna-based system 12, 14 is particularly adept at making this distinction particularly if the box does not contain substantial amounts of water. Although a simple implementation of the auto-tune antenna system is illustrated, it is of course possible to use multiple antennas located in the seat and elsewhere in the passenger compartment and these antenna systems can either operate at one or a multiple of different frequencies to discriminate type, location and/or relative size of the object being investigated. This training can be accomplished using a neural network or modular neural network with the commercially available software. The system assesses the probability that the box is a person, however, and if there is even the remotest chance that it is a person, the airbag deployment is not suppressed. The system is thus typically biased toward enabling airbag deployment. The determination of the rules that differentiate one image from another is central to the pattern recognition techniques used in this invention. In general, three approaches have been useful, artificial intelligence, fizzy logic and artificial neural networks (although additional types of pattern recognition techniques may also be used, such as sensor fusion). In some implementations of this invention, such as the determination that there is an object in the path of a closing window, the rules are sufficiently obvious that a trained researcher can look at the returned acoustic or electromagnetic signals and devise a simple algorithm to make the required determinations. In others, such as the determination of the presence of a rear facing child seat or of an occupant, artificial neural networks are used to determine the rules. One such set of neural network software for determining the pattern recognition rules is available from International Scientific Research of Boonton, N.J. Thus, in basic embodiments of the invention, wave or energy-receiving transducers are arranged in the vehicle at appropriate locations, trained if necessary depending on the particular embodiment, and function to determine whether a life form is present in the vehicle and if so, how many life forms are present. A determination can also be made using the transducers as to whether the life forms are humans, or more specifically, adults, child in child seats, etc. As noted herein, this is possible using pattern recognition techniques. Moreover, the processor or processors associated with the transducers can be trained to determine the location of the life forms, either periodically or continuously or possibly only immediately before, during and after a crash. The location of the life forms can be as general or as specific as necessary depending on the system requirements, i.e., a determination can be made that a human is situated on the driver's seat in a normal position (general) or a determination can be made that a human is situated on the driver's seat and is leaning forward and/or to the side at a specific angle as well as the position of his or her extremities and head and chest (specific). The degree of detail is limited by several factors, including, e.g., the number and position of transducers and training of the pattern recognition algorithm. The maximum acoustic frequency that is practical to use for acoustic imaging in the systems is about 40 to 160 kilohertz (kHz). The wavelength of a 50 kHz acoustic wave is about 0.6 cm which is too coarse to determine the fine features of a person's face, for example. It is well understood by those skilled in the art that features which are smaller than the wavelength of the irradiating radiation cannot be distinguished. Similarly the wavelength of common radar systems varies from about 0.9 cm (for 33 GHz K band) to 133 cm (for 225 MHz P band) which are also too coarse for person identification systems. In FIG. 4, therefore, the ultrasonic transducers of the previous designs are replaced by laser transducers 8 and 9 which are connected to a microprocessor 20. In all other manners, the system operates the same. The design of the electronic circuits for this laser system is described in some detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,462 referenced above and in particular FIG. 8 thereof and the corresponding description. In this case, a pattern recognition system such as a neural network system is employed and uses the demodulated signals from the laser transducers 8 and 9. The output of microprocessor 20 of the monitoring system is shown connected schematically to a general interface 36 which can be the vehicle ignition enabling system; the entertainment system; the seat, mirror, suspension or other adjustment systems; or any other appropriate vehicle system. Electromagnetic or ultrasonic energy can be transmitted in three modes in determining the position of an occupant. In most of the cases disclosed above, it is assumed that the energy will be transmitted in a broad diverging beam which interacts with a substantial portion of the occupant. This method has the disadvantage that it will reflect first off the nearest object and, especially if that object is close to the transmitter, it may mask the true position of the occupant. This can be partially overcome through the use of the second mode which uses a narrow beam. In this case, several narrow beams are used. These beams are aimed in different directions toward the occupant from a position sufficiently away from the occupant that interference is unlikely. A single receptor could be used providing the beams are either cycled on at different times or are of different frequencies. Another approach is to use a single beam emanating from a location which has an unimpeded view of the occupant such as the windshield header. If two spaced apart CCD array receivers are used, the angle of the reflected beam can be determined and the location of the occupant can be calculated. The third mode is to use a single beam in a manner so that it scans back and forth and/or up and down, or in some other pattern, across the occupant. In this manner, an image of the occupant can be obtained using a single receptor and pattern recognition software can be used to locate the head or chest of the occupant. The beam approach is most applicable to electromagnetic energy but high frequency ultrasound can also be formed into a narrow beam. A similar effect to modifying the wave transmission mode can also be obtained by varying the characteristics of the receptors. Through appropriate lenses or reflectors, receptors can be made to be most sensitive to radiation emitted from a particular direction. In this manner, a single broad beam transmitter can be used coupled with an array of focused receivers to obtain a rough image of the occupant. Each of these methods of transmission or reception could be used, for example, at any of the preferred mounting locations shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 7, there are provided four sets of wave-receiving sensor systems 6, 8, 9, 10 mounted within the passenger compartment. Each set of sensor systems 6, 8, 9, 10 comprises a transmitter and a receiver (or just a receiver in some cases), which may be integrated into a single unit or individual components separated from one another. In this embodiment, the sensor system 8 is mounted on the A-Pillar of the vehicle. The sensor system 9 is mounted on the upper portion of the B-Pillar. The sensor system 6 is mounted on the roof ceiling portion or the headliner. The sensor system 10 is mounted near the middle of an instrument panel 17 in front of the driver's seat 3. The sensor systems 6, 8, 9, 10 are preferably ultrasonic or electromagnetic, although sensor systems 6, 8, 9, 10 can be other types of sensors which will detect the presence of an occupant from a distance including capacitive or electric field sensors. Also, if the sensor systems 6, 8, 9, 10 are passive infrared sensors, for example, then they may only comprise a wave-receiver. Recent advances in Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors by NASA show great promise for this application. See “Many Applications Possible For Largest Quantum Infrared Detector”, Goddard Space Center News Release Feb. 27, 2002. The Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector is a new detector which promises to be a low-cost alternative to conventional infrared detector technology for a wide range of scientific and commercial applications, and particularly for sensing inside and outside of a vehicle. The main problem that needs to be solved is that it operates at 76 degrees Kelvin (−323 degrees F.). A section of the passenger compartment of an automobile is shown generally as 40 in FIGS. 8A-8D. A driver 30 of a vehicle sits on a seat 3 behind a steering wheel 42, which contains an airbag assembly 44. Airbag assembly 44 may be integrated into the steering wheel assembly or coupled to the steering wheel 42. Five transmitter and/or receiver assemblies 49, 50, 51, 52 and 54 are positioned at various places in the passenger compartment to determine the location of various parts of the driver, e.g., the head, chest and torso, relative to the airbag and to otherwise monitor the interior of the passenger compartment. Monitoring of the interior of the passenger compartment can entail detecting the presence or absence of the driver and passengers, differentiating between animate and inanimate objects, detecting the presence of occupied or unoccupied child seats, rear-facing or forward-facing, and identifying and ascertaining the identity of the occupying items in the passenger compartment. A processor such as control circuitry 20 is connected to the transmitter/receiver assemblies 49, 50, 51, 52, 54 and controls the transmission from the transmitters, if a transmission component is present in the assemblies, and captures the return signals from the receivers, if a receiver component is present in the assemblies. Control circuitry 20 usually contains analog to digital converters (ADCs) or a frame grabber or equivalent, a microprocessor containing sufficient memory and appropriate software including pattern recognition algorithms, and other appropriate drivers, signal conditioners, signal generators, etc. Usually, in any given implementation, only three or four of the transmitter/receiver assemblies would be used depending on their mounting locations as described below. In some special cases such as for a simple classification system, only a single or sometimes two transmitter/receiver assemblies are used. A portion of the connection between the transmitter/receiver assemblies 49, 50, 51, 52, 54 and the control circuitry 20, is shown as wires. These connections can be wires, either individual wires leading from the control circuitry 20 to each of the transmitter/receiver assemblies 49, 50, 51, 52, 54 or one or more wire buses or in some cases, wireless data transmission can be used. The location of the control circuitry 20 in the dashboard of the vehicle is for illustration purposes only and does not limit the location of the control circuitry 20. Rather, the control circuitry 20 may be located anywhere convenient or desired in the vehicle. It is contemplated that a system and method in accordance with the invention can include a single transmitter and multiple receivers, each at a different location. Thus, each receiver would not be associated with a transmitter forming transmitter/receiver assemblies. Rather, for example, with reference to FIG. 8A, only element 51 could constitute a transmitter/receiver assembly and elements 49, 50, 52 and 54 could be receivers only. On the other hand, it is conceivable that in some implementations, a system and method in accordance with the invention include a single receiver and multiple transmitters. Thus, each transmitter would not be associated with a receiver forming transmitter/receiver assemblies. Rather, for example, with reference to FIG. 8A, only element 51 would constitute a transmitter/receiver assembly and elements 49, 50, 52, 54 would be transmitters only. An ultrasonic transmitter/receiver as used herein is similar to that used on modern auto-focus cameras such as manufactured by the Polaroid Corporation. Other camera auto-focusing systems use different technologies, which are also applicable here, to achieve the same distance to object determination. One camera system manufactured by Fuji of Japan, for example, uses a stereoscopic system which could also be used to determine the position of a vehicle occupant providing there is sufficient light available. In the case of insufficient light, a source of infrared light can be added to illuminate the driver. In a related implementation, a source of infrared light is reflected off of the windshield and illuminates the vehicle occupant. An infrared receiver 56 is located attached to the rear view mirror 55, as shown in FIG. 8E. Alternately, the infrared can be sent by the device 50 and received by a receiver elsewhere. Since any of the devices shown in these figures could be either transmitters or receivers or both, for simplicity, only the transmitted and not the reflected wave fronts are frequently illustrated: When using the surface of the windshield as a reflector of infrared radiation (for transmitter/receiver assembly and element 52), care must be taken to assure that the desired reflectivity at the frequency of interest is achieved. Mirror materials, such as metals and other special materials manufactured by Eastman Kodak, have a reflectivity for infrared frequencies that is substantially higher than at visible frequencies. They are thus candidates for coatings to be placed on the windshield surfaces for this purpose. The ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensor systems 5, 6, 8 and 9 can be controlled or driven, one at a time or simultaneously, by an appropriate driver circuit such as ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensor driver circuit 58 shown in FIG. 9. The transmitters of the ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensor systems 5, 6, 8, 9 transmit respective ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves toward the seat 4 and transmit pulses (see FIG. 10(c)) in sequence at times t1, t2, t3 and t4 (t4>t3>t2>t1) or simultaneously (t1=t2=t3=t4). The reflected waves of the ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves are received by the receivers ChA-ChD of the ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensors 5, 6, 8, 9. The receiver ChA is associated with the ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensor system 8, the receiver ChB is associated with the ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensor system 5, the receiver ChD is associated with the ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensor system 6, and the receiver ChD is associated with the ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensor system 9. There are two preferred methods of implementing the vehicle interior monitoring system of this invention, a microprocessor system and an application specific integrated circuit system (ASIC). Both of these systems are represented schematically as 20 herein. In some systems, both a microprocessor and an ASIC are used. In other systems, most if not all of the circuitry is combined onto a single chip (system on a chip). The particular implementation depends on the quantity to be made and economic considerations. A block diagram illustrating the microprocessor system is shown in FIG. 12A which shows the implementation of the system of FIG. 1. An alternate implementation of the FIG. 1 system using an ASIC is shown in FIG. 12B. In both cases the target, which may be a rear facing child seat, is shown schematically as 2 and the three transducers as 6, 8, and 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 12A, there is a digitizer coupled to the receivers 6, 10 and the processor, and an indicator coupled to the processor. In the embodiment of FIG. 12B, there is a memory unit associated with the ASIC and also an indicator coupled to the ASIC. 1.1 Ultrasonics Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 13 through 17, a section of the passenger compartment of an automobile is shown generally as 40 in FIG. 5. A driver of a vehicle 30 sits on a seat 3 behind a steering wheel 42 which contains an airbag assembly 44. Four transmitter and/or receiver assemblies 50, 52, 53 and 54 are positioned at various places in the passenger compartment to determine the location of the head, chest and torso of the driver relative to the airbag. Usually, in any given implementation, only one or two of the transmitters and receivers would be used depending on their mounting locations as described below. FIG. 5 illustrates several of the possible locations of such devices. For example, transmitter and receiver 50 emits ultrasonic acoustical waves which bounce off the chest of the driver and return. Periodically, a burst of ultrasonic waves at about 50 kilohertz is emitted by the transmitter/receiver and then the echo, or reflected signal, is detected by the same or different device. An associated electronic circuit measures the time between the transmission and the reception of the ultrasonic waves and determines the distance from the transmitter/receiver to the driver based on the velocity of sound. This information can then be sent to a microprocessor that can be located in the crash sensor and diagnostic circuitry which determines if the driver is close enough to the airbag that a deployment might, by itself, cause injury to the driver. In such a case, the circuit disables the airbag system and thereby prevents its deployment. In an alternate case, the sensor algorithm assesses the probability that a crash requiring an airbag is in process and waits until that probability exceeds an amount that is dependent on the position of the occupant. Thus, for example, the sensor might decide to deploy the airbag based on a need probability assessment of 50%, if the decision must be made immediately for an occupant approaching the airbag, but might wait until the probability rises to 95% for a more distant occupant. Although a driver system has been illustrated, the passenger system would be similar. Alternate mountings for the transmitter/receiver include various locations on the instrument panel on either side of the steering column such as 53 in FIG. 5. Also, although some of the devices herein illustrated assume that for the ultrasonic system the same device is used for both transmitting and receiving waves, there are advantages in separating these functions at least for standard transducer systems. Since there is a time lag required for the system to stabilize after transmitting a pulse before it can receive a pulse, close measurements are enhanced, for example, by using separate transmitters and receivers. In addition, if the ultrasonic transmitter and receiver are separated, the transmitter can transmit continuously providing the transmitted signal is modulated such that the received signal can be compared with the transmitted signal to determine the time it took for the waves to reach and reflect off of the occupant. Many methods exist for this modulation including varying the frequency or amplitude of the waves or by pulse modulation or coding. In all cases, the logic circuit which controls the sensor and receiver must be able to determine when the signal which was most recently received was transmitted. In this manner, even though the time that it takes for the signal to travel from the transmitter to the receiver, via reflection off of the occupant, may be several milliseconds, information as to the position of the occupant is received continuously which permits an accurate, although delayed, determination of the occupant's velocity from successive position measurements. Conventional ultrasonic distance measuring devices must wait for the signal to travel to the occupant and return before a new signal is sent. This greatly limits the frequency at which position data can be obtained to the formula where the frequency is equal to the velocity of sound divided by two times the distance to the occupant. For example, if the velocity of sound is taken at about 1000 feet per second, occupant position data for an occupant located one foot from the transmitter can only be obtained every 2 milliseconds which corresponds to a frequency of 500 Hz. At a three foot displacement and allowing for some processing time, the frequency is closer to 100 Hz. This slow frequency that data can be collected seriously degrades the accuracy of the velocity calculation. The reflection of ultrasonic waves from the clothes of an occupant or the existence of thermal gradients, for example, can cause noise or scatter in the position measurement and lead to significant inaccuracies in a given measurement. When many measurements are taken more rapidly, as in the technique described here, these inaccuracies can be averaged and a significant improvement in the accuracy of the velocity calculation results. The determination of the velocity of the occupant need not be derived from successive distance measurements. A potentially more accurate method is to make use of the Doppler Effect where the frequency of the reflected waves differs from the transmitted waves by an amount which is proportional to the occupant's velocity. In a preferred embodiment, a single ultrasonic transmitter and a separate receiver are used to measure the position of the occupant, by the travel time of a known signal, and the velocity, by the frequency shift of that signal. Although the Doppler Effect has been used to determine whether an occupant has fallen asleep, it has not previously been used in conjunction with a position measuring device to determine whether an occupant is likely to become out of position, i.e., an extrapolated position in the future based on the occupant's current position and velocity as determined from successive position measurements) and thus in danger of being injured by a deploying airbag. This combination is particularly advantageous since both measurements can be accurately and efficiently determined using a single transmitter and receiver pair resulting in a low cost system. The following discussion will apply to the case where ultrasonic sensors are used although a similar discussion can be presented relative to the use of electromagnetic sensors such as active infrared sensors, taking into account the differences in the technologies. Also, the following discussion will relate to an embodiment wherein the seat 1 is the front passenger seat. FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) show examples of the reflected ultrasonic waves USRW that are received by receivers ChA-ChD. FIG. 10(a) shows an example of the reflected wave USRW that is obtained when an adult sits in a normally seated space on the passenger seat 4, while FIG. 10(b) shows an example of the reflected wave USRW that are obtained when an adult sits in a slouching state (one of the abnormal seated-states) in the passenger seat 4. In the case of a normally seated passenger, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the location of the ultrasonic sensor system 6 is closest to the passenger A. Therefore, the reflected wave pulse P1 is received earliest after transmission by the receiver ChD as shown in FIG. 10(a), and the width of the reflected wave pulse P1 is larger. Next, the distance from the ultrasonic sensor 8 is closer to the passenger A, so a reflected wave pulse P2 is received earlier by the receiver ChA compared with the remaining reflected wave pulses P3 and P4. Since the reflected wave pauses P3 and P4 take more time than the reflected wave pulses P1 and P2 to arrive at the receivers ChC and ChB, the reflected wave pulses P3 and P4 are received as the timings shown in FIG. 10(a). More specifically, since it is believed that the distance from the ultrasonic sensor system 6 to the passenger A is slightly shorter than the distance from the ultrasonic sensor system 5 to the passenger A, the reflected wave pulse P3 is received slightly earlier by the receiver ChC than the reflected wave pulse P4 is received by the receiver ChB. In the case where the passenger A is sitting in a slouching state in the passenger seat 4, the distance between the ultrasonic sensor system 6 and the passenger A is shortest. Therefore, the time from transmission at time t3 to reception is shortest, and the reflected wave pulse P3 is received by the receiver ChC, as shown in FIG. 10(b). Next, the distances between the ultrasonic sensor system 5 and the passenger A becomes shorter, so the reflected wave pulse P4 is received earlier by the receiver ChB than the remaining reflected wave pulses P2 and P1. When the distance from the ultrasonic sensor system 8 to the passenger A is compared with that from the ultrasonic sensor system 9 to the passenger A, the distance from the ultrasonic sensor system 8 to the passenger A becomes shorter, so the reflected wave pulse P2 is received by the receiver ChA first and the reflected wave pulse P1 is thus received last by the receiver ChD. The configurations of the reflected wave pulses P1-P4, the times that the reflected wave pulses P1-P4 are received, the sizes of the reflected wave pulses P1-P4 are varied depending upon the configuration and position of an object such as a passenger situated on the front passenger seat 1. FIGS. 10(a) and (b) merely show examples for the purpose of description and therefore the present invention is not limited to these examples. The outputs of the receivers ChA-ChD, as shown in FIG. 9, are input to a band pass filter 60 through a multiplex circuit 59 which is switched in synchronization with a timing signal from the ultrasonic sensor drive circuit 58. The band pass filter 60 removes a low frequency wave component from the output signal based on each of the reflected wave USRW and also removes some of the noise. The output signal based on each of the reflected wave USRW is passed through the band pass filter 60, then is amplified by an amplifier 61. The amplifier 61 also removes the high frequency carrier wave component in each of the reflected USRW and generates an envelope wave signal. This envelope wave signal is input to an analog/digital converter (ADC) 62 and digitized as measured data. The measured data is input to a processing circuit 63, which is controlled by the timing signal which is in turn output from the ultrasonic sensor drive circuit 58. The processing circuit 63 collects measured data at intervals of 7 ms (or at another time interval with the time interval also being referred to as a time window or time period), and 47 data points are generated for each of the ultrasonic sensor systems 5, 6, 8, 9. For each of these reflected waves USRW, the initial reflected wave portion T1 and the last reflected wave portion T2 are cut off or removed in each time window. The reason for this will be described when the training procedure of a neural network is described later, and the description is omitted for now. With this, 38 32 31 and 37 data points will be sampled by the ultrasonic sensor systems 5, 6, 8 and 9, respectively. The reason why the number of data points differs for each of the ultrasonic sensor systems 5, 6, 8, 9 is that the distance from the passenger seat 4 to the ultrasonic sensor systems 5, 6, 8, 9 differ from one another. Each of the measured data is input to a normalization circuit 64 and normalized. The normalized measured data is input to the neural network 65 as wave data. A comprehensive occupant sensing system will now be discussed which involves a variety of different sensors. Many of these sensors will be discussed in more detail under the appropriate sections below. FIG. 6 shows a passenger seat 70 to which an adjustment apparatus including a seated-state detecting unit according to the present invention may be applied. The seat 70 includes a horizontally situated bottom seat portion 4 and a vertically oriented back portion 72. The seat portion 4 is provided with one or more weight sensors 7,76 that determine the weight of the object occupying the seat. The coupled portion between the seated portion 4 and the back portion 72 is provided with a reclining angle detecting sensor 57, which detects the tilted angle of the back portion 72 relative to the seat portion 4. The seat portion 4 is provided with a seat track position-detecting sensor 74. The seat track position detecting sensor 74 fulfills a role of detecting the quantity of movement of the seat portion 4 which is moved from a back reference position, indicated by the dotted chain line. Embedded within the back portion 72 is a heartbeat sensor 71 and a motion sensor 73. Attached to the headliner is a capacitance sensor 78. The seat 70 may be the driver seat, the front passenger seat or any other seat in a motor vehicle as well as other seats in transportation vehicles or seats in non-transportation applications. Weight measuring means such as the sensors 7 and 76 are associated with the seat, e.g., mounted into or below the seat portion 4 or on the seat structure, for measuring the weight applied onto the seat. The weight may be zero if no occupying item is present and the sensors are calibrated to only measure incremental weight. Sensors 7 and 76 may represent a plurality of different sensors which measure the weight applied onto the seat at different portions thereof or for redundancy purposes, e.g., such as by means of an airbag or fluid filled bladder 75 in the seat portion 4. Airbag or bladder 75 may contain a single or a plurality of chambers, each of which is associated with a sensor (transducer) 76 for measuring the pressure in the chamber. Such sensors may be in the form of strain, force or pressure sensors which measure the force or pressure on the seat portion 4 or seat back 72, a part of the seat portion 4 or seat back 72, displacement measuring sensors which measure the displacement of the seat surface or the entire seat 70 such as through the use of strain gages mounted on the seat structural members, such as 7, or other appropriate locations, or systems which convert displacement into a pressure wherein one or more pressure sensors can be used as a measure of weight and/or weight distribution. Sensors 7,76 may be of the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,701. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the output of the weight sensor(s) 7 and 76 is amplified by an amplifier 66 coupled to the weight sensor(s) 7,76 and the amplified output is input to the analog/digital converter 67. A heartbeat sensor 71 is arranged to detect a heart beat, and the magnitude thereof, of a human occupant of the seat, if such a human occupant is present. The output of the heart beat sensor 71 is input to the neural network 65. The heartbeat sensor 71 may be of the type as disclosed in McEwan (U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,012 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,208). The heartbeat sensor 71 can be positioned at any convenient position relative to the seat 4 where occupancy is being monitored. A preferred location is within the vehicle seatback. The reclining angle detecting sensor 57 and the seat track position-detecting sensor 74, which each may comprise a variable resistor, can be connected to constant-current circuits, respectively. A constant-current is supplied from the constant-current circuit to the reclining angle detecting sensor 57, and the reclining angle detecting sensor 57 converts a change in the resistance value on the tilt of the back portion 72 to a specific voltage. This output voltage is input to an analog/digital converter 68 as angle data, i.e., representative of the angle between the back portion 72 and the seat portion 4. Similarly, a constant current can be supplied from the constant-current circuit to the seat track position-detecting sensor 74 and the seat track position detecting sensor 72 converts a change in the resistance value based on the track position of the seat portion 4 to a specific voltage. This output voltage is input to an analog/digital converter 69 as seat track data. Thus, the outputs of the reclining angle-detecting sensor 57 and the seat track position-detecting sensor 74 are input to the analog/digital converters 68 and 69, respectively. Each digital data value from the ADCs 68,69 is input to the neural network 65. Although the digitized data of the weight sensor(s) 7,76 is input to the neural network 65, the output of the amplifier 66 is also input to a comparison circuit. The comparison circuit, which is incorporated in the gate circuit algorithm, determines whether or not the weight of an object on the passenger seat 70 is more than a predetermined weight, such as 60 lbs., for example. When the weight is more than 60 lbs., the comparison circuit outputs a logic 1 to the gate circuit to be described later. When the weight of the object is less than 60 lbs., a logic 0 is output to the gate circuit. A more detailed description of this and similar systems can be found in the above-referenced patents and patent applications assigned to the current assignee. The system described above is one example of many systems that can be designed using the teachings of this invention for detecting the occupancy state of the seat of a vehicle. As diagrammed in FIG. 18, the first step is to mount the four sets of ultrasonic sensor systems 11-14, the weight sensors 7,76, the reclining angle detecting sensor 57, and the seat track position detecting sensor 74 into a vehicle (step S1). Next, in order to provide data for the neural network 65 to learn the patterns of seated states, data is recorded for patterns of all possible seated states and a list is maintained recording the seated states for which data was acquired. The data from the sensors/transducers 76, 5-9, 57, 74, 9-14 and 71, 73, 78 for a particular occupancy of the passenger seat is called a vector (step S2). It should be pointed out that the use of the reclining angle detecting sensor 57, seat track position detecting sensor 74, heart beat sensor 71, capacitive sensor 78 and motion sensor 73 is not essential to the detecting apparatus and method in accordance with the invention. However, each of these sensors, in combination with any one or more of the other sensors enhances the evaluation of the seated-state of the seat. Next, based on the training data from the reflected waves of the ultrasonic sensor systems 5,6,8,9 and the other sensors 7,76, 71,73,78 the vector data is collected (step S3). Next, the reflected waves P1-P4 are modified by removing the initial reflected waves from each time window with a short reflection time from an object (range gating) (period T1 in FIG. 11) and the last portion of the reflected waves from each time window with a long reflection time from an object (period P2 in FIG. 11) (step S4). It is believed that the reflected waves with a short reflection time from an object is due to cross-talk, that is, waves from the transmitters which leaks into each of their associated receivers ChA-ChD. It is also believed that the reflected waves with a long reflection time are reflected waves from an object far away from the passenger seat or from multipath reflections. If these two reflected wave portions are used as data, they will add noise to the training process. Therefore, these reflected wave portions are eliminated from the data. Recent advances in ultrasonic transducer design have now permitted the use of a single transducer acting as both a sender (transmitter) and receiver. These same advances have substantially reduced the ringing of the transducer after the excitation pulse has been caused to die out to where targets as close as about 2 inches from the transducer can be sensed. Thus, the magnitude of the T1 time period has been substantially reduced. As shown in FIG. 19(a), the measured data is normalized by making the peaks of the reflected wave pulses P1-P4 equal (step S5). This eliminates the effects of different reflectivities of different objects and people depending on the characteristics of their surfaces such as their clothing. Data from the weight sensor, seat track position sensor and seat reclining angle sensor are also frequently normalized based typically on fixed normalization parameters. The data from the transducers are now also preferably fed through a logarithmic compression circuit that substantially reduces the magnitude of reflected signals from high reflectivity targets compared to those of low reflectivity. Additionally, a time gain circuit is used to compensate for the difference in sonic strength received by the transducer based on the distance of the reflecting object from the transducer. As various parts of the vehicle interior identification and monitoring system described in the above reference patent applications are implemented, a variety of transmitting and receiving transducers will be present in the vehicle passenger compartment. If several of these transducers are ultrasonic transmitters and receivers, they can be operated in a phased array manner, as described elsewhere for the headrest, to permit precise distance measurements and mapping of the components of the passenger compartment. This is illustrated in FIG. 20 which is a perspective view of the interior of the passenger compartment showing a variety of transmitters and receivers, 6, 8, 9, 23, 49-51 which can be used in a sort of phased array system. In addition, information can be transmitted between the transducers using coded signals in an ultrasonic network through the vehicle compartment airspace. If one of these sensors is an optical CCD or CMOS array, the location of the driver's eyes can be accurately determined and the results sent to the seat ultrasonically. Obviously, many other possibilities exist. The speed of sound varies with temperature, humidity, and pressure. This can be compensated for by using the fact that the geometry between the transducers is known and the speed of sound can therefore be measured. Thus, on vehicle startup and as often as desired thereafter, the speed of sound can be measured by one transducer, such as transducer 18 in FIG. 21, sending a signal which is directly received by another transducer 5. Since the distance separating them is known, the speed of sound can be calculated and the system automatically adjusted to remove the variation due to the changes in the speed of sound. Therefore, the system operates with same accuracy regardless of the temperature, humidity or atmospheric pressure. It may even be possible to use this technique to also automatically compensate for any effects due to wind velocity through an open window. An additional benefit of this system is that it can be used to determine the vehicle interior temperature for use by other control systems within the vehicle since the variation in the velocity of sound is a strong function of temperature and a weak function of pressure and humidity. The problem with the speed of sound measurement described above is that some object in the vehicle may block the path from one transducer to another. This of course could be checked and a correction not be made if the signal from one transducer does not reach the other transducer. The problem, however, is that the path might not be completely blocked but only slightly blocked. This would cause the ultrasonic path length to increase, which would give a false indication of a temperature change. This can be solved by using more than one transducer. All of the transducers can broadcast signals to all of the other transducers. The problem here, of course, is which transducer pair does one believe if they all give different answers. The answer is the one that gives the shortest distance or the greatest calculated speed of sound. By this method, there are a total of 6 separate paths for four ultrasonic transducers. An alternative method of determining the temperature is to use the transducer circuit to measure some parameter of the transducer that changes with temperature. For example, the natural frequency of ultrasonic transducers changes in a known manner with temperature and therefore by measuring the natural frequency of the transducer, the temperature can be determined. Since this method does not require communication between transducers, it would also work in situations where each transducer has a different resonant frequency. The process, by which all of the distances are carefully measured from each transducer to the other transducers, and the algorithm developed to determine the speed of sound, is a novel part of the teachings of the instant invention for use with ultrasonic transducers. Prior to this, the speed of sound calculation was based on a single transmission from one transducer to a known second transducer. This resulted in an inaccurate system design and degraded the accuracy of systems in the field. If the electronic control module that is part of the system is located in generally the same environment as the transducers, another method of determining the temperature is available. This method utilizes a device and whose temperature sensitivity is known and which is located in the same box as the electronic circuit. In fact, in many cases, an existing component on the printed circuit board can be monitored to give an indication of the temperature. For example, the diodes in a log comparison circuit have characteristics that their resistance changes in a known manner with temperature. It can be expected that the electronic module will generally be at a higher temperature than the surrounding environment, however, the temperature difference is a known and predictable amount. Thus, a reasonably good estimation of the temperature in the passenger compartment can also be obtained in this manner. Naturally, thermisters or other temperature transducers can be used. Another important feature of a system, developed in accordance with the teachings of this invention, is the realization that motion of the vehicle can be used in a novel manner to substantially increase the accuracy of the system. Ultrasonic waves reflect on most objects as light off a mirror. This is due to the relatively long wavelength of ultrasound as compared with light. As a result, certain reflections can overwhelm the receiver and reduce the available information. When readings are taken while the occupant and/or the vehicle is in motion, and these readings averaged over several transmission/reception cycles, the motion of the occupant and vehicle causes various surfaces to change their angular orientation slightly but enough to change the reflective pattern and reduce this mirror effect. The net effect is that the average of several cycles gives a much clearer image of the reflecting object than is obtainable from a single cycle. This then provides a better image to the neural network and significantly improves the identification accuracy of the system. The choice of the number of cycles to be averaged depends on the system requirements. For example, if dynamic out-of-position is required, then each vector must be used alone and averaging in the simple sense cannot be used. This will be discussed more detail below. Similar techniques can be used for other transducer technologies. Averaging, for example, can be used to minimize the effects of flickering light in camera-based systems. When an occupant is sitting in the vehicle during normal vehicle operation, the determination of the occupancy state can be substantially improved by using successive observations over a period of time. This can either be accomplished by averaging the data prior to insertion into a neural network, or alternately the decision of the neural network can be averaged. This is known as the categorization phase of the process. During categorization, the occupancy state of the vehicle is determined. Is the vehicle occupied by the forward facing human, an empty seat, a rear facing child seat, or an out-of-position human? Typically many seconds of data can be accumulated to make the categorization decision. When a driver senses an impending crash, on the other hand, he or she will typically slam on the brakes to try to slow vehicle prior to impact. If an occupant is unbelted, he or she will begin moving toward the airbag during this panic braking. For the purposes of determining the position of the occupant, there is not sufficient time to average data as in the case of categorization. Nevertheless, there is information in data from previous vectors that can be used to partially correct errors in current vectors, which may be caused by thermal effects, for example. One method is to determine the location of the occupant using the neural network based on previous training. The motion of the occupant can then be compared to a maximum likelihood position based on the position estimate of the occupant at previous vectors. Thus, for example, perhaps the existence of thermal gradients in the vehicle caused an error in the current vector leading to a calculation that the occupant has moved 12 inches since the previous vector. Since this could be a physically impossible move during ten milliseconds, the measured position of the occupant can be corrected based on his previous positions and known velocity. Naturally, if an accelerometer is present in the vehicle and if the acceleration data is available for this calculation, a much higher accuracy prediction can be made. Thus, there is information in the data in previous vectors as well as in the positions of the occupant determined from the latest data that can be used to correct erroneous data in the current vector and, therefore, in a manner not too dissimilar from the averaging method for categorization, the position accuracy of the occupant can be known with higher accuracy. The placement of ultrasonic transducers for the example of ultrasonic occupant position sensor system of this invention include the following novel disclosures: (1) the application of two sensors to single-axis monitoring of target volumes; (2) the method of locating two sensors spanning a target volume to sense object positions, that is, transducers are mounted along the sensing axis beyond the objects to be sensed; (3) the method of orientation of the sensor axis for optimal target discrimination parallel to the axis of separation of distinguishing target features; and (4) the method of defining the head and shoulders and supporting surfaces as defining humans for rear facing child seat detection and forward facing human detection. A similar set of observations is available for the use of electromagnetic, capacitive, electric field or other sensors. Such rules however must take into account that some of such sensors typically are more accurate in measuring lateral and vertical dimensions relative to the sensor than distances perpendicular to the sensor. This is particularly the case for CMOS and CCD based transducers. Considerable work is ongoing to improve the resolution of the ultrasonic transducers. To take advantage of higher resolution transducers, data points should be obtained that are closer together in time. This means that after the envelope has been extracted from the returned signal, the sampling rate should be increased from approximately 1000 samples per second to perhaps 2000 samples per second or even higher. By doubling or tripling the amount data required to be analyzed, the system which is mounted on the vehicle will require greater computational power. This results in a more expensive electronic system. Not all of the data is of equal importance, however. The position of the occupant in the normal seating position does not need to be known with great accuracy whereas, as that occupant is moving toward the keep out zone boundary during pre-crash braking, the spatial accuracy requirements become more important. Fortunately, the neural network algorithm generating system has the capability of indicating to the system designer the relative value of each of the data points used by the neural network. Thus, as many as, for example, 500 data points per vector may be collected and fed to the neural network during the training stage and, after careful pruning, the final number of data points to be used by the vehicle mounted system may be reduced to 150, for example. This technique of using the neural network algorithm-generating program to prune the input data is an important teaching of the present invention. By this method, the advantages of higher resolution transducers can be optimally used without increasing the cost of the electronic vehicle-mounted circuits. Also, once the neural network has determined the spacing of the data points, this can be fine-tuned, for example, by acquiring more data points at the edge of the keep out zone as compared to positions well into the safe zone. The initial technique is done by collecting the full 500 data points, for example, while in the system installed in the vehicle the data digitization spacing can be determined by hardware or software so that only the required data is acquired. 1.2 Optics FIG. 8A illustrates a typical wave pattern of transmitted infrared waves from transmitter/receiver assembly 49, which is mounted on the side of the vehicle passenger compartment above the front, driver's side door. Transmitter/receiver assembly 51, shown overlaid onto transmitter/receiver 49, is actually mounted in the center headliner of the passenger compartment (and thus between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat), near the dome light, and is aimed toward the driver. Typically, there will be a symmetrical installation for the passenger side of the vehicle. That is, a transmitter/receiver assembly would be arranged above the front, passenger side door and another transmitter/receiver assembly would be arranged in the center headliner, near the dome light, and aimed toward the front, passenger side door. In a preferred embodiment, each transmitter/receiver assembly 49,51 comprises an optical transducer, which may be a camera and an LED, that will frequently be used in conjunction with other optical transmitter/receiver assemblies such as shown at 50, 52 and 54, which act in a similar manner. In some cases especially when a low cost system is used primarily to categorize the seat occupancy, a single or dual camera installation is used. In many cases, the source of illumination is not co-located with the camera. For example, in one preferred implementation two cameras such as 49 and 51 are used with a single illumination source located at 49. These optical transmitter/receiver assemblies are frequently comprised of an optical transmitter, which may be an infrared LED (or possibly a near infrared (NIR) LED), a laser with a diverging lens or a scanning laser assembly, and a receiver such as a CCD or CMOS array and particularly an active pixel CMOS camera or array or a HDRL or HDRC camera or array as discussed below. The transducer assemblies map the location of the occupant(s), objects and features thereof, in a two or three-dimensional image as will now be described in more detail. Optical transducers using CCD arrays are now becoming price competitive and, as mentioned above, will soon be the technology of choice for interior vehicle monitoring. A single CCD array of 160 by 160 pixels, for example, coupled with the appropriate trained pattern recognition software, can be used to form an image of the head of an occupant and accurately locate the head for some of the purposes of this invention. Looking now at FIG. 22, a schematic illustration of a system for controlling operation of a vehicle based on recognition of an authorized individual in accordance with the invention is shown. One or more images of the passenger compartment 105 are received at 106 and data derived therefrom at 107. Multiple image receivers may be provided at different locations. The data derivation may entail any one or more of numerous types of image processing techniques such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,136 incorporated by reference herein, including those designed to improve the clarity of the image. A pattern recognition algorithm, e.g., a neural network, is trained in a training phase 108 to recognize authorized individuals. The training phase can be conducted upon purchase of the vehicle by the dealer or by the owner after performing certain procedures provided to the owner, e.g., entry of a security code or key. In the training phase for a theft prevention system, the authorized driver(s) would sit themselves in the passenger seat and optical images would be taken and processed to obtain the pattern recognition algorithm. A processor 109 is embodied with the pattern recognition algorithm thus trained to identify whether a person is the individual by analysis of subsequently obtained data derived from optical images. The pattern recognition algorithm in processor 109 outputs an indication of whether the person in the image is an authorized individual for which the system is trained to identify. A security system 110 enable operations of the vehicle when the pattern recognition algorithm provides an indication that the person is an individual authorized to operate the vehicle and prevents operation of the vehicle when the pattern recognition algorithm does not provide an indication that the person is an individual authorized to operate the vehicle. Optionally, an optical transmitting unit 111 is provided to transmit electromagnetic energy into the passenger compartment such that electromagnetic energy transmitted by the optical transmitting unit is reflected by the person and received by the optical image reception device 106. As noted above, several different types of optical reception devices can be used including a CCD array, a CMOS array, focal plane array (FPA), Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP), any type of two-dimensional image receiver, any type of three-dimensional image receiver, an active pixel camera and an HDRC camera. The processor 109 can be trained to determine the position of the individuals included in the images obtained by the optical image reception device, as well as the distance between the optical image reception devices and the individuals. Instead of a security system, another component in the vehicle can be affected or controlled based on the recognition of a particular individual. For example, the rear view mirror, seat, seat belt anchorage point, headrest, pedals, steering wheel, entertainment system, air-conditioning/ventilation system can be adjusted. FIG. 24 shows the components of the manner in which an environment of the vehicle, designated 100, is monitored. The environment may either be an interior environment, the entire passenger compartment or only a part thereof, or an exterior environment. An active pixel camera 101 obtains images of the environment and provides the images or a representation thereof, or data derived from, to a processor 102. The processor 102 determines at least one characteristic of an object in the environment based on the images obtained by the active pixel camera 101, e.g., the presence of an object in the environment, the type of object in the environment, the position of an object in the environment and the velocity of an object in the environment. Several active pixel cameras can be provided, each focusing on a different area of the environment, although some overlap is desired. Instead of an active pixel camera or array, a single light-receiving pixel can be used. Systems based on ultrasonics and neural networks have been very successful in analyzing the seated state of both the passenger and driver seats of automobiles. Such systems are now going into production for preventing airbag deployment when a rear facing child seat or and out-of-position occupant is present. The ultrasonic systems, however, suffer from certain natural limitations that prevent system accuracy from getting better than about 99 percent. These limitations relate to the fact that the wavelength of ultrasound is typically between 3 and 8 mm. As a result, unexpected results occur which are due partially to the interference of reflections from different surfaces. Additionally, commercially available ultrasonic transducers are tuned devices that require several cycles before they transmit significant energy and similarly require several cycles before they effectively receive the reflected signals. This requirement has the effect of smearing the resolution of the ultrasound to the point that, for example, using a conventional 40 kHz transducer, the resolution of the system is approximately three inches. In contrast, the wavelength of near infrared is less than one micron and no significant interferences occur. Similarly, the system is not tuned and therefore is theoretically sensitive to a very few cycles. As a result, resolution of the optical system is determined by the pixel spacing in the CCD or CMOS arrays. For this application, typical arrays have been chosen to be 100 pixels by 100 pixels and therefore the space being imaged can be broken up into pieces that are significantly less than 1 cm in size. Naturally, if greater resolution is required arrays having larger numbers of pixels are readily available. Another advantage of optical systems is that special lenses can be used to magnify those areas where the information is most critical and operate at reduced resolution where this is not the case. For example, the area closest to the at-risk zone in front of the airbag can be magnified. This is not possible with ultrasonic systems. To summarize, although ultrasonic neural network systems are operating with high accuracy, they do not totally eliminate the problem of deaths and injuries caused by airbag deployments. Optical systems, on the other hand, at little increase in cost, have the capability of virtually 100 percent accuracy. Additional problems of ultrasonic systems arise from the slow speed of sound and diffraction caused by variations is air density. The slow sound speed limits the rate at which data can be collected and thus eliminates the possibility of tracking the motion of an occupant during a high speed crash. In the embodiment wherein electromagnetic energy is used, it is to be appreciated that any portion of the electromagnetic signals that impinges upon a body portion of the occupant is at least partially absorbed by the body portion. Sometimes, this is due to the fact that the human body is composed primarily of water, and that electromagnetic energy can be readily absorbed by water. The amount of electromagnetic signal absorption is related to the frequency of the signal, and size or bulk of the body portion that the signal impinges upon. For example, a torso of a human body tends to absorb a greater percentage of electromagnetic energy as compared to a hand of a human body for some frequencies. Thus, when electromagnetic waves or energy signals are transmitted by a transmitter, the returning waves received by a receiver provide an indication of the absorption of the electromagnetic energy. That is, absorption of electromagnetic energy will vary depending on the presence or absence of a human occupant, the occupant's size, bulk, etc., so that different signals will be received relating to the degree or extent of absorption by the occupying item on the seat. The receiver will produce a signal representative of the returned waves or energy signals which will thus constitute an absorption signal as it corresponds to the absorption of electromagnetic energy by the occupying item in the seat. Another optical infrared transmitter and receiver assembly is shown generally at 52 in FIG. 5 and is mounted onto the instrument panel facing the windshield. Although not shown in this view, reference 52 consists of three devices, one transmitter and two receivers, one on each side of the transmitter. In this case the windshield is used to reflect the illumination light, and also the light reflected back by the driver, in a manner similar to the “heads-up” display which is now being offered on several automobile models. The “heads-up” display, of course, is currently used only to display information to the driver and is not used to reflect light from the driver to a receiver. In this case, the distance to the driver is determined stereoscopically through the use of the two receivers. In its most elementary sense, this system can be used to measure the distance of the driver to the airbag module. In more sophisticated applications, the position of the driver, and particularly of the drivers head, can be monitored over time and any behavior, such as a drooping head, indicative of the driver falling asleep or of being incapacitated by drugs, alcohol or illness can be detected and appropriate action taken. Other forms of radiation including visual light, radar and microwaves as well as high frequency ultrasound could also be used by those skilled in the art. A passive infrared system could be used to determine the position of an occupant relative to an airbag. Passive infrared measures the infrared radiation emitted by the occupant and compares it to the background. As such, unless it is coupled with a pattern recognition system, it can best be used to determine that an occupant is moving toward the airbag since the amount of infrared radiation would then be increasing. Therefore, it could be used to estimate the velocity of the occupant but not his/her position relative to the airbag, since the absolute amount of such radiation will depend on the occupant's size, temperature and clothes as well as on his position. When passive infrared is used in conjunction with another distance measuring system, such as the ultrasonic system described above, the combination would be capable of determining both the position and velocity of the occupant relative to the airbag. Such a combination would be economical since only the simplest circuits would be required. In one implementation, for example, a group of waves from an ultrasonic transmitter could be sent to an occupant and the reflected group received by a receiver. The distance to the occupant would be proportional to the time between the transmitted and received groups of waves and the velocity determined from the passive infrared system. This system could be used in any of the locations illustrated in FIG. 5 as well as others not illustrated. Recent advances in Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors (QWIP) are particularly applicable here due to the range of frequencies that they can be designed to sense (3-18 microns) which encompasses the radiation naturally emitted by the human body. Currently QWIPs need to be cooled and thus are not quite ready for automotive applications. There are, however, longer wave IR detectors based of focal plane arrays (FPA) that are available in low resolution now. As the advantages of SWIR, MWIR and LWIR become more evident, devices that image in this part of the electromagnetic spectrum will become more available. Passive infrared could also be used effectively in conjunction with a pattern recognition system. In this case, the passive infrared radiation emitted from an occupant can be focused onto a QWIP or FPA or even a CCD array, in some cases, and analyzed with appropriate pattern recognition circuitry, or software, to determine the position of the occupant. Such a system could be mounted at any of the preferred mounting locations shown in FIG. 5 as well as others not illustrated. Lastly, it is possible to use a modulated scanning beam of radiation and a single pixel receiver, PIN or avalanche diode, in the inventions described above. Any form of energy or radiation used above may be in the infrared or radar spectrums, to the extent possible, and may be polarized and filters may be used in the receiver to block out sunlight etc. These filters may be notch filters as described above and may be made integral with the lens as one or more coatings on the lens surface as is well known in the art. Note, in many applications, this may not be necessary as window glass blocks all IR except the near IR. For some cases, such as a laser transceiver that may contain a CMOS array, CCD, PIN or avalanche diode or other light sensitive devices, a scanner is also required that can be either solid state as in the case of some radar systems based on a phased array, an acoustical optical system as is used by some laser systems, or a mirror or MEMS based reflecting scanner, or other appropriate technology. An optical classification system using a single or dual camera design will now be discussed, although more than two cameras can also be used in the system described below. The occupant sensing system should perform occupant classification as well as position tracking since both are critical information for making decision of airbag deployment in an auto accident. FIG. 25 shows a preferred occupant sensing strategy. Occupant classification may be done statically since the type of occupant does not change frequently. Position tracking, however, has to be done dynamically so that the occupant can be tracked reliably during pre-crash braking situations. Position tracking should provide continuous position information so that the speed and the acceleration of the occupant can be estimated and prediction can be made even before the next actual measurement takes place. The current assignee has demonstrated that occupant classification and dynamic position tracking can be done with a stand-alone optical system that uses a single camera. The same image information is processed in a similar fashion for both classification and dynamic position tracking. As shown in FIG. 26, the whole process involves five steps: image acquisition, image preprocessing, feature extraction, neural network processing, and post-processing. Step-1 image acquisition is to obtain the image from the imaging hardware. The imaging hardware main components may include one or more of the following image acquisition devices, a digital CMOS camera, a high-power near-infrared LED, and the LED control circuit. A plurality of such image acquisition devices can be used. This step also includes image brightness detection and LED control for illumination. Note that the image brightness detection and LED control do not have to be performed for every frame. For example, during a specific interval, the ECU can turn the LED ON and OFF and compare the resulting images. If the image with LED ON is significantly brighter, then it is identified as nighttime condition and the LED will remain ON; otherwise, it is identified as daytime condition and the LED will remain OFF. Step-2 image preprocessing performs such activities as removing random noise and enhancing contrast. Under daylight condition, the image contains unwanted contents because the background is illuminated by sunlight. For example, the movement of the driver, other passengers in the backseat, and the scenes outside the passenger window can interfere if they are visible in the image. Usually, these unwanted contents cannot be completely eliminated by adjusting the camera position, but they can be removed by image preprocessing. Step-3 feature extraction compresses the data from the 76,800 image pixels in the prototype camera to only a few hundred floating-point numbers while retaining most of the important information. In this step, the amount of the data is significantly reduced so that it becomes possible to process the data using neural networks in Step-4. Step-4, to increase the system learning capability and performance stability, modular neural networks are used with each module handling a different subtask (for example, to handle either daytime or nighttime condition, or to classify a specific occupant group). Step-5 post-processing removes random noise in the neural network outputs via filtering. Besides filtering, additional knowledge can be used to remove some of the undesired changes in the neural network output. For example, it is impossible to change from an adult passenger to a child restraint without going through an empty-seat state or key-off. After post-processing, the final decision of classification is outputted to the airbag control module and it is up to the automakers to decide how to utilize the information. A set of display LED's on the instrument panel provides the same information to the vehicle occupants. If multiple images are acquired substantially simultaneously, each by a different image acquisition device, then each image can be processed in the manner above. A comparison of the classification of the occupant obtained from the processing of the image obtained by each image acquisition device can be performed to ascertain any variations. If there are no variations, then the classification of the occupant is likely to be very accurate. However, in the presence of variations, then the images can be discarded and new images acquired until variations are eliminated. A majority approach might also be used. For example, if three or more images are acquired by three different cameras, then if two provide the same classification, this classification will be considered the correct classification. Referring again to FIG. 25, after the occupant is classified from the acquired image or images, i.e., as an empty seat (classification 1), an infant carrier or an occupied rearward-facing child seat (classification 2), a child or occupied forward-facing child seat (classification 3) or an adult passenger (classification 4), additional classification may be performed for the purpose of determining a recommendation for control of a vehicular component such as an occupant restraint device. For classifications 1 and 2, the recommendation is always to suppress deployment of the occupant restraint device. For classifications 3 and 4, dynamic position tracking is performed. This involves the training of neural networks or other pattern recognition techniques, one for each classification, so that once the occupant is classified, the particular neural network trained to analyze the dynamic position of that occupant will be used. That is, the compressed data or acquired images will be input to the neural network to determine a recommendation for control of the occupant restraint device, into the neural network for dynamic position tracking of an adult passenger when the occupant is classified as an adult passenger. The recommendation may be either a suppression of deployment, a depowered deployment or a full power deployment. To additionally summarize, the system described can be a single or multiple camera system where the cameras are typically mounted on the roof or headliner of the vehicle either on the roof rails or center or other appropriate location. The source of illumination is typically one or more infrared LEDs and if infrared, the images are typically monochromic, although color can effectively be used when natural illumination is available. Images can be obtained as fast as 100 frames per second; however, slower rates are frequently adequate. A pattern recognition algorithmic system can be used to classify the occupancy of a seat into a variety of classes such as: (1) an empty seat; (2) an infant seat which can be further classified as rear or forward facing; (3) a child which can be further classified as in or out-of-position and (4) an adult which can also be further classified as in or out-of-position. Such a system can be used to suppress the deployment of an occupant restraint. If the occupant is further tracked so that his or her position relative to the airbag, for example, is known more accurately, then the airbag deployment can be tailored to the position of the occupant. Such tracking can be accomplished since the location of the head of the occupant is either known from the analysis or can be inferred due to the position of other body parts. As will be discussed in more detail below, data and images from the occupant sensing system, which can include an assessment of the type and magnitude of injuries, along with location information if available, can be sent to an appropriate off vehicle location such as an emergence medical system (EMS) receiver either directly by cell phone, for example, via a telematics system such as OnStar®, or over the internet in order to aid the service in providing medical assistance and to access the urgency of the situation. The system can additionally be used to identify that there are occupants in the vehicle that has been parked, for example, and to start the vehicle engine and heater if the temperature drops below a safe threshold or to open a window or operate the air conditioning in the event that the temperature raises to a temperature above a safe threshold. In both cases, a message can be sent to the EMS or other services by any appropriate method such as those listed above. A message can also be sent to the owner's beeper or PDA. The system can also be used alone or to augment the vehicle security system to alert the owner or other person or remote site that the vehicle security has been breeched so as to prevent danger to a returning owner or to prevent a theft or other criminal act. As discussed above and below, other occupant sensing systems can also be provided that monitor the breathing or other motion of the driver, for example, including the driver's heartbeat, eye blink rate, gestures, direction or gaze and provide appropriate responses including the control of a vehicle component including any such components listed herein. If the driver is falling asleep, for example, a warning can be issued and eventually the vehicle directed off the road if necessary. The combination of a camera system with a microphone and speaker allows for a wide variety of options for the control of vehicle components. A sophisticated algorithm can interpret a gesture, for example, that may be in response to a question from the computer system. The driver may indicate by a gesture that he or she wants the temperature to change and the system can then interpret a “thumbs up” gesture for higher temperature and a “thumbs down” gesture for a lower temperature. When it is correct, the driver can signal by gesture that it is fine. Naturally, a very large number of component control options exist that can be entirely executed by the combination of voice, speakers and a camera that can see gestures. When the system does not understand, it can ask to have the gesture repeated, for example, or it can ask for a confirmation. Note, the presence of an occupant in a seat can even be confirmed by a word spoken by the occupant, for example. Note, it has been assumed that the camera would be permanently mounted in the vehicle in the above discussion. This need not be the case and especially for some after-market products, the camera function can be supplied by a cell phone or other device and a holder appropriately (and removably) mounted in the vehicle. 1.3 Ultrasonics and Optics In some cases, a combination of an optical system such as a camera and an ultrasonic system can be used. In this case, the optical system can be used to acquire an image providing information as to the vertical and lateral dimensions of the scene and the ultrasound can be used to provide longitudinal information. A more accurate acoustic system for determining the distance to a particular object, or a part thereof, in the passenger compartment is exemplified by transducers 24 in FIG. 8E. In this case, three ultrasonic transmitter/receivers are shown spaced apart mounted onto the A-pillar of the vehicle. Due to the wavelength, it is difficult to get a narrow beam using ultrasonics without either using high frequencies that have limited range or a large transducer. A commonly available 40 kHz transducer, for example, is about 1 cm. in diameter and emits a sonic wave that spreads at about a sixty-degree angle. To reduce this angle requires making the transducer larger in diameter. An alternate solution is to use several transducers and to phase the transmissions so that they arrive at the intended part of the target in phase. Reflections from the selected part of the target are then reinforced whereas reflections from adjacent parts encounter interference with the result that the distance to the brightest portion within the vicinity of interest can be determined. By varying the phase of transmission from the three transducers 24, the location of a reflection source on a curved line can be determined. In order to locate the reflection source in space, at least one additional transmitter/receiver is required which is not co-linear with the others. The waves shown in FIG. 8E coming from the three transducers 24 are actually only the portions of the waves which arrive at the desired point in space together in phase. The effective direction of these wave streams can be varied by changing the transmission phase between the three transmitters 24. A determination of the approximate location of a point of interest on the occupant can be accomplished by a CCD or CMOS array and appropriate analysis and the phasing of the ultrasonic transmitters is determined so that the distance to the desired point can be determined. Although the combination of ultrasonics and optics has been described, it will now be obvious to others skilled in the art that other sensor types can be combined with either optical or ultrasonic transducers including weight sensors of all types as discussed below, as well as electric field, chemical, temperature, humidity, radiation, vibration, acceleration, velocity, position, proximity, capacitance, angular rate, heartbeat, radar, other electromagnetic, and other sensors. 1.4 Other Transducers In FIG. 4, the ultrasonic transducers of the previous designs can be replaced by laser or other electromagnetic wave transducers or transceivers 8 and 9, which are connected to a microprocessor 20. As discussed above, these are only illustrative mounting locations and any of the locations described herein are suitable for particular technologies. Also, such electromagnetic transceivers are meant to include the entire electromagnetic spectrum including low frequencies where sensors such as capacitive or electric field sensors including so called “displacement current sensors” as discussed in detail above, and the auto-tune antenna sensor also discussed above operate. A block diagram of an antenna based near field object detector is illustrated in FIG. 27. The circuit variables are defined as follows: F=Frequency of operation Hz. ω=2*π*F radians/second α=Phase angle between antenna voltage and antenna current. A, k1,k2,k3,k4 are scale factors, determined by system design. Tp1-8 are points on FIG. 20. Tp1=k1*Sin((ωt) Tp2=k1*Cos(ωt)Reference voltage to phase detector Tp3=k2*Sin(ωt) drive voltage to Antenna Tp4=k3*Cos(ωt+δ) Antenna current Tp5=k4*Cos(ωt+δ) Voltage representing Antenna current Tp6=0.5□t)Sin(δ Output of phase detector Tp7=Absorption signal output Tp8=Proximity signal output In a tuned circuit, the voltage and the current are 90 degrees out of phase with each other at the resonant frequency. The frequency source supplies a signal to the phase shifter. The phase shifter outputs two signals that are out of phase by 90 degrees at frequency F. The drive to the antenna is the signal Tp3. The antenna can be of any suitable type such as dipole, patch, yagi etc. In cases where the signal Tp1 from the phase shifter has sufficient power, the power amplifier may be eliminated. The antenna current is at Tp4, which is converted into a voltage since the phase detector requires a voltage drive. The output of the phase detector is Tp6, which is filtered and used to drive the varactor tuning diode D1. Multiple diodes may be used in place of D1. The phase detector, amplifier filter, varactor diode D1 and current to voltage converter form a closed loop servo that keeps the antenna voltage and current in a 90-degree relationship at frequency F. The tuning loop maintains a 90-degree phase relationship between the antenna voltage and the antenna current. When an object such as a human comes near the antenna and attempts to detune it, the phase detector senses the phase change and adds or subtracts capacity by changing voltage to the varactor diode D1 thereby maintaining resonance at frequency F. The voltage Tp8 is an indication of the capacity of a nearby object. An object that is near the loop and absorbs energy from it will change the amplitude of the signal at Tp5, which is detected and outputted to Tp7. The two signals Tp7 and Tp8 are used to determine the nature of the object near the antenna. An object such as a human or animal with a fairly high electrical permittivity or dielectric constant and a relatively high loss dielectric property (high loss tangent) absorbs significant energy. This effect varies with the frequency used for the detection. If a human, who has a high loss tangent is present in the detection field, then the dielectric absorption causes the value of the capacitance of the object to change with frequency. For a human with high dielectric losses (high loss tangent), the decay with frequency will be more pronounced than for objects that do not present this high loss tangency. Exploiting this phenomenon makes it possible to detect the presence of an adult, child, baby, pet or other animal in the detection field. An older method of antenna tuning used the antenna current and the voltage across the antenna to supply the inputs to a phase detector. In a 25 to 50 mw transmitter with a 50 ohm impedance, the current is small, it is therefore preferable to use the method described herein. Note that the auto-tuned antenna sensor is preferably placed in the vehicle seat, headrest, floor, dashboard, headliner, or airbag module cover. Seat mounted examples are shown at 12, 13, 14 and 15 in FIG. 4 and a floor mounted example at 11. In most other manners, the system operates the same. 1.5 Circuits There are several preferred methods of implementing the vehicle interior monitoring system of this invention including a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit system (ASIC), and/or an FPGA or DSP. These systems are represented schematically as 20 herein. In some systems, both a microprocessor and an ASIC are used. In other systems, most if not all of the circuitry is combined onto a single chip (system on a chip). The particular implementation depends on the quantity to be made and economic considerations. It also depends on time-to-market considerations where FPGA is frequently the technology of choice. The design of the electronic circuits for a laser system is described in some detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,462 referenced above and in particular FIG. 8 thereof and the corresponding description. 2. Adaptation Let us now consider the process of adapting a system of occupant sensing transducers to a vehicle. For example, if a candidate system consisting of eight transducers is considered, four ultrasonic transducers and four weight transducers, and if cost considerations require the choice of a smaller total number of transducers, it is a question of which of the eight transducers should be eliminated. Fortunately, the neural network technology discussed below provides a technique for determining which of the eight transducers is most important, which is next most important, etc. If the six most critical transducers are chosen, that is the six transducers which contain or provide the most useful information as determined by the neural network, a neural network can be trained using data from those six transducers and the overall accuracy of the system can be determined. Experience has determined, for example, that typically there is almost no loss in accuracy by eliminating two of the eight transducers, for example, two of the strain gage weight sensors. A slight loss of accuracy occurs when one of the ultrasonic transducers is then eliminated. In this manner, by the process of adaptation, the most cost effective system can be determined from a proposed set of sensors. This same technique can be used with the additional transducers described throughout this disclosure. A transducer space can be determined with perhaps twenty different transducers comprised of ultrasonic, optical, electromagnetic, motion, heartbeat, weight, seat track, seatbelt payout, seatback angle and other types of transducers. The neural network can then be used in conjunction with a cost function to determine the cost of system accuracy. In this manner, the optimum combination of any system cost and accuracy level can be determined. System Adaptation involves the process by which the hardware configuration and the software algorithms are determined for a particular vehicle. Each vehicle model or platform will most likely have a different hardware configuration and different algorithms. Some of the various aspects that make up this process are as follows: The determination of the mounting location and aiming or orientation of the transducers. The determination of the transducer field angles or area or volume monitored The use of a combination neural network algorithm generating program such as available from International Scientific Research, Inc. to help generate the algorithms or other pattern recognition algorithm generation program. (as described below) The process of the collection of data in the vehicle, for example, for neural network training purposes. The method of automatic movement of the vehicle seats etc. while data is collected The determination of the quantity of data to acquire and the setups needed to achieve a high system accuracy, typically several hundred thousand vectors or data sets. The collection of data in the presence of varying environmental conditions such as with thermal gradients. The photographing of each data setup. The makeup of the different databases and the use of typically three different databases. The method by which the data is biased to give higher probabilities for, e.g., forward facing humans. The automatic recording of the vehicle setup including seat, seat back, headrest, window, visor, armrest etc. positions to help insure data integrity. The use of a daily setup to validate that the transducer configuration and calibration has not changed. The method by which bad data is culled from the database. The inclusion of the Fourier transforms and other pre-processors of the data in the algorithm generation process. The use of multiple algorithm levels, for example, for categorization and position. The use of multiple algorithms in parallel. The use of post processing filters and the particularities of these filters. The addition of fuzzy logic or other human intelligence based rules. The method by which data errors are corrected using, for example, a neural network. The use of a neural network generation program as the pattern recognition algorithm generating system. The use of back propagation neural networks for training. The use of vector or data normalization. The use of feature extraction techniques, for ultrasonic systems for example, including: The number of data points prior to a peak. The normalization factor. The total number of peaks. The vector or data set mean or variance. The use of feature extraction techniques, for optics systems for example, including: Motion. Edge detection. Feature detection such as the eyes, head etc. Texture detection. Recognizing specific features of the vehicle. Line subtraction—i.e., subtracting one line of pixels from the adjacent line with every other line illuminated. This works primarily only with rolling shutter cameras. The equivalent for a snapshot camera is to subtract an artificially illuminated image from one that is illuminated only with natural light. The use of other computational intelligence systems such as genetic algorithms The use the data screening techniques. The techniques used to develop stable networks including the concepts of old and new networks. The time spent or the number of iterations spent in, and method of arriving at stable networks. The technique where a small amount of data is collected first such as 16 sheets followed by a complete data collection sequence. The use of a cellular neural network for high speed data collection and analysis when electromagnetic transducers are used. The use of a support vector machine. The process of adapting the system to the vehicle begins with a survey of the vehicle model. Any existing sensors, such as seat position sensors, seat back sensors, etc., are immediate candidates for inclusion into the system. Input from the customer will determine what types of sensors would be acceptable for the final system. These sensors can include: seat structure mounted weight sensors, pad type weight sensors, pressure type weight sensors (e.g. bladders), seat fore and aft position sensors, seat-mounted capacitance, electric field or antenna sensors, seat vertical position sensors, seat angular position sensors, seat back position sensors, headrest position sensors, ultrasonic occupant sensors, optical occupant sensors, capacitive sensors, electric field sensors, inductive sensors, radar sensors, vehicle velocity and acceleration sensors, brake pressure, seatbelt force, payout and buckle sensors accelerometers, gyroscopes, chemical etc. A candidate array of sensors is then chosen and mounted onto the vehicle. The vehicle is also instrumented so that data input by humans is minimized. Thus, the positions of the various components in the vehicle such as the seats, windows, sun visor, armrest, etc. are automatically recorded where possible. Also, the position of the occupant while data is being taken is also recorded through a variety of techniques such as direct ultrasonic ranging sensors, optical ranging sensors, radar ranging sensors, optical tracking sensors etc. Special cameras are also installed to take one or more pictures of the setup to correspond to each vector of data collected or at some other appropriate frequency. Herein, a vector is used to represent a set of data collected at a particular epoch or representative of the occupant or environment of vehicle at a particular point in time. A standard set of vehicle setups is chosen for initial trial data collection purposes. Typically, the initial trial will consist of between 20,000 and 100,000 setups, although this range is not intended to limit the invention. Initial digital data collection now proceeds for the trial setup matrix. The data is collected from the transducers, digitized and combined to form to a vector of input data for analysis by a pattern recognition system such as a neural network program or combination neural network program. This analysis should yield a training accuracy of nearly 100%. If this is not achieved, then additional sensors are added to the system or the configuration changed and the data collection and analysis repeated. In addition to a variety of seating states for objects in the passenger compartment, the trial database will also include environmental effects such as thermal gradients caused by heat lamps and the operation of the air conditioner and heater, or where appropriate lighting variations or other environmental variations that might affect particular transducer types. A sample of such a matrix is presented in FIGS. 82A-82H, with some of the variables and objects used in the matrix being designated or described in FIGS. 76-81D. After the neural network has been trained on the trial database, the trial database will be scanned for vectors that yield erroneous results (which would likely be considered bad data). A study of those vectors along with vectors from associated in time cases are compared with the photographs to determine whether there is erroneous data present If so, an attempt is made to determine the cause of the erroneous data. If the cause can be found, for example if a voltage spike on the power line corrupted the data, then the vector will be removed from the database and an attempt is made to correct the data collection process so as to remove such disturbances. At this time, some of the sensors may be eliminated from the sensor matrix. This can be determined during the neural network analysis, for example, by selectively eliminating sensor data from the analysis to see what the effect if any results. Caution should be exercised here, however, since once the sensors have been initially installed in the vehicle, it requires little additional expense to use all of the installed sensors in future data collection and analysis. The neural network that has been developed in this first phase can be used during the data collection in the next phases as an instantaneous check on the integrity of the new vectors being collected. Occasionally, a voltage spike or other environmental disturbance will momentarily affect the data from some transducers. It is important to capture this event to first eliminate that data from the database and second to isolate the cause of the erroneous data. The next set of data to be collected when neural networks are used, for example, is the training database. This will usually be the largest database initially collected and will cover such setups as listed, for example, in FIGS. 24A-24H. The training database, which may contain 500,000 or more vectors, will be used to begin training of the neural network or other pattern recognition system. In the foregoing description, a neural network will be used for exemplary purposes with the understanding that the invention is not limited to neural networks and that a similar process exists for other pattern recognition systems. This invention is largely concerned with the use of pattern recognition systems for vehicle internal monitoring. The best mode is to use trained pattern recognition systems such as neural networks. While this is taking place additional data will be collected according to FIGS. 78-80 and 83 of the independent and validation databases. The training database is usually selected so that it uniformly covers all seated states that are known to be likely to occur in the vehicle. The independent database may be similar in makeup to the training database or it may evolve to more closely conform to the occupancy state distribution of the validation database. During the neural network training, the independent database is used to check the accuracy of the neural network and to reject a candidate neural network design if its accuracy, measured against the independent database, is less than that of a previous network architecture. Although the independent database is not actually used in the training of the neural network, nevertheless, it has been found that it significantly influences the network structure or architecture. Therefore, a third database, the validation or real world database, is used as a final accuracy check of the chosen system. It is the accuracy against this validation database that is considered to be the system accuracy. The validation database is usually composed of vectors taken from setups which closely correlate with vehicle occupancy in real cars on the roadway. Initially, the training database is usually the largest of the three databases. As time and resources permit, the independent database, which perhaps starts out with 100,000 vectors, will continue to grow until it becomes approximately the same size or even larger than the training database. The validation database, on the other hand, will typically start out with as few as 50,000 vectors. However, as the hardware configuration is frozen, the validation database will continuously grow until, in some cases, it actually becomes larger than the training database. This is because near the end of the program, vehicles will be operating on highways and data will be collected in real world situations. If in the real world tests, system failures are discovered, this can lead to additional data being taken for both the training and independent databases as well as the validation database. Once a neural network has been trained using all of the available data from all of the transducers, it is expected that the accuracy of the network will be very close to 100%. It is usually not practical to use all of the transducers that have been used in the training of the system for final installation in real production vehicle models. This is primarily due to cost and complexity considerations. Usually, the automobile manufacturer will have an idea of how many transducers would be acceptable for installation in a production vehicle. For example, the data may have been collected using 20 different transducers but the automobile manufacturer may restrict the final selection to 6 transducers. The next process, therefore, is to gradually eliminate transducers to determine what is the best combination of six transducers, for example, to achieve the highest system accuracy. Ideally, a series of neural networks would be trained using all combinations of six transducers from the 20 available. The activity would require a prohibitively long time. Certain constraints can be factored into the system from the beginning to start the pruning process. For example, it would probably not make sense to have both optical and ultrasonic transducers present in the same system since it would complicate the electronics. In fact, the automobile manufacturer may have decided initially that an optical system would be too expensive and therefore would not be considered. The inclusion of optical transducers, therefore, serves as a way of determining the loss in accuracy as a function of cost. Various constraints, therefore, usually allow the immediate elimination of a significant number of the initial group of transducers. This elimination and the training on the remaining transducers provides the resulting accuracy loss that results. The next step is to remove each of the transducers one at a time and determine which sensor has the least effect on the system accuracy. This process is then repeated until the total number of transducers has been pruned down to the number desired by the customer. At this point, the process is reversed to add in one at a time those transducers that were removed at previous stages. It has been found, for example, that a sensor that appears to be unimportant during the early pruning process can become very important later on. Such a sensor may add a small amount of information due to the presence of various other transducers. Whereas the various other transducers, however, may yield less information than still other transducers and, therefore may have been removed during the pruning process. Reintroducing the sensor that was eliminated early in the cycle therefore can have a significant effect and can change the final choice of transducers to make up the system. The above method of reducing the number of transducers that make up the system is but one of a variety approaches which have applicability in different situations. In some cases, a Monte Carlo or other statistical approach is warranted, whereas in other cases, a design of experiments approach has proven to be the most successful. In many cases, an operator conducting this activity becomes skilled and after a while knows intuitively what set of transducers is most likely to yield the best results. During the process it is not uncommon to run multiple cases on different computers simultaneously. Also, during this process, a database of the cost of accuracy is generated. The automobile manufacturer, for example, may desire to have the total of 6 transducers in the final system, however, when shown the fact that the addition of one or two additional transducers substantially increases the accuracy of the system, the manufacturer may change his mind. Similarly, the initial number of transducers selected may be 6 but the analysis could show that 4 transducers give substantially the same accuracy as 6 and therefore the other 2 can be eliminated at a cost saving. While the pruning process is occurring, the vehicle is subjected to a variety of road tests and would be subjected to presentations to the customer. The road tests are tests that are run at different locations than where the fundamental training took place. It has been found that unexpected environmental factors can influence the performance of the system and therefore these tests can provide critical information. The system, therefore, which is installed in the test vehicle should have the capability of recording system failures. This recording includes the output of all of the transducers on the vehicle as well as a photograph of the vehicle setup that caused the error. This data is later analyzed to determine whether the training, independent or validation setups need to be modified and/or whether the transducers or positions of the transducers require modification. Once the final set of transducers has been chosen, the vehicle is again subjected to real world testing on highways and at customer demonstrations. Once again, any failures are recorded. In this case, however, since the total number of transducers in the system is probably substantially less than the initial set of transducers, certain failures are to be expected. All such failures, if expected, are reviewed carefully with the customer to be sure that the customer recognizes the system failure modes and is prepared to accept the system with those failure modes. The system described so far has been based on the use of a single neural network. It is frequently necessary and desirable to use combination neural networks, multiple neural networks, cellular neural networks or support vector machines or other pattern recognition systems. For example, for determining the occupancy state of a vehicle seat, there may be at least two different requirements. The first requirement is to establish what is occupying the seat and the second requirement is to establish where that object is located. Another requirement might be to simply determine whether an occupying item warranting analysis by the neural networks is present. Generally, a great deal of time, typically many seconds, is available for determining whether a forward facing human or an occupied or unoccupied rear facing child seat, for example, occupies the vehicle seat. On the other hand, if the driver of the car is trying to avoid an accident and is engaged in panic braking, the position of an unbelted occupant can be changing rapidly as he or she is moving toward the airbag. Thus, the problem of determining the location of an occupant is time critical. Typically, the position of the occupant in such situations must be determined in less than 20 milliseconds. There is no reason for the system to have to determine that a forward facing human being is in the seat while simultaneously determining where that forward facing human being is. The system already knows that the forward facing human being is present and therefore all of the resources can be used to determine the occupant's position. Thus, in this situation a dual level or modular neural network can be advantageously used. The first level determines the occupancy of the vehicle seat and the second level determines the position of that occupant. In some situations, it has been demonstrated that multiple neural networks used in parallel can provide some benefit. This will be discussed in more detail below. Both modular and multiple parallel neural networks are examples of combination neural networks. The data that is fed to the pattern recognition system typically will usually not be the raw vectors of data as captured and digitized from the various transducers. Typically, a substantial amount of preprocessing of the data is undertaken to extract the important information from the data that is fed to the neural network. This is especially true in optical systems and where the quantity of data obtained, if all were used by the neural network, would require very expensive processors. The techniques of preprocessing data will not be described in detail here. However, the preprocessing techniques influence the neural network structure in many ways. For example, the preprocessing used to determine what is occupying a vehicle seat is typically quite different from the preprocessing used to determine the location of that occupant Some particular preprocessing concepts will be discussed in more detail below. Once the pattern recognition system has been applied to the preprocessed data, one or more decisions are available as output. The output from the pattern recognition system is usually based on a snapshot of the output of the various transducers. Thus, it represents one epoch or time period. The accuracy of such a decision can usually be substantially improved if previous decisions from the pattern recognition system are also considered. In the simplest form, which is typically used for the occupancy identification stage, the results of many decisions are averaged together and the resulting averaged decision is chosen as the correct decision. Once again, however, the situation is quite different for dynamic out-of-position occupants. The position of the occupant must be known at that particular epoch and cannot be averaged with his previous position. On the other hand, there is information in the previous positions that can be used to improve the accuracy of the current decision. For example, if the new decision says that the occupant has moved six inches since the previous decision, and, from physics, it is known that this could not possibly take place, then a better estimate of the current occupant position can be made by extrapolating from earlier positions. Alternately, an occupancy position versus time curve can be fitted using a variety of techniques such as the least squares regression method, to the data from previous 10 epochs, for example. This same type of analysis could also be applied to the vector itself rather than to the final decision thereby correcting the data prior to entry into the pattern recognition system. An alternate method is to train a module of a modular neural network to predict the position of the occupant based on feedback from previous results of the module. A pattern recognition system, such as a neural network, can sometimes make totally irrational decisions. This typically happens when the pattern recognition system is presented with a data set or vector that is unlike any vector that has been in its training set. The variety of seating states of a vehicle is unlimited. Every attempt is made to select from that unlimited universe a set of representative cases. Nevertheless, there will always be cases that are significantly different from any that have been previously presented to the neural network. The final step, therefore, to adapting a system to a vehicle, is to add a measure of human intelligence or common sense. Sometimes this goes under the heading of fuzzy logic and the resulting system has been termed in some cases a neural fuzzy system. In some cases, this takes the form of an observer studying failures of the system and coming up with rules and that say, for example, that if transducer A perhaps in combination with another transducer produces values in this range, then the system should be programmed to override the pattern recognition decision and substitute therefor a human decision. An example of this appears in R Scorcioni K. Ng, M. M. Trivedi, N. Lassiter; “MoNiF: A Modular Neuro-Fuzzy Controller for Race Car Navigation”; In Proceedings of the 1997 IEEE Symposium on Computational Intelligence and Robotics Applications, Monterey, Calif., USA July 1997, which describes the case of where an automobile was designed for autonomous operation and trained with a neural network, in one case, and a neural fuzzy system in another case. As long as both vehicles operated on familiar roads both vehicles performed satisfactorily. However, when placed on an unfamiliar road, the neural network vehicle failed while the neural fuzzy vehicle continue to operate successfully. Naturally, if the neural network vehicle had been trained on the unfamiliar road, it might very well have operated successful. Nevertheless, the critical failure mode of neural networks that most concerns people is this uncertainty as to what a neural network will do when confronted with an unknown state. One aspect, therefore, of adding human intelligence to the system, is to ferret out those situations where the system is likely to fail. Unfortunately, in the current state-of-the-art, this is largely a trial and error activity. One example is that if the range of certain parts of vector falls outside of the range experienced during training, the system defaults to a particular state. In the case of suppressing deployment of one or more airbags, or other occupant protection apparatus, this case would be to enable airbag deployment even if the pattern recognition system calls for its being disabled. An alternate method is to train a particular module of a modular neural network to recognize good from bad data and reject the bad data before it is fed to the main neural networks. The foregoing description is applicable to the systems described in the following drawings and the connection between the foregoing description and the systems described below will be explained below. However, it should be appreciated that the systems shown in the drawings do not limit the applicability of the methods or apparatus described above. Referring again to FIG. 6, and to FIG. 6A which differs from FIG. 6 only in the use of a strain gage weight sensor mounted within the seat cushion, motion sensor 73 can be a discrete sensor that detects relative motion in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Such sensors are frequently based on ultrasonics and can measure a change in the ultrasonic pattern that occurs over a short time period. Alternately, the subtracting of one position vector from a previous position vector to achieve a differential position vector can detect motion. For the purposes herein, a motion sensor will be used to mean either a particular device that is designed to detect motion for the creation of a special vector based on vector differences. An ultrasonic, optical or other sensor or transducer system 9 can be mounted on the upper portion of the front pillar, i.e.; the A-Pillar, of the vehicle and a similar sensor system 6 can be mounted on the upper portion of the intermediate pillar, i.e., the B-Pillar. Each sensor system 6, 9 may comprise a transducer. The outputs of the sensor systems 9 and 6 can be input to a band pass filter 60 through a multiplex circuit 59 which can be switched in synchronization with a timing signal from the ultrasonic sensor drive circuit 58, for example, and then is amplified by an amplifier 61. The band pass filter 60 removes a low frequency wave component from the output signal and also removes some of the noise. The envelope wave signal can be input to an analog/digital converter (ADC) 62 and digitized as measured data. The measured data can be input to a processing circuit 63, which is controlled by the timing signal which is in turn output from the sensor drive circuit 58. The above description applies primarily to systems based on ultrasonics and will differ somewhat for optical, electric field and other systems. Neural network as used herein will generally mean a single neural network, a combination neural network, a cellular neural network, a support vector machine or any combinations thereof. Each of the measured data is input to a normalization circuit 64 and normalized. The normalized measured data can be input to the combination neural network (circuit) 65, for example, as wave data. The output of the weight sensor(s) 7, 76 or 97 (see FIG. 6A) can be amplified by an amplifier 66 coupled to the weight sensor(s) 76 and 7 and the amplified output is input to an analog/digital converter and then directed to the neural network 65, for example, of the processor means. Amplifier 66 is useful in some embodiments but it may be dispensed with by constructing the sensors 7, 76, 97 to provide a sufficiently strong output signal, and even possibly a digital signal. One manner to do this would be to construct the sensor systems with appropriate electronics. The neural network 65 is directly connected to the ADCs 68 and 69, the ADC associated with amplifier 66 and the normalization circuit 64. As such, information from each of the sensors in the system (a stream of data) is passed directly to the neural network 65 for processing thereby. The streams of data from the sensors are not combined prior to the neural network 65 and the neural network is designed to accept the separate streams of data (e.g., at least a part of the data at each input node) and process them to provide an output indicative of the current occupancy state of the seat. The neural network 65 thus includes or incorporates a plurality of algorithms derived by training in the manners discussed above and below. Once the current occupancy state of the seat is determined, it is possible to control vehicular components or systems, such as the airbag system, in consideration of the current occupancy state of the seat. A section of the passenger compartment of an automobile is shown generally as 40 in FIG. 28. A driver 30 of a vehicle sits on a seat 3 behind a steering wheel, not shown, and an adult passenger 31 sits on seat 4 on the passenger side. Two transmitter and/or receiver assemblies 6 and 10, also referred to herein as transducers, are positioned in the passenger compartment 40, one transducer 6 is arranged on the headliner adjacent or in proximity to the dome light and the other transducer 10 is arranged on the center of the top of the dashboard or instrument panel of the vehicle. The methodology leading to the placement of these transducers is important to this invention as explained in detail below. In this situation, the system developed in accordance with this invention will reliably detect that an occupant is sitting on seat 4 and deployment of the airbag is enabled in the event that the vehicle experiences a crash. Transducers 6, 10 are placed with their separation axis parallel to the separation axis of the head, shoulder and rear facing child seat volumes of occupants of an automotive passenger seat and in view of this specific positioning, are capable of distinguishing the different configurations. In addition to the transducers 6, 10, weight-measuring sensors 7, 121, 122, 123 and 124 are also present. These weight sensors may be of a variety of technologies including, as illustrated here, strain-measuring transducers attached to the vehicle seat support structure as described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,757. Naturally other weight systems can be utilized including systems that measure the deflection of, or pressure on, the seat cushion. The weight sensors described here are meant to be illustrative of the general class of weight sensors and not an exhaustive list of methods of measuring occupant weight. In FIG. 29, a child seat 2 in the forward facing direction containing a child 29 replaces the adult passenger 31 as shown in FIG. 28. In this case, it is usually required that the airbag not be disabled, or enabled in the depowered mode, in the event of an accident. However, in the event that the same child seat is placed in the rearward facing position as shown in FIG. 30, then the airbag is usually required to be disabled since deployment of the airbag in a crash can seriously injure or even kill the child. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 21, if an infant 29 in an infant carrier 2 is positioned in the rear facing position of the passenger seat, the airbag should be disabled for the reasons discussed above. Instead of disabling deployment of the airbag, the deployment could be controlled to provide protection for the child, e.g., to reduce the force of the deployment of the airbag. It should be noted that the disabling or enabling of the passenger airbag relative to the item on the passenger seat may be tailored to the specific application. For example, in some embodiments, with certain forward facing child seats, it may in fact be desirable to disable the airbag and in other cases to deploy a depowered airbag. The selection of when to disable, depower or enable the airbag, as a function of the item in the passenger seat and its location, is made during the programming or training stage of the sensor system and, in most cases, the criteria set forth above will be applicable, i.e., enabling airbag deployment for a forward facing child seat and an adult in a proper seating position and disabling airbag deployment for a rearward facing child seat and infant and for any occupant who is out-of-position and in close proximity to the airbag module. The sensor system developed in accordance with the invention may however be programmed according to other criteria. Several systems using other technologies have been devised to discriminate between the four cases illustrated above but none have shown a satisfactory accuracy or reliability of discrimination. Some of these systems appear to work as long as the child seat is properly placed on the seat and belted in. So called “tag systems”, for example, whereby a device is placed on the child seat which is electromagnetically sensed by sensors placed within the seat can fail but can add information to the overall system. When used alone, they function well as long as the child seat is restrained by a seatbelt, but when this is not the case they have a high failure rate. Since the seatbelt usage of the population of the United States is now somewhat above 70%, it is quite likely that a significant percentage of child seats will not be properly belted onto the seat and thus children will be subjected to injury and death in the event of an accident. This methodology will now be described as it relates primarily to wave type sensors such as those based on optics, ultrasonics or radar. A similar methodology applies to other-transducer types and which will now be obvious to those skilled in the art after a review of the methodology described below. The methodology of this invention was devised to solve this problem. To understand this methodology, consider two transmitters and receivers 6 and 10 (transducers) which are connected by an axis AB in FIG. 31. Each transmitter radiates a signal which is primarily confined to a cone angle, called the field angle, with its origin at the transmitter. For simplicity, assume that the transmitter and receiver are embodied in the same device although in some cases a separate device will be used for each function. When a transducer sends out a burst of waves, for example, to thereby irradiate the passenger compartment with radiation, and then receives a reflection or modified radiation from some object in the passenger compartment, the distance of the object from the transducer can be determined by the time delay between the transmission of the waves and the reception of the reflected or modified waves, by the phase angle or by a correlation process. When looking at a single transducer, it may not be possible to determine the direction to the object which is reflecting or modifying the signal but it may be possible to know how far that object is from the transducer. That is, a single transducer may enable a distance measurement but not a directional measurement. In other words, the object may be at a point on the surface of a three-dimensional spherical segment having its origin at the transducer and a radius equal to the distance. This will generally be the case for an ultrasonic transducer or other broad beam single pixel device. Consider two transducers, such as 6 and 10 in FIG. 31, and both transducers receive a reflection from the same object, which is facilitated by proper placement of the transducers, the timing of the reflections depends on the distance from the object to each respective transducer. If it is assumed for the purposes of this analysis that the two transducers act independently, that is, they only listen to the reflections of waves which they themselves transmitted (which may be achieved by transmitting waves at different frequencies or at different times), then each transducer enables the determination of the distance to the reflecting object but not its direction. Assuming the transducer radiates in all directions within the field cone angle, each transducer enables the determination that the object is located on a spherical surface A′, B′ a respective known distance from the transducer, that is, each transducer enables the determination that the object is a specific distance from that transducer which may or may not be the same distance between the other transducer and the same object. Since now there are two transducers, and the distance of the reflecting object has been determined relative to each of the transducers, the actual location of the object resides on a circle which is the intersection of the two spherical surfaces A′, and B′. This circle is labeled C in FIG. 31. At each point along circle C, the distance to the transducer 6 is the same and the distance to the transducer 10 is the same. This, of course, is strictly true only for ideal one-dimensional objects. For many cases, the mere knowledge that the object lies on a particular circle is sufficient since it is possible to locate the circle such that the only time that an object lies on a particular circle that its location is known. That is, the circle which passes through the area of interest otherwise passes through a volume where no objects can occur. Thus, the mere calculation of the circle in this specific location, which indicates the presence of the object along that circle, provides valuable information concerning the object in the passenger compartment which may be used to control or affect another system in the vehicle such as the airbag system. This of course is based on the assumption that the reflections to the two transducers are in fact from the same object. Care must be taken in locating the transducers such that other objects do not cause reflections that could confuse the system. FIG. 32, for example, illustrates two circles D and E of interest which represent the volume which is usually occupied when the seat is occupied by a person not in a child seat or by a forward facing child seat and the volume normally occupied by a rear facing child seat, respectively. Thus, if the circle generated by the system, (i.e., by appropriate processor means which receives the distance determination from each transducer and creates the circle from the intersection of the spherical surfaces which represent the distance from the transducers to the object) is at a location which is only occupied by an adult passenger, the airbag would not be disabled since its deployment in a crash is desired. On the other hand, if a circle is at a location occupied only by a rear facing child seat, the airbag would be disabled. The above discussion of course is simplistic in that it does not take into account the volume occupied by the object or the fact that reflections from more than one object surface will be involved. In reality, transducer B is likely to pick up the rear of the occupant's head and transducer A, the front This makes the situation more difficult for an engineer looking at the data to analyze. It has been found that pattern recognition technologies are able to extract the information from these situations and through a proper application of these technologies, an algorithm can be developed, and when installed as part of the system for a particular vehicle, the system accurately and reliably differentiates between a forward facing and rear facing child seat, for example, or an in-position or out-of-position forward facing human being. From the above discussion, a method of transducer location is disclosed which provides unique information to differentiate between (i) a forward facing child seat or a forward properly positioned occupant where airbag deployment is desired and (ii) a rearward facing child seat and an out-of-position occupant where airbag deployment is not desired. In actuality, the algorithm used to implement this theory does not directly calculate the surface of spheres or the circles of interaction of spheres. Instead, a pattern recognition system is used to differentiate airbag-deployment desired cases from those where the airbag should not be deployed. For the pattern recognition system to accurately perform its function, however, the patterns presented to the system must have the requisite information. That is, for example, a pattern of reflected waves from an occupying item in a passenger compartment to various transducers must be uniquely different for cases where airbag deployment is desired from cases where airbag deployment is not desired. The theory described herein teaches how to locate transducers within the vehicle passenger compartment so that the patterns of reflected waves, for example, will be easily distinguishable for cases where airbag deployment is desired from those where airbag deployment is not desired. In the case presented thus far, it has been shown that in some implementations, the use of only two transducers can result in the desired pattern differentiation when the vehicle geometry is such that two transducers can be placed such that the circles D (airbag enabled) and E (airbag disabled) fall outside of the transducer field cones except where they are in the critical regions where positive identification of the condition occurs. Thus, the aiming and field angles of the transducers are important factors to determine in adapting a system to a particular vehicle, especially for ultrasonic and radar sensors, for example. The use of only two transducers in a system is typically not acceptable since one or both of the transducers can be rendered inoperable by being blocked, for example, by a newspaper. Thus, it is usually desirable to add a third transducer 8 as shown in FIG. 33, which now provides a third set of spherical surfaces relative to the third transducer. Transducer 8 is positioned on the passenger side of the A-pillar (which is a preferred placement if the system is designed to operate on the passenger side of the vehicle). Three spherical surfaces now intersect in only two points and in fact, usually at one point if the aiming angles and field angles are properly chosen. Once again, this discussion is only strictly true for a point object. For a real object, the reflections will come from different surfaces of the object, which usually are at similar distances from the object. Thus, the addition of a third transducer substantially improves system reliability. Finally, with the addition of a fourth transducer 9 as shown in FIG. 34, even greater accuracy and reliability is attained. Transducer 9 can be positioned on the ceiling of the vehicle close to the passenger side door. In FIG. 34, lines connecting the transducers C and D and the transducers A and B are substantially parallel permitting an accurate determination of asymmetry and thereby object rotation. Thus, for example, if the infant seat is placed on an angle as shown in FIG. 30, this condition can be determined and taken into account when the decision is made to disable the deployment of the airbag. The discussion above has partially centered on locating transducers and designing a system for determining whether the two target volumes, that adjacent the airbag and that adjacent the upper portion of the vehicle seat, are occupied. Other systems have been described in the above referenced patents using a sensor mounted on or adjacent the airbag module and a sensor mounted high in the vehicle to monitor the space near the vehicle seat. Such systems use the sensors as independent devices and do not use the combination of the two sensors to determine where the object is located. In fact, the location of such sensors is usually poorly chosen so that it is easy to blind either or both with a newspaper for those transducers using high frequency electromagnetic waves or ultrasonic waves, for example. Furthermore, no system is known to have been disclosed, except in patents and patent applications assigned to the current assignee, which uses more than two transducers especially such that one or more can be blocked without causing serious deterioration of the system. Again, the examples here have been for the purpose of suppressing the deployment of the airbag when it is necessary to prevent injury. The sensor system disclosed can be used for many other purposes such as disclosed in the above-mentioned patent applications assigned to the current assignee. The ability to use the sensors for these other applications is generally lacking in the systems disclosed in the other referenced patents. Considering once again the condition of these figures where two transducers are used, a plot can be made showing the reflection times of the objects which are located in the region of curve E and curve F of FIG. 36. This plot is shown on FIG. 35 where the c's represent reflections from rear facing child seats from various tests where the seats were placed in a variety of different positions and similarly the s's and h's represent shoulders and heads respectively of various forward facing human occupants. In these results from actual experiments using ultrasonic transducers, the effect of body thickness is present and yet the results still show that the basic principles of separation of key volumes are valid. Note that there is a region of separation between corridors that house the different object classes. It is this fact which is used in conjunction with neural networks, as described in the above referenced patents and patent applications, which permit the design of a system that provides an accurate discrimination of rear facing child seats from forward facing humans. Previously, before the techniques for locating the transducers to separate these two zones were discovered, the entire discrimination task was accomplished using neural networks. There was significant overlap between the reflections from the various objects and therefore separation was done based on patterns of the reflected waves. By using the technology described herein to carefully position and orient the transducers so as to create this region of separation of the critical surfaces, wherein all of the rear facing child seat data falls within a known corridor, the task remaining for the neural networks is substantially simplified with the result that the accuracy of identification is substantially improved. Three general classes of child seats exist as well as several models which are unique. First, there is the infant only seat as shown in FIG. 31 which is for occupants weighing up to about 20 pounds. This is designed to be only placed in the rear facing position. The second which is illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29 is for children from about 20 to about 40 pounds and can be used in both the forward and rear facing position and the third is for use only in the forward facing position and is for children weighing over about 40 pounds. All of these seats as well as the unique models are used in test setups according to this invention for adapting a system to a vehicle. For each child seat, there are several hundred unique orientations representing virtually every possible position of that seat within the vehicle. Tests are run for example, with the seat tilted 22 degrees, rotated 17 degrees, placed on the front of the seat with the seat back fully up with the seat fully back and with the window open as well as all variations of there parameters. A large number of cases are also run, when practicing the teachings of this invention, with various accessories, such as clothing, toys, bottles, blankets etc., added to the child seat. Similarly, wide variations are used for the occupants including size, clothing and activities such as reading maps or newspapers, leaning forward to adjust the radio, for example. Also included are cases where the occupant puts his/her feet on the dashboard or otherwise assumes a wide variety of unusual positions. When all of the above configurations are considered along with many others not mentioned, the total number of configurations which are used to train the pattern recognition system can exceed 500,000. The goal is to include in the configuration training set representations of all occupancy states that occur in actual use. Since the system is highly accurate in making the correct decision for cases which are similar to those in the training set, the total system accuracy increases as the size of the training set increases providing the cases are all distinct and not copies of other cases. In addition to all of the variations in occupancy states, it is important to consider environmental effects during the data collection. Thermal gradients or thermal instabilities are particularly important for systems based on ultrasound since sound waves can be significantly diffracted by density changes in air. There are two aspects of the use of thermal gradients or instability in training. First, the fact that thermal instabilities exist and therefore data with thermal instabilities present should be part of database. For this case, a rather small amount of data collected with thermal instabilities would be used. A much more important use of thermal instability comes from the fact that they add variability to data. Thus, considerably more data is taken with thermal instability and in fact, in some cases a substantial percentage of the database is taken with time varying thermal gradients in order to provide variability to the data so that the neural network does not memorize but instead generalizes from the data. This is accomplished by taking the data with a cold vehicle with the heater operating and with a hot vehicle with the air conditioner operating. Additional data is also taken with a heat lamp in a closed vehicle to simulate a stable thermal gradient caused by sun loading. To collect data for 500,000 vehicle configurations is not a formidable task. A trained technician crew can typically collect data on in excess on 2000 configurations or vectors per hour. The data is collected typically every 50 to 100 milliseconds. During this time, the occupant is continuously moving, assuming a continuously varying position and posture in the vehicle including moving from side to side, forward and back, twisting his/her head, reading newspapers and books, moving hands, arms, feet and legs, until the desired number of different seated state examples are obtained. In some cases, this process is practiced by confining the motion of an occupant into a particular zone. In some cases, for example, the occupant is trained to exercise these different seated state motions while remaining in a particular zone that may be the safe zone, the keep out zone, or an intermediate gray zone. In this manner, data is collected representing the airbag disable, depowered airbag enabled or full power airbag enabled states. In other cases, the actual position of the back of the head and/or the shoulders of the occupant are tracked using string pots, high frequency ultrasonic transducers, optically, by RF or other equivalent methods. In this manner, the position of the occupant can be measured and the decision as to whether this should be a disable or enable airbag case can be decided later. By continuously monitoring the occupant, an added advantage results in that the data can be collected to permit a comparison of the occupant from one seated state to another. This is particularly valuable in attempting to project the future location of an occupant based on a series of past locations as would be desirable for example to predict when an occupant would cross into the keep out zone during a panic braking situation prior to crash. It is important to note that it is not necessary to tailor the system for every vehicle produced but rather to tailor it for each platform. However, a neural network, and especially a combination neural network, can be designed with some adaptability to compensate for vehicle to vehicle differences within a platform such as mounting tolerances, or to changes made by the owner or due to aging. A platform is an automobile manufacturer's designation of a group of vehicle models that are built on the same vehicle structure. The methods above have been described in connection with the use of ultrasonic transducers. Many of the methods, however, are also applicable to optical, radar, capacitive, electric field and other sensing systems and where applicable, this invention is not limited to ultrasonic systems. In particular, an important feature of this invention is the proper placement of two or more separately located receivers such that the system still operates with high reliability if one of the receivers is blocked by some object such as a newspaper. This feature is also applicable to systems using electromagnetic radiation instead of ultrasonic, however the particular locations will differ based on the properties of the particular transducers. Optical sensors based on two-dimensional cameras or other image sensors, for example, are more appropriately placed on the sides of a rectangle surrounding the seat to be monitored rather than at the corners of such a rectangle as is the case with ultrasonic sensors. This is because ultrasonic sensors measure an axial distance from the sensor where the camera is most appropriate for measuring distances up and down and across its field view rather than distances to the object. With the use of electromagnetic radiation and the advances which have recently been made in the field of very low light level sensitivity, it is now possible, in some implementations, to eliminate the transmitters and use background light as the source of illumination along with using a technique such as auto-focusing or stereo vision to obtain the distance from the receiver to the object. Thus, only receivers would be required further reducing the complexity of the system. Although implicit in the above discussion, an important feature of this invention which should be emphasized is the method of developing a system having distributed transducer mountings. Other systems which have attempted to solve the rear facing child seat (RFCS) and out-of-position problems have relied on a single transducer mounting location or at most, two transducer mounting locations. Such systems can be easily blinded by a newspaper or by the hand of an occupant, for example, which is imposed between the occupant and the transducers. This problem is almost completely eliminated through the use of three or more transducers which are mounted so that they have distinctly different views of the passenger compartment volume of interest. If the system is adapted using four transducers as illustrated in the distributed system of FIG. 34, for example, the system suffers only a slight reduction in accuracy even if two of the transducers are covered so as to make them inoperable. However, the automobile manufacturers may not wish to pay the cost of several different mounting locations and an alternate is to mount the sensors high where blockage is difficult and to diagnose whether a blockage state exists. It is important in order to obtain the full advantages of the system when a transducer is blocked, that the training and independent databases contains many examples of blocked transducers. If the pattern recognition system, the neural network in this case, has not been trained on a substantial number of blocked transducer cases, it will not do a good job in recognizing such cases later. This is yet another instance where the makeup of the databases is crucial to the success of designing the system that will perform with high reliability in a vehicle and is an important aspect of the instant invention. When camera-based transducers are used, for example, an alternative strategy is to diagnose when a newspaper is blocking a camera, for example. In most cases, a short time blockage is of little consequence since earlier decisions provide the seat occupancy and the decision to enable deployment or suppress deployment of the occupant restraint will not change. For a prolonged blockage, the diagnostic system can provide a warning light indicating to the driver that the system is malfunctioning and the deployment decision is again either not changed or changed to the default decision, which is usually to enable deployment. Let us now consider some specific issues: 1. Blocked transducers. It is sometimes desirable to positively identify a blocked transducer and when such a situation is found to use a different neural network which has only been trained on the subset of unblocked transducers. Such a network, since it has been trained specifically on three transducers, for example, will generally perform more accurately than a network which has been trained on four transducers with one of the transducers blocked some of the time. Once a blocked transducer has been identified the occupant can be notified if the condition persists for more than a reasonable time. 2. Transducer Geometry. Another technique, which is frequently used in designing a system for a particular vehicle, is to use a neural network to determine the optimum mounting locations, aiming or orientation directions and field angles of transducers. For particularly difficult vehicles, it is sometimes desirable to mount a large number of ultrasonic transducers, for example, and then use the neural network to eliminate those transducers which are least significant. This is similar to the technique described above where all kinds of transducers are combined initially and later pruned. 3. Data quantity. Since it is very easy to take large amounts data and yet large databases require considerably longer training time for a neural network, a test of the variability of the database can be made using a neural network. If, for example, after removing half of the data in the database, the performance of a trained neural network against the validation database does not decrease, then the system designer suspects that the training database contains a large amount of redundant data. Techniques such as similarity analysis can then be used to remove data that is virtually indistinguishable from other data. Since it is important to have a varied database, it is undesirable generally to have duplicate or essentially duplicate vectors in the database since the presence of such vectors can bias the system and drive the system more toward memorization and away from generalization. 4. Environmental factors. An evaluation can be made of the beneficial effects of using varying environmental influences, such as temperature or lighting, during data collection on the accuracy of the system using neural networks along with a technique such as design of experiments. 5. Database makeup. It is generally believed that the training database must be flat, meaning that all of the occupancy states that the neural network must recognize must be approximately equally represented in the training database. Typically, the independent database has approximately the same makeup as the training database. The validation database, on the other hand, typically is represented in a non-flat basis with representative cases from real world experience. Since there is no need for the validation database to be flat, it can include many of the extreme cases as well as being highly biased towards the most common cases. This is the theory that is currently being used to determine the makeup of the various databases. The success of this theory continues to be challenged by the addition of new cases to the validation database. When significant failures are discovered in the validation database, the training and independent databases are modified in an attempt to remove the failure. 6. Biasing. All seated state occupancy states are not equally important. The final system must be nearly 100% accurate for forward facing “in-position” humans, i.e., normally positioned humans. Since that will comprise the majority of the real world situations, even a small loss in accuracy here will cause the airbag to be disabled in a situation where it otherwise would be available to protect an occupant. A small decrease in accuracy will thus result in a large increase in deaths and injuries. On the other hand, there are no serious consequences if the airbag is deployed occasionally when the seat is empty. Various techniques are used to bias the data in the database to take this into account. One technique is to give a much higher value to the presence of a forward facing human during the supervised learning process than to an empty seat. Another technique is to include more data for forward facing humans than for empty seats. This, however, can be dangerous as an unbalanced network leads to a loss of generality. 7. Screening. It is important that the loop be closed on data acquisition. That is, the data must be checked at the time the data is acquired to the sure that it is good data. Bad data can happen, for example, because of electrical disturbances on the power line, sources of ultrasound such as nearby welding equipment, or due to human error. If the data remains in the training database, for example, then it will degrade the performance of the network. Several methods exist for eliminating bad data. The most successful method is to take an initial quantity of data, such as 30,000 to 50,000 vectors, and create an interim network. This is normally done anyway as an initial check on the system capabilities prior to engaging in an extensive data collection process. The network can be trained on this data and, as the real training data is acquired, the data can be tested against the neural network created on the initial data set. Any vectors that fail are examined for reasonableness. 8. Vector normalization method. Through extensive research, it has been found that the vector should be normalized based on all of the data in the vector, that is have all its data values range from 0 to 1. For particular cases, however, it has been found desirable to apply the normalization process selectively, eliminating or treating differently the data at the early part of the data from each transducer. This is especially the case when there is significant ringing on the transducer or cross talk when a separate send and receive transducer is used. There are times when other vector normalization techniques are required and the neural network system can be used to determine the best vector normalization technique for a particular application. 9. Feature extraction. The success of a neural network system can frequently be aided if additional data is inputted into the network. One example can be the number of 0 data points before the first peak is experienced. Alternately, the exact distance to the first peak can be determined prior to the sampling of the data. Other features can include the number of peaks, the distance between the peaks, the width of the largest peak, the normalization factor, the vector mean or standard deviation, etc. These normalization techniques are frequently used at the end of the adaptation process to slightly increase the accuracy of the system. 10. Noise. It has been frequently reported in the literature that adding noise to the data that is provided to a neural network can improve the neural network accuracy by leading to better generalization and away from memorization. However, the training of the network in the presence of thermal gradients has been shown to substantially eliminate the need to artificially add noise to the data Nevertheless, in some cases, improvements have been observed when random arbitrary noise of a rather low level is superimposed on the training data. 11. Photographic recording of the setup. After all of the data has been collected and used to train a neural network, it is common to find a significant number of vectors which, when analyzed by the neural network, give a weak or wrong decision. These vectors must be carefully studied especially in comparison with adjacent vectors to see if there is an identifiable cause for the weak or wrong decision. Perhaps the occupant was on the borderline of the keep out zone and strayed into the keep out zone during a particular data collection event. For this reason, it is desirable to photograph each setup simultaneous with the collection of the data. This can be done using one or more cameras mounted in positions where they can have a good view of the seat occupancy. Sometimes several cameras are necessary to minimize the effects of blockage by a newspaper, for example. Having the photographic record of the data setup is also useful when similar results are obtained when the vehicle is subjected to road testing. During road testing, one or more cameras should also be present and the test engineer is required to initiate data collection whenever the system does not provide the correct response. The vector and the photograph of this real world test can later be compared to similar setups in the laboratory to see whether there is data that was missed in deriving the matrix of vehicle setups for training the vehicle. 12. Automation. When collecting data in the vehicle it is desirable to automate the motion of the vehicle seat, seatback, windows, visors etc. in this manner the positions of these items can be controlled and distributed as desired by the system designer. This minimizes the possibility of taking too much data at one configuration and thereby unbalancing the network. 13. Automatic setup parameter recording. To achieve an accurate data set, the key parameters of the setup should be recorded automatically. These include the temperatures at various positions inside the vehicle, the position of the vehicle seat, and seatback, the position of the headrest, visor and windows and, where possible, the position of the vehicle occupants. The automatic recordation of these parameters minimizes the effects of human errors. 14. Laser Pointers. During the initial data collection with full horns mounted on the surface of the passenger compartment, care must the exercised so that the transducers are not accidentally moved during the data collection process. In order to check for this possibility, a small laser diode is incorporated into each transducer holder. The laser is aimed so that it illuminates some other surface of the passenger compartment at a known location. Prior to each data taking session, each of the transducer aiming points is checked. 15. Multi-frequency transducer placement When data is collected for dynamic out-of-position, each of the ultrasonic transducers must operate at a different frequency so that all transducers can transmit simultaneously. By this method, data can be collected every 10 milliseconds, which is sufficiently fast to approximately track the motion of an occupant during pre-crash braking prior to an impact. A problem arises in the spacing of the frequencies between the different transducers. If the spacing is too close, it becomes very difficult to separate the signals from different transducers and it also affects the sampling rate of the transducer data and thus the resolution of the transducers. If an ultrasonic transducer operates at a frequency much below about 35 kHz, it can be sensed by dogs and other animals. If the transducer operates at a frequency much above 70 kHz, it is very difficult to make the open type of ultrasonic transducer, which produces the highest sound pressure. If the multiple frequency system is used for both the driver and passenger-side, as many as eight separate frequencies are required. In order to find eight frequencies between 35 and 70 kHz, a frequency spacing of 5 kHz is required. In order to use conventional electronic filters and to provide sufficient spacing to permit the desired resolution at the keep out zone border, a 10 kHz spacing is desired. These incompatible requirements can be solved through a careful, judicious placement of the transducers such that transducers that are within 5 kHz of each other are placed such that there is no direct path between the transducers and any indirect path is sufficiently long so that it can be filtered temporally. An example of such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 36. For this example, the transducers operate at the following frequencies A 65 kHz, B 55 kHz, C 35 kHz, D 45 kHz, E 50 kHz, F 40 kHz, G 60 kHz, H 70 kHz. Actually, other arrangements adhering to the principle described above would also work. 16. Use of a PC in data collection. When collecting data for the training, independent, and validation databases, it is frequently desirable to test the data using various screening techniques and to display the data on a monitor. Thus, during data collection the process is usually monitored using a desktop PC for data taken in the laboratory and a laptop PC for data taken on the road. 17. Use of referencing markers and gages. In addition to and sometimes as a substitution for, the automatic recording of the positions of the seats, seatbacks, windows etc. as described above, a variety of visual markings and gages are frequently used. This includes markings to show the angular position of the seatback, the location of the seat on the seat track, the degree of openness of the window, etc. Also in those cases where automatic tracking of the occupant is not implemented, visual markings are placed such that a technician can observe that the test occupant remains within the required zone for the particular data taking exercise. Sometimes, a laser diode is used to create a visual line in the space that represents the boundary of the keep out zone or other desired zone boundary. 18. Subtracting out data that represents reflections from known seat parts or other vehicle components. This is particularly useful if the seat track and seatback recline positions are known. 19. Improved identification and tracking can sometimes be obtained if the object can be centered or otherwise located in a particular part of the neural network in a manner similar to the way the human eye centers an object to be examined in the center of its field of view. 20. Continuous tracking of the object in place of a zone-based system also improves the operation of the pattern recognition system since discontinuities are frequently difficult for the pattern recognition system such as a neural network to handle. In this case, the location of the occupant relative to the airbag cover, for example, would be determined and then a calculation as to what zone the object is located in can be determined and the airbag deployment decision made (suppression, depowered, delayed, deployment). This also permits a different suppression zone to be used for different sized occupants further improving the matching of the airbag deployment to the occupant. It is important to realize that the adaptation process described herein applies to any combination of transducers that provide information about the vehicle occupancy. These include weight sensors, capacitive sensors, electric field sensors, inductive sensors, moisture sensors, chemical sensors, ultrasonic, optic, infrared, radar among others. The adaptation process begins with a selection of candidate transducers for a particular vehicle model. This selection is based on such considerations as cost, alternate uses of the system other than occupant sensing, vehicle interior passenger compartment geometry, desired accuracy and reliability, vehicle aesthetics, vehicle manufacturer preferences, and others. Once a candidate set of transducers has been chosen, these transducers are mounted in the test vehicle according to the teachings of this invention. The vehicle is then subjected to an extensive data collection process wherein various objects are placed in the vehicle at various locations as described below and an initial data set is collected. A pattern recognition system is then developed using the acquired data and an accuracy assessment is made. Further studies are made to determine which, if any, of the transducers can be eliminated from the design. In general, the design process begins with a surplus of sensors plus an objective as to how many sensors are to be in the final vehicle installation. The adaptation process can determine which of the transducers are most important and which are least important and the least important transducers can be eliminated to reduce system cost and complexity. The process for adapting an ultrasonic system to a vehicle will now be described. A more detailed list of steps is provided in Appendix 2. Although the pure ultrasonic system is described here, a similar or analogous set of steps applies when other technologies such as weight and optical (scanning or imager) or other electromagnetic wave or electric field systems such as capacitance and field monitoring systems are used. This description is thus provided to be exemplary and not limiting: 1. Select transducer, horn and grill designs to fit the vehicle. At this stage, usually full horns are used which are mounted so that they project into the passenger compartment. No attempt is made at this time to achieve an esthetic matching of the transducers to the vehicle surfaces. An estimate of the desired transducer fields is made at this time either from measurements in the vehicle directly or from CAD drawings. 2. Make polar plots of the transducer sonic fields. Transducers and candidate horns and grills are assembled and tested to confum that the desired field angles have been achieved. This frequently requires some adjustment of the transducers in the horn and of the grill. A properly designed grill for ultrasonic systems can perform a similar function as a lens for optical systems. 3. Check to see that the fields cover the required volumes of the vehicle passenger compartment and do not impinge on adjacent flat surfaces that may cause multipath effects. Redesign horns and grills if necessary. 4. Install transducers into vehicle. 5. Map transducer fields in the vehicle and check for multipath effects and proper coverage. 6. Adjust transducer aim and re-map fields if necessary. 7. Install daily calibration fixture and take standard setup data. 8. Acquire 50,000 to 100,000 vectors 9. Adjust vectors for volume considerations by removing some initial data points if cross talk or ringing is present and some final points to keep data in the desired passenger compartment volume. 10. Normalize vectors. 11. Run neural network algorithm generating software to create algorithm for vehicle installation. 12. Check the accuracy of the algorithm. If not sufficiently accurate collect more data where necessary and retrain. If still not sufficiently accurate, add additional transducers to cover holes. 13. When sufficient accuracy is attained, proceed to collect ˜500,000 training vectors varying: Occupancy (see Appendices 1 and 3): Occupant size, position (zones), clothing etc Child seat type, size, position etc. Empty seat Vehicle configuration: Seat position Window position Visor and armrest position Presence of other occupants in adjoining seat or rear seat Temperature Temperature gradient—stable Temperature turbulence—heater and air conditioner Wind turbulence—High speed travel with windows open, top down etc 14. Collect ˜100,000 vectors of Independent data using other combinations of the above 15. Collect ˜50,000 vectors of “real world data” to represent the acceptance criteria and more closely represent the actual seated state probabilities in the real world. 16. Train network and create an algorithm using the training vectors and the Independent data vectors. 17. Validate the algorithm using the real world vectors. 18. Install algorithm into the vehicle and test. 19. Decide on post processing methodology to remove final holes (areas of inaccuracy) in system 20. Implement post-processing methods into the algorithm 21. Final test. The process up until step 13 involves the use of transducers with full horns mounted on the surfaces of the interior passenger compartment. At some point, the actual transducers which are to be used in the final vehicle must be substituted for the trial transducers. This is either done prior to step 13 or at this step. This process involves designing transducer holders that blend with the visual surfaces of the passenger compartment so that they can be covered with a properly designed grill that helps control the field and also serves to retain the esthetic quality of the interior. This is usually a lengthy process and involves several consultations with the customer. Usually, therefore, the steps from 13 through 20 are repeated at this point after the final transducer and holder design has been selected. The initial data taken with full horns gives a measure of the best system that can be made to operate in the vehicle. Some degradation in performance is expected when the aesthetic horns and grills are substituted for the full horns. By conducting two complete data collection cycles, an accurate measure of this accuracy reduction can be obtained. 22. Up until this point, the best single neural network algorithm has been developed. The final step is to implement the principles of a combination neural network in order to remove some remaining error sources such as bad data and to further improve the accuracy of the system. It has been found that the implementation of combination neural networks can reduce the remaining errors by up to 50 percent. A combination neural network CAD optimization program provided by International Scientific Research Inc. can now be used to derive the neural network architecture. Briefly, the operator lays out a combination neural network involving many different neural networks arranged in parallel and in series and with appropriate feedbacks which the operator believes could be important. The software then optimizes each neural network and also provides an indication of the value of the network. The operator can then selectively eliminate those networks with little or no value and retrain the system. Through this combination of pruning, retraining and optimizing the final candidate combination neural network results. 23. Ship to customers to be used in production vehicles. 24. Collect additional real world validation data for continuous improvement. More detail on the operation of the transducers and control circuitry as well as the neural network is provided in the above referenced patents and patent applications and is incorporated herein as if the entire text of the same were reproduced here. One particular example of a successful neural network for the two transducer case had 78 input nodes, 6 hidden nodes and one output node and for the four transducer case had 176 input nodes 20 hidden layer nodes on hidden layer one, 7 hidden layer nodes on hidden layer 2 and one output node. The weights of the network were determined by supervised training using the back propagation method as described in the above referenced patents and patent applications and in more detail in the references cited therein. Naturally other neural network architectures are possible including RCE, Logicon Projection, Stochastic, cellular, or support vector machine, etc. An example of a combination neural network system is shown in FIG. 37. Any of the network architectures mention here can be used for any of the boxes in FIG. 37. Finally, the system is trained and tested with situations representative of the manufacturing and installation tolerances that occur during the production and delivery of the vehicle as well as usage and deterioration effects. Thus, for example, the system is tested with the transducer mounting positions shifted by up to one inch in any direction and rotated by up to 5 degrees, with a simulated accumulation of dirt and other variations. This tolerance to vehicle variation also sometimes permits the installation of the system onto a different but similar model vehicle with, in many cases, only minimal retraining of the system. 3. Mounting Locations for and Quantity of Transducers Ultrasonic transducers are relatively good at measuring the distance along a radius to a reflective object. An optical array, to be discussed now, on the other hand, can get accurate measurements in two dimensions, the lateral and vertical dimensions relative to the transducer. Assuming the optical array has dimensions of 100 by 100 as compared to an ultrasonic sensor that has a single dimension of 100, an optical array can therefore provide 100 times more information than the ultrasonic sensor. Most importantly, this vastly greater amount of information does not cost significantly more to obtain than the information from the ultrasonic sensor. As illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D, the optical sensors are typically located at the positions where the desired information is available with the greatest resolution. These positions are typically in the center front and center rear of the occupancy seat and at the center on each side and top. This is in contrast to the optimum location for ultrasonic sensors, which are the corners of such a rectangle that outlines the seated volume. Naturally, styling and other constraints often prevent mounting of transducers at the optimum locations. An optical infrared transmitter and receiver assembly is shown generally at 52 in FIG. 8B and is mounted onto the instrument panel facing the windshield. Assembly 52 can either be recessed below the upper face of the instrument panel or mounted onto the upper face of the instrument panel. Assembly 52, shown enlarged, comprises a source of infrared radiation, or another form of electromagnetic radiation, and a CCD, CMOS or other appropriate arrays of typically 160 pixels by 160 pixels. In this embodiment, the windshield is used to reflect the illumination light provided by the infrared radiation toward the objects in the passenger compartment and also reflect the light being reflected back by the objects in the passenger compartment, in a manner similar to the “heads-up” display which is now being offered on several automobile models. The “heads-up” display, of course, is currently used only to display information to the driver and is not used to reflect light from the driver to a receiver. Once again, unless one of the distance measuring systems as described below is used, this system alone cannot be used to determine distances from the objects to the sensor. Its main purpose is object identification and monitoring. Depending on the application, separate systems can be used for the driver and for the passenger. In some cases, the cameras located in the instrument panel which receive light reflected off of the windshield can be co-located with multiple lenses whereby the respective lenses aimed at the driver and passenger seats respectively. Assembly 52 is actually about two centimeters or less in diameter and is shown greatly enlarged in FIG. 8B. Also, the reflection area on the windshield is considerably smaller than illustrated and special provisions are made to assure that this area of the windshield is flat and reflective as is done generally when heads-up displays are used. For cases where there is some curvature in the windshield, it can be at least partially compensated for by the CCD optics. Transducers 23-25 are illustrated mounted onto the A-pillar of the vehicle, however, since these transducers are quite small, typically less than 2 cm on a side, they could alternately be mounted onto the windshield itself, or other convenient location which provides a clear view of the portion of the passenger compartment being monitored. Other preferred mounting locations include the headliner above and also the side of the seat. Some imagers are now being made that are less than 1 cm on a side. FIG. 38 is a side view, with certain portions removed or cut away, of a portion of the passenger compartment of a vehicle showing preferred mounting locations of optical interior vehicle monitoring sensors (transmitter/receiver assemblies or transducers) 49,50,51,54,126, 127, 128, 129, and 130. Each of these sensors is illustrated as having a lens and is shown enlarged in size for clarity. In a typical actual device, the diameter of the lens is less than 2 cm and it protrudes from the mounting surface by less than 1 cm. Specially designed sensors can be considerably smaller. This small size renders these devices almost unnoticeable by vehicle occupants. Since these sensors are optical, it is important that the lens surface remains relatively clean. Control circuitry 132, which is coupled to each transducer, contains a self-diagnostic feature where the image returned by a transducer is compared with a stored image and the existence of certain key features is verified. If a receiver fails this test, a warning is displayed to the driver which indicates that cleaning of the lens surface is required. The technology illustrated in FIG. 38 can be used for numerous purposes relating to monitoring of the space in the passenger compartment behind the driver including: (i) the determination of the presence and position of objects in the rear seat(s), (ii) the determination of the presence, position and orientation of child seats 2 in the rear seat, (iii) the monitoring of the rear of an occupant's head 33, (iv) the monitoring of the position of occupant 30, (v) the monitoring of the position of the occupant's knees 35, (vi) the monitoring of the occupant's position relative to the airbag 44, (vii) the measurement of the occupant's height, as well as other monitoring functions as described elsewhere herein. Information relating to the space behind the driver can be obtained by processing the data obtained by the sensors 126,126,128 and 129, which data would be in the form of images if optical sensors are used as in the preferred embodiment. Such information can be the presence of a particular occupying item or occupant, e.g., a rear facing child seat 2 as shown in FIG. 38, as well as the location or position of occupying items. Additional information obtained by the optical sensors can include an identification of the occupying item. The information obtained by the control circuitry by processing the information from sensors 126,126,128 and 129 may be used to affect any other system or component in the vehicle in a similar manner as the information from the sensors which monitor the front seat is used as described herein, such as the airbag system. Processing of the images obtained by the sensors to determine the presence, position and/or identification of any occupants or occupying item can be effected using a pattern recognition algorithm in any of the ways discussed herein, e.g., a trained neural network. For example, such processing can result in affecting a component or system in the front seat such as a display that allows the operator to monitor what is happening in the rear seat without having to turn his or her head. In the preferred implementation, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8E, four transducer assemblies are positioned around the seat to be monitored, each can comprise an LED with a diverging lens and a CMOS array. Although illustrated together, the illuminating source in many cases will not be co-located with the receiving array. The LED emits a controlled angle, 120° for example, diverging cone of infrared radiation that illuminates the occupant from both sides and from the front and rear. This angle is not to be confused with the field angle used in ultrasonic systems. With ultrasound, extreme care is required to control the field of the ultrasonic waves so that they will not create multipath effects and add noise to the system. With infrared, there is no reason, in the implementation now being described, other than to make the most efficient use of the infrared energy, why the entire vehicle cannot be flooded with infrared energy either from many small sources or from a few bright ones. The image from each array is used to capture two dimensions of occupant position information, thus, the array of assembly 50 positioned on the windshield header, which is approximately 25% of the way laterally across the headliner in front of the driver, provides a both vertical and transverse information on the location of the driver. A similar view from the rear is obtained from the array of assembly 54 positioned behind the driver on the roof of the vehicle and above the seatback potion of the seat 72. As such, assembly 54 also provides both vertical and transverse information on the location of the driver. Finally, arrays of assemblies 51 and 49 provide both vertical and longitudinal driver location information. Another preferred location is the headliner centered directly above the seat of interest The position of the assemblies 49-52, and 54 may differ from that shown in the drawings. In the invention, in order that the information from two or more of the assemblies 49-52, and 54 may provide a three-dimensional image of the occupant, or portion of the passenger compartment, the assemblies generally should not be arranged side-by-side. A side-by-side arrangement as used in several prior art references discussed above, will provide two essentially identical views with the difference being a lateral shift. This does not enable a complete three-dimensional view of the occupant. One important point concerns the location and number of optical assemblies. It is possible to use fewer than four such assemblies with a possible resulting loss in accuracy. The number of four was chosen so that either a forward or rear assembly or either of the side assemblies can be blocked by a newspaper, for example, without seriously degrading the performance of the system. Since drivers rarely are reading newspapers while driving, fewer than four arrays are usually adequate for the driver side. In fact, one is frequently sufficient. One camera is also usually sufficient for the passenger side if the goal of the system is classification only or if camera blockage is tolerated for occupant tracking. The particular locations of the optical assemblies were chosen to give the most accurate information as to the locations of the occupant. This is based on an understanding of what information can be best obtained from a visual image. There is a natural tendency on the part of humans to try to gauge distance from the optical sensors directly. This, as can be seen above, is at best complicated involving focusing systems, stereographic systems, multiple arrays and triangulation, time of flight measurement, etc. What is not intuitive to humans is to not try to obtain this distance directly from apparatus or techniques associated with the mounting location. Whereas ultrasound is quite good for measuring distances from the transducer (the z-axis), optical systems are better at measuring distances in the vertical and lateral directions (the x and y-axes). Since the precise locations of the optical transducers are known, that is, the geometry of the transducer locations is known relative to the vehicle, there is no need to try to determine the displacement of an object of interest from the transducer (the z-axis) directly. This can more easily done indirectly by another transducer. That is, the vehicle z-axis to one transducer is the camera x-axis to another. Another preferred location of a transmitter/receiver for use with airbags is shown at 54 in FIG. 5. In this case, the device is attached to the steering wheel and gives an accurate determination of the distance of the driver's chest from the airbag module. This implementation would generally be used with another device such as 50 at another location. A transmitter/receiver 54 shown mounted on the cover of the airbag module 44 is shown in FIG. 13. The transmitter/receiver 54 is attached to various electronic circuitry, not shown, by means of wire cable 48. When an airbag 44 deploys, the cover begins moving toward the driver. If the driver is in close proximity to this cover during the early stages of deployment, the driver can be seriously injured or even killed. It is important, therefore, to sense the proximity of the driver to the cover and if he or she gets too close, to disable deployment of the airbag 44. An accurate method of obtaining this information would be to place the distance-measuring device 54 onto the airbag cover as shown in FIG. 13. Appropriate electronic circuitry can be used to not only determine the actual distance of the driver from the cover but also his velocity as discussed above. In this manner, a determination can be made as to where the driver is likely to be at the time of deployment of the airbag 44. This information can be used most importantly to prevent deployment but also to modify the rate of airbag deployment. In FIG. 5, for one implementation, ultrasonic waves are transmitted by a transmitter/receiver 54 toward the chest of the driver 30. The reflected waves are then received by the same transmitter/receiver 54. One problem of the system using a sensor 54 in FIG. 5 or sensor 54 as shown in FIG. 13 is that a driver may have inadvertently placed his hand over the transmitter/receiver 54, thus defeating the operation of the device. A second confirming transmitter/receiver 50 is therefore placed at some other convenient position such as on the roof or headliner of the passenger compartment as shown in FIG. 5. This transmitter/receiver operates in a manner similar to 54. The applications described herein have been illustrated using the driver of the vehicle. Naturally the same systems of determining the position of the occupant relative to the airbag apply to the passenger, sometimes requiring minor modifications. It is likely that the sensor required triggering time based on the position of the occupant will be different for the driver than for the passenger. Current systems are based primarily on the driver with the result that the probability of injury to the passenger is necessarily increased either by deploying the airbag too late or by failing to deploy the airbag when the position of the driver would not warrant it but the passenger's position would. With the use of occupant position sensors for both the passenger and driver, the airbag system can be individually optimized for each occupant and result in further significant injury reduction. In particular, either the driver or passenger system can be disabled if either the driver or passenger is out of position. There is almost always a driver present in vehicles that are involved in accidents where an airbag is needed. Only about 30% of these vehicles, however, have a passenger. If the passenger is not present, there is usually no need to deploy the passenger side airbag. The occupant position sensor, when used for the passenger side with proper pattern recognition circuitry, can also ascertain whether or not the seat is occupied, and if not can disable the deployment of the passenger side airbag and thereby save the cost of its replacement. A sophisticated pattern recognition system could even distinguish between an occupant and a bag of groceries, for example. Finally, there has been much written about the out of position child who is standing or otherwise positioned adjacent to the airbag, perhaps due to pre-crash braking. Naturally, the occupant position sensor described herein can prevent the deployment of the airbag in this situation. 3.1 Single Camera, Dual Camera with Single Light Source Many automobile companies are opting to satisfy the requirements of FMVSS-208 by using a weight only system such as the bladder or strain gage systems disclosed here. Such a system provides an elementary measure of the weight of the occupying object but does not give a reliable indication of its position. It can also be easily confused by any object that weighs 60 or more pounds and that is interpreted as an adult. Weight only systems are also static systems in that due to vehicle dynamics that frequently accompany a pre crash braking event they are unable to track the position of the occupant. The load from seatbelts can confuse the system and therefore a special additional sensor must be used to measure seatbelt tension. In some systems, the device must be calibrated for each vehicle and there is some concern as to whether this calibration will be proper for the life on the vehicle. A single camera can frequently provide considerably more information than a weight only system without the disadvantages of weight sensors and do so at a similar cost. Such a single camera in its simplest installation can categorize the occupancy state of the vehicle and determine whether the airbag should be suppressed due to an empty seat or the presence of a child of a size that corresponds to one weighing less than 60 pounds. Of course a single camera can also easily do considerably more by providing a static out-of-position indication and, with the incorporation of a faster processor, dynamic out-of-position determination can also be provided. Thus, especially with the costs of microprocessors continuing to drop, a single camera system can easily provide considerably more functionality as a weight only system and yet stay in the same price range. A principal drawback of a single camera system is that it can be blocked by the hand of an occupant or by a newspaper, for example. This is a rare event since the preferred mounting location for the camera is typically high in the vehicle such as on the headliner. Also, it is considerably less likely that the occupant will always be reading a newspaper, for example, and if he or she is not reading it when the system is first started up, or at any other time during the trip, the camera system will still get an opportunity to see the occupant when he or she is not being blocked and make the proper categorization. The ability of the system to track the occupant will be impaired but the system can assume that the occupant has not moved toward the airbag while reading the newspaper and thus the initial position of the occupant can be retained and used for suppression determination. Finally, the fact that the camera is blocked can be determined and the driver made aware of this fact in much the same manner that a seatbelt light notifies the driver that the passenger is not wearing his or her seatbelt. The accuracy of a single camera system can be above 99% which significantly exceeds the accuracy of weight only systems. Nevertheless, some automobile manufacturers desire even greater accuracy and therefore opt for the addition of a second camera. Such a camera is usually placed on the opposite side of the occupant as the first camera. The first camera may be placed on or near the dome light, for example, and the second camera can be on the headliner above the side door. A dual camera system such as this can operate more accurately in bright daylight situations where the window area needs to be ignored in the view of the camera that is mounted near the dome. Sometimes, in a dual camera system, only a single light source is used. This provides a known shadow pattern for the second camera and helps to accentuate the edges of the occupying item rendering classification easier. Any of the forms of structured light can also be used and through these and other techniques the corresponding points in the two images can more easily be determined thus providing a three dimensional model of the occupant. As a result, the current assignee has developed a low cost single camera system. The occupant position sensor system uses a CMOS camera in conjunction with pattern recognition algorithms for the discrimination of out-of-position occupants and rear facing child safety seats. A single imager, located strategically within the occupant compartment, is coupled with an infrared LED that emits unfocused, wide-beam pulses toward the passenger volume. These pulses, which reflect off of objects in the passenger seat and are captured by the camera, contain information for classification and location determination in approximately 10 msec. The decision algorithm processes the returned information using a uniquely trained neural network. The logic of the neural network was developed through extensive in-vehicle training with thousands of realistic occupant size and position scenarios. Although the optical occupant position sensor can be used in conjunction with other technologies, (such as weight sensing, seat belt sensing, crash severity sensing, etc.) it is a stand-alone system meeting the requirements of FMVSS-208. This device will be discussed in detail below. 3.2 Location of the Transducers Any of the transducers discussed herein such as an active pixel or other camera can be arranged in various locations in the vehicle including in a headliner, roof, ceiling, rear view mirror, an A-pillar, a B-pillar and a C-pillar. Images of the front seat area or the rear seat area can be obtained by proper placement and orientation of the transducers such as cameras. The rear view mirror can be a good location for a camera particularly if it is attached to the portion of the mirror support that does not move when the occupant is adjusting the mirror. Cameras at this location can get a good view of the driver, passenger as well as the environment surrounding the vehicle and particularly in the front of the vehicle. It is an ideal location for automatic dimming headlight cameras. 3.3 Color Cameras—Multispectral Imaging All occupant sensing systems developed to date as reported in the patent and non-patent literature have been based on a single frequency. As discussed herein, the use of multiple frequencies with ultrasound makes it possible to change a static system into a dynamic system allowing the occupant to be tracked during pre crash braking, for example. Mutlispectral imaging can also provide advantages for camera or other optical based systems. The color of the skin or an occupant is a reliable measure of the presence of an occupant and also renders the segmentation of the image to be more easily accomplished. Thus the face can be more easily separated from the rest of the image simplifying the determination of the location of the eyes of the driver, for example. This is particularly true for various frequencies of passive and active infrared. Also, as discussed in more detail below, life forms react to radiation of different frequencies differently than non life forms again making the determination of the presence of a life form easier. Finally, there is just considerably more information in a color or multispectral image than in a monochromic image. This additional information improves the accuracy of the identification and tracking process and thus of the system. In many cases this accuracy improvement is so small that the added cost is not justified but as costs of electronics and cameras continue to drop this equation is changing and it is expected that multispectral imaging will prevail. For nighttime illumination is frequently done using infrared. When multispectral imaging is used the designer has the choice of reverting to IR only for night time or using a multispectral LED and a very sensitive camera so that the flickering light does not annoy the driver. Alternately, a sensitive camera along with a continuous low lever of illumination can be used. 3.4 High Dynamic Range Cameras An active pixel camera is a special camera which has the ability to adjust the sensitivity of each pixel of the camera similar to the manner in which an iris adjusts the sensitivity of a camera. Thus, the active pixel camera automatically adjusts to the incident light on a pixel-by-pixel basis. An active pixel camera differs from an active infrared sensor in that an active infrared sensor, such as of the type envisioned by Mattes et al. (discussed above), is generally a single pixel sensor that measures the reflection of infrared light from an object. In some cases, as in the HDRC camera, the output of each pixel is a logarithm of the incident light thus giving a high dynamic range to the camera. This is similar to the technique used to suppress the effects of thermal gradient distortion of ultrasonic signals as described in the above cross-referenced patents. Thus if the incident radiation changes in magnitude by 1,000,000, for example, the output of the pixel may change by a factor of only 6. A dynamic pixel camera is a camera having a plurality of pixels and which provides the ability to pick and choose which pixels should be observed, as long as they are contiguous. An HDRC camera is a type of active pixel camera where the dynamic range of each pixel is considerably broader. An active pixel camera manufactured by the Photobit Corporation has a dynamic range of 70 db while an IMS Chips camera, an HDRC camera manufactured by another manufacturer, has a dynamic range of 120 db. Thus, the HDRC camera has a 100,000 times greater range of light sensitivity than the Photobit camera. The accuracy of the optical occupant sensor is dependent upon the accuracy of the camera. The dynamic range of light within a vehicle can exceed 120 decibels. When a car is driving at night, for example, very little light is available whereas when driving in a bright sunlight, especially in a convertible, the light intensity can overwhelm many cameras. Additionally, the camera must be able to adjust rapidly to changes in light caused by, for example, the emergence of the vehicle from tunnel, or passing by other obstructions such as trees, buildings, other vehicles, etc. which temporarily block the sun and cause a strobing effect at frequencies approaching 1 kHz. Recently, improvements have been made to CMOS cameras that have significantly increased their dynamic range. New logarithmic high dynamic range technology such as developed by IMS Chips of Stuttgart, Germany, is now available in HDRC (High Dynamic Range CMOS) cameras. This technology provides a 120 dB dynamic intensity response at each pixel in a mono chromatic thode. The technology has a 1 million to one dynamic range at each pixel. This prevents blooming, saturation and flaring normally associated with CMOS and CCD camera technology. This solves a problem that will be encountered in an automobile when going from a dark tunnel into bright sunlight. Such a range would even exceed the 120 dB intensity. There is also significant infrared radiation from bright sunlight and from incandescent lights within the vehicle. Such situations may even exceed the dynamic range of the HDRC camera and additional filtering may be required. Changing the bias on the receiver array, the use of a mechanical iris, or of electrochromic glass or liquid crystal can provide this filtering on a global basis but not at a pixel level. Filtering can also be used with CCD arrays, but the amount of filtering required is substantially greater than for the HDRC camera. A notch filter can be used to block significant radiation from the sun, for example. This notch filter can be made as a part of the lens through the placement of various coatings onto the lens surface. Liquid crystals operate rapidly and give as much as a dynamic range of 10,000 to 1 but may create a pixel interference affect. Electrochromic glass operates more slowly but more uniformly thereby eliminating the pixel affect. The pixel effect arises whenever there is one pixel device in front of another. This results in various aliasing, Moire patterns and other ambiguities. One way of avoiding this is to blur the image. Another solution is to use a large number of pixels and combine groups of pixels to form one pixel of information and thereby to blur the edges to eliminate some of the problems with aliasing and Moire patterns. (add SPD) One straightforward approach is the use of a mechanical iris. Standard cameras already have response times of several tens of milliseconds range. They will switch, for example, in a few frames on a typical video camera (1 frame=0.033 seconds). This is sufficiently fast for categorization but much too slow for dynamic out-of-position tracking. An important feature of the IMS Chips HDRC camera is that the full dynamic range is available at each pixel. Thus, if there are significant variations in the intensity of light within the vehicle, and thereby from pixel to pixel, such as would happen when sunlight streams and through a window, the camera can automatically adjust and provide the optimum exposure on a pixel by pixel basis. The use of the camera having this characteristic is beneficial to the invention described herein and contributes significantly to system accuracy. CCDs have a rather limited dynamic range due to their inherent linear response and consequently cannot come close to matching the performance of human eyes. A key advantage of the IMS Chips HDRC camera is its logarithmic response which comes closest to matching that of the human eye. Another approach, which is applicable in some vehicles, is to record an image without the infrared illumination and then a second image with the infrared illumination and to then subtract the first image from the second image. In this manner, illumination caused by natural sources such as sunlight or even from light bulbs within the vehicle can be subtracted out. Naturally, using the logarithmic pixel system of the IMS Chips camera care must be taken to include the logarithmic effect during the subtraction process. For some cases, natural illumination such as from the sun, light bulbs within the vehicle, or radiation emitted by the object itself can be used alone without the addition of a special source of infrared illumination as discussed below. Other imaging systems such as CCD arrays can also of course be used with this invention. However, the techniques will be quite different since the camera is very likely to saturate when bright light is present and to require the full resolution capability when the light is dim. Generally when practicing this invention the interior of the passenger compartment will be illuminated with infrared radiation. One novel solution is to form the image in memory by adding up a sequence of very short exposures. The number stored in memory would be the sum of the exposures on a pixel by pixel basis and the problem of saturation disappears since the memory location can be made as floating point numbers. This then permits the maximum dynamic range but requires that the information from all of the pixels by removed at high speed. In some cases each pixel would then be zeroed while in others the charge can be left on the pixel since when saturation occurs the relevant information will already have been obtained. There are other bright sources of infrared that must be accounted for. These include the sun and any light bulbs that may be present inside the vehicle. This lack of a high dynamic range inherent with the CCD technology requires the use of an iris, fast electronic shutter, liquid crystal, or electrochromic glass filter to be placed between the camera and the scene. Even with these filters however, some saturation will take place with CCD cameras under bright sun or incandescent lamp exposure. This saturation reduces the accuracy of the image and therefore the accuracy of the system. In particular the training regimen that must be practiced with CCD cameras is more severe since all of the saturation cases must be considered since the camera is unable to appropriately adjust. Thus, although CCD cameras can be use, HDRC logarithmic cameras such as manufactured by IMS Chips are preferred. They not only provide a significantly more accurate image but also significantly reduce the amount of training effort and associated data collection that must be undertaken during the development of the neural network algorithm or other computational intelligence system. In some applications, it is possible to use other more deterministic image processing or pattern recognition systems than neural networks. Another very important feature of the HDRC camera from IMS Chips is that the shutter time is constant at less than 100 ns irrespective of brightness of the scene. The pixel data arrives at constant rate synchronous with the internal imager clock. Random access to each pixel facilitates high-speed intelligent access to any sub-frame (block) size or sub-sampling ratio and a trade-off of frame speed and frame size therefore results. For example, a scene with 128 K pixels per frame can be taken at 120 frames per second, or about 8 milliseconds per frame, whereas a sub-frame can be taken in run at as high as 4000 frames per second with 4 K pixels per frame. This combination allows the maximum resolution for the identification and classification part of the occupant sensor problem while permitting a concentration on those particular pixels which track the head or chest, as described above, for dynamic out-of-position tracking. In fact the random access features of these cameras can be used to track multiple parts of the image simultaneously while ignoring the majority of the image, and do so at very high speed. For example, the head can be tracked simultaneously with the chest by defining two separate sub-frames that need not be connected. This random access pixel capability, therefore, is optimally suited or recognizing and tracking vehicle occupants. It is also suited for monitoring the environment outside of the vehicle for purposes of blind spot detection, collision avoidance and anticipatory sensing. Photobit Corporation of 135 North Los Robles Ave., Suite 700, Pasadena, Calif. 91101 manufactures are camera with some characteristics similar to the IMS Chips camera. Other competitive cameras can be expected to appear on the market. Photobit refers to their Active Pixel Technology as APS. According to Photobit, in the APS, both the photodetector and readout amplifier are part of each pixel. This allows the integrated charge to be converted into a voltage in the pixel that can then be read out over X-Y wires instead of using a charge domain shift register as in CCDs. This column and row addressability (similar to common DRAM) allows for window of interest readout (windowing) which can be utilized for on chip electronic pan/tilt and zoom. Windowing provides added flexibility in applications, such as disclosed herein, needing image compression, motion detection or target tracking. The APS utilizes intra-pixel amplification in conjunction with both temporal and fixed pattern noise suppression circuitry (i.e. correlated double sampling), which produces exceptional imagery in terms of wide dynamic range (˜75 dB) and low noise (˜15 e-rms noise floor) with low fixed pattern noise (<0.15% sat). Unlike CCDs, the APS is not prone to column streaking due to blooming pixels. This is because CCDs rely on charge domain shift registers that can leak charge to adjacent pixels when the CCD registers overflows. Thus, bright lights “bloom” and cause unwanted streaks in the image. The active pixel can drive column busses at much greater rates than passive pixel sensors and CCDs. On-chip analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) facilitates driving high speed signals off chip. In addition, digital output is less sensitive to pickup and crosstalk, facilitating computer and digital controller interfacing while increasing system robustness. A high speed APS recently developed for a custom binary output application produced over 8,000 frames per second, at a resolution of 128×128 pixels. It is possible to extend this design to a 1024×1024 array size and achieve greater than 1000 frames per second for machine vision. All of these features are important to many applications of this invention. These advanced cameras, as represented by the HDRC and the APS cameras, now make it possible to more accurately monitor the environment in the vicinity of the vehicle. Previously, the large dynamic range of environmental light has either blinded the cameras when exposed to bright light or else made them unable to record images when the light level was low. Even the HDRC camera with its 120 dB dynamic range may be marginally sufficient to handle the fluctuations in environmental light that occur. Thus, the addition of a electrochromic, liquid crystal, or other similar filter may be necessary. This is particularly true for cameras such as the Photobit APS camera with its 75 dB dynamic range. At about 120 frames per second, these cameras are adequate for cases where the relative velocity between vehicles is low. There are many cases, however, where this is not the case and a much higher monitoring rate is required. This occurs for example, in collision avoidance and anticipatory sensor applications. The HDRC camera is optimally suited for handling these cases since the number of pixels that are being monitored can be controlled resulting in a frame rate as high as about 4000 frames per second with a smaller number of pixels. Another key advantage of the HDRC camera is that it is quite sensitive to infrared radiation in the 0.8 to 1 micron wavelength range. This range is generally beyond visual range for humans permitting this camera to be used with illumination sources that are not visible to the human eye. Naturally, a notch filter is frequently used with the camera to eliminate unwanted wavelengths. These cameras are available from the Institute for Microelectronics (IMS Chips), Allamndring 30a, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany with a variety of resolutions ranging from 512 by 256 to 720 by 576 pixels and can be custom fabricated for the resolution and response time required. One problem with high dynamic range cameras, particularly those making use of a logarithmic compression is that the edges tend to wash out and the picture loses a lot of contrast. This causes problems for edge detecting algorithms and thus reduces the accuracy of the system. There are a number of other different methods of achieving a high dynamic range without sacrificing contrast. One system by Nayar, as discussed above, takes a picture using adjacent pixels with different radiation blocking filers. Four such pixel types are used allowing Nayar to essentially obtain 4 separate pictures with one snap of the shutter. Software then selects which of the four pixels to use for each part of the image so that the dark areas receive one exposure and somewhat brighter areas another exposure and so on. The brightest pixel receives all of the incident light, the next brightest filters half of the light, the next brightest half again and the dullest pixel half again. Naturally other ratios could be used as could more levels of pixels, e.g. 8 instead of 4. Experiments have shown that this is sufficient to permit a good picture to be taken when bright sunlight is streaming into a dark room. A key advantage of this system is that the full frame rate is available and the disadvantage is that only 25% of the pixels are in fact used to form the image. Another system drains the charge off of the pixels as the picture is being taken and stored the integrated results in memory. TFA technology lends itself to this implementation. As long as the memory capacity is sufficient the pixel never saturates. An additional approach is to take multiple images at different iris or shutter settings and combine them in mush the same way as with the Nayar method. A still different approach is to take several pictures at a short shutter time or a small iris setting and combine the pictures in a processor or other appropriate device. In this manner, the effective dynamic range of the camera can be extended. 3.5 Fisheye Lens, Pan and Zoom Infrared waves are shown coming from the front and back transducer assemblies 54 and 55 in FIG. 8C. FIG. 8D illustrates two optical systems each having a source of infrared radiation and a CCD, CMOS, FPR, TFA or QWIP array receiver. The price of such arrays has dropped dramatically recently making them practical for interior and exterior vehicle monitoring. In this embodiment, transducers 54 and 55 are CMOS arrays having 160 pixels by 160 pixels covered by a lens. In some applications, this can create a “fisheye” effect whereby light from a wide variety of directions can be captured. One such transducer placed by the dome light or other central position in the vehicle headliner, such as the transducer designated 54, can monitor the entire vehicle interior with sufficient resolution to determine the occupancy of the vehicle, for example. Imagers such as those used herein are available from Marshall Electronics Inc. of Culver City, Calif. and others. A fisheye lens is” . . . a wide-angle photographic lens that covers an angle of about 180°, producing a circular image with exaggerated foreshortening in the center and increasing distortion toward the periphery”. (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition, 1992 by Houghton Mifflin Company). This distortion of a fisheye lens can be substantially changed by modifying the shape of the lens to permit particular portions of the interior passenger compartment to be observed. Also, in many cases the full 180° is not desirable and a lens which captures a smaller angle may be used. Although primarily spherical lenses are illustrated herein, it is understood that the particular lens design will depend on the location in the vehicle and the purpose of the particular receiver. A camera that provides for pan and zoom using a fisheye lens is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,667 and is applicable to this invention. Here, however, it is usually not necessary to remove the distortion since the image will on general not be viewed by a human but will be analyzed by software. One exception is when the image is sent to emergency services via telematics. In that case, the distortion removal is probably best done at the EMS site. Although a fisheye camera has primarily been discussed above, other types of distorting lenses or mirrors can be used to accomplished particular objectives. A distorting lens or mirror, for example, can have the effect of dividing the image into several sub-pictures so that the available pixels can cover more than one area of a vehicle interior or exterior. Alternately, the volume in close proximity to an airbag, for example, can be allocated a more dense array of pixels so that measurements of the location of an occupant relative to the airbag can be more accurately achieved. Numerous other objectives can now be envisioned which can now be accomplished with a reduction in the number of cameras or imagers through either distortion or segmenting of the optical field. Another problem associated with lens is cleanliness. In general the optical systems of these inventions comprise methods to test for the visibility through the lens and issue a warning when that visibility begins to deteriorate. Many methods exist for accomplishing this feat including the taking of an image when the vehicle is empty and not moving and at night. Using neural networks, for example, or some other comparison technique, a comparison of the illumination reaching the imager can be compared with what is normal. QA network can be trained on empty seats, for example, in all possible positions and compared with the new image. Or, those pixels that correspond to any movable surface in the vehicle can be removed from the image and a brightness test on the remaining pixels used to determine lens cleanliness. Once a lens has been determined to be un-clean then either a warning light can be set telling the operator to visit the dealer or a method If cleaning the lens automatically invoked. One such method for night vision systems is disclosed in WO0234572. Another which is one on the inventions herein is to cover the lens with a thin film. This film may be ultrasonically excited thereby greatly minimizing the tendency for it to get dirty and/or the film can be part of a role of film that is advanced when the diagnostic system detects a dirty lens thereby placing a new clean surface in front of the imager. The film role can be sized such that under normal operation the role would last some period such as 20 years. 4. 3D Cameras Optical sensors can be used to obtain a three dimensional measurement of the object through a variety of methods that use time of flight, modulated light and phase measurement, quantity of light received within a gated window, structured light and triangulation etc. Some of these techniques are discussed in the current assignee's U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,133. 4.1 Stereo One method of obtaining a three dimensional image is illustrated in FIG. 8D where transducer 24 is an infrared source having a wide transmission angle such that the entire contents of the front driver's seat is illuminated. Receiving imager transducers 23 and 25 are shown spaced apart so that a stereographic analysis can be made by the control circuitry 20. This circuitry 20 contains a microprocessor with appropriate pattern recognition algorithms along with other circuitry as described above. In this case, the desired feature to be located is first selected from one of the two returned images from either imaging transducer 23 or 25. The software then determines the location of the same feature, through correlation analysis or other methods, on the other image and thereby, through analysis familiar to those skilled in the art, determines the distance of the feature from the transducers by triangulation. As the distance between the two or more imagers used in the stereo construction increases, a better and better model of the object being imaged can be obtained since more of the object is observable. On the other hand, it becomes more and more difficult to pair up points that occur in both images. Given sufficient computational resources this not a difficult problem but with limited resources and the requirement to track a moving occupant during a crash, for example, the problem becomes more difficult. One method to ease the problem is to project onto the occupant a structured light that permits a recognizable pattern to be ob served and matched up in both images. The source of this projection should lie midway between the two imagers. By this method a rapid correspondence between the images can be obtained. On the other hand, if a source of structured light is available at a different location than the imager, then a simpler three dimensional image can be obtained using a single imager. Furthermore, the model of the occupant really only needs to be made once during the classification phase of the process and there is usually sufficient time to accomplish that model with ordinary computational power. Once the model has been obtained then only a few points need be tracked by either one or both of the cameras. Another method exists whereby the displacement between two images from two cameras is estimated using a correlator. Such a fast correlator has been developed by Professor Lukin of Kyiv, Ukraine in conjunction with his work on noise radar. This correlator is very fast and can probably determine the distance to an occupant at a rate sufficient for tracking purposes. 4.2 Distance by Focusing In the above-described imaging systems, a lens within a receptor captures the reflected infrared light from the head or chest of the driver and displays it onto an imaging device (CCD, CMOS, TFA, QWIP or equivalent) array. For the discussion of FIGS. 5 and 13-17 at least, either CCD or the word imager will be used to include all devices which are capable of converting light frequencies, including infrared, into electrical signals. In one method of obtaining depth from focus, the CCD is scanned and the focal point of the lens is altered, under control of an appropriate circuit, until the sharpest image of the driver's head or chest results and the distance is then known from the focusing circuitry. This trial and error approach may require the taking of several images and thus may be time consuming and perhaps too slow for occupant tracking. The time and precision of this measurement is enhanced if two receptors are used which can either project images onto a single CCD or on separate CCD's. In the first case, one of the lenses could be moved to bring the two images into coincidence while in the other case the displacement of the images needed for coincidence would be determined mathematically. Naturally, other systems could be used to keep track of the different images such as the use of filters creating different infrared frequencies for the different receptors and again using the same CCD array. In addition to greater precision in determining the location of the occupant, the separation of the two receptors can also be used to minimize the effects of hands, arms or other extremities which might be very close to the airbag. In this case, where the receptors are mounted high on the dashboard on either side of the steering wheel, an arm, for example, would show up as a thin object but much closer to the airbag than the larger body parts and, therefore, easily distinguished and eliminated, permitting the sensors to determine the distance to the occupant's chest. This is one example of the use of pattern recognition. An alternate method is to use a lens with a short focal length. In this case, the lens is mechanically focused, e.g., automatically, directly or indirectly, by the control circuitry 20, to determine the clearest image and thereby obtain the distance to the object. This is similar to certain camera auto-focusing systems such as one manufactured by Fuji of Japan. Again this is a time consuming method. Naturally, other methods can be used as described in the patents and patent applications referenced above. Instead of focusing the lens, the lens could be moved relative to the array to thereby adjust the image on the array. Instead of moving the lens, the array could be moved to achieve the proper focus. In addition, it is also conceivable that software could be used to focus the image without moving the lens or the array especially if at least two images are available. An alternative is to use the focusing systems described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,124 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,166. These systems are quite efficient requiring only two images with different camera settings. Thus if there is sufficient time to acquire an image, change the camera settings and acquire a second image, this system is fine and can be used with the inventions disclosed herein. Once the position of the occupant has been determined for one point in time then the process may not have to be repeated as a measurement of the size of a part of an occupant can serve as a measure of its relative location compared to the previous image from which the range was obtained. Thus, other that the requirement of a somewhat more expensive imager, the system of the '124 and '166 patents is fine. The accuracy of the range is perhaps limited to a few centimeters depending on the quality of the imager used. Also if multiple ranges to multiple objects are required then the process becomes a bit more complicated. 43 Ranging The scanning portion of a pulse laser radar device can be accomplished using rotating mirrors, vibrating motors, or preferably, a solid state system, for example one utilizing TeO2 as an optical diffraction crystal with lithium niobate crystals driven by ultrasound (although other solid state systems not necessarily using TeO2 and lithium niobate crystals could also be used). An alternate method is to use a micromachined mirror, which is supported at its center and caused to deflect by miniature coils. Such a device has been used to provide two-dimensional scanning to a laser. This has the advantage over the TeO2— lithium niobate technology in that it is inherently smaller and lower cost and provides two-dimensional scanning capability in one small device. The maximum angular deflection that can be achieved with this process is on the order of about 10 degrees. Thus, a diverging lens or equivalent will be needed for the scanning system. Another technique to multiply the scanning angle is to use multiple reflections off of angled mirror surfaces. A tubular structure can be constructed to permit multiple interior reflections and thus a multiplying effect on the scan angle. An alternate method of obtaining three-dimensional information from a scanning laser system is to use multiple arrays to replace the single arrays used in FIG. 8A. In the case, the arrays are displaced from each other and, through triangulation, the location of the reflection from the illumination by a laser beam of a point on the object can be determined in a manner that is understood by those skilled in the art. Alternately a single array can be used with the scanner displaced from the array. A new class of laser range finders has particular application here. This product, as manufactured by Power Spectra, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif., is a GaAs pulsed laser device which can measure up to 30 meters with an accuracy of <2 cm and a resolution of <1 cm. This system is implemented in combination with transducer 24 and one of the receiving transducers 23 or 25 may thereby be eliminated. Once a particular feature of an occupying item of the passenger compartment has been located, this device is used in conjunction with an appropriate aiming mechanism to direct the laser beam to that particular feature. The distance to that feature is then known to within 2 cm and with calibration even more accurately. In addition to measurements within the passenger compartment, this device has particular applicability in anticipatory sensing and blind spot monitoring applications exterior to the vehicle. An alternate technology using range gating to measure the time of flight of electromagnetic pulses with even better resolution can be developed based on the teaching of the McEwan patents listed above. A particular implementation of an occupant position sensor having a range of from 0 to 2 meters (corresponding to an occupant position of from 0 to 1 meter since the signal must travel both to and from the occupant) using infrared is illustrated in the block diagram schematic of FIG. 17. The operation is as follows. A 48 MHz signal, f1, is generated by a crystal oscillator 81 and fed into a frequency tripler 82 which produces an output signal at 144 MHz The 144 MHz signal is then fed into an infrared diode driver 83 which drives the infrared diode 84 causing it to emit infrared light modulated at 144 MHz and a reference phase angle of zero degrees. The infrared diode 84 is directed at the vehicle occupant. A second signal f2 having a frequency of 48.05 MHz, which is slightly greater than f1, is similarly fed from a crystal oscillator 85 into a frequency tripler 86 to create a frequency of 144.15 MHz. This signal is then fed into a mixer 87 which combines it with the 144 MHz signal from frequency tripler 82. The combined signal from the mixer 87 is then fed to filter 88 which removes all signals except for the difference, or beat frequency, between 3 times f1 and 3 times f2, of 150 kHz. The infrared signal which is reflected from the occupant is received by receiver 89 and fed into pre-amplifier 91, a resistor 90 to bias being coupled to the connection between the receiver 89 and the pre-amplifier 91. This signal has the same modulation frequency, 144 MHz, as the transmitted signal but now is out of phase with the transmitted signal by an angle x due to the path that the signal took from the transmitter to the occupant and back to the receiver. The output from pre-amplifier 91 is fed to a second mixer 92 along with the 144.15 MHz signal from the frequency tripler 86. The output from mixer 92 is then amplified by an automatic gain amplifier 93 and fed into filter 94. The filter 94 eliminates all frequencies except for the 150 kHz difference, or beat, frequency, in a similar manner as was done by filter 88. The resulting 150 kHz frequency, however, now has a phase angle x relative to the signal from filter 88. Both 150 kHz signals are now fed into a phase detector 95 which determines the magnitude of the phase angle x. It can be shown mathematically that, with the above values, the distance from the transmitting diode to the occupant is x/345.6 where x is measured in degrees and the distance in meters. The velocity can also be obtained using the distance measurement as represented by 96. An alternate method of obtaining distance information, as discussed above, is to use the teachings of the McEwan patents discussed above. As reported above, cameras can be used for obtaining three dimensional images by modulation of the illumination as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,162,861. The use of a ranging device for occupant sensing is believed to have been was first disclosed by the current assignee in the above-referenced patents. More recent attempts include the PMD camera as disclosed in PCT application WO09810255 and similar concepts disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,909 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,517. Note that although the embodiment in FIG. 17 uses near infrared, it is possible to use other frequencies of energy without deviating from the scope of the invention. In particular, there are advantages in using the short wave (SWIR), medium wave (MWIR) and long wave (LWIR) portions of the infrared spectrum as the interact in different and interesting ways with living occupants as described elsewhere herein. 4.4 Pockel or Kerr Cell for Determining Range Pockel and Kerr cells are well known in optical laboratories. They act as very fast shutters and as such can be used to range gate the reflections based on distance. Thus, through multiple exposures the range to all reflecting surfaces inside and outside of the vehicle can be determined to any appropriate degree of accuracy. The illumination is transmitted, the camera shutter opened and the cell allows only that reflected light to enter the camera that arrived at the cell a precise time range after the illumination was initiated. These cells are part of a class of devices called spatial light modulators (SLM). One novel application of an SLM is reported in U.S. Pat. No. 5,162,861. In this case a SML is used to modulate the light returning from a transmitted laser pulse that is scattered from a target. By comparing the intensities of the modulated and unmodulated images the distance to the target can be ascertained. Using a SML in another manner, the light valve can be kept closed for all ranges except the ones of interest. Thus by changing the open time of the SLM only returns from certain distances are permitted to pass through to the imager. By selective changing the opened time the range to the target can be “range gated” and thereby accurately determined. Thus the outgoing light need not be modulated and a scanner is not necessary unless there is a need to overcome the power of the sun. This form of range gating can of course be used for either external or internal applications. 4.5 Thin film on ASIC (TFA) Since the concepts of using cameras for monitoring the passenger compartment of a vehicle and measuring distance to a vehicle occupant based on the time of flight were first disclosed in the commonly assigned above cross referenced patents, several improvements have been reported in the literature including the thin film on ASIC (TFA) (references 6-11) and photonic mixing device (PMD) (reference 12) camera technologies. All of these references are included herein by reference. Both of these technologies and combinations thereof are good examples of devices that can be used in practicing the instant invention and those in the cross-referenced patents and applications for monitoring both inside and exterior to a vehicle. An improvement to these technologies is to use noise or pseudo noise modulation for a PMD like device to permit more accurate distance to object determination especially for exterior to the vehicle monitoring through correlation of the generated and reflected modulation sequences. This has the further advantage that systems from different vehicles will not interfere with each other. The TFA is an example of a high dynamic range camera (HDRC) the use of which for interior monitoring was first disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/389,947 cross referenced above. Since there is direct connection between each pixel and an associated electronic circuit, the potential exists for range gating the sensor to isolate objects between certain limits thus simplifying the identification process by eliminating reflections from objects that are closer or further away than the object of interest. A further advantage of the TFA is that it can be doped to improve its sensitivity to infrared and it also can be fabricated as a three-color camera system. Another novel HDRC camera is disclosed by Nayar (13) and involves varying the sensitivity of pixels in the imager. Each of four adjacent pixels has a different exposure sensitivity and an algorithm is presented that combines the four exposures in a manner that loses little resolution but provides a high dynamic range picture. This particularly simple system is a preferred approach to handling the dynamic range problem in automobile monitoring of this invention. A great deal of development effort has gone into automatic camera focusing systems such as described in the Scientific American Article “Working Knowledge: Focusing in a Flash” (14). The technology is now to the point that it can be taught to focus on a particular object, such as the head or chest of an occupant, and measure the distance to the object to within approximately 1 inch. If this technology is coupled with the Nayar camera, a very low cost semi 3D high dynamic range camera or imager results that is sufficiently accurate for locating an occupant in the passenger compartment. If this technology is coupled with an eye locator and the distance to the eyes of the occupant are determined than a single camera is all that is required for either the driver or passenger. Such a system would display a fault warning when it is unable to find the occupant's eyes. Such a system is illustrated in FIG. 52 and FIG. 53. As discussed above, thin film on ASIC technology, as described in Lake, D. W. “TFA Technology: The Coming Revolution in Photography”, Advanced Imaging Magazine, April, 2002 (WWW.ADVANCEDIMAGINGMAG.COM) shows promise of being the next generation of imager for automotive applications. The anticipated specifications for this technology, as reported in the Lake article, are: Dynamic Range 120 db Sensitivity 0.01 lux Anti-blooming 1,000,000:1 Pixel Density 3,200,000 Pixel Size 3.5 um Frame Rate 30 fps DC Voltage 1.8 v Compression 500 to 1 All of these specifications, except for the frame rate, are attractive for occupant sensing. It is believed that the frame rate can be improved with subsequent generations of the technology. Some advantages of this technology for occupant sensing include the possibility of obtaining a three dimensional image by varying the pixel on time in relation to a modulated illumination in a simpler manner that proposed with the PMD imager or with a Pockel or Kerr cell. The ability to build the entire package on one chip will reduce the cost of this imager compared with two or more chips required by current technology. Other technical papers on TFA are referenced above. TFA thus appears to be a major breakthrough when used in the interior and exterior imaging systems. Its use in these applications falls within the teachings of the inventions disclosed herein. 5. Glare Control The headlights of oncoming vehicles frequently make it difficult for the driver of a vehicle to see the road and safely operate the vehicle. This is a significant cause of accidents and much discomfort. The problem is especially severe during bad weather where rain can cause multiple reflections. Opaque visors are now used to partially solve this problem but they do so by completely blocking the view through a large portion of the window and therefore cannot be used to cover the entire windshield. Similar problems happen when the sun is setting or rising and the driver is operating the vehicle in the direction of the sun. U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,938 attempts to solve this problem through the use of a motorized visor but although it can block some glare sources it also blocks a substantial portion of the field of view. The vehicle interior monitoring system disclosed herein can contribute to the solution of this problem by determining the position of the driver's eyes. If separate sensors are used to sense the direction of the light from the oncoming vehicle or the sun, and through the use of electrochromic glass, a liquid crystal device, suspended particle device glass (SPD) or other appropriate technology, a portion of the windshield, or special visor, can be darkened to impose a filter between the eyes of the driver and the light source. Electrochromic glass is a material where the transparency of the glass can be changed through the application of an electric current. The term “liquid crystal” as used herein will be used to represent the class of all such materials where the optical transmissibility can be varied electrically or electronically. Electrochromic products are available from Gentex of Zeeland, Mich., and Donnelly of Holland, Mich. By dividing the windshield into a controlled grid or matrix of contiguous areas and through feeding the current into the windshield from orthogonal directions, selective portions of the windshield can be darkened as desired. Other systems for selectively imposing a filter between the eyes of an occupant and the light source are currently under development. One example is to place a transparent sun visor type device between the windshield and the driver to selectively darken portions of the visor as described above for the windshield. 5.1 Windshield FIG. 39 illustrates how such a system operates for the windshield. A sensor 135 located on vehicle 136 determines the direction of the light 138 from the headlights of oncoming vehicle 137. Sensor 135 is comprised of a lens and a charge-coupled device (CCD), CMOS or similar device, with appropriate software or electronic circuitry that determines which elements of the CCD are being most brightly illuminated. An algorithm stored in processor 20 then calculates the direction of the light from the oncoming headlights based on the information from the CCD, or CMOS device. Usually two systems 135 are required to fix the location of the offending light. Transducers 6, 8 and 10 determine the probable location of the eyes of the operator 30 of vehicle 136 in a manner such as described above and below. In this case, however, the determination of the probable locus of the driver's eyes is made with an accuracy of a diameter for each eye of about 3 inches (7.5 cm). This calculation sometimes will be in error especially for ultrasonic occupant sensing systems and provision is made for the driver to make an adjustment to correct for this error as described below. The windshield 139 of vehicle 136 comprises electrochromic glass, a liquid crystal, SPD device or similar system, and is selectively darkened at area 140, FIG. 39A, due to the application of a current along perpendicular directions 141 and 142 of windshield 139. The particular portion of the windshield to be darkened is determined by processor 20. Once the direction of the light from the oncoming vehicle is known and the locations of the driver's eyes are known, it is a matter of simple trigonometry to determine which areas of the windshield matrix should be darkened to impose a filter between the headlights and the driver's eyes. This is accomplished by processor 20. A separate control system, not shown, located on the instrument panel, steering wheel or at some other convenient location, allows the driver to select the amount of darkening accomplished by the system from no darkening to maximum darkening. In this manner, the driver can select the amount of light that is filtered to suit his particular physiology. Alternately, this process can take place automatically. The sensor 135 can either be designed to respond to a single light source or to multiple light sources to be sensed and thus multiple portions of the vehicle windshield to be darkened. Naturally, unless the camera is located on the same axis at the eyes of the driver, two cameras would in general be required to determine the distance of the glare causing object from the eyes of the driver. Without this third dimension two glare sources that are on the same axis to the camera could be on different axes to the driver, for example. As an alternative to locating the direction of the offending light source, a camera looking at the eyes of the driver can determine when they are being subjected to glare and then impose a filter. A trail and error process or through the use of structured light created by a pattern on the windshield, determines where to create the filter to block the glare. More efficient systems are now becoming available to permit a substantial cost reduction as well as higher speed selective darkening of the windshield for glare control. These systems permit covering the entire windshield which is difficult to achieve with LCDs. For example, such systems are made from thin sheets of plastic film, sometimes with an entrapped liquid, and can usually be sandwiched between the two pieces of glass that make up a typical windshield. The development of conductive plastics permits the addressing and thus the manipulation of pixels of a transparent film that previously was not possible. These new technologies will now be discussed. If the objective is for glare control then the Xerox Gyricon technology applied to windows can be appropriate. Previously this technology has only been used to make e-paper and a modification to the technology is necessary for it to work for glare control. Gyricon is a thin layer of transparent plastic full of millions of small black and white or red and white beads, like toner particles. The beads are contained in an oil-filled cavity. When voltage is applied, the beads rotate to present a colored side to the viewer. The advantages of Gyricon are: (1) it is electrically writeable and erasable; (2) it can be re-used thousands of times; (3) it does not require backlighting or refreshing; (4) it is brighter than today's reflective displays; and, (5) it operates on low power. The changes required are to cause the colored spheres to rotate 90 degrees rather than 180 degrees and to make half of each sphere transparent so that the display switches from opaque to 50% transparent. Another technology, SPD light control technology from Research Frontiers Inc., has been used to darken entire windows but not as a system for darkening only a portion of the glass or sun visor to impose a selective filter to block the sun or headlights of an oncoming vehicle. Although it has been used as a display for laptop computers, it has not been used as a heads-up display (HUD) replacement technology for automobile or truck windshields. Both SPD and Gyricon technologies require that the particles be immersed in a fluid so that the particles can move. Since the properties of the fluid will be temperature sensitive, these technologies will vary somewhat in performance over the automotive temperature range. The preferred technology, therefore, is plastic electronics although in many applications either Gyricon or SPD will also be used in combination with plastic electronics, at least until the technology matures. Currently plastic electronics can only emit light and not block it. However, research is ongoing to permit it to also control the transmission of light. The calculations of the location of the driver's eyes using acoustic systems may be in error and therefore provision must be made to correct for this error. One such system permits the driver to adjust the center of the darkened portion of the windshield to correct for such errors through a knob; mouse pad, joy stick or other input device, on the instrument panel, steering wheel, door, armrest or other convenient location. Another solution permits the driver to make the adjustment by slightly moving his head. Once a calculation as to the location of the driver's eyes has been made, that calculation is not changed even though the driver moves his head slightly. It is assumed that the driver will only move his head in a very short time period to center the darkened portion of the windshield to optimally filter the light from the oncoming vehicle. The monitoring system will detect this initial head motion and make the correction automatically for future calculations. Additionally, a camera observing the driver or other occupant can monitor the reflections of the sun or the headlights of oncoming vehicles off of the occupant's head or eyes and automatically adjust the filter in the windshield or sun visor. 5.2 Glare in Rear View Mirrors Electrochromic glass is currently used in rear view mirrors to darken the entire mirror in response to the amount of light striking an associated sensor. This substantially reduces the ability of the driver to see objects coming from behind his vehicle. If one rear-approaching vehicle, for example, has failed to dim his lights, the mirror will be darkened to respond to the light from that vehicle making it difficult for the driver to see other vehicles that are also approaching from the rear. If the rear view mirror is selectively darkened on only those portions that cover the lights from the offending vehicle, the driver is able to see all of the light coming from the rear whether the source is bright or dim. This permits the driver to see all of the approaching vehicles not just the one with bright lights. Such a system is illustrated in FIGS. 40, 40A and 40B where rear view mirror 55 is equipped with electrochromic glass, or comprises a liquid crystal or similar device, having the capability of being selectively darkened, e.g., at area 143. Associated with mirror 55 is a light sensor 144 that determines the direction of light 138 from the headlights of rear approaching vehicle 137. Again as with the windshield a stereo camera is used if the camera is not aligned with the eye view path. This is easier to accomplish with a mirror due to its much smaller size. In such a case the imager could be mounted on the movable part of the mirror and could even look through the mirror from behind. In the same manner as above, transducers 6, 8 and 10 determine the location of the eyes of the driver 30. The signals from both sensor systems, 6, 8 plus 10 and 144, are combined in processor 20, where a determination is made as to what portions of the mirror should be darkened, e.g., area 143. Appropriate currents are then sent to the mirror in a manner similar to the windshield system described above. Again, an alternative solution is to observe a glare reflection on the face of the driver and remove the glare with a filter. Note, the rearview mirror is also an appropriate place to display icons of the contents of the blind spot or other areas surrounding the vehicle as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/851,362 filed May 8, 2001. In a similar manner, the forward looking camera(s) can also be used to control the lights of vehicle 136 when either the headlights or taillights of another vehicle are sensed. In this embodiment, the CCD array is designed to be sensitive to visible light and a separate source of illumination is not used. The key to this technology can be the use of trained pattern recognition algorithms and particularly the artificial neural network. Here, as in the other cases above and in the patents and patent applications referenced above, the pattern recognition system is trained to recognize the pattern of the headlights of an oncoming vehicle or the tail lights of a vehicle in front of vehicle 136 and to then dim the headlights when either of these conditions is sensed. It is also trained to not dim the lights for other reflections such as reflections off of a sign post or the roadway. One problem is to differentiate taillights where dimming is desired from distant headlights where dimming is not desired. Three techniques can be used: (i) measurement of the spacing of the light sources, (ii) determination of the location of the light sources relative to the vehicle, and (iii) use of a red filter where the brightness of the light source through the filter is compared with the brightness of the unfiltered light. In the case of the taillight, the brightness of the red filtered and unfiltered light is nearly the same while there is a significant difference for the headlight case. In this situation, either two CCD arrays are used, one with a filter, or a filter which can be removed either electrically, such as with a liquid crystal, or mechanically. Alternately a fast Fourier transform, or other spectral analysis technique, of the data can be taken to determine the relative red content. 5.2 Visor For Glare Control and HUD FIG. 41 illustrates the interior of a passenger compartment with a rear view mirror 55, a camera for viewing the eyes of the driver 56 and a large generally transparent visor 145. The sun visor 145 is normally largely transparent and is made from electrochromic glass, suspended particle glass, a liquid crystal device or equivalent. The camera 56 images the eyes of the driver and looks for a reflection indicating that glare is impinging on the driver's eyes. The camera system may have a source of infrared or other frequency illumination that would be momentarily activated to aid in locating the driver's eyes. Once the eyes have been located, the camera monitors the area around the eyes, or direct reflections from the eyes themselves, for an indication of glare. The camera system in this case would not know the direction from which the glare is originating; it would only know that the glare was present. The glare blocker system then can darken selected portions of the visor to attempt to block the source of glare and would use the observation of the glare from or around the eyes of the driver as feedback information. When the glare has been eliminated the system maintains the filter perhaps momentarily reducing it from time to time to see that the source of glare has not stopped. If the filter is electrochromic glass, a significant time period is required to activate the glare filter and therefore a trial and error search for the ideal filter location could be too slow. In this case a non-recurring spatial pattern can be placed in the visor such that when light passes through the visor and illuminates the face of the driver the location where the filter should be placed can be easily determined. That is, the pattern reflection off of the face of the driver would indicate the location of the visor through which the light causing the glare was passing. Such a structured light system can also be used for the SPD and LCD filters but since they act significantly more rapidly it would serve only to simplify the search algorithm for filter placement. A second photo sensor 135 can also be used pointing through the windshield to determine only that glare was present. In this manner when the source of the glare disappears, the filter can be turned off. Naturally, a more sophisticated system as described above for the windshield system whereby the direction of the light is determined using a camera type device can also be implemented. The visor 145 is illustrated as substantially covering the front windshield in front of the driver. This is possible since it is transparent except where the filter is applied, which would in general be a small area. A second visor, not shown, can also be used to cover the windshield for the passenger side that would also be useful when the light-causing glare on the driver's eyes enters thought the windshield in front of the passenger or if a passenger system is also desired. In some cases it might even be advantageous to supply a similar visor to cover the side windows but in general standard opaque visors would serve for both the passenger side windshield area and the side windows since the driver really in general only needs to look through the windshield in front of him or her. A smaller visor can also be used as long as it is provided with a positioning system or method. The visor really only needs to cover the eyes of the driver. This could either be done manually or by electric motors similar to the system that is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,938. If electric motors are used then the adjustment system would first have to move the visor so that it covered the driver's eyes and then provide the filter. This could be annoying if the vehicle is heading into the sun and turning and/or going up and down hills. In any case, the visor should be movable to cover any portion of the windshield where glare can get through, unlike conventional visors that only cover the top half of the windshield. The visor also does not need to be close to the windshield and the closer that it is to the driver the smaller and thus the less expensive it can be. As with the windshield, the visor of this invention can also serve as a display using plastic electronics as described above either with or without the SPD or other filter material. Additionally, visor like displays can now be placed at many locations in the vehicle for the display of Internet web pages, movies, games etc. Occupants of the rear seat, for example, can pull down such displays from the ceiling, up from the front seatbacks or out from the B-pillars or other convenient locations. A key advantage of the systems disclosed herein is the ability to handle multiple sources of glare in contract to the system of U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,938, which requires that the multiple sources must be close together. 6. Weight Measurement and Biometrics One way to determine motion of the occupant(s) is to monitor the weight distribution of the occupant whereby changes in weight distribution after an accident would be highly suggestive of movement of the occupant. A system for determining the weight distribution of the occupants can be integrated or otherwise arranged in the seats 3 and 4 of the vehicle and several patents and publications describe such systems. More generally, any sensor that determines the presence and health state of an occupant can also be integrated into the vehicle interior monitoring system in accordance with the invention. For example, a sensitive motion sensor can determine whether an occupant is breathing and a chemical sensor, such as accomplished using SAW technology, can determine the amount of carbon dioxide, or the concentration of carbon dioxide, in the air in the vehicle, which can be correlated to the health state of the occupant(s). The motion sensor and chemical sensor can be designed to have a fixed operational field situated near the occupant. In the alternative, the motion sensor and chemical sensor can be adjustable and adapted to adjust their operational field in conjunction with a determination by an occupant position and location sensor that would determine the location of specific parts of the occupant's body such as his or her chest or mouth. Furthermore, an occupant position and location sensor can be used to determine the location of the occupant's eyes and determine whether the occupant is conscious, that is, whether his or her eyes are open or closed or moving. Chemical sensors can also be used to detect whether there is blood present in the vehicle such as after an accident. Additionally, microphones can detect whether there is noise in the vehicle caused by groaning, yelling, etc., and transmit any such noise through the cellular or similar connection to a remote listening facility using a telematics communication system such as operated by OnStar®. FIG. 2A shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention including a system for determining the presence and health state of any occupants of the vehicle and a telecommunications link. This embodiment includes means for determining the presence of any occupants 150, which may take the form of a heartbeat sensor, chemical sensor or motion sensor as described above and means for determining the health state of any occupants 151. The latter means may be integrated into the means for determining the presence of any occupants using the same or different component. The presence determining means 150 may encompass a dedicated presence determination device associated with each seating location in the vehicle, or at least sufficient presence determination devices having the ability to determine the presence of an occupant at each seating location in the vehicle. Further, means for determining the location, and optionally velocity, of the occupants or one or more parts thereof 152 are provided and may be any conventional occupant position sensor or preferably, one of the occupant position sensors as described herein such as those utilizing waves such as electromagnetic radiation or fields such as capacitance sensors or as described in the current assignee's patents and patent applications referenced above. A processor 153 is coupled to the presence determining means 150, the health state determining means 151 and the location determining means 152. A communications unit 154 is coupled to the processor 153. The processor 153 and/or communications unit 154 can also be coupled to microphones 158 that can be distributed throughout the vehicle passenger compartment and include voice-processing circuitry to enable the occupant(s) to effect vocal control of the processor 153, communications unit 154 or any coupled component or oral communications via the communications unit 154. The processor 153 is also coupled to another vehicular system, component or subsystem 155 and can issue control commands to effect adjustment of the operating conditions of the system, component or subsystem. Such a system, component or subsystem can be the heating or air-conditioning system, the entertainment system, an occupant restraint device such as an airbag, a glare prevention system, etc. Also, a positioning system 156, such as a GPS or differential GPS system, could be coupled to the processor 153 and provides an indication of the absolute position of the vehicle. Weight sensors 7, 76 and 97 are also included in the system shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A. Although strain gage type sensors are schematically illustrated mounted to the supporting structure of the seat portion 4, and a bladder pressure sensor mounted in the seat portion 4, any other type of weight sensor can be used including mat or butt spring sensors. Strain gage weight sensors are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,701 as well as herein. Weight can be used to confirm the occupancy of the seat, i.e., the presence or absence of an occupant as well as whether the seat is occupied by a light or heavy object. In the latter case, a measured weight of less than 60 pounds is often determinative of the presence of a child seat whereas a measured weight of greater than 60 pounds is often indicative of the absence of a child seat. The weight sensors 7 can also be used to determine the weight distribution of the occupant of the seat and thereby ascertain whether the occupant is moving and the position of the occupant. As such, the weight sensors 7 could be used to confirm the position and motion of the occupant. The measured weight or distribution thereof can also be used in combination with the data from the transmitter/receiver assemblies 49, 50, 51, 52 and 54 of FIG. 5C to provide an identification of the occupants in the seat. As discussed below, weight can be measured both statically and dynamically. Static weight measurements require that the pressure or strain gage system be accurately calibrated and care must be taken to compensate for the effects of seatbelt load, aging, unwanted stresses in the mounting structures, temperature etc. Dynamic measurements, on the other hand, can be used to measure the mass of an object on the seat, the presence of a seatbelt load and can be made insensitive to unwanted static stresses in the supporting members and to aging of the seat and its structure. In the simplest implementation, the natural frequency of seat is determined due to the random vibrations or accelerations that are input to the seat from the vehicle suspension system. In more sophisticated embodiments, an accelerometer and/or seatbelt tension sensor is also used to more accurately determine the forces acting on the occupant. In another embodiment, a vibrator can be used in conjunction with the seat to excite the seat occupying item either on a total basis or on a local basis using PVDF film as an exciter and a determination of the contact pattern of the occupant with the seat determined by the local response to the PVDF film. This latter method using the PVDF film or equivalent is closer to a pattern determination rather than a true weight measurement. Although many weight sensing systems are described herein, this invention is, among other things, directed to the use of weight in any manner to determine the occupancy of a vehicle. Prior art mat sensors determined the occupancy through the butt print of the occupying item rather than actually measuring its weight. In an even more general sense, this invention is the use of any biometric measurement to determine vehicle occupancy. 6.1 Strain Gage Weight Sensors Referring now to FIG. 42A, which is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 42 taken along line 42A-42A, seat 160 is constructed from a cushion or foam layer 161 which is supported by a spring system 162 which is in contact and/or association with the displacement sensor 163. As shown, displacement sensor 163 is underneath the spring system 162 but this relative positioning is not a required feature of the invention. The displacement sensor 163 comprises an elongate cable 164 retained at one end by support 165 and a displacement sensor 166 situated at an opposite end. This displacement sensor 166 can be any of a variety of such devices including, but not limited to, a linear rheostat, a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), a linear variable capacitor, or any other length measuring device. Alternately, as shown in FIG. 42C, the cable can be replaced with one or more springs 167 retained between supports 165 and the tension in the spring measured using a strain gage (conventional wire or foil or a SAW strain gage) or other force measuring device 168 or the strain in the seat support structure can be measured by appropriately placing strain gages on one or more of the seat supports as described in more detail below. The strain gage or other force measuring device could be arranged in association with the spring system 162 and could measure the deflection of the bottom surface of the cushion or foam layer 161. When a SAW strain gage 168 is used as part of weight sensor 163, an interrogator 169 could be placed on the vehicle to enable wireless communication and/or power transfer to the SAW strain gage 168. As such, when it is desired to obtain the force being applied by the occupying item on the seat, the interrogator 169 sends a radio signal to the SAW strain gage causing it to transmit a return signal with the measured strain of the spring 170. Interrogator 169 is coupled to the processor used to determine the control of the vehicle component. As shown in FIG. 42D, one or more SAW strain gages 171could also be placed on the bottom surface or support pan 178 of the cushion or foam layer 161 in order to measure the deflection of the bottom surface which is representative of the weight of the occupying item to the seat. An interrogator 169 could also be used in this embodiment. One seat design is illustrated in FIG. 42. Similar weight measurement systems can be designed for other seat designs. Also, some products are available which can approximately measure weight based on pressure measurements made at or near the upper seat surface 172. It should be noted that the weight measured here will not be the entire weight of the occupant since some of the occupant's weight will be supported by his or her feet which are resting on the floor or pedals. As noted above, the weight may also be measured by the weight sensor(s) 97, 76 and 7 described above in the seated-state detecting unit. As weight is placed on the seat surface 172, it is supported by spring 162 which deflects downward causing cable 164 of the sensor 163 to begin to stretch axially. Using a LVDT as an example of length measuring device 166, the cable 164 pulls on rod 173 tending to remove rod 173 from cylinder 174 (FIG. 42B). The movement of rod 173 out of cylinder 174 is resisted by a spring 175 which returns the rod 173 into the cylinder 174 when the weight is removed from the seat surface 172. The amount which the rod 173 is removed from the cylinder 174 is measured by the amount of coupling between the windings 176 and 177 of the transformer as is well understood by those skilled in the art. LVDT's are commercially available devices. In this matter, the deflection of the seat can be measured which is a measurement of the weight on the seat. The exact relationship between weight and LVDT output is generally determined experimentally for this application. SAW strain gages could also be used to determine the downward deflection of the spring 162 and the deflection of the cable 164. By use of a combination of weight and height, the driver of the vehicle can in general be positively identified among the class of drivers who operate the vehicle. Thus, when a particular driver first uses the vehicle, the seat will be automatically adjusted to the proper position. If the driver changes that position within a prescribed time period, the new seat position can be stored in the second table for the particular driver's height and weight. When the driver reenters the vehicle and his or her height and weight are again measured, the seat will go to the location specified in the second table if one exists. Otherwise, the location specified in the first table will be used. Naturally other methods having similar end results can be used. In a first embodiment of a weight measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 43, four strain gage weight sensors or transducers are used, two being illustrated at 180 and 181 on one side of a bracket of the support structure of the seat and the other two being at the same locations on another bracket of the support (i.e., hidden on the corresponding locations on the other side of the support). The support structure of the seat supports the seat on a substrate such as a floor pan of the vehicle. Each of the strain gage transducers 180,181 also can contain electronic signal conditioning apparatus, e.g., amplifiers, analog to digital converters, filters etc., which is associated such that output from the transducers is a digital signal. Such signal conditioning apparatus can also eliminate residual stresses in the transducers that may be present from the manufacturing, assembly or mounting processes or due to seat motion or temperature. The electronic signal travels from transducer 180 to transducer 181 through a wire 184. Similarly, wire 185 transmits the output from transducers 180 and 181 to the next transducer in the sequence (one of the hidden transducers). Additionally, wire 186 carries the output from these three transducers toward the fourth transducer (the other hidden transducer) and wire 187 finally carries all four digital signals to an electronic control system or module 188. These signals from the transducers 180, 181 are time or frequency division multiplexed as is well known in the art. The seat position is controlled by motors 189 as described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,576. Finally, the seat is bolted onto the support structure through bolts not shown which attach the seat through holes 190 in the brackets. By placing the signal conditioning electronics, analog to digital converters, and other appropriate electronic circuitry adjacent the strain gage element, the four transducers can be daisy chained or otherwise attach together and only a single wire is required to connect all of the transducers to the control module 188 as well as provide the power to run the transducers and their associated electronics. The control system 188, e.g., a microprocessor, is arranged to receive the digital signals from the transducers 180,181 and determine the weight of the occupying item of the seat based thereon. In other words, the signals from the transducers 180,181 are processed by the control system 188 to provide an indication of the weight of the occupying item of the seat, i.e., the force exerted by the occupying item on the seat support structure. A typical manually controlled seat structure is illustrated in FIG. 44 and described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,545. The seat 191 (only the frame of which is shown) is attached to a pair of slide mechanisms 192 in the rear thereof through support members such as rectangular tubular structures 193 angled between the seat 191 and the slide mechanisms 192. The front of the seat 191 is attached to the vehicle (more particularly to the floor pan) through another support member such as a slide member 194, which is engaged with a housing 195. Slide mechanisms 192, support members 193, slide member 194 and housing 195 constitute the support structure for mounting the seat on a substrate, i.e., the floor pan. Strain gage transducers are located for this implementation at 180 and 182, strain gage transducer 180 being mounted on each tubular structure 193 (only one of such strain gage is shown) and strain gage transducer 182 being mounted on slide member 194. When an occupying item is situated on the seat cushion (not shown), each of the support members 193 and 194 are deformed or strained. This strain is measured by transducers 180 and 182, respectively, to enable a determination of the weight of the item occupying the seat, as can be understood by those skilled in the strain gage art. More specifically, a control system or module or other compatible processing unit (not shown) is coupled to the strain gage transducers 180,182, e.g., via electrical wires (not shown), to receive the measured strain and utilize the measured strain to determine the weight of the occupying item of the seat. The determined weight, or the raw measured strain, may be used to control a vehicular component such as the airbag. Support members 193 are substantially vertically oriented and are preferably made of a sufficiently rigid, non-bending component. FIG. 44A illustrates an alternate arrangement for the seat support structures wherein a gusset 196 has been added to bridge the angle on the support member 193. Strain gage transducer 180 is placed on this gusset 196. Since the gusset 196 is not a supporting member, it can be made considerably thinner than the seat support member 193. As the seat is loaded by an occupying item, the seat support member 193 will bend. Since the gusset 196 is relatively weak, greater strain will occur in the gusset 196 than in the support member 193. The existence of this greater strain permits more efficient use of the strain gage dynamic range thus improving the accuracy of the weight measurement. FIG. 44B illustrates a seat transverse support member 197 of the seat shown in FIG. 44, which is situated below the base cushion and extends between opposed lateral sides of the seat. This support member 197 will be directly loaded by the vehicle seat and thus will provide an average measurement of the force exerted or weight of the occupying item. The deflection or strain in support member 197 is measured by a strain gage transducer 180 mounted on the support member 197 for this purpose. In some applications, the support member 197 will occupy the entire space fore and aft below the seat cushion. Here it is shown as a relatively narrow member. The strain gage transducer 180 is coupled, e.g., via an electrical wire (not shown), to a control module or other processing unit (not shown) which utilizes the measured strain to determine the weight of the occupying item of the seat. In FIG. 44, the support members 193 are shown as rectangular tubes having an end connected to the seat 191 and an opposite end connected to the slide mechanisms 192. In the constructions shown in FIGS. 45A-45C, the rectangular tubular structure has been replaced by a circular tube where only the lower portion of the support is illustrated. FIGS. 45A-45C show three alternate ways of improving the accuracy of the strain gage system, i.e., the accuracy of the measurements of strain by the strain gage transducers. Generally, a reduction in the stiffness of the support member to which the strain gage transducer is mounted will concentrate the force and thereby improve the strain measurement. There are several means disclosed below to reduce the stiffness of the support member. These means are not exclusive and other ways to reduce the stiffness of the support member are included in the invention and the interpretation of the claims. In each illustrated embodiment, the transducer is represented by 180 and the substantially vertically oriented support member corresponding to support member 193 in FIG. 44 has been labeled 193A. In FIG. 45A, the tube support member 193A has been cut to thereby form two separate tubes having longitudinally opposed ends and an additional tube section 198 is connected, e.g., by welding, to end portions of the two tubes. In this manner, a more accurate tube section 198 can be used to permit a more accurate measurement of the strain by transducer 180, which is mounted on tube section 198. In FIG. 45B, a small circumferential cut has been made in tube support member 193A so that a region having a smaller circumference than a remaining portion of the tube support member 193A is formed. This cut is used to control the diameter of the tube support member 193A at the location where strain gage transducer 180 is measuring the strain. In other words, the strain gage transducer 180 is placed at a portion wherein the diameter thereof is less than the diameter of remaining portions of the tube support member 193A. The purpose of this cut is to correct for manufacturing variations in the diameter of the tube support member 193A. The magnitude of the cut is selected so as to not significantly weaken the structural member but instead to control the diameter tolerance on the tube so that the strain from one vehicle to another will be the same for a particular loading of the seat. In FIG. 45C, a small hole 200 is made in the tube support member 193A adjacent the transducer 180 to compensate for manufacturing tolerances on the tube support member 193A. From this discussion, it can be seen that all three techniques have as their primary purpose to provide increase the accuracy of the strain in the support member corresponding to weight on the vehicle seat. Naturally, the preferred approach would be to control the manufacturing tolerances on the support structure tubing so that the variation from vehicle to vehicle is minimized. For some applications where accurate measurements of weight are desired, the seat structure will be designed to optimize the ability to measure the strain in the support members and thereby to optimize the measurement of the weight of the occupying item. The inventions disclosed herein, therefore, are intended to cover the entire seat when the design of the seat is such as to be optimized for the purpose of strain gage weight sensing and alternately for the seat structure when it is so optimized. Although strain measurement devices have been discussed above, pressure measurement systems can also be used in the seat support structure to measure the weight on the seat. Such a system is illustrated in FIG. 46. A general description of the operation of this apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,291. In that patent, the vehicle seat is attached to the slide mechanism by means of bolts 201. Between the seat and the slide mechanism, a shock-absorbing washer has been used for each bolt. In the present invention, this shock-absorbing washer has been replaced by a sandwich construction consisting of two washers of shock absorbing material 202 with a pressure sensitive material 203 sandwiched in between. A variety of materials can be used for the pressure sensitive material 203, which generally work on either the capacitance or resistive change of the material as it is compressed. The wires from this material leading to the electronic control system are not shown in this view. The pressure sensitive material is coupled to the control system, e.g., a microprocessor, and provides the control system with an indication of the pressure applied by the seat on the slide mechanism which is related to the weight of the occupying item of the seat. Generally, material 203 is constructed with electrodes on the opposing faces such that as the material is compressed, the spacing between the electrodes is decreased. This spacing change thereby changes both the resistive and the capacitance of the sandwich which can be measured and which is a function of the compressive force on the material. Measurement of the change in capacitance of the sandwich, i.e., two spaced apart conductive members, is obtained by any method known to those skilled in the art, e.g., connecting the electrodes in a circuit with a source of alternating or direct current. The conductive members may be made of a metal. The use of such a pressure sensor is not limited to the illustrated embodiment wherein the shock absorbing material 202 and pressure sensitive material 203 are placed around bolt 201. It is also not limited to the use or incorporation of shock absorbing material in the implementation. FIG. 46A shows a substitute construction for the bolt 201 in FIG. 46 and which construction is preferably arranged in connection with the seat and the adjustment slide mechanism. A bolt-like member, hereinafter referred to as a stud 204, is threaded 205 on both ends with a portion remaining unthreaded between the ends. A SAW strain measuring device including a SAW strain gage 206 and antenna 207 is arranged on the center unthreaded section of the stud 400 and the stud 400 is attached at its ends to the seat and the slide mechanism using appropriate threaded nuts. Based on the particular geometry of the SAW device used, the stud 400 can result in as little as a 3 mm upward displacement of the seat compared to a normal bolt mounting system. No wires are required to attach the SAW device to the stud 204. The total length of stud 204 may be as little as 1 inch. In operation, an interrogator 208 transmits a radio frequency pulse at for example, 925 MHz which excites the antenna 207 associated with the SAW strain gage 206. After a delay caused by the time required for the wave to travel the length of the SAW device, a modified wave is re-transmitted to the interrogator 208 providing an indication of the strain and thus a representative value of the weight of an object occupying the seat. For a seat which is normally bolted to the slide mechanism with four bolts, at least four SAW strain measuring devices or sensors would be used. Each conventional bolt could thus be replaced by a stud as described above. Naturally, since the individual SAW devices are very small, multiple such SAW devices can be placed on the stud to provide multiple redundant measurements or to permit the stud to be arbitrarily located with at least one SAW device always within direct view of the interrogator antenna. To avoid potential problems with electromagnetic interference, the stud 204 may be made of a non-metallic, possibly composite, material which would not likely cause or contribute to any possible electromagnetic wave interference. The stud 204 could also be modified for use as an antenna. If the seat is unoccupied then the interrogation frequency can be substantially reduced in comparison to when the seat is occupied. For an occupied seat, information as to the identity and/or category and position of an occupying item of the seat can be obtained through the use of multiple weight sensors. For this reason, and due to the fact that during pre-crash event the position of an occupying item of the seat may be changing rapidly, interrogations as frequently as once every 10 milliseconds or even faster can be desirable. This would also enable a distribution of the weight being applied to the seat being obtained which provides an estimation of the position of the object occupying the seat. Using pattern recognition technology, e.g., a trained neural network, sensor fusion, fuzzy logic, etc., the identification of the object can be ascertained based on the determined weight and/or determined weight distribution. Although each of the SAW devices can be interrogated and/or powered using wireless means, in some cases, it may be desirable to supply power to and or obtained information from such devices using wires. In FIG. 47, which is a view of a seat attachment structure described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,503, where a more conventional strain gage load cell design designated 209 is utilized. One such load cell design 209 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 47A. A cantilevered beam load cell design using a half bridge strain gage system 209 is shown in FIG. 47A. Fixed resistors mounted within the electronic package, which are not shown in this drawing, provide the remainder of the whetstone bridge system. The half bridge system is frequently used for economic reasons and where some sacrifice in accuracy is permissible. The load cell 209 includes a member 211 on which the strain gage 210 is situated. The strain gage assembly 209 includes strain-measuring elements 212 and 213 arranged on the load cell. The longitudinal element 212 measures the tensile strain in the beam when it is loaded by the seat and its contents, not shown, which is attached to end 215 of bolt 214. The load cell is mounted to the vehicle or other substrate using bolt 217. Temperature compensation is achieved in this system since the resistance change in strain elements 212 and 213 will vary the same amount with temperature and thus the voltage across the portions of the half bridge will remain the same. The strain gage 209 is coupled to a control system (e.g., a microprocessor-not shown) via wires 216 and receives the measured tensile strain and determines the weight of an occupying item of the seat based thereon. One problem with using a cantilevered load cell is that it imparts a torque to the member on which it is mounted. One preferred mounting member on an automobile is the floor-pan which will support significant vertical loads but is poor at resisting torques since floor-pans are typically about 1 mm (0.04 inches) thick. This problem can be overcome through the use of a simply supported load cell design designated 220 as shown in FIG. 47B. In FIGS. 47B and 47C, a full bridge strain gage system 221 is used with all four elements 222, 223 mounted on the top of a beam 240. Elements 222 are mounted parallel to the beam 240 and elements 223 are mounted perpendicular to it. Since the maximum strain is in the middle of the beam 240, strain gage 221 is mounted close to that location. The load cell, shown generally as 220, is supported by the floor pan, not shown, at supports 234 that are formed by bending the beam 240 downward at its ends. Fasteners 228 fit through holes 229 in the beam 240 and serve to hold the load cell 220 to the floor pan without putting significant forces on the load cell 220. Holes are provided in the floor-pan for bolt 231 and for fasteners 228. Bolt 231 is attached to the load cell 220 through hole 230 of the beam 240 which serves to transfer the force from the seat to the load cell 220. The electronics package is potted within hole 235 using urethane potting compound 232 and includes signal conditioning circuits, a microprocessor with integral ADCs 226 and a flex circuit 225 (FIG. 47C). The flex circuit 225 terminates at an electrical connector 233 for connection to other vehicle electronics, e.g., a control system. The beam 240 is slightly tapered at location 227 so that the strain is constant in the strain gage. Although thus far only beam type load cells have been described, other geometries can also be used. One such geometry is a tubular type load cell. Such a tubular load cell is shown generally at 241 in FIG. 47D and instead of an elongate beam, it includes a tube. It also comprises a plurality of strain sensing elements 242 for measuring tensile and compressive strains in the tube as well as other elements, not shown, which are placed perpendicular to the elements 242 to provide for temperature compensation. Temperature compensation is achieved in this manner, as is well known to those skilled in the art of the use of strain gages in conjunction with a whetstone bridge circuit, since temperature changes will affect each of the strain gage elements identically and the total effect thus cancels out in the circuit. The same bolt 243 can be used in this case for mounting the load cell to the floor-pan and for attaching the seat to the load cell. Another alternate load cell design shown generally in FIG. 47E as 242 makes use of a torsion bar 243 and appropriately placed torsional strain sensing elements 244. A torque is imparted to the bar 243 by means of lever 245 and bolt 246 which attaches to the seat structure not shown. Bolts 247 attach the mounting blocks 248 at ends of the torsion bar 243 to the vehicle floor-pan. The load cells illustrated above are all preferably of the foil strain gage type. Other types of strain gages exist which would work equally well which include wire strain gages and strain gages made from silicon. Silicon strain gages have the advantage of having a much larger gage factor and the disadvantage of greater temperature effects. For the high-volume implementation of this invention, silicon strain gages have an advantage in that the electronic circuitry (signal conditioning, ADCs, etc.) can be integrated with the strain gage for a low cost package. Other strain gage materials and load cell designs may, of course, be incorporated within the teachings of this invention. In particular, a surface acoustical wave (SAW) strain gage can be used in place of conventional wire, foil or silicon strain gages and the strain measured either wirelessly or by a wire connection. For SAW strain gages, the electronic signal conditioning can be associated directly with the gage or remotely in an electronic control module as desired. For SAW strain gages, the problems discussed above with low signal levels requiring bridge structures and the methods for temperature compensation may not apply. Generally, SAW strain gages are more accurate that other technologies but may require a separate sensor to measure the temperature for temperature compensation depending on the material used. Materials that can be considered for SAW strain gages are quartz, lithium niobate, lead zirconate, lead titanate, zinc oxide, polyvinylidene fluoride and other piezoelectric materials. Many seat designs have four attachment points for the seat structure to attach to the vehicle. Since the plane of attachment is determined by three points, the potential exists for a significant uncertainty or error to be introduced. This problem can be compounded by the method of attachment of the seat to the vehicle. Some attachment methods using bolts, for example, can introduce significant strain in the seat supporting structure. Some compliance therefore must be introduced into the seat structure to reduce these attachment induced stresses to a minimum. Too much compliance, on the other hand, can significantly weaken the seat structure and thereby potentially cause a safety issue. This problem can be solved by rendering the compliance section of the seat structure highly nonlinear or significantly limiting the range of the compliance. One of the support members, for example, can be attached to the top of the seat structure through the use of the pinned joint wherein the angular rotation of the joint is severely limited. Methods will now be obvious to those skilled in the art to eliminate the attachment induced stress and strain in the structure which can cause inaccuracies in the strain measuring system. In the examples illustrated above, strain measuring elements have been shown at each of the support members. This of course is necessary if an accurate measurement of the weight of the occupying item of the seat is to be determined. For this case, typically a single value is inputted into the neural network representing weight. Experiments have shown, however, for the four strain gage transducer system, that most of the weight and thus most of the strain occurs in the strain elements mounted on the rear seat support structural members. In fact, about 85 percent of the load is typically carried by the rear supports. Little accuracy is lost therefore if the forward strain measuring elements are eliminated. Similarly, for most cases, the two rear mounted support strain elements measure approximately the same strain. Thus, the information represented by the strain in one rear seat support is sufficient to provide a reasonably accurate measurement of the weight of the occupying item of the seat. Thus, this invention can be implemented using one or more load cells or strain gages. As disclosed elsewhere herein, other sensors, such as occupant position sensors based on spatial monitoring technologies, can be used in conjunction with one or more load cells or other weight sensors to augment and improve the accuracy of the system. A simple position sensor mounted in the seat back or headrest, for example, as illustrated at 354-365 in FIGS. 42, 48, 49 and 126 can be used. In many situations where the four strain measuring weight sensors are applied to the vehicle seat structure, the distribution of the weight among the four strain gage sensors, for example, well very significantly depending on the position of the seat in the vehicle and particularly the fore and aft and secondarily the seatback angle position. A significant improvement to the accuracy of the strain gage weight sensors, particularly if less than four such sensors are used, can result by using information from a seat track position and/or a seatback angle sensor. In many vehicles, such sensors already exist and therefore the incorporation of this information results in little additional cost to the system and results in significant improvements in the accuracy of the weight sensors. There have been attempts to use seat weight sensors to determine the load distribution of the occupying item and thereby reach a conclusion about the state of seat occupancy. For example, if a forward facing human is out of position, the weight distribution on the seat will be different than if the occupant is in position. Similarly a rear facing child seat will have a different weight distribution than a forward facing child seat. This information is useful for determining the seated state of the occupying item under static or slowly changing conditions. For example, even when the vehicle is traveling on moderately rough roads, a long term averaging or filtering technique can be used to determine the total weight and weight distribution of the occupying item. Thus, this information can be useful in differentiating between a forward facing and rear facing child seat. It is much less useful however for the case of a forward facing human or forward facing child seat that becomes out of position during a crash. Panic braking prior to a crash, particularly on a rough road surface, will cause dramatic fluctuations in the output of the strain sensing elements. Filtering algorithms, which require a significant time slice of data, will also not be particularly useful. A neural network or other pattern recognition system, however, can be trained to recognize such situations and provide useful information to improve system accuracy. Other dynamical techniques can also provide useful information especially if combined with data from the vehicle crash accelerometer. By studying the average weight over a few cycles, as measured by each transducer independently, a determination can be made that the weight distribution is changing. Depending on the magnitude of the change a determination can be made as to whether the occupant is being restrained by a seatbelt. It a seatbelt restraint is not being used, the output from the crash accelerometer can be used to accurately project the position of the occupant during pre crash braking and eventually the impact itself providing his or her initial position is known. In this manner, a weight sensor with provides weight distribution information can provide useful information to improve the accuracy of the occupant position sensing system for dynamic out of position determination. Naturally, even without the weight sensor information, the use of the vehicle crash sensor data in conjunction with any means of determining the belted state of the occupant will dramatically improve the dynamic determination of the position of a vehicle occupant. The use of the dynamics of the occupant to measure weight dynamically is disclosed in the current assignee's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/174,803 filed Jun. 19, 2002. Strain gage weight sensors can also be mounted in other locations such as within a cavity within a seat cushion as shown as 97 in FIG. 6A and described above. The strain gage can be mounted on a flexible diaphragm that flexes and thereby strains the strain gage as the seat is loaded. In the example of FIG. 6A, a single chamber 98, diaphragm and strain gage 97 is illustrated. Naturally, a plurality of such chambers can be used to provide a distribution of the load on the occupying item onto the seat. 6.2 Bladder Weight Sensors With knowledge of the weight of an occupant, additional improvements can be made to automobile and truck seat designs. In particular, the stiffness of the seat can be adjusted so as to provide the same level of comfort for light and for heavy occupants. The damping of occupant motions, which previously has been largely neglected, can also be readily adjusted as shown on FIG. 49 which is a view of the seat of FIG. 48 showing one of several possible arrangements for changing the stiffness and the damping of the seat. In the seat bottom 250, there is a container 251, the conventional foam and spring design has been replaced by an inflated rectangular container very much like an air mattress which contains a cylindrical inner container 252 which is filled with an open cell urethane foam, for example. An adjustable orifice 253 connects the two containers both of which can be bladders 251, 252 so that air can flow in a controlled manner therebetween. The amount of opening of orifice 253 is controlled by control circuit 254. A small air compressor 255 controls the pressure in container 251 under control of the control circuit 254. A pressure transducer 256 monitors the pressure within container 251 and inputs this information into control circuit 254. The operation of the system is as follows. When an occupant sits on the seat, pressure initially builds up in the seat container or bladder 251 which gives an accurate measurement of the weight of the occupant. Control circuit 254, using an algorithm and a microprocessor, then determines an appropriate stiffness for the seat and adds pressure to achieve that stiffness. The pressure equalizes between the two containers 251 and 252 through the flow of air through orifice 253. Control circuit 254 also determines an appropriate damping for the occupant and adjusts the orifice 253 to achieve that damping. As the vehicle travels down the road and the road roughness causes the seat to move up and down, the inertial force on the seat by the occupant causes the air pressure to rise and fall in container 252 and also, but, much less so, in container 251 since the occupant sits mainly above container 252 and container 251 is much larger than container 252. The major deflection in the seat takes place first in container 252 which pressurizes and transfers air to container 251 through orifice 253. The size of the orifice opening determines the flow rate between the two containers and therefore the damping of the motion of the occupant. Since this opening is controlled by control circuit 254, the amount of damping can thereby also be controlled. Thus, in this simple structure, both the stiffness and damping can be controlled to optimize the seat for a particular driver. Naturally, if the driver does not like the settings made by control circuit 254, he or she can change them to provide a stiffer or softer ride. The stiffness of a seat is the change in force divided by the change in deflection. This is important for many reasons, one of which is that it controls the natural vibration frequency of the seat occupant combination. It is important that this be different from the frequency of vibrations which are transmitted to the seat from the vehicle in order to minimize the up and down motions of the occupant. The damping is a force which opposes the motion of the occupant and which is dependent on the velocity of relative motion between the occupant and the seat bottom. It thus removes energy and minimizes the oscillatory motion of the occupant. These factors are especially important in trucks where the vibratory motions of the driver's seat, and thus the driver, have caused many serious back injuries among truck drivers. In FIG. 49, the airbag or bladder 241 which interacts with the occupant is shown with a single chamber. Naturally, bladder 241 can be composed of multiple chambers 241a, 241b, 241c, and 241d as shown in FIG. 49A. The use of multiple chambers permits the weight distribution of the occupant to be determined if a separate pressure transducer is used in each cell of the bladder, or if a single gage is switched from chamber to chamber. Such a scheme gives the opportunity of determining to some extent the position of the occupant on the seat or at least the position of the center of gravity of the occupant. Naturally, more than four cells could be used. Any one of a number of known pressure measuring sensors can be used with the bladder weight sensor disclosed herein. One particular technology that has been developed for measuring the pressure in a rotating tire uses surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology and has the advantage that the sensor is wireless and powerless. Thus the sensor does not need a battery nor is it r3equired to run wires from the sensor to control circuitry. An interrogator is provided that transmits an RF signal to the sensor and receives a return signal that contains the temperature and pressure of the fluid within the bladder. The interrogator can be the same one that is used for tire pressure monitoring thus making this SAW system very inexpensive to implement and easily expandable to several seats within the vehicle. The switches that control the seat can also now be made wireless using SAW technology and thus they can be placed at any convenient location such as the vehicle door mounted armrest without requiring wires to connect the switch to the seat motors. Other uses of SAW technology are discussed in the current assignee's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/079,065 filed Feb. 19, 2002. In the description above, the air was use as the fluid to fill the bladder 241. In some cases, especially where damping and natural frequency control is not needed, another fluid such as a liquid or jell could be used to fill the bladder. In addition to silicone, candidate liquids include ethylene glycol or other low freezing point liquids. 63 Combined Spatial and Weight Although spatial sensors such as ultrasonic and optical occupant sensors can accurately identify and determine the location of an occupying item in the vehicle, a determination of the mass of the item is less accurate as it can be fooled by a thick but light winter coat, for example. Therefore it is desirable when the economics permit to provide a combined system that includes both weight and spatial sensors. Such a system permits a fine tuning of the deployment time and the amount of gas in the airbag to match the position and the mass of the occupant. If this is coupled with a smart crash severity sensor then a true smart airbag system can result as disclosed in the current assignee's patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,408. As disclosed in several of the current assignee's patents, referenced herein and others, the combination of a reduced number of transducers including weight and spatial can result from a pruning process starting from a larger number of sensors. For example, such a process can begin with four load cells and four ultrasonic sensors and after a pruning process, a system containing two ultrasonic sensors and one load cell can result. This invention is therefore not limited to any particular number or combination of sensors and the optimum choice for a particular vehicle will depend on many factors including the specifications of the vehicle manufacturer, cost accuracy desired, availability of mounting locations and the chosen technologies. 6.4 Face Recognition A neural network, or other pattern recognition system, can be trained to recognize certain people as permitted operators of a vehicle. In this case, if a non-recognized person attempts to operate the vehicle, the system can disable the vehicle and/or sound an alarm. Since it is unlikely that an unauthorized operator will resemble the authorized operator, the neural network system can be quite tolerant of differences in appearance of the operator. The system defaults to where a key must be used in the case that the system doesn't recognize the driver or the owner wishes to allow another person to operate the vehicle. The transducers used to identify the driver can be any of the types described in detail above. The preferred method is to use optical imager based transducers perhaps in conjunction with a weight sensor. This is necessary due to the small size of the features that need to be recognized for high accuracy of recognition. An alternate system uses an infrared laser, to irradiate or illuminate the operator and a CCD or CMOS device to receive the reflected image. In this case, the recognition of the operator is accomplished using a pattern recognition system such as described in Popesco, V. and Vincent, J. M. “Location of Facial Features Using a Boltzmann Machine to Implement Geometric Constraints”, Chapter 14 of Lisboa, P. J. G. and Taylor, M. J. Editors, Techniques and Applications of Neural Networks, Ellis Horwood Publishers, New York, 1993. In the present case a larger CCD element array containing 50,000 or more elements would typically be used instead of the 16 by 16 or 256 element CCD array used by Popesco and Vincent. FIG. 22 shows a schematic illustration of a system for controlling operation of a vehicle based on recognition of an authorized individual in accordance with the invention. One or more images of the passenger compartment 260 are received at 261 and data derived therefrom at 262. Multiple image receivers may be provided at different locations. The data derivation may entail any one or more of numerous types of image processing techniques such as those described in the current assignee's U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,136 including those designed to improve the clarity of the image. A pattern recognition algorithm, e.g., a neural network, is trained in a training phase 263 to recognize authorized individuals. The training phase can be conducted upon purchase of the vehicle by the dealer or by the owner after performing certain procedures provided to the owner, e.g., entry of a security code or key. In the training phase for a theft prevention system, the authorized driver(s) would sit themselves in the passenger seat and optical images would be taken and processed to obtain the pattern recognition algorithm. A processor 264 is embodied with the pattern recognition algorithm thus trained to identify whether a person is the individual by analysis of subsequently obtained data derived from optical images 262. The pattern recognition algorithm in processor 264 outputs an indication of whether the person in the image is an authorized individual for which the system is trained to identify. A security system 265 enable operations of the vehicle when the pattern recognition algorithm provides an indication that the person is an individual authorized to operate the vehicle and prevents operation of the vehicle when the pattern recognition algorithm does not provide an indication that the person is an individual authorized to operate the vehicle. In some cases the recognition system can be substantially improved if different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are used. As taught in the book Alien Vision referenced above, distinctive facial markings are evident when viewed under near UV or MWIR illumination that can be used to positively identify a person. Naturally other biometric measures can be used with a facial or iris image to further improve the recognition accuracy such as voice recognition (voice-print), finger or hand prints, weight, height, arm length, hand size etc. Instead of a security system, another component in the vehicle can be affected or controlled based on the recognition of a particular individual. For example, the rear view mirror, seat, seat belt anchorage point, headrest, pedals, steering wheel, entertainment system, air-conditioning/ventilation system can be adjusted. FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of a method for controlling operation of a vehicle based on recognition of a person as one of a set of authorized individuals. Although the method is described and shown for permitting or preventing ignition of the vehicle based on recognition of an authorized driver, it can be used to control for any vehicle component, system or subsystem based on recognition of an individual. Initially, the system is set in a training phase 266 in which images, and other biometric measures, including the authorized individuals are obtained by means of at least one optical receiving unit 267 and a pattern recognition algorithm is trained based thereon 268, usually after application of one or more image processing techniques to the images. The authorized individual(s) occupy the passenger compartment and have their picture taken by the optical receiving unit to enable the formation of a database on which the pattern recognition algorithm is trained. Training can be performed by any known method in the art, although combination neural networks are preferred. The system is then set in an operational phase 269 wherein an image is obtained 270, including the driver when the system is used for a security system. If the system is used for component adjustment, then the image would include any passengers or other occupying items in the vehicle. The obtained image, or images if multiple optical receiving units are used, plus other biometric information, are input into the pattern recognition algorithm 271, preferably after some image processing, and a determination is made whether the pattern recognition algorithm indicates that the image includes an authorized driver 272. If so, ignition of the vehicle is enabled 273, or the vehicle may actually be started automatically. If not, an alarm is sounded and/or the police may be contacted 274. Once an optic based system is present in a vehicle, other options can be enabled such as eye-tracking as a data input device or to detect drowsiness, as discussed above, and even lip reading as an a data input device or to augment voice input. See for example, Eisenberg, Anne “Beyond Voice Recognition to a Computer That Reads Lips”, New York Times, Sep. 11, 2003. Lip reading can be implemented in a vehicle through the use of IR illumination and training of a pattern recognition algorithm, such as a neural network or a combination network. This is one example of where an adaptive neural or combination network can be employed that learns as it gains experience with a particular driver. The work “radio”, for example, can be associated with lip motions when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly and then at a later time when the vehicle is traveling at high speed with considerable wind noise, the voice might be difficult for the system to understand but when augmented with lip reading the word “radio” can be more accurately recognized. Thus, the combination of lip reading and voice recognition can work together to significantly improve accuracy. Face recognition can of course be done in two or three dimensions and can involve the creation of a model of the person's head that can aid when illumination is poor, for example. Three dimensions are available if multiple two dimensional images are acquired as the occupant moves his or her head or through the use of a three-dimensional camera. A three-dimensional camera generally has two spaced-apart lenses plus software to combine the two views. Normally, the lenses are relatively close together but this may not need to be the case and significantly more information can be acquired if the lenses are spaced further apart and in some cases even such that one camera has a frontal view and the other a side view, for example. Naturally, the software is complicated for such cases but the system becomes more robust and less likely to be blocked by a newspaper, for example. 6.5 Heartbeat In addition to the use of transducers to determine the presence and location of occupants in a vehicle, other sensors can also be used. For example, as discussed above, a heartbeat sensor, which determines the number and presence of heartbeats, can also be arranged in the vehicle. Heartbeat sensors can be adapted to differentiate between a heartbeat of an adult, a heartbeat of a child and a heartbeat of an animal. As its name implies, a heartbeat sensor detects a heartbeat, and the magnitude thereof, of a human occupant of the seat, if such a human occupant is present. The output of the heartbeat sensor is input to the processor of the interior monitoring system. One heartbeat sensor for use in the invention may be of the types as disclosed in McEwan in U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,012 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,208. The heartbeat sensor can be positioned at any convenient position relative to the seats where occupancy is being monitored. A preferred location is within the vehicle seatback. This type of micropower impulse radar (MIR) sensor is not believed to have been used in an interior monitoring system in the past. It can be used to determine the motion of an occupant and thus can determine his or her heartbeat (as evidenced by motion of the chest), for example. Such an MIR sensor can also be arranged to detect motion in a particular area in which the occupant's chest would most likely be situated or could be coupled to an arrangement which determines the location of the occupant's chest and then adjusts the operational field of the MIR sensor based on the determined location of the occupant's chest. A motion sensor utilizing a micro-power impulse radar (MIR) system as disclosed, for example, in McEwan U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,070, as well as many other patents by the same inventor. Motion sensing is accomplished by monitoring a particular range from the sensor as disclosed in that patent. MIR is one form of radar that has applicability to occupant sensing and can be mounted at various locations in the vehicle. Other forms include, among others, ultra wideband (UWB) by the Time Domain Corporation and noise radar (NR) by Professor Konstantin Lukin of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Institute of Radiophysics and Electronics. Radar has an advantage over ultrasonic sensors in that data can be acquired at a higher speed and thus the motion of an occupant can be more easily tracked. The ability to obtain returns over the entire occupancy range is somewhat more difficult than with ultrasound resulting in a more expensive system overall. MIR, UWB or NR have additional advantages in lack of sensitivity to temperature variation and has a comparable resolution to about 40 kHz ultrasound. Resolution comparable to higher frequency is of course possible using millimeter waves, for example. Additionally, multiple MIR, UWB or NR sensors can be used when high speed tracking of the motion of an occupant during a crash is required since they can be individually pulsed without interfering with each other through frequency, time or code division multiplexing or other multiplexing schemes. Other methods have been reported for measuring heartbeat including vibrations introduced into a vehicle and variations in the electric field in the vicinity of where an occupant might reside. All such methods are considered encompassed by the teachings of this invention. The detection of a heartbeat regardless of how it is accomplished is indicative of the presence of a living being within the vehicle and such a detection as part of an occupant presence detection system is novel to this invention. Similarly, any motion of an object that is not induced by the motion of the vehicle itself is indicative of the presence of a living being and thus part of the teachings herein. The sensing of occupant motion regardless of how it is accomplished when used in a system to affect another vehicle system is contemplated herein. 7. Illumination 7.1 Infrared Light Many forms illumination can of course be used as discussed herein. Infrared is a preferred source since it can be produced relatively inexpensively with LEDs and is not seen by vehicle occupants or others outside of the vehicle. The use of spatially modulated (as in structured light) and temporally modulated (as in amplitude, frequency, pulse, code, random or other such methods) permits additional information to be obtained such as a three dimensional image as first disclosed by the current assignee in earlier patents. Infrared is also interesting since the human body naturally emits IR and this fact can be used to positively identify that there is a human occupying a vehicle seat and to determine fairly accurately the size of the occupant. This technique only works when the ambient temperature is different from body temperature which is most of the time. In some climates, it is possible that the interior temperature of a vehicle can reach or exceed 100 degrees F., but it is unlikely to stay at that temperature for long as humans find such a temperature uncomfortable. However, it is even more unlikely that such a temperature will exist except when there is significant natural illumination in the visible part of the spectrum. Thus, a visual size determination is possible especially since it is very unlikely that such an occupant will be wearing heavy or thick clothing. Thus, passive infrared, used of course with an imaging system, is a viable technique for the identification of a human occupant if used in conjunction with an optical system for high temperature situations. Passive IR is also a good method of finding the eyes and other features of the occupant since hair some hats and other obscuring items frequently do not interfere with the transmission of IR. When active IR illumination is used the eyes are particularly easy to find due to corneal reflection and the eyes will be dilated at night when finding the eyes is most important. Even in glare situations, where the glare is coming through the windshield, passive IR is particularly useful since glass blocks most IR with wavelengths beyond 1.1 microns and thus the glare will not interfere with the imaging of the face. Particular frequencies of active IR are especially useful for external monitoring. Except for monitoring objects close to the vehicle, most radar systems have a significant divergence angle making imaging more that a few meters from the vehicle problematic. Thus there is typically not enough information form a scene say 100 meters away to permit the monitor to obtain an image that would permit classification of sensed objects. Thus using radar it is difficult to distinguish a car from a truck or a parked car at the side of the road from one on the same lane as the vehicle or from a advertising sign, for example. Normal visual imaging also will not work in bad weather situations however some frequencies of IR do penetrate fog, rain and snow sufficiently well as to permit the monitoring of the road at a significant distance and with enough resolution to permit imaging and thus classification even in the presence of rain, snow and fog. As mentioned elsewhere herein, there are various methods of illuminating the object or occupant in the passenger compartment. A scanning point of IR can be used to overcome sunlight. A structured pattern can be used to help achieve a three dimensional representation of the vehicle contents. An image can be compared with illumination and without to attempt to eliminate the effects on natural and uncontrollable illumination. This generally doesn't work very well since the natural illumination can overpower the IR. Thus it is usually better to develop two pattern recognition algorithms, one for IR illumination and one for natural illumination. For the natural illumination case the entire visual and near visual spectrum can be used or some subset of it. For the case where a rolling shutter is used, the process can be speeded up substantially if one line of pixels is subtracted from the adjacent line where the illumination is turned on for every other row and off for the intervening rows. In addition to structured light there are many other methods of obtaining a 3D image as discussed above. 7.2 Structured Light In the applications discussed and illustrated above, the source and receiver of the electromagnetic radiation have frequently been mounted in the same package. This is not necessary and in some implementations, the illumination source will be mounted elsewhere. For example, a laser beam can be used which is directed along an axis which bisects the angle between the center of the seat volume and two of the arrays. Such a beam may come from the A-Pillar, for example. The beam, which may be supplemental to the main illumination system, provides a point reflection from the occupying item that, in most cases, can be seen by two receivers, even if they are significantly separated from each other, making it easier to identify corresponding parts in the two images. Triangulation thereafter can precisely determination the location of the illuminated point. This point can be moved, or a pattern of points provided, to provide even more information. In another case where it is desired to track the head of the occupant, for example, several such beams can be directed at the occupant's head during pre-crash braking or even during a crash to provide the fastest information as to the location of the head of the occupant for the fastest tracking of the motion of the occupant's head. Since only a few pixels are involved, even the calculation time is minimized. In most of the applications above the assumption has been made that either a uniform field of light or a scanning spot of light will be provided. This need not be the case. The light that is emitted or transmitted to illuminate the object can be structured light. Structured light can take many forms starting with, for example, a rectangular or other macroscopic pattern of light and dark that can be superimposed on the light by passing it through a filter. If a similar pattern is interposed between the reflections and the camera, a sort of pseudo-interference pattern can result sometimes known as Moire patterns. A similar effect can be achieved by polarizing transmitted light so that different parts of the object that is being illuminated are illuminated with light of different polarization. Once again by viewing the reflections through a similarly polarized array, information can be obtained as to where the source of light came from which is illuminating a particular object. Any of the transmitter/receiver assemblies or transducers in any of the embodiments above using optics can be designed to use structured light. Usually the source of the structured light is displaced either laterally or axially from the imager but this need not necessarily be the case. One excellent example of the use of structured light to determine a 3D image where the source of the structured light and the imager are on the same axis is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 0,503,166. Here the third dimension is obtained by measuring the degree of blur of the pattern as reflected from the object. This can be done since the focal point of the structured light is different from the camera. This is accomplished by projecting it through its own lens system and then combining the two paths through the use of a beam splitter. The use of this or any other form of structured light is within the scope of this invention. There are so many methods that the details of all of them cannot be enumerated here. One consideration when using structured light is that the source of structured light should not generally be exactly co-located with the array because in this case, the pattern projected will not change as a function of the distance between the array and the object and thus the distance between the array and the object cannot be determined. Thus, it is usually necessary to provide a displacement between the array and the light source. For example, the light source can surround the array, be on top of the array or on one side of the array. The light source can also have a different virtual source, i.e., it can appear to come from behind of the array or in front of the array. For a laterally displaced source of structured light, the goal is to determine the direction that a particular ray of light had when it was transmitted from the source. Then by knowing which pixels were illuminated by the reflected light ray along with the geometry of the vehicle, the distance to the point of reflection off of the object can be determined. If a particular light ray, for example, illuminates an object surface which is near to the source then the reflection off of that surface will illuminate a pixel at a particular point on the imaging array. If the reflection of the same ray however occurs from a more distant surface, then a different pixel will be illuminated in the imaging array. In this manner, the distance from the surface of the object to the array can be determined by triangulation formulas. Similarly, if a given pixel is illuminated in the imager from a reflection of a particular ray of light from the transmitter, and knowing the direction that that ray of light was sent from the transmitter, then the distance to the object at the point of reflection can be determined. If each ray of light is individually recognizable and therefore can be correlated to the angle at which it was transmitted, a full three-dimensional image can be obtained of the object that simplifies the identification problem. This can be done with a single imager. The coding of the light rays coming from the transmitter can be accomplished in many ways. One method is to polarize the light by passing the light through a filter whereby the polarization is a combination of the amount and angle of the polarization. This gives two dimensions that can therefore be used to fix the angle that the light was sent. Another method is to superimpose an analog or digital signal onto the light which could be done, for example, by using an addressable light valve, such as a liquid crystal filter, electrochromic filter, or, preferably, a garnet crystal array. Each pixel in this array would be coded such that it could be identified at the imager or other receiving device. Any of the modulation schemes could be applied such as frequency, phase, amplitude, pulse, random or code modulation. The techniques described above can depend upon either changing the polarization or using the time, spatial or frequency domains to identify particular transmission angles with particular reflections. Spatial patterns can be imposed on the transmitted light which generally goes under the heading of structured light. The concept is that if a pattern is identifiable then either the direction of transmitted light can be determined or, if the transmission source is co-linear with the receiver, then the pattern differentially expands or contracts relative to the field of view as it travels toward the object and then, by determining the size or focus of the received pattern, the distance to the object can be determined. In some cases Moire pattern techniques are utilized. When the illumination source is not placed on the same axis as the receiving array, it is typically placed at an angle such as 45 degrees. At least two other techniques can be considered. One is to place the illumination source at 90 degrees to the imager array. In this case only those surface elements that are closer to the receiving array then previous surfaces are illuminated. Thus, significant information can be obtained as to the profile of the object. In fact, if no object is occupying the seat, then there will be no reflections except from the seat itself. This provides a very powerful technique for determining whether the seat is occupied and where the initial surfaces of the occupying item are located. A combination of the above techniques can be used with temporally or spatially varying illumination. Taking images with the same imager but with illumination from different directions can also greatly enhance the ability to obtain three-dimensional information. The particular radiation field of the transmitting transducer can also be important to some implementations of this invention. In some techniques the object which is occupying the seat is the only part of the vehicle which is illuminated. Extreme care is exercised in shaping the field of light such that this is true. For example, the objects are illuminated in such a way that reflections from the door panel do not occur. Ideally if only the items which occupy the seat can be illuminated then the problem of separating the occupant from the interior vehicle passenger compartment surfaces can be more easily accomplished. Sending illumination from both sides of the vehicle across the vehicle can accomplish this. 7.3 Color and Natural Light As discussed above, the use of multispectral imaging can be a significant aid in recognizing objects inside and outside of a vehicle. Two objects may not be separable under monochromic illumination yet be quite distinguishable when observed in color or with illumination from other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Also the identification of a particular individual is enhanced using near UV radiation, for example. 7.4 Radar Particular mention should be made of the use of radar since novel inexpensive antennas and ultra wideband radars are now readily available. A scanning radar beam can be used in this implementation and the reflected signal is received by a phase array antenna to generate an image of the occupant for input into the appropriate pattern detection circuitry. Naturally the image is not very clear due to the longer wave lengths used and the difficulty in getting a small enough radar beam. The word circuitry as used herein includes, in addition to normal electronic circuits, a microprocessor and appropriate software. Another preferred embodiment makes use of radio waves and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). In this embodiment, the frequency of the oscillator is controlled through the use of a phase detector which adjusts the oscillator frequency so that exactly one half wave occupies the distance from the transmitter to the receiver via reflection off of the occupant. The adjusted frequency is thus inversely proportional to the distance from the transmitter to the occupant. Alternately, an FM phase discriminator can be used as known to those skilled in the art. These systems could be used in any of the locations illustrated in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6, a motion sensor 73 is arranged to detect motion of an occupying item on the seat 4 and the output thereof is input to the neural network 65. Motion sensors can utilize a micro-power impulse radar (MIR) system as disclosed, for example, in McEwan U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,070, as well as many other patents by the same inventor. Motion sensing is accomplished by monitoring a particular range from the sensor as disclosed in that patent MIR is one form of radar which has applicability to occupant sensing and can be mounted, for example, at locations such as 6 and 8-10 in FIG. 7. It has an advantage over ultrasonic sensors in that data can be acquired at a higher speed and thus the motion of an occupant can be more easily tracked. The ability to obtain returns over the entire occupancy range is somewhat more difficult than with ultrasound resulting in a more expensive system overall. MIR has additional advantages over ultrasound in lack of sensitivity to temperature variation and has a comparable resolution to about 40 kHz ultrasound. Resolution comparable to higher frequency is feasible but has not been demonstrated. Additionally, multiple MIR sensors can be used when high speed tracking of the motion of an occupant during a crash is required since they can be individually pulsed without interfering with each through time division multiplexing. Sensors 126, 127, 128, 129 in FIG. 38 can also be microwave radar sensors which transmit and receive radar waves. As such, it is possible to determine the presence of an object in the rear seat and the distance between the object and the sensors. Using multiple radar sensors, it would be possible to determine the contour of an object in the rear seat and thus using pattern recognition techniques, the classification or identification of the object. Motion of objects in the rear seat can also be determined using radar sensors. For example, if the radar sensors are directed toward a particular area and/or are provided with the ability to detect motion in a predetermined frequency range, they can be used to determine the presence of children or pets left in the vehicle, i.e., by detecting heartbeats or other body motions such as movement of the chest cavity. 7.5 Frequency Considerations The maximum acoustic frequency range that is practical to use for acoustic imaging in the acoustic systems herein is about 40 to 160 kilohertz (kHz). The wavelength of a 50 kHz acoustic wave is about 0.6 cm, which is too coarse to determine the fine features of a person's face, for example. It is well understood by those skilled in the art that features that are smaller than the wavelength of the irradiating radiation cannot be distinguished. Similarly, the wavelength of common radar systems varies from about 0.9 cm (for 33 GHz K band) to 133 cm (for 225 MHz P band), which is also too coarse for person identification systems. Millimeter wave and sub-millimeter wave radar can of course emit and receive waves considerably smaller. Millimeter wave radar and Micropower Impulse Radar (MIR) as discussed above is particularly useful for occupant detection and especially the motion of occupants such as motion caused by heartbeats and breathing, but still too course for feature identification. For security purposes, for example, MIR can be used to detect the presence of weapons on a person that might be approaching a vehicle such as a bus, truck or train and thus provide a warning of a potential terrorist threat Passive IR is also useful for this purpose. MIR is reflected by edges, joints and boundaries and through the technique of range gating, particular slices in space can be observed. Millimeter wave radar, particularly in the passive mode, can also be used to locate life forms because they naturally emit waves at particular frequencies such as 3 mm. A passive image of such a person will also show the presence of concealed weapons as they block this radiation. Similarly, active millimeter wave radar reflects off of metallic objects but is absorbed by the water in a life form. The absorption property can be used by placing a radar receiver or reflector behind the occupant and measuring the shadow caused by the absorption. The reflective property of weapons including plastics can be used as above to detect possible terrorist threats. Finally, the use of sub-millimeter waves again using a detector or reflector on the other side of the occupant can be used not only to determine the density of the occupant but also some measure of its chemical composition as the chemical properties alter the pulse shape. Such waves are more readily absorbed by water than by plastic. From the above discussion, it can be seen that there are advantages of using different frequencies of radar for different purposes and, in some cases, a combination of frequencies is most useful. This combination occurs naturally with noise radar (NR), ultra-wideband radar (UWB) and MIR and these technologies are most appropriate for occupant detection when using electromagnetic radiation at longer wavelengths than visible light and IR. Another variant on the invention is to use no illumination source at all. In this case, the entire visible and infrared spectrum could be used. CMOS arrays are now available with very good night vision capabilities making it possible to see and image an occupant in very low light conditions. QWIP, as discussed above, may someday become available when on chip cooling systems using a dual stage Peltier system become cost effective or when the operating temperature of the device rises through technological innovation. For a comprehensive introduction to multispectral imaging see Richards, Austin Alien Vision, Exploring the Electromagnetic Spectrum with Imaging Technology, SPIE Press, 2001. 8. Field Sensors A living object such as an animal or human has a fairly high electrical permittivity (Dielectric Constant) and relatively lossy dielectric properties (Loss Tangent) absorbs a lot of energy absorption when placed in an appropriate varying electric field. This effect varies with the frequency. If a human which is a lossy dielectric is present in the detection field then the dielectric absorption causes the value of the capacitance of the object to change with frequency. For a human (poor dielectric) with high dielectric losses (loss tangent), the decay with frequency will be more pronounced than objects that do not present this high loss tangency. Exploiting this phenomena it is possible to detect the presents of adult, child, baby or pet that is in the field of the detection circuit. In FIG. 6, a capacitive sensor 78 is arranged to detect the presence of an occupying item on the seat 4 and the output thereof is input to the neural network 65. Naturally capacitive sensors can be located many other places in the passenger compartment. Capacitive sensors appropriate for this function are disclosed in Kithil U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,734, U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,479 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,486 and Jinno et al. Capacitive sensors can in general be mounted at locations 6 and 8-10 in FIG. 7 or as shown in FIG. 6 or in the vehicle seat and seat back, although by their nature they can occupy considerably more space than shown in the drawings. In FIG. 4, Transducers 5, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 can be antennas placed in the seat and headrest such that the presence of an object, particularly a water containing object such as a human, disturbs the near field of the antenna. This disturbance can be detected by various means such as with Micrel parts MICREF102 and MICREF104, which have a built in antenna auto-tune circuit. Note, these parts cannot be used as is and it is necessary to redesign the chips to allow the auto-tune information to be retrieved from the chip. 9. Telematics The cellular phone system, or other telematics communication device, is shown schematically in FIG. 2 by box 34 and outputs to an antenna 32. The phone system or telematics communication device 34 can be coupled to the vehicle interior monitoring system in accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein and serves to establish a communications channel with one or more remote assistance facilities, such as an EMS facility or dispatch facility from which emergency response personnel are dispatched. In the event of an accident, the electronic system associated with the telematics system interrogates the various interior monitoring system memories in processor 20 and can arrive at a count of the number of occupants in the vehicle, if each seat is monitored, and, in more sophisticated systems, even makes a determination as to whether each occupant was wearing a seatbelt and if he or she is moving after the accident, or the health state of one or more of the occupants as described above, for example. The telematics communication system then automatically notifies an EMS operator (such as 911, OnStar® or equivalent) and the information obtained from the interior monitoring systems is forwarded so that a determination can be made as to the number of ambulances and other equipment to send to the accident site. Vehicles having the capability of notifying EMS in the event one or more airbags deployed are now in service but are not believed to use any of the innovative interior monitoring systems described herein. Such vehicles will also have a system, such as the global positioning system, which permits the vehicle to determine its location and to forward this information to the EMS operator. FIG. 2A shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention including a system for determining the presence and health state of any occupants of the vehicle and a telecommunications link. This embodiment includes means for determining the presence of any occupants 150 which may take the form of a heartbeat sensor, chemical sensor or motion sensor as described above and means for determining the health state of any occupants 151 as discussed above. The communications unit 154 performs the function of enabling establishment of a communications channel to a remote facility to receive information about the occupancy of the vehicle as determined by the presence determining means 150, occupant health state determining means 151 and/or occupant location determining means 152. The communications unit 154 thus can be designed to transmit over a sufficiently large range and at an established frequency monitored by the remote facility, which may be an EMS facility, sheriff department, or fire department. Another vehicular telematics system, component or subsystem is a navigational aid, such as a route guidance display or map. In this case, the position of the vehicle as determined by the positioning system 156 is conveyed through processor 153 to the communications unit 154 to a remote facility and a map is transmitted from this facility to the vehicle to be displayed on the route display. If directions are needed, a request for such directions can be entered into an input unit 157 associated with the processor 153 and transmitted to the facility. Data for the display map and/or vocal instructions can then be transmitted from this facility to the vehicle. Moreover, using this embodiment, it is possible to remotely monitor the health state of the occupants in the vehicle and most importantly, the driver. The health state determining means 151 may be used to detect whether the driver's breathing is erratic or indicative of a state in which the driver is dozing off. The health state determining means 151 can also include a breath-analyzer to determine whether the driver's breath contains alcohol. In this case, the health state of the driver is relayed through the processor 153 and the communications unit 154 to the remote facility and appropriate action can be taken. For example, it would be possible to transmit a command to the vehicle to activate an alarm or illuminate a warning light or if the vehicle is equipped with an automatic guidance system and ignition shut-off, to cause the vehicle to come to a stop on the shoulder of the roadway or elsewhere out of the traffic stream. The alarm, warning light, automatic guidance system and ignition shut-off are thus particular vehicular components or subsystems represented by 155. In use after a crash, the presence determining means 150, health state determining means 151 and location determining means 152 obtain readings from the passenger compartment and direct such readings to the processor 153. The processor 153 analyzes the information and directs or controls the transmission of the information about the occupant(s) to a remote, manned facility. Such information could include the number and type of occupants, i.e., adults, children, infants, whether any of the occupants have stopped breathing or are breathing erratically, whether the occupants are conscious (as evidenced by, e.g., eye motion), whether blood is present (as detected by a chemical sensor) and whether the occupants are making sounds. The determination of the number of occupants is obtained from the presence determining mechanism 150, i.e., the number of occupants whose presence is detected is the number of occupants in the passenger compartment. The determination of the status of the occupants, i.e., whether they are moving is performed by the health state determining mechanism 151, such as the motion sensors, heartbeat sensors, chemical sensors, etc. Moreover, the communications link through the communications unit 154 can be activated immediately after the crash to enable personnel at the remote facility to initiate communications with the vehicle. Although in most if not all of the embodiments described above, it has been assumed that the transmission of images or other data from the vehicle to the EMS or other off-vehicle (remote) site is initiated by the vehicle, this may not always be the case and in some embodiments, provision is made for the off-vehicle site to initiate the acquisition and/or transmission of data including images from the vehicle. Thus, for example, once an EMS operator knows that there has been an accident, he or she can send a command to the vehicle to control components in the vehicle to cause the components send images and other data so that the situation can be monitored by the operator or other person. The capability to receive and initiate such transmissions can also be provided in an emergency vehicle such as a police car or ambulance. In this manner, for a stolen vehicle situation, the police officer, for example, can continue to monitor the interior of the stolen vehicle. When the driver of a vehicle is using a cellular phone, the phone microphone frequently picks up other noise in the vehicle making it difficult for the other party to hear what is being said. This noise can be reduced if a directional microphone is used and directed toward the mouth of the driver. This is difficult to do since the position of drivers' mouths varies significantly depending on such things as the size and seating position of the driver. By using the vehicle interior identification and monitoring system of this invention, and through appropriate pattern recognition techniques, the location of the driver's head can be determined with sufficient accuracy even with ultrasonics to permit a directional microphone assembly to be sensitized to the direction of the mouth of the driver resulting in a clear reception of his voice. The use of directional speakers in a similar manner also improves the telephone system performance. In the extreme case of directionality, the techniques of hypersonic sound can be used. Such a system can also be used to permit effortless conversations between occupants of the front and rear seats. Such a system is shown in FIG. 50, which is a system similar to that of FIG. 2 only using three ultrasonic transducers 6, 8 and 10 to determine the location of the driver's head and control the pointing direction of a microphone 158. Speaker 19 is shown connected schematically to the phone system 34 completing the system. The transducer 8 can be placed high in the A-pillar, transducer 8 on the headliner and 10 on the IP. Naturally other locations are possible as discussed above. The three transducers are placed high in the vehicle passenger compartment so that the first returned signal is from the head. Temporal filtering is used to eliminate signals that are reflections from beyond the head and the determination of the head center location is then found by the approximate centroid of the head returned signal. That is, once the location of the return signal centroid is found from the three received signals from transducers 6, 8 and 10, the distance to that point is known for each of the transducers based on the time it takes the signal to travel from the head to each transducer. In this manner, by using the three transducers, all of which send and receive, plus an algorithm for finding the coordinates of the head center, using processor 20, and through the use of known relationships between the location of the mouth and the head center, an estimate of the mouth location, and the ear locations, can be determined within a circle having a diameter of about five inches (13 cm). This is sufficiently accurate for a directional microphone to cover the mouth while excluding the majority of unwanted noise. Naturally camera based systems can be used to more accurately locate parts of the body such as the head. The placement of multiple imagers in the vehicle, the use of a plastic electronics based display plus telematics permits the occupants of the vehicle to engage in a video conference if desired. Naturally, until autonomous vehicles appear, it would be best if the driver did not participate. Once an occupying item has been located in a vehicle, or any object outside of the vehicle, the identification or categorization information along with an image, including an IR or multispectral image, or icon of the object can be sent via a telematics channel to a remote location. A passing vehicle, for example, can send a picture of an accident or a system in a vehicle that has had an accident can send an image of the occupants of the vehicle to aid is injury assessment by the EMS team. The transmission of data obtained from imagers, or other transducers, to another location, requiring the processing of the information, using neural networks for example, to a remote location is an important feature of the inventions disclosed herein. 10. Display A portion of the windshield, such as the lower left corner, can be used to display the vehicle and surrounding vehicles or other objects as seen from above, for example, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/851,362 filed May 8, 2000. This display can use pictures or icons as appropriate. In another case, the condition of the road such as the presence, or likelihood of black ice can be displayed on the windshield where it would show on the road if the driver could see it. Naturally, this would require a source of information that such a condition exists, however, here the concern is that it can be displayed whatever the source of this or any other relevant information. When used in conjunction with a navigation system, directions including pointing arrows or a path outline perhaps in color can be displayed to direct the driver to his destination or to points of interest. 10.1 Heads-up Display The use of a heads-up display has been discussed above. An occupant sensor of this invention permits the alignment of the object discovered by a night vision camera with the line of sight of the driver so that the object will be placed on the display where the driver would have seen it if he were able. Of course the same problem exists as with the glare control system in that to do this job precisely a stereo night vision camera is required. However, in most cases the error will be small if a single camera is used. 10.2 Adjust HUD Based on Driver Seating Position, let Driver Align it Manually Another option is to infer the location of the eyes of the driver and to adjust the HUD based on where the eyes of the driver are likely to be located. Then a manual fine tuning adjustment capability can be provided. 10.3 HUD on Rear Window Previously, HUDs have only been considered for the windshield. This need not be so and the rear window can also be a location for a HUD display to aid the driver in seeing approaching vehicles, for example. 10.4 Plastic Electronics SPD and Plastic electronics can be combined in the same visor or windshield. In this case the glare can be reduced and the visor or windshield used as a heads up display. The SPD technology is described in references (20), (22) and (23) and the plastic electronics in reference (21). Another method of using the display capabilities of any heads-up display and in particular a plastic electronics display is to create an augmented reality situation such as described in a Scientific American article “Augmented Reality: A New Way of Seeing” (24) where the visor or windshield becomes the display instead of a head mounted display. Some applications include the display of the road edges and lane markers onto either the windshield or visor at the location that they would appear if the driver could see them through the windshield. The word windshield when used herein will mean any partially transparent or sometimes transparent display device or surface that is imposed between the eyes of a vehicle occupant and which can serve as a glare blocker and/or as a display device unless alternate devices are mentioned in the same sentence. Other applications include the pointing out of features in the scene to draw attention to a road where the driver should go, the location of a business or service establishment, a point of interest, or any other such object. Along with such an indication, a voice system within the vehicle can provide directions, give a description of the business or service establishment, or give history or other information related to a pint of interest etc. The display can also provide additional visual information such as a created view of a building that is planned for a location, a view of a object of interest that used to be located at a particular point, the location of underground utilities etc. or anything that might appear on a GIS map database or other database relating to the location. One particularly useful class of information relates to signage. Since a driver frequently misses seeing the speed limit sign, highway or road name sign etc., all such information can be displayed on the windshield in an inconspicuous manner along with the past five or so signs that the vehicle has passed and the forthcoming five or so signs alone with their distances. Naturally, these signs can be displayed in any convenient language and can even be spoken if desired by the vehicle operator. The output from night vision camera systems can now also be displayed on the display where it would be located if the driver could see the object through the windshield. The problems of glare rendering such a display unreadable are solved by the glare control system described elsewhere herein. In some cases where the glare is particularly bad making it very difficult to see the roadway, the augmented reality roadway can be displayed over the glare blocking system providing the driver with a clear view of the road location. Naturally, a radar or other collision avoidance system would also be required to show the driver the location of all other vehicles or other objects in the vicinity. Sometimes the actual object can be displayed while in other cases an icon is all that is required and in fact provides a clearer representation of the object. The augmented reality (AR) system can be controlled by a voice recognition system or by other mouse, joystick, switch or similar input device. Thus this AR system is displayed on a see through windshield and augments the information normally seen by the occupant. This system provides the right information to the occupant at the right time to aid in the safe operation of the vehicle and the pleasure and utility of the trip. The source of the information displayed may be resident within the vehicle or be retrieved from the Internet, a local transmitting station, a satellite, another vehicle, a cell phone tower or any other appropriate system. Plastic electronics is now becoming feasible and will permit any surface in or on the vehicle to become a display surface. In particular, this technology is likely to be the basis of future HUDs. Plastic electronics offer the possibility of turning any window into a display. This can be the windshield of an automobile or any window in a vehicle or house or other building, for that matter. A storefront can become a changeable advertising display, for example, and the windows of a house could be a display where emergency services warn people of a coming hurricane. For automotive and truck use, the windshield can now fulfill all of the functions that previously have required a heads-up display (HUD). These include displays of any information that a driver may want or need including the gages normally on the instrument panel, displaying the results of a night vision camera and, if an occupant sensor is present, an image of an object, or an icon representation, can be displayed on the windshield where the driver would see it if it were visible through the windshield as discussed in more detail elsewhere herein and in the commonly assigned cross referenced patents and patent applications listed above. In fact, plastic electronics have the ability to cover most or even the entire windshield area at low cost and without the necessity of an expensive and difficult to mount projection system. In contrast, most HUDs are very limited in windshield coverage. Plastic electronics also provide for a full color display, which is difficult to provide with a HUD since the combiner in the HUD is usually tuned to reflect only a single color. In addition to safety uses, turning one or more windows of a house or vehicle into a display can have “infotainment” and other uses. For example, a teenager may wish to display a message on the side windows to a passing vehicle such as “hi, can I have your phone number?” The passing vehicle can then display the phone number if the occupant of that vehicle wishes. A vehicle or a vehicle operator that is experiencing problems can display “HELP” or some other appropriate message. The occupants of the back seat of a vehicle can use the side window displays to play games or search the Internet, for example. Similarly, a special visor like display based of plastic electronics can be rotated or pulled down from the ceiling for the same purposes. Thus, in a very cost effective manner, any or all of the windows or sun visors of the vehicle (or house or building) can now become computer or TV displays and thus make use of previously unused surfaces for information display. Plastic electronics is in an early stage of development but will have an enormous impact on the windows, sunroofs and sun visors of vehicles. For example, researchers at Philips Research Laboratories have made a 64×64-pixel liquid crystal display (LCD) in which each pixel is controlled by a plastic transistor. Other researchers have used a polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal display (PDLCD) to demonstrate their polymeric transistor patterning. A PDLCD is a reflective display that, unlike most LCD technologies, is not based on polarization effects and so can be used to make a flexible display that could be pulled down like a shade, for example. In a PDLCD, light is either scattered by nonaligned molecules in liquid-crystal domains or the LC domains are transparent because an electrical field aligns the molecules. Pentacene (5A) and sexithiophene (6T) are currently the two most widely used organic semiconductors. These are two conjugated molecules whose means of assembly in the solid state lead to highly orderly materials, including even the single crystal. The excellent transport properties of these molecules may be explained by the high degree of crystallinity of the thin films of these two semiconductor components. The discovery of conducting polymers has become even more significant as this class of materials has proven to be of great technological promise. Conducting polymers have been put to use in such niche applications as electromagnetic shielding, antistatic coatings on photographic films, and windows with changeable optical properties. The undoped polymers, which are semiconducting and sometimes electroluminescent, have led to even more exciting possibilities, such as transistors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and photodetectors. The quantum efficiency (the ratio of photons out to electrons in) of the first polymer LEDs was about 0.01%, but subsequent work quickly raised it to about 1%. Polymer LEDs now have efficiencies of above about 10%, and they can emit a variety of colors. The upper limit of efficiency was once thought to be about 25% but this limitation has now been exceeded and improvements are expected to continue. A screen based on PolyLEDs has advantages since it is lightweight and flexible. It can be rolled up or embedded into a windshield or other window. With plastic chips the electronics driving the screen are integrated into the screen itself. Some applications of the PolyLED are information screens of almost unlimited size, for example alongside motorways or at train stations. They now work continuously for about 50,000 hours, which is more that the life of an automobile. Used as a display, PolyLEDs are much thinner than an LCD screen with backlight. The most important benefit of the PolyLED is the high contrast and the high brightness with the result that they can be easily read in both bright and dark environments, which is important for automotive applications. A PolyLED does not have the viewing angle problem associates with LCDs. The light is transmitted in all directions with the same intensity. Of particular importance is that PolyLEDs can be produced in large quantities at a low price. The efficiency of current plastic electronic devices depends somewhat on their electrical conductivity, which is currently considerably below metals. With improved ordering of the polymer chains, however, the conductivity is expected to eventually exceed that of the best metals. Plastic electronics can be made using solution based processing methods, such as spin-coating, casting, and printing. This fact can potentially reduce the fabrication cost and lead to large area reel-to-reel production. In particular, printing methods (particularly screen printing) are especially desirable since the deposition and patterning steps can be combined in one single step. Screen printing has been widely used in commercial printed circuit boards and was recently adopted by several research groups to print electrodes as well as the active polymer layers for organic transistors and simple circuits. Inkjets and rubber stamps are alternative printing methods. A full-color polymer LED fabricated by ink-jet printing has been demonstrated using a solution of semiconducting polymer in a common solvent as the ink. As reported in Science Observer, November-December, 1998 “Printing Plastic Transistors” plastic transistors can be made transparent, so that they could be used in display systems incorporated in an automobile's windshield. The plastic allows these circuits to be bent along the curvature of a windshield or around a package. For example, investigators at Philips Research in The Netherlands have developed a disposable identification tag that can be incorporated in the wrapping of a soft package. 11. Pattern Recognition In basic embodiments of the invention, wave or energy-receiving transducers are arranged in the vehicle at appropriate locations, trained if necessary depending on the particular embodiment, and function to determine whether a life form is present in the vehicle and if so, how many life forms are present. A determination can also be made using the transducers as to whether the life forms are humans, or more specifically, adults, child in child seas, etc. As noted above and below, this is possible using pattern recognition techniques. Moreover, the processor or processors associated with the transducers can be trained to determine the location of the life forms, either periodically or continuously or possibly only immediately before, during and after a crash. The location of the life forms can be as general or as specific as necessary depending on the system requirements, i.e., a determination can be made that a human is situated on the driver's seat in a normal position (general) or a determination can be made that a human is situated on the driver's seat and is leaning forward and/or to the side at a specific angle as well as the position of his or her extremities and head and chest (specific). The degree of detail is limited by several factors, including, e.g., the number and position of transducers and training of the pattern recognition algorithm. When different objects are placed on the front passenger seat, the two images (here “image” is used to represent any form of signal) from transducers 6, 8, 10 (FIG. 1) are different but there are also similarities between all images of rear facing child seats, for example, regardless of where on the vehicle seat it is placed and regardless of what company manufactured the child seat. Alternately, there will be similarities between all images of people sitting on the seat regardless of what they are wearing, their age or size. The problem is to find the set of “rules” or algorithm that differentiates the images of one type of object from the images of other types of objects, for example which differentiate the adult occupant images from the rear facing child seat images. The similarities of these images for various child seats are frequently not obvious to a person looking at plots of the time series from ultrasonic sensors and thus computer algorithms are developed to sort out the various patterns. For a more detailed discussion of pattern recognition see US RE37260 to Varga et. Al. The determination of these rules is important to the pattern recognition techniques used in this invention. In general, three approaches have been useful, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks including modular or combination neural networks. Other types of pattern recognition techniques may also be used, such as sensor fusion as disclosed in Corrado U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,314, U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,085, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,249,729. In some implementations of this invention, such as the determination that there is an object in the path of a closing window using acoustics as described below, the rules are sufficiently obvious that a trained researcher can look at the returned acoustic signals and devise an algorithm to make the required determinations. In others, such as the determination of the presence of a rear facing child seat or of an occupant, artificial neural networks are used to determine the rules. Neural network software for determining the pattern recognition rules is available from various sources such as International Scientific Research, Inc., PO Box 8, Denville, N.J. 07834. The human mind has little problem recognizing faces even when they are partially occluded such as with a hat, sunglasses or a scarf, for example. With the increase in low cost computing power, it is now possible to train a rather large neural network, perhaps a combination neural network, to recognize most of those cases where a human mind will also be successful. Other techniques which may or may not be part of the process of designing a system for a particular application include the following: 1. Fuzzy logic. Neural networks frequently exhibit the property that when presented with a situation that is totally different from any previously encountered, an irrational decision can result. Frequently when the trained observer looks at input data, certain boundaries to the data become evident and cases that fall outside of those boundaries are indicative of either corrupted data or data from a totally unexpected situation. It is sometimes desirable for the system designer to add rules to handle these cases. These can be fuzzy logic based rules or rules based on human intelligence. One example would be that when certain parts of the data vector fall outside of expected bounds that the system defaults to an airbag enable state. 2. Genetic algorithms. When developing a neural network algorithm for a particular vehicle, there is no guarantee that the best of all possible algorithms has been selected. One method of improving the probability that the best algorithm has been selected is to incorporate some of the principles of genetic algorithms. In one application of this theory, the network architecture and/or the node weights are varied pseudo-randomly to attempt to find other combinations which have higher success rates. The discussion of such genetic algorithms systems appears in the book Computational Intelligence referenced above. Although neural networks are preferred other classifiers such as Bayesian classifiers can be used as well as any other pattern recognition system. A key feature of most of the inventions disclosed herein is the recognition that the technology of pattern recognition rather than deterministic mathematics should be applied to solving the occupant sensing problem. 11.1 Neural Nets The system used in a preferred implementation of this invention for the determination of the presence of a rear facing child seat, of an occupant or of an empty seat, for example, is the artificial neural network, which is also commonly referred to as a trained neural network. In one case, illustrated in FIG. 1, the network operates on the returned signals as sensed by transducers 6, 8, 9 and 10, for example. Through a training session, the system is taught to differentiate between the different cases. This is done by conducting a large number of experiments where a selection of the possible child seats is placed in a large number of possible orientations on the front passenger seat. Similarly, a sufficiently large number of experiments are run with human occupants and with boxes, bags of groceries and other objects (both inanimate and animate). For each experiment with different objects and the same object in different positions, the returned signals from the transducers 6, 8, 9 and 10, for example, are associated with the identification of the occupant in the seat or the empty seat and information about the occupant such as its orientation if it is a child seat and/or position. Data sets are formed from the returned signals and the identification and information about the occupant or the absence of an occupant. The data sets are input into a neural network-generating program that creates a trained neural network that can, upon receiving input of returned signals from the transducers 6, 8, 9 and 10, provide an output of the identification and information about the occupant most likely situated in the seat or ascertained the existence of an empty seat. Sometimes as many as 1,000,000 such experiments are run before the neural network is sufficiently trained and tested so that it can differentiate among the several cases and output the correct decision with a very high probability. The data from each trial is combined to form a one dimensional array of data called a vector. Of course, it must be realized that a neural network can also be trained to differentiate among additional cases, for example, a forward facing child seat. Once the network is determined, it is possible to examine the result using tools supplied by ISR, for example, to determine the rules that were arrived at by the trial and error process. In that case, the rules can then be programmed into a microprocessor resulting in a rule-based system. Alternately, a neural computer can be used to implement the net directly. In either case, the implementation can be carried out by those skilled in the art of pattern recognition. If a microprocessor is used, an additional memory device may be required to store the data from the analog to digital converters that digitize the data from the receiving transducers. On the other hand, if a neural network computer is used, the analog signal can be fed directly from the transducers to the neural network input nodes and an intermediate memory is not required. Memory of some type is needed to store the computer programs in the case of the microprocessor system and if the neural computer is used for more than one task, a memory is needed to store the network specific values associated with each task. For the vectors of data, adults and children each with different postures, states of windows etc. within the passenger compartment, and occupied and unoccupied child seats were selected. The selected adults include people with a variety of different physiques such as fat, lean, small, large, tall, short, and glasses wearing persons. The selected children ranged from an infant to a large child (for example, about 14 year old). In addition, the selected postures include, for example, a sitting state with legs crossed on a seat, a sitting state with legs on an instrument panel, a sitting state while reading a newspaper, a book, or a map, a sitting state while holding a cup of coffee, a cellular telephone or a dictation machine, and a slouching state with and without raised knees. Furthermore, the selected compartment states include variations in the seat track position, the window-opening amount, headrest position, and varying positions of a sun-visor. Moreover, a multitude of different models of child seats are used in the forward facing position and, where appropriate, in a rear facing position. The range of weights and the corresponding normalized values are as follows: Class Weight Range Normalized Value Empty Seat 0 to 2.2 lbs. 0 to 0.01 Rear Facing Child Seat 2.2 to 60 lbs. 0.01 to 0.27 Forward Facing Child 2.2 to 60 lbs. 0.01 to 0.27 Seat Normal Position Adult 60 lbs and greater 0.27 to 1 Obviously, other weight ranges may also be used in accordance with the invention and each weight range may be tailored to specific conditions, such as different vehicles. The output of the weight sensors may not correspond directly to be weight ranges in the above table. If for example strain measuring sensors are placed on each of the vehicle seat supports, such sensors will also respond to the weight of the seat itself. That weight must therefore the remove so that only the additional weight of an occupying item is measured. Similarly it may be desirable to place strain-sensing devices on only some of the vehicle seat support structures. In such cases the weight of the occupying item can be in inferred from the output of the strain sensing sensors. This will be described in greater detail below. Considering now FIG. 9, the normalized data from the ultrasonic transducers 5, 6, 8, and 9, the seat track position detecting sensor 74, the reclining angle detecting sensor 57, from the weight sensor(s) 7, 76 and 97, from the heart beat sensor 71, the capacitive sensor 78 and the motion sensor 73 are input to the neural network 65, and the neural network 65 is then trained on this data. More specifically, the neural network 65 adds up the normalized data from the ultrasonic transducers, from the seat track position detecting sensor 74, from the reclining angle detecting sensor 57, from the weight sensor(s) 7, 76 and 97, from the heartbeat sensor 71, from the capacitive sensor 78 and from the motion sensor 73 with each data point multiplied by a associated weight according to the conventional neural network process to determine correlation function (step S6 in FIG. 18). Looking now at FIG. 19B, in this embodiment, 144 data points are appropriately interconnected at 25 connecting points of layer 1, and each data point is mutually correlated through the neural network training and weight determination process. The 144 data points consist of 138 measured data points from the ultrasonic transducers, the data (139th) from the seat track position detecting sensor 10, the data (140th) from the reclining angle detecting sensor 9, the data (141st) from the weight sensor(s) 6, the data (142nd) from the heartbeat sensor 31, the data (143rd) from the capacitive sensor and the data (144th) from the motion sensor (the last three inputs are not shown on FIG. 19B. Each of the connecting points of the layer 1 has an appropriate threshold value, and if the sum of measured data exceeds the threshold value, each of the connecting points will output a signal to the connecting points of layer 2. Although the weight sensor input is shown as a single input, in general there will be a separate input from each weight sensor used. For example, if the seat has four seat supports and a strained measuring element is used on each support, what will be four data inputs to neural network. The connecting points of the layer 2 comprises 20 points, and the 25 connecting points of the layer 1 are appropriately interconnected as the connecting points of the layer 2. Similarly, each data is mutually correlated through the training process and weight determination as described above and in the above referenced neural network texts. Each of the 20 connecting points of the layer 2 has an appropriate threshold value, and if the sum of measured data exceeds the threshold value, each of the connecting points will output a signal to the connecting points of layer 3. The connecting points of the layer 3 comprises 3 points, and the connecting points of the layer 2 are interconnected at the connecting points of the layer 3 so that each data is mutually correlated as described above. If the sum of the outputs of the connecting points of layer 2 exceeds a threshold value, the connecting points of the latter 3 will output Logic values (100), (010), and (001) respectively, for example. The neural network 65 recognizes the seated-state of a passenger A by training as described in several books on Neural Networks referenced in the above referenced patents and patent applications. Then, after training the seated-state of the passenger A and developing the neural network weights, the system is tested. The training procedure and the test procedure of the neural network 65 will hereafter be described with a flowchart shown in FIG. 18. The threshold value of each connecting point is determined by multiplying weight coefficients and summing up the results in sequence, and the aforementioned training process is to determine a weight coefficient Wj so that the threshold value (ai) is a previously determined output. ai=ΣWj·Xj(j=1 to N) wherein Wj is the weight coefficient, Xj is the data and N is the number of samples. Based on this result of the training, the neural network 65 generates the weights for the coefficients of the correlation function or the algorithm (step S7). At the time the neural network 65 has learned a suitable number of patterns of the training data, the result of the training is tested by the test data. In the case where the rate of correct answers of the seated-state detecting unit based on this test data is unsatisfactory, the neural network is further trained and the test is repeated. In this embodiment, the test was performed based on about 600,000 test patterns. When the rate of correct test result answers was at about 98%, the training was ended. The neural network 65 has outputs 65a, 65b and 65c (FIG. 9). Each of the outputs 65a, 65b and 65c outputs a signal of logic 0 or 1 to a gate circuit or algorithm 77. Based on the signals from the outputs 65a, 65b and 65c, any one of these combination (100), (010) and (001) is obtained. In another preferred embodiment, all data for the empty seat was removed from the training set and the empty seat case was determined based on the output of the weight sensor alone. This simplifies the neural network and improves its accuracy. In this embodiment, the output (001) correspond to a vacant seat, a seat occupied by an inanimate object or a seat occupied by a pet (VACANT), the output (010) corresponds to a rear facing child seat (RFCS) or an abnormally seated passenger (ASP or OOPA), and the output (100) corresponds to a normally seated passenger (NSP or FFA) or a forward facing child seat (FFCS). The gate circuit (seated-state evaluation circuit) 77 can be implemented by an electronic circuit or by a computer algorithm by those skilled in the art and the details will not be presented here. The function of the gate circuit 77 is to remove the ambiguity that sometimes results when ultrasonic sensors and seat position sensors alone are used. This ambiguity is that it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between a rear facing child seat (RFCS) and an abnormally seated passenger (ASP), or between a normally seated passenger (NSP) and a forward facing child seat (FFCS). By the addition of one or more weight sensors in the function of acting as a switch when the weight is above or below 60 lbs., it has been found that this ambiguity can be eliminated. The gate circuit therefore takes into account the output of the neural network and also the weight from the weight sensor(s) as being above or below 60 lbs. and thereby separates the two cases just described and results in five discrete outputs. Thus, the gate circuit 77 fulfills a role of outputting five kinds of seated-state evaluation signals, based on a combination of three kinds of evaluation signals from the neural network 65 and superimposed information from the weight sensor(s). The five seated-state evaluation signals are input to an airbag deployment determining circuit that is part of the airbag system and will not be described here. Naturally, as disclosed in the above reference patents and patent applications, the output of this system can also be used to activate a variety of lights or alarms to indicate to the operator of the vehicle the seated state of the passenger. Naturally, the system that has been here described for the passenger side is also applicable for the most part for the driver side. An alternate and preferred method of accomplishing the function performed by the gate circuit is to use a modular neural network. In this case, the first level neural network is trained on determining whether the seat is occupied or vacant. The input to this neural network consists of all of the data points described above. Since the only function of this neural network is to ascertain occupancy, the accuracy of this neural network is very high. If this neural network determines that the seat is not vacant, then the second level neural network determines the occupancy state of the seat. In this embodiment, although the neural network 65 has been employed as an evaluation circuit, the mapping data of the coefficients of a correlation function may also be implemented or transferred to a microcomputer to constitute the valuation circuit (see Step S8 in FIG. 18). According to the seated-state detecting unit of the present invention, the identification of a vacant seat (VACANT), a rear facing child seat (RFCS), a forward facing child seat (FFCS), a normally seated adult passenger (NSP), an abnormally seated adult passenger (ASP), can be reliably performed. Based on this identification, it is possible to control a component, system or subsystem in the vehicle. For example, a regulation valve which controls the inflation or deflation of an airbag may be controlled based on the evaluated identification of the occupant of the seat. This regulation valve may be of the digital or analog type. A digital regulation valve is one that is in either of two states, open or closed The control of the flow is then accomplished by varying the time that the valve is open and closed, i.e., the duty cycle. The neural network has been previously trained on a significant number of occupants of the passenger compartment. The number of such occupants depends strongly on whether the driver or the passenger seat is being analyzed. The variety of seating states or occupancies of the passenger seat is vastly greater than that of the driver seat. For the driver seat, a typical training set will consist of approximately 100 different vehicle occupancies. For the passenger seat, this number can exceed 1000. These numbers are used for illustration purposes only and will differ significantly from vehicle model to vehicle model. Of course many vectors of data will be taken for each occupancy as the occupant assumes different positions and postures. The neural network is now used to determine which of the stored occupancies most closely corresponds to the measured data. The output of the neural network can be an index of the setup that was used during training that most closely matches the current measured state. This index can be used to locate stored information from the matched trained occupancy. Information that has been stored for the trained occupancy typically includes the locus of the centers of the chest and head of the driver, as well as the approximate radius of pixels which is associated with this center to define the head area, for example. For the case of FIG. 8A, it is now known from this exercise where the head, chest, and perhaps the eyes and ears, of the driver are most likely to be located and also which pixels should be tracked in order to know the precise position of the driver's head and chest. What has been described above is the identification process. The use of trainable pattern recognition technologies such as neural networks is an important part of the instant invention, although other non-trained pattern recognition systems such as fuzzy logic, correlation, Kalman filters, and sensor fusion (a derivative of fuzzy logic) can also be used. These technologies are implemented using computer programs to analyze the patterns of examples to determine the differences between different categories of objects. These computer programs are derived using a set of representative data collected during the training phase, called the training set. After training, the computer programs output a computer algorithm containing the rules permitting classification of the objects of interest based on the data obtained after installation in the vehicle. These rules, in the form of an algorithm, are implemented in the system that is mounted onto the vehicle. The determination of these rules is important to the pattern recognition techniques used in this invention. Artificial neural networks using back propagation are thus far the most successful of the rule determination approaches, however, research is underway to develop systems with many of the advantages of back propagation neural networks, such as learning by training, without the disadvantages, such as the inability to understand the network and the possibility of not converging to the best solution. In particular, back propagation neural networks will frequently give an unreasonable response when presented with data than is not within the training data. It is well known that neural networks are good at interpolation but poor at extrapolation. A combined neural network fuzzy logic system, on the other hand, can substantially solve this problem. Additionally, there are many other neural network systems in addition to back propagation. In fact, one type of neural network may be optimum for identifying the contents of the passenger compartment and another for determining the location of the object dynamically. In some implementations of this invention, such as the determination that there is an object in the path of a closing window as described below, the rules are sufficiently obvious that a trained researcher can look at the returned optical signals and devise an algorithm to make the required determinations. In others, such as the determination of the presence of a rear facing child seat or an occupant, artificial neural networks are frequently used to determine the rules. Numerous books and articles, including more that 500 U.S. patents, describe neural networks in great detail and thus the theory and application of this technology is well known and will not be repeated here. Except in a few isolated situations where neural networks have been used to solve particular problems limited to engine control, for example, they have not previously been applied to automobiles and trucks. The system generally used in the instant invention, therefore, for the determination of the presence of a rear facing child seat, an occupant, or an empty seat is the artificial neural network or a neural-fuzzy system. In this case, the network operates on the returned signals from the CCD array as sensed by transducers 49, 50, 51 and 54 in FIG. 8D, for example. For the case of the front passenger seat, for example, through a training session, the system is taught to differentiate between the three cases. This is done by conducting a large number of experiments where available child seats are placed in numerous positions and orientations on the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Similarly, a sufficiently large number of experiments are run with human occupants and with boxes, bags of groceries and other objects. As many as 1,000,000 such experiments are run before the neural network is sufficiently trained so that it can differentiate among the three cases and output the correct decision with a very high probability. Once the network is determined, it is possible to examine the result to determine, from the algorithm created by the neural network software, the rules that were finally arrived at by the trial and error training technique. In that case, the rules can then be programmed into a microprocessor. Alternately, a neural computer can be used to implement the net directly. In either case, the implementation can be carried out by those skilled in the art of pattern recognition using neural networks. If a microprocessor is used, a memory device is also required to store the data from the analog to digital converters which digitize the data from the receiving transducers. On the other hand, if a neural network computer is used, the analog signal can be fed directly from the transducers to the neural network input nodes and an intermediate memory is not required. Memory of some type is needed to store the computer programs in the case of the microprocessor system and if the neural computer is used for more than one task, a memory is needed to store the network specific values associated with each task. A review of the literature on neural networks yields the conclusion that the use of such a large training set is unique in the neural network field. The rule of neural networks is that there must be at least three training cases for each network weight. Thus, for example, if a neural network has 156 input nodes, 10 first hidden layer nodes, 5 second hidden layer nodes, and one output node this results in a total of 1,622 weights. According to conventional theory 5000 training examples should be sufficient. It is highly unexpected, therefore, that greater accuracy would be achieved through 100 times that many cases. It is thus not obvious and cannot be deduced from the neural network literature that the accuracy of the system will improve substantially as the size of the training database increases even to tens of thousands of cases. It is also not obvious looking at the plots of the vectors obtained using ultrasonic transducers that increasing the number of tests or the database size will have such a significant effect on the system accuracy. Each of the vectors is typically a rather course plot with a few significant peaks and valleys. Since the spatial resolution of an ultrasonic system is typically about 2 to 4 inches, it is once again surprising that such a large database is required to achieve significant accuracy improvements. The back propagation neural network is a very successful general-purpose network. However, for some applications, there are other neural network architectures that can perform better. If it has been found, for example, that a parallel network as described above results in a significant improvement in the system, then, it is likely that the particular neural network architecture chosen has not been successful in retrieving all of the information that is present in the data. In such a case, an RCE, Stochastic, Logicon Projection, cellular, support vector machine or one of the other approximately 30 types of neural network architectures can be tried to see if the results improve. This parallel network test, therefore, is a valuable tool for determining the degree to which the current neural network is capable of using efficiently the available data. One of the salient features of neural networks is their ability of fuid patterns in data regardless of its source. Neural networks work well with data from ultrasonic sensors, optical imagers, strain gage and bladder weight sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, electric field sensors, capacitance based sensors, any other wave sensors including the entire electromagnetic spectrum, etc. If data from any sensors can be digitized and fed into a neural network generating program and if there is information in the pattern of the data then neural networks can be a viable method of identifying those patterns and correlating them with a desired output function. Note that although the inventions disclosed herein preferably use neural networks and combination neural networks to be described next, these inventions are not limited to this form or method of pattern recognition. The major breakthrough in occupant sensing came with the recognition by the current assignee that ordinary analysis using mathematical equations where the researcher looks at the data and attempts, based on the principles of statistics, engineering or physics, to derive the relevant relationships between the data and the category and location of an occupying item is not the proper approach and that pattern recognition technologies should be used. This is the first use of such pattern recognition technologies in the automobile safety and monitoring fields with the exception that neural networks have been used by the current assignee and others as the basis of a crash sensor algorithm and by certain automobile manufacturers for engine control. 11.2 Combination Neural Nets The technique that was described above for the determination of the location of an occupant during panic or braking pre-crash situations involved the use of a modular neural network. In that case, one neural network was used to determine the occupancy state of the vehicle and one or more neural networks were used to determine the location of the occupant within the vehicle. The method of designing a system utilizing multiple neural networks is a key teaching of the present invention. When this idea is generalized, many potential combinations of multiple neural network architectures become possible. Some of these will now be discussed. One of the earliest attempts to use multiple neural networks was to combine different networks trained differently but on substantially the same data under the theory that the errors which affect the accuracy of one network would be independent of the errors which affect the accuracy of another network. For example, for a system containing four ultrasonic transducers, four neural networks could be trained each using a different subset of the four transducer data. Thus, if the transducers are arbitrarily labeled A, B, C and D the then the first neural network would be trained on data from A, B and C. The second neural network would be trained on data from B, C, and D etc. This technique has not met with a significant success since it is an attempt to mask errors in the data rather than to eliminate them. Nevertheless, such a system does perform marginally better in some situations compared to a single network using data from all four transducers. The penalty for using such a system is that the computational time is increased by approximately a factor of three. This significantly affects the cost of the system installed in a vehicle. An alternate method of obtaining some of the advantages of the parallel neural network architecture described above, is to form a single neural network but where the nodes of one or more of the hidden layers are not all connected to all of the input nodes. Alternately, if the second hidden layer is chosen, all of the notes from the previous hidden layer are not connected to all of the nodes of the subsequent layer. The alternate groups of hidden layer nodes can then be fed to different output notes and the results of the output nodes combined, either through a neural network training process into a single decision or a voting process. This latter approach retains most of the advantages of the parallel neural network while substantially reducing the computational complexity. The fundamental problem with parallel networks is that they focus on achieving reliability or accuracy by redundancy rather than by improving the neural network architecture itself or the quality of the data being used. They also increase the cost of the final vehicle installed systems. Alternately, modular neural networks improve the accuracy of the system by dividing up the tasks. For example, if a system is to be designed to determine the type of tree or the type of animal in a particular scene, the modular approach would be to first determine whether the object of interest is an animal or a tree and then use separate neural networks to determine type of tree and the type of animal. When a human looks at a tree he is not ask himself is that a tiger or a monkey. Modular neural network systems are efficient since once the categorization decision is made, the seat is occupied by forward facing human, for example, the location of that object can be determined more accurately and without requiring increased computational resources. Another example where modular neural networks have proven valuable is to provide a means for separating “normal” from “special cases”. It has been found that in some cases, the vast majority of the data falls into what might be termed “normal” cases that are easily identified with a neural network. The balance of the cases cause the neural network considerable difficulty, however, there are identifiable characteristics of the special cases that permits them to be separated from the normal cases and dealt with separately. Various types of human intelligence rules can be used, in addition to a neural network, to perform this separation including fuzzy logic, statistical filtering using the average class vector of normal cases, the vector standard deviation, and threshold where a fuzzy logic network is used to determine chance of a vector belonging to a certain class. If the chance is below a threshold, the standard neural network is used and if above the special one is used. Mean-Variance calculations, Fuzzy Logic, Stochastic, and Genetic Algorithm networks, and combinations thereof such as Neuro-Fuzzy systems are other technologies considered in designing an appropriate system. During the process of designing a system to be adapted to a particular vehicle, many different neural network and other pattern recognition architectures are considered including those mentioned above. The particular choice of architecture is frequently determined on a trial and error basis by the system designer in many cases using the combination neural network CAD software from International Scientific Research Inc. (ISR). Although the parallel architecture system described above has not proven to be in general beneficial, one version of this architecture has shown some promise. It is known that when training a neural network, that as the training process proceeds the accuracy of the decision process improves for the training and independent databases. It is also known that the ability of the network to generalize suffers. That is, when the network is presented with a system which is similar to some case in the database but still with some significant differences, the network may make the proper decision in the early stages of training, but the wrong decisions after the network has become fully trained. This is sometimes called the young network vs. old network dilemma. In some cases, therefore, using an old network in parallel with a young network can retain some of the advantages of both networks, that is, the high accuracy of the old network coupled with the greater generality of the young network. Once again, the choice of any of these particular techniques is part of the process of designing a system to be adapted to a particular vehicle and is a prime subject of this invention. The particular combination of tools used depends on the particular application and the experience of the system designer. It has been found that the accuracy of the neural network pattern recognition system can be substantially enhanced if the problem is broken up into several problems. Thus, for example, rather than deciding that the airbag should be deployed or not using a single neural network and inputting all of the available data, the accuracy is improved it is first decided whether the data is good, then whether the seat is empty or occupied and then whether it is occupied by an adult or a child. Finally, if the decisions say that there is a forward facing adult occupying the seat, then the final level of neural network determines the location of the adult. Once the location is determined, a non-neural network algorithm can determine whether to enable deployment of the restraint system. The process of using multiple layers of neural networks is called modular neural networks and when other features are added, it is called combination neural networks. An example of a combination neural network is shown generally at 275 in FIG. 37. The process begins at 276 with the acquisition of new data. This could be from a variety of sources such as multiple cameras, ultrasonic sensors, capacitive sensors, other electromagnetic field monitoring sensors, and other electric and/or magnetic or acoustic-based wave sensors, etc. Additionally, the data can come from other sources such as weight or other morphological characteristic detecting sensors, occupant-presence detecting sensors, chemical sensors or seat position sensors. The data is preprocessed and fed into neural network at 277 where the type of occupying item is determined. If the network determines that the type of occupying item is either an empty seat or a rear facing child seat then control is passed to box 284 via line 285 and the decision is made to disable the airbag. It is envisioned though that instead of disabling deployment if a rear-facing child seat is present, a depowered deployment, a late deployment or a oriented deployment may be made if it is determined that such a deployment would more likely prevent injury to the child in the child seat than cause harm. In the event that the occupant type classification neural network 277 has determined that the seat is occupied by something other than a rear-facing child seat, then control is transferred to neural network 278, occupant size classification, which has the task of determining whether the occupant is a small, medium or large occupant. It has been found that the accuracy of the position determination is usually improved if the occupant size is first classified and then a special occupant position neural network is used to monitor the position of the occupant relative to airbag module. Nevertheless, the order of applying the neural networks, e.g., the size classification prior to the position classification, is not critical to the practice of the invention. Once the size of the occupant has been classified by a neural network at 278, control is then passed to neural networks 279, 280, or 281 depending on the output size determination from neural network 278. The chosen network then determines the position of the occupant and that position determination is fed to the feedback delay algorithm 282 via line 283 and to the decision to disable algorithm 284. The feedback delay 282 can be a function of occupant size as well as the rate at which data is acquired. The results of the feedback delay algorithm 282 are fed to the appropriate large, medium or small occupant position neural networks 279, 280 or 281. It has been found that if the previous position of the occupant is used as input to the neural network that a more accurate estimation of the present position results. In some cases, multiple previous position values are fed instead of only the most recent value. This is determined for a particular application and programmed as part as of the feedback delay algorithm 266. After the decision to disable has been made in algorithm 284, control is returned to algorithm 276 via line 286 to acquire new data. FIG. 37 is a singular example of an infinite variety combination neural networks that can be employed. This case combines a modular neural network structure with serial and parallel architectures. Feedback has also been used in a similar manner as a cellular neural network. Other examples include situations where imprecise data requires the input data to be divided into subsets and fed to a series of neural networks operating in parallel. The output of these neural networks can then be combined in a voting or another analytical manner to determine the final decision, e.g., whether and how to deploy the occupant protection apparatus. In other cases, particular transducers are associated with particular neural networks and the data combined after initial process by those dedicated neural networks. In still other cases, as discussed above, an initial neural network is used to determine whether the data to be analyzed is part of the same universe of data that has been used to train the networks. Sometimes transducers provide erroneous data and sometimes the wiring in the vehicle can be a source of noise that can corrupt the data. Similarly, a neural network is sometimes used as part of the decision to disable activity to compare results over time to again attempt to eliminate spurious false decisions. Thus, an initial determination as to whether the data is consistent with data on which the neural network is trained is often an advisable step. In each of the boxes in FIG. 37, with the exception of the decision to disable box 284 and the feedback delay box 282, it has been assumed that each box would be a neural network. In many cases, a deterministic algorithm can be used, and in other cases correlation analysis, fuzzy logic or neural fuzzy systems, a support vector machine, a cellular neural network or any other pattern recognition algorithm or system are appropriate. Therefore, a combination neural network can include non-neural network analytical tasks. FIG. 37 illustrates the use of a combination neural network to determine whether and how to deploy or disable an airbag. It must be appreciated that the same architecture may be used to determine whether and how to deploy any type of occupant protection apparatus as defined above. More generally, the architecture shown in FIG. 37 may be used simply to determine the occupancy state of the vehicle, e.g., the type, size and position of the occupant. A determination of the occupancy state of the vehicle includes a determination of any or all of the occupant's type, identification, size, position, health state, etc. The occupancy state can then be used to in the control of any vehicular component, system or subsystem. FIG. 51 shows a more general schematic illustration of the use of a combination neural network, or a combination pattern recognition network, designated 286 in accordance with the invention. Data is acquired at 287 and input into the occupancy state determination unit, i.e., the combination neural network, which provides an indication of the occupancy state of the seat. Once the occupancy state is determined at 288, it is provided to the component control unit 289 to effect control of the component. A feedback delay 290 is provided to enable the determination of the occupancy state from one instance to be used by the combination neural network at a subsequent instance. After the component control 289 is affected, the process begins anew by acquiring new data via line 291. FIG. 52 shows a schematic illustration of the use of a combination neural network in accordance with the invention designated 292 in which the occupancy state determination entails an identification of the occupying item by one neural network and a determination of the position of the occupying item by one or more other neural network. Data is acquired at 293 and input into the identification neural network 294 which is trained to provide the identification of the occupying item of the seat based on at least some of the data, i.e., data from one or more transducers might have been deemed of nominal relevance for the identification determination and thus the identification neural network 294 was not trained on such data. Once the identification of the occupying item is determined at 294, it is provided to one of the position neural networks 295 which is trained to provide an indication of the position of the occupying item, e.g., relative to the occupant protection apparatus, based on at least some of the data. That is, data from one or more transducers, although possibly useful for the identification neural network 294, might have been deemed of nominal relevance for the position neural network 295 and thus the position neural network was not trained on such data. Once the identification and position of the occupying item are determined, they are provided to the component control unit 296 to effect control of the component based on one of these determinations or both. A feedback delay 297 is provided for the identification neural network 294 to enable the determination of the occupying item's identification from one instance to be used by the identification neural network 294 at a subsequent instance. A feedback delay 298 is provided for the position neural network 295 to enable the determination of the occupying item's position from one instance to be used by the position neural network 295 at a subsequent instance. After the component control 296 is effected, the process begins anew by acquiring new data via line 299. The identification neural network 294, the position determination neural network 295 and feedback delays 297 and 298 combine to constitute the combination neural network 292 in this embodiment (shown in dotted lines). The data used by the identification neural network 294 to determine the identification of the occupying item may be different than the data used by the position determination neural network 295 to determine the position of the occupying item. That is, data from a different set of transducers may be applied by the identification neural network 294 than by the position determination neural network. Instead of a single position determination neural network as schematically shown in FIG. 52, a plurality of position determination neural networks may be used depending on the identification of the occupying item. Also, a size determination neural network may be incorporated into the combination neural network after the identification neural network 294 and then optionally, a plurality of the position determination neural networks as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 37. Using the feedback delays 297 and 298, it is possible to use the position determination from position neural network 295 as input into the identification neural network 294. Note that any or all of the neural networks may have associated pre and post processors. For example, in some cases the input data to a particular neural network can be pruned to eliminate data points that are not relevant to the decision making of a particular neural network. FIG. 53 shows a schematic illustration of the use of a combination neural network in accordance with the invention designated 300 in which the occupancy state determination entails an initial determination as to the quality of the data obtained by the transducers and intended for input into a main occupancy state determination neural network. Data from the transducers is acquired at 301 and input into a gating neural network 302 which is trained to allow only data which agrees with or is similar to data on which a main neural network 303 is trained. If the data provided by transducers has been corrupted and thus deviates from data on which the main neural network 303 has been trained, the gating neural network 302 will reject it and request new data via line 301 from the transducers. Thus, gating neural network 302 serves as a gate to prevent data which might cause an incorrect occupancy state determination from entering as input to the main neural network 303. If the gating neural network 302 determines that the data is reasonable, it allows the data to pass as input to the main neural network 303 which is trained to determine the occupancy state. Once the occupancy state is determined, it is provided to the component control unit 304 to effect control of the component. A feedback delay 306 is provided for the gating neural network 302 to enable the indication of unreasonable data from one instance to be used by the gating neural network 302 at a subsequent instance. A feedback delay 305 is provided for the main neural network 303 to enable the determination of the occupancy state from one instance to be used by the main neural network 303 at a subsequent instance. After the component control 304 is effected, the process begins anew by acquiring new data via line 307. The gating neural network 302, the main neural network 303 and optional feedback delays 305 and 306 combine to constitute the combination neural network 300 in this embodiment (shown in dotted lines). Instead of a single occupancy state neural network as schematically shown in FIG. 53, the various combinations of neural networks disclosed herein for occupancy state determination may be used. Similarly, the use of a gating neural network, or a fuzzy logic algorithm or other algorithm, may be incorporated into any of the combination neural networks disclosed herein to prevent unreasonable data from entering into any of the neural networks in any of the combination neural networks. FIG. 54 shows a schematic illustration of the use of a combination neural network in accordance with the invention designated 310 with a particular emphasis on determining the orientation and position of a child seat. Data is acquired at 311 and input into the identification neural network 312 which is trained to provide the identification of the occupying item of the seat based on at least some of the data. If the occupying item is other than a child seat, the process is directed to size/position determination neural network 313 which is trained to determine the size and position of the occupying item and pass this determination to the component control 320 to enable control of the component to be effected based on the identification, size and/or position of the occupying item. Note that the size/position determination neural network may itself be a combination neural network. When the occupying item is identified as a child seat, the process passes to orientation determination neural network 314 which is trained to provide an indication of the orientation of the child seat, i.e., whether it is rear-facing or forward-facing, based on at least some of the data. That is, data from one or more transducers, although possibly useful for the identification neural network 312, might have been deemed of nominal relevance for the orientation determination neural network 314 and thus the orientation neural network was not trained on such data. Once the orientation of the child seat is determined, control is then passed to position determination neural networks 317 and 318 depending on the orientation determination from neural network 314. The chosen network then determines the position of the child seat and that position determination is passed to component control 320 to effect control of the component. A feedback delay 315 can be provided for the identification neural network 312 to enable the determination of the occupying item's identification from one instance to be used by the identification neural network 312 at a subsequent instance. A feedback delay 316 is provided for the orientation determination neural network 314 to enable the determination of the child seat's orientation from one instance to be used by the orientation determination neural network 314 at a subsequent instance. A feedback delay 319 can be provided for the position determination neural networks 317 and 318 to enable the position of the child seat from one instance to be used by the respective position determination neural networks 317 and 318 at a subsequent instance. After the component control 320 is effected, the process begins anew by acquiring new data via line 321. The identification neural network 312, the position/size determination neural network 313, the child seat orientation determination neural network 314, the position determination neural networks 317 and 318 and the feedback delays 315, 316 and 319 combine to constitute the combination neural network 310 in this embodiment (shown in dotted lines). The data used by the identification neural network 312 to determine the identification of the occupying item, the data used by the position/size determination neural network 313 to determine the position of the occupying item, the data used by the orientation determination neural network 314, the data used by the position determination neural networks 317 and 318 may all be different from one another. For example, data from a different set of transducers may be applied by the identification neural network 312 than by the position/size determination neural network 313. As mentioned above, instead of a single position/size determination neural network as schematically shown in FIG. 52, a plurality of position determination neural networks may be used depending on the identification of the occupying item. Using feedback delays 315, 316 and 319, it is possible to provide either upstream or downstream feedback from any of the neural networks to any of the other neural networks. FIG. 55 shows a schematic illustration of the use of an ensemble type of combination neural network in accordance with the invention designated 324. Data from the transducers is acquired at 325 and three streams of data are created. Each stream of data contains data from a different subset of transducers. Each stream of data is input into a respective occupancy determination neural network 326, 327 and 328, each of which is trained to determine the occupancy state based on the data from the respective subset of transducers. Once the occupancy state is determined by each neural network 326, 327 and 328, it is provided to a voting determination system 329 to consider the determination of the occupancy states from the occupancy determination neural networks 326, 327 and 328 and determine the most reasonable occupancy state which is passed to the component control unit 330 to effect control of the component. Ideally, the occupancy state determined by each neural network 326, 327 and 328 will be the same and such would be passed to the component control. However, in the event they differ, the voting determination system 329 weighs the occupancy states determined by each neural network 326, 327 and 328 and “votes” for one. For example, if two neural networks 326 and 327 provided the same occupancy state while neural network 328 provides a different occupancy state, the voting determination system 329 could be designed to accept the occupancy state from the majority of neural networks, in this case, that of neural networks 326 and 327. A feedback delay may be provided for each neural network 326, 327 and 328 as well as from the voting determination system 329 to each neural network 326, 327 and 328. The voting determination system 329 may itself be a neural network. After the component control 330 is effected, the process begins anew by acquiring new data via line 331. Instead of the single occupancy state neural networks 326, 327 and 328 as schematically shown in FIG. 55, the various combinations of neural networks disclosed herein for occupancy state determination may be used. The discussion above is primarily meant to illustrate the tremendous power and flexibility that combined neural networks provide. To apply this technology the researcher usually begins with a simple network of neural networks and determines the accuracy of the system based on the real world database. Normally even a simple structure providing sufficient transducers or sensors are chosen will yield accuracies above 98% and frequently above 99%. The networks then have to be biased so that virtually 100% accuracy is achieved for a normally seated forward seated adult since that is the most common seated state and any degradation for that condition could cause the airbag to be suppressed and result in more injuries rather than less. In biasing the results for that case the results of other cases are usually reduced at a multiple. Thus to go from 99.9% for the normally facing adult to 100% might cause the rear facing child seat accuracy to go from 99% to 98.6%. Thus for each 0.1% gain for the normally seated adult, a 0.4% loss resulted for the rear facing child seat. Through trial and error and using optimization software from ISR the combination network now begins to become more complicated as the last few tenths of a percent accuracy is obtained for the remaining seated states. Note that no other system known to the current assignees achieves accuracies in the 98% to 99% range and many are below 95%. 11.3 Interpretation of Other Occupant States—Inattention, Sleep Once a vehicle interior monitoring system employing a sophisticated pattern recognition system, such as a neural network or modular neural network, is in place, it is possible to monitor the motions of the driver over time and determine if he is falling asleep or has otherwise become incapacitated. In such an event, the vehicle can be caused to respond in a number of different ways. One such system is illustrated in FIG. 6 and consists of a monitoring system having transducers 8 and 9 plus microprocessor 20 programmed to compare the motions of the driver over time and trained to recognize changes in behavior representative of becoming incapacitated e.g., the eyes blinking erratically and remaining closed for ever longer periods of time. If the system determines that there is a reasonable probability that the driver has fallen asleep, for example, then it can turn on a warning light shown here as 41 or send a warning sound. If the driver fails to respond to the warning by pushing a button 43, for example, then the horn and lights can be operated in a manner to warn other vehicles and the vehicle brought to a stop. One novel approach, not shown, would be to use the horn as the button 43. For a momentary depression of the horn, for this case, the horn would not sound. Other responses can also be programmed and other tests of driver attentiveness can be used, without resorting to attempting to monitor the motions of the driver's eyes that would signify that the occupant was alert. These other responses can include an input to the steering wheel, motion of the head, blinking or other motion of the eyes etc. In fact by testing a large representative sample of the population of drivers, the range of alert responses to the warning light and/or sound can be compared to the lack of response of an asleep driver and thereby the state of attentiveness determined. An even more sophisticated system of monitoring the behavior of the driver is to track his eye motions using such techniques as are described in: Freidman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,052 “Eye Tracker Communication System”; Heyner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,189 “Eye Position Sensor”; Hutchinson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,670 “Eye Movement Detector”; and Hutchinson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,069 “Eye Movement Detector With Improved Calibration and Speed” as well as U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,946 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,012 referenced above. The detection of the impaired driver in particular can be best determined by these techniques. These systems use pattern recognition techniques plus, in many cases, the transmitter and CCD receivers must be appropriately located so that the reflection off of the cornea of the driver's eyes can be detected as discussed in the above referenced patents. The size of the CCD arrays used herein permits their location, sometimes in conjunction with a reflective windshield, where this corneal reflection can be detected with some difficulty. Sunglasses or other items can interfere with this process. In a similar manner as described in these patents, the motion of the driver's eyes can be used to control various systems in the vehicle permitting hands off control of the entertainment system, heating and air conditioning system or all of the other systems described above. Although some of these systems have been described in the afore-mentioned patents, none have made use of neural networks for interpreting the eye movements. The use of particular IR wavelengths permits the monitoring of the Driver's eyes without the driver knowing that this is occurring. IR with a wave length above about 1.1 microns, however, is blocked by glass glasses and thus other invisible frequencies may be required. The use of the windshield as a reflector is particularly useful when monitoring the eyes of the driver by means of a camera mounted on the rear view mirror. The reflections from the cornea are highly directional as every driver knows whose lights have reflected off the eyes of an animal on the roadway. For this to be effective, the eyes of the driver must be looking at the radiation source. Since the driver is presumably looking through the windshield, the source of the radiation must also come from the windshield and the reflections from the driver's eyes must also be in the direction of the windshield. Using this technique, the time that the driver spends looking through the windshield can be monitored and if that time drops below some threshold value it can be presumed that the driver is not attentive and may be sleeping or otherwise incapacitated. The location of the eyes of the driver, for this application, is greatly facilitated by the teachings of this invention as described above. Although others have suggested the use of eye motions and corneal reflections for drowsiness determination, up until now there has not been a practical method for locating the driver's eyes with sufficient precision and reliability as to render this technique practical. Also, although sunglasses might defeat such a system, most drowsiness caused accidents happen at night where it is less likely that sunglasses are worn. 11.4 Combining Occupant Monitoring and Car Monitoring There is an inertial measurement unit (IMU) under development by the current assignee that will have the equivalent accuracy as an expensive military IMU but will sell for under $500. This IMU will contain 3 accelerometers and 3 gyroscopes and permit a very accurate tracking of the motion of the vehicle in three dimensions. The main purposes of this device will be replace all non-crush zone crash and rollover sensors, chassis control gyros etc. with a single device that will be 100 times more accurate. Another key application will be in vehicle guidance systems and it will eventually form the basis of a system that will know exactly where the vehicle is on the face of the earth within a few centimeters. An additional use will be to monitor the motion of the vehicle in comparison with that of an occupant. Form this several facts can be gained. First, if the occupant moves in such a manner that is not caused by the motion of the vehicle, then the occupant must be alive. Conversely, if the driver motion is only caused by the vehicle than perhaps he or she is asleep or otherwise incapacitated. A given driver will usually have a characteristic manner of operating the steering wheel to compensate for drift on the road. If this manner changes then again the occupant may be falling asleep. If the motion of the occupant seems to be restrained relative to what a free body would do then there would be an indication that the seatbelt is in use, and if not that the seatbelt is not in use or that it is too slack and needs to be retracted somewhat. 11.5 Continuous Tracking Previously, the output of the pattern recognition system, the neural network or combined neural network, has been the zone that the occupant is occupying. This is a somewhat difficult task for the neural network since it calls for a discontinuous output for a continuous input. If the occupant is in the safe seating zone than the output may be 0, for example and 1 if he moves into the at-risk zone. Thus for a small motion there is a big change in output. On the other hand as long as the occupant remains in the safe seating zone, he or she can move substantially with no change in output. A better method is to have as the output the position of the occupant from the airbag, for example, which is a continuous function and easier for the neural network to handle. This also provides for a meaningful output that permits, for example, the projection of the occupant forward in time and thus a prediction as to when he or she will enter another zone. This training of a neural network using a continuous position function is an important teaching of this invention. To do continuous tracking, however, the neural network must be trained on data that states the occupant location rather than the zone that he or she is occupying. This requires that this data be measured by a different system than is being used to monitor the occupant. Various electromagnetic systems have been tried but they tend to get foiled by the presence of metal in the interior passenger compartment. Ultrasonic systems have provided such information as have various optical systems. Tracking with a stereo camera arrangement using black light for illumination, for example is one technique. The occupant can even be illuminated with a UV point of light to make displacement easier to measure. In addition, when multiple cameras are used in the final system, a separate tracking system may not be required. The normalization process conducted above, for example, created a displacement value for each of the CCD or CMOS arrays in the assemblies 49, 50, 52, 52, and 54, (FIG. 8A) or a subset there of, which can now be used in reverse to find the precise location of the driver's head or chest, for example, relative to the known location of the airbag. From the vehicle geometry, and the head and chest location information, a choice can now be made as to whether to track the head or chest for dynamic out-of-position. Tracking of the motion of the occupant's head or chest can be done using a variety of techniques. One preferred technique is to use differential motion, that is, by subtracting the current image from the previous image to determine which pixels have changed in value and by looking at the leading edge of the changed pixels and the width of the changed pixel field, a measurement of the movement of the pixels of interest, and thus the driver, can be readily accomplished. Alternately, a correlation function can be derived which correlates the pixels in the known initial position of the head, for example, with pixels that were derived from the latest image. The displacement of the center of the correlation pixels would represent the motion of the head of the occupant. Naturally, a wide variety of other techniques will be now obvious to those skilled in the art. In a method disclosed above for tracking motion of a vehicular occupant's head or chest in accordance with the invention, electromagnetic waves are transmitted toward the occupant from at least one location, a first image of the interior of the passenger compartment is obtained from each location, the first image being represented by a matrix of pixels, and electromagnetic waves are transmitted toward the occupant from the same location(s) at a subsequent time and an additional image of the interior of the passenger compartment is obtained from each location, the additional image being represented by a matrix of pixels. The additional image is subtracted from the first image to determine which pixels have changed in value. A leading edge of the changed pixels and a width of a field of the changed pixels is determined to thereby determine movement of the occupant from the time between which the first and additional images were taken. The first image is replaced by the additional image and the steps of obtaining an additional image and subtracting the additional image from the first image are repeated such that progressive motion of the occupant is attained. Other methods of continuous tracking include placing an ultrasonic transducer in the seatback and also on the airbag each giving a measure of the displacement of the occupant. Knowledge of vehicle geometry is required here such as the position of the seat. The thickness of the occupant can then be calculated and two measures of position are available. Other ranging systems such as optical range meters and stereo or distance by focusing cameras could be used in place of the ultrasonic sensors. Another system involves the placement on the occupant of a resonator or reflector such as a radar reflector, resonating antenna, or an RFID or SAW tag. In several of these cases, two receivers and triangulation based on the time of arrival of the returned pulses may be required. Tracking can also be done during data collection using the same or a different system comprising structured light. If a separate tracking system is used, the structured light can be projected onto the object at time intervals in-between the taking of data with the main system. This way the tracking system would not interfere with the image being recorded by the primary system. All of the methods of obtaining three-dimensional information described above can be implemented in a separate tracking system. 11.7 Preprocessing Only rarely is unprocessed or raw data that is received from the A to D converters fed directly into the pattern recognition system. Instead, it is preprocessed to extract features, normalize, eliminate bad data, remove noise and elements that have no informational value etc. For example, for military target recognition is common to use the Fourier transform of the data rather than the data itself. This can be especially valuable for categorization as opposed to location of the occupant and the vehicle. When used with a modular network, for example, the Fourier transform of the data may be used for the categorization neural network and the non-transformed data used for the position determination neural network. Recently wavelet transforms have also been considered as a preprocessor. Above, under the subject of dynamic out-of-position, it was discussed that the position of the occupant can be used as a preprocessing filter to determine the quality of the data in a particular vector. This technique can also be used in general as a method to improve the quality of a vector of data based on the previous positions of the occupant. This technique can also be expanded to help differentiate live objects in the vehicle from inanimate objects. For example, a forward facing human will change his position frequently during the travel of the vehicle whereas a box will tend to show considerably less motion. This is also useful, for example, in differentiating a small human from an empty seat. The motion of a seat containing a small human will be significantly different from that of an empty seat even though the particular vector may not show significant differences. That is, a vector formed from the differences from two successive vectors is indicative of motion and thus of a live occupant. Preprocessing can also be used to prune input data points. If each receiving array of assemblies, 49, 50, 51, and 54 for example (FIG. 8A), contains a matrix of 100 by 100 pixels, then 40,000 (4×100×100) pixels or data elements of information will be created each time the system interrogates the driver seat, for example. There are many pixels of each image that can be eliminated as containing no useful information. This typically includes the corner pixels, back of the seat and other areas where an occupant cannot reside. This pixel pruning can typically reduce the number of pixels by up to 50 percent resulting in approximately 20,000 remaining pixels. The output from each array is then compared with a series of stored arrays representing different unoccupied positions of the seat, seatback, steering wheel etc. For each array, each of the stored arrays is subtracted from the acquired array and the results analyzed to determine which subtraction resulted in the best match. The best match is determined by such things as the total number of pixels reduced below the threshold level, or the minimum number of remaining detached pixels, etc. Once this operation is completed for all four images, the position of the movable elements within the passenger compartment has been determined. This includes the steering wheel angle, telescoping position, seatback angle, headrest position, and seat position. This information can be used elsewhere by other vehicle systems to eliminate sensors that are currently being used to sense such positions of these complements. Alternately, the sensors that are currently on the vehicle for sensing these complement positions can be used to simplify processes described above. Each receiving array may also be a 256×256 CMOS pixel array as described in the paper by C. Sodini et al. referenced above greatly increasing the need for an efficient pruning process. An alternate technique of differentiating between the occupant and the vehicle is to use motion. If the images of the passenger seat are compared over time, reflections from fixed objects will remain static whereas reflections from vehicle occupants will move. This movement can be used to differentiate the occupant from the background. Following the subtraction process described above, each image now consists of typically as many as 50 percent fewer pixels leaving a total of approximately 10,000 pixels remaining, for the 4 array 100×100 pixel case. The resolution of the images in each array can now be reduced by combining adjacent pixels and averaging the pixel values. This results in a reduction to a total pixel count of approximately 1000. The matrices of information that contains the pixel values is now normalized to place the information in a location in the matrix which is independent of the seat position. The resulting normalized matrix of 1000 pixel values can now be used as input into an artificial neural network and represents the occupancy of the seat independent of the position of the occupant. This is a brut force method and better methods based on edge detection and feature extraction can greatly simplify this process as discussed below. There are many mathematical techniques that can be applied to simplify the above process. One technique used in military pattern recognition, as mentioned above, uses the Fourier transform of particular areas in an image to match with known Fourier transforms of known images. In this manner, the identification and location can be determined simultaneously. There is even a technique used for target identification whereby the Fourier transforms are compared optically as mentioned elsewhere herein. Other techniques utilize thresholding to limit the pixels that will be analyzed by any of these processes. Other techniques search for particular features and extract those features and concentrate merely on the location of certain of these features. (See for example the Kage et al. artificial retina publication referenced above.) Generally, however as mentioned, the pixel values are not directly fed into a pattern recognition system but rather the image is preprocessed through a variety of feature extraction techniques such as an edge detection algorithm. Once the edges are determined, a vector is created containing the location of the edges and their orientation and that vector is fed into the neural network, for example, which performs the pattern recognition. Another preprocessing technique that improves accuracy is to remove the fixed parts of the image, such as the seatback, leaving only the occupying object. This can be done many ways such as by subtracting one mage form another after the occupant has moved, as discussed above. Another is to eliminate pixels related to fixed parts of the image through knowledge of what pixels to removed based on seat position and previous empty seat analysis. Other techniques are also possible. Once the occupant has been isolated then those pixels remaining are placed in a particular position in the neural network vector. This is akin to the fact that a human, for example, will always move his or her eyes so as to place the object under observation into the center of the field of view, which is a small percent of the total field of view. In this manner the same limited number in pixels always observe the image of the occupying item thereby removing a significant variable and greatly improving system accuracy. The position of the occupant than can be determined by the displacement required to put the image into the appropriate part of the vector. 11.8 Post Processing Post processing can use a comparison of the results at each time interval along with a test of reasonableness to remove erroneous results. Also averaging through a variety of techniques can improve the stability of the output results. Thus the output of a combination neural network is not necessarily the final decision of the system. One principal used in a preferred implementation of the invention is to use images of different views of the occupant to correlate with known images that were used to train a neural network for vehicle occupancy. Then carefully measured positions of the known images are used to locate particular parts of the occupant such as his or her head, chest, eyes, ears, mouth, etc. An alternate approach is to make a three-dimensional map of the occupant and to precisely locate these features using neural networks, sensor fusion, fuzzy logic or other pattern recognition techniques. One method of obtaining a three-dimensional map is to utilize a scanning laser radar system where the laser is operated in a pulse mode and the distance from the object being illuminated is determined using range gating in a manner similar to that described in various patents on micropower impulse radar to McEwan. (See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,394 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,521,600) Naturally, many other methods of obtaining a 3D representation can be used as discussed in detail above. This post processing step allows the determination of occupant parts from the image once the object is classified as an occupant. Many other post processing techniques are available as discussed elsewhere herein. 11.9 An Example of Image Processing As an example of the above concepts, a description of a single imager optical occupant classification system will now be presented. 11.9.1 Image Preprocessing A number of image preprocessing filters have been implemented, including noise reduction, contrast enhancement, edge detection, image down sampling and cropping, etc. and some of them will now be discussed. The Gaussian filter, for example, is very effective in reducing noise in an image. The Laplacian filter can be used to detect edges in an image. The result from a Laplacian filter plus the original image produces an edge-enhanced image. Both the Gaussian filter and the Laplacian filter can be implemented efficiently when the image is scanned twice. The original Kirsch filter consists of 8 filters that detect edges of 8 different orientations. The max Kirsch filter, however, uses a single filter that detects (but does not distinguish) edges of all 8 different orientations. The histogram-based contrast enhancement filter improves image contrast by stretching pixel grayscale values until a desired percentage of pixels are suppressed and/or saturated. The wavelet-based enhancement filter modifies an image by performing multilevel wavelet decomposition and then applies a nonlinear transfer function to the detail coefficients. This filter reduces noise if the nonlinear transfer function suppresses the detail coefficients, and enhances the image if the nonlinear transfer function retains and increases the significant detail coefficients. A total of 54 wavelet functions from 7 families, for example, have been implemented. Mathematical morphology has been proven to be a powerful tool for image processing (especially texture analysis). For example, the grayscale morphological filter that has been implemented by the current assignee includes the following operators: dilation, erosion, close, open, white tophat, black tophat, h-dome, and noise removal. The structure element is totally customizable. The implementation uses fast algorithms such as van Herk/Gil-Werman's dilation/erosion algorithm, and Luc Vincent's grayscale reconstruction algorithm. Sometimes using binary images instead of grayscale images increases the system robustness. The binarization filter provides 3 different ways to convert a grayscale image into a binary image: 1) using a constant threshold; 2) specifying a white pixel percentage; 3) Otsu's minimum deviation method. The image down-size filter performs image down-sampling and image cropping. This filter is useful for removing unwanted background (but limited to preserving a rectangular region). Image down-sampling is also useful because our experiments show that, given the current accuracy requirement, using a lower resolution image for occupant position detection does not degrade the system performance, and is more computationally efficient. Three other filters that were implemented provide maximum flexibility, but require more processing time. The generic in-frame filter implements almost all known and to be developed window-based image filters. It allows the user to specify a rectangular spatial window, and define a mathematical function of all the pixels within the window. This covers almost all well-known filters such as averaging, median, Gaussian, Laplacian, Prewit, Sobel, and Kirsch filters. The generic cross-frame filter implements almost all known and to be developed time-based filters for video streams. It allows the user to specify a temporal window, and define a mathematical function of all the frames within the window. The pixel transfer filter provides a flexible way to transform an image. A pixel value in the resulting image is a customizable function of the pixel coordinates and the original pixel value. The pixel transfer filter is useful in removing unwanted regions with irregular shapes. FIG. 99 shows some examples of the preprocessing filters that have been implemented. FIG. 99(1) shows the original image. FIG. 99(2) shows the result from a histogram-based contrast enhancement filter. FIG. 99(3) shows the fading effect generated using a pixel transfer filter where the transfer function is defined as 1 14 z 1.5 ⅇ - 0.0001 [ ( x - 60 ) 2 + ( y - 96 ) 2 ] . FIG. 99(4) shows the result from a morphological filter followed by a histogram-based contrast enhancement filter. The h-dome operator was used with the dome height=128. One can see that the h-dome operator preserves bright regions and regions that contain significant changes, and suppresses dark and flat regions. FIG. 99(5) shows the edges detected using a Laplacian filter. FIG. 99(6) shows the result from a Gaussian filter followed by a max Kirsch filter, a binarization filter that uses Otsu's method, and a morphological erosion that uses a 3×3 flat structure element. 11.9.2 Feature Extraction Algorithm The image size in the current classification system is 320×240, i.e. 76,800 pixels, which is too large for the neural network to handle. In order to reduce the amount of the data while retaining most of the important information, a good feature extraction algorithm is needed. One of the algorithm that was developed includes three steps: 1) Divide the whole into small rectangular blocks. 2) Calculate a few feature values from each block. 3) Line up the feature values calculated from individual blocks and then apply normalization. By dividing the image into blocks, the amount of the data is effectively reduced while most of the spatial information is preserved. This algorithm was derived from a well-known algorithm that has been used in applications such as handwriting recognition. For most of the document related applications, binary images are usually used. Studies have shown that the numbers of the edges of different orientations in a block are very effective feature values for handwriting recognition. For our application where grayscale images are used, the count of the edges can be replaced by the sum of the edge strengths that are defined as the largest differences between the neighboring pixels. The orientation of an edge is determined by the neighboring pixel that produces the largest difference between itself and the pixel of interest (see FIG. 100). FIG. 101 and FIG. 102 show the edges of 8 different orientations that are detected using Kirsch filters. The feature values that are calculated from these edges are also shown. Besides Kirsch filters, other edge detection methods such as Prewit and Sobel filters were also implemented. Besides the edges, other information can also be used as the feature values. FIG. 103 shows the feature values calculated from the block-average intensities and deviations. Our studies show that the deviation feature is less effective than the edge and the intensity features. The edge detection techniques are usually very effective for finding sharp (or abrupt) edges. But for blunt (or rounded) edges, most of the techniques are not effective at all. These kinds of edges also contain useful information for classification. In order to utilize such information, a multi-scale feature extraction technique was developed. In other words, after the feature extraction algorithm was applied to the image of the original size, a 50% down-sampling was done and the same feature extraction algorithm (with the same block size) was applied to the image of reduced size. If it is desired to find even blunter edges, this technique can be applied again to the down-sampled image. 11.9.3 Modular Neural Network Architecture The camera based optical occupant classification system described here was designed to be a standalone system whose only input is the image from the camera. Once an image is converted into a feature vector, the classification decision can be made using any pattern recognition technique. A vast amount of evidence in literature shows that a neural network technique is particularly effective in image based pattern recognition applications. In this application the patterns of the feature vectors are extremely complex. FIG. 104 shows a list of things that may affect the image data and therefore the feature vector. Considering all the combinations, there could be an infinite number of patterns. For a complex system like this, it would be almost impossible to train a single neural network to handle all the possible scenarios. Our studies have shown that by dividing a large task into many small subtasks, a modular approach is extremely effective with such complex systems. As a first step the problem can be divided into an ambient light (or daytime) condition and a low-light (or nighttime) condition, each of which can be handled by a subsystem (see FIG. 105). Under low-light condition, the center of the view is illuminated by near infrared LEDs. The background (including the floor, the backseats, and the scene outside the window) is virtually invisible, which makes classification somewhat easier. Classification is more difficult under the ambient light condition because the background is illuminated by sunlight, and sometimes the bright sunlight projects sharp shadows onto the seat, which creates patterns in the feature vectors. Based on the classification requirement, each subsystem can be implemented using a modular neural network architecture that consists of multiple neural networks. FIG. 8 shows two modular architectures that both consist of three neural networks. In FIG. 106(1), the three neural networks are connected in a cascade fashion. This architecture was based on the following facts that were observed: 1) Separating empty-seat (ES) patterns from all other patterns is much easier than isolating any other patterns; 2) After removing ES patterns, isolating the patterns of infant carriers and rearward-facing child seats (RFCS) is relatively easier than isolating the patterns of adult passengers. In this architecture, the “empty-seat” neural network identifies ES from all classes, and it has to be trained with all data; the “infant” neural network identifies infant carrier and rearward-facing child seat, and it is trained with all data except the ES data; and the “adult” neural network is trained with the adult data against the data of child, booster seat, and forward-facing child seat (FFCS). Since isolating the patterns of adult passengers is the most difficult task here, training the “adult” neural network with fewer patterns improves the success rate. The architecture in FIG. 106(2) is similar to FIG. 106(1) except that the “infant” neural network and the “adult” neural network run in parallel. As a result, the output from this architecture has an extra “undetermined” state. The advantage of this architecture is that a misclassification between adult and infant/RFCS happens only if both the “infant” and “adult” neural networks fail at the same time. The disadvantage is that the success rates of individual classes (except ES) are slightly lower. In this architecture, both the “infant” and “adult” neural networks must be trained with the similar data patterns. The architecture in FIG. 107 is more symmetrical. Although it is designed for classification among four different classes, it can be generalized to classify more classes. This architecture consists of six neural networks. Each neural network is trained to separate two classes, and it is trained with the data from these two classes only. Therefore high success rates can be expected from all six neural networks. This architecture has two unique characteristics: 1) Since the outputs of all the six neural networks can be considered as binary, there are 64 possible output combinations, but only 32 of them are valid. For an untrained data pattern, it is very likely that the output combination is invalid. This is very important. Given an input data pattern, most of the neural network systems are able to tell you “what I think it is”, but they are not able to tell you “I haven't seen it before and I don't know what it is”. With this architecture, most of the “never seen” data can be easily identified and processed accordingly. 2) From FIG. 107, it can be seen that, for a class A data pattern to be misclassified as class B, the trained neural network “AB”, and the untrained neural networks “BC” and “BD”—all three of them—have to vote for class B. Given a fairly good training data set, the chance for that to happen should be very small. The chance for a misclassification can be made even smaller by using tighter thresholds. Assume that the neural network “AB” uses sigmoid transfer function, so its output is always between 0 and 1. Usually, an input data pattern is classified as class A if the output is below 0.5, and as class B otherwise. “Using tighter thresholds” means that an input data pattern is allowed to be classified as class A only if the output is below 0.4, as class B only if the output is above 0.6, and as undetermined if the output is between 0.4 and 0.6. 11.9.4 Post Neural Network Processing 11.9.4.1 Post-Processing Filters The simplest way to utilize the temporal information is to use the fact that the data pattern always changes continuously. Since the input to the neural networks is continuous, the output from the neural networks should also be continuous. Based on this idea, post-processing filters can be used to eliminate the random fluctuations in the neural network output. FIG. 108 shows a list of four of the many post-processing filters that have been implemented so far. The generic digital filter covers almost all window-based FIR and IIR filters, which include averaging, exponential, Butterworth, Chebyshev, Elliptic, Kaiser window, and all other windowing functions such as Barlett, Hanning, Hamming, and Blackman. The output from a generic digital filter can be written as, y ( n ) = B 0 x ( n ) + B 1 x ( n - 1 ) + ⋯ + B M x ( n - M ) A 1 y ( n - 1 ) + A 2 y ( n - 2 ) + ⋯ + A N y ( n - N ) where x(n) and y(n) are current input and output respectively, and x(n-i) and y(n-j) are the previous input and output respectively. The characteristics of the filter are determined by the coefficients Bi and Aj. The Kalman filter algorithm can be summarized by the following group of equations: { x k + 1 - = Φ k + 1 x k (state extrapolation) P k + 1 - = Φ k + 1 P k Φ k + 1 T + Q k (covarianve extrapolation) K k + 1 = P k + 1 - H k + 1 T ( H k + 1 P k + 1 - H k + 1 T + R k + 1 ) - 1 (Kalman gain computation) x k + 1 = x k + 1 - + K k + 1 ( z k + 1 - H k + 1 x k + 1 - ) (state update) P k + 1 = P k + 1 - - K k + 1 H k + 1 P k + 1 - (covarianve update) where x is the state vector, Φ is the state transition matrix, P is the filter error covariance matrix, Q is the process noise covariance matrix, R is the measurement noise covarianve matrix, H is the observation matrix, z is the observation vector, and x−, P− and K are intermediate variables. The subscript k indicates that a variable is at time k. Given the initial conditions (x0 and P0), the Kalman filter gives the optimal estimate of the state vector as each new observation becomes available. The Kalman filter implemented here is a simplified version, where a linear AR(p) time series model is used. All the noise covariance matrices (Q and R) are assumed to be identity matrices multiplied by constants. The observation matrix H=(1 0 . . . 0). The state transition matrix Φ = ( ϕ 1 ϕ 2 ϕ 3 … ϕ p - 1 ϕ p 1 0 0 … 0 0 0 1 0 … 0 0 0 0 1 … 0 0 … … … … … … 0 0 0 … 1 0 ) , where ϕ i are parameters of the system . The Median filter is a simple window-based filter that uses the median value within the window as the current output. ATI's post-decision filter is also a window-based filter. Basically it performs a weighted averaging, but the weight of a previous input depends on its “age” and its “locality” in the internal buffer. Besides filtering, additional knowledge can be used to remove some of the undesired changes in the neural network output. For example, it is impossible to change from an adult passenger to a child restraint without going through an empty-seat state or key-off, and vice versa. Based on this idea, a decision-locking mechanism for eliminating undesired decision changes was implemented by introducing four internal system states (see FIG. 109). The definitions of the internal states are shown in FIG. 110, and the paths between the internal states are explained in FIG. 111. As can be seen, once the system stabilizes (i.e. enters classified state), any direct change between two non-empty-seat classes is prohibited. The decision locking mechanism can operate in a variety of ways to minimize unintended changes in the occupancy decision. In one method, the occupancy decision is cleared when there is an event such as the opening of a door, the turning on the ignition, the motion of the vehicle indicative of the vehicle being driven, or some similar event. Once the decision is cleared, a default occupancy decision, usually meaning enable the airbag at least in the depowered state, is used until there is a significant over time stable decision at which time the new decision is locked until either the decision is again cleared or there is an overwhelming sequence of data that indicates that the occupancy has changed. Fore example, the decision could move off of the default decision if 100 decisions in a row indicated that a rear facing infant seat was present. At 10 milliseconds per decision this would mean about 1 second of data. Once this occurred then the count of consecutive rear facing infant seat decisions could be kept and in order for the decision to change that number of consecutive changed decisions would have to occur. Thus, until the decision function was reset, it would be difficult, but not impossible, to change the decision. This is a simplistic example of such a decision function but serves to illustrate the concept. Naturally an infinite number of similar functions can now be implemented by those skilled in the art. The use of any such decision function that locks the decision to prevent toggling, or for any other similar purpose is within the scope of this invention. One further comment, the motion of the vehicle indicating that the locking process should commence can be accomplished by an accelerometer or other motion sensor or by a magnetic flux sensor thereby making it unnecessary to connect to other vehicle systems that may not have sufficient reliability. The decision-locking mechanism is the first use of such a mechanism in the vehicle monitoring art. In U.S. patent publication No. 2003/0168895 referenced-above, the time that a vehicle seat is in a given weight state alone with a door switch and seatbelt switch is used in a somewhat similar manner except that once the decision is made, it remains until the door is opened or the seatbelt in unfastened, as best as can be discerned from the description. This is quite different from the general use of the time that a seat is in a given state to lock the decision until there is a significant time period where the state has changed, as disclosed herein. 11.9.5 Data Collection and Neural Network Training 11.9.5.1 Nighttime Subsystem The data collection on the night subsystem was done inside a building where the illumination from outside the vehicle can be filtered out using a near-infrared filter. The initial data set consisted of 364,000 images. After evaluating the subsystem trained with the initial data set, an additional data set (all from child restraints) consisting of 58,000 images was collected. Later a third data set (for boosting adult and dummy) was collected consisting of 150,750 images. Combining the three data sets together, the data distribution is shown in FIG. 112. The night subsystem used the 3-network architecture shown in FIG. 106(2). The performance of the latest neural networks is shown in FIG. 113. Only a small portion of the data was used in training these three neural networks: for “infant” network and “adult” network, less than 44% of the data was used; for “empty-seat” network, only about 16% of the data was used. According to our experiences, given a complex data set like this one, a balanced training becomes very difficult to achieve once the data entries used in the training exceed 250,000. The success rates in Table 6, however, were obtained by testing these neural networks against the entire data set. The performance of the whole modular subsystem is shown in FIG. 114. A Gaussian filter was used for image preprocessing, the selected image features included pixel intensity and the edges detected using Sobel filters, and the features were calculated using 40×40 blocks. 11.9.5.2 Daytime Subsystem The data collection on the daytime subsystem consisted of 195,000 images, and the data distribution is shown in FIG. 115. This is the very first daytime subsystem that ATI has been working on, and the data set collected was far from complete. All images in this data set were collected under sunny condition with the same vehicle orientation. The data collection on daytime subsystem should be more complex because different sunlight conditions have to be considered. The matrix covers both sunny conditions and overcast conditions. For sunny condition, a timely schedule was created to cover all sunlight conditions corresponding to different time of the day. The vehicle configuration (including seat track, seat recline, passenger window, sun visor, center console, and vehicle orientation) is set randomly in order to provide a flat distribution. The day subsystem used a neural network architecture simpler than the ones shown in FIG. 106. This architecture includes two neural networks: the “empty-seat” network and the “adult” network. This subsystem did not separate infant carrier and rearward-facing child seat from child and forward-facing child restraint. The performance of the neural networks is shown in FIG. 116, and the performance of the whole modular subsystem is shown in FIG. 117. For this daytime subsystem, a Gaussian filter was used for image preprocessing, and the selected image feature included only the edges detected using Prewit filters, and the features were calculated using 30×30 blocks. For this daytime subsystem, the back seat was clearly visible since the background was illuminated by the sunlight. The initial training results showed that the classification of child restraints was mistakenly associated with the presence of the operator in the back seat because the operator was moving the child restraint from the back seat during data collection. The classification of child restraints failed when the back seat was empty. This problem was solved by removing that particular region (about 80 pixel wide) from the image. The accuracies reported in the above tables are based on single images and when the post processing steps are included the overall system accuracy approaches 100% and is a substantial improvement over previous systems. 11.9.6 Conclusions and Discussions In this paper, the single camera optical occupant classification system was described in detail. During the development of this system, new image preprocessing techniques were implemented, the feature extraction algorithm was improved, new neural network architectures and new post-processing techniques were explored, data collection techniques were improved, new modular neural networks were trained and evaluated, many software tools were created or improved, and also Lessons Learned in data collection and hardware installation were identified. Besides the work described in this report, the algorithms for camera blockage detection and camera position calibration were developed, and test matrices were developed for better evaluating in-vehicle system performance. The symmetrical neural network architecture shown in FIG. 107 was actually developed after the system reported here. The results prove that this architecture gives better performance than the other architectures. With this architecture, it is possible to reduce misclassifications by replacing the weak classifications with “undetermined” states. More importantly, this architecture provides a way to identify “unseen” patterns. The development of an optical occupant sensing system requires many software tools whose functionalities include: communication with hardware, assisting data collection, analyzing and converting data, training modular neural networks, evaluating and demonstrating system performance, and evaluating new algorithms. The major software components are shown in FIG. 118 where the components in red boxes are developed by ATI. It is important to note that the classification accuracies reported here are based on single images and when the post processing steps are included the overall system accuracy approaches 100%. This is a substantial improvement over previous systems even thought it is based on a single camera. Although this system is capable of dynamic tracking, some additional improvement can be obtained through the addition of a second camera Nevertheless, the system as described herein is cost competitive with a weight only system and substantially more accurate. This system is now ready for commercialization where the prototype system described herein is made ready for high volume serial production. 12. Optical Correlators A great deal of effort has been ongoing to develop fast optical pattern recognition systems to allow military vehicles such as helicopters to locate all of the enemy vehicles in a field of view. Some of the systems that have been developed are called optical correlation systems and have the property that the identification and categorization of various objects in the field of view happens very rapidly. A helicopter, for example coming onto a scene with multiple tanks and personnel carriers in a wide variety of poses and somewhat camouflaged can locate, identify and count all such vehicles in a fraction of a second. The cost of these systems has been prohibitively expensive for their use in automobiles for occupant tracking or for collision avoidance but this is changing. Theoretically system performance is quite simple. The advantage of optical correlation approach is that correlation function is calculated almost instantly, much faster that with microprocessors and neural networks, for example. In simplest case one looks for correlation of an input image with reference samples. Sample which has the largest correlation peak is assumed as a match. In practice, the system is based on a training set of reference samples. Special filters are constructed for correlation with input image. Filters are used in order to reduce number of correlations to calculate The output of the filters, the result of the correlation, is frequently a set of features. Finally the features are fed into some kind of classifier for decision making. This classifier can use Neural Networks. The main bottleneck of optical correlators is large number of filters, or reference image samples, that are required. For example, if it is requirement to detect 10 different types of objects at different orientation, scale and illumination conditions, every modification factor enlarges number of filters for feature selection or correlation by factor of approximately 10. So, in a real system one may have to input 10,000 filters or reference images. Most correlators are able to find correlation of an input image with about of 5-20 filters during single correlation cycle. In other words the reference image contains 5-20 filters. Therefore during decision making cycle you need to feed into correlator and find correlation with approximately 1000 filters. If the problem is broken down, as was done with modular neural networks, then the classification stage may take on the order of a second while the tracking stage can be done perhaps in a millisecond. U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,466 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,051,738 describe a miniature high resolution display system for use with heads up displays for installation into the helmets of fighter pilots. This system, which is based on a thin garnet crystal, requires very little power and maintains a particular display until display is changed. Thus, for example, if there is a loss of power the display will retain the image that was last displayed. This technology has the capability of producing a very small heads up display unit as will be described more detail below. This technology has also been used as a spatial light monitor for pattern recognition based on optical correlation. Although this technology has been applied to military helicopters, it has previously not been used for occupant sensing, collision avoidance, anticipatory sensing, blind spot monitoring or any other ground vehicle application. Although the invention described herein is not limited to a particular spatial light monitor (SLM) technology, the preferred or best mode technology is to use the garnet crystal system described U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,466. Although the system has never been applied to automobiles, it has significant advantages over other systems particularly in the resolution and optical intensity areas. The resolution of the garnet crystals as manufactured by Revtek is approximately 600 by 600 pixels. The size of the crystal is typically 1 cm square. Basically, the optical correlation pattern recognition system works as follows. Stored in a computer are many Fourier transforms of images of objects that the system should identify. For collision avoidance, these include cars, trucks, deer or other animals, pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, or any other objects that could occur on a roadway. For an interior monitoring, these objects could include faces (particularly ones that are authorized to operate the vehicle), eyes, ears, child seats, children, adults of all sizes etc. The image from the scene that is captured by the lens is fed through a diffraction grating that optically creates the Fourier transform of the scene and projects it through SLM such as the garnet crystal of the '466 patent. The SLM is simultaneously fed and displays the Fourier stored transforms and a camera looks at the light that comes through the SLM. If there is a match then the camera sees a spike that locates the matching objects in the scene, there can be many such objects, all are found. The main advantage of this system over neural network pattern recognition systems is speed since it is all done optically and in parallel. For collision avoidance, for example, many vehicles can be easily classified and tracked. For occupant sensing, the occupant's eyes can be tracked even if he is rapidly moving his head and the occupant herself can be tracked during a crash. 13. Other Inputs Information can be provided as to the location of the driver, or other vehicle occupant, relative to the airbag, to appropriate circuitry which will process this information and make a decision as to whether to prevent deployment of the airbag in a situation where it would otherwise be deployed, or otherwise affect the time of deployment. One method of determining the position of the driver as discussed above is to actually measure his or her position either using electric fields, radar, optics or acoustics. An alternate approach, which is preferably used to confirm the measurements made by the systems described above, is to use information about the position of the seat and the seatbelt spool out to determine the likely location of the driver relative to the airbag. To accomplish this, the length of belt material which has been pulled out of the seatbelt retractor can be measured using conventional shaft encoder technology using either magnetic or optical systems. An example of an optical encoder is illustrated generally as 37 in FIG. 14. It consists of an encoder disk 38 and a receptor 39 which sends a signal to appropriate circuitry every time a line on the encoder disk passes by the receptor. In a similar manner, the position of the seat can be determined through either a linear encoder or a potentiometer as illustrated in FIG. 15. In this case, a potentiometer 45 is positioned along the seat track 46 and a sliding brush assembly 47 can be used with appropriate circuitry to determine the fore and aft location of the seat 4. For those seats which permit the seat back angle to be adjusted, a similar measuring system would be used to determine the angle of the seat back. In this manner, the position of the seat relative to the airbag module can be determined. This information can be used in conjunction with the seatbelt spool out sensor to confirm the approximate position of the chest of the driver relative to the airbag. Of course, there are many other ways of measuring the angles and positions of the seat and its component parts. For most cases, the seatbelt spool out sensor would be sufficient to give a good confirming indication of the position of the occupant's chest regardless of the position of the seat and seat back. This is because the seatbelt is usually attached to the vehicle at least at one end. In some cases, especially where the seat back angle can be adjusted, separate retractors can be used for the lap and shoulder portions of the seatbelt and the belt would not be permitted to slip through the “D-ring”. The length of belt spooled out from the shoulder belt retractor then becomes a very good confirming measure of the position of the occupant's chest. 14. Other Products, Outputs, Features Once the occupancy state of the seat (or seats) in the vehicle is known, this information can be used to control or affect the operation of a significant number of vehicular systems, components and devices. That is, the systems, components and devices in the vehicle can be controlled and perhaps their operation optimized in consideration of the occupancy of the seat(s) in the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle includes control means coupled to the processor means for controlling a component or device in the vehicle in consideration of the output indicative of the current occupancy state of the seat obtained from the processor means. The component or device can be an airbag system including at least one deployable airbag whereby the deployment of the airbag is suppressed, for example, if the seat is occupied by a rear-facing child seat, or otherwise the parameters of the deployment are controlled. Thus, the seated-state detecting unit described above may be used in a component adjustment system and method described below when the presence of a human being occupying the seat is detected. The component adjustment system and methods in accordance with the invention can automatically and passively adjust the component based on the morphology of the occupant of the seat. As noted above, the adjustment system may include the seated-state detecting unit described above so that it will be activated if the seated-state detecting unit detects that an adult or child occupant is seated on the seat, that is, the adjustment system will not operate if the seat is occupied by a child seat, pet or inanimate objects. Obviously, the same system can be used for any seat in the vehicle including the driver seat and the passenger seat(s). This adjustment system may incorporated the same components as the seated-state detecting unit described above, that is, the same components may constitute a part of both the seated-state detecting unit and the adjustment system, for example, the weight measuring means. The adjustment system described herein, although improved over the prior art, will at best be approximate since two people, even if they are identical in all other respects, may have a different preferred driving position or other preferred adjusted component location or orientation. A system that automatically adjusts the component, therefore, should learn from its errors. Thus, when a new occupant sits in the vehicle, for example, the system automatically estimates the best location of the component for that occupant and moves the component to that location, assuming it is not already at the best location. If the occupant changes the location, the system should remember that change and incorporate it into the adjustment the next time that person enters the vehicle and is seated in the same seat. Therefore, the system need not make a perfect selection the first time but it should remember the person and the position the component was in for that person. The system, therefore, makes one, two or three measurements of morphological characteristics of the occupant and then adjusts the component based on an algorithm. The occupant will correct the adjustment and the next time that the system measures the same measurements for those measurement characteristics, it will set the component to the corrected position. As such, preferred components for which the system in accordance with the invention is most useful are those which affect a driver of the vehicle and relate to the sensory abilities of the driver, i.e., the mirrors, the seat, the steering wheel and steering column and accelerator, clutch and brake pedals. Thus, although the above description mentions that the airbag system can be controlled by the control circuitry 20 (FIG. 1), any vehicular system, component or subsystem can be controlled based on the information or data obtained by transmitter and/or receiver assemblies 6, 8, 9 and 10. Control circuitry 20 can be programmed or trained, if for example a neural network is used, to control heating an air-conditioning systems based on the presence of occupants in certain positions so as to optimize the climate control in the vehicle. The entertainment system can also be controlled to provide sound only to locations at which occupants are situated. There is no limit to the number and type of vehicular systems, components and subsystems that can be controlled using the analysis techniques described herein. Furthermore, if multiple vehicular systems are to be controlled by control circuitry 20, then these systems can be controlled by the control circuitry 20 based on the status of particular components of the vehicle. For example, an indication of whether a key is in the ignition can be used to direct the control circuitry 20 to either control an airbag system (when the key is present in the ignition) or an antitheft system (when the key is not present in the ignition). Control circuitry 20 would thus be responsive to the status of the ignition of the motor vehicle to perform one of a plurality of different functions. More particularly, the pattern recognition algorithm, such as the neural network described herein, could itself be designed to perform in a different way depending on the status of a vehicular component such as the detected presence of a key in the ignition. It could provide one output to control an antitheft system when a key is not present and another output when a key is present using the same inputs from the transmitter and/or receiver assemblies 6, 8, 9 and 10. The algorithm in control circuitry 20 can also be designed to determine the location of the occupant's eyes either directly or indirectly through a determination of the location of the occupant and an estimation of the position of the eyes therefrom. As such, the position of the rear view mirror 55 can be adjusted to optimize the driver's use thereof. Once a characteristic of the object is obtained, it can be used for numerous purposes. For example, the processor can be programmed to control a reactive component, system or subsystem 103 in FIG. 24 based on the determined characteristic of the object. When the reactive component is an airbag assembly including one or more airbags, the processor can control one or more deployment parameters of the airbag(s). The apparatus can operate in a manner as illustrated in FIG. 56 wherein as a first step 335, one or more images of the environment are obtained. One or more characteristics of objects in the images are determined at 336, using, for example, pattern recognition techniques, and then one or more components are controlled at 337 based on the determined characteristics. The process of obtaining and processing the images, or the processing of data derived from the images or data representative of the images, is periodically continued at least throughout the operation of the vehicle. 14.1 Control of Passive Restraints The use of the vehicle interior monitoring system to control the deployment of an airbag is discussed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,462 referenced above. In that case, the control is based on the use of a pattern recognition system, such as a neural network, to differentiate between the occupant and his extremities in order to provide an accurate determination of the position of the occupant relative to the airbag. If the occupant is sufficiently close to the airbag module that he is more likely to be injured by the deployment itself than by the accident, the deployment of the airbag is suppressed. This process is carried further by the interior monitoring system described herein in that the nature or identity of the object occupying the vehicle seat is used to contribute to the airbag deployment decision. FIG. 4 shows a side view illustrating schematically the interface between the vehicle interior monitoring system of this invention and the vehicle airbag system 44. A similar system can be provided for the passenger as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/151,615 filed May 20, 2002. In this embodiment, ultrasonic transducers 8 and 9 transmit bursts of ultrasonic waves that travel to the occupant where they are reflected back to transducers or receptors/receivers 8 and 9. The time period required for the waves to travel from the generator and return is used to determine the distance from the occupant to the airbag as described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,462, i.e., and thus may also be used to determine the position or location of the occupant. An optical imager based system would also be appropriate. In the invention, however, the portion of the return signal that represents the occupants' head or chest, has been determined based on pattern recognition techniques such as a neural network. The relative velocity of the occupant toward the airbag can then be determined, by Doppler principles or from successive position measurements, which permits a sufficiently accurate prediction of the time when the occupant would become proximate to the airbag. By comparing the occupant relative velocity to the integral of the crash deceleration pulse, a determination as to whether the occupant is being restrained by a seatbelt can also be made which then can affect the airbag deployment initiation decision. Alternately, the mere knowledge that the occupant has moved a distance that would not be possible if he were wearing a seatbelt gives information that he is not wearing one. A more detailed discussion of this process and of the advantages of the various technologies, such as acoustic or electromagnetic, can be found in SAE paper 940527, “Vehicle Occupant Position Sensing” by Breed et al,. In this paper, it is demonstrated that the time delay required for acoustic waves to travel to the occupant and return does not prevent the use of acoustics for position measurement of occupants during the crash event. For position measurement and for many pattern recognition applications, ultrasonics is the preferred technology due to the lack of adverse health effects and the low cost of ultrasonic systems compared with either camera, laser or radar based systems. This situation is changing, however, as the cost of imagers is rapidly coming down. The main limiting feature of ultrasonics is the wavelength, which places a limitation on the size of features that can be discerned. Optical systems, for example, are required when the identification of particular individuals is desired. FIG. 57 is a schematic drawing of one embodiment of an occupant restraint device control system in accordance with the invention. The first step is to obtain information about the contents of the seat at step 338, when such contents are present on the seat. To this end, a presence sensor can be employed to activate the system only when the presence of an object, or living being, is detected. Next at step 339, a signal is generated based on the contents of the seat, with different signals being generated for different contents of the seat. Thus, while a signal for a dog will be different than the signal for a child set, the signals for different child seats will be not that different. Next, at step 340, the signal is analyzed to determine whether a child seat is present, whether a child seat in a particular orientation is present and/or whether a child seat in a particular position is present. Deployment control 341 provides a deployment control signal or command based on the analysis of the signal generated based on the contents of the seat. This signal or command is directed to the occupant protection or restraint device 342 to provide for deployment for that particular content of the seat. The system continually obtains information about the contents of the seat until such time as a deployment signal is received from, e.g., a crash sensor, to initiate deployment of the occupant restraint device. FIG. 58 is a flow chart of the operation of one embodiment of an occupant restraint device control method in accordance with the invention. The first step is to determine whether contents are present on the seat at step 910. If so, information is obtained about the contents of the seat at step 344. At step 345, a signal is generated based on the contents of the seat, with different signals being generated for different contents of the seat. The signal is analyzed to determine whether a child seat is present at step 346, whether a child seat in a particular orientation is present at step 347 and/or whether a child seat in a particular position is present at step 348. Deployment control 349 provides a deployment control signal or command based on the analysis of the signal generated based on the contents of the seat. This signal or command is directed to the occupant protection or restraint device 350 to provide for deployment for those particular contents of the seat. The system continually obtains information about the contents of the seat until such time as a deployment signal is received from, e.g., a crash sensor 351, to initiate deployment of the occupant restraint device. In another implementation, the sensor algorithm may determine the rate that gas is generated to affect the rate that the airbag is inflated. In all of these cases, the position of the occupant is used to affect the deployment of the airbag either as to whether or not it should be deployed at all, the time of deployment and/or the rate of inflation. Such a system can also be used to positively identify or confirm the presence of a rear facing child seat in the vehicle, if the child seat is equipped with a resonator. In this case, a resonator 18 is placed on the forward most portion of the child seat, or in some other convenient position, as shown in FIG. 1. The resonator 18, or other type of signal generating device, such as an RFID tag, which generates a signal upon excitation, e.g., by a transmitted energy signal, can be used not only to determine the orientation of the child seat but also to determine the position of the child seat (in essentially the same manner as described above with respect to determining the position of the seat and the position of the seatbelt). The determination of the presence of a child seat can be used to affect another system in the vehicle. Most importantly, deployment of an occupant restraint device can be controlled depending on whether a child seat is present. Control of the occupant restraint device may entail suppression of deployment of the device. If the occupant restraint device is an airbag, e.g., a frontal airbag or a side airbag, control of the airbag deployment may entail not only suppression of the deployment but also depowered deployment, adjustment of the orientation of the airbag, adjustment of the inflation rate or inflation time and/or adjustment of the deflation rate or time. Several systems are in development for determining the location of an occupant and modifying the deployment of the airbag based of his or her position. These systems are called “smart airbags”. The passive seat control system in accordance with this invention can also be used for this purpose as illustrated in FIG. 59. This figure shows an inflated airbag 352 and an arrangement for controlling both the flow of gas into and out of the airbag during a crash. The determination is made based on height sensors 353, 354 and 355 (FIG. 49) located in the headrest, a weight sensor 252 in the seat and the location of the seat which is known by control circuit 254. Other smart airbags systems rely only on the position of the occupant determined from various position sensors using ultrasonics or optical sensors, or equivalent. The weight sensor coupled with the height sensor and the occupant's velocity relative to the vehicle, as determined by the occupant position sensors, provides information as to the amount of energy that the airbag will need to absorb during the impact of the occupant with the airbag. This, along with the location of the occupant relative to the airbag, is then used to determine the amount of gas that is to be injected into the airbag during deployment and the size of the exit orifices that control the rate of energy dissipation as the occupant is interacting with the airbag during the crash. For example, if an occupant is particularly heavy then it is desirable to increase the amount of gas, and thus the initial pressure, in the airbag to accommodate the larger force which will be required to arrest the relative motion of the occupant. Also, the size of the exit orifices should be reduced, since there will be a larger pressure tending to force the gas out of the orifices, in order to prevent the bag from bottoming out before the occupant's relative velocity is arrested Similarly, for a small occupant the initial pressure would be reduced and the size of the exit orifices increased. If, on the other hand, the occupant is already close to the airbag then the amount of gas injected into the airbag will need to be reduced. There are many ways of varying the amount of gas injected into the airbag some of which are covered in the patent literature and include, for example, inflators where the amount of gas generated and the rate of generation is controllable. For example, in a particular hybrid inflator once manufactured by the Allied Signal Corporation, two pyrotechnic charges are available to heat the stored gas in the inflator. Either or both of the pyrotechnic charges can be ignited and the timing between the ignitions can be controlled to significantly vary the rate of gas flow to the airbag. The flow of gas out of the airbag is traditionally done through fixed diameter orifices placed in the bag fabric. Some attempts have been made to provide a measure of control through such measures as blowout patches applied to the exterior of the airbag. Other systems were disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/541,464 filed Feb. 9, 1989, now abandoned. FIG. 59A illustrates schematically an inflator 357 generating gas to fill airbag 352 through control valve 358. If the control valve 358 is closed while a pyrotechnic generator is operating, provision must be made to store or dump the gas being generated so to prevent the inflator from failing from excess pressure. The flow of gas out of airbag 352 is controlled by exit control valve 359. The exit valve 359 can be implemented in many different ways including, for example, a motor operated valve located adjacent the inflator and in fluid communication with the airbag or a digital flow control valve as discussed above. When control circuit 254 (FIG. 49) determines the size and weight of the occupant, the seat position and the relative velocity of the occupant, it then determines the appropriate opening for the exit valve 359, which is coupled to the control circuit 254. A signal is then sent from control circuit 254 to the motor controlling this valve which provides the proper opening. Consider, for example, the case of a vehicle that impacts with a pole or brush in front of a barrier. The crash sensor system may deduce that this is a low velocity crash and only initiate the first inflator charge. Then as the occupant is moving close to the airbag the barrier is struck but it may now be too late to get the benefit of the second charge. For this case, a better solution might be to always generate the maximum amount of gas but to store the excess in a supplemental chamber until it is needed. In a like manner, other parameters can also be adjusted, such as the direction of the airbag, by properly positioning the angle and location of the steering wheel relative to the driver. If seatbelt pretensioners are used, the amount of tension in the seatbelt or the force at which the seatbelt spools out, for the case of force limiters, could also be adjusted based on the occupant morphological characteristics determined by the system of this invention. The force measured on the seatbelt, if the vehicle deceleration is known, gives a confirmation of the mass of the occupant. This force measurement can also be used to control the chest acceleration given to the occupant to minimize injuries caused by the seatbelt. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, transmitter/receiver assemblies 49, 50, 51 and 54 emit infrared waves that reflect off of the head and chest of the driver and return thereto. Periodically, the device, as commanded by control circuitry 20, transmits a pulse of infrared waves and the reflected signal is detected by the same or a different device. The transmitters can either transmit simultaneously or sequentially. An associated electronic circuit and algorithm in control circuitry 20 processes the returned signals as discussed above and determines the location of the occupant in the passenger compartment. This information is then sent to the crash sensor and diagnostic circuitry, which may also be resident in control circuitry 20 (programmed within a control module), which determines if the occupant is close enough to the airbag that a deployment might, by itself, cause injury which exceeds that which might be caused by the accident itself. In such a case, the circuit disables the airbag system and thereby prevents its deployment. In an alternate case, the sensor algorithm assesses the probability that a crash requiring an airbag is in process and waits until that probability exceeds an amount that is dependent on the position of the occupant Thus, for example, the sensor might decide to deploy the airbag based on a need probability assessment of 50%, if the decision must be made immediately for an occupant approaching the airbag, but might wait until the probability rises above 95% for a more distant occupant. In the alternative, the crash sensor and diagnostic circuitry optionally resident in control circuitry 20 may tailor the parameters of the deployment (time to initiation of deployment, rate of inflation, rate of deflation, deployment time, etc.) based on the current position and possibly velocity of the occupant, for example a depowered deployment. In another implementation, the sensor algorithm may determine the rate that gas is generated to affect the rate that the airbag is inflated. One method of controlling the gas generation rate is to control the pressure in the inflator combustion chamber. The higher the internal pressure the faster gas is generated. Once a method of controlling the gas combustion pressure is implemented, the capability exists to significantly reduce the variation in inflator properties with temperature. At lower temperatures the pressure control system would increase the pressure in the combustion chamber and at higher ambient temperatures it would reduce the pressure. In all of these cases, the position of the occupant can be used to affect the deployment of the airbag as to whether or not it should be deployed at all, the time of deployment and/or the rate of inflation. The applications described herein have been illustrated using the driver and sometimes the passenger of the vehicle. The same systems of determining the position of the occupant relative to the airbag apply to a driver, front and rear seated passengers, sometimes requiring minor modifications. It is likely that the sensor required triggering time based on the position of the occupant will be different for the driver than for the passenger. Current systems are based primarily on the driver with the result that the probability of injury to the passenger is necessarily increased either by deploying the airbag too late or by failing to deploy the airbag when the position of the driver would not warrant it but the passenger's position would. With the use of occupant position sensors for the passenger and driver, the airbag system can be individually optimized for each occupant and result in further significant injury reduction. In particular, either the driver or passenger system can be disabled if either the driver or passenger is out-of-position or if the passenger seat is unoccupied. There is almost always a driver present in vehicles that are involved in accidents where an airbag is needed. Only about 30% of these vehicles, however, have a passenger. If the passenger is not present, there is usually no need to deploy the passenger side airbag. The occupant monitoring system, when used for the passenger side with proper pattern recognition circuitry, can also ascertain whether or not the seat is occupied, and if not, can disable the deployment of the passenger side airbag and thereby save the cost of its replacement. The same strategy applies also for monitoring the rear seat of the vehicle. Also, a trainable pattern recognition system, as used herein, can distinguish between an occupant and a bag of groceries, for example. Finally, there has been much written about the out-of-position child who is standing or otherwise positioned adjacent to the airbag, perhaps due to pre-crash braking. The occupant position sensor described herein can prevent the deployment of the airbag in this situation as well as in the situation of a rear facing child seat as described above. Naturally as discussed elsewhere herein, occupant sensors can also be used for monitoring the rear seats of the vehicle for the purpose, among others, of controlling airbag or other restraint deployment. 14.2 Seat, Seatbelt Adjustment and Resonators Acoustic or electromagnetic resonators are devices that resonate at a preset frequency when excited at that frequency. If such a device, which has been tuned to 40 kHz for example, or some other appropriate frequency, is subjected to radiation at 40 kHz it will return a signal that can be stronger than the reflected radiation. Tuned radar antennas, RFID tags and SAW resonators can also be used for this function. If such a device is placed at a particular point in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, and irradiated with a signal that contains the resonant frequency, the returned signal can usually be identified as a high magnitude narrow signal at a particular point in time that is proportional to the distance from the resonator to the receiver. Since this device can be identified, it provides a particularly effective method of determining the distance to a particular point in the vehicle passenger compartment (i.e., the distance between the location of the resonator and the detector). If several such resonators are used they can be tuned to slightly different frequencies and therefore separated and identified by the circuitry. If, for example, an ultrasonic signal is transmitted that is slightly off of the resonator frequency then a resonance can still be excited in the resonator and the return signal positively identified by its frequency. Ultrasonic resonators are rare but electromagnetic resonators are common. The distance to a resonator can be more easily determined using ultrasonics, however, due to its lower propagation velocity. Using such resonators, the positions of various objects in the vehicle can be determined. In FIG. 60, for example, three such resonators are placed on the vehicle seat and used to determine the location of the front and back of the seat and the top of the seat back. In this case, transducers 8 and 9, mounted in the A-pillar, are used in conjunction with resonators 360, 361 and 362 to determine the position of the seat. Transducers 8 and 9 constitute both transmitter means for transmitting energy signals at the excitation frequencies of the resonators 360, 361 and 362 and detector means for detecting the return energy signals from the excited resonators. Processor 20 is coupled to the transducers 8 and 9 to analyze the energy signals received by the detectors and provide information about the object with which the resonators are associated, i.e., the position of the seat in this embodiment. This information is then fed to the seat memory and adjustment system, not shown, eliminating the currently used sensors that are placed typically beneath the seat adjacent the seat adjustment motors. In the conventional system, the seat sensors must be wired into the seat adjustment system and are prone to being damaged. By using the vehicle interior monitoring system alone with inexpensive passive resonators, the conventional seat sensors can be eliminated resulting in a cost saving to the vehicle manufacturer. An efficient reflector, such as a parabolic shaped reflector, or in some cases a corner cube reflector (which can be a multiple cube pattern array), can be used in a similar manner as the resonator. Similarly, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device, RFID, variable resistor, inductor or capacitor device and radio frequency radiation can be used as a resonator or a delay line returning a signal to the interrogator permitting the presence and location of an object to be obtained as described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/079,065. Resonators or reflectors, of the type described above can be used for making a variety of position measurements in the vehicle. They can be placed on an object such as a child seat 2 (FIG. 1) to permit the direct detection of its presence and, in some cases, its orientation. These resonators are made to resonate at a particular frequency. If the number of resonators increases beyond a reasonable number, dual frequency resonators can be used, or alternately, resonators that return an identification number such as can be done with an RFID or SAW device. For the dual frequency case, a pair of frequencies is then used to identify a particular location. Alternately, resonators tuned to a particular frequency can be used in combination with special transmitters, which transmit at the tuned frequency, which are designed to work with a particular resonator or group of resonators. The cost of the transducers is sufficiently low to permit special transducers to be used for special purposes. The use of resonators that resonate at different frequencies requires that they be irradiated by radiation containing those frequencies. This can be done with a chirp circuit. An alternate approach is to make use of secondary emission where the frequency emitted form the device is at a different frequency that the interrogator. Phosphors, for example, convert ultraviolet to visible and devices exist that convert electromagnetic waves to ultrasonic waves. Other devices can return a frequency that is a sub-harmonic of the interrogation frequency. Additionally, an RFID tag can use the incident RF energy to charge up a capacitor and then radiate energy at a different frequency. Another application for a resonator of the type described is to determine the location of the seatbelt and therefore determine whether it is in use. If it is known that the occupants are wearing seatbelts, the airbag deployment parameters can be controlled or adjusted based on the knowledge of seatbelt use, e.g., the deployment threshold can be increased since the airbag is not needed in low velocity accidents if the occupants are already restrained by seatbelts. Deployment of other occupant restraint devices could also be effected based on the knowledge of seatbelt use. This will reduce the number of deployments for cases where the airbag provides little or no improvement in safety over the seatbelt. FIG. 2, for example, shows the placement of a resonator 26 on the front surface of the seatbelt where it can be sensed by the transducer 8. Such a system can also be used to positively identify the presence of a rear facing child seat in the vehicle. In this case, a resonator 18 is placed on the forward most portion of the child seat, or in some other convenient position, as shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated and discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/079,065, there are various methods of obtaining distance from a resonator, reflector, RFID or SAW device which include measuring the time of flight, using phase measurements, correlation analysis and triangulation. Other uses for such resonators include placing them on doors and windows in order to determine whether either is open or closed. In FIG. 61, for example, such a resonator 363 is placed on the top of the window and is sensed by transducers 364 and 365. In this case, transducers 364 and 365 also monitor the space between the edge of the window glass and the top of the window opening. Many vehicles now have systems that permit the rapid opening of the window, called “express open”, by a momentary push of a button. For example, when a vehicle approaches a tollbooth, the driver needs only touch the window control button and the window opens rapidly. Some automobile manufacturers do not wish to use such systems for closing the window, called “express close”, because of the fear that the hand of the driver, or of a child leaning forward from the rear seat, or some other object, could get caught between the window and window frame. If the space between the edge of the window and the window frame were monitored with an interior monitoring system, this problem can be solved. The presence of the resonator or reflector 363 on the top of the window glass also gives a positive indication of where the top surface is and reflections from below that point can be ignored. Various design variations of the window monitoring system are possible and the particular choice will depend on the requirements of the vehicle manufacturer and the characteristics of the vehicle. Two systems will be briefly described here. A recording of the output of transducers 364 and 365 is made of the open window without an object in the space between the window edge and the top of the window frame. When in operation, the transducers 364 and 365 receive the return signal from the space it is monitoring and compares that signal with the stored signal referenced above. This is done by processor 366. If the difference between the test signal and the stored signal indicates that there is a reflecting object in the monitored space, the window is prevented from closing in the express close mode. If the window is part way up, a reflection will be received from the edge of the window glass that, in most cases, is easily identifiable from the reflection of a hand for example. A simple algorithm based on the intensity, or timing, of the reflection in most cases is sufficient to determine that an object rather than the window edge is in the monitored space. In other cases, the algorithm is used to identify the window edge and ignore that reflection and all other reflections that are lower (i.e., later in time) than the window edge. In all cases, the system will default in not permitting the express close if there is any doubt. The operator can still close the window by holding the switch in the window closing position and the window will then close slowly as it now does in vehicles without the express close feature. Alternately, the system can use pattern recognition using the two transducers 364 and 365 as shown in FIG. 61 and the processor 366 which comprises a neural network. In this example the system is trained for all cases where the window is down and at intermediate locations. In operation, the transducers monitor the window space and feed the received signals to processor 366. As long as the signals are similar to one of the signals for which the network was trained, the express close system is enabled. As before, the default is to suppress the express close. If there are sufficient imagers placed at appropriate locations, a likely condition as the cost of imagers and processors continues to drop, the presence of an obstruction in an open window, door, sunroof, trunk opening, hatchback etc., can be sensed by such an imager and the closing of the opening stopped. This likely outcome will simplify interior monitoring by permitting one device to carry out multiple functions. The use of a resonator, RFID or SAW tag, or reflector, to determine whether the vehicle door is properly shut is also illustrated in FIG. 61. In this case, the resonator 367 is placed in the B-pillar in such a manner that it is shielded by the door, or by a cover or other inhibiting mechanism (not shown) engaged by the door, and blocked or prevented from resonating when the door is closed. Resonator 367 provides waves 368. If transducers such as 8 and 10 in FIG. 1 are used in this system, the closed-door condition would be determined by the absence of a return signal from the B-pillar resonator 367. This system permits the substitution of an inexpensive resonator for a more expensive and less reliable electrical switch plus wires. The use of a resonator has been described above. For those cases where an infrared laser system is used, an optical mirror, reflector or even a bar code or equivalent would replace the mechanical resonator used with the acoustic system. In the acoustic system, the resonator can be any of a variety of tuned resonating systems including an acoustic cavity or a vibrating mechanical element. As discussed above, a properly designed antenna, corner reflector, or a SAW or RFID device fulfills this function for radio frequency waves. For the purposes herein, the word resonator will frequently be used to include any device that returns a signal when excited by a signal sent by another device through the air. Thus, resonator would include a resonating antenna, a reflector, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device, an RFID tag, an acoustic resonator, or any other device that performs substantially the same function such as a bar or other coded tag. In most of the applications described above, single frequency energy was used to irradiate various occupying items of the passenger compartment. This was for illustrative purposes only and this invention is not limited to single frequency irradiation. In many applications, it is useful to use several discrete frequencies or a band of frequencies. In this manner, considerably greater information is received from the reflected irradiation permitting greater discrimination between different classes of objects. In general each object will have a different reflectivity, absorbtivity and transmissivity at each frequency. Also, the different resonators placed at different positions in the passenger compartment can now be tuned to different frequencies making it easier to isolate one resonator from another. Let us now consider the adjustment of a seat to adapt to an occupant. First some measurements of the morphological properties of the occupant are necessary. The first characteristic considered is a measurement of the height of the occupant from the vehicle seat. This can be done by a sensor in the ceiling of the vehicle but this becomes difficult since, even for the same seat location, the head of the occupant will not be at the same angle with respect to the seat and therefore the angle to a ceiling-mounted sensor is in general unknown at least as long as only one ceiling mounted sensor is used. This problem can be solved if two or three sensors are used as described in more detail below. The simplest implementation is to place the sensor in the seat. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,320, a rear impact occupant protection apparatus is disclosed which uses sensors mounted within the headrest. This same system can also be used to measure the height of the occupant from the seat and thus, for no additional cost assuming the rear impact occupant protection system described in the '320 patent is provided, the first measure of the occupant's morphology can be achieved. See also FIGS. 48 and 49. For some applications, this may be sufficient since it is unlikely that two operators will use the vehicle that both have the same height. For other implementations, one or more additional measurements are used. Referring now to FIG. 48, an automatic adjustment system for adjusting a seat (which is being used only as an example of a vehicle component) is shown generally at 371 with a movable headrest 356 and ultrasonic sensors 353, 354 and 355 for measuring the height of the occupant of the seat. Power means such as motors 371, 372, and 373 connected to the seat for moving the base of the seat, control means such as a control circuit, system or module 254 connected to the motors and a headrest actuation mechanism using servomotors 374 and 375, which may be servomotors, are also illustrated. The seat 4 and headrest 356 are shownf in phantom. Vertical motion of the headrest 356 is accomplished when a signal is sent from control module 254 to servomotor 374 through a wire 376. Servomotor 374 rotates lead screw 377 which engages with a threaded hole in member 378 causing it to move up or down depending on the direction of rotation of the lead screw 377. Headrest support rods 379 and 380 are attached to member 378 and cause the headrest 356 to translate up or down with member 378. In this manner, the vertical position of the headrest can be controlled as depicted by arrow A-A. Ultrasonic transmitters and receivers 353, 354, 355 may be replaced by other appropriate wave-generating and receiving devices, such as electromagnetic, active infrared transmitters and receivers. Wire 381 leads from control module 254 to servomotor 375 which rotates lead screw 382. Lead screw 382 engages with a threaded hole in shaft 383 which is attached to supporting structures within the seat shown in phantom. The rotation of lead screw 382 rotates servo motor support 384, upon which servomotor 374 is situated, which in turn rotates headrest support rods 379 and 380 in slots 385 and 386 in the seat 4. Rotation of the servomotor support 384 is facilitated by a rod 387 upon which the servo motor support 384 is positioned. In this manner, the headrest 356 is caused to move in the fore and aft direction as depicted by arrow B-B. Naturally there are other designs which accomplish the same effect in moving the headrest up and down and fore and aft. The operation of the system is as follows. When an adult or child occupant is seated on a seat containing the headrest and control system described above as determined by the neural network 65, the ultrasonic transmitters 353, 354 and 355 emit ultrasonic energy which reflects off of the head of the occupant and is received by the same transducers. An electronic circuit in control module 254 contains a microprocessor which determines the distance from the head of the occupant based on the time between the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic pulses. Control module 254 may be within the same microprocessor as neural network 65 or separate therefrom. The headrest 356 moves up and down until it finds the top of the head and then the vertical position closest to the head of the occupant and then remains at that position. Based on the time delay between transmission and reception of an ultrasonic pulse, the system can also determine the longitudinal distance from the headrest to the occupant's head. Since the head may not be located precisely in line with the ultrasonic sensors, or the occupant may be wearing a hat, coat with a high collar, or may have a large hairdo, there may be some error in this longitudinal measurement. When an occupant sits on seat 4, the headrest 356 moves to find the top of the occupant's head as discussed above. This is accomplished using an algorithm and a microprocessor which is part of control circuit 254. The headrest 356 then moves to the optimum location for rear impact protection as described in the above referenced '320 patent. Once the height of the occupant has been measured, another algorithm in the microprocessor in control circuit 254 compares the occupant's measured height with a table representing the population as a whole and from this table, the appropriate positions for the seat corresponding to the occupant's height is selected. For example, if the occupant measured 33 inches from the top of the seat bottom, this might correspond to an 85% human, depending on the particular seat and statistical table of human measurements. Careful study of each particular vehicle model provides the data for the table of the location of the seat to properly position the eyes of the occupant within the “eye-ellipse”, the steering wheel within a comfortable reach of the occupant's hands and the pedals within a comfortable reach of the occupant's feet, based on his or her size, etc. Once the proper position has been determined by control circuit 254, signals are sent to motors 371, 372, and 373 to move the seat to that position, if such movement is necessary. That is, it is possible that the seat will be in the proper position so that movement of the seat is not required. As such, the position of the motors 371,372,373 and/or the position of the seat prior to occupancy by the occupant may be stored in memory so that after occupancy by the occupant and determination of the desired position of the seat, a comparison is made to determine whether the desired position of the seat deviates from the current position of the seat. If not, movement of the seat is not required. Otherwise, the signals are sent by the control circuit 254 to the motors. In this case, control circuit 254 would encompass a seat controller. Instead of adjusting the seat to position the driver in an optimum driving position, or for use when adjusting the seat of a passenger, it is possible to perform the adjustment with a view toward optimizing the actuation or deployment of an occupant protection or restraint device. For example, after obtaining one or more morphological characteristics of the occupant, the processor can analyze them and determine one or more preferred positions of the seat, with the position of the seat being related to the position of the occupant, so that if the occupant protection device is deployed, the occupant will be in an advantageous position to be protected against injury by such deployment. In this case then, the seat is adjusted based on the morphology of the occupant view a view toward optimizing deployment of the occupant protection device. The processor is provided in a training or programming stage with the preferred seat positions for different morphologies of occupants. Movement of the seat can take place either immediately upon the occupant sitting in the seat or immediately prior to a crash requiring deployment of the occupant protection device. In the latter case, if an anticipatory sensing arrangement is used, the seat can be positioned immediately prior to the impact, much in a similar manner as the headrest is adjusted for a rear impact as disclosed in the '320 patent referenced above. If during some set time period after the seat has been positioned, the operator changes these adjustments, the new positions of the seat are stored in association with an occupant height class in a second table within control circuit 254. When the occupant again occupies the seat and his or her height has once again been determined, the control circuit 254 will find an entry in the second table which takes precedence over the basic, original table and the seat returns to the adjusted position. When the occupant leaves the vehicle, or even when the engine is shut off and the door opened, the seat can be returned to a neutral position which provides for easy entry and exit from the vehicle. The seat 4 also contains two control switch assemblies 388 and 389 for manually controlling the position of the seat 4 and headrest 356. The seat control switches 388 permits the occupant to adjust the position of the seat if he or she is dissatisfied with the position selected by the algorithm. The headrest control switches 389 permit the occupant to adjust the position of the headrest in the event that the calculated position is uncomfortably close to or far from the occupant's head. A woman with a large hairdo might find that the headrest automatically adjusts so as to contact her hairdo. This adjustment she might find annoying and could then position the headrest further from her head. For those vehicles which have a seat memory system for associating the seat position with a particular occupant, which has been assumed above, the position of the headrest relative to the occupant's head could also be recorded. Later, when the occupant enters the vehicle, and the seat automatically adjusts to the recorded preference, the headrest will similarly automatically adjust as diagrammed in FIGS. 62A and 62B. The height of the occupant, although probably the best initial morphological characteristic, may not be sufficient especially for distinguishing one driver from another when they are approximately the same height. A second characteristic, the occupant's weight, can also be readily determined from sensors mounted within the seat in a variety of ways as shown in FIG. 42 which is a perspective view of the seat shown in FIG. 48 with a displacement or weight sensor 159 shown mounted onto the seat. Displacement sensor 159 is supported from supports 165. In general, displacement sensor 164, or another non-displacement sensor, measures a physical state of a component affected by the occupancy of the seat. An occupying item of the seat will cause a force to be exerted downward and the magnitude of this force is representative of the weight of the occupying item. Thus, by measuring this force, information about the weight of the occupying item can be obtained. A physical state may be any force changed by the occupancy of the seat and which is reflected in the component, e.g., strain of a component, compression of a component, tension of a component. Naturally other weight measuring systems as described herein and elsewhere including bladders and strain gages can be used. The system described above is based on the assumption that the occupant will be satisfied with one seat position throughout an extended driving trip. Studies have shown that for extended travel periods that the comfort of the driver can be improved through variations in the seat position. This variability can be handled in several ways. For example, the amount and type of variation preferred by an occupant of the particular morphology can be determined through case studies and focus groups. If it is found, for example, that the 50 percentile male driver prefers the seat back angle to vary by 5 degrees sinusodially with a one-hour period, this can be programmed to the system. Since the system knows the morphology of the driver it can decide from a lookup table what is the best variability for the average driver of that morphology. The driver then can select from several preferred possibilities if, for example, he or she wishes to have the seat back not move at all or follow an excursion of 10 degrees over two hours. This system provides an identification of the driver based on two morphological characteristics which is adequate for most cases. As additional features of the vehicle interior identification and monitoring system described in the above referenced patent applications are implemented, it will be possible to obtain additional morphological measurements of the driver which will provide even greater accuracy in driver identification. Such additional measurements include iris scans, voice prints, face recognition, fingerprints, hand or palm prints etc. Two characteristics may not be sufficient to rely on for theft and security purposes, however, many other driver preferences can still be added to seat position with this level of occupant recognition accuracy. These include the automatic selection of a preferred radio station, vehicle temperature, steering wheel and steering column position, etc. One advantage of using only the height and weight is that it avoids the necessity of the seat manufacturer from having to interact with the headliner manufacturer, or other component suppliers, since all of the measuring transducers are in the seat. This two characteristic system is generally sufficient to distinguish drivers that normally drive a particular vehicle. This system costs little more than the memory systems now in use and is passive, i.e., it does not require action on the part of the occupant after his initial adjustment has been made. Instead of measuring the height and weight of the occupant, it is also possible to measure a combination of any two morphological characteristics and during a training phase, derive a relationship between the occupancy of the seat, e.g., adult occupant, child occupant, etc., and the data of the two morphological characteristic. This relationship may be embodied within a neural network so that during use, by measuring the two morphological characteristics, the occupancy of the seat can be determined. Naturally, there are other methods of measuring the height of the driver such as placing the transducers at other locations in the vehicle. Some alternatives are shown in other figures herein and include partial side images of the occupant and ultrasonic transducers positioned on or near the vehicle headliner. These transducers may already be present because of other implementations of the vehicle interior identification and monitoring system described in the above referenced patent applications. The use of several transducers provides a more accurate determination of location of the head of the driver. When using a headliner mounted sensor alone, the exact position of the head is ambiguous since the transducer measures the distance to the head regardless of what direction the head is. By knowing the distance from the head to another headliner mounted transducer the ambiguity is substantially reduced. This argument is of course dependent on the use of ultrasonic transducers. Optical transducers using CCD, CMOS or equivalent arrays are now becoming price competitive and, as pointed out in the above referenced patent applications, will be the technology of choice for interior vehicle monitoring. A single CMOS array of 160 by 160 pixels, for example, coupled with the appropriate pattern recognition software, can be used to form an image of the head of an occupant and accurately locate the head for the purposes of this invention. FIG. 64 also illustrates a system where the seatbelt 27 has an adjustable upper anchorage point 390 which is automatically adjusted by a motor 391 to a location optimized based on the height of the occupant. In this system, infrared transmitter and CCD array receivers 6 and 9 are positioned in a convenient location proximate the occupant's shoulder, such as in connection with the headliner, above and usually to the outside of the occupant's shoulder. An appropriate pattern recognition system, as may be resident in control circuitry 20 to which the receivers 6 and 9 are coupled, as described above is then used to determine the location and position of the shoulder. This information is provided by control circuitry 20 to the seatbelt anchorage height adjustment system 391 (through a conventional coupling arrangement), shown schematically, which moves the attachment point 390 of the seatbelt 27 to the optimum vertical location for the proper placement of the seatbelt 27. The calculations for this feature and the appropriate control circuitry can also be located in control module 20 or elsewhere if appropriate. Seatbelts are most effective when the upper attachment point to the vehicle is positioned vertically close to the shoulder of the occupant being restrained. If the attachment point is too low, the occupant experiences discomfort from the rubbing of the belt on his or her shoulder. If it is too high, the occupant may experience discomfort due to the rubbing of the belt against his or her neck and the occupant will move forward by a greater amount during a crash which may result in his or her head striking the steering wheel. For these reasons, it is desirable to have the upper seatbelt attachment point located slightly above the occupant's shoulder. To accomplish this for various sized occupants, the location of the occupant's shoulder must be known, which can be accomplished by the vehicle interior monitoring system described herein. Many luxury automobiles today have the ability to control the angle of the seat back as well as a lumbar support. These additional motions of the seat can also be controlled by the seat adjustment system in accordance with the invention. FIG. 65 is a view of the seat of FIG. 48 showing motors 392 and 393 for changing the tilt of the seat back and the lumbar support. Three motors 393 are used to adjust the lumbar support in this implementation. The same procedure is used for these additional motions as described for FIG. 48 above. An initial table is provided based on the optimum positions for various segments of the population. For example, for some applications the table may contain a setting value for each five percentile of the population for each of the 6 possible seat motions, fore and aft, up and down, total seat tilt, seat back angle, lumbar position, and headrest position for a total of 120 table entries. The second table similarly would contain the personal preference modified values of the 6 positions desired by a particular driver. The angular resolution of a transducer is proportional to the ratio of the wavelength to the diameter of the transmitter. Once three transmitters and receivers are used, the approximate equivalent single transmitter and receiver is one which has a diameter approximately equal to the shortest distance between any pair of transducers. In this case, the equivalent diameter is equal to the distance between transmitter 354 or 355 and 353. This provides far greater resolution and, by controlling the phase between signals sent by the transmitters, the direction of the equivalent ultrasonic beam can be controlled. Thus, the head of the driver can be scanned with great accuracy and a map made of the occupant's head. Using this technology plus an appropriate pattern recognition algorithm, such as a neural network, an accurate location of the driver's head can be found even when the driver's head is partially obscured by a hat, coat, or hairdo. This also provides at least one other identification morphological characteristic which can be used to further identify the occupant, namely the diameter of the driver's head. In an automobile, there is an approximately fixed vertical distance between the optimum location of the occupant's eyes and the location of the pedals. The distant from a driver's eyes to his or her feet, on the other hand, is not the same for all people. An individual driver now compensates for this discrepancy by moving the seat and by changing the angle between his or hers legs and body. For both small and large drivers, this discrepancy cannot be fully compensated for and as a result, their eyes are not appropriately placed. A similar problem exists with the steering wheel. To help correct these problems, the pedals and steering column should be movable as illustrated in FIG. 66 which is a plan view similar to that of FIG. 64 showing a driver and driver seat with an automatically adjustable steering column and pedal system which is adjusted based on the morphology of the driver. In FIG. 66, a motor 394 is connected to and controls the position of the steering column and another motor 395 is connected to and controls the position of the pedals. Both motors 394 and 395 are coupled to and controlled by control circuit 254 wherein now the basic table of settings includes values for both the pedals and steering column locations. The eye ellipse discussed above is illustrated at 358 in FIG. 67, which is a view showing the occupant's eyes and the seat adjusted to place the eyes at a particular vertical position for proper viewing through the windshield and rear view mirror. Many systems are now under development to improve vehicle safety and driving ease. For example, night vision systems are being tested which project an enhanced image of the road ahead of the vehicle onto the windshield in a “heads-up display”. The main problem with the systems now being tested is that the projected image does not precisely overlap the image as seen through the windshield. This parallax causes confusion in the driver and can only be corrected if the location of the driver's eyes is accurately known. One method of solving this problem is to use the passive seat adjustment system described herein to place the occupant's eyes at the optimum location as described above. Once this has been accomplished, in addition to solving the parallax problem, the eyes are properly located with respect to the rear view mirror 55 and little if any adjustment is required in order for the driver to have the proper view of what is behind the vehicle. Although it has been described herein that the seat can be automatically adjusted to place the driver's eyes in the “eye-ellipse”, there are many manual methods that can be implemented with feedback to the driver telling him or her when his or her eyes are properly position This invention is not limited by the use of automatic methods. Once the morphology of the driver and the seat position is known, many other objects in the vehicle can be automatically adjusted to conform to the occupant. An automatically adjustable seat armrest, a cup holder, the cellular phone, or any other objects with which the driver interacts can be now moved to accommodate the driver. This is in addition to the personal preference items such as the radio station, temperature, etc. discussed above. Once the system of this invention is implemented, additional features become possible such as a seat which automatically makes slight adjustments to help alleviate fatigue or to account for a change of position of the driver in the seat, or a seat which automatically changes position slightly based on the time of day. Many people prefer to sit more upright when driving at night, for example. Other similar improvements based on knowledge of the occupant morphology will now become obvious to those skilled in the art. FIG. 63 shows a flow chart of one manner in the arrangement and method for controlling a vehicle component in accordance with the invention functions. A measurement of the morphology of the occupant 30 is performed at 396, i.e., one or more morphological characteristics are measured in any of the ways described above. The position of the seat portion 4 is obtained at 397 and both the measured morphological characteristic of the occupant 30 and the position of the seat portion 4 are forwarded to the control system 400. The control system considers these parameters and determines the manner in which the component 401 should be controlled or adjusted, and even whether any adjustment is necessary. Preferably, seat adjustment means 398 are provided to enable automatic adjustment of the seat portion 4. If so, the current position of the seat portion 4 is stored in memory means 399 (which may be a previously adjusted position) and additional seat adjustment, if any, is determined by the control system 400 to direct the seat adjustment means 398 to move the seat. The seat portion 4 may be moved alone, i.e., considered as the component, or adjusted together with another component, i.e., considered separate from the component (represented by way of the dotted line in FIG. 63). Although several preferred embodiments are illustrated and described above, there are other possible combinations using different sensors which measure either the same or different morphological characteristics, such as knee position, of an occupant to accomplish the same or similar goals as those described herein. It should be mentioned that the adjustment system may be used in conjunction with each vehicle seat. In this case, if a seat is determined to be unoccupied, then the processor means may be designed to adjust the seat for the benefit of other occupants, i.e., if a front passenger side seat is unoccupied but the rear passenger side seat is occupied, then adjustment system could adjust the front seat for the benefit of the rear-seated passenger, e.g., move the seat base forward. In additional embodiments, the present invention involves the measurement of one or more morphological characteristics of a vehicle occupant and the use of these measurements to classify the occupant as to size and weight, and then to use this classification to position a vehicle component, such as the seat, to a near optimum position for that class of occupant. Additional information concerning occupant preferences can also be associated with the occupant class so that when a person belonging to that particular class occupies the vehicle, the preferences associated with that class are implemented. These preferences and associated component adjustments include the seat location after it has been manually adjusted away from the position chosen initially by the system, the mirror location, temperature, radio station, steering wheel and steering column positions, etc. The preferred morphological characteristics used are the occupant height from the vehicle seat and weight of the occupant. The height is determined by sensors, usually ultrasonic or electromagnetic, located in the headrest or another convenient location. The weight is determined by one of a variety of technologies that measure either pressure on or displacement of the vehicle seat or the force or strain in the seat supporting structure. The eye tracker systems discussed above are facilitated by this invention since one of the main purposes of determining the location of the driver's eyes either by directly locating them with trained pattern recognition technology or by inferring their location from the location of the driver's head, is so that the seat can be automatically positioned to place the driver's eyes into the “eye-ellipse”. The eye-ellipse is the proper location for the driver's eyes to permit optimal operation of the vehicle and for the location of the mirrors etc. Thus, if the location of the driver's eyes are known, then the driver can be positioned so that his or her eyes are precisely situated in the eye ellipse and the reflection off of the eye can be monitored with a small eye tracker system. Also, by ascertaining the location of the driver's eyes, a rear view mirror positioning device can be controlled to adjust the mirror 55 to an optimal position. Eye tracking as disclosed by Jacob, “Eye Tracking in Advanced Interface Design”, Robert J. K. Jacob, Human-Computer Interaction Lab, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D C, can be used by vehicle operator to control various vehicle complements such as the turn signal, lights, radio, air conditioning, telephone, Internet interactive commands, etc. much as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/645,709 which is included herein by reference. The display used for the eye tracker can be a heads-up display reflected from the windshield or it can be a plastic electronics display located either in the visor or the windshield. The eye tracker works most effectively in dim light where the driver's eyes are sufficiently open that the cornea and retina are clearly distinguishable. The direction of operator's gaze is determined by calculation of the center of pupil and the center of the iris that are found by illuminating the eye with infrared radiation. FIG. 8E illustrates a suitable arrangement for illuminating eye along the same axis as the pupil camera. The location of occupant's eyes must be first determined as described elsewhere herein before eye tracking can be implemented. In FIG. 8E, imager system 52, 24, or 56 are candidate locations for eye tracker hardware. The technique is to shine a collimated beam of infrared light on to be operator's eyeball producing a bright corneal reflection can be bright pupil reflection. Imaging software analyzes the image to identify the large bright circle that is the pupil and a still brighter dot which is the corneal reflection and computes the center of each of these objects. The line of the gaze is determined by connecting the centers of these two reflections. It is usually necessary only to track a single eye as both eyes tend to look at the same object. In fact by checking that both eyes are in fact looking at the same object, many errors caused by the occupant looking through the display onto the road or surrounding environment can be eliminated Object selection with a mouse or mouse pad, as disclosed in the '709 application cross-referenced above is accomplished by pointing at the object and depressing a button. Using eye tracking an additional technique is available based on the length of time the operator gases at the object. In the implementations herein, both techniques are available. In the simulated mouse case, the operator gazes at an object, such as the air conditioning control, and depresses a button on the steering wheel, for example, to select object. Alternately, the operator merely gazes at the object for perhaps one-half second and the object is automatically selected. Both techniques can be implemented simultaneously allowing operator to freely choose between them. The dwell time can be selectable by the operator as an additional option. Typically, the dwell times will range from about 0.1 seconds to about 1 second. The problem of finding the eyes and tracking the head of the driver, for example, is handled in Smeraldi, F., Carmona, J. B., “Saccadic search with Garbor features applied to eye detection and real-time head tracking”, Image and Vision Computing 18 (2000) 323-329, Elsevier Science B. V., which is included herein by reference. The Saccadic system described is a very efficient method of locating the most distinctive part of a persons face, the eyes, and in addition to finding the eyes a modification of the system can be used to recognize the driver. The system makes use of the motion of the subject's head to locate the head prior to doing a search for the eyes using a modified Garbor decomposition method. By comparing two consecutive frames the head can usually be located if it is in the field of view of the camera. Although this is the preferred method, other eye location and tracking methods can also be used as reported in the literature and familiar to those skilled in the art. Other papers on finding the eyes of a subject are: Wang, Y., Yuan, B., “Human Eye Location Using Wavelet and Neural Network”, Proceedings of the IEEE Internal Conference on Signal Processing 2000, p 1233-1236, and Sirohey, S. A., Rosenfeld, A., “Eye detection in a face using linear and nonlinear filters”, Pattern Recognition 34 (2001) p 1367-1391, Elsevier Science Ltd., which, along with their references, are included herein by reference. The Sirohey et al. article in particular, in addition to a review of the prior art, provides an excellent methodology for eye location determination. The technique makes use of face color to aid in face and eye location. In all of the above references, natural or visible illumination is used. In a vehicle infrared illumination will be used so as to not distract the occupant. The eyes of a person are particularly noticeable under infrared illumination as discussed in Richards, A., Alien Vision, p. 6-9, 2001, SPIE Press, Bellingham, Wash., which is included herein by reference. The use of infrared radiation to aid in location of the occupant's eyes either by itself of along with natural or artificial radiation is a preferred implementation of the teachings of this invention. This is illustrated in FIG. 53. In Aguilar, M., Fay, D. A., Ross, W. D., Waxman, M., Ireland, D. B., and Racamato, J. P., “Real-time fusion of low-light CCD and uncooled IR imagery for color night vision” SPIE Conference on Enhanced and Synthetic Vision 1998, Orlando, Fla. SPIE Vol. 3364 p. 124-133, the authors illustrate how to fuse images from different imagers together to form an enhanced image. They use thermal IR and enhanced visual to display a night vision image. The teachings of this reference, as well as those cross-references therein all of which are included herein by reference, can also be applied to improve the ability of a neural network or other pattern recognition system to locate the eyes and head, as well as other parts, of a vehicle occupant. In this case there is no need to superimpose the two images as the neural network can accept separate inputs from each type imager. Thus, thermal IR imagers and enhanced visual imagers can be used in practicing this invention as well as the other technologies mentioned above. In this manner, the eyes or other parts of the occupant can be found at night without additional sources of illumination. 14.3 Side Impacts Side impact airbags are now used on some vehicles. Some are quite small compared to driver or passenger airbags used for frontal impact protection. Nevertheless, a small child could be injured if he is sleeping with his head against the airbag module when the airbag deploys and a vehicle interior monitoring system is needed to prevent such a deployment. In FIG. 68, a single ultrasonic transducer 420 is shown mounted in a door adjacent airbag system 403 which houses an airbag 404. This sensor has the particular task of monitoring the space adjacent to the door-mounted airbag. Sensor 402 may also be coupled to control circuitry 20 which can process and use the information provided by sensor 402 in the determination of the location or identity of the occupant or location of a part of the occupant. Similar to the embodiment in FIG. 4 with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,462, the airbag system 403 and components of the interior monitoring system, e.g., transducer 402, can also be coupled to a processor 20 including a control circuit 20A for controlling deployment of the airbag 404 based on information obtained by the transducer 402. This device does not have to be used to identify the object that is adjacent the airbag but it can be used to merely measure the position of the object. It can also be used to determine the presence of the object, i.e., the received waves are indicative of the presence or absence of an occupant as well as the position of the occupant or a part thereof. Instead of an ultrasonic transducer, another wave-receiving transducer may be used as described in any of the other embodiments herein, either solely for performing a wave-receiving function or for performing both a wave-receiving function and a wave-transmitting function. FIG. 69 is an angular perspective overhead view of a vehicle 405 about to be impacted in the side by an approaching vehicle 406, where vehicle 405 is equipped with an anticipatory sensor system showing a transmitter 408 transmitting electromagnetic, such as infrared, waves toward vehicle 406. This is one example of many of the uses of the instant invention for exterior monitoring. The transmitter 408 is connected to an electronic module 412. Module 412 contains circuitry 413 to drive transmitter 408 and circuitry 414 to process the returned signals from receivers 409 and 410 which are also coupled to module 412. Circuitry 414 contains a processor such as a neural computer 415, which performs the pattern recognition determination based on signals from receivers 409 and 410. Receivers 409 and 410 are mounted onto the B-Pillar of the vehicle and are covered with a protective transparent cover. An alternate mounting location is shown as 411 which is in the door window trim panel where the rear view mirror (not shown) is frequently attached. One additional advantage of this system is the ability of infrared to penetrate fog and snow better than visible light which makes this technology particularly applicable for blind spot detection and anticipatory sensing applications. Although it is well known that infrared can be significantly attenuated by both fog and snow, it is less so than visual light depending on the frequency chosen. (See for example L. A. Klein, Millimeter-Wave and Infrared Multisensor Design and Signal Processing Artech House, Inc, Boston 1997, ISBN 0-89006-764-3 which is incorporated herein by reference). 14.4 Children and Animals Left Alone The various occupant sensing systems described herein can be used to determine if a child or animal has been left alone in a vehicle and the temperature is increasing or decreasing to where the child's health is at risk. When such a condition is discovered, the owner or an authority can be summoned for help or, alternately, the vehicle engine can be started and the vehicle warmed or cooled as needed. 14.5 Vehicle Theft If a vehicle is stolen then several options are available when the occupant sensing system is installed. Upon command by the owner over a telematics system, a picture of the vehicles interior can be taken and transmitted to the owner. Alternately a continuous flow of pictures can be sent over the telematics system along with the location of the vehicle to help the owner or authorities determine where the vehicle is. 14.6 Security, Intruder Protection If the owner has parked the vehicle and is returning, and it an intruder has entered and is hiding, that fact can be made known to the owner before he or she opens the vehicle door. This can be accomplished thought a wireless transmission to any of a number of devices that have been programmed for that function. 14.7 Entertainment System Control It is well known among acoustics engineers that the quality of sound coming from an entertainment system can be substantially affected by the characteristics and contents of the space in which it operates and the surfaces surrounding that space. When an engineer is designing a system for an automobile he or she has a great deal of knowledge about that space and of the vehicle surfaces surrounding it. He or she has little knowledge of how many occupants are likely to be in the vehicle on a particular day, however, and therefore the system is a compromise. If the system knew the number and position of the vehicle occupants, and maybe even their size, then adjustments could be made in the system output and the sound quality improved. FIG. 8A, therefore, illustrates schematically the interface between the vehicle interior monitoring system of this invention, i.e., transducers 49-52 and 54 and processor 20 which operate as set forth above, and the vehicle entertainment system 99. The particular design of the entertainment system that uses the information provided by the monitoring system can be determined by those skilled in the appropriate art. Perhaps in combination with this system, the quality of the sound system can be measured by the audio system itself either by using the speakers as receiving units also or through the use of special microphones. The quality of the sound can then be adjusted according to the vehicle occupancy and the reflectivity, or absorbtivity, of the vehicle occupants. If, for example, certain frequencies are being reflected, or absorbed, more that others, the audio amplifier can be adjusted to amplify those frequencies to a lesser, or greater, amount than others. Recent developments in the field of directing sound using hyper-sound (also referred to as hypersonic sound) now make it possible to accurately direct sound to the vicinity of the ears of an occupant so that only that occupant can hear the sound. The system of this invention can thus be used to find the proximate direction of the ears of the occupant for this purpose. Hypersonic sound is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,129 (Norris), U.S. Pat. No. 5,889,870 (Norris) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,351 (Raida et al.) and International Publication No. WO 00/18031. By practicing the techniques described in these patents and the publication, in some cases coupled with a mechanical or acoustical steering mechanism, sound can be directed to the location of the ears of a particular vehicle occupant in such a manner that the other occupants can barely hear the sound, if at all. This is particularly the case when the vehicle is operating at high speeds on the highway and a high level of “white” noise is present. In this manner, one occupant can be listening to the news while another is listening to an opera, for example. Naturally, white noise can also be added to the vehicle and generated by the hypersonic sound system if necessary when the vehicle is stopped or traveling in heavy traffic. Thus, several occupants of a vehicle can listen to different programming without the other occupants hearing that programming. This can be accomplished using hypersonic sound without requiring earphones. In principle, hypersonic sound utilizes the emission of inaudible ultrasonic frequencies that mix in air and result in the generation of new audio frequencies. A hypersonic sound system is a highly efficient converter of electrical energy to acoustical energy. Sound is created in air at any desired point that provides flexibility and allows manipulation of the perceived location of the source of the sound. Speaker enclosures are thus rendered dispensable. The dispersion of the mixing area of the ultrasonic frequencies and thus the area in which the new audio frequencies are audible can be controlled to provide a very narrow or wide area as desired. The audio mixing area generated by each set of two ultrasonic frequency generators in accordance with the invention could thus be directly in front of the ultrasonic frequency generators in which case the audio frequencies would travel from the mixing area in a narrow straight beam or cone to the occupant. Also, the mixing area can include only a single ear of an occupant (another mixing area being formed by ultrasonic frequencies generated by a set of two other ultrasonic frequency generators at the location of the other ear of the occupant with presumably but not definitely the same new audio frequencies) or be large enough to encompass the head and both ears of the occupant. If so desired, the mixing area could even be controlled to encompass the determined location of the ears of multiple occupants, e.g., occupants seated one behind the other or one next to another. Vehicle entertainment system 99 may include means for generating and transmitting sound waves at the ears of the occupants, the position of which are detected by transducers 49-52 and 54 and processor 20, as well as means for detecting the presence and direction of unwanted noise. In this manner, appropriate sound waves can be generated and transmitted to the occupant to cancel the unwanted noise and thereby optimize the comfort of the occupant, i.e., the reception of the desired sound from the entertainment system 99. More particularly, the entertainment system 99 includes sound generating components such as speakers, the output of which can be controlled to enable particular occupants to each listen to a specific musical selection. As such, each occupant can listen to different music, or multiple occupants can listen to the same music while other occupant(s) listen to different music. Control of the speakers to direct sound waves at a particular occupant, i.e., at the ears of the particular occupant located in any of the ways discussed herein, can be enabled by any known manner in the art, for example, speakers having an adjustable position and/or orientation or speakers producing directable sound waves. In this manner, once the occupants are located, the speakers are controlled to direct the sound waves at the occupant, or even more specifically, at the head or ears of the occupants. FIG. 70 shows a schematic of a vehicle with four sound generating units 416-420 forming part of the entertainment system 99 of the vehicle which is coupled to the processor 20. Sound generating unit 416 is located to provide sound to the driver. Sound generating unit 417 is located to provide sound for the front-seated passenger. Sound generating unit 418 is located to provide sound for the passenger in the rear seat behind the driver and sound generating unit 419 is located to provide sound for the passenger in the rear seat behind the front-seated passenger. A single sound generating unit could be used to provide sound for multiple locations or multiple sound generating units could be used to provide sound for a single location. Naturally, as in the cases above, each of the sound generating units 416-420, in addition to being sending transducers can be receivers also. In this case, microphones can be used, as discussed above, to permit communication from any seat to any other seat in a manner similar to recently issued patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,156. Sound generating units 416-420 operate independently and are activated independently so that, for example when the rear seat is empty, sound generating units 418-419 may not be not operated. This constitutes control of the entertainment system based on, for example, the presence, number and position of the occupants. Further, each sound generating unit 416-419 can generate different sounds so as to customize the audio reception for each occupant. Each of the sound generating units 416-419 may be constructed to utilize hypersonic sound to enable specific, desired sounds to be directed to each occupant independent of sound directed to another occupant. The construction of sound generating units utilizing hypersonic sound is described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,129, U.S. Pat. No. 5,889,870 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,351 mentioned above. In general, in hypersonic sound, ultrasonic waves are generated by a pair of ultrasonic frequency generators and mix after generation to create new audio frequencies. By appropriate positioning, orientation and/or control of the ultrasonic frequency generators, the new audio frequencies will be created in an area encompassing the head of the occupant intended to receive the new audio frequencies. Control of the sound generating units 416-419 is accomplished automatically upon a determination by the monitoring system of at least the position of any occupants. Furthermore, multiple sound generating units or speakers, and microphones, can be provided for each sitting position and these sound generating units or speakers independently activated so that only those sound generating units or speakers which provide sound waves at the determined position of the ears of the occupant will be activated. In this case, there could be four speakers associated with each seat and only two speakers would be activated for, e.g., a small person whose ears are determined to be below the upper edge of the seat, whereas the other two would be activated for a large person whose ears are determined to be above the upper edge of the seat All four could be activated for a medium size person. This type of control, i.e., control over which of a plurality of speakers are activated, would likely be most advantageous when the output direction of the speakers is fixed in position and provide sound waves only for a predetermined region of the passenger compartment. When the entertainment system comprises speakers which generate actual audio frequencies, the speakers can be controlled to provide different outputs for the speakers based on the occupancy of the seats. For example, using the identification methods disclosed herein, the identity of the occupants can be determined in association with each seating position and, by enabling such occupants to store music preferences, for example a radio station, the speakers associated with each seating position can be controlled to provide music from the respective radio station. The speakers could also be automatically directed or orientable so that at least one speaker directs sound toward each occupant present in the vehicle. Speakers that cannot direct sound to an occupant would not be activated. Thus, one of the more remarkable advantages of the improved audio reception system and method disclosed herein is that by monitoring the position of the occupants, the entertainment system can be controlled without manual input to optimize audio reception by the occupants. Noise cancellation is now possible for each occupant independently More particularly, the entertainment system 99 includes sound generating components such as speakers, and receiving components such as microphones, the output of which can be controlled to enable particular occupants to each listen to a specific musical selection. As such, each occupant can listen to different music, or multiple occupants can listen to the same music while other occupant(s) listen to different music. Control of the speakers to direct sound waves at a particular occupant, i.e., at the ears of the particular occupant located in any of the ways discussed herein, can be enabled by any known manner in the art, for example, speakers having an adjustable position and/or orientation or speakers producing directable sound waves. In this manner, once the occupants are located, the speakers are controlled to direct the sound waves at the occupant, or even more specifically, at the head or ears of the occupants. Many automobile accidents are now being caused by driver's holding onto and talking into cellular phones. Vehicle noise significantly deteriorates the quality of the sound heard by the driver from speakers. This problem can be solved through the use of hypersound and by knowing the location of the ears of the driver. Hypersound permits the precise focusing of sound waves along a line from the speaker with little divergence of the sound field. Thus, if the locations of the ears of the driver are known, the sound can be projected to them directly thereby overcoming much of the vehicle noise. In addition to the use of hypersound, directional microphones are known in the microphone art which are very sensitive to sound coming from a particular direction. If the driver has been positioned so that his eyes are in the eye ellipse, then the location of the driver's mouth is also accurately known and a fixed position directional microphone can be used to selectively sense sound emanating from the mouth of the driver. In many cases, the sensitivity of the microphone can be designed to include a large enough area such that most motions of the driver's head can be tolerated. Alternately the direction of the microphone can be adjusted using motors or the like. Systems of noise cancellation now also become possible if the ear locations are precisely known and noise canceling microphones as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/645,709, which is incorporated herein by reference, if the location of the driver's mouth is known. Although the driver is specifically mentioned here, the same principles can apply to the other seating positions in the vehicle. Most vehicle occupants have noticed from time to time that the passenger compartment is particularly sensitive to certain frequencies and they appear to be unreasonably loud. In one aspect of the inventions disclosed herein, this problem can be eliminated by determining the acoustic spectral characteristics of the interior of a passenger compartment for a particular occupancy. This can be done by broadcasting into the compartment a series of notes or tones (perhaps the whole scale) and measuring the response and doing this periodically since the acoustic characteristics of the compartment will change with occupancy. Once the response is known, perhaps on a speaker by speaker basis, then the notes emitted by the speaker can be adjusted in volume so that all sounds have uniform response. This can be further improved since, for example, as the ambient noise level increases, the soft notes are lost. They could then be selectively amplified allowing a listener to hear an entire opera, for example, although at reduces dynamic range. A flow chart showing describing this method could include the following steps: 1. broadcasting into the compartment a series of notes (perhaps the whole scale) 2. measuring the response 3. modify the notes emitted by the speaker so that all sounds have uniform response. 14.8 HVAC Considering again FIG. 2A. In normal use (other than after a crash), the system determines whether any human occupants are present, i.e., adults or children, and the location determining means 152 determines the occupant's location. The processor 152 receives signals representative of the presence of occupants and their location and determines whether the vehicular system, component or subsystem 155 can be modified to optimize its operation for the specific arrangement of occupants. For example, if the processor 153 determines that only the front seats in the vehicle are occupied, it could control the heating system to provide heat only through vents situated to provide heat for the front-seated occupants. Thus, the control of the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can also be a part of the monitoring system although alone it would probably not justify the implementation of an interior monitoring system at least until the time comes when electronic heating and cooling systems replace the conventional systems now used. Nevertheless, if the monitoring system is present, it can be used to control the HVAC for a small increment in cost. The advantage of such a system is that since most vehicles contain only a single occupant, there is no need to direct heat or air conditioning to unoccupied seats. This permits the most rapid heating or cooling for the driver when the vehicle is first started and he or she is alone without heating or cooling unoccupied seats. Since the HVAC system does consume energy, an energy saving also results by only heating and cooling the driver when he or she is alone, which is about 70% of the time. FIG. 71 shows a side view of a vehicle passenger compartment showing schematically an interface 421 between the vehicle interior monitoring system of this invention and the vehicle heating and air conditioning system. In addition to the transducers 6 and 8, which at least in this embodiment are preferably acoustic transducers, an infrared sensor 422 is also shown mounted in the A-pillar and is constructed and operated to monitor the temperature of the occupant. The output from each of the transducers is fed into processor 20 that is in turn connected to interface 421. In this manner, the HVAC control is based on the occupant's temperature rather than that of the ambient air in the vehicle, as well as the determined presence of the occupant via transducers 6 and 8 as described above. This also permits each vehicle occupant to be independently monitored and the HVAC system to be adjusted for each occupant either based on a set temperature for all occupants or, alternately, each occupant could be permitted to set his or her own preferred temperature through adjusting a control knob shown schematically as 423 in FIG. 71. Since the monitoring system is already installed in the vehicle with its associated electronics including processor 20, the infrared sensor can be added with little additional cost and can share the processing unit. 14.9 Obstruction Sensing To the extent that occupant monitoring transducers can locate and track parts of an occupant, this system can also be used to prevent arms, hands, fingers or heads to become trapped in a closing window or door. Although specific designs have been presented above for window and door anti-trap solutions, if there are several imagers in the vehicle these same imagers can monitor the various vehicle openings such as the windows, sunroof, doors, trunk lid, hatchback door etc. In some cases the system can be aided through the use of special lighting designs that either cover only the opening or comprise structured light so that the distance to a reflecting surface in or near to an opening can be determined. 14.10 Rear Impacts Rear impact protection is also discussed at length elsewhere herein. A rear-of-head detector 423 is illustrated in FIG. 68. This detector 423, which can be one of the types described above, is used to determine the distance from the headrest to the rearmost position of the occupant's head and to therefore control the position of the headrest so that it is properly positioned behind the occupant's head to offer optimum support during a rear impact. Although the headrest of most vehicles is adjustable, it is rare for an occupant to position it properly if at all. Each year there are in excess of 400,000 whiplash injuries in vehicle impacts approximately 90,000 of which are from rear impacts (source: National Highway Traffic Safety Admin.). A properly positioned headrest could substantially reduce the frequency of such injuries, which can be accomplished by the head detector of this invention. The head detector 423 is shown connected schematically to the headrest control mechanism and circuitry 424. This mechanism is capable of moving the headrest up and down and, in some cases, rotating it fore and aft. Referring now to FIGS. 119-129B wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar elements, FIG. 119 is perspective view with portions cut away of a motor vehicle, shown generally at 1, having two movable headrests 356 and 359 and an occupant 30 sitting on the seat with the headrest 356 adjacent a head 33 of the occupant to provide protection in rear impacts. In FIG. 120, a perspective view of the rear portion of the vehicle shown in FIG. 119 is shown with a rear impact crash anticipatory sensor, comprising a transmitter 440 and two receivers 441 and 442, connected by appropriate electrical connections, e.g., wire 443, to an electronic circuit or control module 444 for controlling the position of the headrest in the event of a crash. In commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,810 an anticipatory sensor system for side impacts is disclosed. This sensor system uses sophisticated pattern recognition technology to differentiate different categories of impacting vehicles. A side impact with a large truck at 20 mph is more severe than an impact with a motorcycle at 40 mph, and, since in that proposed airbag system the driver would no longer be able to control the vehicle, the airbag must not be deployed except in life threatening situations. Therefore, it is critical in order to predict the severity of a side impact, to know the type of impacting vehicle. To improve the assessment of the impending crash, the crash sensor will optimally determine the position and velocity of an approaching object. The crash sensor can be designed to use differences between the transmitted and reflected waves to determine the distance between the vehicle and the approaching object and from successive distance measurements, the velocity of the approaching object. In this regard, the difference between the transmitted and received waves or pulses may be reflected in the time of flight of the pulse, a change in the phase of the pulse and/or a Doppler radar pulse, or by range gating an ultrasonic pulse, an optical pulse or a radar pulse. As such, the crash sensor can comprise a radar sensor, a noise radar sensor, a camera, a scanning laser radar and/or a passive infrared sensor. The situation is quite different in the case of rear impacts and the headrest system described herein. The movement of the headrest to the proximity of an occupant's head is not likely to affect his or her ability to control the automobile. Also, it is unlikely that anything but another car or truck will be approaching the rear of the vehicle at a velocity relative to the vehicle of greater than 8 mph, for example. The one exception is a motorcycle and it would not be serious if the headrest adjusted in that situation. Thus, a simple ranging sensor is all that is necessary. There are, of course, advantages in using a more sophisticated pattern recognition system as will be discussed below. FIG. 120, therefore, illustrates a simple ranging sensor using a transmitter 440 and two receivers 441 and 442. Transmitter 440 may be any wave-generating device such as an ultrasonic transmitter while the receivers 441,442 are compatible wave-receiving devices such as ultrasonic receivers. The ultrasonic transmitter 440 transmits ultrasonic waves. These transducers are connected to the electronic control module (ECM) 444 by means of wire 443, although other possible connecting means (wired or wireless) may also be used in accordance with the invention Naturally, other configurations of the transmitter 440, receivers 441,442 and ECM 444 might be equally or more advantageous. The sensors determine the distance of the approaching object and determine its velocity by differentiating the distance measurements or by use of the Doppler effect or other appropriate method. Although an ultrasonic system is illustrated herein, radar, electromagnetic, e.g., optical, or other systems could also be used as well as any appropriate number of transmitters and receivers. Although a system based on ultrasonics is generally illustrated and described above and represents one of the best mode of practicing this invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other technologies employing electromagnetic energy such as optical, infrared, radar, capacitance etc. could also be used. Also, although the use of reflected energy is disclosed, any modification of the energy by an object behind the vehicle is contemplated including absorption, phase change, transmission and reemission or even the emission or reflection of natural radiation. Such modification can be used to determine the presence of an object behind the vehicle and the distance to the object. Thus, the system for determining the location of the head of the occupant can comprise an electric field sensor, a capacitance sensor, a radar sensor, an optical sensor, a camera, a three-dimensional camera, a passive infrared sensor, an ultrasound sensor, a stereo sensor, a focusing sensor and a scanning system. One skilled in the art would be able to apply these systems in the invention in view of the disclosure herein and the knowledge of the operation of such systems attributed to one skilled in the art. Although pattern recognition systems, such as neural nets, might not be required, such a system would be desirable. With pattern recognition, other opportunities become available such as the determination of the nature of objects behind the vehicle. This could be of aid in locating and recognizing objects, such as children, when vehicles are backing up and for other purposes. Although some degree of pattern recognition can be accomplished with the system illustrated in FIG. 120, especially if an optical system is used instead of the ultrasonic system illustrated, additional transducers significantly improve the accuracy of the pattern recognition systems if either ultrasonics or radar systems are used. The wire 443 shown in FIG. 120 leads to the electronic control module 444 which is also shown in FIG. 121. FIG. 121 is a perspective view of a headrest actuation mechanism, mounted in a vehicle seat 4, and transducers 353,354 plus a head contact sensor 334. Transducer 353 may be an ultrasonic transmitter and transducer 354 may be an ultrasonic receiver. The transducers 353,354 may be based on any type of propagating phenomenon such as electromagnetics (for example capacitive systems), and are not limited to use with ultrasonics. The seat 4 and headrest 356 are shown in phantom. Vertical motion of the headrest 356 is accomplished when a signal is sent from control module 444 to servomotor 374 through wire 376. Servomotor 364 rotates lead screw 377 which mates with a threaded hole in elongate member 378 causing it to move up or down depending on the direction of rotation of the lead screw 377. Headrest support rods 379 and 380 are attached to member 378 and cause the headrest 356 to translate up or down with member 378. In this manner, the vertical position of the headrest 356 can be controlled as depicted by arrow A-A. Wire 381 leads from the control module 444 to servomotor 375 which rotates lead screw 382. Lead screw 382 mates with a threaded hole in elongate, substantially cylindrical shaft 383 which is attached to supporting structures within the seat shown in phantom. The rotation of lead screw 382 rotates servo motor support 384 which in turn rotates headrest support rods 379 and 380 in slots 385 and 386 in the seat 4. In this manner, the headrest 356 is caused to move in the fore and aft direction as depicted by arrow B-B. Naturally there are other designs which accomplish the same effect of moving the headrest to where it is proximate to the occupant's head The operation of the system is as follows. When an occupant is seated on a seat containing the headrest and control system described above, the transducer 353 emits ultrasonic energy which reflects off of the back of the head of the occupant and is received by transducer 354. An electronic circuit containing a microprocessor determines the distance from the head of the occupant based on the time period between the transmission and reception of an ultrasonic pulse. The headrest 356 moves up and/or down until it finds the vertical position at which it is closest to the head of the occupant. The headrest remains at that position. Based on the time delay between transmission and reception of an ultrasonic pulse, the system can also determine the longitudinal distance from the headrest to the occupant's head. Since the head may not be located precisely in line with the ultrasonic sensors, or the occupant may be wearing a hat, coat with a high collar, or may have a large hairdo, there may be some error in the longitudinal measurement. This problem is solved in an accident through the use of a contact switch 334 on the surface of the headrest. When the headrest contacts a hard object, such as the rear of an occupant's head, the contact switch 334 closes and the motion of the headrest stops. Although a system based on ultrasonics is generally illustrated and described above and represents the best mode of practicing this invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other technologies employing electromagnetic energy such as optical, infrared, radar, capacitance etc. could also be used. Also, although the use of reflected energy is disclosed, any modification of the energy by the occupant's head is contemplated including absorption, capacitance change, phase change, transmission and reemission. Such modification can be used to determine the presence of the occupant's head adjacent the headrest and/or the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest. When a vehicle approaches the target vehicle, the target vehicle containing the headrest and control system of this invention, the time period between transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, for example, shortens indicating that an object is approaching the target vehicle. By monitoring the distance between the target vehicle and the approaching vehicle, the approach velocity of the approaching vehicle can the calculated and a decision made by the circuitry in control module 444 that an impact above a threshold velocity is about to occur. The control module 444 then sends signals to servo motors 375 and 374 to move the headrest to where it contacts the occupant in time to support the occupant's head and neck and reduce or eliminate a potential whiplash injury as explained in more detailed below. The seat also contains two switch assemblies 388 and 389 for controlling the position of the seat 4 and headrest 356. The headrest control switches 389 permit the occupant to adjust the position of the headrest in the event that the calculated position is uncomfortably close to or far from the occupant's head. A woman with a large hairdo might find that the headrest automatically adjusts so as to contact her hairdo. This might be annoying to the woman who could then position the headrest further from her head. For those vehicles which have a seat memory system for associating the seat position with a particular occupant, the position of the headrest relative to the occupant's head can also be recorded. Later, when the occupant enters the vehicle, and the seat automatically adjusts to the occupant's recorded in memory preference, the headrest will similarly automatically adjust. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,437, a method of passively recognizing a particular occupant is disclosed. Thus, an automatic adjustment results which moves the headrest to each specific occupant's desired and memorized headrest position. The identification of the specific individual occupant for which memory look-up or the like would occur can be by height sensors, weight sensors (for example placed in a seat), or by pattern recognition means, or a combination of these and other means, as disclosed herein and in the above-referenced patent applications and granted patents. One advantage of this system is that it moves the headrest toward the occupant's head until it senses a resistance characteristic of the occupant's head. Thus, the system will not be fooled by a high coat collar 445 or hat 446, as illustrated in FIG. 123, or other article of clothing or by a large hairdo 447 as illustrated in FIG. 122. The headrest continues to be moved until it contacts something relatively rigid as determined by the contact switch 334. A key advantage of this system is that there is no permanent damage to the system when it deploys during an accident. After the event it will reset without an expensive repair. In fact, it can be designed to reset automatically. An ultrasonic sensor in the headrest has previously been proposed in a U.S. patent to locate the occupant for the out-of-position occupant problem. In that system, no mention is made as to how to find the head. In the headrest location system described herein, the headrest can be moved up and down in response to the instant control systems to find the location of the back of the occupant's head. Once it has been found the same sensor is used to monitor the location of the person's head. Naturally, other methods of finding the location of the head of an occupant are possible including in particular an electromagnetic based system such as a camera, capacitance sensor or electric field sensor. An improvement to the system described above results when pattern recognition technology is added. FIG. 124 is view similar to FIG. 121 showing an alternate design of a head sensor using three transducers 353, 354 and 355 which can be used with a pattern recognition system. Transducer 353 can perform both as a transmitter and receiver while transducers 354,355 can perform only as receivers. Transducers 354,355 can be placed on either side of and above transducer 353. Using this system and an artificial neural network, or other pattern recognition system, as part of the electronic control module 444, or elsewhere, an accurate determination of the location of an occupant's head can, in most cases, be accomplished even when the occupant has a large hairdo or hat. In this case, the system can be trained for a wide variety of different cases prior to installation into the vehicle. This training is accomplished by placing a large variety of different occupants onto the driver's seat in a variety of different positions and recording digitized data from transducers 353, 354 and 355 along with data representing the actual location of the occupant's head. The different occupants include examples of large and small people, men and women, with many hair, hat, and clothing styles. Since each of these occupants is placed at a variety of different positions on the seat, the total data set, called the “training set”, can consist of at least one thousand, and typically more than 100,000, cases. This training set is then used to train the neural network, or other similar trainable pattern recognition technology, so that the resulting network can locate the occupant's head in the presence of the types of obstructions discussed above whatever an occupant occupies the driver's seat. FIG. 125 is a schematic view of an artificial neural network of the type used to recognize an occupant's head and is similar to that presented in FIG. 19B above. The theory of neural networks including many examples can be found in several books on the subject including: Techniques And Application Of Neural Networks, edited by Taylor, M. and Lisboa, P., Ellis Horwood, West Sussex, England, 1993; Naturally Intelligent Systems, by Caudill, M. and Butler, C., MIT Press, Cambridge Mass., 1990; and, Digital Neural Networks, by Kung, S. Y., PTR Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1993, the neural network is presented here as an example of a pattern recognition technology. Other pattern recognition algorithms, such as neural-fuzzy systems, are being developed which, in some cases, have superior performance to pure neural networks. The process of locating the head of an occupant can be programmed to begin when an event occurs such as the closing of a vehicle door or the shifting of the transmission out of the PARK position. The ultrasonic transmitting/receiving transducer 353, for example, transmits a train of ultrasonic waves toward the head of the occupant. Waves reflected from the occupant's head are received by transducers 353, 354 and 355. An electronic circuit containing an analog to digital converter converts the received analog signal to a digital signal which is fed into the input nodes numbered 1, 2, 3, . . . n, shown on FIG. 125. The neural network algorithm compares the pattern of values on nodes 1 through N with patterns for which it has been trained, as discussed above. Each of the input nodes is connected to each of the second layer nodes, called the hidden layer, either electrically as in the case of a neural computer or through mathematical functions containing multiplying coefficients called weights, described in more detail below. The weights are determined during the training phase while creating the neural network as described in detail in the above text references. At each hidden layer node a summation occurs of the values from each of the input layer nodes, which have been operated on by functions containing the weights, to create a node value. Although an example using ultrasound has been described, the substitution of other sensors such as optical, radar or capacitors will now be obvious to those skilled in the art. The hidden layer nodes are in like manner connected to the output layer nodes, which in this example is only a single node representing the longitudinal distance to the back of the occupant's head. During the training phase, the distance to the occupant's head for a large variety of patterns is taught to the system. These patterns include cases where the occupant is wearing a hat, has a high collar, or a large hairdo, as discussed above, where a measurement of the distance to the back of the occupant's head cannot be directly measured. When the neural network recognizes a pattern similar to one for which it has been trained, it then knows the distance to the occupant's head. The details of this process are described in the above listed referenced texts and will not be presented in detail here. The neural network pattern recognition system described herein is one of a variety of pattern recognition technologies which are based on training. The neural network is presented herein as one example of the class of technologies referred to as pattern recognition technologies. Ultrasonics is one of many technologies including optical, infrared, capacitive, radar, electric field or other electromagnetic based technologies. Although the reflection of waves was illustrated, any modification of the waves by the head of the occupant is anticipated including absorption, capacitance change, phase change, transmission and reemission. Additionally, the radiation emitted from the occupant's head can be used directly without the use of transmitted radiation. Naturally, combinations of the above technologies can be used. A time step, such as one tenth of a millisecond, is chosen as the period at which the analog to digital converter (ADC) averages the output from the ultrasonic receivers and feeds data to the input nodes. For one preferred embodiment of this invention, a total of one hundred input nodes is typically used representing ten milliseconds of received data. The input to each input node is a preprocessed combination of the data from the three receivers. In another implementation, separate input nodes would be used for each transducer. Alternately, the input data to the nodes can be the result of a preprocessing algorithm which combines the data taking into account the phase relationships of the three return signals to obtain a map or image of the surface of the head using the principles of phased array radar. Although a system using one transmitter and three receivers is discussed herein, where one transducer functions as both a transmitter and receiver, even greater resolution can be obtained if all three receivers also act as transmitters. In the example above, one hundred input nodes, twelve hidden layer nodes and one output layer node are typically used. In this example received data from only three receivers were considered. If data from additional receivers is also available the number of input layer nodes could increase depending on the preprocessing algorithm used. If the same neural network is to be used for sensing rear impacts, one or more additional output nodes might be used, one for each decision. The theory for determining the complexity of a neural network for a particular application has been the subject of many technical papers as well as in the texts referenced above and will not be presented in detail here. Determining the requisite complexity for the example presented here can be accomplished by those skilled in the art of neural network design and is discussed briefly below. The pattern recognition system described above defines a method of determining the probable location of the rear of the head of an occupant and, will therefore determine, if used in conjunction with the anticipatory rear impact sensor, where to position a deployable occupant protection device in a rear collision, and comprises the steps of: (a) obtaining an ultrasonic, analog signal from transducers mounted in the headrest; (b) converting the analog signal into a digital time series; (c) entering the digital time series data into a pattern recognition system such as a neural network; (d) performing a mathematical operation on the time series data to determine if the pattern as represented by the time series data is nearly the same as one for which the system has been trained; and (e) calculating the probable location of the occupant's head if the pattern is recognizable. The particular neural network described and illustrated above contains a single series of hidden layer nodes. In some network designs, more than one hidden layer is used although only rarely will more than two such layers appear. There are of course many other variations of the neural network architecture illustrated above, as well as other pattern recognition systems, which appear in the literature. For the purposes herein, therefore, “neural network” can be defined as a system wherein the data to be processed is separated into discrete values which are then operated on and combined in at least a two stage process and where the operation performed on the data at each stage is in general different for each of the discrete values and where the operation performed is at least determined through a training process. The operation performed is typically a multiplication by a particular coefficient or weight and by different operation, therefore is meant in this example, that a different weight is used for each discrete value. The implementation of neural networks can take at least two forms, an algorithm programmed on a digital microprocessor or in a neural computer. Neural computer chips are now available. In the particular implementation described above, the neural network is typically trained using data from 1000 or more than 100,000 different combinations of people, clothes, wigs etc. There are, of course, other situations which have not been tested. As these are discovered, additional training will improve the performance of the pattern recognition head locator. Once a pattern recognition system is implemented in a vehicle, the same system can be used for many other pattern recognition functions as described herein and in the above referenced patents and patent applications. For example, in the current assignee's U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,782 referenced above, the use of neural networks as a preferred pattern recognition technology is disclosed for use in identifying a rear facing child seat located on the front passenger seat of an automobile. This same patent application also discloses many other applications of pattern recognition technologies for use in conjunction with monitoring the interior of an automobile passenger compartment. As described in the above referenced patents to Dellanno and Dellanno et al., whiplash injuries typically occur when there is either no head support or when only the head of the occupant is supported during a rear impact. To minimize these injuries, both the head and neck should be supported. In Dellanno, the head and neck are supported through a pivoting headrest which first contacts the head of the occupant and then rotates to simultaneously support both the head and the neck. The force exerted by the head and neck onto the pivoting headrest is distributed based on the relative masses of the head and neck. Dellanno assumes that the ratio of these masses is substantially the same for all occupants and that the distances between centers of mass of the head and neck is approximately also proportional for all occupants. To the extent that this is not true, a torque will be applied to the headrest and cause a corresponding torque to be applied to the head and neck of the occupant. Ideally, the head and neck would be supported with just the required force to counteract the inertial force of each item. Obviously this can only approximately be accomplished with the Dellanno pivoting headrest especially when one considers that no attempt has been made to locate the headrest relative to the occupant and the proper headrest position will vary from occupant to occupant. Dellanno also assumes that the head and neck will impact and in fact bounce off of the headrest. This in fact can increase the whiplash injuries since the change in velocity of the occupant's head will be greater that if the headrest absorbed the kinetic energy and the head did not rebound. A far more significant improvement to eliminating whiplash injuries can be accomplished by eliminating this head impact and the resulting rebound as is accomplished in the present invention. Automobile engineers attempt to design vehicle structures so that in an impact the vehicle is accelerated at an approximately constant acceleration. It can be shown that this results in the most efficient use of the vehicle structure in absorbing the crash energy. It also minimizes the damage to the vehicle in a crash and thus the cost of repair. Let us assume, therefore, that in a particular rear impact that the vehicle accelerates at a constant 15 g acceleration. Let us also assume that the vehicle seat back is rigidly attached to the vehicle structure at least during the early part of the crash, so that up until shortly after the occupant's head has impacted the headrest the seat back also is accelerating at a constant 15 g's. Finally let us assume that the occupant's head is initially displaced 4 inches from the headrest and that during impact the head compresses the headrest 1 inch. When the occupant's head impacts the headrest it must now make up for the difference in velocity between the headrest and the head during the period that it is compressing the headrest 1 inch. It can be demonstrated that this requires an acceleration of approximately 75 g's or five times the acceleration which the head would experience if it were in contact with the headrest at the time that the rear impact occurs. The Dellanno headrest, as shown for example in FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,091, is a worthwhile addition to solving the whiplash problem after the headrest has been positioned against the head and neck of the occupant. The added value of the Dellanno design over simpler designs, especially considering the inertial effects of having to rapidly rotate the headrest while the crash is taking place, is probably not justified. FIG. 126 illustrates a headrest design which accomplishes the objectives of the Dellanno headrest in a far simpler structure and at less potential injury to the occupant. In FIG. 126, a seat with a movable headrest similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 121 is shown with a headrest designated 450 designed to provide support to both the head and neck which eliminates the shortcomings of the Dellanno headrest. The ultrasonic transducer 353, which includes both a transmitter and receiver, has been moved to an upper portion of the seat back, not the headrest, to facilitate the operation of the support system as described below. The construction of the headrest is illustrated in a cutaway view shown in FIG. 126A which is an enlarged view of the headrest of FIG. 126. In FIG. 126A, the headrest is constructed of a support or frame 452 which is attached to rods 379 and 380 and extends along the sides and across the back of the headrest. Support 452 may be made of a somewhat rigid material. This support 452 helps control the motion of a pre-inflated bag 453 as it deforms under the force from the head of the occupant to where it contacts and provides support to the occupant's neck. Relatively low density open cell foam 454 surrounds the support 452 giving shape to the remainder of the headrest. As shown in FIG. 126A, the open call foam 454 can also have channels or openings 455 extending in a direction generally from a top of the headrest 450 to a bottom of the headrest 450, although such channels are not required. The direction of the channels or openings 455 facilitates the desired movement of the fluid in the bag 453 and constrains the fluid flow upon impact of the occupant's head against the headrest 450, i.e., a generally vertical movement in the case of the illustrated headrest 450. The open call foam 454 is covered by a thin membrane, possibly made from plastic, or the bag 453 (also referred to as an airbag herein which is appropriate when the fluid in the bag 453 is air-although the fluid within bag 453 may be other than air), and by a decorative cover 456 made of any suitable, acceptable material. The bag 453 is sealed surrounding the support 452 and plastic or rubber foam 454 such that any flow of fluid such as air into or out of the bag 453 is through a hole in the bag 453 adjacent to a vent hole 451 in the supporting structure, i.e., the cover 456. Elastic stretch seams 457 can be placed in the sides, bottom and/or across the front of the headrest cover to permit the headrest surface to deform to the contour of, and to properly support, the occupant's head and neck. A contact switch 334 is placed just inside cover 456 and functions as described above. Instead of channels, the properties of the foam can be selected to provide the desired flow of gas, e.g., the design, shape, positioning and construction of the foam can be controlled and determined during manufacture to obtain the desired flow properties. FIG. 127A and FIG. 127B illustrate the operation of the headrest 450. In anticipation of a rear impact (or any other type of impact), as determined by the proximity sensors described above or any other anticipatory crash sensor system, headrest 450 is moved from its position as shown in FIG. 127A to its position as shown in FIG. 127B. This movement is enabled by control of the displacement mechanism, such as those described above with reference to FIG. 121, as effected through the control module 444. The forward movement of the headrest 450 should continue until the headrest 450 contacts or impacts with the occupant's head as determined by a contact switch 334. When headrest 450 contacts or impacts the head 33 of the occupant 30, it exerts sufficient pressure against head 33 to cause air (the fluid in the bag 453 for the purposes of this explanation) to flow from the upper portion 458 to the lower portion 459 of headrest 450, which causes this lower portion to expand as the upper portion contracts. This initial flow of air takes place as the foam 454 compresses under the force of contact between the head and upper portion 458 of headrest 450. The initial shape of headrest 450 is created by the shape of the foam 454; however once the occupants head 33 begins to exert pressure on the upper portion 458 the air is compressed and begins to flow to the lower portion 459 causing it to expand until it contacts the neck 460 of the occupant 30. (If the occupant's head were to exert pressure on the lower portion 459 or once the pressure on the upper portion 458 were removed, air would flow from the lower portion 459 to the upper portion 458.) In this manner, by the flow of air, the pressure is equalized on the head and neck of the occupant 30 thereby preventing the whiplash type motions described in the Dellanno patents, as well as numerous technical papers on the subject. The headrest of this invention acts very much like a pre-inflated airbag providing force where force is needed to counteract the accelerations of the occupant. It accomplishes this force balancing without the need to rotate a heavy object such as the headrest in the Dellanno patent which by itself could introduce injuries to the occupant. In addition to use as a headrest, the structure described above can be used in other applications for cushioning an occupant of a vehicle, i.e., for cushioning another part of the occupant's body in an impact. The cushioning arrangement would thus comprise a frame or support coupled to the vehicle and a fluid-containing bag attached to the frame or other support. A deformable cover would also be preferred. The bag, including the cell foam and vent hole as described above, would allow movement of the fluid within the bag to thereby alter the shape of the bag, upon contact with the part of the occupant's body, and enable the bag to conform to the part of the occupant's body. This would effectively cushion the occupant's body during an impact. Further, the cushioning arrangement could be coupled to the anticipatory crash sensor through a control unit (i.e., control module 444) and displacement mechanism in a similar manner as headrest 450, to thereby enable movement of the cushioning arrangement against the part of the occupant's body just prior to or coincident with the crash. A headrest using a pre-inflated airbag type structure composed of many small airbags is disclosed in FIG. 9 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,124 to Breed et al. The headrest disclosed here differs primarily through the use of a single pre-inflated fluid-containing bag, fluid-filled bag or airbag which when impacted by the head of the occupant, deforms by displacing the surface of the headrest outwardly to capture and support the neck of the occupant. The use of an airbag to prevent whiplash injuries is common for accidents involving frontal impacts and driver and passenger side airbags. Whiplash injuries have not become an issue in frontal impacts involving airbags, therefore, the ability of airbags to prevent whiplash injuries in frontal impacts is proven. The use of airbags to prevent whiplash injuries in rear impacts is therefore appropriate and, if a pre-inflated airbag as described herein is used, results in a simple low-cost and effective headrest design. Naturally, other airbag designs are possible although the pre-inflated design as described herein is preferred. This pre-inflated airbag headrest has another feature which further improves its performance. The vent hole 451 is provided to permit some of the air in the headrest to escape in a controlled manner thereby dampening the motion of the head and neck much in the same way that a driver side airbag has vent holes to dissipate the energy of the impacting driver during a crash. An appropriate regulation device may also be associated with the vent hole 451 of the headrest 450 to regulate the escaping air. Without the vent hole, there is risk that the occupant's head and neck will rebound off of the headrest, as is also a problem in the Dellanno patents. This can happen especially when, due to pre-crash braking or an initial frontal impact such as occurs in a multiple car accident, the occupant is sufficiently out of position that the headrest cannot reach his or her head before the rear impact. Without this feature the acceleration on the head will necessarily be greater and therefore the opportunity for injury to the neck is increased. The size of this hole is determined experimentally or by mathematical analysis and computer simulation. If it is too large, too much air will escape and the headrest will bottom out on the support. If it is too small, the head will rebound off of the headrest thereby increasing the chance of whiplash injury. Naturally, a region of controlled porosity could be substituted for hole 451. Finally, a side benefit of this invention is that it can be used to determine the presence of an occupant on the front passenger seat. This information can then be used to suppress deployment of an airbag if the seat is unoccupied. FIG. 128A is a side view of an occupant seated in the driver seat of an automobile having an integral seat and headrest and an inflatable pressure controlled bladder with the bladder in the normal, uninflated condition. FIG. 128B is a view as in FIG. 128A with the bladder expanded in the head contact position as would happen in anticipation of, e.g., a rear crash. The seat containing the bladder system of this embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 465. The seat 465 contains an integral bladder 466 arranged within the cover of the seat 465, a fluid-containing chamber 467 connected to the bladder 466 and a small igniter assembly 468, which contains a small amount, such as about 5 grams, of a propellant such as boron potassium nitrate. Upon receiving a signal that a crash is imminent, igniter assembly 468 is ignited and supplies a small quantity of hot propellant gas into chamber 467. The gas (the fluid in a preferred embodiment) in chamber 467 then expands due to the introduction of the high temperature gas and causes the bladder 466 to expand to the condition shown in FIG. 128B. Bladder 466 expands in such a manner (through its design, construction and/or positioning and/or through the design and construction of the seat 465) as to conform to the shape of the occupant's head 33 and neck 460. As soon as the expanding headrest portion 469 of the seat 465 contacts the head 33 and neck 460 of the occupant (as may be determined by a contact sensor in the seat 465), pressure begins to increase in the bladder 466 causing a control valve 470 to open and release gas into the passenger compartment to thereby prevent the occupant from being displaced toward the front of the vehicle. Control valve 470 is situated in a flow line between the bladder 466 and an opening in the rear of the seat 465 in the illustrated embodiment, but may be directly connected to the bladder 466. The flow line may be directed to another location, e.g., the exterior of the vehicle, through appropriate conduits. Control valve 470 can be controlled by an appropriate control device, such as the central diagnostic module, and the amount of gas released coordinated with or based on the severity of the crash or any other parameter of the crash or deployment of the airbag. In the examples of FIGS. 128A and 128B, a small pyrotechnic element is utilized as the igniter assembly 468; however, the system itself is automatically resetable. Thus, after the impact, the system returns to its pre-inflated position and the only part that needs to be replaced is the igniter assembly 468. The cost of restoring the system after an accident is therefore small. The igniter assembly 468 may be positioned so that it can be readily accessed from the rear of the seat, e.g., by removing a panel in the rear of the seat. The igniter assembly 468 may be coupled directly or indirectly to a crash sensor, possibly through a central diagnostic module of the vehicle. The crash sensor is preferably an anticipatory crash sensor arranged so as to detect rear impacts because whiplash injuries are mostly caused during rear impacts. In operation, the crash sensor, such as the anticipatory crash sensor of FIG. 120, detects the impending crash into the rear of the vehicle and generates a signal or causes a signal to be generated indicative of the fact that the igniter assembly 468 should be activated to inflate the bladder 466. The igniter assembly 468 is then activated generating heated gas which is directed into chamber 467. The gas in chamber 467 expands and passes through one or more conduits into the bladder 466 causing the bladder 466 to expand to the condition shown in FIG. 128B. The expanding bladder 466 will fill in the space between the occupant and the headrest and seat as shown in FIG. 128B. The bladder 466 may be designed to have more expansion capability in the head and neck areas as those surfaces will initially be further from the body of the driver. The inflated bladder 466 will thus reduce the risk of whiplash injuries to the driver. The control valve 470 is designed or controlled to ensure that the bladder 466 expands sufficiently to provide whiplash protection without exerting a forward force of the driver. For example, the pressure in the bladder 466 may be measured during inflation and once it reaches an optimum level, the control (or pressure release) valve 470 may be activated. In the alternative, during the design phase, the time it takes for the bladder 466 to inflate to the optimum level may be computed and then the control valve 470 designed to activated after this predetermined time. Instead of a control valve, it is also possible to use a variable outflow port or vent as described in the current assignee's U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,473, incorporated by reference herein. After inflation and the crash, the igniter assembly 468 can be removed and replaced with compatible igniter assembly so that the vehicle is ready for subsequent use. As shown in FIGS. 128A and 128B, the bladder 466 is integral with the seat 465 and the headrest of the seat is formed with the backrest as a combined seat back portion. If the headrest is formed separate from the backrest, then the bladder 466 can be formed integral with the headrest and if necessary, integral with the backrest to achieve the whiplash protection sought by the invention. FIG. 129A is a side view of an occupant seated in the driver seat of an automobile having an integral seat and a pivotable or rotatable headrest and bladder with the headrest in the normal position. FIG. 129B is a view as in FIG. 129A with the headrest pivoted in the head contact position as would happen in anticipation of, e.g., a rear crash. In contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 128A and 128B, this embodiment is purely passive in that no pyrotechnics are used. In this embodiment, upon receiving a signal that a crash is imminent, electronic circuitry, not shown, activates solenoid 471 causing headrest portion 474 to rotate about pivot 473 (an axis, pin, etc) toward the occupant. The system is shown generally at 475 and comprises a seat back portion 472 and headrest portion 474. In FIG. 129B, the headrest portion 474 has rotated until it contacts the occupant and then a bladder or airbag 476 within headrest portion 464 changes shape or deforms to conform to the head 33 and neck 460 of the occupant thereby supporting both the head and neck and preventing a whiplash injury. The control of the rotation of the headrest portion 474 can be accomplished either by a contact switch or force measurement using a switch or force sensor in the headrest or a force or torque sensor at the solenoid 471 or, alternately, by measuring the pressure within the airbag 476. Solenoid 471 can be replaced by another linear actuator such as an air cylinder with an appropriate source of air pressure. The electronic circuitry, not shown, may be controlled by the central diagnostic module or upon receiving a signal from the crash sensor. Airbag 476 is shown arranged within the headrest portion 464, i.e., it is within the periphery of the surface layer of the headrest portion 474 and seat 475. In operation, the crash sensor detects the impending crash, e.g., into the rear of the vehicle, and generates a signal or causes a signal to be generated resulting in pivotal movement of the headrest portion 474. The headrest portion 474 is moved (pivoted) preferably until a point at which the front of the headrest portion 474 touches the back of the driver's head. This can all occur prior to the actual crash. Thereafter, upon the crash, the driver will be forced backwards against the pivoted headrest portion 474. Gas will flow from the upper part of the headrest portion 474 and the seat back and thereby distribute the load between the head, neck and body. As shown in FIGS. 129A and 129B, the headrest portion of the seat is formed with the backrest as a combined seat back portion. If the headrest is formed separate from the backrest, then the airbag 476 can be formed integral with the headrest and if necessary, integral with the backrest to achieve the whiplash protection sought by the invention. In this case, the pivot 473 might be formed in the backrest or between the backrest and headrest. Although shown for use with a driver, the same systems could be used for passengers in the vehicle as well, ie., it could be used for the front-seat passenger(s) and any rear-seated passengers. Also, although whiplash injuries are most problematic in rear impacts, the same system could be used for side impacts as well as front impacts and rollovers with varying degrees of usefulness. Thus, disclosed herein is a seat for a vehicle for protecting an occupant of the seat in a crash which comprises a headrest portion, an expandable bladder arranged at least partially in the headrest portion, the bladder being arranged to conform to the shape of a neck and head of the occupant upon expansion, and an igniter for causing expansion of the bladder upon receiving a signal that protection for the occupant is desired. The bladder may also be arranged in least partially in the backrest portion of the seat. A fluid-containing chamber is coupled to the igniter and in flow communication with the bladder whereby the igniter causes fluid in the chamber to expand and flow into the bladder to expand the bladder. A control valve is associated with the bladder for enabling the release of fluid from the bladder. The bladder is preferably arranged in an interior of the headrest portion, i.e., such that its expansion is wholly within the outer surface layer of the headrest portion of the seat. A vehicle including this system can also include a crash sensor system for determining that a crash requiring protection for the occupant is desired. The crash sensor system generates a signal and directing the signal to the igniter. The crash sensor system may be arranged to detect a rear impact. Another seat for a vehicle for protecting an occupant of the seat in a crash disclosed above comprises a backrest including a backrest portion and a headrest portion and an airbag arranged at least partially in the headrest portion. The headrest portion is pivotable with respect to the backrest portion toward the occupant. To this end, a pivot structure is provided for enabling pivotal movement of the headrest portion relative to the backrest portion. The pivot structure may be a solenoid arranged to move an arm about a pivot axis, which arm is coupled to the headrest portion. The airbag is arranged in an interior of the headrest portion of the backrest. A vehicle including this system can also include a crash sensor system for determining that a crash requiring protection for the occupant is desired. The headrest portion is pivoted into contact with the occupant upon a determination by the crash sensor system that a crash requiring protection for the occupant is desired. The crash sensor system may be arranged to detect a rear impact. Thus there is disclosed and illustrated herein a passive rear impact protection system which requires no action by the occupant and yet protects the occupant from whiplash injuries caused by rear impacts. Although several preferred embodiments are illustrated and described above there are possible combinations using other geometry, material, and different dimensions of the components that can perform the same function. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the above embodiments and should be determine by the following claims. In particular, although the particular rear impact occupant protection system described in detail above requires all of the improvements described herein to meet the goals and objectives of this invention, some of these improvements may not be used in some applications. Also disclosed herein is a headrest for a seat which comprises a frame attachable to the seat and a fluid-containing bag attached to the frame. The bag is structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within the bag to thereby alter the shape of the bag and enable the bag to conform to the head and neck of an occupant. A deformable cover may substantially surround the bag such that the bag is within the seat, i.e., an outer surface of the bag is not exposed to the atmosphere. The cover is elastically deformable in response to changes in pressure in the bag. The frame may be made of a rigid material. The bag can contain cell foam having openings (open cell foam), which in a static state, determines the shape of the bag. The fluid in the bag may be air, i.e., an airbag. To provide the elastic deformation of the cover, the cover may include stretch seams at one or more locations. Preferably, the stretch seams should be placed on the side(s) of the headrest which will contour to the shape of the occupant's head and neck upon impact. The bag may include a constraining mechanism for constraining flow of fluid from an upper portion of the headrest to a lower portion of the headrest The constraining mechanism may comprise open cell foam possibly with channels extending in a direction from a top of the headrest to a bottom of the headrest. In the alternative, the properties of the foam may be controlled to get the desired flow rate and possibly flow direction. The constraining mechanism is structured and arranged such that when the upper portion contracts, the lower portion expands. Also, the constraining mechanism may be designed so that when the upper portion expands, the lower portion contracts. The cover and bag are structured and arranged such that when an occupant impacts the headrest, fluid within the bag flows substantially within the bag to change the shape of the bag so as to approximately conform to the head and neck of the occupant thereby providing a force on the head and neck of the occupant to substantially accelerate both the head and neck at substantially the same acceleration in order to minimize whiplash injuries. The bag preferably includes a flow restriction which permits a controlled flow of fluid out of the bag upon impact of an object with the headrest to thereby dampen the impact of the object with the headrest. An inventive seat comprises a seat frame, a bottom cushion, a back cushion cooperating to support an occupant and a headrest attached to the seat frame. The headrest is as in any of the embodiments described immediately above. An inventive cushioning arrangement for protecting an occupant in a crash comprises a frame coupled to the vehicle and a fluid-containing bag attached to the frame. The bag is structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within the bag to thereby alter the shape of the bag and enable the bag to conform to a portion of the occupant engaging the cushioning arrangement. The cushioning arrangement should be arranged relative to the occupant such that the bag impacts the occupant during the crash. As used here (and often elsewhere in this application), “impact” does not necessarily imply direct contact between the occupant and the bag but rather may be considered the exertion of pressure against the bag caused by contact of the occupant with the outer surface of the cushioning arrangement which is transmitted to the bag. The cushioning arrangement can also include a deformable cover substantially surrounding the bag. The cover is elastically deformable in response to changes in pressure in the bag. The frame may be coupled to a seat of the vehicle and extends upward from a top of the seat such that the cushioning arrangement constitutes a headrest. In the alternative, the cushioning arrangement can be used anywhere in a vehicle in a position in which the occupant will potentially impact it during the crash. The bag and headrest may be as in any of the embodiments described above. An inventive protection system for protecting an occupant in a crash comprises an anticipatory crash sensor for determining that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur, and a movable cushioning arrangement coupled to the anticipatory crash sensor. The cushioning arrangement is movable toward a likely position of the occupant, preferably in actual contact with the occupant, upon a determination by the anticipatory crash sensor that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur. The cushioning arrangement comprises a frame coupled to the vehicle, and a fluid-containing bag attached to the frame. The bag is structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within the bag to thereby alter the shape of the bag and enable the bag to conform to the occupant The cushioning arrangement and its parts may be as described in any of the embodiments above. The anticipatory crash sensor may be arranged to determine that the crash involving the vehicle is a rear impact. In this case, it could comprise a transmitter/receiver arrangement mounted at the rear of the vehicle. To provide for movement of the cushioning arrangement, a displacement mechanism is provided, e.g., a system of servo-motors, screws and support rods, and a control unit is coupled to the anticipatory crash sensor and the displacement mechanism. The control unit controls the displacement mechanism to move the cushioning arrangement based on the determination by the anticipatory crash sensor that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur. One disclosed method for protecting an occupant in an impact comprises the steps of determining that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur, and moving a cushioning arrangement into contact with the occupant upon a determination that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur. The cushioning arrangement comprises a frame coupled to the vehicle and a fluid-containing bag attached directly or indirectly to the frame. The bag is structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within the bag to thereby alter the shape of the bag and enable the bag to conform to the occupant. The cushioning arrangement may be as in any of the embodiments described above. The step of moving the cushioning arrangement into contact with the occupant may comprise the steps of moving the cushioning arrangement toward the occupant, detecting when the cushioning arrangement comes into contact with the occupant and then ceasing movement of the cushioning arrangement. The step of detecting when the cushioning arrangement comes into contact with the occupant may comprise the step of arranging a contact switch in connection with the cushioning arrangement. Also disclosed herein is a headrest and headrest positioning system which reduce whiplash injuries from rear impacts by properly positioning the headrest behind the occupant's head either continuously, or just prior to and in anticipation of, the vehicle impact and then properly supports both the head and neck. Sensors determine the location of the occupant's head and motors move the headrest both up and down and forward and back as needed. In one implementation, the headrest is continuously adjusted to maintain a proper orientation of the headrest to the rear of the occupant's head. In another implementation, an anticipatory crash sensor, such as described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,810, is used to predict that a rear impact is about to occur, in which event, the headrest is moved proximate to the occupant. Also disclosed herein is an apparatus for determining the location of the head of the occupant in the presence of objects which obscure the head. Such an apparatus comprises a transmitter for illuminating a selective portion of the occupant and the head-obscuring objects in the vicinity of the head, a sensor system for receiving illumination reflected from or modified by the occupant and the head-obscuring objects and generating a signal representative of the distance from the sensor system to the illuminated portion of the occupant and the head-obscuring objects, a selective portion changing system for changing the illuminated portion of the occupant and the head-obscuring objects which is illuminated by the transmitter and a processor. The processor is designed to sequentially operate the selective portion changing system so as to illuminate different portions of the occupant and the head-obscuring objects, and a pattern recognition system for determining the location of the head from the signals representative of the distance from the sensor system to the different selective portions of the occupant and the head-obscuring objects. The pattern recognition system may comprise a neural network. In some embodiments of the invention, the head-obscuring objects comprise items from the class containing clothing and hair. The pattern recognition system may be arranged to determine the location of the approximate longitudinal location of the head from the headrest. If one or more airbags is mounted within the vehicle, the head location system may be designed to determine the location of the head relative to the airbag. The transmitter may comprise an ultrasonic transmitter arranged in the headrest and the sensor system may also be arranged in the headrest, possibly vertically spaced from the transmitter. In the alternative, the transmitter and sensor system may comprise a single transducer. The selective portion changing system may comprise a control module coupled to the transmitter and the sensor system and servomotors for adjusting the position of the headrest. Illumination as used herein is any form of radiation which is introduced into a volume of which contains the head of an occupant and includes, but it is not limited to, electromagnetic radiation from below one kHz to above ultraviolet optical radiation (1016 Hz) and ultrasonic radiation. Thus, any system, such as a capacitive system, which uses a varying electromagnetic field, or equivalently electromagnetic waves, is meant to be included by the term illumination as used herein. By reflected radiation, it is meant the radiation that is sensed by the device that comes from the volume occupied by the head, or other part, of an occupant and indicates the presence of that part of the occupant. Examples of such systems are ultrasonic transmitters and receivers placed in the headrest of the vehicle seat, capacitive sensors placed in the headrest or other appropriate location (or a combination of locations such as one plate of the capacitor being placed in the vehicle seat and the other in the headliner), radar, far or near frequency infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, etc. 14.11 Combined with SDM and Other Systems The occupant position sensor in any of its various forms is integrated into the airbag system circuitry as shown schematically in FIG. 72. In this example, the occupant position sensors are used as an input to a smart electronic sensor and diagnostic system. The electronic sensor determines whether one or more of the airbags should be deployed based on the vehicle acceleration crash pulse, or crush zone mounted crash sensors, or a combination thereof, and the occupant position sensor determines whether the occupant is too close to any of the airbags and therefore that the deployment should not take place. In FIG. 72, the electronic crash sensor located within the sensor and diagnostic unit determines whether the crash is of such severity as to require deployment of one or more of the airbags. The occupant position sensors determine the location of the vehicle occupants relative to the airbags and provide this information to the sensor and diagnostic unit that then determines whether it is safe to deploy each airbag and/or whether the deployment parameters should be adjusted. The arming sensor, if one is present, also determines whether there is a vehicle crash occurring. In such a case, if the sensor and diagnostic unit and the arming sensor both determine that the vehicle is undergoing a crash requiring one or more airbags and the position sensors determine that the occupants are safely away from the airbag(s), the airbag(s), or inflatable restraint system is deployed. The above applications illustrate the wide range of opportunities, which become available if the identity and location of various objects and occupants, and some of their parts, within the vehicle were known. Once the system of this invention is operational, integration with the airbag electronic sensor and diagnostics system (SDM) is likely since an interface with the SDM is necessary. This sharing of resources will result in a significant cost saving to the auto manufacturer. For the same reasons, the VIMS can include the side impact sensor and diagnostic system. 14.12 Exterior Monitoring Referring now to FIGS. 69 and 73, the same system can also be used for the detection of objects in the blind spots and other areas surrounding the vehicle and the image displayed for the operator to see or a warning system activated, if the operator attempts to change lanes, for example. In this case, the mounting location must be chosen to provide a good view along the side of the vehicle in order to pick up vehicles which are about to pass the subject vehicle 710. Each of the locations 408, 409 and 410 provide sufficient field of view for this application although the space immediately adjacent to the vehicle could be missed. Alternate locations include mounting onto the outside rear view mirror or the addition of a unit in the rear window or C-Pillar, in which case, the contents of areas other than the side of the vehicle would be monitored. Using several receivers in various locations as disclosed above would provide for a monitoring system which monitors all of the areas around the vehicle. The mirror location, however, does leave the device vulnerable to being covered with ice, snow and dirt. In many cases, neural networks are used to identify objects exterior of the vehicle and then an icon can be displayed on a heads-up display, for example, which provides control over the brightness of the image and permits the driver to more easily recognize the object. In both cases of the anticipatory sensor and blind spot detector, the infrared transmitter and imager array system provides mainly image information to permit recognition of the object in the vicinity of vehicle 710, whether the object is alongside the vehicle, in a blind spot of the driver, in front of the vehicle or behind the vehicle, the position of the object being detected being dependent on the position and orientation of the receiver(s). To complete the process, distance information is also require as well as velocity information, which can in general be obtained by differentiating the position data or by Doppler analysis. This can be accomplished by any one of the several methods discussed above, such as with a pulsed laser radar system, stereo cameras, focusing system, structured light as well as with a radar system. Radar systems, which may not be acceptable for use in the interior of the vehicle, are now commonly used in sensing applications exterior to the vehicle, police radar being one well-known example. Miniature radar systems are now available which are inexpensive and fit within the available space. Such systems are disclosed in the McEwan patents described above. Another advantage of radar in this application is that it is easy to get a transmitter with a desirable divergence angle so that the device does not have to be aimed. One particularly advantageous mode of practicing the invention for these cases, therefore, is to use radar and a second advantageous mode is the pulsed laser radar system, along with an imager array, although the use of two such arrays or the acoustical systems are also good choices. The acoustical system has the disadvantage of being slower than the laser radar device and must be mounted outside of the vehicle where it may be affected by the accumulation of deposits onto the active surface. If a radar scanner is not available it is difficult to get an image of objects approaching the vehicle so that the can be identified. Note that the ultimate solution to monitoring of the exterior of the vehicle may lay with SWIR, MWIR and LWIR if the proper frequencies are chosen that are not heavily attenuated by fog, snow and other atmospheric systems. The QWIP system discussed above or equivalent would be a candidate if the cooling requirement can be eliminated or the cost of cooling the imaging chip reduced. Another innovation involves the use of multiple frequencies for interrogating the environment surrounding a vehicle and in particular the space in front of the vehicle. Different frequencies interact differently with different materials. An example given by some to show that all such systems have failure modes is the case of a box that in one case contains a refrigerator while in another case a box of the same size that is empty. It is difficult to imagine how such boxes can reside on a roadway in front of a traveling vehicle but perhaps it fell off of a truck. Using optics it would be difficult if not impossible to make the distinction, however, some frequencies will penetrate a cardboard box exposing the refrigerator. One might ask, what happens if the box is made of metal? So there will always be rare cases where a distinction cannot be made. Nevertheless, a calculation can be made of the cost and benefits to be derived by fielding such a system that might occasionally make a mistake or, better, defaults to no system when it is in doubt. In a preferred implementation, transmitter 408 is an infrared transmitter and receivers 409, 410 and 411 are CMOS transducers that receive the reflected infrared waves from vehicle 406. In the implementation shown in FIG. 69, an exterior airbag 416 is shown which deploys in the event that a side impact is about to occur as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,810. Referring now to FIG. 73, a schematic of the use of one or more receivers 409, 410, 411 to affect another system in the vehicle is shown. The general exterior monitoring system, or blind spot monitoring system if the environment exterior of the vehicle is not viewable by the driver in the normal course of driving the vehicle, includes one or more receivers 409, 410, 411 positioned at various locations on the vehicle for the purpose of receiving waves from the exterior environment. Instead of waves, and to the extent different than waves, the receivers 409, 410, 411 could be designed to receiver energy or radiation. The waves received by receivers 409, 410, 411 contain information about the exterior objects in the environment, such waves either having been generated by or emanating from the exterior objects or reflected from the exterior objects such as is the case when the optional transmitter 408 is used. The electronic module/processor 412 contains the necessary circuitry 413,414 and a trained pattern recognition system (e.g., neural computer 415) to drive the transmitter 408 when present and process the received waves to provide a classification, identification and/or location of the exterior object. The classification, identification and/or location is then used to show an image on a display 420 viewable to the driver. Also, the classification, identification or location of the objects could be used for airbag control, i.e., control of the deployment of the exterior airbag 416 (or any other airbags for that matter), for the control of the headlight dimmers (as discussed elsewhere herein with reference to 74 or in general, for any other system whose operation might be changed based on the presence of exterior objects. FIG. 75 shows the components for measuring the position of an object in an environment of or about the vehicle. A light source 425 directs modulated light into the environment and at least one light-receiving pixel or an array of pixels 427 receives the modulated light after reflection by any objects in the environment. A processor 428 determines the distance between any objects from which the modulated light is reflected and the light source based on the reception of the modulated light by the pixel(s) 427. To provide the modulated light, a device or component for modulating a frequency of the light 426 are provided. Also, a device for providing a correlation pattern in a form of code division modulation of the light can be used. The pixel may be a photo diode such as a PIN or avalanche diode. The processor 428 includes appropriate circuitry to determine the distance between any objects from which any pulse of light is reflected and the light source 425. For example, the processor 428 can determine this distance based on a difference in time between the emission of a pulse of light by the light source 425 and the reception of light by the pixel 427. FIG. 74 illustrates the exterior monitoring system for use in detecting the headlights of an oncoming vehicle or the taillights of a vehicle in front of vehicle 259. In this embodiment, the imager array 429 is designed to be sensitive to visible light and a separate source of illumination is not used. Once again for some applications, the key to this technology is the use of trained pattern recognition algorithms and particularly the artificial neural network. Here, as in the other cases above and in the patents and patent applications referenced above, the pattern recognition system is trained to recognize the pattern of the headlights of an oncoming vehicle or the tail lights of a vehicle in front of vehicle 259 and to then dim the headlights when either of these conditions is sensed. It is also trained to not dim the lights for other reflections such as reflections off of a sign post or the roadway. One problem is to differentiate taillights where dimming is desired from distant headlights where dimming is not desired. Three techniques are used: (i) measurement of the spacing of the light sources, (ii) determination of the location of the light sources relative to the vehicle, and (iii) use of a red filter where the brightness of the light source through the filter is compared with the brightness of the unfiltered light. In the case of the taillight, the brightness of the red filtered and unfiltered light is nearly the same while there is a significant difference for the headlight case. In this situation, either two CCD arrays are used, one with a filter, or a filter which can be removed either electrically, such as with a liquid crystal, or mechanically. The environment surrounding the vehicle can be determined using an interior mounted camera that looks out of the vehicle. The status of the sun (day or night), the presence of rain, fog, snow, etc can thus be determined. 15. Summary 15.1 Classification, Location and Identification One embodiment of the interior monitoring system in accordance with the invention comprises a device for irradiating at least a portion of the passenger compartment in which an occupying item is situated, a receiver system for receiving radiation from the occupying item, e.g., a plurality of receivers, each arranged at a discrete location, a processor coupled to the receivers for processing the received radiation from each receiver in order to create a respective electronic signal characteristic of the occupying item based on the received radiation, each signal containing a pattern representative of the occupying item, a categorization unit coupled to the processor for categorizing the signals, and an output device coupled to the categorization unit for affecting another system within the vehicle based on the categorization of the signals characteristic of the occupying item. The categorization unit may use a pattern recognition technique for recognizing and thus identifying the class of the occupying item by processing the signals into a categorization thereof based on data corresponding to patterns of received radiation and associated with possible classes of occupying items of the vehicle. Each signal may comprise a plurality of data, all of which is compared to the data corresponding to patterns of received radiation and associated with possible classes of contents of the vehicle. In one specific embodiment, the system includes a location determining unit coupled to the processor for determining the location of the occupying item, e.g., based on the received radiation such that the output device coupled to the location determining unit, in addition to affecting the other system based on the categorization of the signals characteristic of the occupying item, affects the system based on the determined location of the occupying item. In another embodiment to determine the presence or absence of an occupant, the categorization unit comprises a pattern recognition system for recognizing the presence or absence of an occupying item in the passenger compartment by processing each signal into a categorization thereof signal based on data corresponding to patterns of received radiation and associated with possible occupying items of the vehicle and the absence of such occupying items. In a disclosed method for determining the occupancy of a seat in a passenger compartment of a vehicle in accordance with the invention, waves such as ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves are transmitted into the passenger compartment toward the seat, reflected waves from the passenger compartment are received by a component which then generates an output representative thereof, the weight applied onto the seat is measured and an output is generated representative thereof and then the seated-state of the seat is evaluated based on the outputs from the sensors and the weight measuring unit. The evaluation the seated-state of the seat may be accomplished by generating a function correlating the outputs representative of the received reflected waves and the measured weight and the seated-state of the seat, and incorporating the correlation function into a microcomputer. In the alternative, it is possible to generate a function correlating the outputs representative of the received reflected waves and the measured weight and the seated-state of the seat in a neural network, and execute the function using the outputs representative of the received reflected waves and the measured weight as input into the neural network. To enhance the seated-state determination, the position of a seat track of the seat is measured and an output representative thereof is generated, and then the seated-state of the seat is evaluated based on the outputs representative of the received reflected waves, the measured weight and the measured seat track position. In addition to or instead of measuring the seat track position, it is possible to measure the reclining angle of the seat, i.e., the angle between the seat portion and the back portion of the seat, and generate an output representative thereof and then evaluate the seated-state of the seat based on the outputs representative of the received reflected waves, the measured weight and the measured reclining angle of the seat (and seat track position, if measured). Furthermore, the output representative of the measured weight may be compared with a reference value, and the occupying object of the seat identified, e.g., as an adult or a child, based on the comparison of the measured weight with the reference value. In another method disclosed above for determining the identification and position of objects in a passenger compartment of a vehicle in accordance with the invention, electromagnetic waves are transmitted into the passenger compartment from one or more locations, a plurality of images of the interior of the passenger compartment are obtained, each from a respective location, a three-dimensional map of the interior of the passenger compartment is created from the images, and a pattern recognition technique is applied to the map in order to determine the identification and position of the objects in the passenger compartment. The pattern recognition technique may be a neural network, fuzzy logic or an optical correlator or combinations thereof. The map may be obtained by utilizing a scanning laser radar system where the laser is operated in a pulse mode and determining the distance from the object being illuminated using range gating. (See, for example, H. Kage, W. Freemen, Y Miyke, E. Funstsu, K Tanaka, K. Kyuma “Artificial retina chips as on-chip image processors and gesture-oriented interfaces”, Optical Engineering, December, 1999, Vol. 38, Number 12, ISSN 0091-3286) Also, disclosed above is a system to identify, locate and monitor occupants, including their parts, and other objects in the passenger compartment and objects outside of a motor vehicle, such as an automobile or truck, by illuminating the contents of the vehicle and/or objects outside of the vehicle with electromagnetic radiation, and specifically infrared radiation, using natural illumination such as from the sun, or using radiation naturally emanating from the object, and using one or more lenses to focus images of the contents onto one or more arrays of charge coupled devices (CCD's), CMOS or equivalent arrays. Outputs from the arrays are analyzed by appropriate computational devices employing trained pattern recognition technologies, to classify, identify or locate the contents and/or external objects. In general, the information obtained by the identification and monitoring system may be used to affect the operation of at least one other system in the vehicle. In some implementations of the invention, several CCD, CMOS or equivalent arrays are placed in such a manner that the distance from, and the motion of the occupant toward, the airbag can be monitored as a transverse motion across the field of the array. In this manner, the need to measure the distance from the array to the object is obviated. In other implementations, the source of infrared light is a pulse modulated laser which permits an accurate measurement of the distance to the point of reflection through the technique of range gating to measure the time of flight of the radiation pulse. In some applications, a trained pattern recognition system, such as a neural network, sensor fusion or neural-fuzzy system is used to identify the occupancy of the vehicle or an object exterior to the vehicle. In some of these cases, the pattern recognition system determines which of a library of images most closely matches the seated state of a particular vehicle seat and thereby the location of certain parts of an occupant can be accurately estimated from dated stored relating to the matched images, thus removing the requirement for the pattern recognition system to locate the head of an occupant, for example. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the system for determining the occupancy state of a seat in a vehicle includes a plurality of transducers including at least two wave-receiving or electric field transducers arranged in the vehicle, each providing data relating to the occupancy state of the seat. One wave-receiving or electric field transducer is arranged on or adjacent to a ceiling of the vehicle and a second wave-receiving or electric field transducer is arranged at a different location in the vehicle such that an axis connecting these transducers is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, substantially parallel to a transverse axis of the vehicle or passes through a volume above the seat. A processor is coupled to the transducers for receiving data from the traducers and processing the data to obtain an output indicative of the current occupancy state of the seat. The processor comprises an algorithm which produces the output indicative of the current occupancy state of the seat upon inputting a data set representing the current occupancy state of the seat and being formed from data from the transducers. Another measuring position arrangement comprises a light source capable of directing individual pulses of light into the environment, at least one array of light-receiving pixels arranged to receive light after reflection by any objects in the environment and a processor for determining the distance between any objects from which any pulse of light is reflected and the light source based on a difference in time between the emission of a pulse of light by the light source and the reception of light by the array. The light source can be arranged at various locations in the vehicle as described above to direct light into external and/or internal environments, relative to the vehicle. The portion of the apparatus which includes the ultrasonic, optical or electromagnetic sensors, weight measuring unit and processor which evaluate the occupancy of the seat based on the measured weight of the seat and its contents and the returned waves from the ultrasonic, optical or electromagnetic sensors may be considered to constitute a seated-state detecting unit. The seated-state detecting unit may further comprise a seat track position-detecting sensor. This sensor determines the position of the seat on the seat track in the forward and aft direction. In this case, the evaluation circuit evaluates the seated-state, based on a correlation function obtain from outputs of the ultrasonic sensors, an output of the one or more weight sensors, and an output of the seat track position detecting sensor. With this structure, there is the advantage that the identification between the flat configuration of a detected surface in a state where a passenger is not sitting in the seat and the flat configuration of a detected surface which is detected when a seat is slid backwards by the amount of the thickness of a passenger, that is, of identification of whether a passenger seat is vacant or occupied by a passenger, can be reliably performed. Furthermore, the seated-state detecting unit may also comprise a reclining angle detecting sensor, and the evaluation circuit may also evaluate the seated-state based on a correlation function obtained from outputs of the ultrasonic, optical or electromagnetic sensors, an output of the weight sensor(s), and an output of the reclining angle detecting sensor. In this case, if the tilted angle information of the back portion of the seat is added as evaluation information for the seated-state, identification can be clearly performed between the flat configuration of a surface detected when a passenger is in a slightly slouching state and the configuration of a surface detected when the back portion of a seat is slightly tilted forward and similar difficult-to-discriminate cases. This embodiment may even be combined with the output from a seat track position-detecting sensor to further enhance the evaluation circuit. Moreover, the seated-state detecting unit may further comprise a comparison circuit for comparing the output of the weight sensor(s) with a reference value. In this case, the evaluation circuit identifies an adult and a child based on the reference value. Preferably, the seated-state detecting unit comprises: a plurality of ultrasonic, optical or electromagnetic sensors for transmitting ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves toward a seat and receiving reflected waves from the seat; one or more weight sensors for detecting weight of a passenger in the seat; a seat track position detecting sensor; a reclining angle detecting sensor; and a neural network to which outputs of the ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensors and the weight sensor(s), an output of the seat track position detecting sensor, and an output of the reclining angle detecting sensor are inputted and which evaluates several kinds of seated-states, based on a correlation function obtained from the outputs. The kinds of seated-states that can be evaluated and categorized by the neural network include the following categories, among others, (i) a normally seated passenger and a forward facing child seat, (ii) an abnormally seated passenger and a rear-facing child seat, and (iii) a vacant seat. The seated-state detecting unit may further comprise a comparison circuit for comparing the output of the weight sensor(s) with a reference value and a gate circuit to which the evaluation signal and a comparison signal from the comparison circuit are input. This gate circuit, which may be implemented in software or hardware, outputs signals which evaluates several kinds of seated-states. These kinds of seated-states can include a (i) normally seated passenger, (ii) a forward facing child seat, (iii) an abnormally seated passenger, (iv) a rear facing child seat, and (v) a vacant seat. With this arrangement, the identification between a normally seated passenger and a forward facing child seat, the identification between an abnormally seated passenger and a rear facing child seat, and the identification of a vacant seat can be more reliably performed. The outputs of the plurality of ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensors, the output of the weight sensor(s), the outputs of the seat track position detecting sensor, and the outputs of the reclining angle detecting sensor are inputted to the neural network or other pattern recognition circuit, and the neural network determines the correlation function, based on training thereof during a training phase. The correlation function is then typically implemented in or incorporated into a microcomputer. For the purposes herein, neural network will be used to include both a single neural network, a plurality of neural networks, and other similar pattern recognition circuits or algorithms and combinations thereof including the combination of neural networks and fuzzy logic systems such as neural-fuzzy systems. To provide the input from the ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensors to the neural network, it is preferable that an initial reflected wave portion and a last reflected wave portion are removed from each of the reflected waves of the ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensors and then the output data is processed. This is a form of range gating. With this arrangement, the portions of the reflected ultrasonic or electromagnetic wave that do not contain useful information are removed from the analysis and the presence and recognition of an object on the passenger seat can be more accurately performed. The neural network determines the correlation function by performing a weighting process, based on output data from the plurality of ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensors, output data from the weight sensor(s), output data from the seat track position detecting sensor if present, and/or on output data from the reclining angle detecting sensor if present. Additionally, in advanced systems, outputs from the heartbeat and occupant motion sensors may be included. One method described above for determining the identification and position of objects in a passenger compartment of a vehicle in accordance with the invention comprises the steps of transmitting electromagnetic waves (optical or non-optical) into the passenger compartment from one or more locations, obtaining a plurality of images of the interior of the passenger compartment from several locations, and comparing the images of the interior of the passenger compartment with stored images representing different arrangements of objects in the passenger compartment, such as by using a neural network, to determine which of the stored images match most closely to the images of the interior of the passenger compartment such that the identification of the objects and their position is obtained based on data associated with the stored images. The electromagnetic waves may be transmitted from transmitter/receiver assemblies positioned at different locations around a seat such that each assembly is situated near a middle of a side of the ceiling surrounding the seat or near the middle of the headliner directly above the seat. The method would thus be operative to determine the identification and/or position of the occupants of that seat. Each assembly may comprise an optical transmitter (such as an infrared LED, an infrared LED with a diverging lens, a laser with a diverging lens and a scanning laser assembly) and an optical array (such as a CCD array and a CMOS array). The optical array is thus arranged to obtain the images of the interior of the passenger compartment represented by a matrix of pixels. To enhance the method, prior to the comparison of the images, each obtained image or output from each array may be compared with a series of stored images or arrays representing different unoccupied states of the passenger compartment, such as different positions of the seat when unoccupied, and each stored image or array is subtracted from the obtained image or acquired array. Another way to determine which stored image matches most closely to the images of the interior of the passenger compartment is to analyze the total number of pixels of the image reduced below a threshold level, and analyze the minimum number of remaining detached pixels. Preferably, a library of stored images is generated by positioning an object on the seat, transmitting electromagnetic waves into the passenger compartment from one or more locations, obtaining images of the interior of the passenger compartment, each from a respective location, associating the images with the identification and position of the object, and repeating the positioning step, transmitting step, image obtaining step and associating step for the same object in different positions and for different objects in different positions. If the objects include a steering wheel, a seat and a headrest, the angle of the steering wheel, the telescoping position of the steering wheel, the angle of the back of the seat, the position of the headrest and the position of the seat may be obtained by the image comparison. One advantage of this implementation is that after the identification and position of the objects are obtained, one or more systems in the vehicle, such as an occupant restraint device or system, a mirror adjustment system, a seat adjustment system, a steering wheel adjustment system, a pedal adjustment system, a headrest positioning system, a directional microphone, an air-conditioning/heating system, an entertainment system, may be affected based on the obtained identification and position of at least one of the objects. The image comparison may entail inputting the images or a form thereof into a neural network which provides for each image of the interior of the passenger compartment, an index of a stored image that most closely matches the image of the interior of the passenger compartment. The index is thus utilized to locate stored information from the matched image including, inter alia, a locus of a point representative of the position of the chest of the person, a locus of a point representative of the position of the head of the person, one or both ears of the person, one or both eyes of the person and the mouth of the person. Moreover, the position of the person relative to at least one airbag or other occupant restraint system of the vehicle may be determined so that deployment of the airbag(s) or occupant restraint system is controlled based on the determined position of the person. It is also possible to obtain information about the location of the eyes of the person from the image comparison and adjust the position of one or more of the rear view mirrors based on the location of the eyes of the person. Also, the location of the eyes of the person may be obtained such that an external light source may be filtered by darkening the windshield of the vehicle at selective locations based on the location of the eyes of the person. Further, the location of the ears of the person may be obtained such that a noise cancellation system in the vehicle is operated based on the location the ears of the person. The location of the mouth of the person may be used to direct a directional microphone in the vehicle. In addition, the location of the locus of a point representative of the position of the chest or head (e.g., the probable center of the chest or head) over time may be monitored by the image comparison and one or more systems in the vehicle controlled based on changes in the location of the locus of the center of the chest or head over time. This monitoring may entail subtracting a most recently obtained image from an immediately preceding image and analyzing a leading edge of changes in the images or deriving a correlation function which correlates the images with the chest or head in an initial position with the most recently obtained images. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the weight applied onto the seat is measured and one or more systems in the vehicle are affected (controlled) based on the measured weight applied onto the seat and the identification and position of the objects in the passenger compartment. Also disclosed above is an arrangement for determining vehicle occupant position relative to a fixed structure within the vehicle which comprises an array structured and arranged to receive an image of a portion of the passenger compartment of the vehicle in which the occupant is likely to be situated, a lens arranged between the array and the portion of the passenger compartment, an adjustment unit for changing the image received by the array, and a processor coupled to the array and the adjustment unit. The processor determines, upon changing by the adjustment unit of the image received by the array, when the image is clearest whereby a distance between the occupant and the fixed structure is obtainable based on the determination by the processor when the image is clearest. The image may be changed by adjusting the lens, e.g., adjusting the focal length of the lens and/or the position of the lens relative to the array, by adjusting the array, e.g., the position of the array relative to the lens, and/or by using software to perform a focusing process. The array may be arranged in several advantageous locations on the vehicle, e.g., on an A-pillar of the vehicle, above a top surface of an instrument panel of the vehicle and on an instrument panel of the vehicle and oriented to receive an image reflected by a windshield of the vehicle. The array may be a CCD array with an optional liquid crystal or electrochromic glass filter coupled to the array for filtering the image of the portion of the passenger compartment. The array could also be a CMOS array. In a preferred embodiment, the processor is coupled to an occupant protection device and controls the occupant protection device based on the distance between the occupant and the fixed structure. For example, the occupant protection device could be an airbag whereby deployment of the airbag is controlled by the processor. The processor may be any type of data processing unit such as a microprocessor. This arrangement could be adapted for determining distance between the vehicle and exterior objects, in particular, objects in a blind spot of the driver. In this case, such an arrangement would comprise an array structured and arranged to receive an image of an exterior environment surrounding the vehicle containing at least one object, a lens arranged between the array and the exterior environment, an adjustment unit for changing the image received by the array, and a processor coupled to the array and the adjustment unit. The processor determines, upon changing by the adjustment unit of the image received by the array, when the image is clearest whereby a distance between the object and the vehicle is obtainable based on the determination by the processor when the image is clearest. As before, the image may be changed by adjusting the lens, e.g., adjusting the focal length of the lens and/or the position of the lens relative to the array, by adjusting the array, e.g., the position of the array relative to the lens, and/or by using software to perform a focusing process. The array may be a CCD array with an optional liquid crystal or electrochromic glass filter coupled to the array for filtering the image of the portion of the passenger compartment. The array could also be a CMOS array. In a preferred embodiment, the processor is coupled to an occupant protection device and control the occupant protection device based on the distance between the occupant and the fixed structure. For example, the occupant protection device could be an airbag whereby deployment of the airbag is controlled by the processor. The processor may be any type of data processing unit such as a microprocessor. At least one of the above-listed objects is achieved by an arrangement for determining vehicle occupant presence, type and/or position relative to a fixed structure within the vehicle, the vehicle having a front seat and an A-pillar. The arrangement comprises a first array mounted on the A-pillar of the vehicle and arranged to receive an image of a portion of the passenger compartment in which the occupant is likely to be situated, and a processor coupled to the first array for determining the presence, type and/or position of the vehicle occupant based on the image of the portion of the passenger compartment received by the first array. The processor preferably is arranged to utilize a pattern recognition technique, e.g., a trained neural network, sensor fusion, fuzzy logic. The processor can determine the vehicle occupant presence, type and/or position based on the image of the portion of the passenger compartment received by the first array. In some embodiments, a second array is arranged to receive an image of at least a part of the same portion of the passenger compartment as the first array. The processor is coupled to the second array and determine the vehicle occupant presence, type and/or position based on the images of the portion of the passenger compartment received by the first and second arrays. The second array may be arranged at a central portion of a headliner of the vehicle between sides of the vehicle. The determination of the occupant presence, type and/or position can be used in conjunction with a reactive component, system or subsystem so that the processor controls the reactive component, system or subsystem based on the determination of the occupant presence, type and/or position. For example, if the reactive component, system or subsystem is an airbag assembly including at least one airbag, the processor controls one or more deployment parameters of the airbag(s). The arrays may be CCD arrays with an optional liquid crystal or electrochromic glass filter coupled to the array for filtering the image of the portion of the passenger compartment. The arrays could also be CMOS arrays, active pixel cameras and HDRC cameras. Another embodiment disclosed above is an arrangement for obtaining information about a vehicle occupant within the vehicle which comprises a transmission unit for transmitting a structured pattern of light, e.g., polarized light, a geometric pattern of dots, lines etc., into a portion of the passenger compartment in which the occupant is likely to be situated, an array arranged to receive an image of the portion of the passenger compartment, and a processor coupled to the array for analyzing the image of the portion of the passenger compartment to obtain information about the occupant. The transmission unit and array are proximate but not co-located one another and the information obtained about the occupant is a distance from the location of the transmission unit and the array. The processor obtains the information about the occupant utilizing a pattern recognition technique. The information about of the occupant can be used in conjunction with a reactive component, system or subsystem so that the processor controls the reactive component, system or subsystem based on the determination of the occupant presence, type and/or position. For example, if the reactive component, system or subsystem is an airbag assembly including at least one airbag, the processor controls one or more deployment parameters of the airbag(s). In another method disclosed above for determining the identification and position of objects in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, a plurality of images of the interior of the passenger compartment, each from a respective location and of radiation emanating from the objects in the passenger compartment, and the images of the radiation emanating from the objects in the passenger compartment are compared with data representative of stored images of radiation emanating from different arrangements of objects in the passenger compartment to determine which of the stored images match most closely to the images of the interior of the passenger compartment such that the identification of the objects and their position is obtained based on data associated with the stored images. In this embodiment, there is no illumination of the passenger compartment with electromagnetic waves. Nevertheless, the same processes described above may be applied in conjunction with this method, e.g., affecting another system based on the position and identification of the objects, a library of stored images generated, external light source filtering, noise filtering, occupant restraint system deployment control and the possible utilization of weight for occupant restraint system control. Also disclosed above is a system for determining occupancy of a vehicle which comprises a radar system for emitting radio waves into an interior of the vehicle in which objects might be situated and receiving radio waves and a processor coupled to the radar system for determining the presence of any repetitive motions indicative of a living occupant in the vehicle based on the radio waves received by the radar system such that the presence of living occupants in the vehicle is ascertainable upon the determination of the presence of repetitive motions indicative of a living occupant. Repetitive motions indicative of a living occupant may be a heartbeat or breathing as reflected by movement of the chest. Thus, for example, the processor may be programmed to analyze the frequency of the repetitive motions based on the radio waves received by the radar system whereby a frequency in a predetermined range is indicative of a heartbeat or breathing. The processor could also be designed to analyze motion only at particular locations in the vehicle in which a chest of any occupants would be located whereby motion at the particular locations is indicative of a heartbeat or breathing. Enhancements of the invention include the provision of a unit for determining locations of the chest of any occupants whereby the radar system is adjusted based on the determined location of the chest of any occupants. The radar system may be a micropower impulse radar system which monitors motion at a set distance from the radar system, i.e., utilize range-gating techniques. The radar system can be positioned to emit radio waves into a passenger compartment or trunk of the vehicle and/or toward a seat of the vehicle such that the processor determines whether the seats are occupied by living beings. Another enhancement would be to couple a reactive system to the processor for reacting to the determination by the processor of the presence of any repetitive motions. Such a reactive system might be an air connection device for providing or enabling air flow between the interior of the vehicle and the surrounding environment, if the presence of living beings is detected in a closed interior space. The reactive system could also be a security system for providing a warning. In one particularly useful embodiment, the radar system emits radio waves into a trunk of the vehicle and the reactive system is a trunk release for opening the trunk. The reactive system could also be airbag system which is controlled based on the determined presence of repetitive motions in the vehicle and a window opening system for opening a window associated with the passenger compartment. A method for determining occupancy of the vehicle disclosed above comprises the steps of emitting radio waves into an interior of the vehicle in which objects might be situated, receiving radio waves after interaction with any objects and determining the presence of any repetitive motions indicative of a living occupant in the vehicle based on the received radio waves such that the presence of living occupants in the vehicle is ascertainable upon the determination of the presence of repetitive motions indicative of a living occupant. Determining the presence of any repetitive motions can entail analyzing the frequency of the repetitive motions based on the received radio waves whereby a frequency in a predetermined range is indicative of a heartbeat or breathing and/or analyzing motion only at particular locations in the vehicle in which a chest of any occupants would be located whereby motion at the particular locations is indicative of a heartbeat or breathing. If the locations of the chest of any occupants are determined, the emission of radio waves can be adjusted based thereon. A radio wave emitter and receiver can be arranged to emit radio waves into a passenger compartment of the vehicle. Upon a determination of the presence of any occupants in the vehicle, air flow between the interior of the vehicle and the surrounding environment can be enabled or provided. A warning can also be provided upon a determination of the presence of any occupants in the vehicle. If the radio wave emitter and receiver emit radio waves into a trunk of the vehicle, the trunk can be designed to automatically open upon a determination of the presence of any occupants in the trunk to thereby prevent children or pets from suffocating if inadvertently left in the trunk. In a similar manner, if the radio wave emitter and receiver emits radio waves into a passenger compartment of the vehicle, a window associated with the passenger compartment can be automatically opened upon a determination of the presence of any occupants in the passenger compartment to thereby prevent people or pets from suffocating if the temperature of the air in the passenger compartment rises to an dangerous level. Also disclosed above is a vehicle including a monitoring arrangement for monitoring an environment of the vehicle which comprises at least one active pixel camera for obtaining images of the environment of the vehicle and a processor coupled to the active pixel camera(s) for determining at least one characteristic of an object in the environment based on the images obtained by the active pixel camera(s). The active pixel camera can be arranged in a headliner, roof or ceiling of the vehicle to obtain images of an interior environment of the vehicle, in an A-pillar or B-pillar of the vehicle to obtain images of an interior environment of the vehicle, or in a roof, ceiling, B-pillar or C-pillar of the vehicle to obtain images of an interior environment of the vehicle behind a front seat of the vehicle. These mounting locations are exemplary only and not limiting. The determined characteristic can be used to enable optimal control of a reactive component, system or subsystem coupled to the processor. When the reactive component is an airbag assembly including at least one airbag, the processor can be designed to control at least one deployment parameter of the airbag(s). 15.2 Control of Passive Restraints When the vehicle interior monitoring system in accordance with some embodiments of this invention is installed in the passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle equipped with a passenger protective device, such as an inflatable airbag, and the vehicle is subjected to a crash of sufficient severity that the crash sensor has determined that the protective device is to be deployed, the system determines the position of the vehicle occupant relative to the airbag and disables deployment of the airbag if the occupant is positioned so that he/she is likely to be injured by the deployment of the airbag. In the alternative, the parameters of the deployment of the airbag can be tailored to the position of the occupant relative to the airbag, e.g., a depowered deployment. One method for controlling deployment of an airbag from an airbag module comprising the steps of determining the position of the occupant or a part thereof, and controlling deployment of the airbag based on the determined position of the occupant or part thereof. The position of the occupant or part thereof is determined as in the arrangement described above. Another method for controlling deployment of an airbag comprises the steps of determining whether an occupant is present in the seat, and controlling deployment of the airbag based on the presence or absence of an occupant in the seat. The presence of the occupant, and optionally position of the occupant or a part thereof, are determined as in the arrangement described above. Other embodiments disclosed above are directed to methods and arrangements for controlling deployment of an airbag. One exemplfying embodiment of an arrangement for controlling deployment of an airbag from an airbag module to protect an occupant in a seat of a vehicle in a crash comprises a determining unit for determining the position of the occupant or a part thereof, and a control unit coupled to the determining unit for controlling deployment of the airbag based on the determined position of the occupant or part thereof. The determining unit may comprise a receiver system, e.g., a wave-receiving transducer such as an electromagnetic wave receiver (such as a CCD, CMOS, capacitor plate or antenna) or an ultrasonic transducer, for receiving waves from a space above a seat portion of the seat and a processor coupled to the receiver system for generating a signal representative of the position of the occupant or part thereof based on the waves received by the receiver system. The determining unit can include a transmitter for transmitting waves into the space above the seat portion of the seat which are receivable by the receiver system. The receiver system may be mounted in various positions in the vehicle, including in a door of the vehicle, in which case, the distance between the occupant and the door would be determined, i.e., to determine whether the occupant is leaning against the door, and possibly adjacent the airbag module if it is situated in the door, or elsewhere in the vehicle. The control unit is designed to suppress deployment of the airbag, control the time at which deployment of the airbag starts, control the rate of gas flow into the airbag, control the rate of gas flow out of the airbag and/or control the rate of deployment of the airbag. Another arrangement for controlling deployment of an airbag comprises a determining unit for determining whether an occupant is present in the seat, and a control unit coupled to the determining unit for controlling deployment of the airbag based on whether an occupant is present in the seat, e.g., to suppress deployment if the seat is unoccupied. The determining unit may comprise a receiver system, e.g., a wave-receiving transducer such as an ultrasonic transducer, CCD, CMOS, capacitor plate, capacitance sensor or antenna, for receiving waves from a space above a seat portion of the seat and a processor coupled to the receiver system for generating a signal representative of the presence or absence of an occupant in the seat based on the waves received by the receiver system. The determining unit may optionally include a transmitter for transmitting waves into the space above the seat portion of the seat which are receivable by the receiver system. Further, the determining unit may be designed to determine the position of the occupant or a part thereof when an occupant is in the seat in which case, the control unit is arranged to control deployment of side airbag based on the determined position of the occupant or part thereof. A method disclosed above for controlling deployment of an occupant restraint system in a vehicle comprises the steps of transmitting electromagnetic waves toward an occupant seated in a passenger compartment of the vehicle from one or more locations, obtaining a plurality of images of the interior of the passenger compartment, each from a respective location, analyzing the images to determine the distance between the occupant and the occupant restraint system, and controlling deployment of the occupant restraint system based on the determined distance between the occupant and the occupant restraint system. The images may be analyzed by comparing data from the images of the interior of the passenger compartment with data from stored images representing different arrangements of objects in the passenger compartment to determine which of the stored images match most closely to the images of the interior of the passenger compartment, each stored image having associated data relating to the distance between the occupant in the image and the occupant restraint system. The image comparison step may entail inputting the images or a form thereof into a neural network which provides for each image of the interior of the passenger compartment, an index of a stored image that most closely matches the image of the interior of the passenger compartment. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the weight of the occupant on a seat is measured and deployment of the occupant restraint system is controlled based on the determined distance between the occupant and the occupant restraint system and the measured weight of the occupant. Other embodiments disclosed above are directed to methods and arrangements for controlling deployment of an airbag. One exemplifying embodiment of an arrangement for controlling deployment of an airbag from an airbag module to protect an occupant in a seat of a vehicle in a crash comprises a determining unit for determining the position of the occupant or a part thereof, and control means coupled to the determining unit for controlling deployment of the airbag based on the determined position of the occupant or part thereof. The determining unit may comprise a receiver system, e.g., a wave-receiving transducer such as an electromagnetic wave receiver (such as a SAW, CCD, CMOS, capacitor plate or antenna) or an ultrasonic transducer, for receiving waves from a space above a seat portion of the seat and a processor coupled to the receiver system for generating a signal representative of the position of the occupant or part thereof based on the waves received by the receiver system. The determining unit can include a transmitter for transmitting waves into the space above the seat portion of the seat which are receivable by the receiver system. The receiver system may be mounted in various positions in the vehicle, including in a door of the vehicle, in which case, the distance between the occupant and the door would be determined, i.e., to determine whether the occupant is leaning against the door, and possibly adjacent the airbag module if it is situated in the door, or elsewhere in the vehicle. The control unit is designed to suppress deployment of the airbag, control the time at which deployment of the airbag starts, control the rate of gas flow into the airbag, control the rate of gas flow out of the airbag and/or control the rate of deployment of the airbag. Furthermore, disclosed above are methods for controlling a system in the vehicle based on an occupying item in which at least a portion of the passenger compartment in which the occupying item is situated is irradiated, radiation from the occupying item are received, e.g., by a plurality of sensors or transducers each arranged at a discrete location, the received radiation is processed by a processor in order to create one or more electronic signals characteristic of the occupying item based on the received radiation, each signal containing a pattern representative and/or characteristic of the occupying item and each signal is then categorized by utilizing pattern recognition techniques for recognizing and thus identifying the class of the occupying item. In the pattern recognition process, each signal is processed into a categorization thereof based on data corresponding to patterns of received radiation stored within the pattern recognition system and associated with possible classes of occupying items of the vehicle. Once the signal(s) is/are categorized, the operation of the system in the vehicle may be affected based on the categorization of the signal(s), and thus based on the occupying item. If the system in the vehicle is a vehicle communication system, then an output representative of the number of occupants and/or their health or injury state in the vehicle may be produced based on the categorization of the signal(s) and the vehicle communication system thus controlled based on such output Similarly, if the system in the vehicle is a vehicle entertainment system or heating and air conditioning system, then an output representative of specific seat occupancy may be produced based on the categorization of the signal(s) and the vehicle entertainment system or heating and air conditioning system thus controlled based on such output. In one embodiment designed to ensure safe operation of the vehicle, the attentiveness of the occupying item is determined from the signal(s) if the occupying item is an occupant, and in addition to affecting the system in the vehicle based on the categorization of the signal, the system in the vehicle is affected based on the determined attentiveness of the occupant. Also in accordance with the invention, an occupant protection device control system comprises a vehicle seat provided for a vehicle occupant and movable relative to a chassis of the vehicle, at least one motor for moving the seat, a processor for controlling the motor(s) to move the seat, a memory unit for retaining an occupant pre-defined seat locations, a memory actuation unit for causing the processor to direct the motor(s) to move the seat to the occupant pre-defined seat location retained in the memory unit, measuring apparatus for measuring at least one morphological characteristic of the occupant, an automatic adjustment system coupled to the processor for positioning the seat based on the morphological characteristic(s) measured by the measuring apparatus (if and when a change in positioning is required), a manual adjustment system coupled to the processor manually operable for permitting movement of the seat and an actuatable occupant protection device for protecting the occupant. The processor is arranged to control actuation of the occupant protection device based on the position of the seat wherein location of the occupant relative to the occupant protection device is related to the position of the seat. This relationship can be determined by approximation and analysis, e.g., obtained during a training and programming stage. More particularly, the processor can be designed to suppress actuation of the occupant protection device when the position of the seat indicates that the occupant is more likely than not to be out-of-position for the actuation of the occupant protection device. Other factors can be considered by the processor when determining actuation of the occupant protection device. When the occupant protection device is an airbag system including airbag and enabling a variable inflation and/or deflation of the airbag, the processor can be designed to determine the inflation and/or deflation of the airbag based on the location of the occupant in view of the relationship between the location of the occupant and the position of the seat, e.g., varying an amount of gas flowing into the airbag during inflation or providing an exit orifice or valve arranged in the airbag and varying the size of the exit orifice or valve. The airbag may have an adjustable deployment direction, in which case, the processor can be designed to determine the deployment direction of the airbag based on the location of the occupant in view of the relationship between the location of the occupant and the position of the seat. Accordingly, a method for controlling an occupant protection device in a vehicle comprises the steps of acquiring data from at least one sensor relating to an occupant in a seat to be protected by the occupant protection device, classifying the type of occupant based on the acquired data, when the occupant is classified as an empty seat or a rear-facing child seat, disabling or adjusting deployment of the occupant protection device, otherwise classifying the size of the occupant based on the acquired data, determining the position of the occupant by means of one of a plurality of algorithms selected based on the classified size of the occupant using the acquired data, each of the algorithms being applicable for a specific size of occupant, and disabling or adjusting deployment of the occupant protection device when the determined position of the occupant is more likely to result in injury to the occupant if the occupant protection device were to deploy. The algorithms may be pattern recognition algorithms such as neural networks. Acquisition of data may be from a plurality of sensors arranged in the vehicle, each providing data relating to the occupancy state of the seat. Possible sensors include a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive sensor or other electromagnetic field monitoring sensor, a weight or other morphological characteristic detecting sensor and a seat position sensor. Further sensors include an electromagnetic wave sensor, an electric field sensor, a seat belt buckle sensor, a seatbelt payout sensor, an infrared sensor, an inductive sensor, a radar sensor, a weight distribution sensor, a reclining angle detecting sensor for detecting a tilt angle of the seat between a back portion of the seat and a seat portion of the seat, and a heartbeat sensor for sensing a heartbeat of the occupant. Classification of the type of occupant and the size of the occupant may be performed by a combination neural network created from a plurality of data sets, each data set representing a different occupancy state of the seat and being formed from data from the at least one sensor while the seat is in that occupancy state. A feedback loop may be used in which a previous determination of the position of the occupant is provided to the algorithm for determining a current position of the occupant. Adjustment of deployment of the occupant protection device when the occupant is classified as an empty seat or a rear-facing child seat may entail a depowered deployment, an oriented deployment and/or a late deployment. A gating function may be incorporated into the method whereby it is determined whether the acquired data is compatible with data for classification of the type or size of the occupant and when the acquired data is not compatible with the data for classification of the type or size of the occupant, the acquired data is rejected and new data is acquired. Another method for controlling a component in a vehicle entails acquiring data from at least one sensor relating to an occupant of a seat interacting with or using the component, determining an occupancy state of the seat based on the acquired data, periodically acquiring new data from the at least one sensor, for each time new data is acquired, determining the occupancy state of the seat based on the acquired new data and the determined occupancy state from a preceding time and controlling the component based on the determined occupancy state of the seal This thus involves use of a feedback loop. The determination of the occupancy state of the seat is performed using at least one pattern recognition algorithm such as a combination neural network. 15.3 Adapting the System to a Vehicle Model Disclosed above is a system for determining the occupancy state of a seat which comprises a plurality of transducers arranged in the vehicle, each transducer providing data relating to the occupancy state of the seat, and a processor or a processing unit (e.g., a microprocessor) coupled to the transducers for receiving the data from the transducers and processing the data to obtain an output indicative of the current occupancy state of the seat. The processor comprises a combination neural network algorithm created from a plurality of data sets, each representing a different occupancy state of the seat and being formed from data from the transducers while the seat is in that occupancy state. The combination neural network algorithm discussed above produces the output indicative of the current occupancy state of the seat upon inputting a data set representing the current occupancy state of the seat and being formed from data from the transducers. The algorithm may be a pattern recognition algorithm or neural network algorithm generated by a combination neural network algorithm-generating program. The processor may be arranged to accept only a separate stream of data from each transducer such that the stream of data from each transducer is passed to the processor without combining with another stream of data. Further, the processor may be arranged to process each separate stream of data independent of the processing of the other streams of data. The transducers may be selected from a wide variety of different sensors, all of which are affected by the occupancy state of the seat. That is, different combinations of known sensors can be utilized in the many variations of the invention. For example, the sensors used in the invention may include a weight sensor arranged in the seat, a reclining angle detecting sensor for detecting a tilt angle of the seat between a back portion of the seat and a seat portion of the seat, a seat position sensor for detecting the position of the seat relative to a fixed reference point in the vehicle, a heartbeat sensor for sensing a heartbeat of an occupying item of the seat, a capacitive sensor, an electric field sensor, a seat belt buckle sensor, a seatbelt payout sensor, an infrared sensor, an inductive sensor, a motion sensor, a chemical sensor such as a carbon dioxide sensor and a radar sensor. The same type of sensor could also be used, preferably situated in a different location, but possibly in the same location for redundancy purposes. For example, the system may include a plurality of weight sensors, each measuring the weight applied onto the seat at a different location. Such weight sensors may include a weight sensor, such as a strain gage or bladder, arranged to measure displacement of a surface of a seat portion of the seat and/or a strain, force or pressure gage arranged to measure displacement of the entire seat. In the latter case, the seat includes a support structure for supporting the seat above a floor of a passenger compartment of the vehicle whereby the strain gage can be attached to the support structure. In some embodiments, the transducers include a plurality of electromagnetic wave sensors capable of receiving waves at least from a space above the seat, each electromagnetic wave sensor being arranged at a different location. Other wave or field sensors such as capacitive or electric field sensors can also be used. In other embodiments, the transducers include at least two ultrasonic sensors capable of receiving waves at least from a space above the seat bottom, each ultrasonic sensor being arranged at a different location. For example, one sensor is arranged on a ceiling of the vehicle and the other is arranged at a different location in the vehicle, preferably so that an axis connecting the sensors is substantially parallel to a second axis traversing a volume in the vehicle above the seat. The second sensor may be arranged on a dashboard or instrument panel of the vehicle. A third ultrasonic sensor can be arranged on an interior side surface of the passenger compartment while a fourth can be arranged on or adjacent an interior side surface of the passenger compartment. The ultrasonic sensors are capable of transmitting waves at least into the space above the seat. Further, the ultrasonic sensors are preferably aimed such that the ultrasonic fields generated thereby cover a substantial portion of the volume surrounding the seat. Horns or grills may be provided for adjusting the transducer field angles of the ultrasonic sensors to reduce reflections off of fixed surfaces within the vehicle or otherwise control the shape of the ultrasonic field. Other types of sensors can of course be placed at the same or other locations. The actual location or choice of the sensors can be determined by placing a significant number of sensors in the vehicle and removing those sensors which prove analytically to add little to system accuracy. The ultrasonic sensors can have different transmitting and receiving frequencies and be arranged in the vehicle such that sensors having adjacent transmitting and receiving frequencies are not within a direct ultrasonic field of each other. Another the system for determining the occupancy state of a seat in a vehicle includes a plurality of transducers arranged in the vehicle, each providing data relating to the occupancy state of the seat, and a processor coupled to the transducers for receiving only a separate stream of data from each transducer (such that the stream of data from each transducer is passed to the processor without combining with another stream of data) and processing the streams of data to obtain an output indicative of the current occupancy state of the seat. The processor comprises an algorithm created from a plurality of data sets, each representing a different occupancy state of the seat and being formed from separate streams of data, each only from one transducer, while the seat is in that occupancy state. The algorithm produces the output indicative of the current occupancy state of the seat upon inputting a data set representing the current occupancy state of the seat and being formed from separate streams of data, each only from one transducer. The processor preferably processes each separate stream of data independent of the processing of the other streams of data. In still another embodiment of the invention, the system includes a plurality of transducers arranged in the vehicle, each providing data relating to the occupancy state of the seat, and which include wave-receiving transducers and/or non-wave-receiving transducers. The system also includes a processor coupled to the transducers for receiving the data from the transducers and processing the data to obtain an output indicative of the current occupancy state of the seat. The processor comprises an algorithm created from a plurality of data sets, each representing a different occupancy state of the seat and being formed from data from the transducers while the seat is in that occupancy state. The algorithm produces the output indicative of the current occupancy state of the seat upon inputting a data set representing the current occupancy state of the seat and being formed from data from the transducers. In some of the embodiments of the invention described above, a combination or combinational neural network is used. The particular combination neural network can be determined by a process in which a number of neural network modules are combined in a parallel and a serial manner and an optimization program can be utilized to determine the best combination of such neural networks to achieve the highest accuracy Alternately, the optimization process can be undertaken manually in a trial and error manner. In this manner, the optimum combination of neural networks is selected to solve the particular pattern recognition and categorization objective desired. 15.4 Component Adjustment An arrangement for controlling deployment of a component in a vehicle in combination with the vehicle in accordance with the invention comprises measurement apparatus for measuring at least one morphological characteristic of an occupant, a processor coupled to the measurement apparatus for determining a new seat position based on the morphological characteristic(s) of the occupant, an adjustment system for adjusting the seat to the new seat position and a control unit coupled to the measurement apparatus and processor for controlling the component based on the measured morphological characteristic(s) of the occupant and the new seat position. The component could be a deployable occupant restraint device whereby the deployment of the occupant restraint device is controlled by the control unit. The processor may comprise a control circuit or module and can be arranged to determine a new position of a bottom portion and/or back portion of the seat. The adjustment system may comprise one or more motors for moving the seat or a portion thereof. A method for controlling a component in a vehicle comprises the steps of measuring at least one morphological characteristic of an occupant, obtaining a current position of at least a part of a seat on which the occupant is situated, for example the bottom portion and/or the back portion, and controlling the component based on the measured morphological characteristic(s) of the occupant and the current position of the seat. The morphological characteristic could be the height of the occupant (measured from the top surface of the seat bottom), the weight of the occupant, etc. One preferred embodiment of an adjustment system in accordance with the invention includes a plurality of wave-receiving sensors for receiving waves from the seat and its contents, if any, and one or more weight sensors for detecting weight of an occupant in the seat or an absence of weight applied onto the seat indicative of a vacant seat. The weight sensing apparatus may include strain sensors mounted on or associated with the seat structure such that the strain measuring elements respond to the magnitude of the weight of the occupying item. The apparatus also includes a processor for receiving the output of the wave-receiving sensors and the weight sensor(s) and for processing the outputs to evaluate a seated-state based on the outputs. The processor then adjusts a part of the component or the component in its entirety based at least on the evaluation of the seated-state of the seat. The wave-receiving sensors may be ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors or electromagnetic sensors. If the wave-receiving sensors are ultrasonic or optical sensors, then they may also include a transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic or optical waves toward the seat. If the component is a seat, the system includes a power unit for moving at least one portion of the seat relative to the passenger compartment and a control unit connected to the power unit for controlling the power unit to move the portion(s) of the seat. In this case, the processor may direct the control unit to affect the power unit based at least in part on the evaluation of the seated-state of the seat. With respect to the direction or regulation of the control unit by the processor, this may take the form of a regulation signal to the control unit that no seat adjustment is needed, e.g., if the seat is occupied by a bag of groceries or a child seat in a rear or forward-facing position as determined by the evaluation of the output from the ultrasonic or optical and weight sensors. On the other hand, if the processor determines that the seat is occupied by an adult or child for which adjustment of the seat is beneficial or desired, then the processor may direct the control unit to affect the power unit accordingly. For example, if a child is detected on the seat, the processor may be designed to lower the headrest. In certain embodiments, the apparatus may include one or more sensors each of which measures a morphological characteristic of the occupying item of the seat, e.g., the height or weight of the occupying item, and the processor is arranged to obtain the input from these sensors and adjust the component accordingly. Thus, once the processor evaluates the occupancy of the seat and determines that the occupancy is by an adult or child, then the processor may additionally use either the obtained weight measurement or conduct additional measurements of morphological characteristics of the adult or child occupant and adjust the component accordingly. The processor may be a single microprocessor for performing all of the ftuinctions described above. In the alternative, one microprocessor may be used for evaluating the occupancy of the seat and another for adjusting the component The processor may comprise an evaluation circuit implemented in hardware as an electronic circuit or in software as a computer program. In certain embodiments, a correlation function or state between the output of the various sensors and the desired result (i.e., seat occupancy identification and categorization) is determined, e.g., by a neural network that may be implemented in hardware as a neural computer or in software as a computer program. The correlation function or state that is determined by employing this neural network may also be contained in a microcomputer. In this case, the microcomputer can be employed as an evaluation circuit. The word circuit herein will be used to mean both an electronic circuit and the functional equivalent implemented on a microcomputer using software. In enhanced embodiments, a heart beat sensor may be provided for detecting the heart beat of the occupant and generating an output representative thereof. The processor additionally receives this output and evaluates the seated-state of the seat based in part thereon. In addition to or instead of such a heart beat sensor, a capacitive sensor and/or a motion sensor may be provided. The capacitive sensor detects the presence of the occupant and generates an output representative of the presence of the occupant. The motion sensor detects movement of the occupant and generates an output representative thereof. These outputs are provided to the processor for possible use in the evaluation of the seated-state of the seat. Also disclosed above is an arrangement for controlling a component in a vehicle in combination with the vehicle which comprises measurement apparatus for measuring at least one morphological characteristic of an occupant, a determination circuit or system for obtaining a current position of at least a part of a seat on which the occupant is situated, and a control unit coupled to the measurement apparatus and the determination system for controlling the component based on the measured morphological characteristic(s) of the occupant and the current position of the seat. The component may be an occupant restraint device such as an airbag whereby the control unit could control inflation and/or deflation of the airbag, e.g., the flow of gas into and/or out of the airbag, and/or the direction of deployment of the airbag. The component could also be a brake pedal, an acceleration pedal, a rear-view mirror, a side mirror and a steering wheel. The measurement apparatus might measure a plurality of morphological characteristics of the occupant, possibly including the height of the occupant by means of a height sensor arranged in the seat, and the weight of the occupant. A seat adjustment system can be provided, e.g., motors or actuators connected to various portions of the seat, and a memory unit in which the current position of the seat is stored. The adjustment system is coupled to the memory unit such that an adjusted position of the seat is stored in the memory unit. A processor is coupled to the measurement apparatus for determining an adjusted position of the seat for the occupant based on the measured morphological characteristic(s). The adjustment system is coupled to the processor such that the processor directs the adjustment system to move the seat to the determined adjusted position of the seat. The determination system may comprise a circuit, assembly or system for determining a current position of a bottom portion of the seat and/or a current position of a back portion of the seat. In addition to a security system, the individual recognition system can be used to control vehicular components, such as the mirrors, the seat, the anchorage point of the seatbelt, the airbag deployment parameters including inflation rate and pressure, inflation direction, deflation rate, time of inflation, the headrest, the steering wheel, the pedals, the entertainment system and the air-conditioning/ventilation system. In this case, the system includes a control unit coupled to the component for affecting the component based on the indication from the pattern recognition algorithm whether the person is the individual. In order to achieve these objects, a vehicle including a system for obtaining information about an object in the vehicle, comprises at least one resonator or reflector arranged in association with the object, each resonator emitting an energy signal upon receipt of a signal at an excitation frequency, a transmitter device for transmitting signals at least at the excitation frequency of each resonator, an energy signal detector for detecting the energy signal emitted by each resonator upon receipt of the signal at the excitation frequency, and a processor coupled to the detector for obtaining information about the object upon analysis of the energy signal detected by the detector. The information obtained about the object may be a distance between each resonator and the detector, which positional information is useful for controlling components in the vehicle such as the occupant restraint or protection device. If the object is a seat, the information obtained about the seat may be an indication of the position of the seat, the position of the back cushion of the seat, the position of the bottom cushion of the seat, the angular orientation of the seat, and other seat parameters. The resonator(s) may be arranged within the object and may be a SAW device, antenna and/or RFID tag. When several resonators are used, each may be designed to emit an energy signal upon receipt of a signal at a different excitation frequency. The resonators may be tuned resonators including an acoustic cavity or a vibrating mechanical element. In another embodiment, the vehicle comprises at least one reflector arranged in association with the object and arranged to reflect an energy signal, a transmitter for transmitting energy signals in a direction of each of reflector, an energy signal detector for detecting energy signals reflected by the reflector(s), and a processor coupled to the detector for obtaining information about the object upon analysis of the energy signal detected by the detector. The reflector may be a parabolic-shaped reflector, a corner cube reflector, a cube array reflector, an antenna reflector and other types of reflector or reflective devices. The transmitter may be an infrared laser system in which case, the reflector comprises an optical mirror. The information obtained about the object may be a distance between each reflector and the detector, which positional information is useful for controlling components in the vehicle such as the occupant restraint or protection device. If the object is a seat, the information obtained about the seat may be an indication of the position of the seat, the position of the back cushion of the seat, the position of the bottom cushion of the seat, the angular orientation of the seat, and other seat parameters. If the object is a seatbelt, the information obtained about the seatbelt may be an indication of whether the seatbelt is in use and/or the position of the seatbelt. If the object is a child seat, the information obtained about the child seat may be whether the child seat is present and whether the child seat is rear-facing, front-facing, etc. If the object is a window of the vehicle, the information obtained about the window may be an indication of whether the window is open or closed, or the state of openness. If the object is a door, a reflector may be arranged in a surface facing the door such that closure of the door prevents reflection of the energy signal from the reflector, whereby the information obtained about the door is an indication of whether the door is open or closed. Another embodiment of a motor vehicle detection system to achieve some of the above-listed objects comprises at least one transmitter for transmitting energy signals toward a target in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, at least one reflector arranged in association with the target, and at least one detector for detecting energy signals reflected by the reflector(s). A processor is optionally coupled to the detector(s) for obtaining information about the target upon analysis of the energy signal detected by the detector(s). In order to achieve objects of the invention, a control system for controlling an occupant restraint device effective for protection of an occupant of the seat comprises a receiving device arranged in the vehicle for obtaining information about contents of the seat and generating a signal based on any contents of the seat, a different signal being generated for different contents of the seat when such contents are present on the seat, an analysis unit such as a microprocessor coupled to the receiving device for analyzing the signal in order to determine whether the contents of the seat include a child seat, whether the contents of the seat include a child seat in a particular orientation and/or whether the contents of the seat include a child seat in a particular position, and a deployment unit coupled to the analysis unit for controlling deployment of the occupant restraint device based on the determination by the analysis unit. The analysis unit can be programmed to determine whether the contents of the seat include a child seat in a rear-facing position, in a forward-facing position, a rear-facing child seat in an improper orientation, a forward-facing child seat in an improper orientation, and the position of the child seat relative to one or more of the occupant restraint devices. The receiving device can include a wave transmitter for transmitting waves toward the seat, a wave receiver arranged relative to the wave transmitter for receiving waves reflected from the seat and a processor coupled to the wave receiver for generating the different signal for the different contents of the seat based on the received waves reflected from the seat. The wave receiver can comprise multiple wave receivers spaced apart from one another with the processor being programmed to process the reflected waves from each receiver in order to create respective signals characteristic of the contents of the seat based on the reflected waves. In this case, the analysis unit preferably categorizes the signals using for example a pattern recognition algorithm for recognizing and thus identifying the contents of the seat by processing the signals based on the reflected waves from the contents of the seat into a categorization of the signals characteristic of the contents of the seat. A system for obtaining information about an object in the vehicle comprises at least one resonator arranged in association with the object and which emits an energy signal upon receipt of a signal at an excitation frequency, a transmitter for transmitting signals at least at the excitation frequency of each resonator, an energy signal detector device for detecting the energy signal emitted by the resonator(s) upon receipt of the signal at the excitation frequency and a processor coupled to the detector device for obtaining information about the object upon analysis of the energy signal detected by the detector device. The information obtained about the object may be a distance between each resonator and the detector device or an indication of the position of the seat. The resonator may comprise a tuned resonator including an acoustic cavity or a vibrating mechanical element. When multiple resonators are used, each resonator is preferably designed to emit an energy signal upon receipt of a signal at a different excitation frequency. If the object is a seatbelt, the information obtained about the seatbelt may be an indication of whether the seatbelt is in use and/or an indication of the position of the seatbelt. If the object is a child seat, the information obtained about the child seat may be an indication of the orientation of the child seat and/or an indication of the position of the child seat. If the object is a window of the vehicle, the information obtained about the window may be an indication of whether the window is open or closed. If the object is a door, the resonator is arranged in a surface facing the door such that closure of the door prevents emission of the energy signal therefrom, in which case, the information obtained about the door is an indication of whether the door is open or closed. Accordingly, in order to achieve one or more of the objects above, an arrangement for controlling a component in a vehicle based on contents of a passenger compartment of the vehicle comprises at least one wave-receiving sensor arranged to receive waves from the passenger compartment, a processing circuit coupled to the wave-receiving sensor(s) and arranged to remove at least one portion of each wave received by the sensor(s) in a discrete period of time to thereby form a shortened returned wave, and a processor coupled to the processing circuit and arranged to receive data derived from the shortened returned waves formed by the processing circuit. The processor generates a control signal to control the component based on the data derived from the shortened returned waves formed by the processing circuit. The portion of the wave which is removed may be an initial wave portion starting from the beginning of the time period and/or an end wave portion at the end of the time period. When multiple sensors are provided, a sensor driver circuit may be coupled to the sensors for driving the wave-receiving sensors and a multiplex circuit coupled to the sensors for processing the waves received by the wave-receiving sensors. The multiplex circuit is switched in synchronization with a timing signal from the driver circuit. A band pass filter may be interposed between the sensor and the processing circuit for filtering waves at particular frequencies and noise from the waves received by the at least one wave-receiving sensor. An amplifier may be coupled to the band pass filter to amplify the waves provided by the band pass filter and an analog to digital converter (ADC) may be interposed between the amplifier and the processing circuit for removing a high frequency carrier wave component and generating an envelope wave signal. Another arrangement for controlling a component in a vehicle based on contents of a passenger compartment of the vehicle comprises a generating device for generating a succession of time windows, a receiving device for receiving waves from the passenger compartment during the time windows, a processing circuit coupled to the receiving device and arranged to remove at least one portion of each wave received by the receiving device in each time window to thereby form a shortened wave, and a processor coupled to the processing circuit and arranged to receive data derived from the shortened waves formed by the processing circuit. The processor generates a control signal to control the component based on the data derived from the shortened waves formed by the processing circuit. The same variations of the above-described arrangement may be used for this arrangement as well. A method for controlling a component in a vehicle based on contents of a passenger compartment of the vehicle in accordance with the invention comprises the steps of receiving waves from the passenger compartment, removing at least one portion of each received wave in a discrete period of time to thereby form a shortened wave, deriving data from the shortened waves, and generating a control signal to control the component based on the data derived from the shortened waves. The variations of the above-described arrangement may be used for this method as well. Another method for controlling a component in a vehicle based on contents of a passenger compartment of the vehicle comprises the steps of generating a succession of time windows, receiving waves from the passenger compartment during the time windows, removing at least one portion of each received wave in each time window to thereby form a shortened wave, deriving data from the shortened waves, and generating a control signal to control the component based on the data derived from the shortened waves. The variations of the above-described arrangement may be used for this method as well. A method for generating an algorithm capable of determining occupancy of a seat in accordance with the invention comprises the steps of mounting a plurality of wave-receiving sensors in the vehicle, obtaining data from the sensors while the seat has a particular occupancy, forming a vector from the data from the sensors obtained while the seat has a particular occupancy, repeatedly changing the occupancy of the seat and for each occupancy, repeating the steps of obtaining data from the sensors and forming a vector from the data, modifying the vectors by removing at least one portion of the wave received by each sensor during a discrete period of time, and generating the algorithm based on the modified vectors such that upon input from the sensors, the algorithm is capable of outputting a likely occupancy of the seat. The modified vectors may be normalized prior to generation of the algorithm. The modified vectors may be input into a compression circuit that reduces the magnitude of reflected signals from high reflectivity targets compared to those of low reflectivity. Further, a time gain circuit may be applied to the modified vectors to compensate for the difference in sonic strength received by the sensors based on the distance of the reflecting object from the sensor. Modification of the vectors may entail removing an initial portion of the wave during the time period and/or removing an end portion of the wave during the time period. The data may be obtained from sensors other than wave-receiving sensors including weight sensors, weight distribution sensors, seat buckle sensors, etc. Another method for controlling a component in a vehicle comprises the steps of acquiring data from at least one sensor relating to an occupant of a seat interacting with or using the component, identifying the occupant based on the acquired data, determining the position of the occupant based on the acquired data, controlling the component based on at least one of the identification of the occupant and the determined position of the occupant, periodically acquiring new data from the at least one sensor, and for each time new data is acquired, identifying the occupant based on the acquired new data and an identification from a preceding time and determining the position of the occupant based on the acquired new data and then controlling the component based on at least one of the identification of the occupant and the determined position of the occupant. This also involves use of a feedback loop. Determination of the position of the occupant based on the acquired new data may entail considering a determination of the position of the occupant from the preceding time. Identification of the occupant based on the acquired data may entail using data from a first subset of the plurality of sensors whereas the determination of the position of the occupant based on the acquired data may entail using data from a second subset of the plurality of sensors different than the first subset. Identification of the occupant based on the acquired data and the determination of the position of the occupant based on the acquired data may be performed using pattern recognition algorithms such as a combination neural network. Another method for controlling a component in a vehicle may comprise the steps of acquiring data from at least one sensor relating to an occupant of a seat interacting with or using the component, identifying an occupant based on the acquired data, determining the position of the occupant based on the acquired data, controlling the component based on at least one of the identification of the occupant and the determined position of the occupant, periodically acquiring new data from the at least one sensor, and for each time new data is acquired, identifying an occupant based on the acquired new data and determining the position of the occupant based on the acquired new data and a determination of the position of the occupant from a preceding time and then controlling the component based on at least one of the identification of the occupant and the determined position of the occupant. Another method for controlling a component in a vehicle comprises the steps of acquiring data from at least one sensor relating to an occupant of a seat interacting with or using the component, identifying the occupant based on the acquired data, when the occupant is identified as a child seat, determining the orientation of the child seat based on the acquired data, determining the position of the child seat by means of one of a plurality of algorithms selected based on the determined orientation of the child seat, each of the algorithms being applicable for a specific orientation of a child seat, and controlling the component based on the determined position of the child seat. When the occupant is identified as other than a child seat, the method entails determining at least one of the size and position of the occupant and controlling the component based on the at least one of the size and position of the occupant. 15.5 Weight, Biometrics The weight sensor arrangement can comprise a spring system arranged underneath a seat cushion and a sensor arranged in association with the spring system for generating a signal based on downward movement of the cushion caused by occupancy of the seat which is indicative of the weight of the occupying item. The sensor may be a displacement sensor structured and arranged to measure displacement of the spring system caused by occupancy of the seat. Such a sensor can comprise a spring retained at both ends and which is tensioned upon downward movement of the spring system and a measuring unit for measuring a force in the spring indicative of weight of the occupying item. The measuring unit can comprise a strain gage for measuring strain of the spring or a force-measuring device. The sensor may also comprise a support, a cable retained at one end by the support and a length-measuring device arranged at an opposite end of the cable for measuring elongation of the cable indicative of weight of the occupying item. The sensor can also comprises one or more SAW strain gages and/or structured and arranged to measure a physical state of the spring system. Furthermore, disclosed herein is, a vehicle seat comprises a cushion defining a surface adapted to support an occupying item, a spring system arranged underneath the cushion and a sensor arranged in association with the spring system for generating a signal based on downward movement of the cushion and/or spring system caused by occupancy of the seat which is indicative of the weight of the occupying item. The spring system may be in contact with the sensor. The sensor may be a displacement sensor structured and arranged to measure displacement of the spring system caused by occupancy of the seat. In the alternative, the sensor may be designed to measure deflection of a bottom of the cushion, e.g., placed on the bottom of the cushion. Instead of a displacement sensor, the sensor can comprise a spring retained at both ends and which is tensioned upon downward movement of the spring system and a measuring unit for measuring a force in the spring indicative of weight of the occupying item. Non-limiting constructions of the measuring unit include a strain gage for measuring strain of the spring or the measuring unit can comprise a force measuring device. The sensor can also comprises a support, a cable retained at one end by the support and a length-measuring device arranged at an opposite end of the cable for measuring elongation of the cable indicative of weight of the occupying item. In this case, the length measuring device may comprises a cylinder, a rod arranged in the cylinder and connected to the opposite end of the cable, a spring arranged in the cylinder and connected to the rod to resist elongation of the cable and windings arranged in the cylinder. The amount of coupling between the windings provides an indication of the extent of elongation of the cable. A strain gage can also be used to measure the change in length of the cable. In one particular embodiment, the sensor comprises one or more strain gages structured and arranged to measure a physical state of the spring system or the seat. Electrical connections such as wires connect the strain gage(s) to the control system. Each strain gage transducer may incorporate signal conditioning circuitry and an analog to digital converter such that the measured strain is output as a digital signal. Alternately, a surface acoustical wave (SAW) strain gage can be used in place of conventional wire, foil or silicon strain gages and the strain measured either wirelessly or by a wire connection. For SAW strain gages, the electronic signal conditioning can be associated directly with the gage or remotely in an electronic control module as desired. In a method for measuring weight of an occupying item on a seat cushion of a vehicle, a spring system is arranged underneath the cushion and a sensor is arranged in association with the cushion for generating a signal based on downward movement of the cushion and/or spring system caused, by the occupying item which is indicative of the weight of the occupying item. The particular constructions of the spring system and sensor discussed above can be implemented in the method. Another embodiment of a weight sensor system comprises a spring system adapted to be arranged underneath the cushion and extend between the supports and a sensor arranged in association with the spring system for generating a signal indicative of the weight applied to the cushion based on downward movement of the cushion and/or spring system caused by the weight applied to the seat. The particular constructions of the spring system and sensor discussed above can be implemented in this embodiment. An embodiment of a vehicle including an arrangement for controlling a component based on an occupying item of the vehicle comprises a cushion defining a surface adapted to support the occupying item, a spring system arranged underneath the cushion, a sensor arranged in association with the spring system for generating a signal indicative of the weight of the occupying item based on downward movement of the cushion and/or spring system caused by occupancy of the seat and a processor coupled to the sensor for receiving the signal indicative of the weight of the occupying item and generating a control signal for controlling the component. The particular constructions of the spring system and sensor discussed above can be implemented in this embodiment. The component may be an airbag module or several airbag modules, or any other type of occupant protection or restraint device. A method for controlling a component in a vehicle based on an occupying item comprises the steps of arranging a spring system arranged underneath a cushion on which the occupying item may rest, arranging a sensor in association with the cushion for generating a signal based on downward movement of the cushion and/or spring system caused by the occupying item which is indicative of the weight of the occupying item, and controlling the component based on the signal indicative of the weight of the occupying item. The particular constructions of the spring system and sensor discussed above can be implemented in this method. In one weight measuring method in accordance with the invention disclosed above, at least one strain gage transducer is mounted at a respective location on the support structure and provides a measurement of the strain of the support structure at that location, and the weight of the occupying item of the seat is determined based on the strain of the support structure measured by the strain gage transducer(s). In another method, the seat includes the slide mechanisms for mounting the seat to a substrate and bolts for mounting the seat to the slide mechanisms, the pressure exerted on the seat is measured by at least one pressure sensor arranged between one of the slide mechanisms and the seat. Each pressure sensor typically comprises first and second layers of shock absorbing material spaced from one another and a pressure sensitive material interposed between the first and second layers of shock absorbing material. The weight of the occupying item of the seat is determined based on the pressure measured by the at least one pressure sensor. In still another method for measuring the weight of an occupying item of a seat, a load cell is mounted between the seat and a substrate on which the seat is supported. The load cell includes a member and a strain gage arranged thereon to measure tensile strain therein caused by weight of an occupying item of the seat. The weight of the occupying item of the seat is determined based on the strain in the member measured by the strain gage. Naturally, the load cell can be incorporated at other locations in the seat support structure and need not be between the seat and substrate. In such a case, however, the seat would need to be especially designed for that particular mounting location. The seat would then become the weight measuring device. Disclosed above are apparatus for measuring the weight of an occupying item of a seat including at least one strain gage transducer, each mounted at a respective location on a support structure of the seat and arranged to provide a measurement of the strain of the support structure thereat. A control system is coupled to the strain gage tnansducer(s) for determining the weight of the occupying item of the seat based on the strain of the support structure measured by the strain gage transducer(s). The support structure of the seat is mounted to a substrate such as a floor pan of a motor vehicle. Electrical connection such as wires connect the strain gage transducer(s) to the control system. Each strain gage transducer may incorporate signal conditioning circuitry and an analog to digital converter such that the measured strain is output as a digital signal. The positioning of the strain gage transducer(s) depends in large part on the actual construction of the support structure of the seat. Thus, when the support structure comprises two elongate slide mechanisms adapted to be mounted on the substrate and support members for coupling the seat to the slide mechanisms, several strain gage transducers may be used, each arranged on a respective support member. If the support structure further includes a slide member, another strain gage transducer may be mounted thereon. It is advantageous to increase the accuracy of the strain gage transducers and/or concentrating the strain caused by occupancy of the seat and this may be accomplished, for example, by forming a support member from first and second tubes having longitudinally opposed ends and a third tube overlying the opposed ends of the first and second tubes and connected to the first and second tubes whereby a strain gage transducer is arranged on the third tube. Naturally, other structural shapes may be used in place of one or more of the tubes. Another disclosed embodiment of an apparatus for measuring the weight of an occupying item of a seat includes a load cell adapted to be mounted to the seat and to a substrate on which the seat is supported. The load cell includes a member and a strain gage arranged thereon to measure tensile (or compression) strain in the member caused by weight of an occupying item of the seat. A control system is coupled to the strain gage for determining the weight of an occupying item of the seat based on the strain in the member measured by the strain gage. If the member is a beam and the strain gage includes two strain sensing elements, then one strain-sensing element is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the beam and the other is arranged in a transverse direction of the beam. If four strain sensing elements are present, a first pair is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the beam and a second pair is arranged in a transverse direction of the beam. The member may be a tube in which case, a strain-sensing element is arranged on the tube to measure compressive strain in the tube and another strain sensing element is arranged on the tube to measure tensile strain in the tube. The member may also be an elongate torsion bar mounted at its ends to the substrate. In this case, the load cell includes a lever arranged between the ends of the torsion bar and connected to the seat such that a torque is imparted to the torsion bar upon weight being exerted on the seat. The strain gage thus includes a torsional strain-sensing element. In a method for measuring weight of an occupying item in a vehicle seat disclosed above, support members are interposed between the seat and slide mechanisms which enable movement of the seat and such that at least a portion of the weight of the occupying item passes through the support members, at least one of the support members is provided with a region having a lower stiffness than a remaining region, at least one strain gage transducer is arranged in the lower stiffness region of the support member to measure strain thereof and an indication of the weight of the occupying item is obtained based at least in part on the strain of the lower stiffness region of the support member measured by the strain gage transducer(s). The support member(s) may be formed by providing an elongate member and cutting around the circumference of the elongate member to thereby obtain the lower stiffness region or by other means. A vehicular arrangement for controlling a component based on an occupying item of the vehicle disclosed herein comprises a seat defining a surface adapted to contact the occupying item, slide mechanisms coupled to the seat for enabling movement of the seat, support members for supporting the seat on the slide mechanisms such that at least a portion of the weight of the occupying item passes through the support members. At least one of the support members has a region with a lower stiffness than a remaining region of the support member. A strain gage measurement system generates a signal indicative of the weight of the occupying item, and a processor coupled to the strain gage measurement system receives the signal indicative of the weight of the occupying item and generates a control signal for controlling the component. The strain gage measurement system includes at least one strain gage transducer arranged in the lower stiffness region of the support member to measure strain thereof. The component can be any vehicular component, system or subsystem which can utilize the weight of the occupying item of the seat for control, e.g., an airbag system. Another method for controlling a component in a vehicle based on an occupying item disclosed herein comprises the steps of interposing support members between a seat on which the occupying item may rest and slide mechanisms which enable movement of the seat and such that at least a portion of the weight of the occupying item passes through the support members, providing at least one of the support members with a region having a lower stiffness than a remaining region, arranging at least one strain gage transducer in the lower stiffness region of the support member to measure strain thereof, and controlling the component based at least in part on the strain of the lower stiffness region of the support member measured by the strain gage transducer(s). If the component is an airbag, the step of controlling the component can entail controlling the rate of deployment of the airbag, the start time of deployment, the inflation rate of the airbag, the rate of gas removal from the airbag and/or the maximum pressure in the airbag. In another weight measuring system, one or more of the connecting members which connect the seat to the slide mechanisms comprises an elongate stud having first and second threaded end regions and an unthreaded intermediate region between the first and second threaded end regions, the first threaded end region engaging the seat and the second threaded end region engaging one of the slide mechanisms, and a strain gage measurement system arranged on the unthreaded intermediate region for measuring strain in the connecting member at the unthreaded intermediate region which is indicative of weight being applied by an occupying item in the seat. The strain gage measurement system may comprises a SAW strain gage and associated circuitry and electric components capable of receiving a wave and transmitting a wave modified by virtue of the strain in the connecting member, e.g., an antenna, The connecting member can be made of a non-metallic, composite material to avoid problems with the electromagnetic wave propagation. An interrogator may be provided for communicating wirelessly with the SAW strain gage measurement system. Further, disclosed above is a vehicle seat structure which comprises a seat or cushion defining a surface adapted to contact an occupying item, slide mechanisms coupled to the seat for enabling movement of the seat, support members for supporting the seat on the slide mechanisms such that at least a portion of the weight of the occupying item passes through the support members. At least one of the support members has a region with a lower stiffness than a remaining region of the support member. The remaining regions of the support member are not necessarily the entire remaining portions of the support member and they may be multiple regions with a lower stiffness than other regions. A strain gage measurement system generates a signal indicative of the weight of the occupying item. The strain gage measurement system includes at least one strain gage transducer arranged in a lower stiffness region of the support member to measure strain thereof. The support member(s) may be tubular whereby the lower stiffness region has a smaller diameter than a diameter of the remaining region. If the support member is not tubular, the lower stiffness region may have a smaller circumference than a circumference of a remaining region of the support member. Each support member may have a fuist end connected to one of the slide mechanisms and a second end connected to the seat. Electrical connections, such as wires or electromagnetic waves which transfer power wirelessly, connect the strain gage transducer(s) to the control system. Each strain gage transducer may incorporate signal conditioning circuitry and an analog to digital converter such that the measured strain is output as a digital signal. Alternately, a surface acoustical wave (SAW) strain gage can be used in place of conventional wire, foil or silicon strain gages and the strain transmitted either wirelessly or by a wire connection. For SAW strain gages, the electronic signal conditioning can be associated directly with the gage or remotely in an electronic control module as desired. The strain gage measurement system preferably includes at least one additional strain gage transducer arranged on another support member and a control system coupled to the strain gage transducers for receiving the strain measured by the strain gage transducers and providing the signal indicative of the weight of the occupying item. Disclosed above is a vehicle seat structure comprising a seat defining a surface adapted to contact an occupying item and a weight sensor arrangement arranged in connection with the seat for providing an indication of the weight applied by the occupying item to the surface of the seat. The weight sensor arrangement includes conductive members spaced apart from one another such that a capacitance develops between opposed ones of the conductive members upon incorporation of the conductive members in an electrical circuit. The capacitance is based on the space between the conductive members which varies in relation to the weight applied by the occupying item to the surface of the seat. The weight sensor arrangement may include a pair of non-metallic substrates and a layer of material situated between the non-metallic substrates, possibly a compressible material. The conductive members may comprise a first electrode arranged on a first side of the material layer and a second electrode arranged on a second side of the material layer. The weight sensor arrangement may be arranged in connection with slide mechanisms adapted to support the seat on a substrate of the vehicle while enabling movement of the seat, possibly between the slide mechanisms and the seat. If bolts attach the seat to the slide mechanisms, the conductive members may be annular and placed on the bolts. Another embodiment of a seat structure comprises a seat defining a surface adapted to contact an occupying item, slide mechanisms adapted to support the seat on a substrate of the vehicle while enabling movement of the seat and a weight sensor arrangement interposed between the seat and the slide mechanisms for measuring displacement of the seat which provides an indication of the weight applied by the occupying item to the seat. The weight sensor arrangement can include a capacitance sensor which measures a capacitance which varies in relation to the displacement of the seat. The capacitance sensor can include conductive members spaced apart from one another such that a capacitance develops between opposed ones of the conductive members upon incorporation of the members in an electrical circuit, the capacitance being based on the space between the members which varies in relation to the weight applied by the occupying item to the seat. Another disclosed embodiment of an apparatus for measuring the weight of an occupying item of a seat includes slide mechanisms for mounting the seat to a substrate and bolts for mounting the seat to the slide mechanisms, the apparatus comprises at least one pressure sensor arranged between one of the slide mechanisms and the seat for measuring pressure exerted on the seat. Each pressure sensor may comprise first and second layers of shock absorbing material spaced from one another and a pressure sensitive material interposed between the first and second layers of shock absorbing material. A control system is coupled to the pressure sensitive material for determining the weight of the occupying item of the seat based on the pressure measured by the at least one pressure sensor. The pressure sensitive material may include an electrode on upper and lower faces thereof. One embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with invention includes a first measuring system for measuring a first morphological characteristic of the occupying item of the seat and a second measuring system for measuring a second morphological characteristic of the occupying item. Morphological characteristics include the weight of the occupying item, the height of the occupying item from the bottom portion of the seat and if the occupying item is a human, the arm length, head diameter and leg length. The apparatus also includes a processor for receiving the output of the first and second measuring systems and for processing the outputs to evaluate a seated-state based on the outputs. The measuring systems described herein, as well as any other conventional measuring systems, may be used in the invention to measure the morphological characteristics of the occupying item. In basic embodiments of the invention, wave or energy-receiving transducers are arranged in the vehicle at appropriate locations, trained if necessary depending on the particular embodiment (as described above), and function to determine whether a life form is present in the vehicle and if so, how many life forms are present, where they are located and their approximate sizes and perhaps some vital signs to indicate their health or injury state (breathing, pulse rate etc.). A determination can also be made using the transducers as to whether the life forms are humans, or more specifically, adults, child in child seats, etc. As noted above and below, this is possible using pattern recognition techniques. Moreover, the processor or processors associated with the transducers can be trained to determine the location of the life forms, either periodically or continuously or possibly only immediately before, during and after a crash. The location of the life forms can be as general or as specific as necessary depending on the system requirements. For example, a determination can be made that a human is situated on the driver's seat in a normal position (general) or a determination can be made that a human is situated on the driver's seat and is leaning forward and/or to the side at a specific angle as well as the position of his or her extremities and head and chest (specific). The degree of detail is limited by several factors, including among others the number and position of transducers and training of the pattern recognition algorithm. The weight measuring apparatus described above may be used in apparatus and methods for adjusting a vehicle component, although other weight measuring apparatus may also be used in the vehicle component adjusting systems and methods described immediately below. Furthermore, although the weight measuring system and apparatus described above are described for particular use in a vehicle, it is of course possible to apply the same constructions to measure the weight of an occupying item on other seats in non-vehicular applications, if a weight measurement is desired for some purpose. Briefly, the claimed inventions include methods and arrangements for detecting motion of objects in a vehicle and specifically motion of an occupant indicative of a heartbeat. Detection of the heartbeat of occupants is useful to provide an indication that a seat is occupied and can also prevent infant suffocation by automatically opening a vent or window when an infant's heartbeat is detected anywhere in the vehicle, e.g., either in the passenger compartment or the trunk, and the temperature in the vehicle is rising. Further, detection of motion or a heartbeat in the passenger compartment of the vehicle can be used to warn a driver that someone is hiding in the vehicle. The determination of the presence of human beings or other life forms in the vehicle can also used in various methods and arrangements for, e.g., controlling deployment of occupant restraint devices in the event of a vehicle crash, controlling heating and air-conditioning systems to optimize the comfort for any occupants, controlling an entertainment system as desired by the occupants, controlling a glare prevention device for the occupants, preventing accidents by a driver who is unable to safely drive the vehicle and enabling an effective and optimal response in the event of a crash (either oral directions to be communicated to the occupants or the dispatch of personnel to aid the occupants). Thus, one objective of the invention is to obtain information about occupancy of a vehicle and convey this information to remotely situated assistance personnel to optimize their response to a crash involving the vehicle and/or enable proper assistance to be rendered to the occupants after the crash. In order to achieve at least some of these objects, a vehicle including a system for analyzing motion of occupants of the vehicle in accordance with the invention comprises a wave-receiving system for receiving waves from spaces above seats of the vehicle in which the occupants would normally be situated and a processor coupled to the wave-receiving system for determining movement of any occupants based on the waves received by the wave-receiving system. The wave-receiving system may be arranged on a rear view mirror of the vehicle, in a headliner, roof, ceiling or windshield header of the vehicle, in an A-Pillar or B-Pillar of the vehicle, above a top surface of an instrument panel of the vehicle, and in connection with a steering wheel of the vehicle or an airbag module of the vehicle. The wave-receiving system may comprise a single axis antenna for receiving waves from spaces above a plurality of the seats in the vehicle or means for generating a scanning radar beam. The processor can be programmed to determine the location of at least one of the head, chest and torso of any occupants. If it determines the location of the head of any occupants, it could monitor the position of the head of any occupants to determine whether the occupant is falling asleep or becoming incapacitated. If it determines a position of any occupants at several time intervals, it could enable a determination of movement of any occupants to be obtained based on differences between the position of any occupants over time. A vehicle including a system for operating the vehicle by a driver in accordance with the invention comprises a wave-receiving system for receiving waves from a space above a seat in which the driver is situated, a processor coupled to the wave-receiving system for determining movement of the driver based on the waves received by the wave-receiving system and ascertaining whether the driver has become unable to operate the vehicle and a reactive system coupled to the processor for taking action to effect a change in the operation of the vehicle upon a determination that the driver has become unable to operate the vehicle. The wave-receiving system may be arranged on a rear view mirror of the vehicle, in a headliner, roof, ceiling or windshield header of the vehicle, in an A-Pillar or B-Pillar of the vehicle, above a top surface of an instrument panel of the vehicle, and in connection with a steering wheel of the vehicle or an airbag module of the vehicle. A method for regulating operation of the vehicle by a driver in accordance with invention comprises the steps of receiving waves from a space above a seat in which the driver is situated, determining movement of the driver based on the received waves, ascertaining whether the driver has become unable to operate the vehicle based on any movement of the driver or a part of the driver, and taking action to effect a change in the operation of the vehicle upon a determination that the driver has become unable to operate the vehicle. Such action can be the activation of an alarm, a warning device, a steering wheel correction device and/or a steering wheel friction increasing device which would make it harder to turn the steering wheel. 15.6 Telematics Among the inventions disclosed above is an arrangement for obtaining and conveying information about occupancy of a passenger compartment of a vehicle which comprises at least one occupant sensor, a generating system coupled to the occupant sensor for generating information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment based on the occupant sensor(s) and a communications device coupled to the generating system for tansmitting the information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment. As such, response personnel can receive the information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment and respond appropriately, if necessary. There may be several occupant sensors and they may be, e.g., ultrasonic wave-receiving sensors, electromagnetic wave-receiving sensors, electric field sensors, antenna near field modification sensing sensors, energy absorption sensors, capacitance sensors, or combinations thereof. The information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment can include the number of occupants in the passenger compartment, as well as whether each occupant is moving non-reflexively and breathing. A transmitter may be provided for transmitting waves into the passenger compartment such that each wave-receiving sensor receives waves transmitted from the transmitter and modified by passing into and at least partially through the passenger compartment. Waves may also be from natural sources such as the sun, from lights on a vehicle or roadway, or radiation naturally emitted from the occupant or other object in the vehicle. One or more memory units may be coupled to the generating system for storing the information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment and to the communications device. The communications device then can interrogate the memory unit(s) upon a crash of the vehicle to thereby obtain the information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment In one particularly useful embodiment, a system for determining the health state of at least one occupant is provided, e.g., a heartbeat sensor, a motion sensor such as a micropower impulse radar sensor for detecting motion of the at least one occupant and motion sensor for determining whether the occupant(s) is/are breathing, and coupled to the communications device. The communications device can interrogate the health state determining system upon a crash of the vehicle, or some other event or even continuously, to thereby obtain and transmit the health state of the occupant(s). The health state determining system can also comprise a chemical sensor for analyzing the amount of carbon dioxide in the passenger compartment or around the at least one occupant or for detecting the presence of blood in the passenger compartment. Movement of the occupant can be determined by monitoring the weight distribution of the occupant(s), or an analysis of waves from the space occupied by the occupant(s). Each wave-receiving sensor generates a signal representative of the waves received thereby and the generating system may comprise a processor for receiving and analyzing the signal from the wave-receiving sensor in order to generate the information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment. The processor can comprise a pattern recognition system for classifying an occupant of the seat so that the information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment includes the classification of the occupant. The wave-receiving sensor may be a micropower impulse radar sensor adapted to detect motion of an occupant whereby the motion of the occupant or absence of motion of the occupant is indicative of whether the occupant is breathing. As such, the information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment generated by the generating system is an indication of whether the occupant is breathing. Also, the wave-receiving sensor may generate a signal representative of the waves received thereby and the generating system receive this signal over time and determine whether any occupants in the passenger compartment are moving. As such, the information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment generated by the generating system includes the number of moving and non-moving occupants in the passenger compartment. A related method for obtaining and conveying information about occupancy of a passenger compartment of a vehicle comprises the steps of receiving waves from the passenger compartment, generating information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment based on the received waves, and transmitting the information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment whereby response personnel can receive the information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment. Waves may be transmitted into the passenger compartment whereby the transmitted waves are modified by passing into and at least partially through the passenger compartment and then received. The information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment may be stored in at least one memory unit which is subsequently interrogated upon a crash of the vehicle to thereby obtain the information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment and thereafter the information with or without pictures of the passenger compartment before, during and/or after a crash or other event can be sent to a remote location such as an emergency services personnel station. A signal representative of the received waves can be generated by sensors and analyzed in order to generate the information about the state of health of at least one occupant of the passenger compartment and/or to generate the information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment (i.e., determine non-reflexive movement and/or breathing indicating life). Pattern recognition techniques, e.g., a trained neural network, can be applied to analyze the signal and thereby recognize and identify any occupants of the passenger compartment. In this case, the identification of the occupants of the passenger compartment can be included into the information about the occupancy of the passenger compartment. 15.7 Entertainment Disclosed above is also an arrangement for controlling audio reception by at least one occupant of a passenger compartment of the vehicle which comprises a monitoring system for determining the position of the occupant(s) and a sound generating system coupled to the monitoring system for generating specific sounds. The sound generating system is automatically adjustable based on the determined position of the occupant(s) such that the specific sounds are audible to the occupant(s). The sound generating system may utilize hypersonic sound, e.g., comprise one or more pairs of ultrasonic frequency generators for generating ultrasonic waves whereby for each pair, the ultrasonic frequency generators generate ultrasonic waves which mix to thereby create new audio frequencies. Each pair of ultrasonic frequency generators is controlled independently of the others so that each of the occupants is able to have different new audio frequencies created. For noise cancellation purposes, the vehicle can include a system for detecting the presence and direction of unwanted noise whereby the sound generating system is coupled to the unwanted noise presence and detection system and direct sound to prevent reception of the unwanted noise by the occupant(s). If the sound generating system comprises speakers, the speakers may be controllable based on the determined positions of the occupants such that at least one speaker directs sounds toward each occupant. The monitoring system may be any type of system which is capable of determining the location of the occupant, or more specifically, the location of the head or ears of the occupants. For example, the monitoring system may comprise at least one wave-receiving sensor for receiving waves from the passenger compartment, and a processor coupled to the wave-receiving sensor(s) for determining the position of the occupant(s) based on the waves received by the wave-receiving sensor(s). The monitoring system can also determine the position of objects other than the occupants and control the sound generating system in consideration of the determined position of the objects. A method for controlling audio reception by occupants in a vehicle comprises the steps of determining the position of at least one occupant of the vehicle, providing a sound generator for generating specific sounds and automatically adjusting the sound generator based on the determined position of the occupant(s) such that the specific sounds are audible to the occupant(s). The features of the arrangement described above may be used in the method. Another arrangement for controlling audio reception by occupants of a passenger compartment of the vehicle comprises a monitoring system for determining the presence of any occupants and a sound generating system coupled to the monitoring system for generating specific sounds. The sound generating system is automatically adjustable based on the determined presence of any occupants such that the specific sounds are audible to any occupants present in the passenger compartment. The monitoring system and sound generating system may be as in the arrangement described above. However, in this case, the sound generating system is controlled based on the determined presence of the occupants. All of the above-described methods and apparatus may be used in conjunction with one another and in combination with the methods and apparatus for optimizing the driving conditions for the occupants of the vehicle described herein. 15.8 Vehicle Operation Another invention disclosed above is a system for controlling operation of a vehicle based on recognition of an authorized individual comprises a processor embodying a pattern recognition algorithm, as defined above, trained to identify whether a person is the individual by analyzing data derived from images and one or more optical receiving units for receiving an optical image including the person and deriving data from the image. Each optical receiving unit is coupled to the processor to provide the data to the pattern recognition algorithm to thereby obtain an indication from the pattern recognition algorithm whether the person is the individual. A security system is arranged to enable operation of the vehicle when the pattern recognition algorithm provides an indication that the person is an individual authorized to operate the vehicle and prevent operation of the vehicle when the pattern recognition algorithm does not provide an indication that the person is an individual authorized to operate the vehicle. An optional optical transmitting unit is provided in the vehicle for transmitting electromagnetic energy and is arranged relative to the optical receiving unit(s) such that electromagnetic energy transmitted by the optical transmitting unit is reflected by the person and received by at least one of the optical receiving units. The optical receiving units may be selected from a group consisting of a CCD array, a CMOS array, a QWIP array, an active pixel camera and an HDRC camera. Other types of two or three-dimensional cameras can also be used. A method for controlling operation of a vehicle based on recognition of a person as one of a set of authorized individuals comprises the steps of obtaining images including the authorized individuals by means of one or more optical receiving unit, deriving data from the images, training a pattern recognition algorithm on the data derived from the images which is capable of identifying a person as one of the individuals, then subsequently obtaining images by means of the optical receiving unit(s), inputting data derived from the images subsequently obtained by the optical receiving unit(s) into the pattern recognition algorithm to obtain an indication whether the person is one of the set of authorized individuals, and providing a security system which enables operation of the vehicle when the pattern recognition algorithm provides an indication that the person is one of the set of individuals authorized to operate the vehicle and prevents operation of the vehicle when the pattern recognition algorithm does not provide an indication that the person is one of the set of individuals authorized to operate the vehicle. The data derivation from the images may entail any number of image processing techniques including eliminating pixels from the images which are present in multiple images and comparing the images with stored arrays of pixels and eliminating pixels from the images which are present in the stored arrays of pixels. The method can also be used to control a vehicular component based on recognition of a person as one of a predetermined set of particular individuals. This method includes the step of affecting the component based on the indication from the pattern recognition algorithm whether the person is one of the set of individuals. The components may be one or more of the following: the mirrors, the seat, the anchorage point of the seatbelt, the airbag deployment parameters including inflation rate and pressure, inflation direction, deflation rate, time of inflation, the headrest, the steering wheel, the pedals, the entertainment system and the air-conditioning/ventilation system. 15.9 Exterior Monitoring Another monitoring arrangement comprises an imaging device for obtaining three-dimensional images of the environment (internal and/or external) and a processor embodying a pattern recognition technique for processing the three-dimensional images to determine at least one characteristic of an object in the environment based on the three-dimensional images obtained by the imaging device. The imaging device can be arranged at locations throughout the vehicle as described above. Control of a reactive component is enabled by the determination of the characteristic of the object. Another arrangement for monitoring objects in or about a vehicle comprises a generating device for generating a first signal having a first frequency in a specific radio frequency range, a wave transmitter arranged to receive the signal and transmit waves toward the objects, a wave-receiver arranged relative to the wave transmitter for receiving waves transmitted by the wave transmitter after the waves have interacted with an object, the wave receiver being arranged to generate a second signal based on the received waves at the same frequency as the first signal but shifted in phase, and a detector for detecting a phase difference between the first and second signals, whereby the phase difference is a measure of a property of the object. The phase difference is a measure of the distance between the object and the wave receiver and the wave transmitter. The wave transmitter may comprise an infrared driver and the receiver comprises an infrared diode. A vehicle including an arrangement for measuring position of an object in an environment of or about the vehicle comprises a light source capable of directing modulated light into the environment, at least one light-receiving pixel arranged to receive the modulated light after reflection by any objects in the environment and a processor for determining the distance between any objects from which the modulated light is reflected and the light source based on the reception of the modulated light by the pixel(s). The pixels can constitute an array. Components for modulating a frequency of the light being directed by the light source into the environment and for providing a correlation pattern in a form of code division modulation of the light being directed by the light source into the environment can be provided. The pixel can also be a photo diode such as a PIN or avalanche diode. All of the above-described methods and apparatus may be used in conjunction with one another and in combination with the methods and apparatus for optimizing the driving conditions for the occupants of the vehicle described herein. Although several preferred embodiments are illustrated and described above, there are possible combinations using other geometries, sensors, materials and different dimensions for the components that perform the same functions. This invention is not limited to the above embodiments and should be determined by the following claims. There are also numerous additional applications in addition to those described above. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification and the accompanying drawings which disclose the preferred embodiments thereof. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the following claims. Appendix 1 Analysis of Neural Network Training and Data Preprocessing Methods—An Example 1. Introduction The Artificial Neural Network that forms the “brains” of the Occupant Spatial Sensor needs to be trained to recognize airbag enable and disable patterns. The most important part of this training is the data that is collected in the vehicle, which provides the patterns corresponding to these respective configurations. Manipulation of this data (such as filtering) is appropriate if this enhances the information contained in the data Important too, are the basic network architecture and training methods applied, as these two determine the learning and generalization capabilities of the neural network. The ultimate test for all methods and filters is their effect on the network performance against real world situations. The Occupant Spatial Sensor (OSS) uses an artificial neural network (ANN) to recognize patterns that it has been trained to identify as either airbag enable or airbag disable conditions. The pattern is obtained from four ultrasonic transducers that cover the front passenger seating area. This pattern consists of the ultrasonic echoes from the objects in the passenger seat area. The signal from each of the four transducers consists of the electrical image of the return echoes, which is processed by the electronics. The electronic processing comprises amplification (logarithmic compression), rectification, and demodulation (band pass filtering), followed by discretization (sampling) and digitization of the signal. The only software processing required, before this signal can be fed into the artificial neural network, is normalization (i.e. mapping the input to numbers between 0 and 1). Although this is a fair amount of processing, the resulting signal is still considered “raw”, because all information is treated equally. It is possible to apply one or more software preprocessing filters to the raw signal before it is fed into the artificial neural network. The purpose of such filters is to enhance the useful information going into the ANN, in order to increase the system performance. This document describes several preprocessing filters that were applied to the ANN training of a particular vehicle. 2. Data Description The performance of the artificial neural network is dependent on the data that is used to train the network. The amount of data and the distribution of the data within the realm of possibilities are known to have a large effect on the ability of the network to recognize patterns and to generalize. Data for the OSS is made up of vectors. Each vector is a combination of the useful parts of the signals collected from four ultrasonic transducers. A typical vector could comprise on the order of 100 data points, each representing the (time displaced) echo level as recorded by the ultrasonic transducers. Three different sets of data are collected. The first set, the training data, contains the patterns that the ANN is being trained on to recognize as either an airbag deploy or non-deploy scenario. The second set is the independent test data. This set is used during the network training to direct the optimization of the network weights. The third set is the validation (or real world) data This set is used to quantify the success rate (or performance) of the finalized artificial neural network. FIG. 84 shows the main characteristics of these three data sets, as collected for the vehicle. Three numbers characterize the sets. The number of configurations characterizes how many different subjects and objects were used. The number of setups is the product of the number of configurations and the number of vehicle interior variations (seat position and recline, roof and window state, etc.) performed for each configuration. The total number of vectors is then made up of the product of the number of setups and the number of patterns collected while the subject or object moves within the passenger volume. 1.1 Training Data Set Characteristics The training data set can be split up in various ways into subsets that show the distribution of the data. FIG. 85 shows the distribution of the training set amongst three classes of passenger seat occupancy: Empty Seat, Human Occupant, and Child Seat. All human occupants were adults of various sizes. No children were part of the training data set other then those seated in Forward Facing Child Seats. FIG. 86 shows a further breakup of the Child Seats into Forward Facing Child Seats, Rearward Facing Child Seats, Rearward Facing Infant Seats, and out-of-position Forward Facing Child Seats. FIG. 87 shows a different type of distribution; one based on the environmental conditions inside the vehicle. 1.2 Independent Test Data Characteristics The independent test data is created using the same configurations, subjects, objects, and conditions as used for the training data set. Its makeup and distributions are therefore the same as those of the training data set. 1.3 Validation Data Characteristics The distribution of the validation data set into its main subsets is shown in FIG. 88. This distribution is close to that of the training data set. However, the human occupants comprised both children (12% of total) as well as adults (27% of total). FIG. 89 shows the distribution of human subjects. Contrary to the training and independent test data sets, data was collected on children ages 3 and 6 that were not seated in a child restraint of any kind. FIG. 90 shows the distribution of the child seats used. On the other hand, no data was collected on Forward Facing Child Seats that were out-of-position. The child and infant seats used in this data set are different from those used in the training and independent test data sets. The validation data was collected with varying environmental conditions as shown in FIG. 91. 3. Network Training The baseline network consisted of a four layer back-propagation network with =117 input layer nodes, 20 and 7 nodes respectively in the two hidden layers, and 1 output layer node. The input layer is made up of inputs from four ultrasonic transducers. These were located in the vehicle on the rear quarter panel (A), the A-pillar (B), and the over-head console (C, H). FIG. 92 shows the number of points, taken from each of these channels that make up one vector. The artificial neural network is implemented using the ISR Software. The method used for training the decision mathematical model was back-propagation with Extended Delta-Bar-Delta learning rule and sigmoid transfer function. The Extended DBD paradigm uses past values of the gradient to infer the local curvature of the error surface. This leads to a learning rule in which every connection has a different learning rate and a different momentum term, both of which are automatically calculated. The network was trained using the above-described training and independent test data sets. An optimum (against the independent test set) was found after 3,675,000 training cycles. Each training cycle uses 30 vectors (known as the epoch), randomly chosen from the 650,000 available training set vectors. FIG. 93 shows the performance of the baseline network. The network performance has been further analyzed by investigating the success rates against subsets of the independent test set. The success rate against the airbag enable conditions at 94.6% is virtually equal to that against the airbag disable conditions at 94.4%. FIG. 94 shows the success rates for the various occupancy subsets. FIG. 95 shows the success rates for the environmental conditions subsets. Although the distribution of this data was not entirely balanced throughout the matrix, it can be concluded that the system performance is not significantly degraded by heat sources. 3.1 Normalization Normalization is used to scale the real world data range into a range acceptable for the network training. The NeuralWorks software requires the use of a scaling factor to bring the input data into a range of 0 to 1, inclusive. Several normalization methods have been explored for their effect on the system performance. The real world data consists of 12 bit, digitized signals with values between 0 and 4095. FIG. 96 shows a typical raw signal. A raw vector consists of combined sections of four signals. Three methods of normalization of the individual vectors have been investigated: a. Normalization using the highest and lowest value of the entire vector (baseline). b. Normalization of the transducer channels that make up the vector, individually. This method uses the highest and lowest values of each channel. c. Normalization with a fixed range ([0,4095]). The results of the normalization study are summarized in FIG. 97. A higher performance results from normalizing across the entire vector versus normalizing per channel. This can be explained from the fact that the baseline method retains the information contained in the relative strength of the signal from one transducer compared to another. This information is lost when using the second method. Normalization using a fixed range retains the information contained in the relative strength of one vector compared to the next. From this it could be expected that the performance of the network trained with fixed range normalization would increase over that of the baseline method. However, without normalization, the input range is, as a rule, not from zero to the maximum value (see FIG. 97). The absolute value of the data at the input layer affects the network weight adjustment (see equations [1] and [2]). During network training, vectors with a smaller input range will affect the weights calculated for each processing element (neuron) differently than vectors that do span the full range. Δwij[S]=lcoef−ej[s]·xi[s−1] [1] ej[s]=xj[s]·(1.0−xj[s])·Δk(ek[s+1]·wkj[s+1]) [2] Δwij[s] is the change in the network weights; lcoef is the learning coefficient; ej[s] is the local error at neuron j in layer s; xl[s] is the current output state of neuron j in layer s. Variations in the highest and lowest values in the input layer, therefore, have a negative effect on the training of the network. This is reflected in a lower performance against the validation data set. A secondary effect of normalization is that it increases the resolution of the signal by stretching it out over the full range of 0 to 1, inclusive. As the network predominantly learns from higher peaks in the signal, this results in better generalization capabilities and therefore in a higher performance. It must be concluded that the effects of the fixed range of input values and the increased resolution resulting from the baseline normalization method have a stronger effect on the network training than retaining the information contained in the relative vector strength. 3.2 Low Threshold Filters Not all information contained in the raw signals can be considered useful for network training. Low amplitude echoes are received back from objects on the outskirts of the ultrasonic field that should not be included in the training data. Moreover, low amplitude noise, from various sources, is contained within the signal. This noise shows up strongest where the signal is weak. By using a low threshold filter, the signal to noise ratio of the vectors can be improved before they are used for network training. Three cutoff levels were used: 5%, 10%, and 20% of the signal maximum value (4095). The method used, brings the values below the threshold up to the threshold level. Subsequent vector normalization (baseline method) stretches the signal to the full range of [0,1]. The results of the low threshold filter study are summarized in FIG. 98. The performance of the networks trained with 5% and 10% threshold filter is similar to that of the baseline network. A small performance degradation is observed for the network trained with a 20% threshold filter. From this it is concluded that the noise level is sufficiently low to not affect the network training. At the same time it can be concluded that the lower 10% of the signal can be discarded without affecting the network performance. This allows the definition of demarcation lines on the outskirts of the ultrasonic field where the signal is equal to 10% of the maximum field strength 4. Network Types The baseline network is a back-propagation type network. Back-propagation is a general-purpose network paradigm that has been successfully used for prediction, classification, system modeling, and filtering as well as many other general types of problems. Back propagation learns by calculating an error between desired and actual output and propagating this error information back to each node in the network. This back-propagated error is used to drive the learning at each node. Some of the advantages of a back-propagation network are that it attempts to minimize the global error and that it can provide a very compact distributed representation of complex data sets. Some of the disadvantages are its slow learning and the irregular boundaries and unexpected classification regions due to the distributed nature of the network and the use of a transfer functions that is unbounded. Some of these disadvantages can be overcome by using a modified back-propagation method such as the Extended Delta-Bar-Delta paradigm. The EDBD algorithm automatically calculates the learning rate and momentum for each connection in the network, which facilitates optimization of the network training. Many other network architectures exist that have different characteristics than the baseline network. One of these is the Logicon Projection Network. This type of network combines the advantages of closed boundary networks with those of open boundary networks (to which the back-propagation network belongs). Closed boundary networks are fast learning because they can immediately place prototypes at the input data points and match all input data to these prototypes. Open boundary networks, on the other hand, have the capability to minimize the output error through gradient decent. 5. Conclusions The baseline artificial neural network trained to a success rate of 92.7% against the validation data set. This network has a four-layer back-propagation architecture and uses the Extended Delta-Bar-Delta learning rule and sigmoid transfer function. Pre-processing comprised vector normalization while post-processing comprised a “five consistent decision” filter. The objects and subjects used for the independent test data were the same as those used for the training data. This may have negatively affected the network's classification generalization abilities. The spatial distribution of the independent test data was as wide as that of the training data. This has resulted in a network that can generalize across a large spatial volume. A higher performance across a smaller volume, located immediately around the peak of the normal distribution, combined with a lower performance on the outskirts of the distribution curve, might be preferable. To achieve this, the distribution of the independent test set needs to be a reflection of the normal distribution for the system (a.k.a. native population). Modifying the pre-processing method or applying additional pre-processing methods did not show a significant improvement of the performance over that of the baseline network. The baseline normalization method gave the best results as it improves the learning by keeping the input values in a fixed range and increases the signal resolution. The lower threshold study showed that the network learns from the larger peaks in the echo pattern. Pre-processing techniques should be aimed at increasing the signal resolution to bring out these peaks. A further study could be performed to investigate combining a lower threshold with fixed range normalization, using a range less than full scale. This would force each vector to include at least one point at the lower threshold value and one value in saturation, effectively forcing each vector into a fixed range that can be mapped between 0 and 1, inclusive. This would have the positive effects associated with the baseline normalization, while retaining the information contained in the relative vector strength. Raw vectors points that, as a result of the scaling, would fall outside the range of 0 to 1 would then be mapped to 0 and 1 respectively. Post-processing should be used to enhance the network recognition ability with a memory function. The possibilities for such are currently frustrated by the necessity of one network performing both object classification as well as spatial locating functions. Performing the spatial locating function requires flexibility to rapidly update the system status. Object classification, on the other hand, benefits from decision rigidity to nullify the effect of an occasional pattern that is incorrectly classified by the network. Appendix 2 Process for Training an Ops System DOOP Network for a Specific Vehicle 1. Define customer requirements and deliverables 1.1. Number of zones 1.2. Number of outputs 1.3. At risk zone definition 1.4. Decision definition i.e. empty seat at risk, safe seating, or not critical and undetermined 1.5. Determine speed of DOOP decision 2. Develop PERT chart for the program 3. Determine viable locations for the transducer mounts 3.1. Manufacturability 3.2. Repeatability 3.3. Exposure (not able to damage during vehicle life) 4. Evaluate location of mount logistics 4.1. Field dimensions 4.2. Multipath reflections 4.3. Transducer Aim 4.4. Obstructions/Unwanted data 4.5. Objective of view 4.6. Primary DOOP transducers requirements 5. Develop documentation logs for the program (vehicle books) 6. Determine vehicle training variables 6.1. Seat track stops 6.2. Steering wheel stops 6.3. Seat back angles 6.4. DOOP transducer blockage during crash 6.5. Etc . . . 7. Determine and mark at risk zone in vehicle 8. Evaluate location physical impediments 8.1. Room to mount/hide transducers 8.2. Sufficient hard mounting surfaces 8.3. Obstructions 9. Develop matrix for training, independent, validation, and DOOP data sets 10. Determine necessary equipment needed for data collection 10.1. Child/booster/infant seats 10.2. Maps/razors/makeup 10.3. Etc . . . 11. Schedule sled tests for initial and final DOOP networks 12. Design test buck for DOOP 13. Design test dummy for DOOP testing 14. Purchase any necessary variables 14.1. Child/booster/infant seats 14.2. Maps/razors/makeup 14.3. Etc . . . 15. Develop automated controls of vehicle accessories 15.1. Automatic seat control for variable empty seat 15.2. Automatic seat back angle control for variable empty seat 15.3. Automatic window control for variable empty seat 15.4. Etc . . . 16. Acquire equipment to build automated controls 17. Build & install automated controls of vehicle variables 18. Install data collection aides 18.1. Thermometers 18.2. Seat track gauge 18.3. Seat angle gauge 18.4. Etc . . . 19. Install switched and fused wiring for: 19.1. Transducer pairs 19.2. Lasers 19.3. Decision Indicator Lights 19.4. System box 19.5. Monitor 19.6. Power automated control items 19.7. Thermometers, potentiometers 19.8. DOOP occupant ranging device 19.9. DOOP ranging indicator 19.10. Etc . . . 20. Write DOOP operating software for OPS system box 21. Validate DOOP operating software for OPS 22. Build OPS system control box for the vehicle with special DOOP operating software 23. Validate & document system control box 24. Write vehicle specific DOOP data collection software (pollbin) 25. Write vehicle specific DOOP data evaluation program (picgraph) 26. Evaluate DOOP data collection software 27. Evaluate DOOP data evaluation software 28. Load DOOP data collection software on OPS system box and validate 29. Load DOOP data evaluation software on OPS system box and validate 30. Train technicians on DOOP data collection techniques and use of data collection software 31. Design prototype mounts based on known transducer variables 32. Prototype mounts 33. Pre-build mounts 33.1. Install transducers in mounts 33.2. Optimize to eliminate crosstalk 33.3. Obtain desired field 33.4. Validate performance of DOOP requirements for mounts 34. Document mounts 34.1. Polar plots of fields 34.2. Drawings with all mount dimensions 34.3. Drawings of transducer location in the mount 35. Install mounts in the vehicle 36. Map fields in the vehicle using ATI designed apparatus and specification 37. Map performance in the vehicle of the DOOP transducer assembly 38. Determine sensor volume 39. Document vehicle mounted transducers and fields 39.1. Mapping per ATI specification 39.2. Photographs of all fields 39.3. Drawing and dimensions of installed mounts 39.4. Document sensor volume 39.5. Drawing and dimensions of aim & field 40. Using data collection software and OPS system box collect initial 16 sheets of training, independent, and validation data 41. Determine initial conditions for training the ANN 41.1. Normalization method 41.2. Training via back propagation or ? 41.3. Weights 41.4. Etc . . . 42. Pre-process data 43. Train an ANN on above data 44. Develop post processing strategy if necessary 45. Develop post processing software 46. Evaluate ANN with validation data and in vehicle analysis 47. Perform sled tests to confirm initial DOOP results 48. Document DOOP testing results and performance 49. Rework mounts and repeat steps 31 through 48 if necessary 50. Meet with customer and review program 51. Develop strategy for customer directed outputs 51.1. Develop strategy for final ANN multiple decision networks if necessary 51.2. Develop strategy for final ANN multiple layer networks if necessary 51.3. Develop strategy for DOOP layer/network 52. Design daily calibration jig 53. Build daily calibration jig 54. Develop daily calibration test 55. Document daily calibration test procedure &jig 56. Collect daily calibration tests 57. Document daily calibration test results 58. Rework vehicle data collection markings for customer directed outputs 58.1. Multiple zone identifiers for data collection 59. Schedule subjects for all data sets 60. Train subjects for data collection procedures 61. Using DOOP data collection software and OPS system box collect initial 16 sheets of training, independent, and validation data 62. Collect total amount of vectors deemed necessary by program directives, amount will vary as outputs and complexity of ANN varies 63. Determine initial conditions for training the ANN 63.1. Normalization method 63.2. Training via back propagation or ? 63.3. Weights 63.4. Etc . . . 64. Pre-process data 65. Train an ANN on above data 66. Develop post processing strategy 66.1. Weighting 66.2. Averaging 66.3. Etc . . . 67. Develop post processing software 68. Evaluate ANN with validation data 69. Perform in vehicle hole searching and analysis 70. Perform in vehicle non sled mounted DOOP tests 71. Determines need for further training or processing 72. Repeat steps 58 through 71 if necessary 73. Perform sled tests to confirm initial DOOP results 74. Document DOOP testing results and performance 75. Repeat steps 58 through 74 if necessary 76. Write summary performance report 77. Presentation of vehicle to the customer 78. Delivered an OPS equipped vehicle to the customer | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Note, all of the patents, patent applications, technical papers and other references referenced below are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety unless stated otherwise. Automobiles equipped with airbags are well known in the prior art. In such airbag systems, the car crash is sensed and the airbags rapidly inflated thereby insuring the safety of an occupation in a car crash. Many lives have now been saved by such airbag systems. However, depending on the seated state of an occupant, there are cases where his or her life cannot be saved even by present airbag systems. For example, when a passenger is seated on the front passenger seat in a position other than a forward facing, normal state, e.g., when the passenger is out of position and near the deployment door of the airbag, there will be cases when the occupant will be seriously injured or even killed by the deployment of the airbag. Also, sometimes a child seat is placed on the passenger seat in a rear facing position and there are cases where a child sitting in such a seat has been seriously injured or killed by the deployment of the airbag. Furthermore, in the case of a vacant seat, there is no need to deploy an airbag, and in such a case, deploying the airbag is undesirable due to a high replacement cost and possible release of toxic gases into the passenger compartment. Nevertheless, most airbag systems will deploy the airbag in a vehicle crash even if the seat is unoccupied. Thus, whereas thousands of lives have been saved by airbags, a large number of people have also been injured, some seriously, by the deploying airbag, and over 100 people have now been killed. Thus, significant improvements need to be made to airbag systems. As discussed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,462, for a variety of reasons vehicle occupants may be too close to the airbag before it deploys and can be seriously injured or killed as a result of the deployment thereof. Also, a child in a rear facing child seat that is placed on the right front passenger seat is in danger of being seriously injured if the passenger airbag deploys. For these reasons and, as first publicly disclosed in Breed, D. S. “How Airbags Work” presented at the International Conference on Seatbelts and Airbags in 1993 in Canada, occupant position sensing and rear facing child seat detection systems are required in order to minimize the damages caused by deploying front and side airbags. It also may be required in order to minimize the damage caused by the deployment of other types of occupant protection and/or restraint devices that might be installed in the vehicle. For these reasons, there has been proposed an occupant sensor system also known as a seated-state detecting unit such as disclosed in the following U.S. patents assigned to the current assignee of the present application: Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,462); Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,782); Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,707): Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,320); Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,473); Varga et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,295); Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,854); Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,757); and Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,701). Typically, in some of these designs three or four sensors or sets of sensors are installed at three or four points in a vehicle for transmitting ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves toward the passenger or drivers seat and receiving the reflected waves. Using appropriate hardware and software, the approximate configuration of the occupancy of either the passenger or driver seat can be determined thereby identifying and categorizing the occupancy of the relevant seat. These systems will solve the out-of-position occupant and the rear facing child seat problems related to current airbag systems and prevent unneeded and unwanted airbag deployments when a front seat is unoccupied. Some of the airbag systems will also protect rear seat occupants in vehicle crashes and all occupants in side impacts. However, there is a continual need to improve the systems which detect the presence of occupants, determine if they are out-of-position and to identify the presence of a rear facing child seat in the rear seat as well as the front seat. Future automobiles are expected to have eight or more airbags as protection is sought for rear seat occupants and from side impacts. In addition to eliminating the disturbance and possible harm of unnecessary airbag deployments, the cost of replacing these airbags will be excessive if they all deploy in an accident needlessly. The improvements described below minimize this cost by not deploying an airbag for a seat, which is not occupied by a human being. An occupying item of a seat may be a living occupant such as a human being or dog, another living organism such as a plant, or an inanimate object such as a box or bag of groceries. A child in a rear facing child seat, which is placed on the right front passenger seat, is in danger of being seriously injured if the passenger airbag deploys. This has now become an industry-wide concern and the U.S. automobile industry is continually searching for an economical solution that will prevent the deployment of the passenger side airbag if a rear facing child seat is present. The inventions disclosed herein include sophisticated apparatus to identify objects within the passenger compartment and address this concern. The need for an occupant out-of-position sensor has also been observed by others and several methods have been described in certain U.S. patents for determining the position of an occupant of a motor vehicle. However, none of these prior art systems are capable of solving the many problems associated with occupant sensors and no prior art has been found that describe the methods of adapting such sensors to a particular vehicle model to obtain high system accuracy. Also, none of these systems employ pattern recognition technologies that are believed to be essential to accurate occupant sensing. Each of these prior are systems will be discussed below. In 1984, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a requirement for frontal crash protection of automobile occupants known as FMVSS-208. This regulation mandated “passive occupant restraints” for all passenger cars by 1992. A further modification to FMVSS-208 required both driver and passenger side airbags on all passenger cars and light trucks by 1998. FMVSS-208 was later modified to require all vehicles to have occupant sensors. The demand for airbags is constantly accelerating in both Europe and Japan and all vehicles produced in these areas and eventually worldwide will likely be, if not already, equipped with airbags as standard equipment and eventually with occupant sensors. A device to monitor the vehicle interior and identify its contents is needed to solve these and many other problems. For example, once a Vehicle Interior Identification and Monitoring System (VIMS) for identifying and monitoring the contents of a vehicle is in place, many other products become possible as discussed below. Inflators now exist which will adjust the amount of gas flowing to the airbag to account for the size and position of the occupant and for the severity of the accident. The VIMS discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,782 will control such inflators based on the presence and position of vehicle occupants or of a rear facing child seat. The inventions here are improvements on that VIMS system and some use an advanced optical system comprising one or more CCD or CMOS arrays plus a source of illumination preferably combined with a trained neural network pattern recognition system. In the early 1990's, the current assignee (ATI) developed a scanning laser radar optical occupant sensor that had the capability of creating a three dimensional image of the contents of the passenger compartment. After proving feasibility, this effort was temporarily put aside due to the high cost of the system components and the current assignee then developed an ultrasonic based occupant sensor that was commercialized and is now in production on some Jaguar models. The current assignee has long believed that optical systems would eventually become the technology of choice when the cost of optical components came down. This has now occurred and for the past several years, ATI has been developing a variety of optical occupant sensors. The current assignee's first camera optical occupant sensing system was an adult zone-classification system that detected the position of the adult passenger. Based on the distance from the airbag, the passenger compartment was divided into three zones, namely safe-seating zone, at-risk zone, and keep-out zone. This system was implemented in a vehicle under a cooperative development program with NHTSA. This proof-of-concept was developed to handle low-light conditions only. It used three analog CMOS cameras and three near-infrared LED clusters. It also required a desktop computer with three image acquisition boards. The locations of the camera/LED modules were: the A-pillar, the IP, and near the overhead console. The system was trained to handle camera blockage situations, so that the system still functioned well even when two cameras were blocked. The processing speed of the system was close to 50 fps giving it the capability of tracking an occupant during pre-crash braking situations—that is a dynamic system. The second camera optical system was an occupant classification system that separated adult occupants from all other situations (i.e., child, child restraint and empty seat). This system was implemented using the same hardware as the first camera optical system. It was also developed to handle low-light conditions only. The results of this proof-of-concept were also very promising. Since the above systems functioned well even when two cameras were blocked, it was decided to develop a stand alone system that is FMVSS208-compliant, and price competitive with weight-based systems but with superior performance. Thus, a third camera optical system (for occupant classification) was developed. Unlike the earlier systems, this system used one digital CMOS camera and two high-power near-infrared LEDs. The camera/LED module was installed near the overhead console and the image data was processed using a laptop computer. This system was developed to divide the occupancy state into four classes: 1) adult; 2) child, booster seat and forward facing child seat; 3) infant carrier and rearward facing child seat; and 4) empty seat. This system included two subsystems: a nighttime subsystem for handling low-light conditions, and a daytime subsystem for handling ambient-light conditions. Although the performance of this system proved to be superior to the earlier systems, it exhibited some weakness mainly due to a non-ideal aiming direction of the camera. Finally, a fourth camera optical system was implemented using near production intent hardware using, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) to replace the laptop computer. In this system, the remaining problems of earlier systems were overcome. The hardware in this system is not unique so the focus below will be on algorithms and software which represent the innovative heart of the system. 1. Prior Art Occupant Sensors In White et al., (U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,160) a single acoustic sensor is described and, as illustrated, is disadvantageously mounted lower than the steering wheel. White et al. correctly perceive that such a sensor could be defeated, and the airbag falsely deployed (indicating that the system of White et al. deploys the airbag on occupant motion rather then suppressing it), by an occupant adjusting the control knobs on the radio and thus they suggest the use of a plurality of such sensors. White et al. does not disclose where such sensors would be mounted, other than on the instrument panel below the steering wheel, or how they would be combined to uniquely monitor particular locations in the passenger compartment and to identify the object(s) occupying those locations. The adaptation process to vehicles is not described nor is a combination of pattern recognition algorithms, nor any pattern recognition algorithm. White et al. also describe the use of error correction circuitry, without defining or illustrating the circuitry, to differentiate between the velocity of one of the occupant's hands, as in the case where he/she is adjusting the knob on the radio, and the remainder of the occupant. Three ultrasonic sensors of the type disclosed by White et al. might, in some cases, accomplish this differentiation if two of them indicated that the occupant was not moving while the third was indicating that he or she was moving. Such a combination, however, would not differentiate between an occupant with both hands and arms in the path of the ultrasonic transmitter at such a location that they were blocking a substantial view of the occupant's head or chest. Since the sizes and driving positions of occupants are extremely varied, trained pattern recognition systems, such as neural networks and combinations thereof, are required when a clear view of the occupant, unimpeded by his/her extremities, cannot be guaranteed. White et al. do not suggest the use of such neural networks. Mattes et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,134) describe a variety of methods of measuring the change in position of an occupant including ultrasonic, active or passive infrared and microwave radar sensors, and an electric eye. The sensors measure the change in position of an occupant during a crash and use that information to access the severity of the crash and thereby decide whether or not to deploy the airbag. They are thus using the occupant motion as a crash sensor. No mention is made of determining the out-of-position status of the occupant or of any of the other features of occupant monitoring as disclosed in one or more of the above-referenced patents and patent applications. Nowhere does Mattes et al. discuss how to use active or passive infrared to determine the position of the occupant. As pointed out in one or more of the above-referenced patents and patent applications, direct occupant position measurement based on passive infrared is probably not possible with a single detector and, until very recently, was very difficult and expensive with active infrared requiring the modulation of an expensive GaAs infrared laser. Since there is no mention of these problems, the method of use contemplated by Mattes et al. must be similar to the electric eye concept where position is measured indirectly as the occupant passes by a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart sensors. The object of an occupant out-of-position sensor is to determine the location of the head and/or chest of the vehicle occupant in the passenger compartment relative to the occupant protection apparatus, such as an airbag, since it is the impact of either the head or chest with the deploying airbag that can result in serious injuries. Both White et al. and Mattes et al. disclose only lower mounting locations of their sensors that are mounted in front of the occupant such as on the dashboard or below the steering wheel. Both such mounting locations are particularly prone to detection errors due to positioning of the occupant's hands, arms and legs. This would require at least three, and preferably more, such sensors and detectors and an appropriate logic circuitry, or pattern recognition system, which ignores readings from some sensors if such readings are inconsistent with others, for the case, for example, where the driver's arms are the closest objects to two of the sensors. The determination of the proper transducer mounting locations, aiming and field angles and pattern recognition system architectures for a particular vehicle model are not disclosed in either White et al. or Mattes et al. and are part of the vehicle model adaptation process described herein. Fujita et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,583, describe another method of determining the position of the occupant but do 110 not use this information to control and suppress deployment of an airbag if the occupant is out-of-position, or if a rear facing child seat is present. In fact, the closer that the occupant gets to the airbag, the faster the inflation rate of the airbag is according to the Fujita et al. patent, which thereby increases the possibility of injuring the occupant. Fujita et al. do not measure the occupant directly but instead determine his or her position indirectly from measurements of the seat position and the vertical size of the occupant relative to the seat. This occupant height is determined using an ultrasonic displacement sensor mounted directly above the occupant's head. It is important to note that in all cases in the above-cited prior art, except those assigned to the current assignee of the instant invention, no mention is made of the method of determining transducer location, deriving the algorithms or other system parameters that allow the system to accurately identify and locate an object in the vehicle. In contrast, in one implementation of the instant invention, the return wave echo pattern corresponding to the entire portion of the passenger compartment volume of interest is analyzed from one or more transducers and sometimes combined with the output from other transducers, providing distance information to many points on the items occupying the passenger compartment. Other patents describing occupant sensor systems include U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,314 (Corrado et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,085 (Corrado et al.). These patents, which were filed after the initial filings of the inventions herein and thus not necessarily prior art, describe a system for sensing the presence, position and type of an occupant in a seat of a vehicle for use in enabling or disabling a related airbag activator. A preferred implementation of the system includes two or more different but collocated sensors which provide information about the occupant and this information is fused or combined in a microprocessor circuit to produce an output signal to the airbag controller. According to Corrado et al., the fusion process produces a decision as to whether to enable or disable the airbag with a higher reliability than a single phenomena sensor or non-fused multiple sensors. By fusing the information from the sensors to make a determination as to the deployment of the airbag, each sensor has only a partial effect on the ultimate deployment determination. The sensor fusion process is a crude pattern recognition process based on deriving the fusion “rules” by a trial and error process rather than by training. The sensor fusion method of Corrado et al. requires that information from the sensors be combined prior to processing by an algorithm in the microprocessor. This combination can unnecessarily complicate the processing of the data from the sensors and other data processing methods can provide better results. For example, as discussed more fully below, it has been found to be advantageous to use a more efficient pattern recognition algorithm such as a combination of neural networks or fuzy logic algorithms that are arranged to receive a separate stream of data from each sensor, without that data being combined with data from the other sensors (as in done in Corrado et al.) prior to analysis by the pattern recognition algorithms. In this regard, it is important to appreciate that sensor fusion is a form of pattern recognition but is not a neural network and that significant and fundamental differences exist between sensor fusion and neural networks. Thus, some embodiments of the invention described below differ from that of Corrado et al. because they include a microprocessor which is arranged to accept only a separate stream of data from each sensor such that the stream of data from the sensors are not combined with one another. Further, the microprocessor processes each separate stream of data independent of the processing of the other streams of data, that is, without the use of any fusion matrix as in Corrado et al. 1.1 Ultrasonics The use of ultrasound for occupant sensing has many advantages and some drawbacks. It is economical in that ultrasonic transducers cost less than $1 in large quantities and the electronic circuits are relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture. However, the speed of sound limits the rate at which the position of the occupant can be updated to approximately 7 milliseconds, which though sufficient for most cases, is marginal if the position of the occupant is to be tracked during a vehicle crash. Secondly, ultrasound waves are diffracted by changes in air density that can occur when the heater or air conditioner is operated or when there is a high-speed flow of air past the transducer. Thirdly, the resolution of ultrasound is limited by its wavelength and by the transducers, which are high Q tuned devices. Typically, this resolution is on the order of about 2 to 3 inches. Finally, the fields from ultrasonic transducers are difficult to control so that reflections from unwanted objects or surfaces add noise to the data. Ultrasonics can be used in several configurations for monitoring the interior of a passenger compartment of an automobile as described in the above-referenced patents and patent applications and in particular in U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,295. Using the teachings here, the optimum number and location of the ultrasonic and/or optical transducers can be determined as part of the adaptation process for a particular vehicle model. In the cases of the inventions disclosed here, as discussed in more detail below, regardless of the number of transducers used, a trained pattern recognition system is preferably used to identify and classify, and in some cases to locate, the illuminated object and its constituent parts. The ultrasonic system is the least expensive and potentially provides less information than the optical or radar systems due to the delays resulting from the speed of sound and due to the wave length which is considerably longer than the optical (including infrared) systems. The wavelength limits the detail that can be seen by the system. In spite of these limitations, ultrasonics can provide sufficient timely information to permit the position and velocity of an occupant to be accurately known and, when used with an appropriate pattern recognition system, it is capable of positively determining the presence of a rear facing child seat. One pattern recognition system that has been successfully used to identify a rear facing child seat employs neural networks and is similar to that described in papers by Gorman et al. However, in the aforementioned literature using ultrasonics, the pattern of reflected ultrasonic waves from an adult occupant who may be out of position is sometimes similar to the patterns of reflected waves from a rear facing child seat. Also, it is sometimes difficult to discriminate the wave pattern of a normally seated child with the seat in a rear facing position from an empty seat with the seat in a more forward position. In other cases, the reflected wave pattern from a thin slouching adult with raised knees can be similar to that from a rear facing child seat. In still other cases, the reflected pattern from a passenger seat that is in a forward position can be similar to the reflected wave pattern from a seat containing a forward facing child seat or a child sitting on the passenger seat. In each of these cases, the prior art ultrasonic systems can suppress the deployment of an airbag when deployment is desired or, alternately, can enable deployment when deployment is not desired. If the discrimination between these cases can be improved, then the reliability of the seated-state detecting unit can be improved and more people saved from death or serious injury. In addition, the unnecessary deployment of an airbag can be prevented. Recently filed U.S. Pat. No. 6,411,202 (Gal et al.) describes a safety system for a vehicle including at least one sensor that receives waves from a region in an interior portion of the vehicle, which thereby defines a protected volume at least partially in front of the vehicle airbag. A processor is responsive to signals from the sensor for determining geometric data of objects in the protected volume. The teachings of this patent, which is based on ultrasonics, are fully disclosed in the prior patents of the current assignee referenced above. 1.2 Optics Optics can be used in several configurations for monitoring the interior of a passenger compartment or exterior environment of an automobile. In one known method, a laser optical system uses a GaAs infrared laser beam to momentarily illuminate an object, occupant or child seat, in the manner as described and illustrated in FIG. 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,782 referenced above. The receiver can be a charge-coupled device or CCD or a CMOS imager to receive the reflected light. The laser can either be used in a scanning mode, or, through the use of a lens, a cone of light can be created which covers a large portion of the object. In these configurations, the light can be accurately controlled to only illuminate particular positions of interest within or around the vehicle. In the scanning mode, the receiver need only comprise a single or a few active elements while in the case of the cone of light, an array of active elements is needed. The laser system has one additional significant advantage in that the distance to the illuminated object can be determined as disclosed in the commonly owned '462 patent as also described below. When a single receiving element is used, a PIN or avalanche diode is preferred. In a simpler case, light generated by a non-coherent light emitting diode (LED) device is used to illuminate the desired area. In this case, the area covered is not as accurately controlled and a larger CCD or CMOS array is required. Recently the cost of CCD and CMOS arrays has dropped substantially with the result that this configuration may now be the most cost-effective system for monitoring the passenger compartment as long as the distance from the transmitter to the objects is not needed. If this distance is required, then the laser system, a stereographic system, a focusing system, a combined ultrasonic and optic system, or a multiple CCD or CMOS array system as described herein is required. Alternately, a modulation system such as used with the laser distance system can be used with a CCD or CMOS camera and distance determined on a pixel by pixel basis. As discussed above, the optical systems described herein are also applicable for many other sensing applications both inside and outside of the vehicle compartment such as for sensing crashes before they occur as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,782, for a smart headlight adjustment system and for a blind spot monitor (also disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/851,362). 1.3 Ultrasonics and Optics The laser systems described above are expensive due to the requirement that they be modulated at a high frequency if the distance from the airbag to the occupant, for example, needs to be measured. Alternately, modulation of another light source such as an LED can be done and the distance measurement accomplished using a CCD or CMOS array on a pixel by pixel basis, as discussed below. Both laser and non-laser optical systems in general are good at determining the location of objects within the two dimensional plane of the image and a pulsed laser radar system in the scanning mode can determine the distance of each part of the image from the receiver by measuring the time of flight such as through range gating techniques. Distance can also be determined by using modulated electromagnetic radiation and measuring the phase difference between the transmitted and received waves. It is also possible to determine distance with a non-laser system by focusing, or stereographically if two spaced apart receivers are used and, in some cases, the mere location in the field of view can be used to estimate the position relative to the airbag, for example. Finally, a recently developed pulsed quantum well diode laser also provides inexpensive distance measurements as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,324,453. Acoustic systems are additionally quite effective at distance measurements since the relatively low speed of sound permits simple electronic circuits to be designed and minimal microprocessor capability is required. If a coordinate system is used where the z-axis is from the transducer to the occupant, acoustics are good at measuring z dimensions while simple optical systems using a single CCD or CMOS arrays are good at measuring x and y dimensions. The combination of acoustics and optics, therefore, permits all three measurements to be made from one location with low cost components as discussed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,000 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,835,613, incorporated by reference herein. One example of a system using these ideas is an optical system which floods the passenger seat with infrared light coupled with a lens and a receiver array, e.g., CCD or CMOS array, which receives and displays the reflected light and an analog to digital converter (ADC) which digitizes the output of the CCD or CMOS and feeds it to an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) or other pattern recognition system for analysis. This system uses an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver for measuring the distances to the objects located in the passenger seat. The receiving transducer feeds its data into an ADC and from there, the converted data is directed into the ANN. The same ANN can be used for both systems thereby providing full three-dimensional data for the ANN to analyze. This system, using low cost components, will permit accurate identification and distance measurements not possible by either system acting alone. If a phased array system is added to the acoustic part of the system, the optical part can determine the location of the driver's ears, for example, and the phased array can direct a narrow beam to the location and determine the distance to the occupant's ears. 2. Adaptation The adaptation of an occupant sensor system to a vehicle is the subject of a great deal of research and its own extensive body of knowledge as will be disclosed below. There is no significant prior art in the field with the possible exception of the descriptions of sensor fusion methods in the Corrado patents discussed above. 3. Mounting Locations for and Quantity of Transducers There is little in the literature discussed herein concerning the mounting of cameras or other imagers or transducers in the vehicle other than in the current assignee's patents referenced above. Where camera mounting is mentioned the general locations chosen are the instrument panel, roof or headliner, A-Pillar or rear view mirror. Virtually no discussion is provided as to the methodology for choosing a particular location except in the current assignee's patents. 3.1 Single Camera, Dual Camera with Single Light Source Farmer et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,958) describes a method and system for detecting the type and position of a vehicle occupant utilizing a single camera unit. The single camera unit is positioned at the driver or passenger side A-pillar in order to generate data of the front seating area of the vehicle. The type and position of the occupant is used to optimize the efficiency and safety in controlling deployment of an occupant protection device such as an air bag. A single camera is, naturally, the least expensive solution but suffers from the problem that there is no easy method of obtaining three-dimensional information about people or objects that are occupying the passenger compartment. A second camera can be added but to locate the same objects or features in the two images by conventional methods is computationally intensive unless the two cameras are close together. If they are close together, however, then the accuracy of the three dimensional information is compromised. Also if they are not close together, then the tendency is to add separate illumination for each camera. An alternate solution, for which there is no known prior art, is to use two cameras located at different positions in the passenger compartment but to use a single lighting source. This source can be located adjacent to one camera to minimize the installation sites. Since the LED illumination is now more expensive than the imager, the cost of the second camera does not add significantly to the system cost. The correlation of features can then be done using pattern recognition systems such as neural networks. Two cameras also provide a significant protection from blockage and one or more additional cameras, with additional illumination, can be added to provide almost complete blockage protection. 3.2 Camera Location—Mirror, IP, Roof The only prior art for occupant sensor location for airbag control is White et al. and Mattes et al. discussed above. Both place their sensors below or on the instrument panel. The first disclosure of the use of cameras for occupant sensing is believed to appear in the above referenced patents of the current assignee. The first disclosure of the location of a camera anywhere and especially above the instrument panel such as on the A-pillar, roof or rear view mirror also is believed to appear in the current assignee's above-referenced patents. Corrado U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,697 discloses the placement of a camera onto a special type of rear view mirror. DeLine U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,886 also discloses the placement of a video camera on a rear view mirror for sending pictures using visible light over a cell phone. The general concept of placement of such a transducer on a mirror, among other places, is believed to have been first disclosed in commonly owned patent USRE037736 which also first discloses the use of an IR camera and IR illumination that is either co-located or located separately from the camera. 3.3 Color Cameras—Multispectral imaging The accurate detection, categorization and eventually recognition of an object in the passenger compartment are aided by using all available information. Initial camera based systems are monochromic and use active and, in some cases, passive infrared. As microprocessors become more powerful and sensor systems improve there will be a movement to broaden the observed spectrum to the visual spectrum and then further into the mid and far infrared parts of the spectrum. There is no known literature on this at this time except that provided by the current assignee below and in proper patents. 3.4 High Dynamic Range Cameras The prior art of high dynamic range cameras centers around the work of the Fraunhofer-Inst. of Microelectronic Circuits & Systems in Duisburg, Germany and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Licensed to Photobit, and is reflected in several patents including U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,515, U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,204, U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,753, U.S. Pat. No. 5,892,541, U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,383, U.S. Pat. No. 6,215,428, U.S. Pat. No. 6,388,242, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,388,243. The current assignee is believed to be the first to recognize and apply this technology for occupant sensing as well as monitoring the environment surrounding the vehicle and thus there is not believed to be any prior art for this application of the technology. Related to this is the work done at Columbia University by Professor Nayar as disclosed in PCT patent application WO0079784 assigned to Columbia University, which is also applicable to monitoring the interior and exterior of the vehicle. An excellent technical paper also describes this technique: Nayar, S. K. and Mitsunaga, T. “High Dynamic Range Imaging: Spatially Varying Pixel Exposures” Proceedings of IEEE Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition, South Carolina, June 2000. Again there does not appear to be any prior art that predates the disclosure of this application of the technology by the current assignee. A paper entitled “A 256×256 CMOS Brightness Adaptive Imaging Array with Column-Parallel Digital Output” by C. Sodini et al., 1988 IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Vehicles, describes a CMOS image sensor for intelligent transportation system applications such as adaptive cruise control and traffic monitoring. Among the purported novelties is the use of a technique for increasing the dynamic range in a CMOS imager by a factor of approximately 20, which technique is based on a previously described technique for CCD imagers. Waxman et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,244 discloses a novel high dynamic range camera that can be used in low light situations with a frame rate >25 frames per second for monitoring either the interior or exterior of a vehicle. It is suggested that this camera can be used for automotive navigation but no mention is made of its use for safety monitoring. Similarly, Savoye et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,880,777 disclose a high dynamic range imaging system similar to that described in the '244 patent that could be employed in the inventions disclosed herein. There are numerous technical papers of high dynamic range cameras and some recent ones discuss automotive applications, after the concept was first discussed in the current assignee's patents and patent applications. One recent example is T. Lulé1, H. Keller1, M. Wagner1, M. Böhm, C. D. Hamann, L. Humm, U. Efron, “100.000 Pixel 120 dB Imager for Automotive Vision”, presented in the Proceedings of the Conference on Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Applications (AMAA), Berlin, 18./19. March 1999. This paper discusses the desirability of a high dynamic range camera and points out that an integration based method is preferable to a logarithmic system in that greater contrast is potentially obtained. This brings up the question as to what dynamic range is really needed. The current assignee has considered desiring a high dynamic range camera but after more careful consideration, it is really the dynamic range within a given image that is important and that is usually substantially below 120 db, and in fact, a standard 70+db camera is fine for most purposes. As long as the shutter or an iris can be controlled to chose where the dynamic range starts, then, for night imaging a source of illumination is generally used and for imaging in daylight the shutter time or iris can be substantially controlled to provide an adequate image. For those few cases where there is a very bright sunlight entering the vehicle's window but the interior is otherwise in shade, multiple exposures can provide the desired contrast as taught by Nayar and discussed above. This is not to say that a high dynamic range camera is inherently bad, just to illustrate that there are many technologies that can be used to accomplish the same goal. 3.5 Fisheye Lens, Pan and Zoom There is significant prior art on the use of a fisheye or similar high viewing angle lens and a non-moving pan, tilt, rotation and zoom cameras however there appears to be no prior art on the application of these technologies to sensing inside or outside of the vehicle prior to the disclosure by the current assignee. One significant patent is U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,667 to Zimmermann. For some applications, the use of a fisheye type lens can significantly reduce the number of imaging devices that are required to monitor the interior or exterior of a vehicle. An important point is that whereas for human viewing, the images are usually mathematically corrected to provide a recognizable view, when a pattern recognition system such as a neural network is used, it is frequently not necessary to perform this correction, thus simplifying the analysis. Recently, a paper has been published that describes the fisheye camera system disclosed years ago by the current assignee: V. Ramesh, M. Greiffenhagen, S. Boverie, A. Giratt, “Real-Time Surveillance and Monitoring for Automotive Applications”, SAE 2000-01-0347. 4. 3D Cameras 4.1 Stereo European Patent Application No. EP0885782A1 describes a purportedly novel motor vehicle control system including a pair of cameras which operatively produce first and second images of a passenger area. A distance processor determines the distances that a plurality of features in the first and second images are from the cameras based on the amount that each feature is shifted between the first and second images. An analyzer processes the determined distances and determines the size of an object on the seat. Additional analysis of the distance also may determine movement of the object and the rate of movement. The distance information also can be used to recognize predefined patterns in the images and thus identify objects. An air bag controller utilizes the determined object characteristics in controlling deployment of the air bag. Simoncelli in U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,677 discloses an apparatus and method using a single lens and single camera with a pair of masks to obtain three dimensional information about a scene. A paper entitled “Sensing Automobile Occupant Position with Optical Triangulation” by W. Chappelle, Sensors, December 1995, describes the use of optical triangulation techniques for determining the presence and position of people or rear-facing infant seats in the passenger compartment of a vehicle in order to guarantee the safe deployment of an air bag. The paper describes a system called the “Takata Safety Shield” which purportedly makes high-speed distance measurements from the point of air bag deployment using a modulated infrared beam projected from an LED source. Two detectors are provided, each consisting of an imaging lens and a position-sensing detector. A paper entitled “An Interior Compartment Protection System based on Motion Detection Using CMOS Imagers” by S. B. Park et al., 1998 IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Vehicles, describes a purportedly novel image processing system based on a CMOS image sensor installed at the car roof for interior compartment monitoring including theft prevention and object recognition. One disclosed camera system is based on a CMOS image sensor and a near infrared (NIR) light emitting diode (LED) array. Krumm (U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,147) describes a system for determining the occupancy of a passenger compartment including a pair of cameras mounted so as to obtain binocular stereo images of the same location in the passenger compartment. A representation of the output from the cameras is compared to stored representations of known occupants and occupancy situations to determine which stored representation the output from the cameras most closely approximates. The stored representations include that of the presence or absence of a person or an infant seat in the front passenger seat. 4.2 Distance by Focusing A focusing system, such as used on some camera systems, can be used to determine the initial position of an occupant but, in most cases, it is too slow to monitor his position during a crash. This is a result of the mechanical motions required to operate the lens focusing system, however, methods do exist that do not require mechanical motions. By itself, it cannot determine the presence of a rear facing child seat or of an occupant but when used with a charge-coupled or CMOS device plus some infrared illumination for vision at night, and an appropriate pattern recognition system, this becomes possible. Similarly, the use of three dimensional cameras based on modulated waves or range-gated pulsed light methods combined with pattern recognition systems are now possible based on the teachings of the inventions disclosed herein and the commonly assigned patents and patent applications referenced above. U.S. Pat. No. 6,198,998 to Farmer discloses a single IR camera mounted on the A-Pillar where a side view of the contents of the passenger compartment can be obtained. A sort of three dimensional view is obtained by using a narrow depth of focus lens and a de-blurring filter. IR is used to illuminate the volume and the use of a pattern on the LED to create a sort of structured light is also disclosed. Pattern recognition by correlation is also discussed. U.S. Pat. No. 6,229,134 to Nayar et al. is an excellent example of the determination of the three-dimensional shape of a object using active blurring and focusing methods. The use of structured light is also disclosed in this patent. The method uses illumination of the scene with a pattern and two images of the scene are sensed with different imaging parameters. A mechanical focusing system, such as used on some camera systems, can determine the initial position of an occupant but is currently too slow to monitor his/her position during a crash or even during pre-rash braking. Although the example of an occupant is used here as an example, the same or similar principles apply to objects exterior to the vehicle. A distance measuring system based on focusing is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,124 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,443 (Subbarao) that can either be used with a mechanical focusing system or with two cameras, the latter of which would be fast enough to allow tracking of an occupant during pre-crash braking and perhaps even during a crash depending on the field of view that is analyzed. Although the Subbarao patents provide a good discussion of the camera focusing art, it is a more complicated system than is needed for practicing the instant inventions. In fact, a neural network can also be trained to perform the distance determination based on the two images taken with different camera settings or from two adjacent CCD's and lens having different properties as the cameras disclosed in Subbarao making this technique practical for the purposes herein. Distance can also be determined by the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,166 (Girod) by spreading or defocusing a pattern of structured light projected onto the object of interest. Distance can also be measured by using time of flight measurements of the electromagnetic waves or by multiple CCD or CMOS arrays as is a principle teaching of this invention. Dowski, Jr. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,227,890 provides an automatic focusing system for video cameras which can be used to determine distance and thus enable the creation of a three dimensional image. A good description of a camera focusing system is found in G. Zorpette, “Focusing in a flash”, Scientific American August 2000. In each of these cases, regardless of the distance measurement system used, a trained pattern recognition system, as defined above, can be used to identify and classify, and in some cases to locate, the illuminated object and its constituent parts. 4.3 Ranging Cameras can be used for obtaining three dimensional images by modulation of the illumination as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,162,861. The use of a ranging device for occupant sensing is believed to have been first disclosed by the current assignee in the patents mentioned herein. More recent attempts include the PMD camera as disclosed in PCT application WO09810255 and similar concepts disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,909 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,517. A paper by Rudolf Schwarte, et al. entitled “New Powerful Sensory Tool in Automotive Safety Systems Based on PMD-Technology”, Eds. S. Krueger, W. Gessner, Proceedings of the AMAA 2000 Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Applications 2000, Springer Verlag; Berlin, Heidelberg, N. Y., ISBN 3-540-67087-4, describes an implementation of the teachings of the instant invention wherein a modulated light source is used in conjunction with phase determination circuitry to locate the distance to objects in the image on a pixel by pixel basis. This camera is an active pixel camera the use of which for internal and external vehicle monitoring is also a teaching of this invention. The novel feature of the PMD camera is that the pixels are designed to provide a distance measuring capability within each pixel itself. This then is a novel application of the active pixel and distance measuring teachings of the instant invention. The paper “Camera Records color and Depth”, Laser Focus World, Vol. 36 No. 7 Jul. 2000, describes another method of using modulated light to measure distance. “Seeing distances-a fast time-of-flight 3D camera”, Sensor Review Vol. 20 No. 3 2000, presents a time-of-flight camera that also can be used for internal and external monitoring. Similarly, see “Electro-optical correlation arrangement for fast 3D cameras: properties and facilities of the electro-optical mixer device”, SPIE Vol. 3100, 1997 pp. 254-60. A significant improvement to the PMD technology and to all distance by modulation technologies is to modulate with a code, which can be random or pseudo random, that permits accurate distance measurements over a long range using correlation or other technology. There is a question as to whether there is a need to individually modulate each pixel with the sent signal since the same effect can be achieved using a known Pockel or Kerr cell that covers the entire imager, which should be simpler. The instant invention as described in the above-referenced commonly assigned patents and patent applications, teaches the use of modulating the light used to illuminate an object and to determine the distance to that object based on the phase difference between the reflected radiation and the transmitted radiation. The illumination can be modulated at a single frequency when short distances such as within the passenger compartment are to be measured. Typically, the modulation wavelength would be selected such that one wave would have a length of approximately one meter or less. This would provide resolution of 1 cm or less. For larger vehicles, a longer wavelength would be desirable. For measuring longer distances, the illumination can be modulated at more than one frequency to eliminate cycle ambiguity if there is more than one cycle between the source of illumination and the illuminated object. This technique is particularly desirable when monitoring objects exterior to the vehicle to permit accurate measurements of devices that are hundreds of meters from the vehicle as well as those that are a few meters away. Naturally, there are other modulation methods that eliminate the cycle ambiguity such as modulation with a code that is used with a correlation function to determine the phase shift or time delay. This code can be a pseudo random number in order to permit the unambiguous monitoring of the vehicle exterior in the presence of other vehicles with the same system. This is sometimes known as noise radar, noise modulation (either of optical or radar signals), ultra wideband (UWB) or the techniques used in Micropower impulse radar (MIR). Another key advantage is to permit the separation of signals from multiple vehicles. Although a simple frequency modulation scheme has been disclosed so far, it is also possible to use other coding techniques including the coding of the illumination with one of a variety of correlation patterns including a pseudo-random code. Similarly, although frequency and code domain systems have been described, time domain systems are also applicable wherein a pulse of light is emitted and the time of flight measured. Additionally, in the frequency domain case, a chirp can be emitted and the reflected light compared in frequency with the chirp to determine the distance to the object by frequency difference. Although each of these techniques is known to those skilled in the art, they have previously not been believed to have applied for monitoring objects within or outside of a vehicle. 4.4 Pockel or Kerr Cells for Determining Range The technology for modulating a light valve or electronic shutter has been known for many years and is sometimes referred to as a Kerr cell or a Pockel cell. These devices are capable of being modulated at up to 10 billion cycles per second. For determining the distance to an occupant or his or her features, modulations between 100 and 500 MHz are needed. The higher the modulation frequency, the more accurate the distance to the object can be determined. However, if more than one wavelength, or better one-quarter wavelength, exists between the camera and the object, then ambiguities result. On the other hand, once a longer wavelength has ascertained the approximate location of the feature, then more accurate determinations can be made by increasing the modulation frequency since the ambiguity will now have been removed. In practice, only a single frequency is used of about 300 MHz. This gives a wavelength of 1 meter, which can allow cm level distance determinations. In one preferred embodiment of this invention therefore, an infrared LED is modulated at a frequency between 100 and 500 MHz and the returning light passes through a light valve such that amount of light that impinges on the CMOS array pixels is determined by a phase difference between the light valve and the reflected light. By modulating a light valve for one frame and leaving the light valve transparent for a subsequent frame, the range to every point in the camera field of view can be determined based on the relative brightness of the corresponding pixels. Once the range to all of the pixels in the camera view has been determined, range-gating becomes a simple mathematical exercise and permits objects in the image to be easily separated for feature extraction processing. In this manner, many objects in the passenger compartment can be separated and identified independently. Noise, pseudo noise or code modulation techniques can be used in place of the frequency modulation discussed above. This can be in the form of frequency, amplitude or pulse modulation. No prior art is believed to exist on this concept. 4.5 Thin film on ASIC (TFA) Thin film on ASIC technology, as described in Lake, D. W. “TFA Technology: The Coming Revolution in Photography”, Advanced Imaging Magazine, April, 2002 (WWW.ADVANCEDIMAGINGMAG.COM) shows promise of being the next generation of imager for automotive applications. The anticipated specifications for this technology, as reported in the Lake article, are: Dynamic Range 120 db Sensitivity 0.01 lux Anti-blooming 1,000,000:1 Pixel Density 3,200,000 Pixel Size 3.5 um Frame Rate 30 fps DC Voltage 1.8 v Compression 500 to 1 All of these specifications, except for the frame rate, are attractive for occupant sensing. It is believed that the frame rate can be improved with subsequent generations of the technology. Some advantages of this technology for occupant sensing include the possibility of obtaining a three dimensional image by varying the pixel in time in relation to a modulated illumination in a simpler manner than proposed with the PMD imager or with a Pockel or Kerr cell. The ability to build the entire package on one chip will reduce the cost of this imager compared with two or more chips required by current technology. Other technical papers on TFA include: (1) M. Böhm “Imagers Using Amorphous Silicon Thin Film on ASIC (TFA) Technology”, Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, 266-269, pp. 1145-1151, 2000; (2) A. Eckhardt, F. Blecher, B. Schneider, J. Sterzel, S. Benthien, H. Keller, T. Lulé, P. Rieve, M. Sommer, K. Seibel, F. Mütze, M. Böhm, “Image Sensors in TFA (Thin Film on ASIC) Technology with Analog Image Pre-Processing”, H. Reichl, E. Obermeier (eds.), Proc. Micro System Technologies 98, Potsdam, Germany, pp. 165-170, 1998.; (3) T. Lulé, B. Schneider, M. Böhm, “Design and Fabrication of a High Dynamic Range Image Sensor in TFA Technology”, invited paper for IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Special Issue on 1998 Symposium on VLSI Circuits, 1999. (4) M. Böhm, F. Blecher, A. Eckhardt, B. Schneider, S. Benthien, H. Keller, T. Lulé, P. Rieve, M. Sommer, R. C. Lind, L. Humm, M. Daniels, N. Wu, H. Yen, “High Dynamic Range Image Sensors in Thin Film on ASIC—Technology for Automotive Applications”, D. E. Ricken, W. Gessner (eds.), Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Applications, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, pp. 157-172, 1998. (5) M. Böhm, F. Blecher, A. Eckhardt, K. Seibel, B. Schneider, J. Sterzel, S. Benthien, H. Keller, T. Lulé, P. Rieve, M. Sommer, B. Van Uffel, F Librecht, R. C. Lind, L. Humm, U. Efron, E. Rtoh, “Image Sensors in TFA Technology—Status and Future Trends”, Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc., vol. 507, pp.327-338, 1998. 5. Glare Control U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,732 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,751 to Chen concentrate on locating the eyes of the driver so as to position a light filter between a light source such as the sun or the lights of an oncoming vehicle, and the driver's eyes. This patent will be discussed in more detail below. U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,012 to Faris also describes a system for reducing the glare from the headlights of an oncoming vehicle and it is discussed in more detail below. 5.1 Windshield Using an advanced occupant sensor, as explained below, the position of the driver's eyes can be accurately determined and portions of the windshield, or of a special visor, can be selectively darkened to eliminate the glare from the sun or oncoming vehicle headlights. This system can use electro-chromic glass, a liquid crystal device, Xerox Gyricon, Research Frontiers SPD, semiconducting and metallic (organic) polymer displays, spatial light monitors, electronic “Venetian blinds”, electronic polarizers or other appropriate technology, and, in some cases, detectors to detect the direction of the offending light source. In addition to eliminating the glare, the standard sun visor can now also be eliminated. Alternately, the glare filter can be placed in another device such as a transparent sun visor that is placed between the driver's eyes and the windshield. There is no known prior art that places a filter in the windshield. All known designs use an auxiliary system such as a liquid crystal panel that acts like a light valve on a pixel by pixel basis. A description of SPD can be found at SmartGlass.com and in “New ‘Smart’ glass darkens, lightens in a flash”, Automotive News Aug. 21, 1998. 5.2 Rear View Mirrors There is no known prior art that places a pixel addressable filter in a rear view mirror to selectively block glare or for any other purpose. 5.3 Visor for Glare Control and HUD The prior art of this application includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,938, U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,732, U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,012 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,715. 6. Weight Measurement and Biometrics Prior art systems are now being used to identify the vehicle occupant based on a coded key or other object carried by the occupant. This requires special sensors within the vehicle to recognize the coded object. Also, the system only works if the particular person for whom the vehicle was programmed uses the coded object. If a son or daughter, for example, who is using their mother's key, uses the vehicle then the wrong seat, mirror, radio station etc. adjustments are made. Also, these systems preserve the choice of seat position without any regard for the correctness of the seat position. With the problems associated with the 4-way seats, it is unlikely that the occupant ever properly adjusts the seat. Therefore, the error will be repeated every time the occupant uses the vehicle. These coded systems are a crude attempt to identify the occupant. An improvement can be made if the morphological (or biological) characteristics of the occupant can be measured as described herein. Such measurements can be made of the height and weight, for example, and used not only to adjust a vehicular component to a proper position but also to remember that position, as fine tuned by the occupant, for re-positioning the component the next time the occupant occupies the seat. No prior art is believed to exist on this aspect of the invention. Additional biometrics includes physical and behavioral responses of the eyes, hands, face and voice. Iris and retinal scans are discussed in the literature but the shape of the eyes or hands, structure of the face or hands, how a person blinks or squints, the shape of the hands, how he or she grasps the steering wheel, the electrical conductivity or dielectric constant, blood vessel pattern in the hands, fingers, face or elsewhere, the temperature and temperature differences of different areas of the body are among the many biometric variables that can be measures to identify an authorized user of a vehicle, for example. As discussed more fully below, in a preferred implementation, once at least one and preferably two of the morphological characteristics of a driver are determined, for example by measuring his or her height and weight, the component such as the seat can be adjusted and other features or components can be incorporated into the system including, for example, the automatic adjustment of the rear view and/or side mirrors based on seat position and occupant height. In addition, a determination of an out-of-position occupant can be made and based thereon, airbag deployment suppressed if the occupant is more likely to be injured by the airbag than by the accident without the protection of the airbag. Furthermore, the characteristics of the airbag including the amount of gas produced by the inflator and the size of the airbag exit orifices can be adjusted to provide better protection for small lightweight occupants as well as large, heavy people. Even the direction of the airbag deployment can, in some cases, be controlled. The prior art is limited to airbag suppression as disclosed in Mattes (U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,134) and White (U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,160) discussed above. Still other features or components can now be adjusted based on the measured occupant morphology as well as the fact that the occupant can now be identified. Some of these features or components include the adjustment of seat armrest, cup holder, steering wheel (angle and telescoping), pedals, phone location and for that matter the adjustment of all things in the vehicle which a person must reach or interact with. Some items that depend on personal preferences can also be automatically adjusted including the radio station, temperature, ride and others. 6.1 Strain gage weight sensors Previously, various methods have been proposed for measuring the weight of an occupying item of a vehicular seat. The methods include pads, sheets or films that have placed in the seat cushion which attempt to measure the pressure distribution of the occupying item. Prior to its first disclosure in Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,707) referenced above by the current assignee, systems for measuring occupant weight based on the strain in the seat structure had not been considered. Prior art weight measurement systems have been notoriously inaccurate. Thus, a more accurate weight measuring system is desirable. The strain measurement systems described herein, substantially eliminate the inaccuracy problems of prior art systems and permit an accurate determination of the weight of the occupying item of the vehicle seat. Additionally, as disclosed herein, in many cases, sufficient information can be obtained for the control of a vehicle component without the necessity of determining the entire weight of the occupant. For example, the force that the occupant exerts on one of the three support members may be sufficient. A recent U.S. patent application, Publication No. 2003/0168895, is interesting in that it is the first example of the use of time and the opening and closing of a vehicle door to help in the post-processing decision making for distinguishing a child restraint system (CRS) from an adult. This system is based on a load cell (strain gage) weight measuring system. Automotive vehicles are equipped with seat belts and air bags as equipment for ensuring the safety of the passenger. In recent years, an effort has been underway to enhance the performance of the seat belt and/or the air bag by controlling these devices in accordance with the weight or the posture of the passenger. For example, the quantity of gas used to deploy the air bag or the speed of deployment could be controlled. Further, the amount of pretension of the seat belt could be adjusted in accordance with the weight and posture of the passenger. To this end, it is necessary to know the weight of the passenger sitting on the seat by some technique. The position of the center of gravity of the passenger sitting on the seat could also be referenced in order to estimate the posture of the passenger. As an example of a technique to determine the weight or the center of gravity of the passenger of this type, a method of measuring the seat weight including the passenger's weight by disposing the load sensors (load cells) at the front, rear, left and right corners under the seat and summing vertical loads applied to the load cells has been disclosed in the assignee's numerous patents and patent applications on occupant sensing. Since a seat weight measuring apparatus of this type is intended for use in general automotive vehicles, the cost of the apparatus must be as low as possible. In addition, the wiring and assembly also must be easy. Keeping such considerations in mind, the object of the present invention is to provide a seat weight measuring apparatus having such advantages that the production cost and the assembling cost may be reduced. 6.2 Bladder Weight Sensors Similarly to strain gage weight sensors, the first disclosure of weight sensors based of the pressure in a bladder in or under the seat cushion is believed to have been made in Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,707) filed Jun. 7, 1995 by the current assignee. A bladder is disclosed in WO09830411, which claims the benefit of a U.S. provisional application filed on Jan. 7, 1998 showing two bladders. This patent application is assigned to Automotive Systems Laboratory and is part of a series of bladder based weight sensor patents and applications all of which were filed significantly after the current assignee's bladder weight sensor patent applications. Also U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,286 illustrates a single chamber bladder sensor for an exercise bicycle and EP0345806 illustrates a bladder in an automobile seat for the purpose of adjusting the shape of the seat. Although a pressure switch is provided, no attempt is made to measure the weight of the occupant and there is no mention of using the weight to control a vehicle component. IEE of Luxemburg and others have marketed seat sensors that measure the pattern on the object contacting the seat surface but none of these sensors purport to measure the weight of an occupying item of the seat. 6.3 Combined Spatial and Weight Sensors The combination of a weight sensor with a spatial sensor, such as the wave or electric field sensors discussed herein, permits the most accurate determination of the airbag requirements when the crash sensor output is also considered. There is not believed to be any prior art of such a combination. A recent patent, which is not considered prior art, that discloses a similar concept is U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,055. 6.4 Face Recognition (Face and Iris IR Scans) Ishikawa et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,329) describes an image analyzer (M 5 in FIG. 1 ) for analyzing the position of driver including an infrared light source which illuminates the driver's face and an image detector which receives light from the driver's face, determines the position of facial feature, e.g., the eyes in three dimensions, and thus determines the position of the driver in three dimensions. A pattern recognition process is used to determine the position of the facial features and entails converting the pixels forming the image to either black or white based on intensity and conducting an analysis based on the white area in order to find the largest contiguous white area and the center point thereof. Based on the location of the center point of the largest contiguous white area, the driver's height is derived and a heads-up display is adjusted so information is within driver's field of view. The pattern recognition process can be applied to detect the eyes, mouth, or nose of the driver based on the differentiation between the white and black areas. Ishikawa does not attempt to recognize the driver. Ando (U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,946) describes a system which recognizes an image and specifically ascertains the position of the pupils and mouth of the occupant to enable movement of the pupils and mouth to control electrical devices installed in the automobile. The system includes a camera which takes a picture of the occupant and applies algorithms based on pattern recognition techniques to analyze the picture, converted into an electrical signal, to determine the position of certain portions of the image, namely the pupils and mouth. Ando also does not attempt to recognize the driver. Puma (U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,619) describes apparatus and methods for determining the identity of a vehicle operator and whether he or she is intoxicated or falling asleep. Puma uses an iris scan as the identification method and thus requires the driver to place his eyes in a particular position relative to the camera. Intoxication is determined by monitoring the spectral emission from the driver's eyes and drowsiness is determined by monitoring a variety of behaviors of the driver. The identification of the driver by any means is believed to have been first disclosed in the current assignee's patents referenced above as was identifying the impairment of the driver whether by alcohol, drugs or drowsiness through monitoring driver behavior and using pattern recognition. Puma uses pattern recognition but not neural networks although correlation analysis is implied as also taught in the current assignee's prior patents. Other patents on eye tracking include Moran et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,847,486) and Hutchinson (U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,069). In Moran, a scanner is used to project a beam onto the eyes of the person and the reflection from the retina through the cornea is monitored to measure the time that the person's eyes are closed. In Hutchinson, the eye of a computer operator is illuminated with light from an infrared LED and the reflected light causes bright eye effect which outlines the pupil as brighter then the rest of the eye and also causes an even brighter reflection from the cornea. By observing this reflection in the camera's field of view, the direction that the eye is pointing can be determined. In this manner, the motion of the eye can control operation of the computer. Similarly, such apparatus can be used to control various functions within the vehicle such as the telephone, radio, and heating and air conditioning. U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,587 to Aboutalib et al. also describes a drowsy driver detection unit based on the frequency of eyeblinks where an eye blink is determined by correlation analysis with averaged previous states of the eye. U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,858 to Grace describes the use of two frequencies of light to monitor the eyes, one that is totally absorbed by the eye (950 nm) and another that is not and where both are equally reflected by the rest of the face. Thus, subtraction leaves only the eyes. An alternative, not disclosed by Aboutalib et al. or Grace, is to use natural light or a broad frequency spectrum and a filter to filter out all frequencies except 950 nm and then to proportion the intensities. U.S. Pat. No. 6,097,295 to Griesinger also attempts to determine the alertness of the driver by monitoring the pupil size and the eye shutting frequency. U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,334 uses measurements of saccade frequency, saccade speed, and blinking measurements to determine drowsiness. No attempt is made in any of these patents to locate the driver in the vehicle. There are numerous technical papers on eye location and tracking developed for uses other than automotive including: (1) “Eye Tracking in Advanced Interface Design”, Robert J. K. Jacob, Human-Computer Interaction Lab, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C.; (2) F. Smeraldi, O. Carmona, J. Bigün, “Saccadic search with Gabor features applied to eye detection and real-time head tracking”, Image and Vision Computing 18 (2000) 323-329, Elsevier; (2) Y. Wang, B. Yuan, “Human Eyes Location Using Wavelet and Neural Networks”, Proceedings of ICSP2000, IEEE. (3) S. A. Sirohey, A. Rosenfeld, “Eye detection in a face image using linear and nonlinear filters”, Pattern Recognition 34 (2001) 1367-1391, Pergamon. There are also numerous technical papers on human face recognition including: (1) “Pattern Recognition with Fast Feature Extractions”, M. G. Nakhodkin, Y. S. Musatenko, and V. N. Kurashov, Optical Memory and Neural Networks, Vol. 6, No. 3, 1997; (2) C. Beumier, M. Acheroy “Automatic 3D Face Recognition”, Image and Vision Computing, 18 (2000) 315-321, Elsevier. Since the direction of gaze of the eyes is quite precise and relatively easily measured, it can be used to control many functions in the vehicle such as the telephone, lights, windows, HVAC, navigation and route guidance system, and telematics among others. Many of these functions can be combined with a heads-up display and the eye gaze can replace the mouse in selecting many functions and among many choices. It can also be combined with an accurate mapping system to display on a convenient display the writing on a sign that might be hard to read such as a street sign. It can even display the street name when a sign is not present. A gaze at a building can elicit a response providing the address of the building or some information about the building which can be provided either orally or visually. Looking at the speedometer can elicit a response as the local speed limit and looking at the fuel gage can elicit the location of the nearest gas station. None of these functions appear in the prior art discussed above. 6.5 Heartbeat and Health State Although the concept of measuring the heartbeat of a vehicle occupant originated with the patents of the current assignee, Bader in U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,008 uses a comparison of the heartbeat with stored data to determine the age of the occupant. Other uses of heartbeat measurement include determining the presence of an occupant on a particular seat, the determination of the total number of vehicle occupants, the presence of an occupant in a vehicle for security purposes, for example, and the presence of an occupant in the trunk etc. 7. Illumination 7.1 Infrared light In a passive infrared system, as described in Corrado referenced above, for example, a detector receives infrared radiation from an object in its field of view, in this case the vehicle occupant, and determines the presence and temperature of the occupant based on the infrared radiation. The occupant sensor system can then respond to the temperature of the occupant, which can either be a child in a rear facing child seat or a normally seated occupant, to control some other system. This technology could provide input data to a pattern recognition system but it has limitations related to temperature. The sensing of the child could pose a problem if the child is covered with blankets, depending on the IR frequency used. It also might not be possible to differentiate between a rear facing child seat and a forward facing child seat. In all cases, the technology can fail to detect the occupant if the ambient temperature reaches body temperature as it does in hot climates. Nevertheless, for use in the control of the vehicle climate, for example, a passive infrared system that permits an accurate measurement of each occupant's temperature is useful. Prior art systems are limited to single pixel devices. Use of an IR imager removes many of the problems listed above and is novel to the inventions disclosed herein. In a laser optical system, an infrared laser beam is used to momentarily illuminate an object occupant or child seat in the manner as described, and illustrated in FIG. 8 , of Breed et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,462) cross-referenced above. In some cases, a CCD or a CMOS device is used to receive the reflected light. In other cases when a scanning laser is used, a pin or avalanche diode or other photo detector can be used. The laser can either be used in a scanning mode, or, through the use of a lens, a cone of light, swept line of light, or a pattern or structured light can be created which covers a large portion of the object. Additionally, one or more LEDs can be used as a light source. Also triangulation can be used in conjunction with an offset scanning laser to determine the range of the illuminated spot from the light detector. Various focusing systems also can have applicability in some implementations to measure the distance to an occupant. In most cases, a pattern recognition system, as defined herein, is used to identify, ascertain the identity of and classify, and can be used to locate and determine the position of; the illuminated object and/or its constituent parts. The optical systems generally provide the most information about the object and at a rapid data rate. Its main drawback is cost which is usually above that of ultrasonic or passive infrared systems. As the cost of lasers and imagers comes down in the future, this system will become more competitive. Depending on the implementation of the system, there may be some concern for the safety of the occupant if a laser light can enter the occupant's eyes. This is minimized if the laser operates in the infrared spectrum particularly at the “eye-safe” frequencies. Another important feature is that the brightness of the point of light from the laser, if it is in the infrared part of the spectrum and if a filter is used on the receiving detector, can overpower the sun with the result that the same classification algorithms can be made to work both at night and under bright sunlight in a convertible. An alternative approach is to use different algorithms for different lighting conditions. Although active and passive infrared light has been disclosed in the prior art, the use of a scanning laser, modulated light, filters, trainable pattern recognition etc. is believed to have been first disclosed by the current assignee in the above-referenced patents. 7.2 Structured Light U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,166 provides an excellent treatise on the use of structured light for range mapping of objects in general. It does not apply this technique for automotive applications and in particular for occupant sensing or monitoring inside or outside of a vehicle. The use of structured light in the automotive environment and particularly for sensing occupants is believed to have been first disclosed by the current assignee in the above-referenced patents. U.S. Pat. No. 6,049,757 to Nakajima et al. describes structured light in the form of bright spots that illuminate the face of the driver to determine the inclination of the face and to issue a warning if the inclination is indicative of a dangerous situation. In the patents to the current assignee, structured light is disclosed to obtain a determination of the location of an occupant and/or his or her parts. This includes the position of any part of the occupant including the occupant's face and thus the invention of this patent is believed to be anticipated by the current assignee's patents referenced above. U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,311 to Griffin et al. repeats much of the teachings of the early patents of the current assignee. A plurality of IR beams are modulated and directed in the vicinity of the passenger seat and used through a photosensitive receiver to detect the presence and location of an object in the passenger seat, although the particular pattern recognition system is not disclosed. The pattern of IR beams used in this patent is a form of structured light. Structured light is also discussed in numerous technical papers for other purposes than vehicle interior or exterior monitoring including: (1) “3D Shape Recovery and Registration Based on the Projection of Non-Coherent Structured Light” by Roberto Rodella and Giovanna Sansoni, INFM and Dept. of Electronics for the Automation, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, I-25123 Brescia—Italy; and (2) “A Low-Cost Range Finder using a Visually Located, Structured Light Source”, R B. Fisher, A. P. Ashbrook, C. Robertson, N. Werghi, Division of Informatics, Edinburgh University, 5 Forrest Hill, Edinburgh EH1 2QL. (3) F. Lerasle, J. Lequellec, M Devy, “Relaxation vs Maximal Cliques Search for Projected Beams Labeling in a Structured Light Sensor”, Proceedings of the International Conference on Pattern Recognition, 2000 IEEE. (4) D. Caspi, N. Kiryati, and J. Shamir, “Range Imaging With Adaptive Color Structured Light”, IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, Vol. 20, No. 5, May 1998. Recently, a paper has been published that describes a structured light camera system disclosed years ago by the current assignee: V. Ramesh, M. Greiffenhagen, S. Boverie, A. Giratt, “Real-Time Surveillance and Monitoring for Automotive Applications”, SAE 2000-01-0347. 7.3 Color and Natural Light A number of systems have been disclosed that use illumination as the basis for occupant detection. The problem with artificial illumination is that it will not always overpower the sun and thus in a convertible on a bright sunny day, for example, the artificial light can be undetectable unless it is a point. If one or more points of light are not the illumination of choice, then the system must also be able to operate under natural light. The inventions herein accomplish the feat of accurate identification and tracking of an occupant under all lighting conditions by using artificial illumination at night and natural light when it is available. This requires that the pattern recognition system be modular with different modules used for different situations as discussed in more detail below. There is no known prior art for using natural radiation for occupant sensing systems. When natural illumination is used, a great deal of useful information can be obtained if various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are used. The ability to locate the face and facial features is enhanced if color is used, for example. Once again, there is no known prior art for the use of color, for example. All known systems that use electromagnetic radiation are monochromatic. 7.4 Radar The radar portion of the electromagnetic spectrum can also be used for occupant detection as first disclosed by the current assignee in the above-referenced patents. Radar systems have similar properties to the laser system discussed above except the ability to focus the beam, which is limited in radar by the frequency chosen and the antenna size. It is also much more difficult to achieve a scanning system for the same reasons. The wavelength of a particular radar system can limit the ability of the pattern recognition system to detect object features smaller than a certain size. Once again, however, there is some concern about the health effects of radar on children and other occupants. This concern is expressed in various reports available from the United States Food and Drug Administration, Division of Devices. When the occupying item is human, in some instances the information about the occupying item can be the occupant's position, size and/or weight. Each of these properties can have an effect on the control criteria of the component. One system for determining a deployment force of an air bag system in described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,904 (Dosdall). This system provides a reflective surface in the vehicle seat that reflects microwaves transmitted from a microwave emitter. The position, size and weight of a human occupant are said to be determined by calibrating the microwaves detected by a detector after the microwaves have been reflected from the reflective surface and pass through the occupant. Although some features disclosed in the '904 patent are not disclosed in the current assignee's above-referenced patents, the use of radar in general for occupant sensing is disclosed in those patents. 7.5 Frequency or Spectrum Considerations As discussed above, it is desirable to obtain information about an occupying item in a vehicle in order to control a component in the vehicle based on the characteristics of the occupying item. For example, if it were known that the occupying item is inanimate, an airbag deployment system would generally be controlled to suppress deployment of any airbags designed to protect passengers seated at the location of the inanimate object. Particular parts of the electromagnetic spectrum interact with animal bodies in a manner differently from inanimate objects and allow the positive identification that there is an animal in the passenger compartment, or in the vicinity of the vehicle. The choice of frequencies for both active and passive observation of people is discussed in detail in Richards, A. Alien Vision. Exploring the Electromagnetic Spectrum with Imaging Technology, 2001, SPIE Press Bellingham, Wash. In particular, in the near IR range (˜850 nm), the eyes of a person at night are easily seen when illuminated. In the near UV range (˜360 nm), distinctive skin patterns are observable that can be used for identification. In the SWIR range (1100-2500 nm), the person can be easily separated from the background. The MWIR range (2.5-7 Microns) in the passive case clearly shows people against a cooler background except when the ambient temperature is high and then everything radiates or reflects energy in that range. However, windows are not transparent to MWIR and thus energy emitted from outside the vehicle does not interfere with the energy emitted from the occupants. This range is particularly useful at night when it is unlikely that the vehicle interior will be emitting significant amounts of energy in this range. In the LWIR range (7-15 Microns), people are even more clearly seen against a dark background that is cooler then the person. Finally, millimeter wave radar can be used for occupant sensing as discussed elsewhere. It is important to note that an occupant sensing system can use radiation in more than one of these ranges depending on what is appropriate for the situation. For example, when the sun is bright, then visual imaging can be very effective and when the sun has set, various ranges of infrared become useful. Thus, an occupant sensing system can be a combination of these subsystems. Once again, there is not believed to be any prior art on the use of these imaging techniques for occupant sensing other than that of the current assignee. 8. Field Sensors Electric and magnetic phenomena can be employed in other ways to sense the presence of an occupant and in particular the fields themselves can be used to determine the dielectric properties, such as the loss tangent or dielectric constant, of occupying items in the passenger compartment. However, it is difficult if not possible to measure these properties using static fields and thus a varying field is used which once again causes electromagnetic waves. Thus, the use of quasi-static low-frequency fields is really a limiting case of the use of waves as described in detail above. Electromagnetic waves are significantly affected at low frequencies, for example, by the dielectric properties of the material. Such capacitive or electric field sensors, for example are described in U.S. patents by Kithil et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,241, U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,734, U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,693, U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,479, U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,486 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,602; by Jinno et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,031; by Saito U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,413; by Kleinberg et al. U.S. Pat. No. 9,770,997; and SAE technical papers 982292 and 971051. Additionally, as discussed in more detail below, the sensing of the change in the characteristics of the near field that surrounds an antenna is an effective and economical method of determining the presence of water or a water-containing life form in the vicinity of the antenna and thus a measure of occupant presence. Measurement of the near field parameters can also yield a specific pattern of an occupant and thus provide a possibility to discriminate a human being from other objects. The use of electric field and capacitance sensors and their equivalence to the occupant sensors described herein requires a special discussion. Electric and magnetic field sensors and wave sensors are essentially the same from the point of view of sensing the presence of an occupant in a vehicle. In both cases, a time varying electric and/or magnetic field is disturbed or modified by the presence of the occupant. At high frequencies in the visual, infrared and high frequency radio wave region, the sensor is usually based on the reflection of electromagnetic energy. As the frequency drops and more of the energy passes through the occupant, the absorption of the wave energy is measured and at still lower frequencies, the occupant's dielectric properties modify the time varying field produced in the occupied space by the plates of a capacitor. In this latter case, the sensor senses the change in charge distribution on the capacitor plates by measuring, for example, the current wave magnitude or phase in the electric circuit that drives the capacitor. In all cases, the presence of the occupant reflects, absorbs or modifies the waves or variations in the electric or magnetic fields in the space occupied by the occupant. Thus, for the purposes of this invention, capacitance and inductance, electric field and magnetic field sensors are equivalent and will be considered as wave sensors. What follows is a discussion comparing the similarities and differences between two types of wave sensors, electromagnetic beam sensors and capacitive sensors as exemplified by Kithil in U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,734. An electromagnetic field disturbed or emitted by a passenger in the case of an electromagnetic beam sensor, for example, and the electric field sensor of Kithil, for example, are in many ways similar and equivalent for the purposes of this invention. The electromagnetic beam sensor is an actual electromagnetic wave sensor by definition, which exploits for sensing a coupled pair of continuously changing electric and magnetic fields, an electromagnetic wave affected or generated by a passenger. The electric field here is not a static, potential one. It is essentially a dynamic, vortex electric field coupled with a changing magnetic field, that is, an electromagnetic wave. It cannot be produced by a steady distribution of electric charges. It is initially produced by moving electric charges in a transmitter, even if this transmitter is a passenger body for the case of a passive infrared sensor. In the Kithil sensor, a static electric field is declared as an initial material agent coupling a passenger and a sensor (see column 5, lines 5-7): “The proximity sensors 12 each function by creating an electrostatic field between oscillator input loop 54 and detector output loop 56, which is affected by presence of a person near by, as a result of capacitive coupling, . . . ”. It is a potential, non-vortex electric field. It is not necessarily coupled with any magnetic field. It is the electric field of a capacitor. It can be produced with a steady distribution of electric charges. Thus, it is not an electromagnetic wave by definition but if the sensor is driven by a varying current then it produces a varying electric field in the space between the plates of the capacitor which necessarily and simultaneously originates an electromagnetic wave. Kithil declares that he uses a static electric field in his capacitance sensor. Thus, from the consideration above, one can conclude that Kithil's sensor cannot be treated as a wave sensor because there are no actual electromagnetic waves but only a static electric field of the capacitor in the sensor system. However, this is not the case. The Kithil system could not operate with a true static electric field because a steady system does not carry any information. Therefore, Kithil is forced to use an oscillator, causing an alternating current in the capacitor and a time varying electric field wave in the space between the capacitor plates, and a detector to reveal an informative change of the sensor capacitance caused by the presence of an occupant (see FIG. 7 and its description). In this case, his system becomes a wave sensor in the sense that it starts generating actual electromagnetic waves according to the definition above. That is, Kithil's sensor can be treated as a wave sensor regardless of the degree to which the electromagnetic field that it creates has developed, a beam or a spread shape. As described in the Kithil patents, the capacitor sensor is a parametric system where the capacitance of the sensor is controlled by influence of the passenger body. This influence is transferred by means of the varying electromagnetic field (i.e., the material agent necessarily originating the wave process) coupling the capacitor electrodes and the body. It is important to note that the same influence takes also place with a true static electric field caused by an unmovable charge distribution, that is in the absence of any wave phenomenon. This would be a situation if there were no oscillator in Kithil's system. However, such a system is not workable and thus Kithil reverts to a dynamic system using electromagnetic waves. Thus, although Kithil declares the coupling is due to a static electric field, such a situation is not realized in his system because an alternating electromagnetic field (“wave”) exists in the system due to the oscillator. Thus, his sensor is actually a wave sensor, that is, it is sensitive to a change of a wave field in the vehicle compartment. This change is measured by measuring the change of its capacitance. The capacitance of the sensor system is determined by the configuration of its electrodes, one of which is a human body, that is, the passenger inside of and the part which controls the electrode configuration and hence a sensor parameter, the capacitance. The physics definition of “wave” from Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary is: “11. Physics. A progressive disturbance propagated from point to point in a medium or space without progress or advance of the points themselves, . . . ”. In a capacitor, the time that it takes for the disturbance (a change in voltage) to propagate through space, the dielectric and to the opposite plate is generally small and neglected but it is not zero. In space, this velocity of propagation is the speed of light. As the frequency driving the capacitor increases and the distance separating the plates increases, this transmission time as a percentage of the period of oscillation can become significant. Nevertheless, an observer between the plates will see the rise and fall of the electric field much like a person standing in the water of an ocean. The presence of a dielectric body between the plates causes the waves to get bigger as more electrons flow to and from the plates of the capacitor. Thus, an occupant affects the magnitude of these waves which is sensed by the capacitor circuit. Thus, the electromagnetic field is a material agent that carries information about a passenger's position in both Kithil's and a beam type electromagnetic wave sensor. The following definitions are from the Encyclopedia Britannica: “electromagnetic field” “A property of space caused by the motion of an electric charge. A stationary charge will produce only an electric field in the surrounding space. If the charge is moving, a magnetic field is also produced. An electric field can be produced also by a changing magnetic field. The mutual interaction of electric and magnetic fields produces an electromagnetic field, which is considered as having its own existence in space apart from the charges or currents (a stream of moving charges) with which it may be related . . . ” (Copyright 1994-1998 Encyclopedia Britannica). “displacement current” “ . . . in electromagnetism, a phenomenon analogous to an ordinary electric current, posited to explain magnetic fields that are produced by changing electric fields. Ordinary electric currents, called conduction currents, whether steady or varying, produce an accompanying magnetic field in the vicinity of the current. [ . . . ] “As electric charges do not flow through the insulation from one plate of a capacitor to the other, there is no conduction current; instead, a displacement current is said to be present to account for the continuity of the magnetic effects. In fact, the calculated size of the displacement current between the plates of a capacitor being charged and discharged in an alternating-current circuit is equal to the size of the conduction current in the wires leading to and from the capacitor. Displacement currents play a central role in the propagation of electromagnetic radiation, such as light and radio waves, through empty space. A traveling, varying magnetic field is everywhere associated with a periodically changing electric field that may be conceived in terms of a displacement current. Maxwell's insight on displacement current, therefore, made it possible to understand electromagnetic waves as being propagated through space completely detached from electric currents in conductors.” Copyright 1994-1998 Encyclopedia Britannica. “electromagnetic radiation” “ . . . energy that is propagated through free space or through a material medium in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves, visible light, and gamma rays. The term also refers to the emission and transmission of such radiant energy. [ . . . ] “It has been established that time-varying electric fields can induce magnetic fields and that time-varying magnetic fields can in like manner induce electric fields. Because such electric and magnetic fields generate each other, they occur jointly, and together they propagate as electromagnetic waves. An electromagnetic wave is a transverse wave in that the electric field and the magnetic field at any point and time in the wave are perpendicular to each other as well as to the direction of propagation. [ . . . ] “Electromagnetic radiation has properties in common with other forms of waves such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference. [ . . . ]” Copyright 1994-1998 Encyclopedia Britannica The main part of the Kithil “circuit means” is an oscillator, which is as necessary in the system as the capacitor itself to make the capacitive coupling effect be detectable. An oscillator by nature creates waves. The system can operate as a sensor only if an alternating current flows through the sensor capacitor, which, in fact, is a detector from which an informative signal is acquired. Then this current (or, more exactly, integral of the current over time—charge) is measured and the result is a measure of the sensor capacitance value. The latter in turn depends on the passenger presence that affects the magnitude of the waves that travel between the plates of the capacitor making the Kithil sensor a wave sensor by the definition herein. An additional relevant definition is: (Telecom Glossary, atis.org/tg2k/_capacitive_coupling.html) “capacitive coupling: The transfer of energy from one circuit to another by means of the mutual capacitance between the circuits. (188) Note 1: The coupling may be deliberate or inadvertent. Note 2: Capacitive coupling favors transfer of the higher frequency components of a signal, whereas inductive coupling favors lower frequency components, and conductive coupling favors neither higher nor lower frequency components.” Another similarity between one embodiment of the sensor of this invention and the Kithil sensor is the use of a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). 9. Telematics One key invention disclosed here and in the current assignee's above-referenced patents is that once an occupancy has been categorized one of the many ways that the information can be used is to transmit all or some of it to a remote location via a telematics link. This link can be a cell phone, WiFi Internet connection or a satellite (LEO or geo-stationary). The recipient of the information can be a governmental authority, a company or an EMS organization. For example, vehicles can be provided with a standard cellular phone as well as the Global Positioning System (GPS), an automobile navigation or location system with an optional connection to a manned assistance facility, which is now available on a number of vehicle models. In the event of an accident, the phone may automatically call 911 for emergency assistance and report the exact position of the vehicle. If the vehicle also has a system as described herein for monitoring each seat location, the number and perhaps the condition of the occupants could also be reported. In that way, the emergency service (EMS) would know what equipment and how many ambulances to send to the accident site. Moreover, a communication channel can be opened between the vehicle and a monitoring facility/emergency response facility or personnel to enable directions to be provided to the occupant(s) of the vehicle to assist in any necessary first aid prior to arrival of the emergency assistance personnel. One existing service is OnStar® provided by General Motors that automatically notifies an OnStar® operator in the event that the airbags deploy. By adding the teachings of the inventions herein, the service can also provide a description on the number and category of occupants, their condition and the output of other relevant information including a picture of a particular seat before and after the accident if desired. There is not believed to be any prior art for these added services. 10. Display Heads-up displays are normally projected onto the windshield. In a few cases, they can appear on a visor that is placed in front of the driver or vehicle passenger. Here, the use of the term heads-up display or HUD will be meant to encompass both systems. 10.1 Heads-up Display (HUD) Various manufacturers have attempted to provide information to a driver through the use of a heads-up display. In some cases, the display is limited to information that would otherwise appear on the instrument panel. In more sophisticated cases, there is an attempt to display information about the environment that would be useful to the driver. Night vision cameras can record that there is a person or an object ahead on the road that the vehicle might run into if the driver is not aware of its presence. Present day systems of this type provide a display at the bottom of the windshield of the scene sensed by the night vision camera. No attempt is made to superimpose this onto the windshield such that the driver would see it at the location that he would normally see it if the object were illuminated. This confuses the driver and in one study the driver actually performed worse than he would have in the absence of the night vision information. The ability to find the eyes of the driver, as taught here, permits the placement of the night vision image exactly where the driver expects to see it. An enhancement is to categorize and identify the objects that should be brought to the attention of the driver and then place an icon at the proper place in the driver's field of view. There is no known prior art of these inventions. There is of course much prior art on night vision. See for example, M. Aguilar, D. A. Fay, W. D. Ross, A. M. Waxman, D. B. Ireland, J. P. Racamato, “Real-time fusion of low-light CCD and uncooled IR imagery for color night vision”, SPIE Vol. 3364 (1998). The University of Minnesota attempts to show the driver of a snow plow where the snow covered road edges are on a LCD display that is placed in front of the windshield. Needless to say this also can confuse the driver and a preferable approach, as disclosed herein, is to place the edge markings on the windshield as they would appear if the driver could see the road. This again requires knowledge of the location of the eyes of the driver. Many other applications of display technology come to mind including aids to a lost driver from the route guidance system. An arrow, lane markings or even a pseudo-colored lane can be properly placed in his field of view when he should make a turn, for example or direct the driver to the closest McDonalds or gas station. For the passenger, objects of interest along with short descriptions (written or oral) can be highlighted on the HUD if the locations of the eyes of the passenger are known. In fact, all of the windows of the vehicle can become semi-transparent computer screens and be used as a virtual reality or augmented reality system guiding the driver and providing information about the environment that is generated by accurate maps, sensors and inter-vehicle communication and vehicle to infrastructure communication. This becomes easier with the development of organic displays that comprise a thin film that can be manufactured as part of the window or appear as part of a transparent visor. Again there is not believed to be any prior art on these features. 10.2 Adjust HUD Based on Driver Seating Position A simpler system that can be implemented without an occupant sensor is to base the location of the HUD display on the expected location of the eyes of the driver that can be calculated from other sensor information such as the position of the rear view mirror, seat and weight of the occupant. Once an approximate location for the display is determined, a knob of another system can be provided to permit the driver to fine tune that location. Again there is not believed to be any prior art for this concept Some relevant patents are U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,907 and WO0235276. 10.3 HUD on Rear Window In some cases, it might be desirable to project the HUD onto the rear window or in some cases even the side windows. For the rear window, the position of the mirror and the occupant's eyes would be useful in determining where to place the image. The position of the eyes of the driver or passenger again would be useful for a HUD display on the side windows. Finally, for an entertainment system, the positions of the eyes of a passenger can allow the display of three-dimensional images onto any in-vehicle display. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,291,906. 10.4 Plastic Electronics Heads-up displays previously have been based on projection systems. With the development of plastic electronics, the possibility now exists for elimination of the projection system and to create the image directly on the windshield. Relevant patents for this technology include U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,553, U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,454, U.S. Pat. No. 5,889,566, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,203. A relevant paper is “Polymer Material Promises an Inexpensive and Thin Full-Color Light-Emitting Plastic Display”, Electronic Design Magazine, Jan. 9, 1996. This display material can be used in conjunction with SPD, for example, to turn the vehicle windows into a multicolored display. Also see “Bright Future for Displays”, MIT Technology Review, pp82- 3 , April, 2001 11. Pattern Recognition Many of the teachings of the inventions herein are based on pattern recognition technologies as taught in numerous textbooks and technical papers. For example, an important part of the diagnostic teachings of this invention are the manner in which the diagnostic module determines a normal pattern from an abnormal pattern and the manner in which it decides what data to use from the vast amount of data available. This is accomplished using pattern recognition technologies, such as artificial neural networks, combination neural networks, support vector machines, cellular neural networks etc. The present invention relating to occupant sensing uses sophisticated pattern recognition capabilities such as fuzzy logic systems, neural networks, neural-fuzzy systems or other pattern recognition computer-based algorithms to the occupant position measurement system disclosed in the above referenced patents and/or patent applications and greatly extends the areas of application of this technology. The pattern recognition techniques used can be applied to the preprocessed data acquired by various transducers or to the raw data itself depending on the application. For example, as reported in the current assignee's patent applications above-referenced, there is frequently information in the frequencies present in the data and thus a Fourier transform of the data can be inputted into the pattern recognition algorithm. In optical correlation methods, for example, a very fast identification of an object can be obtained using the frequency domain rather than the time domain. Similarly, when analyzing the output of weight sensors the transient response is usually more accurate that the static response, as taught in the current assignee's patents and applications, and this transient response can be analyzed in the frequency domain or in the time domain. An example of the use of a simple frequency analysis is presented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,485 to Kursawe. 11.1 Neural Nets The theory of neural networks including many examples can be found in several books on the subject including: (1) Techniques and Application of Neural Networks, edited by Taylor, M. and Lisboa, P., Ellis Horwood, West Sussex, England, 1993; (2) Naturally Intelligent Systems, by Caudill, M. and Butler, C., MIT Press, Cambridge Mass., 1990; (3) J. M. Zaruda, Introduction to Artificial Neural Systems, West publishing Co., N.Y., 1992, (4) Digital Neural Networks, by Kung, S. Y., PTR Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N. J., 1993, Eberhart, R, Simpson, P., (5) Dobbins, R., Computational Intelligence PC Tools, Academic Press, Inc., 1996, Orlando, Fla., (6) Cristianini, N. and Shawe-Taylor, J. An Introduction to Support Vector Machines and Other Kernel-Based Learning Methods, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge England, 2000; (7) Proceedings of the 2000 6 th IEEE International Workshop on Cellular Neural Networks and their Applications (CNNA 2000), IEEE, Piscataway N.J.; and (8) Sinha, N. K. and Gupta, M. M. Soft Computing & Intelligent Systems, Academic Press 2000 San Diego, Calif. The neural network pattern recognition technology is one of the most developed of pattern recognition technologies. The invention described herein uses combinations of neural networks to improve the pattern recognition process. An example of such a pattern recognition system using neural networks using sonar is discussed in two papers by Gorman, R. P. and Sejnowski, T. J. “Analysis of Hidden Units in a Layered Network Trained to Classify Sonar Targets”, Neural Networks, Vol.1. pp. 75-89, 1988, and “Learned Classification of Sonar Targets Using a Massively Parallel Network”, IEEE Transactions on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing, Vol. 36, No. 7, July 1988. A more recent example using cellular neural networks is: M. Milanove, U. Büker, “Object recognition in image sequences with cellular neural networks”, Neurocomputing 31 (2000) 124-141, Elsevier. Another recent example using support vector machines, a form of neural network, is: E. Destéfanis, E. Kienzle, L. Canali, “Occupant Detection Using Support Vector Machines With a Polynomial Kernel Function”, SPIE Vol. 4192 (2000). Japanese Patent No. 3-42337 (A) to Ueno describes a device for detecting the driving condition of a vehicle driver comprising a light emitter for irradiating the face of the driver and a means for picking up the image of the driver and storing it for later analysis. Means are provided for locating the eyes of the driver and then the irises of the eyes and then determining if the driver is looking to the side or sleeping. Ueno determines the state of the eyes of the occupant rather than determining the location of the eyes relative to the other parts of the vehicle passenger compartment. Such a system can be defeated if the driver is wearing glasses, particularly sunglasses, or another optical device which obstructs a clear view of his/her eyes. Pattern recognition technologies such as neural networks are not used. The method of finding the eyes is described but not a method of adapting the system to a particular vehicle model. U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,946 to Ando uses a complicated set of rules to isolate the eyes and mouth of a driver and uses this information to permit the driver to control the radio, for example, or other systems within the vehicle by moving his eyes and/or mouth. Ando uses visible light and illuminates only the head of the driver. He also makes no use of trainable pattern recognition systems such as neural networks, nor is there any attempt to identify the contents neither of the vehicle nor of their location relative to the vehicle passenger compartment. Rather, Ando is limited to control of vehicle devices by responding to motion of the driver's mouth and eyes. As with Ueno, a method of finding the eyes is described but not a method of adapting the system to a particular vehicle model. U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,732 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,751 to Chen also concentrate on locating the eyes of the driver so as to position a light filter in the form of a continuously repositioning small sun visor or liquid crystal shade between a light source such as the sun or the lights of an oncoming vehicle, and the driver's eyes. Chen does not explain in detail how the eyes are located but does supply a calibration system whereby the driver can adjust the filter so that it is at the proper position relative to his or her eyes. Chen references the use of automatic equipment for determining the location of the eyes but does not describe how this equipment works. In any event, in Chen, there is no mention of illumination of the occupant, monitoring the position of the occupant, other than the eyes, determining the position of the eyes relative to the passenger compartment, or identifying any other object in the vehicle other than the driver's eyes. Also, there is no mention of the use of a trainable pattern recognition system. A method for finding the eyes is described but not a method of adapting the system to a particular vehicle model. U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,012 to Faris also describes a system for reducing the glare from the headlights of an oncoming vehicle. Faris locates the eyes of the occupant by using two spaced apart infrared cameras using passive infrared radiation from the eyes of the driver. Again, Faris is only interested in locating the driver's eyes relative to the sun or oncoming headlights and does not identify or monitor the occupant or locate the occupant, a rear facing child seat or any other object for that matter, relative to the passenger compartment or the airbag. Also, Faris does not use trainable pattern recognition techniques such as neural networks. Faris, in fact, does not even say how the eyes of the occupant are located but refers the reader to a book entitled Robot Vision (1991) by Berthold Horn, published by MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass. A review of this book did not appear to provide the answer to this question. Also, Faris uses the passive infrared radiation rather than illuminating the occupant with ultrasonic or electromagnetic radiation as in some implementations of the instant invention. A method for finding the eyes of the occupant is described but not a method of adapting the system to a particular vehicle model. The use of neural networks, or neural fuzz systems, and in particular combination neural networks, as the pattern recognition technology and the methods of adapting this to a particular vehicle, such as the training methods, is important to some of the inventions herein since it makes the monitoring system robust, reliable and accurate. The resulting algorithm created by the neural network program is usually short with a limited number of lines of code written in the C or C++ computer language as opposed to typically a very large algorithm when the techniques of the above patents to Ando, Chen and Faris are implemented. As a result, the resulting systems are easy to implement at a low cost, making them practical for automotive applications. The cost of the ultrasonic transducers, for example, is expected to be less than about $1 in quantities of one million per year and of the CCD and CMOS arrays, which have been prohibitively expensive until recently, currently are estimated to cost less than $5 each in similar quantities also rendering their use practical. Similarly, the implementation of the techniques of the above referenced patents requires expensive microprocessors while the implementation with neural networks and similar trainable pattern recognition technologies permits the use of low cost microprocessors typically costing less than $10 in large quantities. The present invention is best implemented using sophisticated software that develops trainable pattern recognition algorithms such as neural networks and combination neural networks. Usually, the data is preprocessed, as discussed below, using various feature extraction techniques and the results post-processed to improve system accuracy. Examples of feature extraction techniques can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,940 entitled “Process and Apparatus for the Automatic Detection and Extraction of Features in Images and Displays” to Green et al. Examples of other more advanced and efficient pattern recognition techniques can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,136 entitled “Artificial Neuron and Method of Using Same” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,667 entitled “Neural Network That Does Not Require Repetitive Training” to S. T. Wang. Other examples include U.S. Pat. No. 5,235,339 (Morrison et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,744 (Schweizer et al), U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,254 (Schweizer et al), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,270 (Knecht et al). Neural networks as used herein include all types of neural networks including modular neural networks, cellular neural networks and support vector machines and all combinations as described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,445,988 and referred to therein as “combination neural networks” 11.2 Combination Neural Nets A “combination neural network” as used herein will generally apply to any combination of two or more neural networks that are either connected together or that analyze all or a portion of the input data. A combination neural network can be used to divide up tasks in solving a particular occupant problem. For example, one neural network can be used to identify an object occupying a passenger compartment of an automobile and a second neural network can be used to determine the position of the object or its location with respect to the airbag, for example, within the passenger compartment. In another case, one neural network can be used merely to determine whether the data is similar to data upon which a main neural network has been trained or whether there is something radically different about this data and therefore that the data should not be analyzed. Combination neural networks can sometimes be implemented as cellular neural networks. Consider a comparative analysis performed by neural networks to that performed by the human mind. Once the human mind has identified that the object observed is a tree, the mind does not try to determine whether it is a black bear or a grizzly. Further observation on the tree might center on whether it is a pine tree, an oak tree etc. Thus, the human mind appears to operate in some manner like a hierarchy of neural networks. Similarly, neural networks for analyzing the occupancy of the vehicle can be structured such that higher order networks are used to determine, for example, whether there is an occupying item of any kind present. Another neural network could follow, knowing that there is information on the item, with attempts to categorize the item into child seats and human adults etc., i.e., determine the type of item. Once it has decided that a child seat is present, then another neural network can be used to determine whether the child seat is rear facing or forward facing. Once the decision has been made that the child seat is facing rearward, the position of the child seat relative to the airbag, for example, can be handled by still another neural network. The overall accuracy of the system can be substantially improved by breaking the pattern recognition process down into a larger number of smaller pattern recognition problems. Naturally, combination neural networks can now be applied to solving many other pattern recognition problems in and outside of a vehicle including vehicle diagnostics, collision avoidance, anticipatory sensing etc. In some cases, the accuracy of the pattern recognition process can be improved if the system uses data from its own recent decisions. Thus, for example, if the neural network system had determined that a forward facing adult was present, then that information can be used as input into another neural network, biasing any results toward the forward facing human compared to a rear facing child seat, for example. Similarly, for the case when an occupant is being tracked in his or her forward motion during a crash, for example, the location of the occupant at the previous calculation time step can be valuable information to determining the location of the occupant from the current data. There is a limited distance an occupant can move in 10 milliseconds, for example. In this latter example, feedback of the decision of the neural network tracking algorithm becomes important input into the same algorithm for the calculation of the position of the occupant at the next time step. What has been described above is generally referred to as modular neural networks with and without feedback. Actually, the feedback does not have to be from the output to the input of the same neural network. The feedback from a downstream neural network could be input to an upstream neural network, for example. The neural networks can be combined in other ways, for example in a voting situation. Sometimes the data upon which the system is trained is sufficiently complex or imprecise that different views of the data will give different results. For example, a subset of transducers may be used to train one neural network and another subset to train a second neural network etc. The decision can then be based on a voting of the parallel neural networks, sometimes known as an ensemble neural network. In the past, neural networks have usually only been used in the form of a single neural network algorithm for identifying the occupancy state of an automobile. This invention is primarily advancing the state of the art and using combination neural networks wherein two or more neural networks are combined to arrive at a decision. The applications for this technology are numerous as described in the patents and patent applications listed above. However, the main focus of some of the instant inventions is the process and resulting apparatus of adapting the system in the patents and patent applications referenced above and using combination neural networks for the detection of the presence of an occupied child seat in the rear facing position or an out-of-position occupant and the detection of an occupant in a normal seating position. The system is designed so that in the former two cases, deployment of the occupant protection apparatus (airbag) may be controlled and possibly suppressed, and in the latter case, it will be controlled and enabled. One preferred implementation of a first generation occupant sensing system, which is adapted to various vehicle models using the teachings presented herein, is an ultrasonic occupant position sensor, as described below and in the current assignee's above-referenced patents. This system uses a Combination Artificial Neural Network (CANN) to recognize patterns that it has been trained to identify as either airbag enable or airbag disable conditions. The pattern can be obtained from four ultrasonic transducers that cover the front passenger seating area. This pattern consists of the ultrasonic echoes bouncing off of the objects in the passenger seat area. The signal from each of the four transducers includes the electrical representation of the return echoes, which is processed by the electronics. The electronic processing can comprise amplification, logarithmic compression, rectification, and demodulation (band pass filtering), followed by discretization (sampling) and digitization of the signal. The only software processing required, before this signal can be fed into the combination artificial neural network, is normalization (i.e., mapping the input to a fixed range such as numbers between 0 and 1). Although this is a fair amount of processing, the resulting signal is still considered “raw”, because all information is treated equally. A further important application of CANN is where optical sensors such as cameras are used to monitor the inside or outside of a vehicle in the presence of varying illumination conditions. At night, artificial illumination usually in the form of infrared radiation is frequently added to the scene. For example, when monitoring the interior of a vehicle one or more infrared LEDs are frequently used to illuminate the occupant and a pattern recognition system is trained under such lighting conditions. In bright daylight, however, unless the infrared illumination is either very bright or in the form of a scanning laser with a narrow beam, the sun can overwhelm the infrared. However, in daylight there is no need for artificial illumination but the patterns of reflected radiation differ significantly from the infrared case. Thus, a separate pattern recognition algorithm is frequently trained to handle this case. Furthermore, depending on the lighting conditions, more than two algorithms can be trained to handle different cases. If CANN is used for this case, the initial algorithm can determine the category of illumination that is present and direct further processing to a particular neural network that has been trained under similar conditions. Another example would be the monitoring of objects in the vicinity of the vehicle. There is no known prior art on the use on neural networks, pattern recognition algorithms or, in particular, CANN for systems that monitor either the interior or the exterior of a vehicle. 11.3 Interpretation of Other Occupant States—Inattention, Sleep Another example of an invention herein involves the monitoring of the driver's behavior over time that can be used to warn a driver if he or she is falling asleep, or to stop the vehicle if the driver loses the capacity to control it. A paper entitled “Intelligent System for Video Monitoring of Vehicle Cockpit” by S. Boverie et al., SAE Technical Paper Series No. 980613 , Feb. 23-26, 1998, describes the installation of an optical/retina sensor in the vehicle and several uses of this sensor. Possible uses are said to include observation of the driver's face (eyelid movement) and the driver's attitude to allow analysis of the driver's vigilance level and warn him/her about critical situations and observation of the front passenger seat to allow the determination of the presence of somebody or something located on the seat and to value the volumetric occupancy of the passenger for the purpose of optimizing the operating conditions for airbags. 11.4 Combining Occupant Monitoring and Car Monitoring As discussed above and in the assignee's above-referenced patents and in particular in U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,408, the vehicle and the occupant can be simultaneously monitored in order to optimize the deployment of the restraint system, for example, using pattern recognition techniques such as CANN. Similarly, the position of the head of an occupant can be monitored while at the same time the likelihood of a side impact or a rollover can be monitored by a variety of other sensor systems such as an IMU, gyroscopes, radar, laser radar, ultrasound, cameras etc. and deployment of the side curtain airbag initiated if the occupant's head is getting too close to the side window. There are of course many other examples where the simultaneous monitoring of two environments can be combined, preferably using pattern recognition, to cause an action that would not be warranted by an analysis of only one environment. There is no known prior art except the current assignee's of monitoring more than one environment to render a decision that would not have been made based on the monitoring of a single environment and particularly through the use of pattern recognition, trained pattern recognition, neural networks or combination neural networks in the automotive field. CANN, as well as the other pattern recognition systems discussed herein, can be implemented in either software or in hardware through the use of cellular neural networks, support vector machines, ASIC, systems on a chip, or FPGAs depending on the particular application and the quantity of units to be made. In particular, for many applications where the volume is large but not huge, a rapid and relatively low cost implementation could be to use a field programmable gate array (FPGA). This technology lends itself well to the implementation of multiple connected networks such as some implementations of CANN. 11.5 Continuous Tracking During the process of adapting an occupant monitoring system to a vehicle, for example, the actual position of the occupant can be an important input during the training phase of a trainable pattern recognition system. Thus, for example, it might be desirable to associate a particular pattern of data from one or more cameras to the measured location of the occupant relative to the airbag. Thus, it is frequently desirable to positively measure the location of the occupant with another system while data collection is taking place. Systems for performing this measurement function include string potentiometers attached to the head or chest of the occupant, for example, inertial sensors such as an IMU attached to the occupant, laser optical systems using any part of the spectrum such as the far, mid or near infrared, visible and ultraviolet, radar, laser radar, stereo or focusing cameras, RF emitters attached to the occupant, or any other such measurement system. There is no known prior art for continuous tracking systems to be used in data collection when adapting a system for monitoring the interior or exterior of a vehicle. 11.6 Preprocessing There are many preprocessing techniques that are and can be used to prepare the data for input into a pattern recognition or other analysis system in an interior or exterior monitoring system. The simplest systems involve subtracting one image from another to determine motion of the object of interest and to subtract out the unchanging background, removing some data that is known not to contain any useful information such as the early and late portions of an ultrasonic reflected signal, scaling, smoothing of filtering the data etc. More sophisticated preprocessing algorithms involve applying a Fourier transform, combining data from several sources using “sensor fusion” techniques, finding edges of objects and their orientation and elimination of non-edge data, finding areas having the same color or pattern and identifying such areas, image segmentation and many others. Very little preprocessing prior art exists other than that of the current assignee. The prior art is limited to the preprocessing techniques of Ando, Chen and Faris for eye detection and the sensor fusion techniques of Corrado all discussed above. 11.7 Post Processing In some cases, after the system has made a decision that there is an out-of-position adult occupying the passenger seat, for example, it is useful for compare that decision with another recent decision to see it they are consistent. If the previous decision 10 milliseconds ago indicates that the adult was safely in position then thermal gradients or some other anomaly perhaps corrupted the data and thus the decision and the new decision should be ignored unless subsequently confirmed. Post processing can involve a number of techniques including averaging the decisions with a 5 decision moving average, applying other more sophisticated filters, applying limits to the decision or to the change from the previous decision, comparing data point by data point the input data that lead to the changed decision and correcting data points that appear to be in error etc. A goal of post processing is to apply a reasonableness test to the decision and thus to improve the accuracy of the decision or eliminate erroneous decisions. There appears to be no known prior art for post processing in the automotive monitoring field other than that of the current assignee. 12. Optical Correlators Optical methods for data correlation analysis are utilized in systems for military purpose such as target tracking, missile self-guidance, aerospace reconnaissance data processing etc. Advantages of these methods are the possibility of parallel processing of the elements of images being recognized providing high speed recognition and the ability to use advanced optical processors created by means of integrated optics technologies. Some prior art includes the following technical papers: 1. 1. Mirkin, L. Singher “Adaptive Scale Invariant Filters”, SPIE Vol. 3159, 1997 2. B. Javidi “Non-linear Joint Transform Correlators”, University of Conn. 3. A. Awwal, H. Michel “Single Step Joint Fourier Transform Correlator”, SPIE Vol. 3073, 1997 4. M. O'Callaghan, D. Ward, S. Perlmuter, L. Ji, C. Walker “A highly integrated single-chip optical correlator” SPIE Vol. 3466, 1998 These papers describe the use of optical methods and tools (optical correlators and spectral analyzers) for image recognition. Paper [1] discusses the use of an optical correlation technique for transforming an initial image to a form invariant to displacements of the respective object in the view. The very recognition of the object is done using a sectoring mask that is built by training with a genetic algorithm similar to methods of neural network training. The system discussed in the paper [2] includes an optical correlator that performs projection of the spectra of the target and the sample images onto a CCD matrix which functions as a detector. The consistent spectrum image at its output is used to detect the maximum of the correlation function by the median filtration method. Papers [3], [4] discuss some designs of optical correlators. The following should be noted in connection with the discussion on the use of optical correlators for a vehicle compartment occupant position sensing task: 1) Making use of optical correlators to detect and classify objects in presence of noise is efficient when the amount of possible alternatives of the object's shape and position is comparatively small with respect to the number of elements in the scene. This is apparent from the character of demonstration samples in papers [1], [2] where there were only a few sample scenes and their respective scale factors involved. 2) The effectiveness of making use of optical correlation methods in systems of military purpose can be explained by a comparatively small number of classes of military objects to be recognized and a low probability of catching several objects of this kind with a single view. 3) In their principles of operation and capabilities, optical correlators are similar to neural associative memory. In the task of occupant's position sensing in a car compartment, for example, the description of the sample object is represented by a training set that can include hundreds of thousands of various images. This situation is fundamentally different from those discussed in the mentioned papers. Therefore, the direct use of the optical correlation methods appears to be difficult and expensive. Nevertheless, making use of the correlation centering technique in order to reduce the image description's redundancy can be a valuable technique. This task could involve a contour extraction technique that does not require excessive computational effort but may have limited capabilities as to the reduction of redundancy. The correlation centering can demand significantly more computational resources, but the spectra obtained in this way will be invariant to objects' displacements and, possibly, will maintain the classification features needed by the neural network for the purpose of recognition. Once again, no prior art is believed to exist on the application of optical correlation techniques to the monitoring of either the interior or the exterior of the vehicle other than that of the current assignee. 13. Other Inputs Many other inputs can be applied to the interior or exterior monitoring systems of the inventions disclosed herein. For interior monitoring these can include, among others, the position of the seat and seatback, vehicle velocity, brake pressure, steering wheel position and motion, exterior temperature and humidity, seat weight sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopes, engine behavior sensors, tire monitors and chemical (oxygen carbon dioxide, alcohol, etc.) sensors. For external monitoring these can include, among others, temperature and humidity, weather forecasting information, traffic information, hazard warnings, speed limit information, time of day, lighting and visibility conditions and road condition information. 14. Other Products, Outputs, Features Pattern recognition technology is important to the development of smart airbags that the occupant identification and position determination systems described in the above-referenced patents and patent applications and to the methods described herein for adapting those systems to a particular vehicle model and for solving particular subsystem problems discussed in this section. To complete the development of smart airbags, an anticipatory crash detecting system such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,810 is also desirable. Prior to the implementation of anticipatory crash sensing, the use of a neural network smart crash sensor, which identifies the type of crash and thus its severity based on the early part of the crash acceleration signature, should be developed and thereafter implemented. U.S. Pat. No. 5,684,701 describes a crash sensor based on neural networks. This crash sensor, as with all other crash sensors, determines whether or not the crash is of sufficient severity to require deployment of the airbag and, if so, initiates the deployment. A smart airbag crash sensor based on neural networks can also be designed to identify the crash and categorize it with regard to severity thus permitting the airbag deployment to be matched not only to the characteristics and position of the occupant but also the severity and timing of the crash itself as described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,295. The applications for this technology are numerous as described in the current assignee's patents and patent applications listed herein. They include, among others: (i) the monitoring of the occupant for safety purposes to prevent airbag deployment induced injuries, (ii) the locating of the eyes of the occupant (driver) to permit automatic adjustment of the rear view mirror(s), (iii) the location of the seat to place the occupant's eyes at the proper position to eliminate the parallax in a heads-up display in night vision systems, (iv) the location of the ears of the occupant for optimum adjustment of the entertainment system, (v) the identification of the occupant for security or other reasons, (vi) the determination of obstructions in the path of a closing door or window, (vii) the determination of the position of the occupant's shoulder so that the seat belt anchorage point can be adjusted for the best protection of the occupant, (viii) the determination of the position of the rear of the occupants head so that the headrest or other system can be adjusted to minimize whiplash injuries in rear impacts, (ix) anticipatory crash sensing, (x) blind spot detection, (xi) smart headlight dimmers, (xii) sunlight and headlight glare reduction and many others. In fact, over forty products alone have been identified based on the ability to identify and monitor objects and parts thereof in the passenger compartment of an automobile or truck. In addition, there are many other applications of the apparatus and methods described herein for monitoring the environment exterior to the vehicle. Unless specifically stated otherwise below, there is no known prior art for any of the applications listed in this section. 14.1 Inflator Control Inflators now exist which will adjust the amount of gas flowing to or from the airbag to account for the size and position of the occupant and for the severity of the accident. The vehicle identification and monitoring system (VIMS) discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,782, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,295 among others, can control such inflators based on the presence and position of vehicle occupants or of a rear facing child seat. Some of the inventions herein are concerned with the process of adapting the vehicle interior monitoring systems to a particular vehicle model and achieving a high system accuracy and reliability as discussed in greater detail below. The automatic adjustment of the deployment rate of the airbag based on occupant identification and position and on crash severity has been termed “smart airbags” and is discussed in great detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,408. 14.2 Seat Adjustment The adjustment of an automobile seat occupied by a driver of the vehicle is now accomplished by the use of either electrical switches and motors or by mechanical levers. As a result, the driver's seat is rarely placed at the proper driving position which is defined as the seat location which places the eyes of the driver in the so-called “eye ellipse” and permits him or her to comfortably reach the pedals and steering wheel. The “eye ellipse” is the optimum eye position relative to the windshield and rear view mirror of the vehicle. There are a variety of reasons why the eye ellipse, which is actually an ellipsoid, is rarely achieved by the actions of the driver. One reason is the poor design of most seat adjustment systems particularly the so-called “4-way-seat”. It is known that there are three degrees of freedom of a seat bottom, namely vertical, longitudinal, and rotation about the lateral or pitch axis. The 4-way-seat provides four motions to control the seat: (1) raising or lowering the front of the seat, (2) raising or lowering the back of the seat, (3) raising or lowering the entire seat, (4) moving the seat fore and aft. Such a seat adjustment system causes confusion since there are four control motions for three degrees of freedom. As a result, vehicle occupants are easily frustrated by such events as when the control to raise the seat is exercised, the seat not only is raised but is also rotated. Occupants thus find it difficult to place the seat in the optimum location using this system and frequently give up trying leaving the seat in an improper driving position. This problem could be solved by the addition of a microprocessor and the elimination of one switch. Many vehicles today are equipped with a lumbar support system that is never used by most occupants. One reason is that the lumbar support cannot be preset since the shape of the lumbar for different occupants differs significantly, for example a tall person has significantly different lumbar support requirements than a short person. Without knowledge of the size of the occupant, the lumbar support cannot be automatically adjusted. As discussed in the above referenced '320 patent, in approximately 95% of the cases where an occupant suffers a whiplash injury, the headrest is not properly located to protect him or her in a rear impact collision. Thus, many people are needlessly injured. Also, the stiffness and damping characteristics of a seat are fixed and no attempt is made in any production vehicle to adjust the stiffness and damping of the seat in relation to either the size or weight of an occupant or to the environmental conditions such as road roughness. All of these adjustments, if they are to be done automatically, require knowledge of the morphology of the seat occupant. The inventions disclosed herein provide that knowledge. Other than that of the current assignee, there is no known prior art for the automatic adjustment of the seat based on the driver's morphology. U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,824 to Sugiyama uses visible colored light to locate the eyes of the driver with the assistance of the driver. Once the eye position is determined, the headrest and the seat are adjusted for optimum protection. 14.3 Side Impacts Side impact airbag systems began appearing on 1995 vehicles. The danger of deployment-induced injuries will exist for side impact airbags as they now do for frontal impact airbags. A child with his head against the airbag is such an example. The system of this invention will minimize such injuries. This fact has been also realized subsequent to its disclosure by the current assignee by NEC and such a system now appears on Honda vehicles. There is no other known prior art. 14.4 Children and Animals Left Alone It is a problem in vehicles that children, infants and pets are sometimes left alone, either intentionally or inadvertently, and the temperature in the vehicle rises or falls. The child, infant or pet is then suffocated by the lack of oxygen in the vehicle or frozen. This problem can be solved by the inventions disclosed herein since the existence of the occupant can be determined as well as the temperature and even oxygen content is desired and preventative measures automatically taken. Similarly, children and pets die every year from suffocation after being locked in a vehicle trunk. The sensing of a life form in the trunk is discussed below. 14.5 Vehicle Theft Another problem relates to the theft of vehicles. With an interior monitoring system, or a variety of other sensors as disclosed herein, connected with a telematics device, the vehicle owner could be notified if someone attempted to steal the vehicle while the owner was away. 14.6 Security, Intruder Protection There have been incidents when a thief waits in a vehicle until the driver of the vehicle enters the vehicle and then forces the driver to provide the keys and exit the vehicle. Using the inventions herein, a driver can be made aware that the vehicle is occupied before he or she enters and thus he or she can leave and summon help. Motion of an occupant in the vehicle who does not enter the key into the ignition can also be sensed and the vehicle ignition, for example, can be disabled. In more sophisticated cases, the driver can be identified and operation of the vehicle enabled. This would eliminate the need even for a key. 14.7 Entertainment System Control Once an occupant sensor is operational, the vehicle entertainment system can be improved if the number, size and location of occupants and other objects are known. However, prior to the inventions disclosed herein engineers have not thought to determine the number, size and/or location of the occupants and use such determination in combination with the entertainment system. Indeed, this information can be provided by the vehicle interior monitoring system disclosed herein to thereby improve a vehicle's entertainment system. Once one considers monitoring the space in the passenger compartment, an alternate method of characterizing the sonic environment comes to mind which is to send and receive a test sound to see what frequencies are reflected, absorbed or excite resonances and then adjust the spectral output of the entertainment system accordingly. As the internal monitoring system improves to where such things as the exact location of the occupants' ears and eyes can be determined, even more significant improvements to the entertainment system become possible through the use of noise canceling sound. It is even possible to beam sound directly to the ears of an occupant using hypersonic-sound if the ear location is known. This permits different occupants to enjoy different programming at the same time. 14.8 HVAC Similarly to the entertainment system, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) could be improved if the number, attributes and location of vehicle occupants were known. This can be used to provide a climate control system tailored to each occupant, for example, or the system can be turned off for certain seat locations if there are no occupants present at those locations. U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,809 to Heinle, describes an air-conditioning system for a vehicle interior comprising a processor, seat occupation sensor devices, and solar intensity sensor devices. Based on seat occupation and solar intensity data, the processor provides the air-conditioning control of individual air-conditioning outlets and window-darkening devices which are placed near each seat in the vehicle. The additional means suggested include a residual air-conditioning function device for maintaining air conditioning operation after vehicle ignition switch-off, which allows maintaining specific climate conditions after vehicle ignition switch-off for a certain period of time provided at least one seat is occupied. The advantage of this design is the allowance for occupation of certain seats in the vehicle. The drawbacks include the lack of some important sensors of vehicle interior and environment condition (such as temperature or air humidity). It is not possible to set climate conditions individually at locations of each passenger seat. U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,178 to Fusco, et al. describes an adaptive controller for an automotive HVAC system which controls air temperature and flow at each of locations that conform to passenger seats based on individual settings manually set by passengers at their seats. If the passenger corrects manual settings for his location, this information will be remembered, allowing for climate conditions taking place at other locations and further, will be used to automatically tune the air temperature and flow at the locations allowing for climate conditions at other locations. The device does not use any sensors of the interior vehicle conditions or the exterior environment, nor any seat occupation sensing. 14.9 Obstruction In some cases, the position of a particular part of the occupant is of interest such as his or her hand or arm and whether it is in the path of a closing window or sliding door so that the motion of the window or door needs to be stopped. Most anti-trap systems, as they are called, are based on the current flow in a motor. When the window, for example, is obstructed, the current flow in the window motor increases. Such systems are prone to errors caused by dirt or ice in the window track, for example. Prior art on window obstruction sensing is limited to the Prospect Corporation anti-trap system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,686 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,157,024. Anti trap systems are discussed in detain in current assignee's pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/152,160 filed May 21, 2002. 14.10 Rear Impacts The largest use of hospital beds in the United States is by automobile accident victims. The largest use of these hospital beds is for victims of rear impacts. The rear impact is the most expensive accident in America. The inventions herein teach a method of determining the position of the rear of the occupants head so that the headrest can be adjusted to minimize whiplash injuries in rear impacts. Approximately 100,000 rear impacts per year result in whiplash injuries to the vehicle occupants. Most of these injuries could be prevented if the headrest were properly positioned behind the head of the occupant and if it had the correct contour to properly support the head and neck of the occupant. Whiplash injuries are the most expensive automobile accident injury even though these injuries are usually are not life threatening and are usually classified as minor. A good discussion of the causes of whiplash injuries in motor vehicle accidents can be found in Dellanno et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,763 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,091, and Dellanno U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,124, U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,489 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,182, as well as many other technical papers. These patents discuss a novel automatic adjustable headrest to minimize such injuries. However, these patents assume that the headrest is properly positioned relative to the head of the occupant. A survey has shown that as many as 95% of automobiles do not have the headrest properly positioned. These patents also assume that all occupants have approximately the same contour of the neck and head. Observations of humans, on the other hand, show that significant differences occur where the back of some people's heads is almost in the same plane as the that of their neck and shoulders, while other people have substantially the opposite case, that is, their neck extends significantly forward of their head back and shoulders. One proposed attempt at solving the problem where the headrest is not properly positioned uses a conventional crash sensor which senses the crash after impact and a headrest composed of two portions, a fixed portion and a movable portion. During a rear impact, a sensor senses the crash and pyrotechnically deploys a portion of the headrest toward the occupant. This system has the following potential problems: 1) An occupant can get a whiplash injury in fairly low velocity rear impacts; thus, either the system will not protect occupants in such accidents or there will be a large number of low velocity deployments with the resulting significant repair expense. 2) If the portion of the headrest which is propelled toward the occupant has significant mass, that is if it is other than an airbag type device, there is a risk that it will injure the occupant. This is especially true if the system has no method of sensing and adjusting for the position of the occupant. 3) If the system does not also have a system which pre-positions the headrest to the proximity of the occupant's head, it will also not be affective when the occupant's head is forward due to pre-crash braking, for example, or for different sized occupants. A variation of this approach uses an airbag positioned in the headrest which is activated by a rear impact crash sensor. This system suffers the same problems as the pyrotechnically deployed headrest portion. Unless the headrest is pre-positioned, there is a risk for the out-of-position occupant. U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,312 to Lenz describes several methods for protecting an occupant from whiplash injuries using the motion of the occupant loading the seat back to stretch a canvas or deploy an airbag using fluid contained within a bag inside the seat back. In the latter case, the airbag deploys out of the top of the seat back and between the occupant's head and the headrest. The system is based on the proposed fact that: “[F]irstly the lower part of the body reacts and is pressed, by a heavy force, against the lower part of the seat back, thereafter the upper part of the body trunk is pressed back, and finally the back of the head and the head is thrown back against the upper part of the seat back . . . ” (Col. 2 lines 47-53). Actually this does not appear to be what occurs. Instead, the vehicle, and thus the seat that is attached to it, begins to decelerate while the occupant continues at its pre-crash velocity. Those parts of the occupant that are in contact with the seat experience a force from the seat and begin to slow down while other parts, the head for example continue moving at the pre crash velocity. In other words, all parts of the body are “thrown back” at the same time. That is, they all have the same relative velocity relative to the seat until acted on by the seat itself Although there will be some mechanical advantage due to the fact that the area in contact with the occupant's back will generally be greater than the area needed to support his or her head, there generally will not be sufficient motion of the back to pump sufficient gas into the airbag to cause it to be projected in between the head that is not rapidly moving toward the headrest. In some cases, the occupant's head is very close to the headrest and in others it is far away. For all cases except when the occupant's head is very far away, there is insufficient time for motion of the occupant's back to pump air and inflate the airbag and position it between the head and the headrest. Thus, not only will the occupant impact the headrest and receive whiplash injuries, but it will also receive an additional impact from the deploying airbag. Lenz also suggests that for those cases where additional deployment speed is required, that the output from a crash sensor could be used in conjunction with a pyrotechnic element. Since he does not mention anticipatory crash sensor, which were not believed to be available at the time of the filing of the Lenz patent application, it must be assumed that a conventional crash sensor is contemplated. As discussed herein, this is either too slow or unreliable since if it is set so sensitive that it will work for low speed impacts where many whiplash injuries occur, there will be many deployments and the resulting high repair costs. For higher speed crashes, the deployment time will be too slow based on the close position of the occupant to the airbag. Thus, if a crash sensor is used, it must be an anticipatory crash sensor as disclosed herein. 14.11 Combined with SDM and Other Systems The above applications illustrate the wide range of opportunities, which become available if the identity and location of various objects and occupants, and some of their parts, within the vehicle are known. Once the system is operational, it would be logical for the system to also incorporate the airbag electronic sensor and diagnostics system (SDM) since it needs to interface with SDM anyway and since they could share computer capabilities, which will result in a significant cost saving to the auto manufacturer. For the same reasons, it would be logical for a monitoring system to include the side impact sensor and diagnostic system. As the monitoring system improves to where such things as the exact location of the occupants' ears and eyes can be determined, even more significant improvements to the entertainment system become possible through the use of noise canceling sound, and the rear view mirror can be automatically adjusted for the driver's eye location. Another example involves the monitoring of the driver's behavior over time, which can be used to warn a driver if he or she is falling asleep, or to stop the vehicle if the driver loses the capacity to control it. 15. Definitions Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below and unless specifically noted, it is the applicants' intention that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art(s). If the applicants intend any other meaning, they will specifically state they are applying a special meaning to a word or phrase. Likewise, applicants' use of the word “function” here is not intended to indicate that the applicants seek to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, to define their invention. To the contrary, if applicants wish to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, to define their invention, they will specifically set forth in the claims the phrases “means for” or “step for” and a function, without also reciting in that phrase any structure, material or act in support of the function. Moreover, even if applicants invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, to define their invention, it is the applicants' intention that their inventions not be limited to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments herein. Rather, if applicants claim their inventions by specifically invoking the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, it is nonetheless their intention to cover and include any and all structure, materials or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any and all known or later developed equivalent structures, materials or acts for performing the claimed function. “Pattern recognition” as used herein will generally mean any system which processes a signal that is generated by an object (e.g., representative of a pattern of returned or received impulses, waves or other physical property specific to and/or characteristic of and/or representative of that object) or is modified by interacting with an object, in order to determine to which one of a set of classes that the object belongs. Such a system might determine only that the object is or is not a member of one specified class, or it might attempt to assign the object to one of a larger set of specified classes, or find that it is not a member of any of the classes in the set. The signals processed are generally a series of electrical signals coming from transducers that are sensitive to acoustic (ultrasonic) or electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible light, infrared radiation, capacitance or electric and/or magnetic fields), although other sources of information are frequently included. Pattern recognition systems generally involve the creation of a set of rules that permit the pattern to be recognized. These rules can be created by fuzzy logic systems, statistical correlations, or through sensor fusion methodologies as well as by trained pattern recognition systems such as neural networks, combination neural networks, cellular neural networks or support vector machines. A trainable or a trained pattern recognition system as used herein generally means a pattern recognition system that is taught to recognize various patterns constituted within the signals by subjecting the system to a variety of examples. The most successful such system is the neural network used either singly or as a combination of neural networks. Thus, to generate the pattern recognition algorithm, test data is first obtained which constitutes a plurality of sets of returned waves, or wave patterns, or other information radiated or obtained from an object (or from the space in which the object will be situated in the passenger compartment, i.e., the space above the seat) and an indication of the identify of that object. A number of different objects are tested to obtain the unique patterns from each object. As such, the algorithm is generated, and stored in a computer processor, and which can later be applied to provide the identity of an object based on the wave pattern being received during use by a receiver connected to the processor and other information. For the purposes here, the identity of an object sometimes applies to not only the object itself but also to its location and/or orientation in the passenger compartment. For example, a rear facing child seat is a different object than a forward facing child seat and an out-of-position adult can be a different object than a normally seated adult. Not all pattern recognition systems are trained systems and not all trained systems are neural networks. Other pattern recognition systems are based on fuzzy logic, sensor fusion, Kalman filters, correlation as well as linear and non-linear regression. Still other pattern recognition systems are hybrids of more than one system such as neural-fuzzy systems. The use of pattern recognition, or more particularly how it is used, is important to the instant invention. In the above-cited prior art, except in that assigned to the current assignee, pattern recognition which is based on training, as exemplified through the use of neural networks, is not mentioned for use in monitoring the interior passenger compartment or exterior environments of the vehicle in all of the aspects of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, the methods used to adapt such systems to a vehicle are also not mentioned. A pattern recognition algorithm will thus generally mean an algorithm applying or obtained using any type of pattern recognition system, e.g., a neural network, sensor fusion, fuzzy logic, etc. To “identify” as used herein will generally mean to determine that the object belongs to a particular set or class. The class may be one containing, for example, all rear facing child seats, one containing all human occupants, or all human occupants not sitting in a rear facing child seat, or all humans in a certain height or weight range depending on the purpose of the system. In the case where a particular person is to be recognized, the set or class will contain only a single element, i.e., the person to be recognized. To “ascertain the identity of” as used herein with reference to an object will generally mean to determine the type or nature of the object (obtain information as to what the object is), i.e., that the object is an adult, an occupied rear facing child seat, an occupied front facing child seat, an unoccupied rear facing child seat, an unoccupied front facing child seat, a child, a dog, a bag of groceries, a car, a truck, a tree, a pedestrian, a deer etc. An “object” in a vehicle or an “occupying item” of a seat may be a living occupant such as a human or a dog, another living organism such as a plant, or an inanimate object such as a box or bag of groceries or an empty child seat. A “rear seat” of a vehicle as used herein will generally mean any seat behind the front seat on which a driver sits. Thus, in minivans or other large vehicles where there are more than two rows of seats, each row of seats behind the driver is considered a rear seat and thus there may be more than one “rear seat” in such vehicles. The space behind the front seat includes any number of such rear seats as well as any trunk spaces or other rear areas such as are present in station wagons. An “optical image” will generally mean any type of image obtained using electromagnetic radiation including visual, infrared and radar radiation. In the description herein on anticipatory sensing, the term “approaching” when used in connection with the mention of an object or vehicle approaching another will usually mean the relative motion of the object toward the vehicle having the anticipatory sensor system. Thus, in a side impact with a tree, the tree will be considered as approaching the side of the vehicle and impacting the vehicle. In other words, the coordinate system used in general will be a coordinate system residing in the target vehicle. The “target” vehicle is the vehicle that is being impacted. This convention permits a general description to cover all of the cases such as where (i) a moving vehicle impacts into the side of a stationary vehicle, (ii) where both vehicles are moving when they impact, or (iii) where a vehicle is moving sideways into a stationary vehicle, tree or wall. “Out-of-position” as used for an occupant will generally mean that the occupant, either the driver or a passenger, is sufficiently close to an occupant protection apparatus (airbag) prior to deployment that he or she is likely to be more seriously injured by the deployment event itself than by the accident. It may also mean that the occupant is not positioned appropriately in order to attain the beneficial, restraining effects of the deployment of the airbag. As for the occupant being too close to the airbag, this typically occurs when the occupant's head or chest is closer than some distance such as about 5 inches from the deployment door of the airbag module. The actual distance where airbag deployment should be suppressed depends on the design of the airbag module and is typically farther for the passenger airbag than for the driver airbag. “Transducer” or “transceiver” as used herein will generally mean the combination of a transmitter and a receiver. In come cases, the same device will serve both as the transmitter and receiver while in others two separate devices adjacent to each other will be used. In some cases, a transmitter is not used and in such cases transducer will mean only a receiver. Transducers include, for example, capacitive, inductive, ultrasonic, electromagnetic (antenna, CCD, CMOS arrays), electric field, weight measuring or sensing devices. In some cases, a transducer will be a single pixel either acting alone, in a linear or an array of some other appropriate shape. In some cases, a transducer may comprise two parts such as the plates of a capacitor or the antennas of an electric field sensor. Sometimes, one antenna or plate will communicate with several other antennas or plates and thus for the purposes herein, a transducer will be broadly defined to refer, in most cases, to any one of the plates of a capacitor or antennas of a field sensor and in some other cases a pair of such plates or antennas will comprise a transducer as determined by the context in which the term is used. “Adaptation” as used here will generally represent the method by which a particular occupant sensing system is designed and arranged for a particular vehicle model. It includes such things as the process by which the number, kind and location of various transducers is determined. For pattern recognition systems, it includes the process by which the pattern recognition system is designed and then taught or made to recognize the desired patterns. In this connection, it will usually include (1) the method of training when training is used, (2) the makeup of the databases used, testing and validating the particular system, or, in the case of a neural network, the particular network architecture chosen, (3) the process by which environmental influences are incorporated into the system, and (4) any process for determining the pre-processing of the data or the post processing of the results of the pattern recognition system. The above list is illustrative and not exhaustive. Basically, adaptation includes all of the steps that are undertaken to adapt transducers and other sources of information to a particular vehicle to create the system that accurately identifies and/or determines the location of an occupant or other object in a vehicle. For the purposes herein, a “neural network” is defined to include all such learning systems including cellular neural networks, support vector machines and other kernel-based learning systems and methods, cellular automata and all other pattern recognition methods and systems that learn. A “combination neural network” as used herein will generally apply to any combination of two or more neural networks as most broadly defined that are either connected together or that analyze all or a portion of the input data. A “morphological characteristic” will generally mean any measurable property of a human such as height, weight, leg or arm length, head diameter, skin color or pattern, blood vessel pattern, voice pattern, finger prints, iris patterns, etc. A “wave sensor” or “wave transducer” is generally any device which senses either ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves. An electromagnetic wave sensor, for example, includes devices that sense any portion of the electromagnetic spectrum from ultraviolet down to a few hertz. The most commonly used kinds of electromagnetic wave sensors include CCD and CMOS arrays for sensing visible and/or infrared waves, millimeter wave and microwave radar, and capacitive or electric and/or magnetic field monitoring sensors that rely on the dielectric constant of the object occupying a space but also rely on the time variation of the field, expressed by waves as defined below, to determine a change in state. A “CCD” will be defined to include all devices, including CMOS arrays, APS arrays, QWIP arrays or equivalent, artificial retinas and particularly HDRC arrays, which are capable of converting light frequencies, including infrared, visible and ultraviolet, into electrical signals. The particular CCD array used for many of the applications disclosed herein is implemented on a single chip that is less than two centimeters on a side. Data from the CCD array is digitized and sent serially to an electronic circuit (at times designated 120 herein) containing a microprocessor for analysis of the digitized data. In order to minimize the amount of data that needs to be stored, initial processing of the image data takes place as it is being received from the CCD array, as discussed in more detail above. In some cases, some image processing can take place on the chip such as described in the Kage et al. artificial retina article referenced above. The “windshield header” as used herein includes the space above the front windshield including the first few inches of the roof. A “sensor” as used herein is the combination of two transducers (a transmitter and a receiver) or one transducer which can both transmit and receive. The headliner is the trim which provides the interior surface to the roof of the vehicle and the A-pillar is the roof-supporting member which is on either side of the windshield and on which the front doors are hinged. An “occupant protection apparatus” is any device, apparatus, system or component which is actuatable or deployable or includes a component which is actuatable or deployable for the purpose of attempting to reduce injury to the occupant in the event of a crash, rollover or other potential injurious event involving a vehicle | <SOH> OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. General Occupant Sensors Briefly, the claimed inventions are methods and arrangements for obtaining information about an object in a vehicle. This determination is used in various methods and arrangements for, for example, controlling occupant protection devices in the event of a vehicle crash or adjusting various vehicle components. This invention includes a system to sense the presence, position and type of an occupying item such as a child seat in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and more particularly, to identify and monitor the occupying items and their parts and other objects in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, such as an automobile or truck, by processing one or more signals received from the occupying items and their parts and other objects using one or more of a variety of pattern recognition techniques and illumination technologies. The received signal(s) may be a reflection of a transmitted signal, the reflection of some natural signal within the vehicle, or may be some signal emitted naturally by the object. Information obtained by the identification and monitoring system is then used to affect the operation of some other system in the vehicle. This invention is also a system designed to identify, locate and monitor occupants, including their parts, and other objects in the passenger compartment and in particular an occupied child seat in the rear facing position or an out-of-position occupant, by illuminating the contents of the vehicle with ultrasonic or electromagnetic radiation, for example, by transmitting radiation waves, as broadly defined above to include capacitors and electric or magnetic fields, from a wave generating apparatus into a space above the seat, and receiving radiation modified by passing through the space above the seat using two or more transducers properly located in the vehicle passenger compartment, in specific predetermined optimum locations. More particularly, this invention relates to a system including a plurality of transducers appropriately located and mounted and which analyze the received radiation from any object which modifies the waves or fields, or which analyze a change in the received radiation caused by the presence of the object (e.g., a change in the dielectric constant), in order to achieve an accuracy of recognition not possible to achieve in the past. Outputs from the receivers are analyzed by appropriate computational means employing trained pattern recognition technologies, and in particular combination neural networks, to classify, identify and/or locate the contents, and/or determine the orientation of, for example, a rear facing child seat. In general the information obtained by the identification and monitoring system is used to affect the operation of some other system, component or device in the vehicle and particularly the passenger and/or driver airbag systems, which may include a front airbag, a side airbag, a knee bolster, or combinations of the same. However, the information obtained can be used for controlling or affecting the operation of a multitude of other vehicle systems. When the vehicle interior monitoring system in accordance with the invention is installed in the passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle equipped with an occupant protection apparatus, such as an inflatable airbag, and the vehicle is subjected to a crash of sufficient severity that the crash sensor has determined that the protection apparatus is to be deployed, the system has determined (usually prior to the deployment) whether a child placed in the child seat in the rear facing position is present and if so, a signal has been sent to the control circuitry that the airbag should be controlled and most likely disabled and not deployed in the crash. It must be understood though that instead of suppressing deployment, it is possible that the deployment may be controlled so that it might provide some meaningful protection for the occupied rear-facing child seat. The system developed using the teachings of this invention also determines the position of the vehicle occupant relative to the airbag and controls and possibly disables deployment of the airbag if the occupant is positioned so that he or she is likely to be injured by the deployment of the airbag. As before, the deployment is not necessarily disabled but may be controlled to provide protection for the out-of-position occupant. The invention also includes methods and arrangements for obtaining information about an object in a vehicle. This determination is used in various methods and arrangements for, e.g., controlling occupant protection devices in the event of a vehicle crash. The determination can also used in various methods and arrangements for, e.g., controlling heating and air-conditioning systems to optimize the comfort for any occupants, controlling an entertainment system as desired by the occupants, controlling a glare prevention device for the occupants, preventing accidents by a driver who is unable to safely drive the vehicle and enabling an effective and optimal response in the event of a crash (either oral directions to be communicated to the occupants or the dispatch of personnel to aid the occupants). Thus, one objective of the invention is to obtain information about occupancy of a vehicle and convey this information to remotely situated assistance personnel to optimize their response to a crash involving the vehicle and/or enable proper assistance to be rendered to the occupants after the crash. Some other objects related to general occupant sensors are: To provide a new and improved system for identifying the presence, position and/or orientation of an object in a vehicle. To provide a system for accurately detecting the presence of an occupied rear-facing child seat in order to prevent an occupant protection apparatus, such as an airbag, from deploying, when the airbag would impact against the rear-facing child seat if deployed. To provide a system for accurately detecting the presence of an out-of-position occupant in order to prevent one or more deployable occupant protection apparatus such as airbags from deploying when the airbag(s) would impact against the head or chest of the occupant during its initial deployment phase causing injury or possible death to the occupant. To provide an interior monitoring system that utilizes reflection, scattering, absorption or transmission of waves including capacitive or other field based sensors. To determine the presence of a child in a child seat based on motion of the child. To recognize the presence of a human on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and then to determine his or her velocity relative to the passenger compartment and to use this velocity information to affect the operation of another vehicle system. To determine the presence of a life form anywhere in a vehicle based on motion of the life form. To provide an occupant sensing system which detects the presence of a life form in a vehicle and under certain conditions, activates a vehicular warning system or a vehicular system to prevent injury to the life form. To recognize the presence of a human on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and then to determine his or her position and to use this position information to affect the operation of another vehicle system. To provide a reliable system for recognizing the presence of a rear-facing child seat on a particular seat of a motor vehicle. To provide a reliable system for recognizing the presence of a human being on a particular seat of a motor vehicle. To provide a reliable system for determining the position, velocity or size of an occupant in a motor vehicle. To provide a reliable system for determining in a timely manner that an occupant is out-of-position, or will become out-of-position, and likely to be injured by a deploying airbag. To provide an occupant vehicle interior monitoring system which has high resolution to improve system accuracy and permits the location of body parts of the occupant to be determined. 1.1 Ultrasonics Some objects mainly related to ultrasonic sensors are: To provide adjustment apparatus and methods that evaluate the occupancy of the seat by a combination of ultrasonic sensors and additional sensors and adjust the location and/or orientation relative to the occupant and/or operation of a part of the component or the component in its entirety based on the evaluated occupancy of the seat. To provide an occupant vehicle interior monitoring system this is not affected by temperature or thermal gradients. 1.2 Optics It is an object of this invention to provide for the use of naturally occurring and artificial electromagnetic radiation in the visual, IR and ultraviolet portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Such systems can employ, among others, cameras, CCD and CMOS arrays, Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector arrays, focal plane arrays and other imaging and radiation detecting devices and systems. 1.3 Ultrasonics and Optics It is an object of this invention to employ a combination of optical systems and ultrasonic systems to exploit the advantages of each system. 1.4 Other Transducers It is an object of this invention to also employ other transducers such as seat position, temperature, acceleration, pressure and other sensors and antennas. 2. Adaptation It is an object of this invention to provide for the adaptation of a system comprising a variety of transducers such as seatbelt payout sensors, seatbelt buckle sensors, seat position sensors, seatback position sensors, and weight sensors and which is adapted so as to constitute a highly reliable occupant presence and position system when used in combination with electromagnetic, ultrasonic or other radiation or field sensors. 3. Mounting Locations for and Quantity of Transducers It is an object of this invention to provide for one or a variety of transducer mounting locations in and on the vehicle including the headliner, A-Pillar, B-Pillar, C-Pillar, instrument panel, rear view mirror, windshield, doors, windows and other appropriate locations for the particular application. 3.1 Single Camera, Dual Camera with Single Light Source It is an object of this invention to provide a single camera system that passes the requirements of FMVSS-208. 3.2 Location of the Transducers It is an object of this invention to provide for a driver monitoring system using an imaging transducer mounted on the rear view mirror. It is an object of this invention to provide a system in which transducers are located within the passenger compartment at specific locations such that a high reliability of classification of objects and their position is obtained from the signals generated by the transducers. 3.3 Color Cameras—Multispectral Imaging It is an object of this invention to, where appropriate, use all frequencies or selected frequencies of the IR, visual and ultraviolet portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. 3.4 High Dynamic Range Cameras It is an object of this invention to provide an imaging system that has sufficient dynamic range for the application. This may include the use of a high dynamic range camera (such as 120 db) or the use a lower dynamic range (such as 70 db or less) along with a method of adjusting the exposure either through iris or shutter control. 3.5 Fisheye Lens, Pan and Zoom It is an object of this invention, where appropriate, to provide for the use of a fisheye or similar very wide angle lens and to thereby achieve wide coverage and in some cases a pan and zoom capability. It is a further object of this invention to provide for a low cost single element lens that can mount directly on the imaging chip. 4. 3D Cameras It is a further object of this invention to provide an interior monitoring system which provides three-dimensional information about an occupying item from a single transducer mounting location. 4.1 Stereo Vision It is a further object of this invention for some applications, where appropriate, to achieve a three dimensional representation of objects in the passenger compartment through the use of at least two cameras. When two cameras are used, they may or may not be located near each other. 4.2 Distance by Focusing It is a further object of this invention to provide a method of measuring the distance from a sensor to an occupant or part thereof using calculations based of the degree of focus of an image. 4.3 Ranging Further objects of this invention are: To provide a vehicle monitoring system using modulated radiation to aid in the determining of the distance from a transducer (either ultrasonic or electromagnetic) to an occupying item of a vehicle. To provide a system of frequency domain modulation of the illumination of an object interior or exterior of a vehicle. To utilize code modulation such as with a pseudo random code to permit the unambiguous monitoring of the vehicle exterior in the presence of other vehicles with the same system. To use a chirp frequency modulation technique to aid in determining the distance to an object interior or exterior of a vehicle. To utilize a correlation pattern modulation in a form of code division modulation for determining the distance of an object interior or exterior of a vehicle. 4.4 Pockel or Kerr Cell for Determining Range It is a further object of this invention to utilize a Pockel cell, Kerr cell or equivalent to aid in determining the distance to an object in the interior or exterior of a vehicle. 4.5 Thin film on ASIC (TFA) It is a further object of this invention to incorporate TFA technology in such a manner as to provide a three dimensional image of the interior or exterior of a vehicle. 5. Glare Control Further objects of this invention are: To determine the location of the eyes of a vehicle occupant and the direction of a light source such as the headlights of an oncoming vehicle or the sun and to cause a filter to be placed in such a manner as to reduce the intensity of the light striking the eyes of the occupant. To determine the location of the eyes of a vehicle occupant and the direction of a light source such as the headlights of a rear approaching vehicle or the sun and to cause a filter to be placed to reduce the intensity of the light reflected from the rear view mirrors and striking the eyes of the occupant. To provide a glare filter for a glare reduction system that uses semiconducting or metallic (organic) polymers to provide a low cost system, which may reside in the windshield, visor, mirror or special device. To provide a glare filter based on electronic Venetian blinds, polarizers or spatial light monitors. 5.1 Windshield It is a further object of this invention to determine the location of the eyes of a vehicle occupant and the direction of a light source such as the headlights of an oncoming vehicle or the sun and to cause a filter to be placed to reduce the intensity of the light striking the eyes of the occupant. It is a further object of this invention to provide a windshield where a substantial part of the area is covered by a plastic electronics film for a display and/or glare control. 5.2 Glare in Rear View Mirrors It is an additional object of this invention to determine the location of the eyes of a vehicle occupant and the direction of a light source such as the headlights of a rear approaching vehicle or the sun and to cause a filter to be placed in a rear view mirror such a manner as to reduce the intensity of the light striking the eyes of the occupant. 5.3 Visor for Glare Control and HUD It is a further object of this invention to provide an occupant vehicle interior monitoring system which reduces the glare from sunlight and headlights by imposing a filter between the eyes of an occupant and the light source wherein the filter is placed in a visor. 6. Weight Measurement and Biometrics Further objects of this invention are: To provide a system and method wherein the weight of an occupant is determined utilizing sensors located on the seat structure. To provide apparatus and methods for measuring the weight of an occupying item on a vehicle seat which may be integrated into vehicular component adjustment apparatus and methods which evaluate the occupancy of the seat and adjust the location and/or orientation relative to the occupant and/or operation of a part of the component or the component in its entirety based on the evaluated occupancy of the seat. To provide vehicular seats including a weight measuring feature and weight measuring methods for implementation in connection with vehicular seats. To provide vehicular seats in which the weight applied by an occupying item to the seat is measured based on capacitance between conductive and/or metallic members underlying the seat cushion. To provide adjustment apparatus and methods that evaluate the occupancy of the seat and adjust the location and/or orientation relative to the occupant and/or operation of a part of the component or the component in its entirety based on the evaluated occupancy of the seat and on a measurement of the occupant's weight or a measurement of a force exerted by the occupant on the seat. To provide weight measurement systems in order to improve the accuracy of another apparatus or system that utilizes measured weight as input, e.g., a component adjustment apparatus. To provide a system where the morphological characteristics of an occupant are measured by sensors located within the seat. To provide a system for recognizing the identity of a particular individual in the vehicle. 6.1 Strain Gage Weight Sensors It is a further object of this invention to provide a weight measuring system based on the use of one or more strain gages. Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is a seat weight measuring apparatus for measuring the weight of an occupying item of the seat wherein a load sensor is installed at at least one location where the seat is attached to the vehicle body, for measuring a part of the load applied to the seat including the seat back and the sitting surface of the seat. According to this embodiment of the invention, because a load sensor can be installed only at a single location of the seat, the production cost and the assembling/wiring cost may be reduced in comparison with the related art. An object of the seat weight measuring apparatus stated herein is basically to measure the weight of the occupying item of the seat. Therefore, the apparatus for measuring only the weight of the passenger by canceling the net weight of the seat is included as an optional feature in the seat weight measuring apparatus in accordance with the invention. The seat weight measuring apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is a seat weight measuring apparatus for measuring the weight of an occupying item of the seat comprising a load sensor installed at at least one of the left and right seat frames at a portion of the seat at which the seat is fixed to the vehicle body. The seat weight measuring apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a position sensor for detecting the position of occupying item of the seat. Considering the result detected by the position sensor makes the result detected by the load sensor more accurate. 6.2 Bladder Weight Sensors It is a further object of this invention to provide a weight measuring system based on the use of one or more fluid-filled bladders. To achieve this object and others, a weight sensor for determining the weight of an occupant of a seat, in accordance with the invention includes a bladder arranged in a seat portion of the seat and including material or structure arranged in an interior for constraining fluid flow therein, and one or more transducers for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the interior of the bladder. The material or structure could be open cell foam. The bladder may include one or more chambers and if more than one chamber is provided, each chamber may be arranged at a different location in the seat portion of the seat. An apparatus for determining the weight distribution of the occupant in accordance with the invention includes the weight sensor described above, in any of the various embodiments, with the bladder including several chamber and multiple transducers with each transducer being associated with a respective chamber so that weight distribution of the occupant is obtained from the pressure measurements of said transducers. A method for determining the weight of an occupant of an automotive seat in accordance with the invention involves arranging a bladder having at least one chamber in a seat portion of the seat, measuring the pressure in each chamber and deriving the weight of the occupant based on the measured pressure. The pressure in each chamber may be measured by a respective transducer associated therewith. The weight distribution of the occupant, the center of gravity of the occupant and/or the position of the occupant can be determined based on the pressure measured by the transducer(s). In one specific embodiment, the bladder is arranged in a container and fluid flow between the bladder and the container is permitted and optionally regulated, for example, via an adjustable orifice between the bladder and the container. A vehicle seat in accordance with the invention includes a seat portion including a container having an interior containing fluid and a mechanism, material or structure therein to restrict flow of the fluid from one portion of the interior to another portion of the interior, a back portion arranged at an angle to the seat portion, and a measurement system arranged to obtain an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on the seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in the container. In another vehicle seat in accordance with the invention, a container in the seat portion has an interior containing fluid and partitioned into multiple sections between which the fluid flows as a function of pressure applied to the seat portion. A measurement system obtains an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on the seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in the container. The container may be partitioned into an inner bladder and an outer container. In this case, the inner bladder may include an orifice leading to the outer container which has an adjustable size, and a control circuit controls the amount of opening of the orifice to thereby regulate fluid flow and pressure in and between the inner bladder and the outer container. In another embodiment of a seat for a vehicle, the seat portion includes a bladder having a fluid-containing interior and is mounted by a mounting structure to a floor pan of the vehicle. A measurement system is associated with the bladder and arranged to obtain an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on the seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in the bladder. A control system for controlling vehicle components based on occupancy of a seat as reflected by analysis of the weight of the seat is also disclosed which and includes a bladder having at least one chamber and arranged in a seat portion of the seat; a measurement system for measuring the pressure in the chamber(s), one or more adjustment systems arranged to adjust one or more components in the vehicle and a processor coupled to the measurement system and to the adjustment system for determining an adjustment for the component(s) by the adjustment system based at least in part on the pressure measured by the measurement system. The adjustment system may be a system for adjusting deployment of an occupant restraint device, such as an airbag. In this case, the deployment adjustment system is arranged to control flow of gas into an airbag, flow of gas out of an airbag, rate of generation of gas and/or amount of generated gas. The adjustment system could also be a system for adjusting the seat, e.g., one or more motors for moving the seat, a system for adjusting the steering wheel, e.g., a motor coupled to the steering wheel, a system for adjusting a pedal., e.g., a motor coupled to the pedal. 6.3 Combined Spatial and Weight It is a further object of this invention to provide an occupant sensing system that comprises both a weight measuring system and a special sensing system. 6.4 Face Recognition (Face and Iris IR Scans) It is a further object of this invention to recognize a particular driver based on such factors as facial characteristics, physical appearance or other attributes and to use this information to control another vehicle system such as the vehicle ignition, a security system, seat adjustment, or maximum permitted vehicle velocity, among others. 6.5 Heartbeat and Health State Further objects of this invention are: To provide a system using radar which detects a heartbeat of life forms in a vehicle. To provide an occupant sensor which determines the presence and health state of any occupants in a vehicle. The presence of the occupants may be determined using an animal life or heart beat sensor. To provide an occupant sensor that determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are breathing by analyzing the occupant's motion. It can also be determined whether an occupant is breathing with difficulty. To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are breathing by analyzing the chemical composition of the air/gas in the vehicle, e.g., in proximity of the occupant's mouth. To provide an occupant sensor that determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are conscious by analyzing movement of their eyes. To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are wounded to the extent that they are bleeding by analyzing air/gas in the vehicle, e.g., directly around each occupant. To provide an occupant sensor which determines the presence and health state of any occupants in the vehicle by analyzing sounds emanating from the passenger compartment. Such sounds can be directed to a remote, manned site for consideration in dispatching response personnel. To provide a system using radar that detects a heartbeat of life forms in a vehicle. 7. Illumination 7.1 Infrared Light It is a further object of this invention provide for infrared illumination in one or more of the near IR, SWIR, MWIR or LWIR regions of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum for illuminating the environment inside or outside of a vehicle. 7.2 Structured Light It is a further object of this invention to use structured light to help determine the distance to an object from a transducer. 73 Color and Natural Light It is a further object of this invention to provide a system that uses colored light and natural light in monitoring the interior or exterior of a vehicle. 7.4 Radar Further objects of this invention are: To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are moving using radar systems, e.g., micropower impulse radar (MIR), which can also detect the heartbeats of any occupants. To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are moving using radar systems, such as micropower impulse radar (MIR), which can also detect the heartbeats of any occupants and, optionally, to send this information by telematics to one or more remote sites. 8. Field Sensors and Antennas It is a further object of this invention to provide a very low cost monitoring and presence detection system that uses the property that water in the near field of an antenna changes the antenna's loading or impedance matching or resonant properties. 9. Telematics The occupancy determination can also be used in various methods and arrangements for, controlling heating and air-conditioning systems to optimize the comfort for any occupants, controlling an entertainment system as desired by the occupants, controlling a glare prevention device for the occupants, preventing accidents by a driver who is unable to safely drive the vehicle and enabling an effective and optimal response in the event of a crash (either oral directions to be communicated to the occupants or the dispatch of personnel to aid the occupants) as well as many others. Thus, one objective of the invention is to obtain information about occupancy of a vehicle before, during and/or after a crash and convey this information to remotely situated assistance personnel to optimize their response to a crash involving the vehicle and/or enable proper assistance to be rendered to the occupants after the crash. Further objects of this invention are: To determine the total number of occupants of a vehicle and in the event of an accident to transmit that information, as well as other information such as the condition of the occupants, to a receiver remote from the vehicle. To determine the total number of occupants of a vehicle and in the event of an accident to transmit that information, as well as other information such as the condition of the occupants before, during and/or after a crash, to a receiver remote from the vehicle, such information may include images. To provide an occupant sensor which determines the presence and health state of any occupants in a vehicle and, optionally, to send this information by telematics to one or more remote sites. The presence of the occupants may be determined using an animal life or heartbeat sensors To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are breathing or breathing with difficulty by analyzing the occupant's motion and, optionally, to send this information by telematics to one or more remote sites. To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are breathing by analyzing the chemical composition of in the vehicle and, optionally, to send this information by telematics to one or more remote sites. To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are conscious by analyzing movement of their eyes, eyelids or other parts and, optionally, to send this information by telematics to one or more remote sites. To provide an occupant sensor which determines whether any occupants of the vehicle are wounded to the extent that they are bleeding by analyzing the gas/air in the vehicle and, optionally, to send this information by telematics to one or more remote sites. To provide an occupant sensor which determines the presence and health state of any occupants in the vehicle by analyzing sounds emanating from the passenger compartment and, optionally, to send this information by telematics to one or more remote sites. Such sounds can be directed to a remote, manned site for consideration in dispatching response personnel. To provide a vehicle monitoring system which provides a communications channel between the vehicle (possibly through microphones distributed throughout the vehicle) and a manned assistance facility to enable communications with the occupants after a crash or whenever the occupants are in need of assistance (e.g., if the occupants are lost, then data forming maps as a navigational aid would be transmitted to the vehicle). 10. Display 10.1 Heads-up Display It is a further object of this invention to provide a heads-up display that positions the display on the windshield based of the location of the eyes of the driver so as to place objects at the appropriate location in the field of view. 10.2 Adjust HUD Based on Driver Seating Position It is a further object of this invention to provide a heads-up display that positions the display on the windshield based of the seating position of the driver so as to place objects at the appropriate location in the field of view. 10.3 HUD on Rear Window It is a further object of this invention to provide a heads-up display that positions the display on a rear window. 10.4 Plastic Electronics It is a further object of this invention to provide a heads-up display that uses plastic electronics rather than a projection system. 11. Pattern Recognition It is a further object of this invention to use pattern recognition techniques for determining the identity or location of an occupant or object in a vehicle. It is a further object of this invention to use pattern recognition techniques for analyzing three-dimensional image data of occupants of a vehicle and objects exterior to the vehicle. 11.1 Neural Nets It is a further object of this invention to use pattern recognition techniques comprising neural networks. 11.2 Combination Neural Nets It is a further object of this invention to use combination neural networks. 11.3 Interpretation of Other Occupant States—Inattention, Sleep Further objects of this invention are: To monitor the position of the head of the vehicle driver and determine whether the driver is falling asleep or otherwise impaired and likely to lose control of the vehicle and to use that information to affect another vehicle system. To monitor the position of the eyes or eyelids of the vehicle driver and determine whether the driver is falling asleep or otherwise impaired and likely to lose control of the vehicle, or is unconscious after an accident, and to use that information to affect another vehicle system. To monitor the position of the head and/or other parts of the vehicle driver and determine whether the driver is falling asleep or otherwise impaired and likely to lose control of the vehicle and to use that information to affect another vehicle system. 11.4 Combining Occupant Monitoring and Car Monitoring It is a further object of this invention to use a combination of occupant monitoring and vehicle monitoring to aid in determining if the driver is about to lose control of the vehicle. 11.5 Continuous Tracking It is a further object of this invention to provide an occupant position determination in a sufficiently short time that the position of an occupant can be tracked during a vehicle crash. It is a further object of this invention that the pattern recognition system is trained on the position of the occupant relative to the airbag rather than what zone the occupant occupies. 11.6 Preprocessing Further objects of this invention are: To determine the presence of a child in a child seat based on motion of the child. To determine the presence of a life form anywhere in a vehicle based on motion of the life form. To provide a system using electromagnetics or ultrasonics to detect motion of objects in a vehicle and enable the use of the detection of the motion for control of vehicular components and systems. 11.7 Post Processing It is another object of this invention to apply a filter to the output of the pattern recognition system that is based on previous decisions as a test of reasonableness. 12. Other Products, Outputs, Features It is an object of the present invention to provide new and improved arrangements and methods for adjusting or controlling a component in a vehicle. Control of a component does not require an adjustment of the component if the operation of the component is appropriate for the situation. It is another object of the present invention to provide new and improved methods and apparatus for adjusting a component in a vehicle based on occupancy of the vehicle. For example, an airbag system may be controlled based on the location of a seat and the occupant of the seat to be protected by the deployment of the airbag. Further objects of this invention related to additional capabilities are: To recognize the presence of an object on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and to use this information to affect the operation of another vehicle system such as the entertainment system, airbag system, heating and air conditioning system, pedal adjustment system, mirror adjustment system, wireless data link system or cellular phone, among others. To recognize the presence of an object on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and then to determine his/her position and to use this position information to affect the operation of another vehicle system. To determine the approximate location of the eyes of a driver and to use that information to control the position of the rear view mirrors of the vehicle. To recognize a particular driver based on such factors as physical appearance or other attributes and to use this information to control another vehicle system such as a security system, seat adjustment, or maximum permitted vehicle velocity, among others. To recognize the presence of a human on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and then to determine his/her velocity relative to the passenger compartment and to use this velocity information to affect the operation of another vehicle system. To provide a system using electromagnetics or ultrasonics to detect motion of objects in a vehicle and enable the use of the detection of the motion for control of vehicular components and systems. To provide a system for passively and automatically adjusting the position of a vehicle component to a near optimum location based on the size of an occupant. To provide adjustment apparatus and methods that reliably discriminate between a normally seated passenger and a forward facing child seat, between an abnormally seated passenger and a rear facing child seat, and whether or not the seat is empty and adjust the location and/or orientation relative to the occupant and/or operation of a part of the component or the component in its entirety based thereon. To provide a system for recognizing a particular occupant of a vehicle and thereafter adjusting various components of the vehicle in accordance with the preferences of the recognized occupant. To provide a pattern recognition system to permit more accurate location of an occupant's head and the parts thereof and to use this information to adjust a vehicle component. To provide a system for automatically adjusting the position of various components of the vehicle to permit safer and more effective operation of the vehicle including the location of the pedals and steering wheel. To recognize the presence of a human on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and then to determine his or her position and to use this position information to affect the operation of another vehicle system. 12.1 Control of Passive Restraints It is another object of the present invention to provide new and improved arrangements and methods for controlling an occupant protection device based on the morphology of an occupant to be protected by the actuation of the device and optionally, the location of a seat on which the occupant is sitting. Control of the occupant protection device can entail suppression of actuation of the device, or adjusting of the actuation parameters of the device if such adjustment is deemed necessary. Further objects of this invention related to control of passive restraints are: To determine the position, velocity or size of an occupant in a motor vehicle and to utilize this information to control the rate of gas generation, or the amount of gas generated, by an airbag inflator system or otherwise control the flow of gas into or out of an airbag. To determine the fact that an occupant is not restrained by a seatbelt and therefore to modify the characteristics of the airbag system. This determination can be done either by monitoring the position of the occupant or through the use of a resonating device placed on the shoulder belt portion of the seatbelt. To determine the presence and/or position of rear seated occupants in the vehicle and to use this information to affect the operation of a rear seat protection airbag for frontal, rear or side impacts, or rollovers. To recognize the presence of a rear facing child seat on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and to use this information to affect the operation of another vehicle system such as the airbag system. To provide a vehicle interior monitoring system for determining the location of occupants within the vehicle and to include within the same system various electronics for controlling an airbag system. To provide an occupant sensing system which detects the presence of a life form in a vehicle and under certain conditions, activates a vehicular warning system or a vehicular system to prevent injury to the life form. To determine whether an occupant is out-of-position relative to the airbag and if so, to suppress deployment of the airbag in a situation in which the airbag would otherwise be deployed. To adjust the flow of gas into or out of the airbag based on the morphology and position of the occupant to improve the performance of the airbag in reducing occupant injury. To provide an occupant position sensor which reliably permits, and in a timely manner, a determination to be made that the occupant is out-of-position, or will become out-of-position, and likely to be injured by a deploying airbag and to then output a signal to suppress the deployment of the airbag. To determine the position, velocity or size of an occupant in a motor vehicle and to utilize this information to control the rate of gas generation, or the amount of gas generated by an airbag inflator system. 12.2 Seat, Seatbelt Adjustment and Resonators Further objects of this invention related to control of passive restraints are: To determine the position of a seat in the vehicle using sensors remote from the seat and to use that information in conjunction with a memory system and appropriate actuators to position the seat to a predetermined location. To remotely determine the fact that a vehicle door is not tightly closed using an illumination transmitting and receiving system such as one employing electromagnetic or acoustic waves. To determine the position of the shoulder of a vehicle occupant and to use that information to control the seatbelt anchorage point. To obtain information about an object in a vehicle using resonators or reflectors arranged in association with the object, such as the position of the object and the orientation of the object. To provide a system designed to determine the orientation of a child seat using resonators or reflectors arranged in connection with the child seat. To provide a system designed to determine whether a seatbelt is in use using resonators and reflectors, for possible use in the control of a safety device such as an airbag. To provide a system designed to determine the position of an occupying item of a vehicle using resonators or reflectors, for possible use in the control of a safety device such as an airbag. To provide a system designed to determine the position of a seat using resonators or reflectors, for possible use in the control of a vehicular component or system which would be affected by different seat positions. To obtain information about an object in a vehicle using resonators or reflectors arranged in association with the object, such as the position of the object and the orientation of the object. To determine the approximate location of the eyes of a driver and to use that information to control the position of the rear view mirrors of the vehicle and/or adjust the seat. To control a vehicle component using eye tracking techniques. To provide systems for approximately locating the eyes of a vehicle driver to thereby permit the placement of the driver's eyes at a particular location in the vehicle. To provide a method of determining whether a seat is occupied and, if not, leaving the seat at a neutral position. 12.3 Side Impacts It is a further object of this invention to determine the presence and/or position of occupants relative to the side impact airbag systems and to use this information to affect the operation of a side impact protection airbag system. 12.4 Children and Animals Left Alone It is a further object of this invention to detect whether children or animals are left alone in a vehicle or vehicle trunk and the environment is placing such children or animals in danger. 12.5 Vehicle Theft It is a further object of this invention to prevent hijackings by warning the driver that a life form is in the vehicle as the driver approaches the vehicle. 12.6 Security, Intruder Protection It is a further object of this invention to provide a security system for a vehicle which determines the presence of an unexpected life form in a vehicle and conveys the determination prior to entry of a driver into the vehicle. It is a further object of this invention to recognize a particular driver based on such factors as physical appearance or other attributes and to use this information to control another vehicle system such as a security system, seat adjustment, or maximum permitted vehicle velocity, among others. 12.7 Entertainment System Control Further objects of this invention related to control of the entertainment system are: To affect the vehicle entertainment system, e.g., the speakers, based on a determination of the number, size and/or location of various occupants or other objects within the vehicle passenger compartment. To determine the location of the ears of one or more vehicle occupants and to use that information to control the entertainment system, e.g., the speakers, so as to improve the quality of the sound reaching the occupants' ears through such methods as noise canceling sound. 12.8 HVAC Further objects of this invention related to control of the HVAC system are: To affect the vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning system based on a determination of the number, size and location of various occupants or other objects within the vehicle passenger compartment. To determine the temperature of an occupant based on infrared radiation coming from that occupant and to use that information to control the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. To recognize the presence of a human on a particular seat of a motor vehicle and to use this information to affect the operation of another vehicle system such as the airbag, heating and air conditioning, or entertainment systems, among others. 12.9 Obstruction Further objects of this invention related to sensing of window and door obstructions are: To determine the openness of a vehicle window and to use that information to affect another vehicle system. To determine the presence of an occupant's hand or other object in the path of a closing window and to affect the window closing system. To determine the presence of an occupant's hand or other object in the path of a closing door and to affect the door closing system. 12.10 Rear Impacts It is a further object of this invention to determine the position of the rear of an occupant's head and to use that information to control the position of the headrest. It is an object of the present invention to provide new and improved headrests for seats in a vehicle which offer protection for an occupant in the event of a crash involving the vehicle. It is another object of the present invention to provide new and improved seats for vehicles which offer protection for an occupant in the event of a crash involving the vehicle. It is still another object of the present invention to provide new and improved cushioning arrangements for vehicles and protection systems including cushioning arrangements which provide protection for occupants in the event of a crash involving the vehicle. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide new and improved cushioning arrangements for vehicles and protection systems including cushioning arrangements which provide protection for occupants in the event of a collision into the rear of the vehicle, i.e., a rear impact. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide new and improved vehicular systems which reduce whiplash injuries from rear impacts of a vehicle by causing the headrest to be automatically positioned proximate to the occupant's head. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide new and improved vehicular systems to position a headrest proximate to the head of a vehicle occupant prior to a pending impact into the rear of a vehicle. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a simple anticipatory sensor system for use with an adjustable headrest to predict a rear impact. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method and arrangement for protecting an occupant in a vehicle during a crash involving the vehicle using an anticipatory sensor system and a cushioning arrangement including a fluid-containing bag which is brought closer toward the occupant or ideally in contact with the occupant prior to or coincident with the crash. The bag would then conform to the portion of the occupant with which it is in contact. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an automatically adjusting system which conforms to the head and neck geometry of an occupant regardless of the occupant's particular morphology to properly support both the head and neck. In order to achieve at least one of the immediately foregoing objects, a vehicle in accordance with the invention comprises a seat including a movable headrest against which an occupant can rest his or her head, an anticipatory crash sensor arranged to detect an impending crash involving the vehicle based on data obtained prior to the crash, and a movement mechanism coupled to the crash sensor and the headrest and arranged to move the headrest upon detection of an impending crash involving the vehicle by the crash sensor. The crash sensor may be arranged to produce an output signal when an object external from the vehicle is approaching the vehicle at a velocity above a design threshold velocity. The crash sensor may be any type of sensor designed to provide an assessment or determination of an impending impact prior to the impact, i.e., from data obtained prior to the impact. Thus, the crash sensor can be an ultrasonic sensor, an electromagnetic wave sensor, a radar sensor, a noise radar sensor and a camera, a scanning laser radar and a passive infrared sensor. To optimize the assessment of an impending crash, the crash sensor can be designed to determine the distance from the vehicle to an external object whereby the velocity of the external object is calculatable from successive distance measurements. To this end, the crash sensor can employ means for measuring time of flight of a pulse, means for measuring a phase change, means for measuring a Doppler radar pulse and means for performing range gating of an ultrasonic pulse, an optical pulse or a radar pulse. To further optimize the assessment, the crash sensor may comprise pattern recognition means for recognizing, identifying or ascertaining the identity of external objects. The pattern recognition means may comprise a neural network, fuzzy logic, fuzzy system, neural-fuzzy system, sensor fusion and other types of pattern recognition systems. The movement mechanism may be arranged to move the headrest from an initial position to a position more proximate to the head of the occupant. Optionally, a determining system determines the location of the head of the occupant in which case, the movement mechanism may move the headrest from an initial position to a position more proximate to the determined location of the head of the occupant. The determining system can include a wave-receiving sensor arranged to receive waves from a direction of the head of the occupant. More particularly, the determining system can comprise a transmitter for transmitting radiation to illuminate different portions of the head of the occupant, a receiver for receiving a first set of signals representative of radiation reflected from the different portions of the head of the occupant and providing a second set of signals representative of the distances from the headrest to the nearest illuminated portion the head of the occupant, and a processor comprising computational means to determine the headrest vertical location corresponding to the nearest part of the head to the headrest from the second set of signals from the receiver. The transmitter and receiver may be arranged in the headrest. The head position determining system can be designed to use waves, energy, radiation or other properties or phenomena. Thus, the determining system may include an electric field sensor, a capacitance sensor, a radar sensor, an optical sensor, a camera, a three-dimensional camera, a passive infrared sensor, an ultrasound sensor, a stereo sensor, a focusing sensor and a scanning system. A processor may be coupled to the crash sensor and the movement mechanism and determines the motion required of the headrest to place the headrest proximate to the head. The processor then provides the motion determination to the movement mechanism upon detection of an impending crash involving the vehicle by the crash sensor. This is particularly helpful when a system for determining the location of the head of the occupant relative to the headrest is provided in which case, the determining system is coupled to the processor to provide the determined head location. A method for protecting an occupant of a vehicle during a crash in accordance with the invention comprises the steps of detecting an impending crash involving the vehicle based on data obtained prior to the crash and moving a headrest upon detection of an impending crash involving the vehicle to a position more proximate to the occupant. Detection of the crash may entail determining the velocity of an external object approaching the vehicle and producing a crash signal when the object is approaching the vehicle at a velocity above a design threshold velocity. Optionally, the location of the head of the occupant is determined in which case, the headrest is moved from an initial position to the position more proximate to the determined location of the head of the occupant. 12.11 Combined with SDM and Other Systems It is a further object of this invention to provide for the combining of the electronics of the occupant sensor and the airbag control module into a single package. 12.12 Exterior Monitoring Further objects of this invention related to monitoring the exterior environment of the vehicle are: To provide a system for monitoring the environment exterior of a vehicle in order to determine the presence and classification, identification and/or location of objects in the exterior environment. To provide an anticipatory sensor that permits accurate identification of the about-to-impact object in the presence of snow and/or fog whereby the sensor is located within the vehicle. To provide a smart headlight dimmer system which senses the headlights from an oncoming vehicle or the tail lights of a vehicle in front of the subject vehicle and identifies these lights differentiating them from reflections from signs or the road surface and then sends a signal to dim the headlights. To provide a blind spot detector which detects and categorizes an object in the driver's blind spot or other location in the vicinity of the vehicle, and warns the driver in the event the driver begins to change lanes, for example, or continuously informs the driver of the state of occupancy of the blind spot. To use the principles of time of flight to measure the distance to an occupant or object exterior to the vehicle. To provide a camera system for interior and exterior monitoring, which can adjust on a pixel by pixel basis for the intensity of the received light. To provide for the use of an active pixel camera for interior and exterior vehicle monitoring. | 20040721 | 20080805 | 20050127 | 96764.0 | 3 | TO, TOAN C | WEIGHT MEASURING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VEHICLES | SMALL | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,895,460 | REJECTED | Built-in self-test emulator | Systems, methods, and a computer program are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a compiler for developing verification tests of an integrated circuit. The compiler comprises an interface and a built-in self-test (BIST) emulator. The interface includes an input and an output. The interface receives and forwards operator-level instructions to the BIST emulator, which is coupled to the output. The BIST emulator simulates the operation of a BIST module within the integrated circuit. The BIST emulator includes a function that enables an assert operation of a plurality of data storage locations in communication with the integrated circuit in response to the operator level instruction. | 1. A compiler for developing a test for verifying operational performance of an integrated circuit, the compiler comprising: an interface having an input and an output, the interface configured to receive and forward instructions; and a built-in self-test (BIST) emulator coupled to the output of the interface, the BIST emulator configured to generate at least one hardware-level instruction responsive to an operator level instruction received at the interface, the BIST emulator comprising a function that enables an assert operation of a plurality of data storage locations in communication with the integrated circuit in response to the operator level instruction. 2. The compiler of claim 1, wherein the BIST emulator is responsive to a BIST interface. 3. The compiler of claim 1, wherein the BIST emulator comprises a plurality of modules that reflect respective functional blocks of an integrated circuit design. 4. The compiler of claim 3, wherein the BIST emulator comprises a common module. 5. The compiler of claim 3, wherein the BIST emulator comprises an internal cache module. 6. The compiler of claim 3, wherein the BIST emulator comprises an external cache module. 7. The compiler of claim 3, wherein the BIST emulator comprises code that configures a test interface. 8. The compiler of claim 1, wherein the BIST emulator receives a high-level language instruction and the at least one hardware-level instruction comprises an assembler instruction. 9. A method for developing verification and performance tests of a processor, the method comprising: providing a compiler configured to simulate the operation of a built-in self-test (BIST) module within the processor, the compiler comprising a function that enables an assert operation of a plurality of data storage locations in communication with the processor; applying an operator level instruction to the compiler; observing at least one status indicator responsive to execution of at least one hardware-level instruction, wherein the hardware-level instruction is responsive to the operator level instruction; and determining whether the at least one status identifier is indicative of an expected condition. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein providing a compiler comprises generating code to simulate the operation of elements of the processor. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein providing a compiler comprises initializing a plurality of indicators in response to a single operator level instruction. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein providing a compiler comprises initializing a plurality of indicators associated with respective data storage locations in a first portion of a cache. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein providing a compiler comprises initializing a plurality of indicators associated with respective data storage locations in a second portion of a cache. 14. A program embodied in a computer-readable medium, the program comprising: logic configured to generate at least one hardware-level instruction responsive to an operator level instruction; logic configured to apply the at least one hardware-level instruction to a built-in self test (BIST) emulator, the BIST emulator comprising a function that enables an assert operation of a plurality of data storage locations; logic configured to monitor the status of at least one data storage location; and logic configured to determine whether the status of the at least one data storage location is indicative of an expected condition. 15. The program of claim 14, wherein the logic configured to generate a hardware-level instruction generates at least one assembler instruction. 16. The program of claim 14, wherein the BIST emulator comprises a plurality of modules modeled after the functions of a respective block of the integrated circuit under test. 17. A compiler, comprising: means for emulating a built-in self test (BIST) module associated with an integrated circuit, wherein the means for emulating a BIST module includes a function that enables an assert operation of a plurality of data storage locations in communication with the integrated circuit; and means for applying a hardware-level instruction to the means for emulating a BIST module responsive to an operator level instruction. | BACKGROUND Advances in integrated circuit design are accompanied by increased challenges for test and verification. For example, increased logic density leads to decreased internal visibility and control, reduced fault coverage and reduced ability to toggle states, more test development and verification problems, increased complexity of design simulation, etc. Design for test techniques, such as a built-in self-test (BIST) and an online test (e.g., a boundary scan) are known. Boundary scan and BIST, provide test access to a running fabricated circuit. An example of such a technique is described in the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG standard available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. These methods provide large-scale integrated circuit designers with mechanisms for verifying intended operation. Generally, a BIST runs the integrated circuit in a test mode that differs from normal circuit operation while checking for faults. An online test checks for faults during normal operation of the integrated circuit. In order to take advantage of the visibility and control provided by BIST interfaces to the functional portions of the integrated circuit under test, online test designers generally require a significant amount of time to learn both the operation of the circuit being tested and the BIST hardware before they can generate productive test cases. In addition, to the lengthy learning curve, large integrated circuit designs require a significant amount of time to develop a sufficient test that adequately exercises a device under test. Consequently, additional improvements and efficiencies are desired. SUMMARY A compiler, a method for verifying operation of a processor, and a computer program are disclosed. One embodiment is a compiler for developing verification tests of an integrated circuit. The compiler includes an interface and a built-in self-test (BIST) emulator. The interface includes an input and an output. The interface receives and forwards operator-level instructions to the BIST emulator, which is coupled to the output. The BIST emulator simulates operation of a BIST module within the integrated circuit. The BIST emulator includes a function that enables an assert operation of a plurality of data storage locations in communication with the integrated circuit in response to the operator level instruction. Another embodiment is a method for testing a processor. The method includes providing a compiler configured to simulate the operation of a BIST module within the processor, applying an operator-level instruction to the compiler, observing at least one status indicator responsive to execution of at least one hardware-level instruction, and determining whether the at least one status indicator is indicative of an expected condition. The compiler comprises a function that enables an assert operation of a plurality of data storage locations in communication with the processor. Another embodiment is a computer program stored on a computer-readable medium. The computer program comprises logic configured to generate at least one hardware-level instruction responsive to an operator-level instruction, logic configured to apply the at least one hardware-level instruction at a BIST emulator that includes a function that enables an assert operation of a plurality of data storage locations, logic configured to monitor the status of at least one data storage location, and logic configured to determine whether the status of the at least one data storage location is indicative of an expected condition. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a testing environment for testing integrated circuits, which includes a compiler for generating verification tests. FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of a portion of the testing environment of FIG. 1 illustrating example components of integrated circuits under test. FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary representation of one of the caches illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the compiler of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating various functions of the compiler of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another function of the compiler of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the architecture, operation, and/or functionality of an embodiment of the BIST of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating one exemplary method for developing verification and performance tests of a processor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In one exemplary embodiment, a processor test system is configured to interface with a processor or a model of a processor. The processor contains dual cores with each core having dedicated internal instruction and data caches. The processor further contains a controller that manages transfers to and or from an external cache and the cores. An input/output interface forwards instructions to the cores and is coupled to a built-in self-test (BIST) module. The BIST module enables verification testing of the internal instruction and data caches, the external cache, the cores, and the controller. It should be appreciated that results of a processor BIST may be useful to processor designers and/or manufacturers. The processor test system includes a compiler useful in generating tests that can be applied either to a processor model or an actual processor and data storage devices in communication with and under the control of the processor. The compiler contains a BIST emulator (i.e., code that emulates the physical interface, operation, etc., of the BIST module within the processor). The BIST emulator provides functions that initialize and manipulate data storage elements both within and in communication with the processor as well as initialize and manipulate indicators associated with the data storage elements. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a processor design/manufacture/test environment 100 in which various embodiments of a compiler 400 may be implemented. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, environment 100 comprises commercial environment 150 and test system 110. In commercial environment 150, a processor designer 158 designs a processor to be manufactured. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the architecture, functionality, layout (or floorplan), etc. may be embodied in a processor model 152 that may be provided to a fabrication facility 154 for manufacture. Fabrication facility 154 manufactures processor 156 according to processor model 152. It should be appreciated that any type of integrated circuit may be designed and manufactured in such a commercial environment 150. The integrated circuit, for example, processor 156, contains BIST module 160. As described above, BIST module 160 enables non-operational mode testing of functional portions of the integrated circuit. As illustrated in FIG. 1, compiler 400 in accordance with test criteria 112 produces test 114. Compiler 400 includes BIST emulator 420, which as described above includes a plurality of functions that can be used by a test designer to efficiently initialize and manipulate data storage elements and initialize and manipulate indicators associated with respective data storage elements. Test 114, which includes one or more hardware-level instructions responsive to operator-level instructions presented to the compiler 400, is communicated via test interface 116 to the processor 156 or to the processor model 152. Test results file 118 may comprise a data file or other record that defines whether one or more data values and/or indicators associated with data storage elements within processor 156 or processor model 152 were as expected after execution of one or more instructions in the processor 156. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any of a variety of types of tests may be performed on processor 156 or processor model 152 and, therefore, both test 114 and test results file 118 may be configured accordingly. Various embodiments of test criteria 112 may be compiled by compiler 400 and thus configured to test the cache components (e.g., instruction cache, data cache, etc.), the cores, and other functional blocks of processor 156 or processor model 152. Test interface 116 is configured to provide the physical, functional or other interface means between test system 110 and processor 156 or processor model 152. As known in the art, during operation of test system 110, the results of the tests performed on each processor 156 and/or corresponding aspects of processor model 152 may be logged to test results file 118. FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a processor/processor model 210. As described above, processor/processor model 210 communicates with test system 110 (FIG. 1) via test interface 116. Processor/processor model 210 includes interface 212, which is coupled to test interface 116. Interface 212 is also coupled to controller 214. Controller 214 is coupled to core A 220, core B 230, and external cache 250. Controller 214 manages processor load between core A 220 and core B 230. In addition, controller 214 manages data transfers to and from external cache 250 and interface 212. Each of the processor cores (i.e., core A 220 and core B 230) are coupled to an internal data cache and an internal instruction cache. As illustrated in FIG. 2, core A 220 is coupled to data cache 222 and instruction cache 224; core B 230 is coupled to data cache 232 and instruction cache 234. Processor/processor model 210 also includes BIST module 160, which is coupled to controller 214 via interface 212. BIST module 160 enables non-operational mode testing of controller 214, core A 220, core B 230, as well as data caches 222, 232, instruction caches 224, 234, and external cache 250. BIST module 160 is configured to controllably initialize and manipulate data storage elements within each of the functional blocks within processor/processor model 210 as well as data storage elements in communication with processor/processor model 210 (i.e., external cache 250). Referring to FIG. 3, external cache 250, internal instruction caches 224, 234, as well as internal data caches 222, 232 may comprise a cache array 300 comprising various rows and columns. It should be appreciated that cache array 300 may be configured in a variety of ways and need not be configured in a symmetrical array. Rather, cache array 300 defines a grid that may be identified by X-Y coordinates corresponding to a bit at a particular location in cache array 300. As known in the art, a cache test may be performed to test various aspects of the cache array 300. In this regard, it should be appreciated that test results file 118 contains data corresponding to the particular tests performed. As briefly described above, test system 110 is configured to interface with test results file 118. In one embodiment, test system 110 identifies when processor 156 or processor model 152 has passed a test (i.e., each instruction in test 114 results in one or more expected conditions as identified via an analysis of one or more indicators associated with the data storage elements of the various functional blocks). In other embodiments, test system 110 identifies particular storage elements and/or particular bits of storage elements associated with an indicator that identifies an unexpected condition as a result of the execution of a hardware-level instruction. In some embodiments, test system 110 interprets the data and identifies functional items that did not operate as expected. The functional block diagram in FIG. 4 illustrates the architecture of an embodiment of compiler 400, which includes BIST emulator 420. Operator-level instructions enter compiler 400 via input 410. The operator-level instructions are received and forwarded by operator-level language interface 422 to translator 424. Translator 424 converts a received operator-level instruction to one or more hardware-level instructions. Translator 424 communicates with common module 430, external cache module 440, and internal cache module 450 via connection 426. In one embodiment, operator-level instructions are written in C++ and translator 424 responsively generates assembler instructions suited for operation on the processor/processor model 210 under test. Test status and other results are forwarded to test system 110 via output 460. Common module 430 contains code suited for testing interface 212, controller 214, core A 220, and core B 230 of the processor/processor model 210 under test (FIG. 2). External cache module 440 contains code suited for testing external cache 250 (FIG. 2). Internal cache module 450 contains code suited for testing internal caches, such as data caches 222, 232 and instruction caches 224, 234 (FIG. 2). Common module 430 contains code suited for exercising various storage elements, arithmetic logic units, and instruction/data management functions within processor/processor model 210. External cache module 440 and internal cache module 450 contain march tests suited for exercising and verifying correct operation of storage elements within the caches (i.e., data caches 222, 232, instruction caches 224, 234, and external cache 250). BIST emulator 420 also includes a plurality of indicator arrays in communication with translator 424 via connection 428. The indicator arrays include a common indicator array 435 for recording the status of data storage elements within functional processor blocks exercised and/or verified via code provided by common module 430. The indicator array includes one or more flags for recording binary conditions. In some embodiments, the indicator array includes a plurality of indices for recording data values associated with respective data storage elements. The indicator arrays further include an external cache indicator array 445 for recording the status of data storage elements within external cache 250 (FIG. 2) and an internal cache array 455 for recording the status of data storage elements within internal caches (i.e., data caches 222, 232, and instruction caches 224, 234. In some embodiments, the external cache indicator array 445 and the internal cache indicator array 455 include a plurality of indices for recording data values associated with respective data storage elements. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating several functions associated with compiler 400. A major address broadcast 500, a single assert 510, a multiple assert 515, and a major address output 530 function of compiler 400 are presented. The major address broadcast function 500 forwards the contents of broadcast register 502 to a plurality of identified registers. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the major address broadcast instruction includes variables indicating that the contents of broadcast register 502 are to be forwarded to register (A) 504, register (B) 506, through to register (N) 508. Single assert 510 confirms the contents of an identified data storage element. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, single assert 510 confirms the contents of register (A) 504. Single assert 510 can be used to confirm the contents of an identified data storage location after a reset operation, a data write operation, etc. Multiple assert 515 confirms the contents of a plurality of identified data storage elements. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, multiple assert 515 confirms the contents of register (A) 504, register (B) 506, through to register (N) 508. The major address output function 530 forwards the contents of identified data storage elements (e.g., registers) to an identified output device. Each of the plurality of identified data storage elements is directed by broadcast register 512 to forward its respective data contents to the identified output device. Output devices may include a display, a printer, etc. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the major address output function 530 directs identified register (A) 514, register (B) 516, through to register (N) 518 to forward their respective data contents to the identified device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another function of compiler 400 of FIG. 4. Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates a multiple register set function 600. The multiple register set function 600 directs each of one or more identified registers to initialize or otherwise set the contents of a plurality of similarly configured registers to the same data value. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, multiple register set function 600 instructs register (A) 602 through to register (N) 604 to initialize similarly configured registers (a) 612, register (b) 614, through to register (n) 616 to the designated data value. Similarly, register (N) 604 and each intervening register between register (A) 602 and register (N) 604 also initialize similarly configured registers (a) 622, register (b) 624, through to register (n) 626 to the designated data value. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that compiler 400 and perhaps other portions of test system 110 may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, compiler 400 is implemented in software or firmware that is stored in a memory and that is executed by a suitable instruction execution system. In software embodiments, compiler 400 may be written in a high-level computer language. In one exemplary embodiment, compiler 400 comprises a C++ program. In hardware embodiments, test system 110 may be implemented with any or a combination of the following technologies, which are all well known in the art: a discrete logic circuit(s) having logic gates for implementing logic functions upon data signals, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having appropriate combinational logic gates, a programmable gate array(s) (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. Furthermore, test criteria 1.12, compiler 400, test 114, test interface 116 and test results file 118 (FIG. 1) may be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer-readable medium can be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection (electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (electronic), a read-only memory (ROM) (electronic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) (electronic), an optical fiber (optical), and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). Note that the computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via for instance optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory. It should be appreciated that the process descriptions or blocks related to FIGS. 7 and 8 represent modules, segments, or portions of code, which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. It should be further appreciated that any logical functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the architecture, operation, and/or functionality of an embodiment of the BIST emulator 420 of FIG. 4. Flow diagram 700 begins with block 702 where an operator level instruction is applied to a BIST emulator. The BIST emulator includes a function that enables an assert operation of a plurality of data storage locations. At least one hardware-level instruction responsive to an operator level instruction is generated as shown in block 704. Following execution of the at least one hardware-level instruction, the status of at least one data storage location is monitored as indicated in block 706. Thereafter, as indicated in decision block 708 a determination is made if the status is indicative of an expected condition. When the status is indicative of an expected condition, as indicated by the flow control arrow labeled “YES,” exiting decision block 708, a pass condition is recorded as shown in block 712. Otherwise, when the status is indicative of an unexpected condition, as indicated by the flow control arrow labeled “NO,” exiting decision block 708, a fail condition is recorded as shown in block 710. The general flow illustrated in flow diagram 700 may be repeated as desired to verify operation of processor/processor model 210 (FIG. 2). FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating one exemplary method for developing verification and performance tests of a processor/processor model 210 (FIG. 2). Method 800 begins with block 802 where a compiler configured to emulate the operation of a BIST module within a processor/processor model 210 is provided. The compiler includes a function that enables an assert operation of a plurality of data storage locations. In block 804, an operator level instruction is applied to the compiler provided in block 802. In block 806, the status of at least one data storage location responsive to execution of a hardware-level instruction generated by the compiler in response to the operator level instruction is observed. Thereafter, as indicated in decision block 808 a determination is made if the status is indicative of an expected condition. When the status is indicative of an expected condition, as indicated by the flow control arrow labeled “YES,” exiting decision block 808, a pass condition is recorded as shown in block 812. Otherwise, when the status is indicative of an unexpected condition, as indicated by the flow control arrow labeled “NO,” exiting decision block 808, a fail condition is recorded as shown in block 810. The general flow illustrated in method 800 may be repeated as desired to verify operation of processor/processor model 210 (FIG. 2). | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Advances in integrated circuit design are accompanied by increased challenges for test and verification. For example, increased logic density leads to decreased internal visibility and control, reduced fault coverage and reduced ability to toggle states, more test development and verification problems, increased complexity of design simulation, etc. Design for test techniques, such as a built-in self-test (BIST) and an online test (e.g., a boundary scan) are known. Boundary scan and BIST, provide test access to a running fabricated circuit. An example of such a technique is described in the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG standard available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. These methods provide large-scale integrated circuit designers with mechanisms for verifying intended operation. Generally, a BIST runs the integrated circuit in a test mode that differs from normal circuit operation while checking for faults. An online test checks for faults during normal operation of the integrated circuit. In order to take advantage of the visibility and control provided by BIST interfaces to the functional portions of the integrated circuit under test, online test designers generally require a significant amount of time to learn both the operation of the circuit being tested and the BIST hardware before they can generate productive test cases. In addition, to the lengthy learning curve, large integrated circuit designs require a significant amount of time to develop a sufficient test that adequately exercises a device under test. Consequently, additional improvements and efficiencies are desired. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>A compiler, a method for verifying operation of a processor, and a computer program are disclosed. One embodiment is a compiler for developing verification tests of an integrated circuit. The compiler includes an interface and a built-in self-test (BIST) emulator. The interface includes an input and an output. The interface receives and forwards operator-level instructions to the BIST emulator, which is coupled to the output. The BIST emulator simulates operation of a BIST module within the integrated circuit. The BIST emulator includes a function that enables an assert operation of a plurality of data storage locations in communication with the integrated circuit in response to the operator level instruction. Another embodiment is a method for testing a processor. The method includes providing a compiler configured to simulate the operation of a BIST module within the processor, applying an operator-level instruction to the compiler, observing at least one status indicator responsive to execution of at least one hardware-level instruction, and determining whether the at least one status indicator is indicative of an expected condition. The compiler comprises a function that enables an assert operation of a plurality of data storage locations in communication with the processor. Another embodiment is a computer program stored on a computer-readable medium. The computer program comprises logic configured to generate at least one hardware-level instruction responsive to an operator-level instruction, logic configured to apply the at least one hardware-level instruction at a BIST emulator that includes a function that enables an assert operation of a plurality of data storage locations, logic configured to monitor the status of at least one data storage location, and logic configured to determine whether the status of the at least one data storage location is indicative of an expected condition. | 20040722 | 20060209 | 57583.0 | G06F1750 | 0 | GEBRESILASSIE, KIBROM K | Built-in self-test emulator | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | PENDING | G06F | 2,004 |
||
10,895,501 | ACCEPTED | Hot cut aluminum billet saw | A process and apparatus for extruding aluminum into products, wherein aluminum logs are first heated to a predetermined temperature in a furnace, then are cut into billets of predetermined lengths, and then the billets, while still hot, are extruded into predetermined products in an extruder. In the process, the logs are cut into billets with a cross cut circular saw immediately after the logs are heated and before the logs are permitted to cool to a temperature below a suitable extruding temperature. The circular saw is cooled and lubricated during the cutting to as to restrain the saw from sticking in the heated aluminum and so as to maintain the temperature of the log at the cut within a predetermined range wherein the aluminum is relatively easy to cut and waste is minimized. | 1. A process for extruding aluminum into products, wherein aluminum logs are first heated to a predetermined temperature in a furnace, then are cut into billets of predetermined lengths, and then the billets, while still hot, are extruded into predetermined products in an extruder, the improvement wherein the logs are cut into billets with a cross cut circular saw immediately after the logs are heated and before the logs are permitted to cool to a temperature below a suitable extruding temperature, the circular saw being cooled and lubricated during cutting so as to restrain the saw from sticking in the heated aluminum and so as to maintain the temperature of the log at the cut within a predetermined range wherein the aluminum is relatively easy to cut and waste is minimized. 2. A process as in claim 1 wherein the saw is cooled by an air cooler that provides cooled air against the face of the saw blade upstream of the cut in the log. 3. A process as in claim 2 wherein the air is cooled to about 6-8° F. or cooler. 4. A process as in claim 1 wherein the saw is positioned in an enclosure that shields the saw from heat from the furnace, the saw being cooled with a gaseous coolant that is introduced inside the enclosure so as to cool bearings for the rotating saw as well as the saw blade. 5. In a process for extruding aluminum wherein aluminum stock is provided in the form of elongated logs, the process comprising: transporting the logs in longitudinal alignment through a furnace on a conveyor, wherein the logs are hated to an extruding temperature below the melting point of the aluminum logs; cutting the heated logs into billets of selected lengths after the logs have been heated in the furnace and before they are conveyed to an extruder, the cutting being accomplished with a circular cross cut saw positioned immediately downstream of the furnace, the saw being transversely movable to cut the log into billets; continuously cooling the saw blade so as to prevent the saw blade from overheating and so as to cool the cut in the log to a temperature below where the log melts or becomes so sticky that it produces substantial drag on the saw blade; lubricating the saw blade as it rotates so as to minimize friction between the saw blade and the cut in the log; and delivering the heated and cut billets directly to an extruder for producing extruded products of a predetermined design and size. 6. Apparatus for supplying heated aluminum billets to an aluminum extruder comprising: an elongated furnace having a conveyor running through it, the conveyor conveying elongated aluminum logs through the furnace from a furnace inlet to a furnace outlet, the furnace heating the logs to a temperature of about 800 to 950° F. and discharging the logs from the furnace outlet; a billet cut off saw positioned at the furnace outlet for cutting the heated logs into billets of predetermined length, the billet saw comprising a circular saw blade positioned transversely to a longitudinal orientation of the heated logs, the saw being relatively movable transversely with respect to the logs such that the saw can cut the logs into billets as they pass by the saw; a blade cooler positioned adjacent the saw to reduce the temperature of the saw blade as it cuts the hot logs, the cooler reducing the temperature of the blade and the blade in turn reducing the temperature of the log at the kerf formed by the saw blade, the reduction in temperature being sufficient to prevent the log from melting and to maintain the log at a desirable cutting temperature wherein the log is easier to cut than an unheated log or a log that is heated to the point where it is gummy; and a lubricant applicator positioned adjacent the saw blade, the lubricant applicator dispensing a lubricant on the saw blade so as to reduce the friction of the saw blade in the log. | CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This is a non-provisional application based on and claiming the filing priority of co-pending provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/494,618, filed Aug. 12, 2003. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a conventional aluminum extrusion operation, aluminum stock in the form of large logs, perhaps 5 to 16 inches in diameter and up to 20-24 feet in length, are fed on a conveyor through an elongated furnace, where they are heated continuously to about 800-950° F. Then the logs are cut into short lengths called billets, which are fed immediately into an extruder, while the billets are hot. The extruder includes a ram that presses the billets through a die that forms the aluminum into extrusions of a desired shape. The extrusions can then be cut into desired lengths. Billets are cut to specific lengths, depending upon the particular part being extruded. In a conventional aluminum extrusion operation, it is customary to change extrusion dies frequently. Each die requires a billet of a certain length. Thus, it is desirable to cut the logs into billets after they are heated and immediately before they are fed into the extrusion die, so that length can be adjusted as desired just before the billet is needed in the die. The customary method that has been utilized in the aluminum industry for many years for cutting heated aluminum aluminum logs into billets has been a so-called hot shear, which is a pair of cutting dies that cut the aluminum into billets by a shearing action. One problem with this type of cutter is that a shear tends to compress the ends of the billet slightly by the clamping action of the shears. This gives the ends of the billet a non-circular shape with rounded edges, where the shears exert a clamping and cutting action on the log. This irregular shape can introduce bubbles in an extruded product and sometimes presents difficulties in extruding. Notwithstanding these problems, the use of shears has been common practice for many many years. Circular saws have been used to cut cold aluminum logs into billets prior to heating and to cut extrusions after formation. However, to date, circular saws have not been used successfully to cut thick hot aluminum logs into billets immediately after heating in a furnace and prior to extrusion. One reason for this is that hot aluminum has a sticky or gummy texture and would be expected to gum up and accumulate on a saw blade. Also, it would be expected that it would be damaging to saw equipment to position it adjacent the open end of a 1000° F. furnace. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for cutting hot aluminum logs into billets for an extruding operation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, heated aluminum logs are cut into billets by means of a cross-cut circular saw, after the logs are heated to 800-950° F. in a billet heating furnace and prior to the billets being fed to an extrusion machine. An important feature of the present invention is that the saw is simultaneously cooled and lubricated. The cooling reduces the cutting temperature at the kerf in the log, while the machine lubricant reduces the friction between the blade and the sticky hot aluminum. The combination of the temperature reduction and lubricant makes it possible to cut hot, sticky aluminum with a saw, without leaving an aluminum build up on the saw. In addition, the use of a saw under elevated temperature conditions produces a fine, powdered cut, producing less scrap than a cold cut saw and requiring substantially less horsepower than a cold cut saw. Blade life also is improved. These and other features, objects, and benefits of the invention will be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art and by those who practice the invention, from the specification, the claims, and the drawing figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing aluminum logs positioned upstream of an inlet of an aluminum heating furnace. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a series of aluminum logs being fed on a horizontal conveyor into the inlet of a continuous aluminum heating furnace. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the side of an aluminum furnace. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the aluminum furnace, showing the end of the furnace. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the cutoff apparatus of the present invention positioned at the end of the aluminum furnace. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the whole furnace heating and cutoff line. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the control panel in position to monitor and control the various aspects of the furnace and cutoff operation. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the billet cutting apparatus at the end of the furnace, with the door being opened to show the cutoff saw and other components therein. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the cutoff saw of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the cutoff saw of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a billet discharge mechanism positioned in a retracted position. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the billet discharge mechanism of FIG. 11 in an extended position. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the billet discharge mechanism in its extended position, as shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cutoff saw of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, a plurality of aluminum logs 10, typically about 5 to 16 inches in diameter and up to 20-24 feet in length, are positioned on a rack 12 leading to a horizontal roller conveyor 14, which extends through a furnace 16 (FIG. 2) of conventional design. Logs 10 enter the furnace in end to end alignment through an opening 18 in the upstream end of the furnace. The furnace is covered by an enclosure 20. The logs are heated in the furnace as they extend along the length thereof until they reach a downstream or outlet end 22. In the furnace, the aluminum logs are heated to a temperature of 800-950° F. In aluminum forming operations, it is important to heat the aluminum to a proper temperature. Aluminum melts at about 1220° F. and has a fairly narrow range of increased malleability below the melting point of the material. It is desirable to maintain the aluminum at a temperature at which it will not melt, even when the aluminum is caused to be heated further by cutting or by the compression of an aluminum ram in an extruding process. Referring again to the drawings, a billet cutting apparatus 24 is positioned at the downstream end 22 of the furnace in position to receive the aluminum logs immediately after they are heated. Billet cutting apparatus 24 includes a housing 26 (preferably stainless steel) having an open interior that is accessed by a sliding door 28 in the side of the housing. The housing helps to shield the saw equipment from the heat of the furnace. In the illustration, only the furnace and billet cutting apparatus are depicted. In operation, the billet cutting apparatus would be adjacent a conventional extruding mechanism, wherein billets formed in the cutting apparatus could be immediately transferred through the sliding door (or otherwise as an application may require) to the inlet of an extruder, wherein the still heated aluminum is pressed through a die by a ram. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the various aspects of the operation of the furnace and cutoff apparatus are controlled by an electrical control panel 30 connected by control cables 32 to control devices 34 that control various aspects of the operation, such as temperature and speed and the operation of the cutoff apparatus to form billets of a desired size. The interior of the billet cutting apparatus housing is shown in FIGS. 8-14. A furnace outlet 36 is shown in FIG. 9. Heated billets are conveyed longitudinally through the outlet to billet conveyor 38 in the interior of the billet cutting housing. The billet conveyor has an inclined side 40, and the rollers are concave, so that billets are urged to a centered position on the conveyor. A circular cutoff saw 42 is positioned adjacent outlet 36, in position to cut the aluminum logs into billets immediately after they leave the furnace in a heated condition. Cutoff saw 42 includes a rotating radial saw blade 44 powered by a motor 46 and enclosed by a housing 48. The housing has an opening 50 where a peripheral edge of the saw is exposed for purposes of engaging and cutting the aluminum logs into billets. The saw can employ a 26 inch diameter circular saw blade having 42 teeth with one quarter inch wide carbide tips. A rake angle of about 0° has been shown to be effective. A rake angle of about 10° or less is desired. The saw typically operates at about 1975 RPM. A feature of the present invention is that the cutting edge of the saw blade is lubricated and cooled while it is cutting the heated aluminum logs. Cooling is accomplished by cooling apparatus 52 that provides a cold fluid through a conduit 54 to an outlet 56 in the edge of the housing immediately upstream of the opening 50 in the housing where the blade engages the log to cut it into billets. Thus, the cooling fluid cools the blade immediately before it contacts the heated aluminum billet. Desirably, the cooling apparatus comprises a conventional air cooler called an Excess Air Vortec Cooler. This is a conventional device that generates cold air of about 6-8° F., which is adequate for the preferred saw of the present invention. The cold air is directed against the tooth area at the outer periphery of the blade. Without the cooler, the blade temperature tends to increase more as a result of contact with the heated billet and the friction of the blade against the billet. In addition, the cooler tends to cool the interior of the enclosure for the saw apparatus, reducing the potential for heat damage to motors and bearings and other saw components. Without the cooler and lubrication, the heated aluminum can become gummy, thereby impairing the blade operation. With the blade temperature reduced in this manner, the cutting efficiency remains quite high and the blade cuts the aluminum efficiently without gummy buildup. Instead, the cutting byproduct at elevated temperatures is a fine powder, which is much finer than the course chips produced in a cold cutting operation. There appears to be substantially less waste with the hot cutting operation of the present invention than with a cold cutting aluminum saw. Other fluid coolants, such as liquid nitrogen, can be used but they are more expensive. In addition to the cooling of the blade, it is important that the blade be adequately lubricated with a conventional blade lubricating fluid. The liquid lubricant in this case augments significantly the hot cutting capabilities of the saw. The lubricant in the present invention is provided through a lubricant hose 58 to an outlet nozzle 60 that extends through a side of the housing and is directed on the side of the blade. A lubricant reduces friction and therefore also prevents the sticky, hot aluminum from building up on the blade. An advantage with the saw of the present invention is that the saw cuts cleanly through the aluminum log, minimizing waste and producing a round cross section at the cut and not deforming the aluminum log where the cut has formed. Thus, the billets are accurately formed and fit properly into an aluminum extruding apparatus with no rounded or non-circular surfaces to produce bubbles because of air entrapment in the extrusions and otherwise impair the quality of the final extrusions. The components of the billet cutoff apparatus downstream of the saw are disclosed in FIGS. 11-13. After a billet has been cut, it is positioned adjacent an open side of the billet cutoff apparatus. A billet side discharge ram 62 positioned adjacent the cut billet is thereafter reciprocated from a retracted position 64 (shown in FIG. 11) to an extended position 68 (shown in FIGS. 12 and 13). In moving from the retracted positioned to the extended position, bar 70 on the ram engages the side of the billet and discharges it in a sideways direction from the billet cutoff housing. Thereafter, the billet is conveyed in a conventional manner directly into an extruding apparatus. It should be noted that the billet can be conveyed in any of a number of ways to an extruding operation, as dictated by the requirements of the particular extruding operation. When the billet side discharge ram extends to discharge a billet from the side of the billet cutoff housing, a hydraulic log retracting cylinder 72 is moved into alignment with the end of the portion of the log that is upstream of the cut billet. This cylinder has an extendable output shaft that is aligned with an opening 74 in a plate 76 that moves along with the billet side discharge ram into downstream abutment with the uncut portion of the log. The output shaft of the ram is then extended through opening 74, where it engages the end of the log and pushes it upstream back into the furnace, where it remains and is reheated to furnace outlet temperature. When the log is to be cut into the next billet, the ram is retracted, and the side discharge ram is retracted so that the log can move outwardly into position to be cut into the next billet. With this apparatus, the log does not cool off to an undesirably low temperature before the next billet is cut. With the use of a cutoff saw of the type employed in the present invention, billets are formed in a proper shape, without deformation by the cutoff equipment, and waste is minimized. These and other advantages of the present invention will appear to the person skilled in the art. It should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the arrangements and details of construction of the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In a conventional aluminum extrusion operation, aluminum stock in the form of large logs, perhaps 5 to 16 inches in diameter and up to 20-24 feet in length, are fed on a conveyor through an elongated furnace, where they are heated continuously to about 800-950° F. Then the logs are cut into short lengths called billets, which are fed immediately into an extruder, while the billets are hot. The extruder includes a ram that presses the billets through a die that forms the aluminum into extrusions of a desired shape. The extrusions can then be cut into desired lengths. Billets are cut to specific lengths, depending upon the particular part being extruded. In a conventional aluminum extrusion operation, it is customary to change extrusion dies frequently. Each die requires a billet of a certain length. Thus, it is desirable to cut the logs into billets after they are heated and immediately before they are fed into the extrusion die, so that length can be adjusted as desired just before the billet is needed in the die. The customary method that has been utilized in the aluminum industry for many years for cutting heated aluminum aluminum logs into billets has been a so-called hot shear, which is a pair of cutting dies that cut the aluminum into billets by a shearing action. One problem with this type of cutter is that a shear tends to compress the ends of the billet slightly by the clamping action of the shears. This gives the ends of the billet a non-circular shape with rounded edges, where the shears exert a clamping and cutting action on the log. This irregular shape can introduce bubbles in an extruded product and sometimes presents difficulties in extruding. Notwithstanding these problems, the use of shears has been common practice for many many years. Circular saws have been used to cut cold aluminum logs into billets prior to heating and to cut extrusions after formation. However, to date, circular saws have not been used successfully to cut thick hot aluminum logs into billets immediately after heating in a furnace and prior to extrusion. One reason for this is that hot aluminum has a sticky or gummy texture and would be expected to gum up and accumulate on a saw blade. Also, it would be expected that it would be damaging to saw equipment to position it adjacent the open end of a 1000° F. furnace. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for cutting hot aluminum logs into billets for an extruding operation. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In accordance with the present invention, heated aluminum logs are cut into billets by means of a cross-cut circular saw, after the logs are heated to 800-950° F. in a billet heating furnace and prior to the billets being fed to an extrusion machine. An important feature of the present invention is that the saw is simultaneously cooled and lubricated. The cooling reduces the cutting temperature at the kerf in the log, while the machine lubricant reduces the friction between the blade and the sticky hot aluminum. The combination of the temperature reduction and lubricant makes it possible to cut hot, sticky aluminum with a saw, without leaving an aluminum build up on the saw. In addition, the use of a saw under elevated temperature conditions produces a fine, powdered cut, producing less scrap than a cold cut saw and requiring substantially less horsepower than a cold cut saw. Blade life also is improved. These and other features, objects, and benefits of the invention will be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art and by those who practice the invention, from the specification, the claims, and the drawing figures. | 20040721 | 20060523 | 20050217 | 62373.0 | 1 | TOLAN, EDWARD THOMAS | HOT CUT ALUMINUM BILLET SAW | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,895,581 | ACCEPTED | Process for purifying proteins | The invention relates to a process for purifying a protein by mixing a protein preparation with a solution having a first salt and a second salt, wherein each salt has a different lyotropic value, and loading the mixture onto a hydrophobic interaction chromatography column. The dynamic capacity of the column for a protein using the two salt combination will be increased compared with the the dynamic capacity of the column for either single salt alone. | 1. A process for purifying a protein comprising mixing a preparation containing the protein with a solution containing a first salt and a second salt, loading the mixture onto a hydrophobic interaction chromatography column, and eluting the column, wherein the first and second salts have different lyotropic values, and wherein at least one salt has a buffering capacity at a pH at which the protein is stable. 2. The process of claim 1 wherein the pH of the mixture loaded onto the column is between about pH 5 and about pH 7. 3. The process of claim 1 wherein the concentration of each of the first salt and the second salt in the mixture is between about 0.1 M and about 1.0 M. 4. The process of claim 1 wherein the first salt is selected from the group consisting of citrate, acetate, phosphate, and sulfate salts. 5. The process of claim 1 wherein the second salt is selected from the group consisting of citrate, acetate, phosphate, and sulfate salts, and wherein the second salt is not identical to the first salt. 6. The process of claim 1 wherein the column is eluted with a solution having a pH between about pH 5 and about pH 7. 7. The process of claim 1 wherein the first salt and second salt are selected from the group consisting of citrate and sulfate; citrate and acetate; citrate and phosphate; acetate and sulfate; and sulfate and phosphate. 8. The process of claim 1 wherein the protein is a fusion protein or an antibody. 9. The process of claim 1, further comprising diluting the protein. 10. The process of claim 1, further comprising filtering the protein. 11. The process of claim 1, further comprising formulating the protein. 12. The process of claim 1, further comprising lyopholizing the protein. 13. A process for purifying a protein comprising mixing a preparation containing the protein with a solution containing a first salt and a second salt, loading the mixture onto a hydrophobic interaction chromatography column, and eluting the column, wherein the first and second salts are selected from the group consisting of citrate and sulfate; citrate and acetate; citrate and phosphate; acetate and sulfate; and sulfate and phosphate. 14. The process of claim 13 wherein the pH of the mixture loaded onto the column is between about pH 5 and about pH 7. 15. The process of claim 13 wherein the concentration of the salts in the mixture is between about 0.1M and about 1.0 M. 16. The process of claim 13 wherein the salts are sodium salts. 17. The process of claim 13 wherein the column is eluted with a solution having a pH of between about pH 5 and about pH 7. 18. The process of claim 13 wherein the protein is a fusion protein or an antibody. 19. The process of claim 13 wherein the protein is a monoclonal antibody or an Fc fusion protein 20. A method of maximizing the dynamic capacity of a hydrophobic interaction chromatography column for a particular protein at a desired pH comprising selecting a combination of concentrations for a first salt and a second salt wherein the first salt and the second salt have different lyotropic values, and least one salt has a buffering capacity at the desired pH, and wherein the concentrations of the first salt and the second salt are determined using precipitation curves for the salts individually and for the combination of salts. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application number 60/540,587, filed Jan. 30, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is relied on and incorporated by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to protein purification and specifically to a process for protein purification using hydrophobic interaction chromatography. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The purification of proteins for the production of biological or pharmaceutical products from various source materials involves a number of procedures. Therapeutic proteins may be obtained from plasma or tissue extracts, for example, or may be produced by cell cultures using eukaryotic or procaryotic cells containing at least one recombinant plasmid encoding the desired protein. The engineered proteins are then either secreted into the surrounding media or into the perinuclear space, or made intracellularly and extracted from the cells. A number of well-known technologies are utilized for purifying desired proteins from their source material. Purification processes include procedures in which the protein of interest is separated from the source materials on the basis of solubility, ionic charge, molecular size, adsorption properties, and specific binding to other molecules. The procedures include gel filtration chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) is used to separate proteins on the basis of hydrophobic interactions between the hydrophobic moieties of the protein and insoluble, immobilized hydrophobic groups on the matrix. Generally, the protein preparation in a high salt buffer is loaded on the HIC column. The salt in the buffer interacts with water molecules to reduce the solvation of the proteins in solution, thereby exposing hydrophobic regions in the protein which are then adsorbed by hydrophobic groups on the matrix. The more hydrophobic the molecule, the less salt is needed to promote binding. Usually, a decreasing salt gradient is used to elute proteins from a column. As the ionic strength decreases, the exposure of the hydrophilic regions of the protein increases and proteins elute from the column in order of increasing hydrophobicity. See, for example, Protein Purification, 2d Ed., Springer-Verlag, New York, 176-179 (1988). When developing processes for commercial production of therapeutically important proteins, increasing the efficiency of any intermediate purification steps is highly desirable. One way of improving the ease and efficiency of manufacturing is to increase the load capacity of one or more of the intermediate steps of the purification process to the point that the number of cycles required to purify a batch of protein is reduced without compromising the quality of the protein separation. The present invention improves the process of protein purification by increasing the capacity and efficiency of an intermediate step. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a process of purifying a protein comprising mixing a protein preparation with a solution containing a first salt and a second salt, forming a mixture which is loaded onto a hydrophobic interaction chromatography column, wherein the first and second salts have different lyotropic values, and at least one salt has a buffering capacity at a pH at which the protein is stable. In one embodiment, the pH of the mixture and equilibrium buffer is between about pH 5 and about pH 7. The process further comprises eluting the protein. The present invention provides combinations of salts useful for increasing the dynamic capacity of an HIC column compared with the dynamic capacity of the column using separate salts alone. These combinations of salts allow for a decreased concentration of at least one of the salts to achieve a greater dynamic capacity, without compromising the quality of the protein separation. The first and second salt combinations are selected for each particular protein through a process of establishing precipitation curves for each salt individually, and precipitation curves for the combination of salts holding one salt constant and varying the second. The concentrations of the salt combinations can be optimized further, for example, to ensure protein stability at room temperature and to prevent formation of aggregates in the protein preparation. Preferred first salts are those which form effective buffers at a pH at which the protein is stable. In one embodiment, the first and second salts are selected from acetate, citrate, phosphate, sulfate, or any mineral or organic acid salt thereof. In one embodiment the pH of the mixture is between about pH 5 and about pH 7. In one embodiment, the final salt concentrations of the first salt and second salts in the mixture are each between about 0.1 M and 1.0 M, in another embodiment between about 0.3 M and about 0.7 M. The cations can be selected from any non-toxic cations, including NH4+, K+, and Na+. Preferred cations are those which do not tend to denature the protein or to cause precipitation in combination with other ions, including NH4+ and Na+. The two salt buffers of the present invention result in an increase in dynamic capacity of an HIC column for a particular protein compared with the dynamic capacity achieved by single salts. This results in decreased number of cycles required for purifying a batch of protein. Therefore, the present invention has special applicability to commercial manufacturing practices for making and purifying commercially important proteins. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 shows dual salt precipitation curves for an antibody against EGFR performed as described in Example I below. FIG. 1A shows the precipitation curve for 0.5 M sodium sulfate with increasing concentrations of sodium phosphate and the precipitation curve for 0.4 M sodium phosphate with increasing concentrations of sodium sulfate. FIG. 1B shows the precipitation curves for 0.55 M sodium citrate with increasing concentrations of sodium phosphate, and 0.4 M sodium phosphate with increasing concentrations of sodium citrate. FIG. 1C shows the precipitation curves for 0.6 M sodium acetate with increasing concentrations of sodium sulfate, and 0.5 M sodium phosphate with increasing concentrations of sodium sulfate. FIG. 1D shows the precipitation curves for 0.6 M sodium acetate with increasing concentrations of sodium citrate, and 0.55 M sodium citrate with increasing concentrations of sodium acetate. FIG. 1E shows the precipitation curves for 0.55 M sodium citrate with increasing concentrations of sodium sulfate, and 0.5 M sodium sulfate with increasing concentrations of sodium citrate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) is now widely used as an important bioseparation tool in the purification of many types of proteins. The process relies on separation of proteins on the basis of hydrophobic interactions between non-polar regions on the surface of proteins and insoluble, immobilized hydrophobic groups on the matrix. The absorption increases with high salt concentration in the mobile phase and the elution is achieved by decreasing the salt concentration of the eluant (Fausnaugh et al. J Chromatogr 359, 131-146 (1986)). A protein preparation at any stage of purification is “conditioned” in preparation for HIC by mixing with high salt buffers to prepare the HIC “load” to be loaded onto the column. Generally, salt conditions are adjusted to individual proteins. Generally, requirements of between about 0.7 and about 2 M ammonium sulfate and between about 1.0 and 4.0 M NaCl salt concentration has been considered as useful for purifying proteins using HIC columns. The practice was to add a high concentration of salt to a low concentration buffer solution, such as, for example, 1.4 M NH4SO4 added to a 0.024 M phosphate buffer for the purification of monoclonal antibodies at pH 7.2 (Nau et al. BioChromotography 62 (5), 62-74 (1990)); or 1.7 M ammonium sulfate in 50 mM NaPO4 for purifying yeast cell surface proteins (Singleton et al., J. Bacteriology 183 (12) 3582-3588 (2001)). The present invention differs from these practices in the use of an intermediate concentration of a buffering salt in combination with an intermediate concentration of a second buffering salt, or in combination with an intermediate concentration of a second non-buffering salt, to achieve increased dynamic capacity. It has also been recognized that increasing salt concentrations can increase the “dynamic capacity” of a column, or the amount of protein that can be loaded onto a column without “breakthrough” or loss of protein to the solution phase before elution. At the same time, high salt can be detrimental to protein stability. High salt increases the viscosity of a solution, results in increased formation of aggregates, results in protein loss due to dilution and filtation of the protein after elution from the column, and can lead to reduced purity (Queiroz et al., J. Biotechnology 87:143-159 (2001), Sofer et al., Process Chromatogaphy, Academic Press (1999)). The present invention, however, provides a process of purifying proteins that increases the dynamic capacity of an HIC column for a particular protein while reducing the concentration of the salts used, without reducing the quality of the protein separation or raising manufacturing issues. As used herein, the term “hydrophobic interaction column (HIC)” refers to a column containing a stationary phase or resin and a mobile or solution phase in which the hydrophobic interaction between a protein and hydrophobic groups on the matrix serves as the basis for separating a protein from impurities including fragments and aggregates of the subject protein, other proteins or protein fragments and other contaminants such as cell debris, or residual impurities from other purification steps. The stationary phase comprises a base matrix or support such as a cross-linked agarose, silica or synthetic copolymer material to which hydrophobic ligands are attached. As used herein the term “dynamic capacity” of a separation column such as a hydrophobic interaction column refers to the maximum amount of protein in solution which can be loaded onto a column without significant breakthrough or leakage of the protein into the solution phase of a column before elution. More formally, K′ (capacity factor)=moles of solute in stationary phase divided by moles of solute in mobile phase=Vr−Vo/Vo, where Vr is the volume of the retained solute and Vo is the volume of unretarded solute. Practically, dynamic capacity of a given HIC column is determined by measuring the amount of protein loaded onto the column, and determining the resin load which is mg protein/column volume (mg/ml-r). The amount of protein leaving the column in the solution phase after the column is loaded (“breakthrough”) but before elution begins can then be measured by collecting fractions during the loading process and first wash with equilibrium buffer. The load at which no significant breakthrough occurs is the dynamic capacity of the protein for those conditions. As used herein, the term “buffer” or “buffered solution” refers to solutions which resist changes in pH by the action of its conjugate acid-base range. Examples of buffers that control pH at ranges of about pH 5 to about pH 7 include citrate, phosphate, and acetate, and other mineral acid or organic acid buffers, and combinations of these. Salt cations include sodium, ammonium, and potassium. As used herein the term “loading buffer” or “equilibrium buffer” refers to the buffer containing the salt or salts which is mixed with the protein preparation for loading the protein preparation onto the HIC column. This buffer is also used to equilibrate the column before loading, and to wash to column after loading the protein. The “elution buffer” refers to the buffer used to elute the protein from the column. As used herein, the term “solution” refers to either a buffered or a non-buffered solution, including water. As used herein, the term “lyotropic” refers to the influence of different salts on hydrophobic intereactions, more specifically the degree to which an anion increases the salting out effect on proteins, or for cations, increases the salting-in effect on proteins according to the Hofmeister series for precipitation of proteins from aqueous solutions (Queiroz et al. J. Biotechnology 87: 143-159 (2001), Palman et al. J. Chromatography 131, 99-108 (1977), Roe et al. Protein Purification Methods: A Practical Approach. IRL Press Oxford, pp. 221-232 (1989)). The series for anions in order of decreasing salting-out effect is: PO43−>SO42−>CH3COO−>Cl−>Br−>NO3−>CIO4−>I−>SCN−, while the series for cations in order of increasing salting-in effect: NH4+<Rb+<K+<Na+<Li+<Mg2+<Ca2+<Ba2+ (Queiroz et al., supra). According to the present invention, combining two different salts having different lyotrophic values with a protein preparation allows more protein to be loaded onto a column with no or negligible breakthrough compared with higher salt concentrations of each single salt. It is an objective of the present invention to produce conditions for particular proteins which maximize the amount of protein which can be loaded and retained by an HIC column with little or no reduction in the quality of separation of the protein. The present invention is a process for purifying a protein comprising mixing a protein preparation with a buffered salt solution containing a first salt and a second salt, wherein each salt has a different lyotrophic value, and loading the protein salt mixture onto an HIC column. It is now understood that several factors influence the hydrophobic interactions which control the retention of a native protein to the hydrophobic groups attached to the matrix. These include van der Waals forces, or electrostatic interactions between induced or permanent dipoles; hydrogen bonding, or electrostatic interactions between acidic donor and basic acceptor groups; the hydrophobicity of the protein itself; and the influence of various salts on hydrophobic interactions. (Queiroz et al., J Biotechnology 87:143-159 (2001)). The Hofmeister (“lyotropic”) series is an ordering of anions and cations in terms of their ability to precipitate proteins from aqueous solutions, as described above. The series for anions in order of decreasing salting-out effect is: PO43−>SO42−>CH3COO−>Cl−>Br−>NO3−>CIO4−>I−>SCN−, while the series for cations in order of increasing salting-in effect: NH4+<Rb+<K+<Na+<Li+<Mg2+<Ca2+<Ba2+ (Queiroz et al., supra) The ions at the beginning of the series promote hydrophobic interactions and protein precipitation or salting out effects, and are called antichaotropic (Queiroz et al., supra). They are considered to be water structuring, whereas the ions at the end of the series are salting-in or chaotrophic ions, and randomize the structure of water and tend to decrease the strength of hydrophobic interactions and result in denaturation (Porath et al., Biotechnol Prog 3: 14-21 (1987)). The tendency to promote hydrophobic interactions is the same tendency which promotes protein precipitation, and thus determining the salt concentration which causes a particular protein to begin to precipitate is a means of determining an appropriate concentration of that salt to use in an HIC column. According to the present invention a first salt and a second salt are selected which have differing lyotropic values. This combination of salts acts together to increase the dynamic capacity of the HIC column for a particular protein. It has been found according to the present invention that each salt in combination can be provided at a lower concentration that the concentration of the salt alone to achieve a higher dynamic capacity for a protein compared with the dynamic capacity using a single salt. According to the present invention at least one salt has a buffering capacity at the desired pH. According to the present invention, the appropriate concentrations of the salts are determined for a particular protein by generating precipitation curves for individual salts, then for combined salts. On the basis of individual salt precipitation curves, precipitation curves for combinations of salts are generated by holding one salt concentration constant, and varying the concentration of the second salt. Then the concentration of the second salt is held constant, and the concentration of the first salt is varied. From these two-salt precipitation curves, concentrations of salts useful for increasing the dynamic capacity of an HIC column can be determined. This is demonstrated in Examples 1 and 2 below, in which the concentrations of two salt combinations are determined using precipitation curves for each particular protein. In addition, the salt concentrations can be optimized to in order to confer additional stability on a protein at room temperature, for example, or to limit aggregate formation. Therefore, the present invention further provides a method of maximizing the dynamic capacity of a hydrophobic interaction column for a particular protein by selecting a combination of concentrations for a first and second salt having different lyotropic values by generating a series of precipitation curves for the salts alone, and then in combination holding a each salt constant while varying the second. The salts of the present invention are selected from those having a buffering capacity at the pH at which the protein to be purified is stable. In one embodiment, salt combinations are chosen with a buffering capacity at between about pH 5 to about 7. These include, for example, citrate, phosphate, and acetate, and other mineral acid or organic acid buffers, and combinations of these. A second salt is selected from a salt which may or may not buffer at the desired pH, and can be added to the buffered solution, such as ammonium or sodium sulfate. Cations are selected from those which are non-toxic and non-denaturing. Preferred cations according to the present invention are sodium, potassium, and ammonium, with sodium being the most preferred for manufacturing purposes. Preferred salts for purifying proteins according to the present invention include combinations of sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, sodium acetate, and sodium sulfate. The concentration of the salts used according to the present invention will depend on the characteristics of the particular salts. In one embodiment, the salts are used at concentrations from about 0.1 M to about 1.0 M in the final concentration of the mixture of salt solution and protein preparation depending on the salt and protein, in another embodiment is in the range between about 0.3 M and about 0.7 M. The pH of the buffered solution may be varied depending on requirements of the protein separation. In one embodiment, the pH varies between about pH 5 to about pH 7. Hydrophobic Interaction Column The present invention can be used with any type of HIC stationary phase. Stationary phases vary in terms of ligand, ligand chain length, ligand density, and type of matrix or support. Ligands used for HIC include linear chain alkanes with and without an amino group, aromatic groups such as phenyl and N-alkane ligands including methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl and octyl (Queiroz et al, supra). Many types of HIC columns are available commercially. These include, but are not limited to, SEPHAROSE™ columns such as Phenyl SEPHAROSE™ (Pharmacia LCK Biotechnology, AB, Sweden), FAST FLOW™ column with low or high substitution (Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology, AB, Sweden); Octyl SEPHAROSE™ High Performance column (Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology, AB, Sweden); FRACTOGEL™ EMD Propyl or FRACTOGEL™, EMD Phenyl columns (E. Merck, Germany); MACRO-PREP™ Methyl or MACRO-PREP™ t-Butyl Supports (Bio-Rad, California); WP HI-Propyl (C3)™ column (J. T. Baker, New Jersey); and TOYOPEARL™ ether, phenyl or butyl columns (TosoHaas, Pennsylvania). In one embodiment, TOYOPEARL™ BUTYL-M columns have been used for purifying proteins as described in Examples 1 and 2. The mobile phase of HIC according to the present invention is the two salt solution. Commercial applications processes for purifying large quantities of proteins require that the exact ion concentrations of the two salt solution be constant and consistent. Therefore, the adjustment of the dissolved salt solution is made with the acid form of the salt, such as citric acid mixed with citrate to get an exact ion concentration. The salts of the present invention are all commercially available from a number of vendors. At least one salt in the two salt solution will have a buffering effect at the pH at which the protein to be purified is stable. In one embodiment, the buffering capacity of at least one salt is between pH 5 to about pH 7 according to the present invention. The protocol for using an HIC column according to the present invention is generally as follows. The column is first regenerated with several column volumes of sodium hydroxide, 0.5 N NaOH, for example, then washed with water. The column is then equilibrated with several column volumes of equilibration buffer, which is the same buffer containing the protein preparation for loading onto the column. The protein preparation is prepared by “conditioning” or mixing with the two salt buffered solution. Generally the salt solution is added slowly with the protein preparation at a rate of about 1-2% volume per minute, to avoid protein destabilization. Next, the protein/buffered salt solution mixture is loaded onto the column, and the column washed with several column volumes of equilibrium buffer. The HIC column is then eluted. Elution can preferably be accomplished by decreasing the salt concentration of the buffer using a salt gradient or isocratic elution. The gradient or step starts at equilibrium buffer salt concentration, and is then reduced as a continuous gradient, or as discrete steps of successively lower concentrations. The elution generally concludes with washing the column with a solution such as a no-salt buffer, such as low ionic strength MES buffer, for example. Elution of the subject protein can also be accomplished by changing the polarity of the solvent, and by adding detergents to the buffer. The protein when purified can be diafiltered or diluted to remove any remaining excess salts. The method of purifying a protein according to the present invention applies to protein preparations at any stage of purification. Protein purification of recombinantly produced proteins typically includes filtration and/or differential centrifugation to remove cell debris and subcellular fragments, followed by separation using a combination of different chromatography techniques. A wide range of concentrations of protein can be loaded onto an HIC column using the two salt system of the present invention. The protein preparation to be purified according to the present invention may be of any concentration, however preferably may be varied from about 0.1 mg/ml to about 100 mg/ml or more, more preferably between about 2.5 mg/ml to about 20 mg/ml in an aqueous solution. As used herein the term “protein” is used interchangeably with the term “polypeptide” and is considered to be any chain of at least ten amino acids or more linked by peptide bonds. As used herein, the term “protein preparation” refers to protein in any stage of purification in an aqueous solution. The concentration of a protein preparation at any stage of purification can be determined by any suitable method. Such methods are well known in the art and include: 1) colorimetric methods such as the Lowry assay, the Bradford assay, and the colloidal gold assay; 2) methods utilizing the UV absorption properties of proteins; and 3) visual estimation based on stained protein bands in gels relying on comparison with protein standards of known quantity on the same gel such as silver staining. See, for example, Stoschek Methods in Enzymol. 182:50-68 (1990). For the purposes of the present invention a protein is “substantially similar” to another protein if they are at least 80%, preferably at least about 90%, more preferably at least about 95% identical to each other in amino acid sequence, and maintain or alter the biological activity of the unaltered protein. Amino acid substitutions which are conservative substitutions unlikely to affect biological activity are considered identical for the purposes of this invention and include the following: Ala for Ser, Val for Ile, Asp for Glu, Thr for Ser, Ala for Gly, Ala for Thr, Ser for Asn, Ala for Val, Ser for Gly, Tyr for Phe, Ala for Pro, Lys for Arg, Asp for Asn, Leu for Ile, Leu for Val, Ala for Glu, Asp for Gly, and the reverse. (See, for example, Neurath et al., The Proteins, Academic Press, New York (1979)). The method of purifying proteins according to the present invention is directed to all types of proteins. The present invention is particularly suitable for purifying protein-based drugs, also known as biologics. Typically biologics are produced recombinantly, using procaryotic or eukaryotic expression systems such as mammalian cells or yeasts, for example. Recombinant production refers to the production of the desired protein by transformed host cell cultures containing a vector capable of expressing the desired protein. Methods and vectors for creating cells or cell lines capable of expressing recombinant proteins are described for example, in Ausabel et al, eds. Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, (Wiley & Sons, New York, 1988, and quarterly updates). The method of purifying proteins according to the present invention is particularly applicable to antibodies. As used herein, the term “antibody” refers to intact antibodies including polyclonal antibodies (see, for example Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Harlow and Lane (eds), Cold Spring Harbor Press, (1988)), and monoclonal antibodies (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. RE 32,011, 4,902,614, 4,543,439, and 4,411,993, and Monoclonal Antibodies: A New Dimension in Biological Analysis, Plenum Press, Kennett, McKearn and Bechtol (eds.) (1980)). As used herein, the term “antibody” also refers to a fragment of an antibody such as F(ab), F(ab′), F(ab′)2, Fv, Fc, and single chain antibodies which are produced by recombinant DNA techniques or by enzymatic or chemical cleavage of intact antibodies. The term “antibody” also refers to bispecific or bifunctional antibodies, which are an artificial hybrid antibody having two different heavy/light chain pairs and two different binding sites. Bispecific antibodies can be produced by a variety of methods including fusion of hybridomas or linking of Fab′ fragments. (See Songsivilai et al, Clin. Exp. Immunol. 79:315-321 (1990), Kostelny et al., J. Immunol.148:1547-1553 (1992)). As used herein the term “antibody” also refers to chimeric antibodies, that is, antibodies having a human constant antibody immunoglobin domain is coupled to one or more non-human variable antibody immunoglobin domain, or fragments thereof (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,898 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,693,493). Antibodies also refers to “humanized” antibodies (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567 and WO 94/10332), minibodies (WO 94/09817), and antibodies produced by transgenic animals, in which a transgenic animal containing a proportion of the human antibody producing genes but deficient in the production of endogenous antibodies are capable of producing human antibodies (see, for example, Mendez et al., Nature Genetics 15:146-156 (1997), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,300,129). The term “antibodies” also includes multimeric antibodies, or a higher order complex of proteins such as heterdimeric antibodies. “Antibodies” also includes anti-idiotypic antibodies including anti-idiotypic antibodies against an antibody targeted to the tumor antigen gp72; an antibody against the ganglioside GD3; or an antibody against the ganglioside GD2. One exemplary antibody capable of being purified according to the present invention is an antibody that recognizes the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), referred to as “an antibody against EGFR” or an “anti-EGFR antibody”, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,235,883, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. An antibody against EGFR includes but is not limited to all variations of the antibody as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,235,883. Many other antibodies against EGFR are well known in the art, and additional antibodies can be generated through known and yet to be discovered means. A preferred antibody against EGFR is a fully human monoclonal antibody capable of inhibiting the binding of EGF to the EGF receptor. The purification of an antibody against EGFR using a dual salt HIC according to the present invention is described herein in Example 1. Additional exemplary proteins are three IgG monoclonal antibodies having the following designations: mAb1, mAb2, and mAb3. Purification of these monoclonal antibodies according to the present invention is described herein in Example 2. The invention is also particularly applicable to proteins, in particular fusion proteins, containing one or more constant antibody immunoglobin domains, preferably an Fc domain of an antibody. The “Fc domain” refers to the portion of the antibody that is responsible for binding to antibody receptors on cells. An Fc domain can contain one, two or all of the following: the constant heavy 1 domain (CH1), the constant heavy 2 domain (CH2), the constant heavy 3 domain (CH3), and the hinge region. The Fc domain of the human IgG1, for example, contains the CH2 domain, and the CH3 domain and hinge region, but not the CH1 domain. See, for example, C. A. Hasemann and J. Donald Capra, Immunoglobins: Structure and Function, in William E. Paul, ed. Fundamental Immunology, Second Edition, 209, 210-218 (1989). As used herein the term “fusion protein” refers to a fusion of all or part of at least two proteins made using recombinant DNA technology or by other means known in the art. An example of an Fc-containing protein capable of being purified according to the present invention is tumor necrosis factor receptor-Fc fusion protein (TNFR:Fc). As used herein the term “TNFR” (tumor necrosis factor receptor) refers to a protein having an amino acid sequence that is identical or substantially similar to the sequence of a native mammalian tumor necrosis factor receptor, or a fragment thereof, such as the extracellular domain. Biological activity for the purpose of determining substantial similarity is the capacity to bind tumor necrosis factor (TNF), to transduce a biological signal initiated by TNF binding to a cell, and/or to cross-react with anti-TNFR antibodies raised against TNFR. A TNFR may be any mammalian TNRF, including murine and human, and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,760, U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,397, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,105, all of which are herein incorporated by reference. TNFR:Fc is a fusion protein having all or a part of an extracellular domain of any of the TNFR polypeptides including the human p55 and p75 TNFR fused to an Fc region of an antibody. An exemplary TNFR:Fc is a dimeric fusion protein made of the extracellular ligand-binding portion of the human 75 kDa tumor necrosis factor receptor linked to the Fc portion of the human IgG1 from natural (non-recombinant) sources. The purification of the exemplary TNFR:Fc according to the present invention is described in Example 2 below. Additional proteins capable of being purified according to the present invention include differentiation antigens (referred to as CD proteins) or their ligands or proteins substantially similar to either of these. Such antigens are disclosed in Leukocyte Typing VI (Proceedings of the VIth International Workshop and Conference, Kishimoto, Kikutani et al., eds., Kobe, Japan, 1996). Similar CD proteins are disclosed in subsequent workshops. Examples of such antigens include CD27, CD30, CD39, CD40, and ligands thereto (CD27 ligand, CD30 ligand, etc.). Several of the CD antigens are members of the TNF receptor family, which also includes 41BB ligand and OX40. The ligands are often members of the TNF family, as are 41BB ligand and OX40 ligand. An exemplary ligand capable of being purified according to the present invention is a CD40 ligand (CD40L). The native mammalian CD40 ligand is a cytokine and type II membrane polypeptide, having soluble forms containing the extracellular region of CD40L or a fragment of it. As used herein, the term “CD40L” refers to a protein having an amino acid sequence that is identical or substantially similar to the sequence of a native mammalian CD40 ligand or a fragment thereof, such as the extracellular region. As used herein, the term “CD40 ligand” refers to any mammalian CD40 ligand including murine and human forms, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,329, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Biological activity for the purpose of determining substantial similarity is the ability to bind a CD40 receptor. A preferred embodiment of a human soluble CD40L is a trimeric CD40L fusion protein having a 33 amino acid oligomerizing zipper (or “leucine zipper”) in addition to an extracellular region of human CD40L as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,329. The 33 amino acid sequence trimerizes spontaneously in solution. In addition, a number of other proteins are capable of purified according to the improved purification methods of the present invention include a number of proteins of commercial, economic, pharmacologic, diagnostic, or therapeutic value. Such proteins may be monomeric or multimeric. These proteins include, but are not limited to, a protein or portion of a protein identical to, or substantially similar to, one of the following proteins: a flt3 ligand, erythropoeitin, thrombopoeitin, calcitonin, Fas ligand, ligand for receptor activator of NF-kappa B (RANKL), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), thymic stroma-derived lymphopoietin, granulocyte colony stimulating factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, mast cell growth factor, stem cell growth factor, epidermal growth factor, RANTES, growth hormone, insulin, insulinotropin, insulin-like growth factors, parathyroid hormone, interferons, nerve growth factors, glucagon, interleukins 1 through 18, colony stimulating factors, lymphotoxin-β, tumor necrosis factor, leukemia inhibitory factor, oncostatin-M, and various ligands for cell surface molecules ELK and Hek (such as the ligands for eph-related kinases or LERKS). Descriptions of proteins that can be stabilized according to the inventive methods may be found in, for example, Human Cytokines: Handbook for Basic and Clinical Research, Vol. II (Aggarwal and Gutterman, eds. Blackwell Sciences, Cambridge, Mass., 1998); Growth Factors: A Practical Approach (McKay and Leigh, eds., Oxford University Press Inc., New York, 1993); and The Cytokine Handbook (A. W. Thompson, ed., Academic Press, San Diego, Calif., 1991). Additional proteins capable of being purified according to the present invention are receptors for any of the above-mentioned proteins or proteins substantially similar to such receptors or a fragment thereof such as the extracellular domains of such receptors. These receptors include, in addition to both forms of tumor necrosis factor receptor (referred to as p55 and p75) already described: interleukin-1 receptors (type 1 and 2), interleukin-4 receptor, interleukin- 15 receptor, interleukin- 17 receptor, interleukin- 18 receptor, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor receptor, granulocyte colony stimulating factor receptor, receptors for oncostatin-M and leukemia inhibitory factor, receptor activator of NF-kappa B (RANK), receptors for TRAIL, and receptors that comprise death domains, such as Fas or apoptosis-inducing receptor (AIR). Proteins of interest also includes antibodies which bind to any of these receptors. Proteins of interest capable of being purified according to the present invention also include enzymatically active proteins or their ligands. Examples include polypeptides which are identical or substantially similar to the following proteins or portions of the following proteins or their ligands: metalloproteinase-disintegrin family members, various kinases, glucocerebrosidase, superoxide dismutase, tissue plasminogen activator, Factor VIII, Factor IX, apolipoprotein E, apolipoprotein A-I, globins, an IL-2 antagonist, alpha-1 antitrypsin, TNF-alpha Converting Enzyme, ligands for any of the above-mentioned enzymes, and numerous other enzymes and their ligands. Proteins of interest also include antibodies that bind to the above-mentioned enzymatically active proteins or their ligands. Additional proteins of interest capable of being purified according to the present invention are conjugates having an antibody and a cytotoxic or luminescent substance. Such substances include: maytansine derivatives (such as DM1); enterotoxins (such as a Staphlyococcal enterotoxin); iodine isotopes (such as iodine-125); technium isotopes (such as Tc-99m); cyanine fluorochromes (such as Cy5.5.18); and ribosome-inactivating proteins (such as bouganin, gelonin, or saporin-S6). Examples of antibodies or antibody/cytotoxin or antibody/luminophore conjugates contemplated by the invention include those that recognize the following antigens: CD2, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD11a, CD14, CD18, CD20, CD22, CD23, CD25, CD33, CD40, CD44, CD52, CD80 (B7.1), CD86 (B7.2), CD 147, IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, IL-2 receptor, IL-6 receptor, PDGF-β, VEGF, TGF, TGF-β2, TGF-β1, VEGF receptor, C5 complement, IgE, tumor antigen CA125, tumor antigen MUC1, PEM antigen, LCG (which is a gene product that is expressed in association with lung cancer), HER-2, a tumor-associated glycoprotein TAG-72, the SK-1 antigen, tumor-associated epitopes that are present in elevated levels in the sera of patients with colon and/or pancreatic cancer, cancer-associated epitopes or proteins expressed on breast, colon, squamous cell, prostate, pancreatic, lung, and/or kidney cancer cells and/or on melanoma, glioma, or neuroblastoma cells, the necrotic core of a tumor, integrin alpha 4 beta 7, the integrin VLA-4, B2 integrins, TNF-α, the adhesion molecule VAP-1, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), intercellular adhesion molecule-3 (ICAM-3), leukointegrin adhesin, the platelet glycoprotein gp IIb/IIIa, cardiac myosin heavy chain, parathyroid hormone, rNAPc2 (which is an inhibitor of factor VIIa-tissue factor), MHC I, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), CTLA-4 (which is a cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen), Fc-γ-1 receptor, HLA-DR 10 beta, HLA-DR antigen, L-selectin, IFN-γ, Respiratory Syncitial Virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), Streptococcus mutans, and Staphlycoccus aureus. The present invention is particularly useful in the context of commercial production and purification of proteins, especially recombinantly produced proteins. By increasing the capacity of one step in the overall purification scheme of a commercially important protein, the present invention can reduce the number of cycles required to purify a batch of protein. The present invention therefore increases the efficiency of protein purification, without reducing the quality of the protein product. For large-scale production of commercially important biologics, for example, this represents a significant savings in cost and time. The invention having been described, the following examples are offered by way of illustration, and not limitation. EXAMPLE I Various combinations of salt solutions were tested for their ability to increase the dynamic capacity of an HIC column used for purifying an antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor (antibody against EGFR). First the range of effective concentrations for single salts (“salts”) and two salt buffers for the antibody against EGFR was determined by plotting precipitation curves for single salts and their combinations. The following salts were used: sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, sodium acetate, and sodium phosphate. All buffers were made by weighing out the appropriate chemicals, dissolving at approximately 80% of the final volume, and adjusting the pH using 11.2 N HCl or 10 NaOH to pH 6.0, at room temperature (21-23° C.), and bringing up to volume. For commercial applications, however, the buffered salts are prepared by mixing a salt with its acid form, such as sodium citrate with citric acid, to achieve an exact ion concentration, rather than adjusting to a pH with other acids or bases. The antibody preparation used for testing was a partially purified eluant from a previous column having a concentration of approximately 5 mg/ml protein. Preciptation studies of this antibody using individual buffers were performed as follows: the antibody preparation was mixed with the buffer stock to make between 0 and 1.2 M final concentration of salt. The samples incubated for 20 minutes, centrifuged for 10 minutes at approximately 6000×g, filtered, and the supernatant assayed for protein. The control sample was diluted with water, and its supernatant reading was taken as 100% recovery. A salting out or precipitation curve was generated for the antibody by plotting amount of protein in the supernatant (percent recovery, compared with the control) versus salt molarity. The percent recovery decreased significantly at greater than about 0.6 M for sodium citrate, while the percent recovery decreased significantly at greater than about 0.8 M for sodium phosphate buffer, at greater than about 1.2 M for sodium acetate, and at greater than about 0.6 M for sodium sulfate. Using this information, a second series of salting out curves for two salt combinations was generated in which the concentration of the first salt was kept constant, while the concentration of the second salt was increased. The precipitation curves were generated by incubating the antibody and two salt mixture for twenty minutes and centrifuging as described for the single salts solutions. For example, sodium citrate was kept at 0.55 M while the concentration of sodium phosphate was increased, and the percent recovery of the antibody in the supernatant was measured and compared with that of the control. The reverse test was also performed keeping 0.4 M sodium phosphate constant while varying the concentration of sodium sulfate. The results are shown in FIG. 1A through E. These results show that reduced concentrations of the salts together compared with a salt alone could precipitate the protein. This indicated that reduced concentrations of each salt in combination produced equivalent hydrophobic effects compared with higher concentrations of each salt alone. The results of the single and two salt precipitations provided a range of single and combined salt concentrations for the determination of dynamic capacity for an HIC column for the antibody against EGFR. The dynamic capacity was determined according to the following protocol. An approximately 5 mg/ml antibody preparation was “conditioned” by diluting 1:1 with the appropriate buffered salt stock solution (2×). The salt stock was added to the antibody preparation at a rate of 1-2% volume per minute with stirring. Further salt dilution was performed as necessary to provide a range of salt concentrations, and the mixture of antibody preparation and salt buffer was filtered on a 0.2 um cellulose filter. This mixture was the hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) load. The HIC column used to determine dynamic capacity for single and two salt combinations was a Millipore (Bellerica, Mass.) VANTAGE column having 1.1 cm diameter and packed to 8.5 mL column volume (CV) (9 cm bed height) with TOYOPEARL™ BUTYL 650 M resin (TosoHaas). The column was prepared by regenerating with 0.5N sodium hydroxide at 180 cm/hr for 3 column volumes (CV), washing for 3 CV at 180 cm/hr with water, then equilibrating the column at 180 cm/hr with the appropriate salt buffer or salt combination. Then the load mixture was loaded at 90 cm/hr and washed at 90 cm/hr with 3 CV of the same salt buffer (equilibrium buffer). For determining dynamic capacity, the columns were overloaded with protein, so that fractions were collected during the loading (“flow-through”) and washing steps. Protein content was determined by absorption at 280 nm, or by SDS-PAGE gels. The load concentration in mg/ml-resin at which the % breakthrough is zero is considered to be the dynamic capacity of the antibody at that salt concentration. The dynamic capacity was determined from plotting HIC load versus percent breakthrough (BT) (flow-through concentration/load concentration). The antibody was then eluted at 180 cm/hr using a step elution or step gradient starting with the equilibrium conditions to a concentration of 0.2 M salt. Fractions were collected and SDS-PAGE analysis was performed on 4-20% Tris/Glycine Novex gels using silver stain (Pharmacia One-Plus™ kit) to visualize protein bands. Two salt concentrations were optionally further modified in order to stabilize the monomer antibody preparation at room temperature, rather than 4-8° C., and also to minimize the formation of aggregates in the antibody sample. For example, the dynamic capacity of the column for the antibody using 0.4 M sodium phosphate buffer was 43/ml-r (ml-resin); the dynamic capacity of 0.35 M sodium phosphate was 40 mg/ml-r, and the dynamic capacity of 0.3 M sodium phosphate was 38 mg/ml-r. However, 25% protein loss was found to occur at 0.5 M phosphate at room temperature, while only 8% loss was found in 0.4 M for up to six days at room temperature. In addition, it was found that material that precipitated out between 0.3M and 0.4 M salt concentrations included almost all of the high molecular weight aggregates (HMW). In addition, the rate at which the salt stock was mixed with the antibody preparation influenced the stability of the antibody. At a rate of 2% volume/minute, only about 2% of the antibody was lost as fragments of the monomer, as opposed to 12% lost at 10% volume/minute. The dynamic capacities of the HIC column for the antibody against EGFR for the various single and combination salts were determined as described above and are shown in Table 1 below. TABLE 1 Dynamic capacities of antibody against EGFR with four salts and their combinations. Only anions are listed; the cations were sodium for every salt Experimental Conditions Dynamic Capacity (mg/ml-r) 0.55M Citrate 24 0.5M Phosphate 12 0.8M Sulfate 24 1.2 M Acetate 5 0.55M Citrate/0.3M Sulfate 30 0.6M Acetate/0.5M Citrate 29 0.35M Phosphate/0.6M Citrate 39 0.6M Acetate/0.7M Sulfate 27 0.5M Citrate/1M Acetate 34 0.5M Sulfate/1M Acetate 33 0.4M Phosphate/0.3M Sulfate 15 0.5M Sulfate/0.3M Citrate 33 0.5M Sulfate/0.3M Phosphate 17 0.3M Citrate/0.6M Phosphate 35 Table 1 shows that the combinations of citrate/sulfate, acetate/citrate, phosphate/citrate, acetate/sulfate, citrate/acetate, sulfate/acetate, sulfate/citrate, and citrate/phosphate increased the dynamic capacity of the HIC column for the antibody by factors varying from approximately 1.5 to 2 times or more that of each salt alone. The phosphate/sulfate combination did not increase the dynamic capacity for the following reasons: sulfate in combination with phosphate resulted in a precipitate, so that lower concentrations of sulfate were required to prevent precipitation. These low concentrations proved too low to improve dynamic capacity. In addition, phosphate and acetate did not prove to be an effective combination due to the precipitation which resulted when the two salts were mixed. EXAMPLE 2 Using the same procedures as described in Example 1 the dynamic capacities of four additional proteins was determined for the single salts sodium phosphate and sodium citrate, and two salt combination 0.55 M sodium citrate with phosphate concentration varied. The additional proteins were the fusion protein TNF:Fc described above, and three monoclonal antibodies designated mAb1, mAb2, and mAb3. The three monoclonal antibodies were partially purified and obtained as eluants from other types of chromatography columns. The TNF:Fc fusion protein was obtained as a fully purified protein. The concentrations of the proteins used was between 4-5 mg/ml, for this particular experiment3. The precipitation curves for sodium citrate and sodium phosphate alone were first determined for each protein, and then a two salt precipitation curve for 0.55M sodium citrate with sodium phosphate varied was determined. The concentration at which each protein begins to precipitate is given in Table 2 below. TABLE 2 Salt concentrations at which protein begins to precipitate (taken from the precipitation curves.) Conc. Sodium Conc. Sodium Protein Citrate Phosphate Combination Salt mAb1 0.6M 0.9M 0.55M NaCitrate/ 0.4M Na Phosphate mAb2 0.7M 1.1M 0.55M Na Citrate/ 0.4M Na Phosphate mAb3 0.7M 1.0 M 0.55M Na Citrate/ 0.2M Na Phosphate TNF:Fc 0.55M 1.0 M 0.4M Na Citrate/ 0.2M Na Phosphate It is clear from Table 2 that the combination of salts precipitated the proteins at lower concentrations compared to the concentrations of each salt alone. The dynamic capacities of these proteins on TOYOPEARL™ BUTYL 650M (TosoHaas) gels was determined for the salt concentrations shown in Table 2, using the same procedure described above for the antibody against EGFR. The results are given in Table 3 below. TABLE 3 Dynamic capacities under the salt conditions listed in Table 2. Protein Na Citrate Na Phosphate Combination mAb1 37 20 49 mAb2 36 30 44 mAb3 21 12 25 TNF:Fc 17 18 25 Again, it is clear that the combination of salts increased the dynamic capacity for all four proteins over that achieved using the single salts by 1.5 to 2 times. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended as single illustrations of individual aspects of the invention, and functionally equivalent methods and components are within the scope of the invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention, in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The purification of proteins for the production of biological or pharmaceutical products from various source materials involves a number of procedures. Therapeutic proteins may be obtained from plasma or tissue extracts, for example, or may be produced by cell cultures using eukaryotic or procaryotic cells containing at least one recombinant plasmid encoding the desired protein. The engineered proteins are then either secreted into the surrounding media or into the perinuclear space, or made intracellularly and extracted from the cells. A number of well-known technologies are utilized for purifying desired proteins from their source material. Purification processes include procedures in which the protein of interest is separated from the source materials on the basis of solubility, ionic charge, molecular size, adsorption properties, and specific binding to other molecules. The procedures include gel filtration chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) is used to separate proteins on the basis of hydrophobic interactions between the hydrophobic moieties of the protein and insoluble, immobilized hydrophobic groups on the matrix. Generally, the protein preparation in a high salt buffer is loaded on the HIC column. The salt in the buffer interacts with water molecules to reduce the solvation of the proteins in solution, thereby exposing hydrophobic regions in the protein which are then adsorbed by hydrophobic groups on the matrix. The more hydrophobic the molecule, the less salt is needed to promote binding. Usually, a decreasing salt gradient is used to elute proteins from a column. As the ionic strength decreases, the exposure of the hydrophilic regions of the protein increases and proteins elute from the column in order of increasing hydrophobicity. See, for example, Protein Purification, 2d Ed., Springer-Verlag, New York, 176-179 (1988). When developing processes for commercial production of therapeutically important proteins, increasing the efficiency of any intermediate purification steps is highly desirable. One way of improving the ease and efficiency of manufacturing is to increase the load capacity of one or more of the intermediate steps of the purification process to the point that the number of cycles required to purify a batch of protein is reduced without compromising the quality of the protein separation. The present invention improves the process of protein purification by increasing the capacity and efficiency of an intermediate step. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides a process of purifying a protein comprising mixing a protein preparation with a solution containing a first salt and a second salt, forming a mixture which is loaded onto a hydrophobic interaction chromatography column, wherein the first and second salts have different lyotropic values, and at least one salt has a buffering capacity at a pH at which the protein is stable. In one embodiment, the pH of the mixture and equilibrium buffer is between about pH 5 and about pH 7. The process further comprises eluting the protein. The present invention provides combinations of salts useful for increasing the dynamic capacity of an HIC column compared with the dynamic capacity of the column using separate salts alone. These combinations of salts allow for a decreased concentration of at least one of the salts to achieve a greater dynamic capacity, without compromising the quality of the protein separation. The first and second salt combinations are selected for each particular protein through a process of establishing precipitation curves for each salt individually, and precipitation curves for the combination of salts holding one salt constant and varying the second. The concentrations of the salt combinations can be optimized further, for example, to ensure protein stability at room temperature and to prevent formation of aggregates in the protein preparation. Preferred first salts are those which form effective buffers at a pH at which the protein is stable. In one embodiment, the first and second salts are selected from acetate, citrate, phosphate, sulfate, or any mineral or organic acid salt thereof. In one embodiment the pH of the mixture is between about pH 5 and about pH 7. In one embodiment, the final salt concentrations of the first salt and second salts in the mixture are each between about 0.1 M and 1.0 M, in another embodiment between about 0.3 M and about 0.7 M. The cations can be selected from any non-toxic cations, including NH 4 + , K + , and Na + . Preferred cations are those which do not tend to denature the protein or to cause precipitation in combination with other ions, including NH 4 + and Na + . The two salt buffers of the present invention result in an increase in dynamic capacity of an HIC column for a particular protein compared with the dynamic capacity achieved by single salts. This results in decreased number of cycles required for purifying a batch of protein. Therefore, the present invention has special applicability to commercial manufacturing practices for making and purifying commercially important proteins. | 20040721 | 20100824 | 20061012 | 63654.0 | C07K1600 | 1 | TELLER, ROY R | PROCESS FOR PURIFYING PROTEINS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | C07K | 2,004 |
|
10,895,642 | ACCEPTED | Variable frequency based accelerator pedal module and electronic throttle body position indicators | A control system includes a device having a position between minimum and maximum positions. First and second position sensors sense the position of the device and generate first and second position values. A sensor module generates a first signal waveform based on the first position value and a second signal waveform based on the second position value. The sensor module varies a frequency of the first signal waveform based on the first position value and a frequency of the second signal waveform based on the second position value. A control module communicates with the sensor module and determines the first and second position values based on the frequencies of the first and second signal waveforms, respectively. The sensor module increases the frequency of the first signal waveform and decreases the frequency of the second signal waveform as the device moves from the minimum position to the maximum position. | 1. A control system, comprising: a device having a position between minimum and maximum positions; first and second position sensors that sense said position of said device and that generate first and second position values, respectively; a sensor module that communicates with said first and second position sensors, that generates a first signal waveform based on said first position value and a second signal waveform based on said second position value, and that varies a frequency of said first signal waveform based on said first position value and a frequency of said second signal waveform based on said second position value; and a control module that communicates with said sensor module and that determines said first and second position values based on said frequencies of said first and second signal waveforms, respectively. 2. The control system of claim 1 wherein said sensor module increases said frequency of said first signal waveform and decreases said frequency of said second signal waveform as said device moves from said minimum position to said maximum position. 3. The control system of claim 2 wherein said control module increases said frequency of said first signal waveform from a first frequency when said device is at said minimum position to a second frequency when said device is at said maximum position and wherein said control module decreases said frequency of said second signal waveform from said second frequency when said device is at said minimum position to said first frequency when said device is at said maximum position. 4. The control system of claim 2 wherein said control module increases said frequency of said first signal waveform from a first frequency when said device is at said minimum position to a second frequency when said device is at said maximum position and wherein said control module decreases said frequency of said second signal waveform from a third frequency that is between said first and second frequencies when said device is at said minimum position to a fourth frequency that is less than said first frequency when said device is at said maximum position. 5. The control system of claim 2 wherein said control module increases said frequency of said first signal waveform from a first frequency when said device is at said minimum position to a second frequency when said device is at said maximum position and wherein said control module decreases said frequency of said second signal waveform from said first frequency when said device is at said minimum position to a third frequency that is less than said first frequency when said device is at said maximum position. 6. The control system of claim 2 wherein said control module increases said frequency of said first signal waveform from a first frequency when said device is at said minimum position to a second frequency when said device is at said maximum position and wherein said control module decreases said frequency of said second signal waveform from said second frequency when said device is at said minimum position to a third frequency that is between said first and second frequencies when said device is at said maximum position. 7. The control system of claim 1 wherein said sensor module increases both of said frequency of said first signal waveform and said frequency of said second signal waveform as said device moves from said minimum position to said maximum position. 8. The control system of claim 1 wherein said second module decreases both of said frequency of said first signal waveform and said frequency of said second signal waveform as said device moves from said minimum position to said maximum position. 9. The control system of claim 1 wherein said first and second signal waveforms are one of square, triangular, trapezoidal, or sinusoidal waveforms. 10. The control system of claim 1 wherein said control module detects voltage bias conditions in said first and second signal waveforms. 11. The control system of claim 1 wherein a first resolution of said first position sensor is greater than a second resolution of said second position sensor and wherein said control module applies a weighting factor to one of said first position value or said second position value to compare said first and second position values. 12. The control system of claim 1 further comprising first and second conductors having first ends that communicate with said sensor module and second ends that communicate with said control module, wherein said control module transmits said first signal waveform on said first conductor and said second signal waveform on said second conductor. 13. The control system of claim 2 wherein said control module compares said frequencies of said first and second signal waveforms and activates an alarm indicator when a sum of said frequencies of said first and second signal waveforms is at least one of greater than a first predetermined frequency and/or less than a second predetermined frequency. 14. The control system of claim 13 wherein a first resolution of said first position sensor is greater than a second resolution of said second position sensor and wherein said control module applies a weighting factor to one of said frequency of said first signal waveform or said frequency of said second signal waveform before comparing-said frequencies of said first and second signal waveforms. 15. The control system of claim 1 wherein said control module compares said first and second position values and activates an alarm indicator when a difference between said first and second position values is greater than a predetermined value. 16. The control system of claim 1 wherein said control module converts said first and second position values into first and second normalized values that represent a fraction of a range between said minimum and maximum positions of said device. 17. The control system of claim 16 wherein said control module compares said first and second normalized values and activates an alarm indicator when a difference between said first and second normalized values is greater than a predetermined value. 18. The control system of claim 1 wherein said control module includes a frequency filter that detects frequency shifting in said first signal waveform and/or said second signal waveform. 19. The control system of claim 18 wherein said frequency filter is one of a low pass filter or a bandpass filter. 20. The control system of claim 1 wherein said device is one of an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a clutch pedal, or a throttle blade of a vehicle. 21. A vehicle control system, comprising: a vehicle device having a position between minimum and maximum positions, wherein said vehicle device is one of an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a clutch pedal, or a throttle blade of a vehicle; first and second position sensors that sense said position of said vehicle device and that generate first and second position values, respectively; a sensor module that communicates with said first and second position sensors, that generates a first signal waveform based on said first position value and a second signal waveform based on said second position value, and that varies a frequency of said first signal waveform based on said first position value and a frequency of said second signal waveform based on said second position value; and a control module that communicates with said sensor module and that determines said first and second position values based on said frequencies of said first and second signal waveforms, respectively. 22. A method for operating a control system, comprising: sensing a position of a device with a first position sensor, wherein said position of said device is between minimum and maximum positions and wherein said first position sensor generates a first position value; sensing said position of said device with a second position sensor, wherein said second position sensor generates a second position value; generating a first signal waveform based on said first position value; generating a second signal waveform based on said second position value; varying a frequency of said first signal waveform based on said first position value; varying a frequency of said second signal waveform based on said second position value; transmitting said first and second signal waveforms to a control module; and determining said first and second position values at said control module based on said frequencies of said first and second signal waveforms, respectively. 23. The method of claim 22 further comprising increasing said frequency of said first signal waveform and decreasing said frequency of said second signal waveform as said device moves from said minimum position to said maximum position. 24. The method of claim 23 further comprising: increasing said frequency of said first signal waveform from a first frequency when said device is at said minimum position to a second frequency when said device is at said maximum position; and decreasing said frequency of said second signal waveform from said second frequency when said device is at said minimum position to said first frequency when said device is at said maximum position. 25. The method of claim 23 further comprising: increasing said frequency of said first signal waveform from a first frequency when said device is at said minimum position to a second frequency when said device is at said maximum position; and decreasing said frequency of said second signal waveform from a third frequency that is between said first and second frequencies when said device is at said minimum position to a fourth frequency that is less than said first frequency when said device is at said maximum position. 26. The method of claim 23 further comprising: increasing said frequency of said first signal waveform from a first frequency when said device is at said minimum position to a second frequency when said device is at said maximum position; and decreasing said frequency of said second signal waveform from said first frequency when said device is at said minimum position to a third frequency that is less than said first frequency when said device is at said maximum position. 27. The method of claim 23 further comprising: increasing said frequency of said first signal waveform from a first frequency when said device is at said minimum position to a second frequency when said device is at said maximum position; and decreasing said frequency of said second signal waveform from said second frequency when said device is at said minimum position to a third frequency that is between said first and second frequencies when said device is at said maximum position. 28. The method of claim 22 further comprising increasing both of said frequency of said first signal waveform and said frequency of said second signal waveform as said device moves from said minimum position to said maximum position. 29. The method of claim 22 further comprising decreasing both of said frequency of said first signal waveform and said frequency of said second signal waveform as said device moves from said minimum position to said maximum position. 30. The method of claim 22 wherein said first and second signal waveforms are one of square, triangular, trapezoidal, or sinusoidal waveforms. 31. The method of claim 22 further comprising detecting voltage bias conditions in said first and second signal waveforms at said control module. 32. The method of claim 22 further comprising applying a weighting factor to one of said first position value or said second position value to compare said first and second position values, wherein a first resolution of said first position sensor is greater than a second resolution of said second position sensor. 33. The method of claim 22 further comprising: transmitting said first signal waveform to said control module on a first conductor; and transmitting said second signal waveform to said control module on a second conductor. 34. The method of claim 23 further comprising: comparing said frequencies of said first and second signal waveforms; and activating an alarm indicator when a sum of said frequencies of said first and second signal waveforms is at least one of greater than a first predetermined frequency and/or less than a second predetermined frequency. 35. The method of claim 34 further comprising applying a weighting factor to one of said frequency of said first signal waveform or said frequency of said second signal waveform before comparing said frequencies of said first and second signal waveforms, wherein a first resolution of said first position sensor is greater than a second resolution of said second position sensor. 36. The method of claim 22 further comprising: comparing said first and second position values at said control module; and activating an alarm indicator when a difference between said first and second position values is greater than a predetermined value. 37. The method of claim 22 further comprising converting said first and second position values into first and second normalized values at said control module that represent a fraction of a range between said minimum and maximum positions of said device. 38. The method of claim 37 further comprising: comparing said first and second normalized values; and activating an alarm indicator when a difference between said first and second normalized values is greater than a predetermined value. 39. The method of claim 22 further comprising detecting frequency shifting in said first signal waveform and/or said second signal waveform with a frequency filter at said control module. 40. The method of claim 39 wherein said frequency filter is one of a low pass filter or a bandpass filter. 41. The method of claim 22 wherein said device is one of an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a clutch pedal, or a throttle blade of a vehicle. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/491,903, filed on Aug. 1, 2003, 60/491,700, filed on Aug. 1, 2003, and 60/491,905, filed on Aug. 1, 2003, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to vehicle control systems, and more particularly to redundant position sensing of devices in vehicle control systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly replacing mechanical linkages in vehicles with sensors and electromechanical devices to reduce weight and cost. For example, sensors are replacing mechanical linkages to detect positions of user operated devices such as accelerator, clutch, and brake pedals. Signals are transmitted from the sensors to controllers and/or electromechanical devices in the vehicle. For example, a signal from an accelerator pedal may be transmitted to an actuator in the electronic throttle body to adjust the position of the throttle blade. Additionally, a throttle position sensor detects the position of the throttle blade and transmits a signal to an engine control module. In cases where mechanical linkages are at least partially eliminated, multiple sensors are commonly used to perform redundant measurements and ensure system accuracy. For example, some manufacturers use analog position sensors that are based on a resistive ink or paste that is deposited on a non-conducting substrate. Other manufacturers use application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) in combination with sensors. The sensors typically include hall effect or inductively coupled sensors. The ASICs receive analog signals from the sensors and output pulse width modulated (PWM) or other types of signals. Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle control system 10 includes a sensor module 12 and a control module 14. For example, the sensor module 12 may be an ASIC. The sensor module 12 includes first and second signal conversion modules 16 and 18, respectively. The signal conversion modules 16 and 18 receive first and second position signals 20 and 22, respectively. The position signals 20 and 22 are from first and second position sensors that detect a position of a device. For example, the device may be an accelerator pedal, brake pedal, clutch pedal, or a throttle blade in a vehicle. The position signals 20 and 22 indicate first and second position values of the device. The signal conversion modules 16 and 18 convert the position values into first and second analog waveforms 24 and 26, respectively. The signal conversion modules 16 and 18 include mechanical adjustments that adjust characteristics of the analog waveforms 24 and 26. For example, the signal conversion modules 16 and 18 of FIG. 1 include potentiometers that adjust the amplitude and/or duty cycle of the analog waveforms 24 and 26 given a fixed frequency when a position of the device is fixed. The control module 14 receives the analog waveforms 24 and 26 and decodes the analog waveforms 24 and 26 to recover the first and second position values. The sensor module 12 may use one or multiple shared reference voltages for each of the signal conversion modules 16 and 18. The first and second position values provide an opportunity for the vehicle control system 10 to perform redundant position sensing of devices. However, as the number of sensors increases, the number of wires and overall cost increases. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A control system according to the present invention includes a device having a position between minimum and maximum positions. First and second position sensors sense the position of the device and generate first and second position values, respectively. A sensor module communicates with the first and second position sensors. The sensor module generates a first signal waveform based on the first position value and a second signal waveform based on the second position value. The sensor module varies a frequency of the first signal waveform based on the first position value and a frequency of the second signal waveform based on the second position value. A control module communicates with the sensor module and determines the first and second position values based on the frequencies of the first and second signal waveforms, respectively. In other features, the sensor module increases the frequency of the first signal waveform and decreases the frequency of the second signal waveform as the device moves from the minimum position to the maximum position. The control module increases the frequency of the first signal waveform from a first frequency when the device is at the minimum position to a second frequency when the device is at the maximum position. The control module decreases the frequency of the second signal waveform from the second frequency when the device is at the minimum position to the first frequency when the device is at the maximum position. The control module increases the frequency of the first signal waveform from a first frequency when the device is at the minimum position to a second frequency when the device is at the maximum position. The control module decreases the frequency of the second signal waveform from a third frequency that is between the first and second frequencies when the device is at the minimum position to a fourth frequency that is less than the first frequency when the device is at the maximum position. In still other features of the invention, the control module increases the frequency of the first signal waveform from a first frequency when the device is at the minimum position to a second frequency when the device is at the maximum position. The control module decreases the frequency of the second signal waveform from the first frequency when the device is at the minimum position to a third frequency that is less than the first frequency when the device is at the maximum position. The control module increases the frequency of the first signal waveform from a first frequency when the device is at the minimum position to a second frequency when the device is at the maximum position. The control module decreases the frequency of the second signal waveform from the second-frequency when the device is at the minimum position to a third frequency that is between the first and second frequencies when the device is at the maximum position. The sensor module increases both of the frequency of the first signal waveform and the frequency of the second signal waveform as the device moves from the minimum position to the maximum position. The second module decreases both of the frequency of the first signal waveform and the frequency of the second signal waveform as the device moves from the minimum position to the maximum position. In yet other features, the first and second signal waveforms are one of square, triangular, trapezoidal, or sinusoidal waveforms. The control module detects voltage bias conditions in the first and second signal waveforms. A first resolution of the first position sensor is greater than a second resolution of the second position sensor. The control module applies a weighting factor to the first position value and/or the second position value to compare the first and second position values. First and second conductors have first ends that communicate with the sensor module and second ends that communicate with the control module. The control module transmits the first signal waveform on the first conductor and the second signal waveform on the second conductor. In still other features of the invention, the control module compares the frequencies of the first and second signal waveforms and activates an alarm indicator when a sum of the frequencies of the first and second signal waveforms is at least one of greater than a first predetermined frequency and/or less than a second predetermined frequency. The control module compares the first and second position values and activates an alarm indicator when a difference between the first and second position values is greater than a predetermined value. The control module converts the first and second position values into first and second normalized values that represent a fraction of a range between the minimum and maximum positions of the device. The control module compares the first and second normalized values and activates an alarm indicator when a difference between the first and second normalized values is greater than a predetermined value. In yet other features, the control module includes a frequency filter that detects frequency shifting in the first signal waveform and/or the second signal waveform. The frequency filter is one of a low pass filter or a bandpass filter. The device is one of an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a clutch pedal, or a throttle blade of a vehicle. Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a sensor module and a control module from a vehicle control system wherein the sensor module converts first and second position values into analog waveforms according to the prior art; FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle control system including a control module that receives signals from vehicle sensors according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the sensor module and the control module of FIG. 2 wherein the sensor module converts first and second position values into variable frequency waveforms; and FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed by the control module of FIG. 2 to convert the variable frequency waveforms into position values. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. As used herein, the term module refers to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, a micro-controller with timer I/O, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. Referring now to FIG. 2, a vehicle 34 includes an engine 36 and a control module 38. The engine 36 includes a cylinder 40 that has a fuel injector 42 and a spark plug 44. Although a single cylinder 40 is shown, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the engine 36 typically includes multiple cylinders 40 with associated fuel injectors 42 and spark plugs 44. For example, the engine 36 may include 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 16 cylinders 40. Air is drawn into an intake manifold 46 of the engine 36 through an inlet 48. A throttle blade 50 regulates air flow through the inlet 48. Fuel and air are combined in the cylinder 40 and are ignited by the spark plug 44. The throttle blade 50 controls the rate that air flows into the intake manifold 46. The control module 38 adjusts the rate that fuel is injected into the cylinder 40 based on the air that is flowing into the cylinder 40 to control the air/fuel (A/F) ratio within the cylinder 40. The control module 38 communicates with an engine speed sensor 52 that generates an engine speed signal. The control module 38 also communicates with mass air flow (MAF) and manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensors 54 and 56, which generate MAF and MAP signals, respectively. The engine 36 includes an electronic throttle body (ETB) 58 that is associated with the throttle blade 50. The ETB 58 is controlled by the control module 38 and/or a dedicated controller such as an electronic throttle controller (ETC); First and second throttle position sensors 60 and 62, respectively, detect a position of the throttle blade 50 in the ETB 58 and generate first and second position signals that represent the position of the throttle blade 50. The first and second position signals are received by a sensor module 64. For example, the sensor module 64 may be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The sensor module 64 transmits first and second signals to the control module 38 that have variable frequencies as will be described in further detail below. The vehicle 34 optionally includes first and second accelerator pedal (AP) position sensors 66 and 68, respectively, that detect a position of the AP 70. The first and second AP position sensors, 66 and 68, respectively, generate first and second position signals that represent the position of the AP 70. A sensor module 72 receives the first and second position signals and transmits variable frequency signals to the control module 38. The vehicle 34 optionally includes first and second brake pedal (BP) position sensors 74 and 76, respectively, that detect a position of the BP 78. The first and second BP position sensors 74 and 76, respectively, generate first and second position signals that represent the position of the BP 78. A sensor module 80 receives the first and second position signals and transmits variable frequency signals to the control module 38. In the case of a manual transmission, the vehicle 34 optionally includes first and second clutch pedal (CP) position sensors 82 and 84, respectively, that detect a position of the CP 86. The first and second CP position sensors 82 and 84, respectively, generate first and second position signals that represent the position of the CP 86. A sensor module 88 receives the first and second position signals and transmits variable frequency signals to the control module 38. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that sensors other than those shown in FIG. 1 may be employed. The sensor modules 64, 72, 80, and 88 generate respective variable frequency signals based on respective first and second position signals. The variable frequency signals include first and second signal waveforms that indicate values of the first and second position signals, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the variable frequency of the first signal waveform corresponds to a value of a first position signal, and a variable frequency of the second signal waveform corresponds to a value of a second position signal. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that any of the sensor modules 64, 72, 80, and/or 88 may receive position signals from more than two position sensors for added redundancy. It is possible to utilize only the first throttle position sensor 60 and still obtain redundant measurements of the position of the throttle blade 50. For example, other sensors such as the MAF and MAP sensors 54 and 56, respectively, indicate a flow rate and/or a pressure of the air in the intake manifold 46 that may be used to determine a position of the throttle blade 50. In this case, the sensor module 64 generates a single signal waveform with a variable frequency that is based on a value of the first position signal from the first throttle position sensor 60. However, it is difficult to accurately compare the position of the throttle blade 50 from the first throttle position sensor 60 and from the MAF and/or MAP sensors 54 and 56, respectively, in both static and dynamic vehicle conditions. Regardless of the availability of other sensors, it is desirable to utilize both the first and second AP position sensors, 66 and 68, respectively. A failure of a single AP position sensor 66 or 68 would result in a single-point failure and prevent the control module 38 from accurately detecting a position of the AP 70. The control module 38 decodes the signal waveforms from the sensor modules 64, 72, 80, and 88 to determine position values of respective first and second position signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the control module 38 converts the position values into normalized values that represent a fraction of a range between minimum and maximum positions. For example, a normalized position value for the throttle blade 50 may represent a fraction of the range between an idle throttle position and a wide open throttle (WOT) position. In this case, a normalized position value of 0% may correspond with the idle throttle position and a normalized position value of 100% may correspond with the WOT position. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor modules 64, 72, 80, and 88 are preset to output predetermined signal waveforms when positions of their respective vehicle devices 50, 70, 78, and 86 are fixed. For example, sensor module 64 may be preset to output a predetermined signal waveform when the throttle blade 50 is fixed at a maximum airflow throttle position. After the sensor module 64 is preset, the control module 38 may scale decoded position values between the preset position value and a position value that is learned during normal operations to determine a position of the throttle blade 50. Referring now to FIG. 3, the sensor module 64 and the control module 38 are illustrated in further detail. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is outlined below with respect to position sensing of the throttle blade 50. However, analogous operation of the sensor module 64 and the control module 38 is contemplated with respect to position sensing of other vehicle devices including the accelerator pedal 70, the brake pedal 78, and the clutch pedal 86. The sensor module 64 includes first and second frequency signal conversion modules 96 and 98, respectively. An input of the first frequency signal conversion module 96 receives the first position signal from the first throttle position sensor 60. The first frequency signal conversion module 96 generates a first signal waveform 100 based on the first position signal. The first frequency signal conversion module 96 also varies a frequency of the first signal waveform 100 based on the value of the first position signal. An input of the second frequency signal conversion module 98 receives the second position signal from the second throttle position sensor 62. The second frequency signal conversion module 98 generates a second signal waveform 102 based on the second position signal. The second frequency signal conversion module 98 also varies the frequency of the second signal waveform 102 based on the value of the second position signal. The control module 38 receives and decodes the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, to determine the first and second position values. In an exemplary embodiment, the first frequency signal conversion module 96 increases the frequency of the first signal waveform 100 as a position of the throttle blade 50 moves from a minimum position to a maximum position. For example, the minimum position may be an idle throttle position and the maximum position may be a maximum airflow position. The second frequency signal conversion module 98 decreases the frequency of the second signal waveform 102 as the throttle blade 50 moves from the minimum to the maximum positions. Alternatively, the first and second frequency signal conversion modules 96 and 98, respectively, may both increase or both decrease the frequencies of the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, as the throttle blade 50 moves from the minimum to the maximum positions. The frequency range of the first signal waveform 100 may overlap or be independent of the frequency range of the second signal waveform 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, have identical frequency ranges. For example, the frequency of the first signal waveform 100 ranges from 250 Hz when the throttle blade 50 is in the idle throttle position to 5 kHz when the throttle blade 50 is in the maximum airflow position. Consequently, the frequency of the second signal waveform 102 ranges from 5 kHz when the throttle blade 50 is in the maximum airflow position to 250 Hz when the throttle blade 50 is in the idle throttle position. In another exemplary embodiment, the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, have skewed frequency ranges. For example, the frequency of the first signal waveform 100 ranges from 500 Hz when the throttle blade 50 is in the idle throttle position to 5 kHz when the throttle blade 50 is in the maximum airflow position. In this case, the frequency of the second signal waveform 102 ranges from 4 kHz when the throttle blade 50 is in the idle throttle position to 250 Hz when the throttle blade 50 is in the maximum airflow position. In another exemplary embodiment, the frequency ranges of the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, are separated. For example, the frequency of the first signal waveform 100 ranges from 800 Hz when the throttle blade 50 is in the idle throttle position to 8 kHz when the throttle blade 50 is in the maximum airflow position. In this case, the frequency of the second signal waveform 102 ranges from 800 Hz when the throttle blade 50 is in the idle throttle position to 250 Hz when the throttle blade 50 is in the maximum airflow position. In another exemplary embodiment, the frequency range of the second signal waveform 102 may be a subset of the frequency range of the first signal waveform 100. For example, the frequency of the first signal waveform 100 may range from 250 Hz when the throttle blade 50 is in the idle throttle position to 6 kHz when the throttle blade 50 is in the maximum airflow position. In this case, the frequency of the second signal waveform 102 ranges from 6 kHz when the throttle blade 50 is in the idle throttle position to 2 kHz when the throttle blade 50 is in the maximum airflow position. The control module 38 determines the frequencies of the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, and converts the frequencies into the first and second position values. Since the frequency ranges of the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, are inverted, the control module 38 sums the first and second frequencies- to determine proper operation of the first and second position throttle position sensors 60 and 62, respectively. For example, the control module 38 may indicate a sensor error condition when the sum of the frequencies of the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, is at least one of greater than a first predetermined frequency and/or less than a second predetermined frequency. Alternatively, the control module 38 may first convert the frequencies into the first and second position values before comparing the first and second position values to verify proper operation of the first and second throttle position sensors 60 and 62, respectively. In this case, the control module 38 indicates a sensor error when the difference between the first and second position values is greater than a predetermined value. Additionally, the control module 38 may first convert the first and second position values into first and second normalized values that indicate a fraction of the range between the minimum and maximum positions. In an exemplary embodiment, the control module 38 compares the frequencies of the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, to a clock frequency of an internal microprocessor for accuracy and performance diagnostics. A first resolution of the first throttle position sensor 60 may be greater than a second resolution of the second throttle position sensor 62. In this case, the control module 38 assigns a weighting factor to one or both of the throttle position values for an accurate comparison. Alternatively, when the control module 38 compares the frequencies of the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, the control module 38 assigns a weighting factor to one or both of the frequencies of the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, for an accurate comparison. Frequency shift may occur in the first and/or second signal waveforms 100 and/or 102 due to RC filter or LC resonance. Therefore, the control module 38 includes a frequency filter 104 that filters the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively. For example, the frequency filter 104 may be a low pass filter that blocks signals having frequencies below a predetermined frequency, a bandpass filter that blocks signals having frequencies outside of a predetermined frequency range, or another frequency filter. Additionally, the frequency filter 104 may be a first order or a multiple order filter. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, are implemented as square waveforms. However, radiated emissions standards may dictate minimum and maximum rise and fall times. Therefore, the waveforms may not be perfectly square. Additionally, other waveform configurations including triangular, trapezoidal, and sinusoidal waveforms are contemplated. In the event that the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, are triangular waveforms, minimum and maximum values for the waveforms are preferably predetermined to limit high/low level times. This minimizes frequency calculation errors at the control module 38. The control module 38 determines the frequency of a triangular waveform based on the rise/fall times of the edges of the waveform. In the event that the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, are trapezoidal waveforms, radiated emissions standards may dictate minimum and maximum rise and fall times of the waveforms. Minimum and maximum values for the trapezoidal waveforms are preferably predetermined to limit frequency calculation errors. The control module 38 determines the frequency of a trapezoidal waveform based on rise/fall times of the edges as well as the high/low level times of the waveform. In the event that the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, are sinusoidal waveforms, the signal waveforms preferably have minimum and maximum rise time requirements for the linear portion of the sinusoid. For example, the linear portion of the sinusoid may be from 15% to 75% of the waveform. The sinusoidal waveforms also preferably have high/low level minimum/maximum time requirements for the non-linear portion of the sinusoid to minimize frequency calculation errors at the control module 38. For example, the non-linear portion of the sinusoid may be from 75% to 15% of the waveform. While sinusoidal waveforms have the lowest radiated emissions, they are also typically the most difficult to implement into a system. In an exemplary embodiment, the square, triangular, and/or trapezoidal waveforms do not switch values close to the reference voltage and the return voltage. In this case, voltage switching in the waveforms occurs in a predefined range that is between the reference and return voltages. For example, when the reference voltage is 5V and the return voltage is 0V, voltage switching may occur between 4.5V and 0.5V. This results in lower oscillations between rising/falling edges and high/low levels in the waveforms. This makes the waveforms appear to be differential and allows for the use of higher frequencies while still complying with radiated emissions standards. The control module 38 preferably detects voltage bias conditions in the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively. For example, the control module 38 may employ analog voltage bias detection to detect short-to-battery and short-to-ground conditions. The control module 38 may also detect other short conditions to other frequency inputs. For example, a typical square wave signal oscillates between 0.5V and 4.5V when there are no failures. If edge detection is performed between 1.5V and 3.5V, short-to-battery and short-to-ground conditions produce a signal with no frequency. However, short conditions to other frequency inputs may be detected when rising and falling edges of the waveform only switch between 1.0V and 4.0V. This allows the control module 38 to diagnose analog voltage bias due to fretting corrosion of input/output (I/O) pins. Referring now to FIG. 4, a position redundancy algorithm that is executed by the control module 38 begins in step 112. In step 114, the control module 38 reads the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively, from the sensor module 64. In step 116, the control module 38 determines the frequencies of the first and second signal waveforms 100 and 102, respectively. In step 118, the control module 38 converts the frequency of the first signal waveform 100 into a first displacement value and the frequency of the second signal waveform 102 into a second displacement value. In step 120, the control module 38 computes the difference between the first and second displacement values. It is assumed in step 120 that the first and second displacement values have an equal weight. Therefore, no weighting factors are applied to the first and second displacement values prior to step 120. In step 122, control determines whether the difference between the first and second displacement values is greater than a predetermined value. If false, control ends. If true, control proceeds to step 124. In step 124, the control module 38 activates a sensor error indicator and control ends. In step 124, the control module 38 may also take corrective action such as implementing a weighting factor for one of the throttle position values so that the system remains operational. The vehicle control system of the present invention allows for redundant position sensing of devices in a vehicle. Variable frequency interfaces have lower current requirements than analog or pulse width modulated (PWM) interfaces. This allows for increased resolution and accuracy. Redundant position sensing may be used in vehicle functions that are separate from the engine control system as well as other applications that require accurate position sensing of devices. Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention has been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, specification, and the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly replacing mechanical linkages in vehicles with sensors and electromechanical devices to reduce weight and cost. For example, sensors are replacing mechanical linkages to detect positions of user operated devices such as accelerator, clutch, and brake pedals. Signals are transmitted from the sensors to controllers and/or electromechanical devices in the vehicle. For example, a signal from an accelerator pedal may be transmitted to an actuator in the electronic throttle body to adjust the position of the throttle blade. Additionally, a throttle position sensor detects the position of the throttle blade and transmits a signal to an engine control module. In cases where mechanical linkages are at least partially eliminated, multiple sensors are commonly used to perform redundant measurements and ensure system accuracy. For example, some manufacturers use analog position sensors that are based on a resistive ink or paste that is deposited on a non-conducting substrate. Other manufacturers use application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) in combination with sensors. The sensors typically include hall effect or inductively coupled sensors. The ASICs receive analog signals from the sensors and output pulse width modulated (PWM) or other types of signals. Referring to FIG. 1 , a vehicle control system 10 includes a sensor module 12 and a control module 14 . For example, the sensor module 12 may be an ASIC. The sensor module 12 includes first and second signal conversion modules 16 and 18 , respectively. The signal conversion modules 16 and 18 receive first and second position signals 20 and 22 , respectively. The position signals 20 and 22 are from first and second position sensors that detect a position of a device. For example, the device may be an accelerator pedal, brake pedal, clutch pedal, or a throttle blade in a vehicle. The position signals 20 and 22 indicate first and second position values of the device. The signal conversion modules 16 and 18 convert the position values into first and second analog waveforms 24 and 26 , respectively. The signal conversion modules 16 and 18 include mechanical adjustments that adjust characteristics of the analog waveforms 24 and 26 . For example, the signal conversion modules 16 and 18 of FIG. 1 include potentiometers that adjust the amplitude and/or duty cycle of the analog waveforms 24 and 26 given a fixed frequency when a position of the device is fixed. The control module 14 receives the analog waveforms 24 and 26 and decodes the analog waveforms 24 and 26 to recover the first and second position values. The sensor module 12 may use one or multiple shared reference voltages for each of the signal conversion modules 16 and 18 . The first and second position values provide an opportunity for the vehicle control system 10 to perform redundant position sensing of devices. However, as the number of sensors increases, the number of wires and overall cost increases. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A control system according to the present invention includes a device having a position between minimum and maximum positions. First and second position sensors sense the position of the device and generate first and second position values, respectively. A sensor module communicates with the first and second position sensors. The sensor module generates a first signal waveform based on the first position value and a second signal waveform based on the second position value. The sensor module varies a frequency of the first signal waveform based on the first position value and a frequency of the second signal waveform based on the second position value. A control module communicates with the sensor module and determines the first and second position values based on the frequencies of the first and second signal waveforms, respectively. In other features, the sensor module increases the frequency of the first signal waveform and decreases the frequency of the second signal waveform as the device moves from the minimum position to the maximum position. The control module increases the frequency of the first signal waveform from a first frequency when the device is at the minimum position to a second frequency when the device is at the maximum position. The control module decreases the frequency of the second signal waveform from the second frequency when the device is at the minimum position to the first frequency when the device is at the maximum position. The control module increases the frequency of the first signal waveform from a first frequency when the device is at the minimum position to a second frequency when the device is at the maximum position. The control module decreases the frequency of the second signal waveform from a third frequency that is between the first and second frequencies when the device is at the minimum position to a fourth frequency that is less than the first frequency when the device is at the maximum position. In still other features of the invention, the control module increases the frequency of the first signal waveform from a first frequency when the device is at the minimum position to a second frequency when the device is at the maximum position. The control module decreases the frequency of the second signal waveform from the first frequency when the device is at the minimum position to a third frequency that is less than the first frequency when the device is at the maximum position. The control module increases the frequency of the first signal waveform from a first frequency when the device is at the minimum position to a second frequency when the device is at the maximum position. The control module decreases the frequency of the second signal waveform from the second-frequency when the device is at the minimum position to a third frequency that is between the first and second frequencies when the device is at the maximum position. The sensor module increases both of the frequency of the first signal waveform and the frequency of the second signal waveform as the device moves from the minimum position to the maximum position. The second module decreases both of the frequency of the first signal waveform and the frequency of the second signal waveform as the device moves from the minimum position to the maximum position. In yet other features, the first and second signal waveforms are one of square, triangular, trapezoidal, or sinusoidal waveforms. The control module detects voltage bias conditions in the first and second signal waveforms. A first resolution of the first position sensor is greater than a second resolution of the second position sensor. The control module applies a weighting factor to the first position value and/or the second position value to compare the first and second position values. First and second conductors have first ends that communicate with the sensor module and second ends that communicate with the control module. The control module transmits the first signal waveform on the first conductor and the second signal waveform on the second conductor. In still other features of the invention, the control module compares the frequencies of the first and second signal waveforms and activates an alarm indicator when a sum of the frequencies of the first and second signal waveforms is at least one of greater than a first predetermined frequency and/or less than a second predetermined frequency. The control module compares the first and second position values and activates an alarm indicator when a difference between the first and second position values is greater than a predetermined value. The control module converts the first and second position values into first and second normalized values that represent a fraction of a range between the minimum and maximum positions of the device. The control module compares the first and second normalized values and activates an alarm indicator when a difference between the first and second normalized values is greater than a predetermined value. In yet other features, the control module includes a frequency filter that detects frequency shifting in the first signal waveform and/or the second signal waveform. The frequency filter is one of a low pass filter or a bandpass filter. The device is one of an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a clutch pedal, or a throttle blade of a vehicle. Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. | 20040721 | 20060214 | 20050203 | 59279.0 | 1 | VO, HIEU T | VARIABLE FREQUENCY BASED ACCELERATOR PEDAL MODULE AND ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY POSITION INDICATORS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,895,651 | ACCEPTED | Alignment using latent images | Systems and techniques for alignment with latent images. In one implementation, a method includes detecting a location of a latent image on a substrate, repositioning the substrate based on the detected location of the latent image, and patterning the substrate. | 1. A method comprising: detecting a location of a latent image on a substrate; repositioning the substrate based on the detected location of the latent image; and patterning the substrate. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: initially aligning the substrate in a patterning system before detecting the location of the latent image. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the location of the latent image comprises detecting an overlay error between the latent image and another feature on the substrate. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the location of the latent image comprises: illuminating the latent image and an alignment mark with a probe electromagnetic radiation; and detecting an interaction between the probe electromagnetic radiation, the latent image, and the alignment mark. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein detecting the interaction comprises detecting a scattering of the probe electromagnetic radiation off of the latent image and off of the alignment mark. 6. The method of claim 5, detecting the scattering comprises: detecting a first scatting at a first position relative to the substrate; and detecting a second scattering at a second position relative to the substrate. 7. The method of claim 4, further comprising controlling at least one of a position and a propagation direction of the probe electromagnetic radiation. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein controlling the at least one of the position and the propagation direction comprises changing a position of a mirror reflecting the probe electromagnetic radiation. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising exposing a photosensitive material on the substrate using an extreme ultraviolet (ETV) light to form the latent image. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein detecting the location of the latent image comprises illuminating the latent image with an electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength longer than a wavelength of the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light. 11. A system, comprising: a substrate positioner to support and position a substrate; an exposure electromagnetic radiation source to generate an exposure radiation to expose an energy sensitive material at a supported substrate; a probe electromagnetic radiation source to generate a probe electromagnetic radiation to interact with a latent image at a supported substrate; a detector to detect the interaction of the electromagnetic radiation with the latent image; and a positioning signal generator to generate a signal directing the substrate positioner to reposition a supported substrate based on the detected interaction between the electromagnetic radiation and the latent image. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the probe electromagnetic radiation source comprises a laser light source. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the detector comprises a scatterometer to detect a scattering of the electromagnetic radiation by the latent image and by an alignment mark. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein positioning signal generator comprises an open loop control system. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the substrate positioner comprises: a wafer chuck; and a translation stage. 16. The system of claim 11, further comprising the supported substrate, the substrate including the latent image and an alignment mark. 17. An apparatus comprising: a substrate including a energy-sensitive medium, the substrate including a latent image in the energy-sensitive medium,, and an alignment mark outside the energy-sensitive medium, the latent image and the alignment mark to interact with a probe electromagnetic radiation. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the latent image is disposed above the alignment mark on the substrate. 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the latent image and the alignment mark comprise repeating patterns to scatter the probe electromagnetic radiation. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the repeating patterns comprise an alternating series of lines and spaces having a same pitch but a different centerplane. 21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the repeating patterns each comprise features having at least two different pitches. 22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the energy-sensitive medium includes at least two latent images oriented in different directions. 23. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising an at least partially transparent layer disposed between the latent image and the alignment mark. 24. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the energy-sensitive medium further comprises an unexposed region available for exposure by an exposing energy. 25. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein: the substrate includes die portions; and the latent image is disposed between die portions. 26. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the location of the latent image comprises detecting the location of the latent image on a substrate positioned in a reflective exposure system. 27. The system of claim 11, wherein the system comprises a reflective exposure system. | BACKGROUND This disclosure relates to alignment using latent images. In order to successively pattern a substrate using lithography or other fabrication processes, the features in each pattern must generally be properly aligned relative to the features of both prior and successive patterns. Misalignment between features in different patterns is generally termed “overlay error” and can be caused, e.g., by reticle misalignment, reticle-to-wafer misalignment, uncompensated rotation of the wafer and/or reticle, uncompensated physical changes in the wafer, and other discrepancies. Many systems for patterning substrates include one or more alignment devices to minimize overlay error. For example, a patterning system can include a wafer pre-aligner that receives a semiconductor wafer and coarsely aligns the wafer (e.g., to within ±10 μm or so) such that alignment marks on the wafer are within the capture range of finer alignment devices. Examples of such finer alignment devices include wafer alignment systems that compare the intended and actual location of the wafer after pre-alignment and correct wafer misalignment down to fractions of micrometers. The accuracy of such systems is typically below 300 nm, but some commercial systems can achieve accuracies below 50 nm. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a system for patterning a substrate. FIG. 2 shows a system for patterning a substrate that includes a latent image alignment system. FIG. 3 shows an implementation of a detector of probe radiation. FIGS. 4 and 5 show one implementation of how latent images and alignment marks can be positioned on a substrate. FIGS. 6-9 show example layouts of latent images and alignment mark from above. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process for alignment using latent images. FIG. 11 shows example critical dimension (CD) profiles obtained using a scatterometer and a grating latent image. Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 shows a system for patterning a substrate, namely a reflective exposure system 100. System 100 includes a laser 105, an exposure radiation source chamber 110, condenser optics 115, a reflective reticle 120, projection optics 125, a substrate 130, a coarse alignment stage 135, and a fine alignment stage 140. System 100 may also include one or more blinds to block the optical paths within system 100. Laser 105 acts as an energy source to excite a plasma in source chamber 110 to emit an electromagnetic radiation that is suited for exposing an energy-sensitive material, such as a photosensitive material like a photoresist. For example, laser 105 can be a pulsed or continuous laser. Source chamber 110 includes the excited plasma, along with collector optics 145 to collect and direct the emitted electromagnetic radiation out of source chamber 110 and along an optical path 150 that exposes substrate 130. In one implementation, source chamber 110 also encompasses laser 105. The electromagnetic radiation emitted from source chamber 110 can be extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light. Condenser optics 115 shape and collimate the radiation from source chamber 110 and direct the shaped, collimated radiation to reflective reticle 120. Reflective reticle 120 reflects at least a portion of this radiation. Projection optics 110 may include reduction optics for exposure projection of the reflected radiation with a pre-determined reduction ratio. Together, reflective reticle 120 and projection optics 110 influence the intensity, phase, and/or propagation direction of the reflected radiation to expose a desired intensity pattern at substrate 130. Substrate 130 can include one or more alignment marks and one or more energy-sensitive (e.g., photosensitive) materials that are exposed by the intensity pattern. For example, substrate 130 can be a wafer that includes a grating alignment mark beneath one or more photoresist layers, as discussed further below. Alignment and scanning stages 135, 140 support and position substrate 130 in system 100. For example, stage 140 can include a wafer chuck to present a wafer substrate to system 100. Both stages 135, 140 can also change the position of substrate 130 within exposure system 100. Stages 135, 140 can be controlled individually or jointly by one or more alignment devices such as a pre-aligner and an alignment system. FIG. 2 shows a reflective exposure system 100 that includes elements to implement a latent image alignment system 200. System 200 can detect interactions between a probe electromagnetic radiation, an alignment mark, and a latent image in a substrate to align substrate 130 for successive patterning. A latent image is a spatial distribution in material properties that results from the directed exposure of an energy-sensitive medium by an exposing energy. Latent images will generally emerge after development of the energy-sensitive medium. The most common energy-sensitive media are photosensitive media such as photoresists that are exposed by electromagnetic radiation, and this terminology is used subsequently. Latent images in photoresists are generally spatial variations of chemical species. The various chemical species are generated by directed exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The various chemical species can include polymerization products and ionization or other photo-induced degradation products. System 200 can be a scatterometry system that detects interaction between a probe electromagnetic radiation, alignment marks, and latent images. Scatterometry is a technique for determining the geometry and arrangement of a specimen from the optical response of the specimen. The optical response of the specimen can be measured using, e.g, a reflectometer or an ellipsometer to identify interactions between the probe electromagnetic radiation and the specimen. In some implementations, the frequency of the probe radiation can be varied for spectroscopic scatterometry measurements. System 200 includes a probe radiation source 205, a movable mirror 210, a probe radiation detector 215, and an interaction detector 220. System 200 can align one or more latent images 225 and alignment marks 230 in substrate 130 relative to the path 150 of exposure radiation, as discussed further below. Probe radiation source 205 generates a probe electromagnetic radiation that is used to probe substrate 130. For example, source 205 can be a laser or other collimated light source that generates radiation of a wavelength that scatters off latent images 225 and alignment marks 230 in substrate 130. The probe radiation generated by source 205 can have a longer wavelength than the exposure radiation generated at exposure radiation source chamber 110. For example, in one implementation, the exposure radiation can be EUV radiation having a wavelength of about 13.5 nm and the probe radiation can have a wavelength between about 257 nm and about 633 nm. Movable mirror 210 can be positioned in path 150 of the exposure radiation to direct the probe radiation generated by source 205 along path 150. When positioned in path 150, movable mirror 210 can block exposure radiation from exposing substrate 130. Mirror 210 can operate alone and/or in conjunction with a separate shutter to block exposure radiation from exposing substrate 130. Probe radiation detector 215 measures the position and propagation direction of the probe radiation at substrate 130 to ensure that the probe radiation is properly positioned and directed. Probe radiation angle detector 215 includes a feducial mark 230, along with a radiation transducer and control electronics. Interaction detector 220 includes one or more devices to detect the scattering of probe radiation off of latent images 225 and alignment marks 230 in substrate 130. For example, interaction detector 220 can include a charge coupled device, a photodiode, a photomultiplier tube, or other photodetector. Interaction detector 220 also includes control electronics to generate a control signal based on the intensity and position of the detected scatter. FIG. 3 shows an implementation of probe radiation detector 215. In addition to feducial mark 230, detector 215 also includes one or more probe radiation transducers 305 and control electronics 310. Feducial mark 230 can be a window in a wafer stage or other opaque element 315 that is transparent to probe radiation. As such, when probe radiation illuminates opaque element 315, a portion of the probe radiation passes through feducial mark 230 to illuminate radiation transducer 305. The intensity of light measured at radiation transducer 305 can indicate the angle and/or position of the probe radiation at substrate 130. Control electronics 310 receives intensity measurement signals from radiation transducer 305 and uses the received information to generate a control signal to adjust the angle and position of movable mirror 210. Control electronics 310 can use the information received from radiation transducer 305 for closed loop control of the position and propagation direction of the probe radiation. FIGS. 4 and 5 show one implementation of how latent images 225 and alignment marks 230 can be positioned on substrate 130. Substrate 130 can be a semiconductor wafer that includes an array of die portions 405. Latent images 225 and alignment marks 230 can be positioned laterally between die portions 405. Latent images 225 and alignment marks 230 can be oriented in different directions at different locations on substrate 130. At the processing stage shown in FIG. 5, substrate 130 includes layers 505, 510, 512, 515. Layer 505 can be the base wafer or another layer formed above a base wafer during previous processing. Layer 510 can include electrical insulators such as silicon oxide or nitride, semiconducting materials such as p- or n-doped silicon, or conducting materials such as copper or aluminum. For example, layer 510 can be an interlayer dielectric, an interconnect layer, a device layer, a resist layer, and/or a sacrificial layer. Layer 510 can transmit at least part of the probe radiation incident on substrate 130. Layer 512 can include electrical insulators such as silicon oxide or nitride, semiconducting materials such as p- or n-doped silicon, or conducting materials such as copper or aluminum. For example, layer 512 can be an interlayer dielectric, an interconnect layer, a device layer, a resist layer, and/or a sacrificial layer. Layer 512 can transmit at least part of the probe radiation incident on substrate 130. Layer 515 can include a photosensitive material that responds to exposure radiation generated at source chamber 110. For example, layer 515 can be positive or negative photoresist. Layers 510, 515 can separated by one or more intervening layers such as layer 512 (as shown) or layers 510, 515 can be contiguous. For example, layers 510, 515 can be contiguous during implantation of layer 515. Alignment marks 230 can be formed above layer 505 from a material with optical properties that differ from the optical properties of layer 510. Alignment marks 230 can include a collection of alternating lines 520 and spaces 525 oriented substantially parallel to the surface of layer 505 and having a pitch P. Pitch P can be, e.g., tens or hundreds of nanometers. Each line 520 can be formed about a vertical centerplane C1 directed into and out of the page. Photosensitive layer 515 includes latent image 225. Latent image 225 can be formed by exposing part of photosensitive layer 515, as discussed further below. Either of lines 530 and spaces 535 can correspond to exposed regions depending on whether latent image 225 is formed in a positive or a negative material (e.g., a positive or negative photoresist). Latent image 225 can include a collection of alternating lines 530 and spaces 535 oriented substantially parallel to the surface of layer 505. Each line 530 can be formed about a vertical centerplane C2 directed into and out of the page. Centerplanes C2 can be substantially parallel to centerplanes C1. Lines 530 and spaces 535 can have the same pitch P as lines 520 and spaces 525. Although lines 520, 530 and spaces 525, 535 can have the same pitch P, centerplanes C1, C2 need not align. For example, when lines 520, 530 and spaces 525, 535 are aligned perfectly (i.e., there is no overlay error in the direction of pitch P), centerplanes C1, C2 can be offset from one another by an offset bias OB. For example, centerplanes C1, C2 can be offset by an offset bias OB of one quarter of pitch P when lines 520, 530 and spaces 525, 535 are aligned perfectly. FIGS. 6-9 show example top-down views of layouts of latent images 225 that can be included in substrate 130 to scatter probe radiation. FIG. 6 shows a layout 600 that includes an alternating series of lines 605 and spaces 610 that scatter light. Lines 605 have a different refractive index than spaces 610. Lines 605 and spaces 610 are substantially equally spaced in the X direction and can be produced using an exposure beam energy distribution that is essentially sinusoidal. FIG. 7 shows a layout 700 that includes two collections 705, 710 of series of alternating lines and spaces with different refractive indices. Collection 705 has a pitch P1. Collection 710 has a pitch P2. Pitch P1 is smaller than the pitch P2. Collections 705, 710 can be produced using an exposure beam energy distribution that includes two essentially sinusoidal components at different locations. FIG. 8 shows a layout 800 that includes a single collection 805 of lines and spaces with different refractive indices arranged at two different pitches P1 and P2. Collection 805 can be produced using an exposure beam energy distribution that includes two essentially sinusoidal components at the same location. FIG. 9 shows a layout 900 that includes a collection 905 of nonperiodic features with different refractive indices. Collection 905 can scatter probe radiation and can be used to align the features in successive patterns. Note that the different refractive indices in layouts 600, 700, 800, 900 can result from spatial distributions in chemical composition resulting from the exposure of a photosensitive medium to electromagnetic radiation. Note also that layouts comparable to layouts 600, 700, 800, 900 can be used for alignment marks 230. In operation, reflective exposure system 100 can use one or more latent images 225 and alignment marks 230 to increase the accuracy of alignment between the features of successive patterns. As shown in FIG. 10, the path of probe radiation can be aligned with the path of the exposure radiation at block 1005. In one implementation, movable mirror 210 can be positioned in exposure path 150. If another shutter is available, the shutter can also be used to interrupt the flux of exposure radiation along path 150. Probe radiation source 205 can then generate probe radiation. At probe radiation detector 215, at least a portion of the generated probe radiation passes through to radiation transducer(s) 305 and the position and propagation direction of the probe radiation is measured. Control electronics 310 generates a control signal to reposition movable mirror 210 to ensure that the position and propagation direction of the probe radiation are correct. Control electronics 310 can thus ensure that the probe radiation substantially is aligned with path 150. Once movable mirror 210 is properly positioned, probe radiation source 205 can be turned off or otherwise blocked and substrate can be subject to an initial alignment at block 1010. In one implementation, the initial alignment can include positioning a wafer or other substrate that includes both alignment marks 230 and an unexposed photosensitive layer in system 100. The substrate can be coarsely and finely aligned. Alignment marks 230 can be previously formed using system 100 or marks 230 can be formed using a different system. The initial alignment can be performed using, e.g., a wafer pre-aligner and a wafer alignment system. The alignment accuracy can be sufficient to ensure that the substrate is within one pitch of the largest pitch of a periodic pattern in alignment marks 230. Once the initial alignment is performed, the substrate can be partially exposed to form one or more latent images 225 for alignment at block 1015. In one implementation, a reticle 120 that causes exposure radiation traveling along path 150 to form one or more latent images 225 at the substrate is deployed in system 100. Reticle 120 can also include portions for the successive exposure and patterning of substrate 130. However, these portions can be shielded so that successive exposure of substrate 130 does not occur during the formation of latent images 225. For example, the portions for successive exposure and patterning can be shielded using mask blinds so that die portions 405 are unexposed during the formation of latent images 225. Using the shielded reticle 120, substrate 130 is partially exposed to form latent image(s) 225 in layer 515. Other portions of layer 515 of substrate 130 that are to be successively exposed and patterned can remain unexposed. Latent image alignment system 200 can then use latent image 225 and alignment marks 230 to perform latent image alignment using partially exposed substrate 130 at block 1020. Such latent image alignment can more accurately align substrate 130 for successive patterning. In one implementation, substrate 130 is illuminated by probe radiation aligned with path 130. The probe radiation interacts with one or more alignment mark(s) 230 and latent images 225 on substrate 130. Interaction detector 220 detects the interaction of the probe radiation with alignment marks 230 and latent images 225. Interaction detector 220 can include multiple photodetector elements and/or can be repositionable to interrogate the interaction at multiple angles. Latent image alignment system 200 can also include mirrors and/or other optical elements to direct probe radiation to interaction detector 220. FIG. 11 shows example critical dimension (CD) profiles 1105, 1110, 1115, 1120 of the interaction between probe radiation and latent images. Profiles 1105, 1110, 1115, 1120 were obtained using a commercially available scatterometer and a grating latent image laid out like layout 600 in FIG. 6. Once interaction detector 220 physically detects the interaction between probe radiation, alignment marks 230, and latent images 225, the position of alignment marks 230 relative to latent images 225 can be determined using a number of different approaches. For example, rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) based on geometric models of alignment marks 230 and latent images 225 can be used to determine any overlay errors between alignment marks 230 and latent images 225. As another example, a pair of collections of alignment marks 230 and latent images 225 can be placed in the same vicinity on substrate 130 to have substantially the same thicknesses and line profiles. Differential measurements that exploit the reflection symmetry along the pitch direction can be used to determine the relative overlay errors of the pair. Further examples include multi-spectral regression and linear differential estimation. Examples of other techniques for determining the position of alignment marks 230 relative to latent images 225 are described, e.g., in the publication entitled “Scatterometry-Based Overlay Metrology” by H.-T. Huang et al. (SPIE Proceedings Vol. 5038 “Metrology, Inspection and Process Control for Microlithography XVII,” Santa Clara, Calif., February 24-27, pp. 126-137, 2003). Returning to FIG. 10, when the position of alignment marks 230 relative to latent images 225 is determined, interaction detector 220 can, if needed, generate a control signal that directs fine alignment stage 140 to reposition substrate 130. This repositioning can more accurately align substrate 130 relative to exposure radiation path 150. With substrate 130 properly positioned, probe radiation can be prevented from illuminating substrate 130. Substrate 130 can then be exposed to form features and patterns for successive patterning at block 1015. In one implementation, exposure radiation traveling along path 150 forms a new collection of latent images in layer 515 on substrate 130. The new collection of latent images can be used to form microelectronic devices. The new collection of latent images can include features in die portions 405. Since substrate 130 is more closely aligned relative to path 150, the new collection of latent images can be more closely aligned with previous or subsequent exposure patterns. A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. A variety of systems for patterning a substrate can be used. As examples, a plasma in source chamber 110 can be excited by a pulsed electrical discharge rather than a laser. Source chamber 110 can include solid or gaseous targets to be excited by laser 105. Alternatively, a discharge plasma source can be used as an EUV source. Latent images 225 need not be an alternating series of lines and spaces. For example, latent images 225 can be any of a number of repetitive patterns or latent images 225 can be a periodic. In some implementations, an outer layer (e.g., layer 515 in FIG. 5) includes a latent image that is used in alignment. In other implementations, latent images are found in multiple layers on a substrate. Latent images in a first layer may be oriented in a first direction and latent images in a second layer may be oriented in a second direction, and two different scatter detectors may be used to ensure alignment in both directions. Rather than scatterometry, other optical techniques can be used to detect the position of latent images on a substrate. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>This disclosure relates to alignment using latent images. In order to successively pattern a substrate using lithography or other fabrication processes, the features in each pattern must generally be properly aligned relative to the features of both prior and successive patterns. Misalignment between features in different patterns is generally termed “overlay error” and can be caused, e.g., by reticle misalignment, reticle-to-wafer misalignment, uncompensated rotation of the wafer and/or reticle, uncompensated physical changes in the wafer, and other discrepancies. Many systems for patterning substrates include one or more alignment devices to minimize overlay error. For example, a patterning system can include a wafer pre-aligner that receives a semiconductor wafer and coarsely aligns the wafer (e.g., to within ±10 μm or so) such that alignment marks on the wafer are within the capture range of finer alignment devices. Examples of such finer alignment devices include wafer alignment systems that compare the intended and actual location of the wafer after pre-alignment and correct wafer misalignment down to fractions of micrometers. The accuracy of such systems is typically below 300 nm, but some commercial systems can achieve accuracies below 50 nm. | 20040720 | 20070717 | 20060126 | 96841.0 | G03B2754 | 0 | FULLER, RODNEY EVAN | ALIGNMENT USING LATENT IMAGES | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G03B | 2,004 |
||
10,895,743 | ACCEPTED | Methods and apparatus for transmission scheduling in wireless networks | Systems and techniques for scheduling of data transmission to remote mobile units so as to provide at least an acceptably low level of delay. A scheduler computes an urgency value for each data stream serving a mobile unit and sets the urgency value equal to the highest urgency value of a data stream serving the mobile unit. The scheduler computes a scheduling priority for each mobile unit based on a computation that takes into account the urgency value of the mobile unit and schedules the highest priority mobile unit for service, selecting the highest priority data stream serving the mobile unit scheduled for transmission. The urgency value for a data stream depends on the sensitivity of the data stream to delay and the delay experienced by the data stream. Computation of the urgency value may take into account a delay limit associated with the data stream. | 1. An apparatus for transmitting data to at least one of a plurality of remote mobile units, comprising: a base station configured to serve the remote mobile units, the base station further comprising: a communication interface for transmitting data to the remote mobile units; and a processor for assigning scheduling priorities to each mobile unit, the scheduling priority assigned to a mobile unit determining a relative allocation of bandwidth resources to that mobile unit, the scheduling priority assigned to a mobile unit being based at least in part on the sensitivity to delay of one or more data streams serving the mobile unit and the delay currently experienced by the one or more data streams serving the mobile unit. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a data stream urgency value is computed for each data stream serving each mobile unit, wherein the data stream urgency value for a data stream is computed based on the sensitivity to delay of the data stream and the delay currently experienced by the data stream, wherein a unit urgency value is assigned to the mobile unit, the unit urgency value being the highest data stream urgency value for the data streams serving the mobile unit, and wherein the scheduling priority for the mobile unit is based on the unit urgency value for the mobile unit. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a data stream that is relatively insensitive to delay is assigned a data stream urgency value that does not increase with the delay experienced by the data stream. 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a data stream urgency value that increases with the delay experienced by the data stream is computed for a data stream that is sensitive to delay. 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a data stream urgency value for a data stream having a relatively high sensitivity to delay exhibits a high rate of increase as the delay experienced by the data stream approaches a predefined limit. 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the delay experienced by one or more data streams is calculated based on a known transmission time for an immediately prior transmission and a predetermined time within which the next transmission must occur. 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the urgency value for a data stream that is relatively insensitive to delay does not increase with the delay experienced by the data stream and wherein the urgency value for a data stream that is sensitive to delay increases with the delay experienced by the data stream, the current delay value for a data stream depending on a delay indicator value that is incremented during each timeslot, the delay indicator value being decremented by an encoder packet size of a transmission serving the data stream whenever the data stream is served. 8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the base station serves one remote mobile unit during a timeslot and wherein the processor is operative to select the mobile unit for transmission that has the highest scheduling priority computed for the selected timeslot. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the delay indicator value for a data stream is incremented by a predetermined increment value during each timeslot, with the increment value being defined for the data stream. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the current delay value is a ratio of the delay indicator value to the increment value. 11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the processor is further operative to compute available service rates to each mobile unit and to take the available service rate for each mobile unit into account when computing scheduling priorities for the various mobile units. 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the scheduling priority for each mobile unit depends in part on a value computed to provide for proportional fairness among mobile units by increasing the scheduling priority of a mobile unit as the average service rate experienced by the mobile unit decreases. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the scheduling priority assigned to each mobile unit depends in part on a value computed to achieve a minimum service rate for each mobile unit by increasing the priority of the mobile unit as the service rate experienced by the mobile unit decreases toward a minimum assured service rate for the mobile unit. 14. An apparatus for transmitting data to at least one of a plurality of remote mobile units, comprising: a base station configured to serve the remote mobile units, the base station further comprising: a communication interface for transmitting data to the remote mobile units; and a processor for assigning scheduling priorities to each mobile unit, the scheduling priority assigned to a mobile unit determining a relative allocation of bandwidth resources to that mobile unit, the scheduling priority assigned to a mobile unit being based at least in part on a value computed based on the sensitivity to delay of one or more data streams serving the mobile unit and the delay currently experienced by the mobile unit, a value computed so as provide for an increased scheduling priority for a mobile unit as the mobile unit experiences an increased available transmission rate and by increasing the scheduling priority of a mobile unit as the average service rate experienced by the mobile unit decreases, and a value computed so as to provide for an increased scheduling priority of the mobile unit as the service rate experienced by the mobile unit decreases toward a minimum assured service rate for the mobile unit. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the scheduling priority for each mobile unit i is given by the formula SP i = r i ( t ) R i e a i T i + w i , where SPi is the scheduling priority value for the mobile unit i, ri(t) is the effective transfer rate to mobile unit i at time t, Ri is the average service rate that mobile unit i has experienced, Ti is the value for mobile unit i of a token count designed to ensure a minimum service rate for each mobile unit and wi is the urgency value for the mobile unit i, and wherein the value ai is an adjustable parameter ai affecting a timescale over which the actual rate of service will tend to track a target rate or rates. 16. A scheduler for managing data transmission to at least one of a plurality of remote mobile units, comprising: a unit status database for receiving and storing status information relating to data transmission to the mobile units; a unit parameter database for storing information relating to data transmission requirements for each mobile unit; and a priority computation module for examining the status information and the unit parameters for each mobile unit and to assign a scheduling priority to each mobile unit, the priority computation module assigning a priority to each mobile unit based at least in part on the delay sensitivity of one or more data streams serving the mobile unit and the delay experienced by the one or more data streams serving the mobile unit. 17. The scheduler of claim 16, wherein the priority computation module is further operative to compute an urgency value for each data stream serving each mobile unit, the data stream urgency value for a data stream being computed based on the sensitivity to delay of the data stream and the delay currently experienced by the data stream, wherein the priority computation module is further operative to assign a unit urgency value to the mobile unit, the unit urgency value being the highest data stream urgency value for the data streams serving the mobile unit, the priority computation module being further operative to compute the scheduling priority for the mobile unit based on the unit urgency value for the mobile unit. 18. The scheduler of claim 17, wherein the priority computation module is further operative to compute the urgency value of each mobile unit based on an urgency value of one or more data streams serving the mobile unit, with the urgency value for the mobile unit being equal to the highest urgency value for a data stream serving the mobile unit. 19. The scheduler of claim 17, wherein the urgency values for data streams that are relatively insensitive to delay do not increase with the delay experienced by the data streams. 20. The scheduler of claim 17, wherein the priority computation module computes an urgency value for delay sensitive data streams such that the urgency values for the data streams increase with the delay experienced by the data streams. 21. The scheduler of claim 17, wherein the delay experienced by one or more data streams is calculated based on a known transmission time for an immediately prior transmission and a predetermined time within which the next transmission must occur. 22. The scheduler of claim 17, wherein the priority computation module is further operative to compute values tending to increase the scheduling priority of each mobile unit as an achievable service rate for the mobile unit increases and tending to increase the scheduling priority of each mobile unit as an average service rate experienced by the mobile unit decreases, and tending to increase the scheduling priority of each mobile unit as the service rate experienced by the mobile unit decreases toward a minimum assured service rate and to take these values into account in computing the scheduling priority for each mobile unit. 23. A method of data transmission to a selected at least one of a plurality of remote mobile units, comprising the steps of: computing a scheduling priority for each mobile unit, the computation of the scheduling priority being based at least in part on the delay sensitivity of one or more data streams serving the mobile unit and the delay experienced by the one or more data streams serving the mobile unit; and selecting for service from among the plurality of mobile units the mobile unit having the highest scheduling priority. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of computing the scheduling priority includes the steps of: computing an urgency value for each data stream serving each mobile unit, the data stream urgency value for a data stream being computed based on the sensitivity to delay of the data stream and the delay currently experienced by the data stream; and assigning a unit urgency value to the unit, the unit urgency value being the highest data stream urgency value for the data streams serving the unit. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the computation of the urgency value of a mobile unit includes computation of the urgency value of each of a plurality of data streams serving the mobile unit and setting the urgency value of the mobile unit equal to the highest urgency value for a data stream serving the mobile unit. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to techniques for scheduling transmissions in wireless networks. More particularly, the invention relates to improved techniques for managing bandwidth resource allocation among a plurality of mobile units to be served by a wireless network base station. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As wireless services continue to develop and are used in more and more applications, it becomes increasingly important to manage wireless transmissions so as to provide acceptable performance to each user for each of the user's applications. Maintaining a high level of overall throughput continues to be important in order to assure efficient use of network resources, but providing each user with an acceptable level of service is important for assuring customer satisfaction. Acceptable service is frequently thought of as comprising an acceptable service rate, that is, an acceptable average service rate for the user. Numerous techniques exist for managing transmissions so as to provide good overall service and fairness among users. One well known technique is the proportional fair scheduling technique. Various other prior art techniques deal with the service rates experienced by users. Such prior art techniques may be designed to maximize overall service or to provide some assurance that each user will be served. However, prior art techniques typically do not address all aspects of performance experienced by the various mobile units. There exists, therefore, a need for improved systems and techniques for wireless service scheduling that assure acceptable performance for each mobile unit. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided for transmitting data to at least one of a plurality of remote mobile units, comprising a base station configured to serve the remote mobile units, the base station further comprising a communication interface for transmitting data to the remote mobile units and a processor for assigning scheduling priorities to each mobile unit, the scheduling priority assigned to a mobile unit determining a relative allocation of bandwidth resources to that mobile unit, the scheduling priority assigned to a mobile unit being based at least in part on the sensitivity to delay of one or more data streams serving the mobile unit and the delay currently experienced by the one or more data streams serving the mobile unit. In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided for transmitting data to at least one of a plurality of remote mobile units, comprising a base station configured to serve the remote mobile units, the base station further comprising a communication interface for transmitting data to the remote mobile units and a processor for assigning scheduling priorities to each mobile unit, the scheduling priority assigned to a mobile unit determining a relative allocation of bandwidth resources to that mobile unit, the scheduling priority assigned to a mobile unit being based at least in part on a value computed based on the sensitivity to delay of one or more data streams serving the mobile unit and the delay currently experienced by the mobile unit, a value computed so as provide for an increased scheduling priority for a mobile unit as the mobile unit experiences an increased available transmission rate and by increasing the scheduling priority of a mobile unit as the average service rate experienced by the mobile unit decreases, and a value computed so as to provide for an increased scheduling priority of the mobile unit as the service rate experienced by the mobile unit decreases toward a minimum assured service rate for the mobile unit. In another exemplary embodiment, a scheduler is provided for managing data transmission to at least one of a plurality of remote mobile units, comprising a unit status database for receiving and storing status information relating to data transmission to the mobile units, a unit parameter database for storing information relating to data transmission requirements for each mobile unit, and a priority computation module for examining the status information and the unit parameters for each mobile unit and to assign a scheduling priority to each mobile unit, the priority computation module assigning a priority to each mobile unit based at least in part on the delay sensitivity of one or more data streams serving the mobile unit and the delay experienced by the one or more data streams serving the mobile unit. In a further exemplary embodiment, a method of data transmission to a selected at least one of a plurality of remote mobile units is provided, comprising the steps of computing a scheduling priority for each mobile unit, the computation of the scheduling priority being based at least in part on the delay sensitivity of one or more data streams serving the mobile unit and the delay experienced by the one or more data streams serving the mobile unit, and selecting for service from among the plurality of mobile units the mobile unit having the highest scheduling priority. A more complete understanding of the present invention, as well as further features and advantages, will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless network according to an aspect of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a wireless network scheduler according to an aspect of the present invention; and FIG. 3 illustrates a process of scheduling service in wireless networks according to an aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The present invention addresses the need for management of delay experienced by mobile units and the data streams serving the mobile units. Managing scheduling so as to provide users with an acceptably low delay can be important for numerous applications, such as streaming audio and video, voice over Internet and the like. Many applications are sensitive to delay and will not provide acceptable performance if excessive delay is experienced, even if the service rate, that is, the amount of data received over time, is acceptable. Most prior art techniques that are directed toward providing acceptable service rates do not address the possibility of delays or latencies in the service. A guarantee or specification of a particular service rate generally relates to an average service rate, and an assurance that a user will receive a particular service rate does not mean that service will be provided at regular intervals, without any excessively long waits for service. Most prior art scheduling techniques do not address the delay that a user may experience. However, as the capability of wireless systems increases and wireless systems are used in more applications, wireless mobile units are frequently used in applications where delay is an important consideration. Such applications include voice over internet, and streaming audio and video. Such applications rely on a relatively constant stream of data. A data stream that experiences excessive delays will not properly serve such applications, even if a delay is followed by a high data rate such that a relatively high average data rate prevails over the entire period under consideration. It typically does not matter to a user of a streaming video application that a delay is followed by a period of high data transfers. What matters to the user is that a delay occurs and the video stream stops during the delay. In order to address these and other concerns, one aspect of the present invention includes a base station or base stations and a plurality of mobile units. Each base station transmits to at least one mobile unit at a time. Transmission occurs during one or more timeslots. A timeslot is a specified time period defined according to a protocol under which the network is operating. Transmission takes place over one or more timeslots, depending on the amount of data to be transmitted. The base station chooses a mobile unit to be served by assigning priorities to mobile units depending on one or more factors, with at least one of the factors being the status of the mobile units with respect to their delay tolerances. Additional factors may include a desire to select mobile units that can achieve the best transfer rate and the desire to provide each mobile unit with a reasonable transfer rate, including achieving at least any minimum transfer rate guaranteed to a mobile unit. The base station manages transmission scheduling so as to ensure that no mobile unit experiences more than an acceptable degree of delay. This assurance is achieved by computing an urgency value for each mobile unit, depending on the needs of the application in which the mobile unit is engaged and the delay that the mobile unit has experienced since the last transmission. A network may suitably be designed so that each mobile unit receives a number of separate data streams, one data stream for each application or category of applications for which the mobile unit is being used. For example, a mobile unit may be used for file transfer and streaming video at the same time. Different applications may have very different delay tolerances, so an urgency value may be computed for each data stream supplied to a mobile unit. The base station may also use values and computations similar to those employed by proportional fair scheduling techniques. In such a case, a ratio is employed that balances the data rate that can be achieved by a mobile unit against the average service rate that has been experienced by the mobile unit. This ratio tends to increase the priority of a mobile unit having experienced an average rate that is low in comparison to the effective rate that it can achieve. The assignment of priority to the various mobile units may also include taking steps to assure that no mobile unit receives less than a predetermined minimum level of service. It is also possible to assure that no mobile unit receives more than a predetermined maximum level of service. FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless system 100, comprising a plurality of wireless network nodes, implemented here as base stations 102A . . . 102N. Only the base station 102A is illustrated in detail here, but it will be recognized that a wireless system 100 may, and typically will, employ large numbers of similar base stations, with each of the base stations serving a plurality of mobile units such as the mobile units 104A-104C. For simplicity of illustration, only a single base station 102A and three mobile units 104A-104C are illustrated here, but it will be recognized that many base stations and many mobile units may be supported. The base station 102A may suitably include a processor 106 and memory 108, in order to store data and perform data processing required for the operation of the base station 102A. The base station 102A implements an air interface 110 for receiving transmissions directed to the base station 102A, for example by the mobile units 104A-104C, by other base stations or by other wireless control elements, and for transmitting signals to the mobile units 104A-104C, to other base stations and to other wireless network elements. General principles of reception and transmission performed by the base station 102A are known in the art, and well known aspects of the operation of the air interface 110 are not described in detail here, except as required to provide context for the present invention. In order to manage encoding and transmission of data, the base station 102A includes a transmission processing module 111. The transmission processing module 111 includes a scheduler 112 to manage transmissions to each of the mobile units 104A-104C. The scheduler 112 makes determinations as to which mobile unit or units are to be served next, based on the channel quality experienced by each mobile unit and other considerations such as available power and bandwidth and quality of service requirements. The transmission processing module 111 also includes a coding rate and modulation manager 114. The coding rate and modulation manager 114 encodes data for transmission to the selected mobile unit. Depending on determinations made by the scheduler 112, the coding rate and modulation manager 114 either prepares a unit of data such as a codeword to be transmitted at once, during a single time interval, or in portions over a number of time intervals. The air interface 110 encodes data and transmits a radio frequency (RF) signal representing the data. The data may be held for transmission in a data buffer 116, comprising a plurality of hosting unit buffers 118A-118C. In the embodiment shown, each of the unit buffers 118A-118C hosts data to be transmitted to a corresponding one of the mobile units 104A-104C. Each of the unit buffers 118A-118C hosts one or more data queues to be transmitted as data streams. For example, the buffer 118A hosts the data queues 120A and 122A, the buffer 118B hosts the data queues 120B and 122B and the buffer 118C hosts the data queues 120C and 122C. Data is transmitted to each of the mobile units 104A-104C in the form of data streams, transmitted across the channels 124A-124C, respectively. Illustrated here are the data streams 126A and 128A, representing data transmitted from the queues 120A and 122A, respectively, the data streams 126B and 128B, representing data transmitted from the queues 120B and 122B, respectively, and the data streams 126C and 128C, representing data transmitted from the queues 120C and 122C, respectively. Each of the data streams comprises data selected for transmission and transmitted across the appropriate channel according to priorities determined by the scheduler 112. The data streams are categorized as belonging to various types, including type 0 data streams, type 1 data streams and type 2 data streams. A data stream's type depends on its delay requirements, with a type 0 data stream being relatively insensitive to delay, a type 1 data stream being more sensitive to delay and tending to receive a higher priority as its delay increases, and a type 2 data stream receiving an absolute maximum delay guarantee. Considerations used in managing the various types of data streams are described below in greater detail. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the data streams 126A and 128C for which data is stored in data queues 120A and 122C respectively are type 0 data streams and the data streams 128A, 126B, 128B and 128A for which data is stored in data queues 122A, 120B, 122B AND 120C are type 1 data streams. In one embodiment, the base station 102A performs one transmission at a time, so that at any time, only one transmission of data in one of the data streams is occurring. The transmission is directed to only one of the mobile units 104A-104C. For each timeslot, the scheduler 112 selects one of the mobile units 104A-104C to be served during that timeslot, and the appropriate one of the data streams 126A, 128A, 126B, 128B, 126C and 128C to be served. The mobile unit 104A is designated as mobile unit 1, the mobile unit 104B is designated as mobile unit 2 and the mobile unit 104C is designated as mobile unit 3. The data stream 126A is designated as data stream 1 of mobile unit 1, or data stream 1-1, and the data stream 128A is designated as data stream 2 of mobile unit 1, or data stream 1-2. Similarly, the data stream 126B is designated as data stream 2-1, stream 128B is designated as data stream 2-2, stream 126C is designated as data stream 3-1 and stream 128C is designated as data stream 3-2. The scheduler 112 computes a priority for each mobile unit and selects the mobile unit having the highest priority. Computation of priorities is performed so as to achieve an acceptably low delay for each mobile unit. The computation of priorities may also take into account other considerations, such as a desire to maximize overall throughput for the system 100. The scheduler 112 therefore takes into account the available transfer rate achievable for transmission to each mobile unit during the timeslot under consideration. The available transfer rate depends on the quality experienced by each mobile unit. Channel quality information is provided to the scheduler 112 through the use of a feedback signal transmitted from each of the mobile units 104A-104C to the base station 102A. In the present exemplary embodiment, the scheduler 1 12 computes a scheduling priority value that is directed toward achieving a high level of overall throughput while assuring acceptable service for each mobile unit and each data stream. Acceptable service includes acceptably low delay for each mobile unit and may also include an acceptable data rate for each mobile unit, with the rate achieving at least a specified minimum. Suitably, for each timeslot t, the scheduler 112 designates the mobile unit i to be served as the mobile unit for which the value SP i = r i ( t ) R i ⅇ a i T i + w i ( 1 ) is greatest, where SPi is the scheduling priority value for the mobile unit i, ri(t) is the effective transfer rate to mobile unit i at time t, Ri is the average service rate that mobile unit i has received, Ti is the value for mobile unit i of a token count designed to ensure a minimum and, if desired, maximum, service rate for each mobile unit and wi is a unit urgency value for mobile unit i, designed to ensure that the mobile unit i does not experience more than an acceptable delay. The unit urgency value wi may suitably be the highest value of wij, where wij is a data stream urgency value for a data stream ij serving the unit i. The urgency value for a mobile unit i or a data stream id is a value indicating the urgency with which an entity, such as a mobile unit or data stream, needs to be served in order to deliver acceptable performance. The urgency value is computed based on delay considerations related to the entity and takes into account the delay sensitivity of the entity and the delay currently experienced by the entity. For an entity that is sensitive to delay, the urgency value for the entity will increase with increasing delay, thereby tending to increase the scheduling priority for the entity and thus insuring that the entity will receive service without inordinate delay. As will be discussed in further detail below, the computation of the urgency value for an entity may be influenced by a number of considerations, for example whether the entity is sensitive to delay, whether the entity has a relatively high sensitivity to delay or whether the entity has a relatively high sensitivity to violation of a delay limit. Each mobile unit i is typically served by a number of data streams ij, with an urgency value wij characterizing each data stream. Each data stream ij has an associated urgency value wij whose response to delay depends on the delay sensitivity of the data stream ij. A data stream ij that is insensitive to delay, for example a file transfer, will typically be characterized by an urgency value wij that is set at 0. A data stream ij that is sensitive to delay will typically be characterized by an urgency value wij that increases with increasing delay. Depending on the nature of the data stream ij, the urgency value wij may be more or less sensitive to a delay limit. If sensitivity is high, the urgency value wij increases rapidly as the delay limit is approached. If sensitivity is low, the rate of increase of the urgency value wij may be slightly affected, or unaffected, by the approach to or violation of the limit. As noted above, the greatest data stream urgency value wij for a mobile unit i is chosen for the unit urgency value wi. It can be seen from an examination of equation (1) that the value of SPi is influenced by the value of wi, so that a larger value of wi tends to increase the value of SPi for a mobile unit and thus to increase the mobile unit's scheduling priority. The value ai is an adjustable parameter, expressed in units of bits per timeslot, which may be set differently for each remote mobile unit. The parameter ai affects the timescale over which the actual rate of service will tend to track the target rate or rates. A typical value for 1 a i is given by the product of the target minimum average transmission rate, multiplied by the time constant τ. The time constant τ is used to compute updated values for the average service rate Ri, which is suitably updated by exponentially weighted averaging. Exponentially weighted averaging is described in our related application by Andrews et al., entitled “Method for Scheduling Wireless Downlink Transmissions Subject to Rate Constraints,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/122,660, filed on Apr. 15, 2002, which is assigned to a common assignee with the present invention and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This Andrews patent application also teaches systems and techniques for assuring each user a minimum level of service, and for restricting each user to a specified maximum level of service. A frequently used value for the target minimum rate in CDMA systems is 9.6 kilobits per second, or 16 bits per timeslot, with the CDMA protocol calling for 600 timeslots per second, for a timeslot duration of approximately 1.65 milliseconds. Another frequently used value is 28.8 kilobits per second, or 48 bits per timeslot. The expression r i ( t ) R i is known from proportional fair scheduling techniques. The use of the value Ri as the denominator of the fraction tends to increase the priority of lesser served mobile units, because the value of the fraction tends to increase as the value of Ri decreases. Therefore, the priority of an underserved mobile unit will tend to eventually rise to the level calling for the mobile unit to be served, even if the mobile unit is experiencing an unfavorable channel condition leading to a lower value of ri. The average service rate Ri(n) may be updated according to the following formula: R i ( n + 1 ) = ( 1 - 1 τ ) R i ( n ) + 1 τ r i ( n ) . The selection of a value for the time constant T depends on the maximum length of time during which an individual mobile unit can tolerably be denied service. A decrease in the value of Ri(n) tends to increase the scheduling priority of the mobile unit, and the value of the time constant τ affects the rate at which the value of Ri(n) decays. A higher value for τ causes the value of Ri(n) to decay at a lower rate and a lower value for τ causes the value of Ri(n) to decay at a higher rate. A high rate of decay for Ri(n) tends to emphasize an individual's need for service, while a lower rate of decay for Ri(n) tends to emphasize a high rate of overall throughput. One suitable value for the time constant τ is 1024 timeslots, which in typical CDMA networks is equivalent to 1.71 seconds, but it will be recognized that a wide range of values for the time constant τ is possible, based on the considerations above. The use of the value Ti in equation (1) helps to ensure that each mobile unit receives at least a minimum data transfer rate. The value Ti is a rate token counter value that is incremented at every timeslot and decremented whenever the mobile unit i is served. The value of Ti is given in bits, and the amount by which the value Ti is decremented is the encoder packet size of the transmission to mobile unit i. The amount by which the value Ti is incremented depends on the value of Ti, with the increment being greater if Ti is above a specified value and smaller if Ti is below the specified value. The scheduler 112 computes the value of wi for each of the mobile units 104A-104C in order to give the scheduling priority value SPi a component based on the delay tolerance of the mobile unit and the delay which the mobile unit has already experienced. Typically, each mobile unit may be used in several simultaneous applications with each application having a different delay tolerance. Therefore, it is useful to consider all data streams ij serving each mobile unit, with the value wij being the urgency value of the stream ij serving the mobile unit i. The scheduler 112 evaluates the urgency value of all streams ij serving a mobile unit i, and the maximum value of wij for a mobile unit is chosen as the value of wi for that mobile unit. The value of wi is used in equation (1) to compute the value of SPi for each mobile unit, and the mobile unit i for which the value of SPi is greatest is chosen for service. Once the mobile unit has been selected for service, the stream ij for which the value of wij is greatest is chosen for service. Suitably, the computation of the value of wij for a stream depends on various characteristics of the stream, such as delay tolerance. Data streams may be characterized in many different ways. For example, a data stream may be characterized as relatively sensitive or insensitive to delay. If a data stream is characterized as insensitive to delay, the value of wij may be fixed, so that the urgency value wij for the data stream does not increase with increasing delay. If a data stream is characterized as relatively sensitive to delay, the urgency value wij may increase with increasing delay. In addition, the data stream may be more or less sensitive to the prospect of violation of a delay limit. If a data stream is sensitive to delay but not particularly sensitive to violation of the delay limit, the urgency value wij for the data stream may simply continue to increase at rate prevailing before an approach to the limit, without being affected by the approach to or a violation of the limit. The increase in urgency value will tend to increase the scheduling priority for the mobile unit being served by the data stream, but the increase in urgency value will be such as to prevent an inordinate delay of service, rather than to sharply increase the scheduling priority for the mobile unit in order to prevent violation of a limit. On the other hand, if a data stream has a relatively high sensitivity to delay and to violation of a delay limit, the urgency value wij may be computed so that the urgency value wij increases rapidly as a delay limit is approached. Such a rapid increase in the urgency value will tend to result in a very high scheduling priority for the mobile unit being served by the data stream, and will tend to cause the mobile unit to be served before the delay limit is violated. Other data streams may be extremely sensitive to delay and to violation of a delay limit. For such data streams, the delay experienced by the data stream may be monitored and the urgency value wij may be computed so as to guarantee, as nearly as possible, that no violation of any delay limit will occur. It will be recognized that numerous ways of characterizing and addressing the sensitivity of a data stream to delay exist, and that the urgency value wij may be computed in numerous ways so as to manage delay appropriately for the needs of each data stream. One convenient way to characterize data streams as to characterize a data stream as belonging to one of three types, depending on the delay tolerance of the streams, the maximum delay limits required by the streams and the sensitivity of the data streams to any delay limits. A type 0 stream is a stream with high delay tolerance, such as an http or ftp data stream. For such streams, the value of wij is simply the following: wij=0 (2) because rate considerations may be important in evaluating the priority of such a stream, but delay considerations are not. A type 1 stream is a stream that is scheduled so as to have a transmission rate Rijdelay and a delay limit Dij. The transmission rate Rijdelay is expressed in terms of bits per timeslot, and the delay limit Dij is expressed in terms of timeslots. The delay limit Dij indicates the maximum number of timeslots before the data stream ij is served. The urgency value for the stream may be expressed as a function of a current delay parameter dij and the delay limit Dij. The current delay parameter dij is expressed in terms of timeslots, and indicates the number of timeslots that have passed without the stream ij having been served. The current delay parameter dij is computed as follows: d ij = T ij delay ( t ) R ij delay , where Tijdelay (t) is a delay indicator value. The delay indicator value Tijdelay (t) is decremented by the encoder packet size whenever a packet is transmitted that is part of the stream being served, and is incremented by the value of Rijdelay (t) during each timeslot. However, the delay indicator value Tijdelay (t) is not permitted to fall below 0. It can be shown that if the value of dij≦Dij at all times t, and the traffic arrivals at mobile unit i at any time interval [s,t] are bounded by σij+Rijdelay(t−s), where σij is a value indicating the burstiness of the data stream ij, then the delay experienced by the stream ij is bounded by (σij/Rijdelay)+Dij. The value of σij for a data stream ij can be measured or estimated in ways known in the art, and the observations above can be used to determine an appropriate value for Dij. Once the value of dij has been determined, the value of wij can be computed as the value of a function of dij: wij=f(dij) (3) Various options exist for the form of the function f(dij), chosen depending on the particular requirements of the particular data stream to which the function f(dij) relates. For example, a data stream may be highly intolerant to violations of the delay limit, in which case the function f(dij) should experience a very high growth rate as the delay approaches the limit Dij, while a data stream that is more tolerant to delays should not experience such an extreme growth rate. The specific function f(dij) for a particular data stream may be chosen through analysis of the actual or expected traffic characterizing the data stream, for example, measurements and simulations of the traffic in order to discover delay tolerances and scheduling techniques that will meet the delay requirements for the data stream. Suitably, parameters c1 and c2 may be defined in order to adjust the function f(dij), and the general shape of the function may be determined by choosing a specific equation defining the relationship between c1, c2, dij and Dij. Suitably, the function f(dij) may be chosen such that the value of f(dij) monotonically increases with the value of dij and should be small for values of dij at or near 0. The parameters c1 and c2 may be chosen using curve fitting techniques, for example choosing desired values of a function at various points and choosing values of c1 and c2 such that the function f(dij)has the chosen values at the chosen points. Some of the possible definitions of f(dij) are as follows: f ( d ij ) = c 1 · d ij D ij - c 2 ( 4 ) Equation (4) is appropriate for a data stream that exhibits some delay tolerance. It will be observed that the value of f(dij) rises linearly as the value of dij increases, and that no extreme growth occurs as the value of dij approaches or exceeds that of Dij. f ( d ij ) = - c 1 · log p ij · d ij D ij - c 2 , ( 5 ) where pij is a packet violation probability that can be allowed for the data stream. Equation (5) is similar to equation (4), but allows for different characteristics depending on the value of pij. The value of pij is the acceptable probability that the delay limit Dij will be violated. A lower value of pij indicates a less delay tolerant data stream, and provides for a higher rate of growth of f(dij) as the value of dij increases, while a higher value of pij indicates a more delay tolerant data stream, and provides for a lesser rate of growth of f(dij) as the value of dij increases. Another possible definition is f ( d ij ) = c 1 D ij - d ij - c 2 ( 6 ) Equation (6) is appropriate for a highly delay intolerant data stream, and exhibits a very high rate of growth as the value of dij approaches that of Dij. As an alternative to the expressions above, it may be convenient to define the urgency value wij in terms of the expression w ij = f ( x ) , where ( 7 ) x = 1 - d ij D ij . ( 8 ) The value of x indicates the degree to which the delay being experienced by a data stream has approached the delay limit Dij, with a value of 0 indicating that the delay has reached the limit. The value of the function f(x), and thus the urgency value, tends to increase as the value of x decreases. An appropriate expression of f(x) is as follows: f ( x ) = c 1 x - c 2 . ( 9 ) The value of f(x) increases without bound as the value of dij approaches that of Dij, and the precise behavior of f (x) can be defined by the selection of appropriate values of c1 and c2. To take an example, if it is desired that f(x0)=0 and f(xh)=log(h), then c 2 = x h log ( h ) x 0 - x h and c 1 = x 0 c 2 . If the transmission processing module 111 is designed to include a timestamp module 130 in order to mark the time of a service request, then a type 2 stream can be accommodated. The timestamp module 130 receives information specifying the specific time at which each packet belonging to a data stream is received. The base station 102A receives data from various data sources, with packets being received from each data source and addressed for transmission to an appropriate mobile unit. For example, the base station may receive one or more video streams from a video server 132, with data being routed from the video server 132 to the base station 102A through a network interface 134. Each data packet is routed to a unit buffer for the mobile unit to which the packet is addressed. If the timestamp module 130 is present in the base station 102A and a received data packet requires timestamp information, for example if the data packet is part of a stream having sufficiently high delay sensitivity to require it, a timestamp is stored indicating when the data packet entered the unit buffer. In a type 2 data stream, each protocol data unit (PDU), or packet, of the stream must be transmitted within the time Dij. The timestamp module 130 passes information for the time a packet was received to the scheduler 112, which is able to determine the delay currently experienced by the data stream. The urgency value of a type 2 data stream is given by equation (3), that is, wij=f(dij) (3) with the function f(dij) again defined according to an appropriate equation, such as one of the equations (4)-(6). However, the value of dij is defined as the absolute delay of the next in queue PDU, that is, a specifically predefined time within which the next PDU in the data stream must be delivered. The value of wij is computed differently for type 0, type 1 and type 2 streams, but once the values of wij are computed for each data stream, the values can be directly compared in order to select the value of wi for each mobile unit so that the value of SPi can be computed. Then, once a mobile unit is selected for service, the values of wij can be compared in order to select the data stream to be served. It will be noted that the scheduler 112 does not simply examine the various streams and choose the stream for which the value of wij is highest. Instead, as described above, the scheduler 112 examines each mobile unit, computes the values of wij for that mobile unit and chooses the highest value of wij for that mobile unit as the value of wi. Only after having selected the mobile unit having the highest priority does the scheduler 112 turn to an examination of the values of wij for the various data streams serving that mobile unit in order to choose the data stream to be served. If no data stream serving a mobile unit is in danger of violating its delay requirements, the urgency value wi for the mobile unit should be 0, and delay considerations should not give additional priority to the mobile unit. It will also be recognized that the specific combination of considerations taken into account by equation (1) above is not the only combination of considerations that may be used to schedule service according to the teachings of the present invention. Equation (1) takes into account the delay requirements of each mobile unit. In addition, equation (1) takes into account a balance between highest overall throughput and “fairness” to each mobile unit, a minimum rate guarantee and, if desired, a maximum rate limitation for each mobile unit. It is not necessary to take all of the various rate considerations into account, and the operation of the scheduler 112 can easily be modified in order to take only desired considerations into account. For example, it may not be desired to provide a guaranteed rate for each mobile unit, in which case the rate token counter value Ti would not be used. In another case, it might not be desired to provide proportional fairness in selecting a mobile unit and stream for service, in which case the average service rate Ri for a mobile unit would not be used. If an implementation is designed so as not to provide a guaranteed rate for a mobile unit, the scheduler 112 could assign priorities using the following computation: SP i = r i ( t ) R i e w i ( 10 ) in place of equation (1). Similarly, if neither a guaranteed rate nor throughput fairness is a concern, the scheduler 112 could assign priorities using the following computation: SPi=ri(t)ewi (11) in place of equation (1). In most implementations, the computation of the scheduling priority can be expected to employ the available transfer rate ri(t), because scheduling the mobile unit that can achieve the best throughput will tend to maximize overall throughput. Especially at times when no mobile unit is in danger of violating its delay requirements, the desire to maximize overall throughput can be treated as an important, or even the dominant, consideration. One important consideration, particularly if type 2 data streams are used, is the prevention of hogging, that is, the allocation of excessive system resources to a mobile unit. Aspects of hogging prevention are described in Andrews et al., entitled “Method for Controlling Resource Allocation in a Wireless Communication System,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/459,010, filed on Jun. 11, 2003, which is assigned to a common assignee with the present invention and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In order to prevent hogging by a mobile unit, the total fraction g of total timeslots that can be allocated to a single user is defined. The fraction g may be a constant, or may be defined in terms of the number of active users. For example, the following expression may be used: g = c N , where N is the total number of active users and c is some number greater than 0. In addition, the maximum possible value of g is also defined. For example, the value of g may be capped at 0.7, so that no single mobile unit is allowed to use more than 70% of the available timeslots. After a frame consisting of s timeslots has been transmitted, the timeslot usage of each mobile unit, that is, an exponentially smoothed proportion of timeslots used by each mobile unit i, is updated. If hogging prevention is being performed, the scheduler 112 modifies the per unit rate token counter value Ti employed in equation (1), as well as the delay indicator value Tijdelay used to evaluate the delay conditions for each data stream. If gi>g and Ti≧0, where gi is the actual proportion of timeslots being used by the mobile unit i, the rate token counter Ti is not incremented. In addition, values for the streams ij serving the mobile unit are examined. For each stream ij serving a mobile unit i, if gi>g and 0≦Ti≦5000, and wij>0, the delay indicator value Tijdelay is not incremented for that stream. Hogging prevention serves to prevent a mobile unit experiencing a poor data transfer rate from monopolizing system resources in order to achieve its prescribed level of service. A type 2 data stream is subject to an absolute delay limit. If a mobile unit receiving a type 2 data stream is in a location that receives a poor data transfer rate, the priority assigned to that mobile unit may be extremely high, so that the devotion of resources to serving that mobile unit tends to prevent other mobile units from being served. Hogging prevention techniques provide assurance that the priority assigned to such a mobile unit will not be excessively elevated. Hogging prevention helps to prevent excessive consumption of system resources by a mobile unit, but it will be recognized that system overloading may occur in ways that are not dealt with by hogging prevention techniques or by other scheduling priority techniques taught by the present invention. For example, the system 100 may simply be subject to excessive demand from the presence of too many users, each user making normal demands on system resources. Such cases are typically dealt with by overload control techniques not discussed in detail here but known in the art. Overload control may include techniques such as denying access to new users, or implementing a predetermined resource allocation protocol, for example allocating resources to users proportionally based in priority. For example, if the system 100 were overloaded to the extent that it could only offer 75% of acceptable performance, each user could be allocated 75% of the resources called for by his or her priority. Other, more complex techniques could also be implemented, for example tending to allocate resources away from mobile units engaged in operations that were relatively insensitive to periods of low data rate or high delay, in favor of mobile units engaged in more sensitive operations. FIG. 2 illustrates additional details of the scheduler 112. The scheduler 112 includes a plurality of unit parameter databases 202A-202C, storing parameters, such as rate and delay requirements. The databases 202A-202C store parameters for the mobile units 104A-104C of FIG. 1, respectively. Rate and delay requirements may be received for each data stream transmitted to a mobile unit, and may be updated based on information received from a mobile unit or from known characteristics and requirements of a data stream to be transmitted to a mobile unit. Each of the databases 202A-202C stores minimum and maximum rate requirements for its associated mobile unit, and the maximum allowable delay for each data stream serving the mobile unit. The scheduler 112 further comprises unit status databases 204A-204C, storing current information for the mobile units 104A-104C, respectively. Each of the databases 204A-204C receives and stores current rate and delay information for its associated mobile unit, including current and average rate information for each mobile unit and service information for the mobile unit, including the size of the most recent packet delivered to the mobile unit. If the system 100 of FIG. 1 is designed so that timing information is provided with data transmissions, each of the databases 204A-204C also stores timing information for each transmission to its associated mobile unit. The scheduler 112 also includes a priority computation module 206 that determines the priority for each mobile unit and data stream and selects a mobile unit for service. The module 206 performs priority computations based on current and average rate for each mobile unit as well the urgency value for each mobile unit. Suitably, priority computation is performed by using an equation such as equation (1), (7), (8) or a similar equation to perform the needed computation based on desired criteria. The module 206 notes the maximum priority value and identifies the mobile unit associated with that priority value as the mobile unit to be served. The priority computation module employs an urgency value computation module 208 that computes the urgency value of each data stream, suitably using techniques described above, and supplies these values to the module 206 for use in computing priority values of each mobile unit and data stream. FIG. 3 illustrates a process 300 of wireless communication according to an aspect of the present invention. The process 300 may suitably be performed using a system such as the system 100 of FIG. 1. At step 302, a plurality of data streams are received for transmission to each of a plurality of mobile units, with data in each data stream being buffered for transmission when service is scheduled for an application being served by the data stream. Each mobile unit may host a plurality of applications, with multiple data streams serving each mobile unit, one data stream for each application hosted by the mobile unit. At step 304, information is examined relating to the conditions governing transmission of each data stream, including the conditions prevailing for each mobile unit, the average service that has been so far received by each mobile unit and data stream, service requirements for each mobile unit, delay requirements for each mobile unit and data stream and current delay experienced by each mobile unit and data stream. At step 306, an urgency value for each data stream is computed, based on the delay category, or type, of the data stream, a delay parameter computed for each data stream and a delay limit for each data stream. At step 308, the highest urgency value of the data streams serving a mobile unit is selected as the urgency value for that mobile unit. At step 310, data rate information related to each mobile unit is computed, including the current data rate available for transmission to that mobile unit, the average transmission rate received by that mobile unit and information relating to guaranteed transmission rates for the mobile unit. At step 312, a priority value for each mobile unit is computed, with the priority value based on a balancing of factors relating to efficient overall throughput, acceptable data rates for each mobile unit, minimum guaranteed data rates for each mobile unit, and an acceptably low delay for the mobile unit as characterized by the urgency value for the mobile unit. At step 314, the mobile unit having the highest priority value is selected for service. At step 316, the data stream having the greatest urgency value of those associated with the mobile unit selected for service is scheduled for transmission. At step 318, data packets from the selected data stream are transmitted to the selected mobile unit. At step 320, updates are made to various parameters used to manage priority computations. The updates include incrementing token counters and indicator values associated with each mobile unit and decrementing token counters and indicator values associated with mobile units and data streams that have been served. The updates also suitably include incrementing values indicating the average rate experienced by each mobile unit. While the present invention is disclosed in the context of a presently preferred embodiment, it will be recognized that a wide variety of implementations may be employed by persons of ordinary skill in the art consistent with the above discussion and the claims which follow below. For example, the discussion above has described the invention in terms of allocating timeslots among users, but it will be recognized that resource allocation may be implemented in any number of different ways and that the teachings of the present invention may be adapted to different ways of allocating resources to users. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>As wireless services continue to develop and are used in more and more applications, it becomes increasingly important to manage wireless transmissions so as to provide acceptable performance to each user for each of the user's applications. Maintaining a high level of overall throughput continues to be important in order to assure efficient use of network resources, but providing each user with an acceptable level of service is important for assuring customer satisfaction. Acceptable service is frequently thought of as comprising an acceptable service rate, that is, an acceptable average service rate for the user. Numerous techniques exist for managing transmissions so as to provide good overall service and fairness among users. One well known technique is the proportional fair scheduling technique. Various other prior art techniques deal with the service rates experienced by users. Such prior art techniques may be designed to maximize overall service or to provide some assurance that each user will be served. However, prior art techniques typically do not address all aspects of performance experienced by the various mobile units. There exists, therefore, a need for improved systems and techniques for wireless service scheduling that assure acceptable performance for each mobile unit. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided for transmitting data to at least one of a plurality of remote mobile units, comprising a base station configured to serve the remote mobile units, the base station further comprising a communication interface for transmitting data to the remote mobile units and a processor for assigning scheduling priorities to each mobile unit, the scheduling priority assigned to a mobile unit determining a relative allocation of bandwidth resources to that mobile unit, the scheduling priority assigned to a mobile unit being based at least in part on the sensitivity to delay of one or more data streams serving the mobile unit and the delay currently experienced by the one or more data streams serving the mobile unit. In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided for transmitting data to at least one of a plurality of remote mobile units, comprising a base station configured to serve the remote mobile units, the base station further comprising a communication interface for transmitting data to the remote mobile units and a processor for assigning scheduling priorities to each mobile unit, the scheduling priority assigned to a mobile unit determining a relative allocation of bandwidth resources to that mobile unit, the scheduling priority assigned to a mobile unit being based at least in part on a value computed based on the sensitivity to delay of one or more data streams serving the mobile unit and the delay currently experienced by the mobile unit, a value computed so as provide for an increased scheduling priority for a mobile unit as the mobile unit experiences an increased available transmission rate and by increasing the scheduling priority of a mobile unit as the average service rate experienced by the mobile unit decreases, and a value computed so as to provide for an increased scheduling priority of the mobile unit as the service rate experienced by the mobile unit decreases toward a minimum assured service rate for the mobile unit. In another exemplary embodiment, a scheduler is provided for managing data transmission to at least one of a plurality of remote mobile units, comprising a unit status database for receiving and storing status information relating to data transmission to the mobile units, a unit parameter database for storing information relating to data transmission requirements for each mobile unit, and a priority computation module for examining the status information and the unit parameters for each mobile unit and to assign a scheduling priority to each mobile unit, the priority computation module assigning a priority to each mobile unit based at least in part on the delay sensitivity of one or more data streams serving the mobile unit and the delay experienced by the one or more data streams serving the mobile unit. In a further exemplary embodiment, a method of data transmission to a selected at least one of a plurality of remote mobile units is provided, comprising the steps of computing a scheduling priority for each mobile unit, the computation of the scheduling priority being based at least in part on the delay sensitivity of one or more data streams serving the mobile unit and the delay experienced by the one or more data streams serving the mobile unit, and selecting for service from among the plurality of mobile units the mobile unit having the highest scheduling priority. A more complete understanding of the present invention, as well as further features and advantages, will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the accompanying drawings. | 20040721 | 20070206 | 20060126 | 95496.0 | H04Q720 | 1 | PHAN, HUY Q | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMISSION SCHEDULING IN WIRELESS NETWORKS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H04Q | 2,004 |
|
10,895,909 | ACCEPTED | Exendin formulations for weight reduction | Methods for treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake are disclosed which comprise administration of an effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist, alone or in conjunction with other compounds or compositions that affect satiety. The methods are useful for treating conditions or disorders, including obesity, Type II diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. The methods are also useful for lowering the plasma glucose level, lowering the plasma lipid level, reducing the cardiac risk, reducing the appetite, and reducing the weight of subjects. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the methods of the invention are also disclosed. | 1-31. (cancelled) 32. A method for treating obesity comprising identifying a subject in need of treatment for obesity and peripherally administering as a single or divided dose to said subject from about 0.01 mg/day to about 5 mg/day of an exendin selected from the group consisting of an exendin-4, an exendin-3, and a combination thereof. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein said exendin is administered at a dose of from about 0.01 mg/day to about 2 mg/day. 34. The method of claim 32, wherein said exendin is administered at a dose of from about 0.01 mg/day to about 1 mg/day. 35. The method of claim 32, wherein said exendin comprises an exendin acid, an exendin amide, or a combination thereof. 36. The method of claim 32, further comprising administering an effective amount of at least one additional substance other than an exendin that reduces food intake, appetite, body weight, obesity or any combination thereof. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein said at least one additional substance is selected from the group consisting of amylin, an amylin agonist, a calcitonin, a leptin, a cholecystokinin (CCK), CCK-8, and any combination thereof. 38. The method of claim 36, wherein said at least one additional substance comprises 25,28,29Pro human amylin. 39. The method of claim 32, wherein said peripheral administration is intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, oral, topical, transmucosal or pulmonary. 40. The method of claim 32, wherein said subject suffers from Type II diabetes. 41. The method of claim 32, wherein said subject suffers from an eating disorder. 42. The method of claim 32, wherein said subject suffers from an insulin-resistance syndrome. 43. A method for treating obesity comprising identifying a subject in need of treatment for obesity and peripherally administering as a single or divided dose to said subject from about 0.1 μg/kg/day to about 100 μg/kg/day of an exendin selected from the group consisting of an exendin-4, an exendin-3, and a combination thereof. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein said exendin is administered at a dose of from about 0.1 μg/kg/day to about 10 μg/kg/day. 45. The method of claim 43, wherein said exendin is administered at a dose of from about 0.1 μg/kg/day to about 1 μg/kg/day. 46. The method of claim 43, wherein said exendin comprises an exendin acid, an exendin amide, or a combination thereof. 47. The method of claim 43, further comprising administering an effective amount of at least one additional substance other than an exendin that reduces food intake, appetite, food intake, obesity, or any combination thereof. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein said at least one additional substance is selected from the group consisting of amylin, an amylin agonist, a leptin, a calcitonin, a cholecystokinin (CCK), CCK-8, and any combination thereof. 49. The method of claim 47, wherein said at least one additional substance comprises 25,28,29Pro human amylin. 50. The method of claim 43, wherein said peripheral administration is intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, oral, topical, transmucosal or pulmonary. 51. The method of claim 43, wherein said subject suffers from Type II diabetes. 52. The method of claim 43, wherein said subject suffers from an eating disorder. 53. The method of claim 43, wherein said subject suffers from an insulin-resistance syndrome. 54. A method for reducing body weight comprising identifying a subject in need of, or desirous of, a reduction in body weight and peripherally administering as a single or divided dose to said subject from about 0.01 mg/day to about 5 mg/day of an exendin selected from the group consisting of an exendin-4, an exendin-3, and a combination thereof. 55. The method of claim 54, wherein said exendin is administered at a dose of from about 0.01 mg/day to about 2 mg/day. 56. The method of claim 54, wherein said exendin is administered at a dose of from about 0.01 mg/day to about 1 mg/day. 57. The method of claim 54, wherein said exendin comprises an exendin acid, an exendin amide, or a combination thereof. 58. The method of claim 54, further comprising administering an effective amount of at least one additional substance other than an exendin that reduces food intake, appetite or both. 59. The method of claim 58, wherein said at least one additional substance is selected from the group consisting of amylin, an amylin agonist, a leptin, a calcitonin, a cholecystokinin (CCK), CCK-8, and any combination thereof. 60. The method of claim 58, wherein said at least one additional substance comprises 25,28,29Pro human amylin. 61. The method of claim 54, wherein said peripheral administration is intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, oral, topical, transmucosal or pulmonary. 62. The method of claim 54, wherein said subject suffers from Type II diabetes. 63. The method of claim 54, wherein said subject suffers from an eating disorder. 64. The method of claim 54, wherein said subject suffers from an insulin-resistance syndrome. 65. A method for reducing body weight comprising identifying a subject in need of, or desirous of, a reduction in body weight and peripherally administering as a single or divided dose to said subject from about 0.1 μg/kg/day to about 100 μg/kg/day of an exendin selected from the group consisting of an exendin-4, exendin-3, and a combination thereof. 66. The method of claim 65, wherein said exendin-4 is administered at a dose of from about 0.1 μg/kg/day to about 10 μg/kg/day. 67. The method of claim 65, wherein said exendin is administered at a dose of from about 0.1 μg/kg/day to about 1 μg/kg/day. 68. The method of claim 65, wherein said exendin comprises an exendin acid, an exendin amide, or a combination thereof. 69. The method of claim 65, further comprising administering an effective amount of at least one additional substance other than an exendin that reduces food intake, appetite, body weight, obesity or a combination thereof. 70. The method of claim 69, wherein said at least one additional substance is selected from the group consisting of amylin, an amylin agonist, leptin, calcitonin, cholecystokinin (CCK), CCK-8, and any combination thereof. 71. The method of claim 69, wherein said at least one additional substance comprises 25,28,29Pro human amylin. 72. The method of claim 65, wherein said peripheral administration is intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, oral, topical, transmucosal or pulmonary. 73. The method of claim 65, wherein said subject suffers from Type II diabetes. 74. The method of claim 65, wherein said subject suffers from an eating disorder. 75. The method of claim 65, wherein said subject suffers from an insulin-resistance syndrome. 76. A method of reducing food intake in a subject desirous of, or in need of, reducing food intake, comprising peripherally administering to said subject as a single or divided dose from about 0.1 μg/kg/day to about 100 μg/kg/day of an exendin selected from the group consisting of an exendin-3 amide, an exendin-4 amide, and a combination thereof. 77. A method for reducing appetite in a subject desirous of, or in need of, reducing appetite, comprising peripherally administering to said subject as a single or divided dose from about 0.1 μg/kg/day to about 100 μg/kg/day of an exendin selected from the group consisting of an exendin-3 amide, an exendin-4 amide, and a combination thereof. | This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/034,905, filed Jan. 7, 1997, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/055,404, filed Aug. 8, 1997, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/066,029 filed Nov. 14, 1997, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/065,442, Nov. 14, 1997. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to methods for treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake comprising administration of an effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist alone or in conjunction with other compounds or compositions that affect satiety such as a leptin or an amylin agonist. The methods are useful for treating conditions or disorders, in which the reduction of food intake is of value, including obesity, Type II diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. The methods are also useful for lowering the plasma lipid level, reducing the cardiac risk, reducing the appetite, and reducing the weight of subjects. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the methods of the invention are also disclosed. BACKGROUND The following description summarizes information relevant to the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art to the presently claimed invention, nor that any of the publications specifically or implicitly referenced are prior art to that invention. Exendin Exendins are peptides that are found in the venom of the Gila-monster, a lizard found in Arizona, and the Mexican Beaded Lizard. Exendin-3 is present in the venom of Heloderma horridum, and exendin-4 is present in the venom of Heloderma suspectum (Eng, J., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265:20259-62, 1990; Eng., J., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 267:7402-05, 1992). The exendins have some sequence similarity to several members of the glucagon-like peptide family, with the highest homology, 53%, being to GLP-1[7-36]NH2 (Goke, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 268:19650-55, 1993). GLP-1[7-36]NH2, also known as proglucagon[78-107], has an insulinotropic effect, stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells; GLP also inhibits glucagon secretion from pancreatic α-cells (Orskov, et al., Diabetes, 42:658-61, 1993; D'Alessio, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 97:133-38, 1996). GLP-1 is reported to inhibit gastric emptying (Williams B, et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 81 (1): 327-32, 1996; Wettergren A, et al., Dig Dis Sci 38 (4): 665-73, 1993), and gastric acid secretion. (Schjoldager B T, et al., Dig Dis Sci 34 (5): 703-8, 1989; O'Halloran D J, et al., J Endocrinol 126 (1): 169-73, 1990; Wettergren A, et al., Dig Dis Sci 38 (4): 665-73, 1993). GLP-1[7-37], which has an additional glycine residue at its carboxy terminus, also stimulates insulin secretion in humans (Orskov, et al., Diabetes, 42:658-61, 1993). A transmembrane G-protein adenylate-cyclase-coupled receptor believed to be responsible for the insulinotropic effect of GLP-1 is reported to have been cloned from a β-cell line (Thorens, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:8641-45 (1992)). Exendin-4 potently binds at GLP-1 receptors on insulin-secreting βTC1 cells, at dispersed acinar cells from guinea pig pancreas, and at parietal cells from stomach; the peptide is also said to stimulate somatostatin release and inhibit gastrin release in isolated stomachs (Goke, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 268:19650-55, 1993; Schepp, et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol., 69:183-91, 1994; Eissele, et al., Life Sci., 55:629-34, 1994). Exendin-3 and exendin-4 were reported to stimulate cAMP production in, and amylase release from, pancreatic acinar cells (Malhotra, R., et al., Regulatory Peptides, 41:149-56, 1992; Raufman, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 267:21432-37, 1992; Singh, et al., Regul. Pept. 53:47-59, 1994). The use of exendin-3 and exendin-4 as insulinotrophic agents for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and the prevention of hyperglycemia has been proposed (Eng, U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,286). C-terminally truncated exendin peptides such as exendin[9-39], a carboxyamidated molecule, and fragments 3-39 through 9-39 have been reported to be potent and selective antagonists of GLP-1 (Goke, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 268:19650-55, 1993; Raufman, J. P., et al., J. Biol. Chem. 266:2897-902, 1991; Schepp, W., et al., Eur. J. Pharm. 269:183-91, 1994; Montrose-Rafizadeh, et al., Diabetes, 45(Suppl. 2):152A, 1996). Exendin[9-39] is said to block endogenous GLP-1 in vivo, resulting in reduced insulin secretion. Wang, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 95:417-21, 1995; D'Alessio, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 97:133-38, 1996). The receptor apparently responsible for the insulinotropic effect of GLP-1 has reportedly been cloned from rat pancreatic islet cell (Thorens, B., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:8641-8645, 1992). Exendins and exendin[9-39] are said to bind to the cloned GLP-1 receptor (rat pancreatic β-cell GLP-1 receptor (Fehmann H C, et al., Peptides 15 (3): 453-6, 1994) and human GLP-1 receptor (Thorens B, et al., Diabetes 42 (11): 1678-82, 1993). In cells transfected with the cloned GLP-1 receptor, exendin-4 is reportedly an agonist, i.e., it increases cAMP, while exendin[9-39] is identified as an antagonist, i.e., it blocks the stimulatory actions of exendin-4 and GLP-1. Id. Exendin[9-39] is also reported to act as an antagonist of the full length exendins, inhibiting stimulation of pancreatic acinar cells by exendin-3 and exendin-4 (Raufman, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 266:2897-902, 1991; Raufman, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 266:21432-37, 1992). It is also reported that exendin[9-39] inhibits the stimulation of plasma insulin levels by exendin-4, and inhibits the somatostatin release-stimulating and gastrin release-inhibiting activities of exendin-4 and GLP-1 (Kolligs, F., et al., Diabetes, 44:16-19, 1995; Eissele, et al., Life Sciences, 55:629-34, 1994). Exendins have recently been found to inhibit gastric emptying (U.S. Ser. No. 08/694,954, filed Aug. 8, 1996, which enjoys common ownership with the present invention and is hereby incorporated by reference). Exendin [9-39] has been used to investigate the physiological relevance of central GLP-1 in control of food intake (Turton, M. D. et al. Nature 379:69-72, 1996). GLP-1 administered by intracerebroventricular injection inhibits food intake in rats. This satiety-inducing effect of GLP-1 delivered ICV is reported to be inhibited by ICV injection of exendin [9-39] (Turton, supra). However, it has been reported that GLP-1 does not inhibit food intake in mice when administered by peripheral injection (Turton, M. D., Nature 379:69-72, 1996; Bhavsar, S. P., Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 21:460 (188.8), 1995). Obesity and Hypernutrition Obesity, excess adipose tissue, is becoming increasingly prevalent in developed societies. For example, approximately 30% of adults in the U.S. were estimated to be 20 percent above desirable body weight—an accepted measure of obesity sufficient to impact a health risk (Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 12th Edition, McGraw Hill, Inc. (1991) p. 411). The pathogenesis of obesity is believed to be multifactorial but the basic problem is that in obese subjects food intake and energy expenditure do not come into balance until there is excess adipose tissue. Attempts to reduce food intake, or hypernutrition, are usually fruitless in the medium term because the weight loss induced by dieting results in both increased appetite and decreased energy expenditure (Leibel et al., (1995) New England Journal of Medicine 322: 621-628). The intensity of physical exercise required to expend enough energy to materially lose adipose mass is too great for most people to undertake on a sufficiently frequent basis. Thus, obesity is currently a poorly treatable, chronic, essentially intractable metabolic disorder. Not only is obesity itself believed by some to be undesirable for cosmetic reasons, but obesity also carries serious risk of co-morbidities including, Type 2 diabetes, increased cardiac risk, hypertension, atherosclerosis, degenerative arthritis, and increased incidence of complications of surgery involving general anesthesia. Obesity due to hypernutrition is also a risk factor for the group of conditions called insulin resistance syndrome, or “syndrome X.” In syndrome X, it has been reported that there is a linkage between insulin resistance and hypertension. (Watson N. and Sandler M., Curr. Med. Res. Opin., 12(6):374-378 (1991); Kodama J. et al., Diabetes Care, 13(11):1109-1111 (1990); Lithell et al., J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol., 15 Suppl. 5:S46-S52 (1990)). In those few subjects who do succeed in losing weight, by about 10 percent of body weight, there can be striking improvements in co-morbid conditions, most especially Type 2 diabetes in which dieting and weight loss are the primary therapeutic modality, albeit relatively ineffective in many patients for the reasons stated above. Reducing food intake in obese subjects would decrease the plasma glucose level, the plasma lipid level, and the cardiac risk in these subjects. Hypernutrition is also the result of, and the psychological cause of, many eating disorders. Reducing food intake would also be beneficial in the treatment of such disorders. Thus, it can be appreciated that an effective means to reduce food intake is a major challenge and a superior method of treatment would be of great utility. Such a method, and compounds and compositions which are useful therefor, have been invented and are described and claimed herein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns the surprising discovery that exendins and exendin agonists have a profound and prolonged effect on inhibiting food intake. The present invention is directed to novel methods for treating conditions or disorders associated with hypernutrition, comprising the administration of an exendin, for example, exendin-3 [SEQ ID NO. 1: His Ser Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser], or exendin-4 [SEQ ID NO. 2: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser], or other compounds which effectively bind to the receptor at which exendin exerts its action on reducing food intake. These methods will be useful in the treatment of, for example, obesity, diabetes, including Type II or non-insulin dependent diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. In a first aspect, the invention features a method of treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. By an “exendin agonist” is meant a compound that mimics the effects of exendin on the reduction of food intake by binding to the receptor or receptors where exendin causes this effect. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/055,404, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Aug. 8, 1997; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/065,442, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Nov. 14, 1997; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/066,029, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Nov. 14, 1997; all of which enjoy common ownership with the present application and all of which are incorporated by this reference into the present application as though fully set forth herein. By “condition or disorder which can be alleviated by reducing food intake” is meant any condition or disorder in a subject that is either caused by, complicated by, or aggravated by a relatively high food intake, or that can be alleviated by reducing food intake. Such conditions or disorders include, but are not limited to, obesity, diabetes, including Type II diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. Thus, in a first embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake in a subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/055,404; 60/065,442; and 60/066,029, which have been incorporated by reference in the present application. Preferably, the subject is a vertebrate, more preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human. In preferred aspects, the exendin or exendin agonist is administered parenterally, more preferably by injection. In a most preferred aspect, the injection is a peripheral injection. Preferably, about 10 μg-30 μg to about 5 mg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day. More preferably, about 10-30 μg to about 2 mg, or about 10-30 μg to about 1 mg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day. Most preferably, about 30 μg to about 500 μg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day. In various preferred embodiments of the invention, the condition or disorder is obesity, diabetes, preferably Type II diabetes, an eating disorder, or insulin-resistance syndrome. In other preferred aspects of the invention, a method is provided for reducing the appetite of a subject comprising administering to said subject an appetite-lowering amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. In yet other preferred aspects, a method is provided for lowering plasma lipids comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. The methods of the present invention may also be used to reduce the cardiac risk of a subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. In one preferred aspect, the exendin or exendin agonist used in the methods of the present invention is exendin-3. In another preferred aspect, said exendin is exendin-4. Other preferred exendin agonists include exendin-4 (1-30) [SEQ ID NO 6: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly], exendin-4 (1-30) amide [SEQ ID NO 7: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH2], exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO 40: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2], 14Leu,25Phe exendin-4 amide [SEQ ID NO 9: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser-NH2], 14Leu,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO 41: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2], and 14Leu,22Ala,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO 8: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Ala Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2]. In the methods of the present invention, the exendins and exendin agonists may be administered separately or together with one or more other compounds and compositions that exhibit a long term or short-term satiety action, including, but not limited to other compounds and compositions that comprise an amylin agonist, cholecystokinin (CCK), or a leptin (ob protein). Suitable amylin agonists include, for example, [25,28,29Pro-]-human amylin (also known as “pramlintide,” and previously referred to as “AC-137”) as described in “Amylin Agonist Peptides and Uses Therefor,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,511, issued Nov. 11, 1997, and salmon calcitonin. The CCK used is preferably CCK octopeptide (CCK-8). Leptin is discussed in, for example, Pelleymounter, M. A., et al. Science 269:540-43 (1995); Halaas, J. L., et al. Science 269:543-46 (1995); and Campfield, L. A., et al. Eur. J. Pharmac. 262:133-41 (1994). In other embodiments of the invention is provided a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or exendin agonist in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount for a human subject. The pharmaceutical composition may preferably be used for reducing the appetite of a subject, reducing the weight of a subject, lowering the plasma lipid level of a subject, or reducing the cardiac risk of a subject. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the pharmaceutical composition will preferably comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or exendin agonist to accomplish the desired effect in the subject. The pharmaceutical compositions may further comprise one or more other compounds and compositions that exhibit a long-term or short-term satiety action, including, but not limited to other compounds and compositions that comprise an amylin agonist, CCK, preferably CCK-8, or leptin. Suitable amylin agonists include, for example, [25,28,29Pro]-human amylin and salmon calcitonin. In one preferred aspect, the pharmaceutical composition comprises exendin-3. In another preferred aspect, the pharmaceutical composition comprises exendin-4. In other preferred aspects, the pharmaceutical compositions comprises a peptide selected from: exendin-4 (1-30), exendin-4 (1-30) amide, exendin-4 (1-28) amide, 14Leu,25Phe exendin-4 amide, 14Leu,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide, and 14Leu,22Ala,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4 and GLP-1. FIG. 2 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in obese mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4. FIG. 3 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in rats after intracerebroventricular injection of exendin-4 FIG. 4 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4 (1-30) (“Compound 1”). FIG. 5 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4 (1-30) amide (“Compound 2”). FIG. 6 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 3”). FIG. 7 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of 14Leu,25Phe exendin-4 amide (“Compound 4”). FIG. 8 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of 14Leu,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 5”). FIG. 9 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of 14Leu,22Ala,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 6”). FIG. 10 depicts the amino acid sequences for certain exendin agonist compounds useful in the present invention [SEQ ID NOS 9-39]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Exendins and exendin agonists are useful as described herein in view of their pharmacological properties. Activity as exendin agonists can be indicated by activity in the assays described below. Effects of exendins or exendin agonists on reducing food intake can be identified, evaluated, or screened for, using the methods described in the Examples below, or other methods known in the art for determining effects on food intake or appetite. Exendin Agonist Compounds Exendin agonist compounds are those described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/055,404, including compounds of the formula (I) [SEQ ID NO. 3]: 1 5 10 Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Gly Thr Xaa4 Xaa5 Xaa6 Xaa7 Xaa8 15 20 Ser Lys Gln Xaa9 Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Xaa10 25 30 Xaa11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Xaa14 Ser 35 Ser Gly Ala Xaa15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Xaa18-Z wherein Xaa1 is His, Arg or Tyr; Xaa2 is Ser, Gly, Ala or Thr; Xaa3 is Asp or Glu; Xaa4 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa5 is Thr or Ser; Xaa6 is Ser or Thr; Xaa7 is Asp or Glu; Xaa8 is Leu, Ile, Val, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa9 is Leu, Ile, pentylglycine, Val or Met; Xaa10 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa11 is Ile, Val, Leu, pentylglycine, tert-butylglycine or Met; Xaa12 is Glu or Asp; Xaa13 is Trp, Phe, Tyr, or naphthylalanine; Xaa14, Xaa15, Xaa16 and Xaa17 are independently Pro, homoproline, 3Hyp, 4Hyp, thioproline, N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine or N-alkylalanine; Xaa18 is Ser, Thr or Tyr; and Z is —OH or —NH2; with the proviso that the compound is not exendin-3 or exindin-4. Preferred N-alkyl groups for N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine and N-alkylalanine include lower alkyl groups preferably of 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, more preferably of 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Suitable compounds include those listed in FIG. 10 having amino acid sequences of SEQ. ID. NOS. 9 to 39. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those wherein Xaa1 is His or Tyr. More preferably Xaa1 is His. Preferred are those compounds wherein Xaa2 is Gly. Preferred are those compounds wherein Xaa9 is Leu, pentylglycine or Met. Preferred compounds include those wherein Xaa13 is Trp or Phe. Also preferred are compounds where Xaa4 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa11 is Ile or Val and Xaa14, Xaa15, Xaa16 and Xaa17 are independently selected from Pro, homoproline, thioproline or N-alkylalanine. Preferably N-alkylalanine has a N-alkyl group of 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. According to an especially preferred aspect, Xaa15, Xaa16 and Xaa17 are the same amino acid reside. Preferred are compounds wherein Xaa18 is Ser or Tyr, more preferably Ser. Preferably Z is —NH2. According to one aspect, preferred are compounds of formula (I) wherein Xaa1 is His or Tyr, more preferably His; Xaa2 is Gly; Xaa4 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa9 is Leu, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa10 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa11 is Ile or Val; Xaa14, Xaa15, Xaa16 and Xaa17 are independently selected from Pro, homoproline, thioproline or N-alkylalanine; and Xaa18 is Ser or Tyr, more preferably Ser. More preferably Z is —NH2. According to an especially preferred aspect, especially preferred compounds include those of formula (I) wherein: Xaa1 is His or Arg; Xaa2 is Gly; Xaa3 is Asp or Glu; Xaa4 is Phe or napthylalanine; Xaa5 is Thr or Ser; Xaa6 is Ser or Thr; Xaa7 is Asp or Glu; Xaa8 is Leu or pentylglycine; Xaa9 is Leu or pentylglycine; Xaa10 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa11 is Ile, Val or t-butyltylglycine; Xaa12 is Glu or Asp; Xaa13 is Trp or Phe; Xaa14, Xaa15, Xaa16, and Xaa17 are independently Pro, homoproline, thioproline, or N-methylalanine; Xaa18 is Ser or Tyr: and Z is —OH or —NH2; with the proviso that the compound does not have the formula of either SEQ. ID. NOS. 1 or 2. More preferably Z is —NH2. Especially preferred compounds include those having the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NOS. 9, 10, 21, 22, 23, 26, 28, 34, 35 and 39. According to an especially preferred aspect, provided are compounds where Xaa9 is Leu, Ile, Val or pentylglycine, more preferably Leu or pentylglycine, and Xaa13 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine, more preferably Phe or naphthylalanine. These compounds will exhibit advantageous duration of action and be less subject to oxidative degration, both in vitro and in vivo, as well as during synthesis of the compound. Exendin agonist compounds also include those described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/065,442, including compounds of the formula (II) [SEQ ID NO. 4]: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Gly Xaa5 Xaa6 Xaa7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Xaa10 Xaa11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Xaa15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Ala Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 Xaa22 Xaa23 Xaa24 Xaa25 Xaa26 Xaa27 Xaa28-Z1,; wherein Xaa1 is His, Arg or Tyr; Xaa2 is Ser, Gly, Ala or Thr; Xaa3 is Asp or Glu; Xaa5 is Ala or Thr; Xaa6 is Ala, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa7 is Thr or Ser; Xaa8 is Ala, Ser or Thr; Xaa9 is Asp or Glu; Xaa10 is Ala, Leu, Ile, Val, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa11 is Ala or Ser; Xaa12 is Ala or Lys; Xaa13 is Ala or Gln; Xaa14 is Ala, Leu, Ile, pentylglycine, Val or Met; Xaa15 is Ala or Glu; Xaa16 is Ala or Glu; Xaa17 is Ala or Glu; Xaa19 is Ala or Val; Xaa20 is Ala or Arg; Xaa21 is Ala or Leu; Xaa22 is Ala, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa23 is Ile, Val, Leu, pentylglycine, tert-butylglycine or Met; Xaa24 is Ala, Glu or Asp; Xaa25 is Ala, Trp, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa26 is Ala or Leu; Xaa27 is Ala or Lys; Xaa28 is Ala or Asn; Z1 is —OH, —NH2 Gly-Z2, Gly Gly-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36 Xaa37-Z2 or Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36 Xaa37 Xaa38-Z2; Xaa31, Xaa36, Xaa37 and Xaa38 are independently Pro, homoproline, 3Hyp, 4Hyp, thioproline, N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine or N-alkylalanine; and Z2 is —OH or —NH2; provided that no more than three of Xaa3, Xaa5, Xaa6, Xaa8, Xaa10, Xaa11, Xaa12, Xaa13, Xaa14, Xaa15, Xaa16, Xaa17, Xaa19, Xaa20, Xaa21 Xaa24, Xaa25, Xaa26, Xaa27 and Xaa28 are Ala. Preferred N-alkyl groups for N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine and N-alkylalanine include lower alkyl groups preferably of 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, more preferably of 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those wherein Xaa1 is His or Tyr. More preferably Xaa1 is His. Preferred are those compounds wherein Xaa2 is Gly. Preferred are those compounds wherein Xaa14 is Leu, pentylglycine or Met. Preferred compounds are those wherein Xaa25 is Trp or Phe. Preferred compounds are those where Xaa6 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa22 is Phe or naphthylalanine and Xaa23 is Ile or Val. Preferred are compounds wherein Xaa31, Xaa36, Xaa37 and Xaa38 are independently selected from Pro, homoproline, thioproline and N-alkylalanine. Preferably Z1 is —NH2. Preferable Z2 is —NH2. According to one aspect, preferred are compounds of formula (I) wherein Xaa1 is His or Tyr, more preferably His; Xaa2 is Gly; Xaa6 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa14 is Leu, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa22 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa23 is Ile or Val; Xaa31, Xaa36, Xaa37 and Xaa38 are independently selected from Pro, homoproline, thioproline or N-alkylalanine. More preferably Z1 is —NH2. According to an especially preferred aspect, especially preferred compounds include those of formula (I) wherein: Xaa1 is His or Arg; Xaa2 is Gly or Ala; Xaa3 is Asp or Glu; Xaa5 is Ala or Thr; Xaa6 is Ala, Phe or nephthylalaine; Xaa7 is Thr or Ser; Xaa8 is Ala, Ser or Thr; Xaa9 is Asp or Glu; Xaa10 is Ala, Leu or pentylglycine; Xaa11 is Ala or Ser; Xaa12 is Ala or Lys; Xaa13 is Ala or Gln; Xaa14 is Ala, Leu or pentylglycine; Xaa15 is Ala or Glu; Xaa16 is Ala or Glu; Xaa17 is Ala or Glu; Xaa19 is Ala or Val; Xaa20 is Ala or Arg; Xaa21 is Ala or Leu; Xaa22 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa23 is Ile, Val or tert-butylglycine; Xaa24 is Ala, Glu or Asp; Xaa25 is Ala, Trp or Phe; Xaa26 is Ala or Leu; Xaa27 is Ala or Lys; Xaa28 is Ala or Asn; Z1 is —OH, —NH2, Gly-Z2, Gly Gly-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36 Xaa37-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36 Xaa37 Xaa38-Z2; Xaa31, Xaa36, Xaa37 and Xaa38 being independently Pro homoproline, thioproline or N-methylalanine; and Z2 being —OH or —NH2; provided that no more than three of Xaa3, Xaa5, Xaa6, Xaa8, Xaa10, Xaa11, Xaa12, Xaa13, Xaa14, Xaa15, Xaa16, Xaa17, Xaa19, Xaa20, Xaa21, Xaa24, Xaa25, Xaa26, Xaa27 and Xaa28 are Ala. Especially preferred compounds include those having the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NOS. 40-61. According to an especially preferred aspect, provided are compounds where Xaa14 is Leu, Ile, Val or pentylglycine, more preferably Leu or pentylglycine, and Xaa25 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine, more preferably Phe or naphthylalanine. These compounds will be less susceptive to oxidative degration, both in vitro and in vivo, as well as during synthesis of the compound. Exendin agonist compounds also include those described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/066,029, including compounds of the formula (III)[SEQ ID NO. 5]: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Xaa6 Xaa7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Xaa10 Xaa11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Xaa15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Ala Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 Xaa22 Xaa23 Xaa24 Xaa25 Xaa26 Xaa27 Xaa28-Z1; wherein Xaa1 is His, Arg, Tyr, Ala, Norval, Val or Norleu; Xaa2 is Ser, Gly, Ala or Thr; Xaa3 is Ala, Asp or Glu; Xaa4 is Ala, Norval, Val, Norleu or Gly; Xaa5 is Ala or Thr; Xaa6 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa7 is Thr or Ser; Xaa8 is Ala, Ser or Thr; Xaa9 is Ala, Norval, Val, Norleu, Asp or Glu; Xaa10 is Ala, Leu, Ile, Val, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa11 is Ala or Ser; Xaa12 is Ala or Lys; Xaa13 is Ala or Gln; Xaa14 is Ala, Leu, Ile, pentylglycine, Val or Met; Xaa15 is Ala or Glu; Xaa16 is Ala or Glu; Xaa17 is Ala or Glu; Xaa19 is Ala or Val; Xaa20 is Ala or Arg; Xaa21 is Ala or Leu; Xaa22 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa23 is Ile, Val, Leu, pentylglycine, tert-butylglycine or Met; Xaa24 is Ala, Glu or Asp; Xaa25 is Ala, Trp, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa26 is Ala or Leu; Xaa27 is Ala or Lys; Xaa28 is Ala or Asn; Z1 is —OH, —NH2, Gly-Z2, Gly Gly-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36 Xaa37-Z2, Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36 Xaa37 Xaa38-Z2 or Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa36 Xaa37 Xaa38 Xaa39-Z2; wherein Xaa31, Xaa36, Xaa37 and Xaa38 are independently Pro, homoproline, 3Hyp, 4Hyp, thioproline, N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine or N-alkylalanine; and Z2 is —OH or —NH2; provided that no more than three of Xaa3, Xaa4, Xaa5, Xaa6, Xaa8, Xaa9, Xaa10, Xaa11, Xaa12, Xaa13, Xaa14, Xaa15, Xaa16, Xaa17, Xaa19, Xaa20, Xaa21, Xaa24, Xaa25, Xaa26, Xaa27 and Xaa28 are Ala; and provided also that, if Xaa1 is His, Arg or Tyr, then at least one of Xaa3, Xaa4 and Xaa9 is Ala. Definitions In accordance with the present invention and as used herein, the following terms are defined to have the following meanings, unless explicitly stated otherwise. The term “amino acid” refers to natural amino acids, unnatural amino acids, and amino acid analogs, all in their D and L stereoisomers if their structure allow such stereoisomeric forms. Natural amino acids include alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (Glu), glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), Lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), typtophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr) and valine (Val). Unnatural amino acids include, but are not limited to azetidinecarboxylic acid, 2-aminoadipic acid, 3-aminoadipic acid, beta-alanine, aminopropionic acid, 2-aminobutyric acid, 4-aminobutyric acid, 6-aminocaproic acid, 2-aminoheptanoic acid, 2-aminoisobutyric acid, 3-aminoisbutyric acid, 2-aminopimelic acid, tertiary-butylglycine, 2,4-diaminoisobutyric acid, desmosine, 2,2′-diaminopimelic acid, 2,3-diaminopropionic acid, N-ethylglycine, N-ethylasparagine, homoproline, hydroxylysine, allo-hydroxylysine, 3-hydroxyproline, 4-hydroxyproline, isodesmosine, allo-isoleucine, N-methylalanine, N-methylglycine, N-methylisoleucine, N-methylpentylglycine, N-methylvaline, naphthalanine, norvaline, norleucine, ornithine, pentylglycine, pipecolic acid and thioproline. Amino acid analogs include the natural and unnatural amino acids which are chemically blocked, reversibly or irreversibly, or modified on their N-terminal amino group or their side-chain groups, as for example, methionine sulfoxide, methionine sulfone, S-(carboxymethyl)-cysteine, S-(carboxymethyl)-cysteine sulfoxide and S-(carboxymethyl)-cysteine sulfone. The term “amino acid analog” refers to an amino acid wherein either the C-terminal carboxy group, the N-terminal amino group or side-chain functional group has been chemically codified to another functional group. For example, aspartic acid-(beta-methyl ester) is an amino acid analog of aspartic acid; N-ethylglycine is an amino acid analog of glycine; or alanine carboxamide is an amino acid analog of alanine. The term “amino acid residue” refers to radicals having the structure: (1) —C(O)—R—NH—, wherein R typically is —CH(R′)—, wherein R′ is an amino acid side chain, typically H or a carbon containing substitutent; or (2), wherein p is 1, 2 or 3 representing the azetidinecarboxylic acid, proline or pipecolic acid residues, respectively. The term “lower” referred to herein in connection with organic radicals such as alkyl groups defines such groups with up to and including about 6, preferably up to and including 4 and advantageously one or two carbon atoms. Such groups may be straight chain or branched chain. “Pharmaceutically acceptable salt” includes salts of the compounds described herein derived from the combination of such compounds and an organic or inorganic acid. In practice the use of the salt form amounts to use of the base form. The compounds are useful in both free base and salt form. In addition, the following abbreviations stand for the following: “ACN” or “CH3CN” refers to acetonitrile. “Boc”, “tBoc” or “Tboc” refers to t-butoxy carbonyl. “DCC” refers to N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. “Fmoc” refers to fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl. “HBTU” refers to 2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3,-tetramethyluronium hexaflurophosphate. “HOBt” refers to 1-hydroxybenzotriazole monohydrate. “homop” or hpro” refers to homoproline. “MeAla” or “Nme” refers to N-methylalanine. “naph” refers to naphthylalanine. “pG” or pGly” refers to pentylglycine. “tBuG” refers to tertiary-butylglycine. “ThioP” or tPro” refers to thioproline. 3Hyp” refers to 3-hydroxyproline 4Hyp” refers to 4-hydroxyproline NAG” refers to N-alkylglycine NAPG” refers to N-alkylpentylglycine “Norval” refers to norvaline “Norleu” refers to norleucine Preparation of Compounds The exendins and exendin agonists described herein may be prepared using standard solid-phase peptide synthesis techniques and preferably an automated or semiautomated peptide synthesizer. Typically, using such techniques, an α-N-carbamoyl protected amino acid and an amino acid attached to the growing peptide chain on a resin are coupled at room temperature in an inert solvent such as dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone or methylene chloride in the presence of coupling agents such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole in the presence of a base such as diisopropylethylamine. The α-N-carbamoyl protecting group is removed from the resulting peptide-resin using a reagent such as trifluoroacetic acid or piperidine, and the coupling reaction repeated with the next desired N-protected amino acid to be added to the peptide chain. Suitable N-protecting groups are well known in the art, with t-butyloxycarbonyl (tBoc) and fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) being preferred herein. The solvents, amino acid derivatives and 4-methylbenzhydryl-amine resin used in the peptide synthesizer may be purchased from Applied Biosystems Inc. (Foster City, Calif.). The following side-chain protected amino acids may be purchased from Applied Biosystems, Inc.: Boc-Arg(Mts), Fmoc-Arg(Pmc), Boc-Thr(Bzl), Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu), Boc-Ser(Bzl), Fmoc-Ser(t-Bu), Boc-Tyr(BrZ), Fmoc-Tyr(t-Bu), Boc-Lys(Cl-Z), Fmoc-Lys(Boc), Boc-Glu(Bzl), Fmoc-Glu(t-Bu), Fmoc-His(Trt), Fmoc-Asn(Trt), and Fmoc-Gln(Trt). Boc-His(BOM) may be purchased from Applied Biosystems, Inc. or Bachem Inc. (Torrance, Calif.). Anisole, dimethylsulfide, phenol, ethanedithiol, and thioanisole may be obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company (Milwaukee, Wis.). Air Products and Chemicals (Allentown, Pa.) supplies HF. Ethyl ether, acetic acid and methanol may be purchased from Fisher Scientific (Pittsburgh, Pa.). Solid phase peptide synthesis may be carried out with an automatic peptide synthesizer (Model 430A, Applied Biosystems Inc., Foster City, Calif.) using the NMP/HOBt (Option 1) system and tBoc or Fmoc chemistry (see, Applied Biosystems User's Manual for the ABI 430A Peptide Synthesizer, Version 1.3B Jul. 1, 1988, section 6, pp. 49-70, Applied Biosystems, Inc., Foster City, Calif.) with capping. Boc-peptide-resins may be cleaved with HF (−5° C. to 0° C., 1 hour). The peptide may be extracted from the resin with alternating water and acetic acid, and the filtrates lyophilized. The Fmoc-peptide resins may be cleaved according to standard methods (Introduction to Cleavage Techniques, Applied Biosystems, Inc., 1990, pp. 6-12). Peptides may be also be assembled using an Advanced Chem Tech Synthesizer (Model MPS 350, Louisville, Ky.). Peptides may be purified by RP-HPLC (preparative and analytical) using a Waters Delta Prep 3000 system. A C4, C8 or C18 preparative column (10μ, 2.2×25 cm; Vydac, Hesperia, Calif.) may be used to isolate peptides, and purity may be determined using a C4, C8 or C18 analytical column (5μ, 0.46×25 cm; Vydac). Solvents (A=0.1% TFA/water and B=0.1% TFA/CH3CN) may be delivered to the analytical column at a flowrate of 1.0 ml/min and to the preparative column at 15 ml/min. Amino acid analyses may be performed on the Waters Pico Tag system and processed using the Maxima program. Peptides may be hydrolyzed by vapor-phase acid hydrolysis (115° C., 20-24 h). Hydrolysates may be derivatized and analyzed by standard methods (Cohen, et al., The Pico Tag Method: A Manual of Advanced Techniques for Amino Acid Analysis, pp. 11-52, Millipore Corporation, Milford, Mass. (1989)). Fast atom bombardment analysis may be carried out by M-Scan, Incorporated (West Chester, Pa.). Mass calibration may be performed using cesium iodide or cesium iodide/glycerol. Plasma desorption ionization analysis using time of flight detection may be carried out on an Applied Biosystems Bio-Ion 20 mass spectrometer. Electrospray mass spectroscopy may be carried out on a VG-Trio machine. Peptide compounds useful in the invention may also be prepared using recombinant DNA techniques, using methods now known in the art. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2d Ed., Cold Spring Harbor (1989). Non-peptide compounds useful in the present invention may be prepared by art-known methods. For example, phosphate-containing amino acids and peptides containing such amino acids, may be prepared using methods known in the art. See, e.g., Bartlett and Landen, Biorg. Chem. 14:356-377 (1986). The compounds described above are useful in view of their pharmacological properties. In particular, the compounds of the invention possess activity as agents to reduce food intake. They can be used to treat conditions or diseases which can be alleviated by reducing food intake. Compositions useful in the invention may conveniently be provided in the form of formulations suitable for parenteral (including intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous) or nasal or oral administration. In some cases, it will be convenient to provide an exendin or exendin agonist and another food-intake-reducing, plasma glucose-lowering or plasma lipid-lowering agent, such as amylin, an amylin agonist, a CCK, or a leptin, in a single composition or solution for administration together. In other cases, it may be more advantageous to administer the additional agent separately from said exendin or exendin agonist. A suitable administration format may best be determined by a medical practitioner for each patient individually. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and their formulation are described in standard formulation treatises, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences by E. W. Martin. See also Wang, Y. J. and Hanson, M. A. “Parenteral Formulations of Proteins and Peptides: Stability and Stabilizers,” Journal of Parenteral Science and Technology, Technical Report No. 10, Supp. 42:2S (1988). Compounds useful in the invention can be provided as parenteral compositions for injection or infusion. They can, for example, be suspended in an inert oil, suitably a vegetable oil such as sesame, peanut, olive oil, or other acceptable carrier. Preferably, they are suspended in an aqueous carrier, for example, in an isotonic buffer solution at a pH of about 3.0 to 8.0, preferably at a pH of about 3.5 to 5.0. These compositions may be sterilized by conventional sterilization techniques, or may be sterile filtered. The compositions may contain pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances as required to approximate physiological conditions, such as pH buffering agents. Useful buffers include for example, sodium acetate/acetic acid buffers. A form of repository or “depot” slow release preparation may be used so that therapeutically effective amounts of the preparation are delivered into the bloodstream over many hours or days following transdermal injection or delivery. The desired isotonicity may be accomplished using sodium chloride or other pharmaceutically acceptable agents such as dextrose, boric acid, sodium tartrate, propylene glycol, polyols (such as mannitol and sorbitol), or other inorganic or organic solutes. Sodium chloride is preferred particularly for buffers containing sodium ions. The claimed compositions can also be formulated as pharmaceutically acceptable salts (e.g., acid addition salts) and/or complexes thereof. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are non-toxic salts at the concentration at which they are administered. The preparation of such salts can facilitate the pharmacological use by altering the physical-chemical characteristics of the composition without preventing the composition from exerting its physiological effect. Examples of useful alterations in physical properties include lowering the melting point to facilitate transmucosal administration and increasing the solubility to facilitate the administration of higher concentrations of the drug. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include acid addition salts such as those containing sulfate, hydrochloride, phosphate, sulfamate, acetate, citrate, lactate, tartrate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, cyclohexylsulfamate and quinate. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be obtained from acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfamic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, malonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, cyclohexylsulfamic acid, and quinic acid. Such salts may be prepared by, for example, reacting the free acid or base forms of the product with one or more equivalents of the appropriate base or acid in a solvent or medium in which the salt is insoluble, or in a solvent such as water which is then removed in vacuo or by freeze-drying or by exchanging the ions of an existing salt for another ion on a suitable ion exchange resin. Carriers or excipients can also be used to facilitate administration of the compound. Examples of carriers and excipients include calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars such as lactose, glucose, or sucrose, or types of starch, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, vegetable oils, polyethylene glycols and physiologically compatible solvents. The compositions or pharmaceutical composition can be administered by different routes including intravenously, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular, orally, topically, transmucosally, or by pulmonary inhalation. If desired, solutions of the above compositions may be thickened with a thickening agent such as methyl cellulose. They may be prepared in emulsified form, either water in oil or oil in water. Any of a wide variety of pharmaceutically acceptable emulsifying agents may be employed including, for example, acacia powder, a non-ionic surfactant (such as a Tween), or an ionic surfactant (such as alkali polyether alcohol sulfates or sulfonates, e.g., a Triton). Compositions useful in the invention are prepared by mixing the ingredients following generally accepted procedures. For example, the selected components may be simply mixed in a blender or other standard device to produce a concentrated mixture which may then be adjusted to the final concentration and viscosity by the addition of water or thickening agent and possibly a buffer to control pH or an additional solute to control tonicity. For use by the physician, the compositions will be provided in dosage unit form containing an amount of an exendin or exendin agonist, for example, exendin-3, and/or exendin-4, with or without another food intake-reducing, plasma glucose-lowering or plasma lipid-lowering agent. Therapeutically effective amounts of an exendin or exendin agonist for use in reducing food intake are those that suppress appetite at a desired level. As will be recognized by those in the field, an effective amount of therapeutic agent will vary with many factors including the age and weight of the patient, the patient's physical condition, the blood sugar level and other factors. The effective daily appetite-suppressing dose of the compounds will typically be in the range of about 10 to 30 μg to about 5 mg/day, preferably about 10 to 30 μg to about 2 mg/day and more preferably about 10 to 100 μg to about 1 mg/day, most preferably about 30 μg to about 500 μg/day, for a 70 kg patient, administered in a single or divided doses. The exact dose to be administered is determined by the attending clinician and is dependent upon where the particular compound lies within the above quoted range, as well as upon the age, weight and condition of the individual. Administration should begin whenever the suppression of food intake, or weight lowering is desired, for example, at the first sign of symptoms or shortly after diagnosis of obesity, diabetes mellitus, or insulin-resistance syndrome. Administration may be by injection, preferably subcutaneous or intramuscular. Orally active compounds may be taken orally, however dosages should be increased 5-10 fold. The optimal formulation and mode of administration of compounds of the present application to a patient depend on factors known in the art such as the particular disease or disorder, the desired effect, and the type of patient. While the compounds will typically be used to treat human subjects they may also be used to treat similar or identical diseases in other vertebrates such as other primates, farm animals such as swine, cattle and poultry, and sports animals and pets such as horses, dogs and cats. To assist in understanding the present invention, the following Examples are included. The experiments relating to this invention should not, of course, be construed as specifically limiting the invention and such variations of the invention, now known or later developed, which would be within the purview of one skilled in the art are considered to fall within the scope of the invention as described herein and hereinafter claimed. EXAMPLE 1 Exendin Injections Reduced the Food Intake of Normal Mice All mice (NIH:Swiss mice) were housed in a stable environment of 22 (±2)° C., 60 (±10) % humidity and a 12:12 light:dark cycle; with lights on at 0600. Mice were housed in groups of four in standard cages with ad libitum access to food (Teklad: LM 485; Madison, Wis.) and water except as noted, for at least two weeks before the experiments. All experiments were conducted between the hours of 0700 and 0900. The mice were food deprived (food removed at 1600 hr from all animals on day prior to experiment) and individually housed. All mice received an intraperitoneal injection (5 μl/kg) of either saline or exendin-4 at doses of 0.1, 1.0, 10 and 100 μg/kg and were immediately presented with a pre-weighed food pellet (Teklad LM 485). The food pellet was weighed at 30-minute, 1-hr, 2-hr and 6-hr intervals to determine the amount of food eaten. FIG. 1 depicts cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH:Swiss mice following eip injection of saline, 2 doses of GLP-1, or 4 doses of exendin-4. At doses up to 100 μg/kg, GLP-1 had no effect on food intake measured over any period, a result consistent with that previously reported (Bhavsar, S. P., et al., Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 21:460 (188.8) (1995); and Turton, M. D., Nature, 379:69-72, (1996)). In contrast, exendin-4 injections potently and dose-dependently inhibited food intake. The ED50 for inhibition of food intake over 30 min was 1 μg/kg, which is a level about as potent as amylin (ED50 3.6 μg/kg) or the prototypical peripheral satiety agent, CCK (ED50 0.97 μg/kg) as measured in this preparation. However, in contrast to the effects of amylin or CCK, which abate after 1-2 hours, the inhibition of food intake with exendin-4 was still present after at least 6 hours after injection. EXAMPLE 2 Exendin Reduced the Food Intake of Obese Mice All mice (female ob/ob mice) were housed in a stable environment of 22 (±2)° C., 60 (±10) % humidity and a 12:12 light:dark cycle; with lights on at 0600. Mice were housed in groups of four in standard cages with ad libiturm access to food (Teklad: LM 485) and water except as noted, for at least two weeks before the experiments. All experiments were conducted between the hours of 0700 and 0900. The mice were food deprived (food removed at 1600 hr from all animals on day prior to experiment) and individually housed. All mice received an intraperitoneal injection (5 μl/kg) of either saline or exendin-4 at doses of 0.1, 1.0 and 10 μg/kg (female ob/ob mice) and were immediately presented with a pre-weighed food pellet (Teklad LM 485). The food pellet was weighed at 30-minute, 1-hr. 2-hr and 6-hr intervals to determine the amount of food eaten. FIG. 2 depicts the effect of exendin-4 in the ob/ob mouse model of obesity. The obese mice had a similar food intake-related response to exendin as the normal mice. Moreover, the obese mice were not hypersensitive to exendin, as has been observed with amylin and leptin (Young, A. A., et al., Program and Abstracts, 10th International Congress of Endocrinology, Jun. 12-15, 1996 San Francisco, pg 419 (P2-58)). EXAMPLE 3 Intracerebroventricular Injections of Exendin Inhibited Food Intake in Rats All rats (Harlan Sprague-Dawley) were housed in a stable environment of 22 (±2)° C., 60 (±10)% humidity and a 12:12 light:dark cycle; with lights on at 0600. Rats were obtained from Zivic Miller with an intracerebroventricular cannula (ICV cannula) implanted (coordinates determined by actual weight of animals and referenced to Paxinos, G. and Watson, C. “The Rat Brain in stereotaxic coordinates,” second edition. Academic Press) and were individually housed in standard cages with ad libitum access to food (Teklad: LM 485) and water for at least one week before the experiments. All injections were given between the hours of 1700 and 1800. The rats were habituated to the ICV injection procedure at least once before the ICV administration of compound. All rats received an ICV injection (2 μl/30 seconds) of either saline or exendin-4 at doses of 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 μg. All animals were then presented with pre-weighed food (Teklad LM 485) at 1800, when the lights were turned off. The amount of food left was weighed at 2-hr, 12-hr and 24-hr intervals to determine the amount of food eaten by each animal. FIG. 3 depicts a dose-dependent inhibition of food intake in rats that received doses greater than 0.1 μpg/rat. The ED50 was ≈0.1 μg, exendin-4 is thus ≈100-fold more potent than intracerebroventricular injections of GLP-1 as reported by Turton, M. D., et al. (Nature 379:69-72 (1996)). EXAMPLE 4 Exendin Agonists Reduced the Food Intake in Mice All mice (NIH:Swiss mice) were housed in a stable environment of 22 (±2)° C., 60 (±10) % humidity and a 12:12 light:dark cycle; with lights on at 0600. Mice were housed in groups of four in standard cages with ad libitum access to food (Teklad: LM 485; Madison, Wis.) and water except as noted, for at least two weeks before the experiments. All experiments were conducted between the hours of 0700 and 0900. The mice were food deprived (food removed at 1600 hr from all animals on day prior to experiment) and individually housed. All mice received an intraperitoneal injection (5 μl/kg) of either saline or test compound at doses of 1, 10, and 100 μg/kg and immediately presented with a food pellet (Teklad LM 485). The food pellet was weighed at 30-minute, 1-hr, 2-hr and 6-hr intervals to determine the amount of food eaten. FIG. 4 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH:Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or exendin-4 (1-30) (“Compound 1”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg. FIG. 5 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH:Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or exendin-4 (1-30) amide (“Compound 2”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg. FIG. 6 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH:Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 3”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg. FIG. 7 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH:Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or 14Leu,25Phe exendin-4 amide (“Compound 4”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg. FIG. 8 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH:Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or 14Leu,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 5”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg. FIG. 9 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH:Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or 14Leu,22Ala,25Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 6”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg. EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of Amidated Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 9 The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.). In general, single-coupling cycles were used throughout the synthesis and Fast Moc (HBTU activation) chemistry was employed. However, at some positions coupling was less efficient than expected and double couplings were required. In particular, residues Asp9, Thr7 and Phe6 all required double coupling. Deprotection (Fmoc group removal)of the growing peptide chain using piperidine was not always efficient. Double deprotection was required at positions Arg20, Val19 and Leu14. Final deprotection of the completed peptide resin was achieved using a mixture of triethylsilane (0.2 mL), ethanedithiol (0.2 mL), anisole (0.2 mL), water (0.2 mL) and trifluoroacetic acid (15 mL) according to standard methods (Introduction to Cleavage Techniques, Applied Biosystems, Inc.) The peptide was precipitated in ether/water (50 mL) and centrifuged. The precipitate was reconstituted in glacial acetic acid and lyophilized. The lyophilized peptide was dissolved in water). Crude purity was about 55%. Used in purification steps and analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). The solution containing peptide was applied to a preparative C-18 column and purified (10% to 40% Solvent B in Solvent A over 40 minutes). Purity of fractions was determined isocratically using a C-18 analytical column. Pure fractions were pooled furnishing the above-identified peptide. Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4131.7. found 4129.3. EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 10 The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 25% to 75% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 21.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4168.6. found 4171.2. EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 11 The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4147.6. found 4150.2. EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 12 The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 65% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 19.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4212.6. found 4213.2. EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 13 The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 50% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 16.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4262.7. found 4262.4. EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 14 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4172.6 EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 15 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl -phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4224.7. EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 16 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4172.6 EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID. NO. 17 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4186.6 EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 18 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4200.7 EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 19 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4200.7 EXAMPLE 16 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 20 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4202.7. EXAMPLE 17 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 21 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4145.6. EXAMPLE 18 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 22 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4184.6. EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 23 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4145.6. EXAMPLE 20 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 24 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4224.7. EXAMPLE 21 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 25 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4172.6. EXAMPLE 22 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 26 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4115.5. EXAMPLE 23 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 27 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4188.6. EXAMPLE 24 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 28 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4131.6. EXAMPLE 25 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 29 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4172.6. EXAMPLE 26 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 30 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4145.6. EXAMPLE 27 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 31 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the thioproline positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4266.8. EXAMPLE 28 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 32 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the thioproline positions 38, 37 and 36. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4246.8. EXAMPLE 29 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 33 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the homoproline positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4250.8. EXAMPLE 30 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 34 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the homoproline positions 38, 37, and 36. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4234.8. EXAMPLE 31 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 35 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the thioproline positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4209.8. EXAMPLE 32 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 36 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the homoproline positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4193.7. EXAMPLE 33 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 37 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the N-methylalanine positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3858.2. EXAMPLE 34 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 38 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the N-methylalanine positions 38, 37 and 36. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3940.3. EXAMPLE 35 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ. ID. NO. 39 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the N-methylalanine positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3801.1. EXAMPLE 36 Preparation of C-terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the above C-Terminal Amide Sequences The above peptides of Examples 5 to 35 are assembled on the so called Wang resin (p-alkoxybenzylalacohol resin (Bachem, 0.54 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M). EXAMPLE 37 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 7 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 7] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.). In general, single-coupling cycles were used throughout the synthesis and Fast Moc (HBTU activation) chemistry was employed. Deprotection (Fmoc group removal)of the growing peptide chain was achieved using piperidine. Final deprotection of the completed peptide resin was achieved using a mixture of triethylsilane (0.2 mL), ethanedithiol (0.2 mL), anisole (0.2 mL), water (0.2 mL) and trifluoroacetic acid (15 mL) according to standard methods (Introduction to Cleavage Techniques, Applied Biosystems, Inc.) The peptide was precipitated in ether/water (50 mL) and centrifuged. The precipitate was reconstituted in glacial acetic acid and lyophilized. The lyophilized peptide was dissolved in water). Crude purity was about 75%. Used in purification steps and analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). The solution containing peptide was applied to a preparative C-18 column and purified (10% to 40% Solvent B in Solvent A over 40 minutes). Purity of fractions was determined isocratically using a C-18 analytical column. Pure fractions were pooled furnishing the above-identified peptide. Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 50% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 18.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3408.0. found 3408.9. EXAMPLE 38 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 40 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 40] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 40% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3294.7. found 3294.8. EXAMPLE 39 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 41 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 41] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 29% to 36% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 20.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3237.6. found 3240. EXAMPLE 40 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 42 His Ala Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 [SEQ. ID. NO. 42] The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 15.2 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3251.6. found 3251.5. EXAMPLE 41 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 43 His Gly Glu Gly Ala Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 43] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 13.1 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3207.6. found 3208.3. EXAMPLE 42 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 44 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Ala Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 44] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 12.8 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3161.5. found 3163. EXAMPLE 43 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 45 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ala [SEQ. ID. NO. 45] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 15.2 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3221.6. found 3222.7. EXAMPLE 44 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 46 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 46] Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 34% to 44% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5. found 3199.4. EXAMPLE 45 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 47 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 47] Asp Leu Ala Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 15.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3221.6. found 3221.6. EXAMPLE 46 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 48 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Ala Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 [SEQ. ID. NO. 48] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 18.1 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3180.5. found 3180.9. EXAMPLE 47 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 49 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 49] Asp Leu Ser Lys Ala Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Compound 1. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.0 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3180.6. found 3182.8. EXAMPLE 48 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 50 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 50] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Ala Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 32% to 42% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5. found 3195.9. EXAMPLE 49 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 51 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 51] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to 47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6. found 3179.0. EXAMPLE 50 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 52 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 52] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Ala Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to 47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6. found 3180.0. EXAMPLE 51 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 53 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 53] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Ala Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to 47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 13.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6. found 3179.0. EXAMPLE 52 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 54 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 54] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Ala Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.0 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3209.6. found 3212.8. EXAMPLE 53 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 55 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 55] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Ala Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3152.5. found 3153.5. EXAMPLE 54 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 56 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 56] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Ala Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 12.1 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5. found 3197.7. EXAMPLE 55 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 57 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 57] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Ala Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 10.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6. found 3180.5. EXAMPLE 56 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 58 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 58] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Ala Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 32% to 42% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3161.5. found 3163.0. EXAMPLE 57 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 59 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 59] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Ala Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 32% to 42% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 19.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5. found 3199. EXAMPLE 58 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 60 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 60] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Ala Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3180.5. found 3183.7. EXAMPLE 59 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 61 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 61] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 34% to 44% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 22.8 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3194.6. found 3197.6. EXAMPLE 60 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 62 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 62] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4099.6. EXAMPLE 61 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 63 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 63] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4042.5. EXAMPLE 62 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 64 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 64] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4002.4 EXAMPLE 63 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 65 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 65] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3945.4. EXAMPLE 64 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 66 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 66] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3905.3. EXAMPLE 65 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 67 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 67] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3848.2. EXAMPLE 66 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 68 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 68] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3808.2. EXAMPLE 67 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 69 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 69] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3751.1. EXAMPLE 68 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 70 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 70] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3737.1. EXAMPLE 69 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 71 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 71] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3680.1. EXAMPLE 70 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 72 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 72] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3680.1 EXAMPLE 71 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 73 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 73] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3623.0. EXAMPLE 72 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 74 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 74] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser- NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3593.0 EXAMPLE 73 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 75 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 75] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser- NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3535.9 EXAMPLE 74 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 76 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 76] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro-NH2 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3505.9. EXAMPLE 75 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 77 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 77] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3448.8. EXAMPLE 76 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 78 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 78] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH2 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4-′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3351.7. EXAMPLE 77 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 79 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 79] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly-NH2 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3351.8. EXAMPLE 78 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 80 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 80] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M) calculated 3294.7. EXAMPLE 79 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 81 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 81] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly tPro Ser Ser Gly Ala tPro tPro tPro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 37,36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4197.1. EXAMPLE 80 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 82 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 82] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala tPro tPro tPro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4179.1. EXAMPLE 81 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 83 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 83] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly NMeala Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3948.3. EXAMPLE 82 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 84 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 84] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly NMeala Ser Ser Gly Ala NMeala Nmeala- NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3840.1. EXAMPLE 83 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 85 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 85] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro hPro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4050.1. EXAMPLE 84 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 86 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 86] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. A double coupling is required at residue 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3937.1 EXAMPLE 85 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 87 Arg Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 87] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3827.2. EXAMPLE 86 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 88 His Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 88] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3394.8. EXAMPLE 87 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 89 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Naphthylala [SEQ. ID. NO. 89] Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3289.5. EXAMPLE 88 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 90 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Ser Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 90] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3280.7. EXAMPLE 89 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 91 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Ser Thr [SEQ. ID. NO. 91] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3294.7. EXAMPLE 90 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 92 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 92] Glu Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3250.7. EXAMPLE 91 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 93 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 93] Asp pentylgly Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3253.5. EXAMPLE 92 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 94 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 94] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Naphthylala Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3289.5. EXAMPLE 93 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID No. 95 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 95] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe tButyl- gly Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3183.4. EXAMPLE 94 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 96 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 96] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Asp Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3237.6. EXAMPLE 95 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 97 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 97] Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3637.9. EXAMPLE 96 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 98 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 98] Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3309.7. EXAMPLE 97 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 99 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 99] Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro hPro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA. in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3711.1. EXAMPLE 98 Preparation of C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the above C-Terminal Amide Sequences for SEQ ID NOS. 7, 40-61, 68-75, 78-80 and 87-96 Peptides having the sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 7, 40-61, 68-75, 78-80 and 87-96 are assembled on the so called Wang resin (p-alkoxybenzylalacohol resin (Bachem, 0.54 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M). EXAMPLE 99 Preparation of C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the above C-Terminal Amide Sequences for SEQ ID NOS. 62-67, 76, 77 and 81-86 Peptides having the sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 62-67, 76, 77 and 81-86 are assembled on the 2-chlorotritylchloride resin (200-400 mesh), 2% DVB (Novabiochem, 0.4-1.0 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M). EXAMPLE 100 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 100 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 100] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.). In general, single-coupling cycles were used throughout the synthesis and Fast Moc (HBTU activation) chemistry was employed. Deprotection (Fmoc group removal)of the growing peptide chain was achieved using piperidine. Final deprotection of the completed peptide resin was achieved using a mixture of triethylsilane (0.2 mL), ethanedithiol (0.2 mL), anisole (0.2 mL), water (0.2 mL) and trifluoroacetic acid (15 mL) according to standard methods (Introduction to Cleavage Techniques, Applied Biosystems, Inc.) The peptide was precipitated in ether/water (50 mL) and centrifuged. The precipitate was reconstituted in glacial acetic acid and lyophilized. The lyophilized peptide was dissolved in water). Crude purity was about 75%. Used in purification steps and analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). The solution containing peptide was applied to a preparative C-18 column and purified (10% to 40% Solvent B in Solvent A over 40 minutes). Purity of fractions was determined isocratically using a C-18 analytical column. Pure fractions were pooled furnishing the above-identified peptide. Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 19.2 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3171.6. found 3172. EXAMPLE 101 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 101 His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 101] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6. found 3180. EXAMPLE 102 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 102 His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 102] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to 47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 12.2 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3251.6. found 3253.3. EXAMPLE 103 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 103 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 103] Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 16.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3193.6. found 3197. EXAMPLE 104 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 104 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 104] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3228.6. EXAMPLE 105 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 105 His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 105] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3234.7. EXAMPLE 106 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 106 His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 106] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3308.7. EXAMPLE 107 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 107 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 107] Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3250.7 EXAMPLE 108 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 108 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 108] Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3252.6. EXAMPLE 109 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 109 Ala Ala Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 109] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3200.6. EXAMPLE 110 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 110 Ala Ala Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 110] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3143.5. EXAMPLE 111 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 111 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 111] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3214.6. EXAMPLE 112 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 112 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 112] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3157.5. EXAMPLE 113 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 113 Ala Gly Asp Gly Ala Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 113] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3184.6. EXAMPLE 114 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 114 Ala Gly Asp Gly Ala Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 114] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3127.5. EXAMPLE 115 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 115 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr NaphthylAla [SEQ. ID. NO. 115] Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3266.4. EXAMPLE 116 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 116 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Naphthylala [SEQ. ID. NO. 116] Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3209.4. EXAMPLE 117 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 117 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Ser Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 117] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3200.6. EXAMPLE 118 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 118 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Ser Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 118] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3143.5. EXAMPLE 119 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 119 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ala [SEQ. ID. NO. 119] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3198.6. EXAMPLE 120 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 120 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ala [SEQ. ID. NO. 120] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3141.5. EXAMPLE 121 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 121 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 121] Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3170.6. EXAMPLE 122 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 122 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 122] Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3113.5. EXAMPLE 123 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 123 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 123] Glu Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30-minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3228.6. EXAMPLE 124 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 124 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 124] Glu Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3171.6. EXAMPLE 125 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 125 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 125] Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3172.5. EXAMPLE 126 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 126 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 126] Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptiden is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3115.4. EXAMPLE 127 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 127 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 127] Asp Pentylgly Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1%,TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3230.4. EXAMPLE 128 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 128 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 128] Asp Pentylgly Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3198.6. EXAMPLE 129 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 129 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ala Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 [SEQ. ID. NO. 129] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3141.5. EXAMPLE 130 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 130 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 130] Asp Leu Ala Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3157.5. EXAMPLE 131 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 131 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 131] Asp Leu Ser Ala Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3100.4. EXAMPLE 132 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 132 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 132] Asp Leu Ser Ala Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3157.6. EXAMPLE 133 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 133 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 133] Asp Leu Ser Lys Ala Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3100.5. EXAMPLE 134 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 134 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 134] Asp Leu Ser Lys Ala Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3100.5. EXAMPLE 135 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 135 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 135] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Ala Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3154.5. EXAMPLE 136 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 136 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 136] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Ala Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3115.5. EXAMPLE 137 Preparation of Pentide Having SEQ ID NO. 137 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 137] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Pentylgly Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3212.4. EXAMPLE 138 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 138 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 138] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Pentylgly Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3173.4. EXAMPLE 139 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 139 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 139] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3156.6. EXAMPLE 140 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 140 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 140] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3099.5. EXAMPLE 141 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 141 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 141] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Ala Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3156.6. EXAMPLE 142 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 142 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 142] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Ala Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3099.5. EXAMPLE 143 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 143 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 143] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Ala Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3156.6. EXAMPLE 144 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 144 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 144] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Ala Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3099.5. EXAMPLE 145 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 145 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 145] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Ala Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3186.6. EXAMPLE 146 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 146 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 146] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Ala Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3129.5. EXAMPLE 147 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 147 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 147] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Ala Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3129.5. EXAMPLE 148 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 148 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 148] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Ala Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3072.4. EXAMPLE 149 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 149 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 149] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Ala Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3172.5. EXAMPLE 150 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 150 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 150] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Ala Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3115.5. EXAMPLE 151 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 151 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 151] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Naphthylala Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3266.4. EXAMPLE 152 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 152 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 152] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Naphthylala Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3209.4. EXAMPLE 153 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 153 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 153] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Val Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3200.6. EXAMPLE 154 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 154 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 154] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Val Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3143.5. EXAMPLE 155 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 155 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 155] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe tButyl- gly Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3216.5. EXAMPLE 156 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 156 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 156] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe tButyl- gly Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3159.4. EXAMPLE 157 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 157 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 157] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Asp Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3200.6. EXAMPLE 158 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 158 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 158] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Asp Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3143.5. EXAMPLE 159 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 159 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 159] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Ala Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3099.5. EXAMPLE 160 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 160 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 160] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Ala Leu Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3081.4. EXAMPLE 161 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 161 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 161] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Ala Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3172.5. EXAMPLE 162 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 162 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 162] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Ala Lys Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3115.5. EXAMPLE 163 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 163 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 163] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Ala Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3157.5. EXAMPLE 164 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 164 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 164] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Ala Asn-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3100.4. EXAMPLE 165 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 165 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 165] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3171.6. EXAMPLE 166 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 166 Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 166] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3114.5. EXAMPLE 167 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 167 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 167] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3984.4. EXAMPLE 169 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 169 His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 169] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4016.5. EXAMPLE 170 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 170 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 170] Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3861.3. EXAMPLE 171 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 171 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 171] Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3746.1. EXAMPLE 172 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 172 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 172] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3742.1. EXAMPLE 173 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 173 His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 173] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3693.1. EXAMPLE 174 Preparation of Pentide Having SEQ ID NO. 174 His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 174] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3751.2. EXAMPLE 175 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 175 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 175] Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3634.1. EXAMPLE 176 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 176 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 176] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser- NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3526.9. EXAMPLE 177 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 177 His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 177] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser- NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3477.9. EXAMPLE 178 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 178 His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 178] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3519.9. EXAMPLE 179 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 179 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 179] Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3307.7. EXAMPLE 180 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 180 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 180] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3186.5. EXAMPLE 181 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 181 His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 181] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly tPro Ser Ser Gly Ala tPro tPro tPro-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Double couplings are required at residues 37,36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4121.1. EXAMPLE 182 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 182 His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 182] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala tPro tPro tPro-NH2. The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Double couplings are required at residues 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4173.2. EXAMPLE 183 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 183 His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 183] Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly NMeala Ser Ser Gly Ala NMeala NMeala- NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Compound 1. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3796.1. EXAMPLE 184 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 184 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro-NH2 [SEQ. ID. NO. 184] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. A double coupling is required at residue 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3871.1. EXAMPLE 185 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 185 His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 185] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3750.2. EXAMPLE 186 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 186 His Gly Asp Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 186] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3408.8. EXAMPLE 187 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 187 Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 187] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4120.6. EXAMPLE 188 Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO. 188 Ala Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser [SEQ. ID. NO. 188] Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser-NH2 The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4005.5. EXAMPLE 189 Preparation of C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the above C-Terminal Amide Sequences for Peptides Having SEQ ID NOS. 100-166, 172-177, 179-180 and 185-188 C-terminal carboxylic acid peptides corresponding to amidated having SEQ ID NOS. 100-166, 172-177, 179-180 and 185-188 are assembled on the so called Wang resin (p-alkoxybenzylalacohol resin (Bachem, 0.54 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to that described in Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M). EXAMPLE 190 Preparation of C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid peptides Corresponding to the above C-Terminal Amide Sequences for Peptides Having SEQ ID NOS. 167-171, 178 and 181-184 C-terminal carboxylic acid eptides corresponding to amidated SEQ ID NOS. 167-171, 178 and 181-184 are assembled on the 2-chlorotritylchloride resin (200-400 mesh), 2% DVB (Novabiochem, 0.4-1.0 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to that described in Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M). Various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and fall within the scope of the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The following description summarizes information relevant to the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art to the presently claimed invention, nor that any of the publications specifically or implicitly referenced are prior art to that invention. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention concerns the surprising discovery that exendins and exendin agonists have a profound and prolonged effect on inhibiting food intake. The present invention is directed to novel methods for treating conditions or disorders associated with hypernutrition, comprising the administration of an exendin, for example, exendin-3 [SEQ ID NO. 1: His Ser Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser], or exendin-4 [SEQ ID NO. 2: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser], or other compounds which effectively bind to the receptor at which exendin exerts its action on reducing food intake. These methods will be useful in the treatment of, for example, obesity, diabetes, including Type II or non-insulin dependent diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. In a first aspect, the invention features a method of treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. By an “exendin agonist” is meant a compound that mimics the effects of exendin on the reduction of food intake by binding to the receptor or receptors where exendin causes this effect. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/055,404, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Aug. 8, 1997; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/065,442, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Nov. 14, 1997; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/066,029, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Nov. 14, 1997; all of which enjoy common ownership with the present application and all of which are incorporated by this reference into the present application as though fully set forth herein. By “condition or disorder which can be alleviated by reducing food intake” is meant any condition or disorder in a subject that is either caused by, complicated by, or aggravated by a relatively high food intake, or that can be alleviated by reducing food intake. Such conditions or disorders include, but are not limited to, obesity, diabetes, including Type II diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. Thus, in a first embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake in a subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/055,404; 60/065,442; and 60/066,029, which have been incorporated by reference in the present application. Preferably, the subject is a vertebrate, more preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human. In preferred aspects, the exendin or exendin agonist is administered parenterally, more preferably by injection. In a most preferred aspect, the injection is a peripheral injection. Preferably, about 10 μg-30 μg to about 5 mg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day. More preferably, about 10-30 μg to about 2 mg, or about 10-30 μg to about 1 mg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day. Most preferably, about 30 μg to about 500 μg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day. In various preferred embodiments of the invention, the condition or disorder is obesity, diabetes, preferably Type II diabetes, an eating disorder, or insulin-resistance syndrome. In other preferred aspects of the invention, a method is provided for reducing the appetite of a subject comprising administering to said subject an appetite-lowering amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. In yet other preferred aspects, a method is provided for lowering plasma lipids comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. The methods of the present invention may also be used to reduce the cardiac risk of a subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. In one preferred aspect, the exendin or exendin agonist used in the methods of the present invention is exendin-3. In another preferred aspect, said exendin is exendin-4. Other preferred exendin agonists include exendin-4 (1-30) [SEQ ID NO 6: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly], exendin-4 (1-30) amide [SEQ ID NO 7: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH 2 ], exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO 40: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH 2 ], 14 Leu, 25 Phe exendin-4 amide [SEQ ID NO 9: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser-NH 2 ], 14 Leu, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO 41: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2 ], and 14 Leu, 22 Ala, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO 8: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Ala Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2 ]. In the methods of the present invention, the exendins and exendin agonists may be administered separately or together with one or more other compounds and compositions that exhibit a long term or short-term satiety action, including, but not limited to other compounds and compositions that comprise an amylin agonist, cholecystokinin (CCK), or a leptin (ob protein). Suitable amylin agonists include, for example, [ 25,28,29 Pro-]-human amylin (also known as “pramlintide,” and previously referred to as “AC-137”) as described in “Amylin Agonist Peptides and Uses Therefor,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,511, issued Nov. 11, 1997, and salmon calcitonin. The CCK used is preferably CCK octopeptide (CCK-8). Leptin is discussed in, for example, Pelleymounter, M. A., et al. Science 269:540-43 (1995); Halaas, J. L., et al. Science 269:543-46 (1995); and Campfield, L. A., et al. Eur. J. Pharmac. 262:133-41 (1994). In other embodiments of the invention is provided a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or exendin agonist in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount for a human subject. The pharmaceutical composition may preferably be used for reducing the appetite of a subject, reducing the weight of a subject, lowering the plasma lipid level of a subject, or reducing the cardiac risk of a subject. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the pharmaceutical composition will preferably comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or exendin agonist to accomplish the desired effect in the subject. The pharmaceutical compositions may further comprise one or more other compounds and compositions that exhibit a long-term or short-term satiety action, including, but not limited to other compounds and compositions that comprise an amylin agonist, CCK, preferably CCK-8, or leptin. Suitable amylin agonists include, for example, [ 25,28,29 Pro]-human amylin and salmon calcitonin. In one preferred aspect, the pharmaceutical composition comprises exendin-3. In another preferred aspect, the pharmaceutical composition comprises exendin-4. In other preferred aspects, the pharmaceutical compositions comprises a peptide selected from: exendin-4 (1-30), exendin-4 (1-30) amide, exendin-4 (1-28) amide, 14 Leu, 25 Phe exendin-4 amide, 14 Leu, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide, and 14 Leu, 22 Ala, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide. | 20040720 | 20100622 | 20050224 | 92250.0 | 3 | LIU, SAMUEL W | EXENDINS AND EXENDIN AGONISTS FOR WEIGHT REDUCTION AND OBESITY | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,895,985 | ACCEPTED | Fluoro substituted omega-carboxyaryl diphenyl urea for the treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions | A compound of Formula (I): salts thereof, prodrugs thereof, metabolites thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing such a compound, and use of such compound and compositions to treat diseases mediated by raf, VEGFR, PDGFR, p38 and flt-3. | 1. A compound of Formula (I) or a salt, or a prodrug or a metabolite or an isolated stereoisomer thereof 2. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of Formula I of claim 1 which is a) a basic salt of an organic acid or inorganic acid which is hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulfonic acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluene sulfonic acid (tosylate salt), 1-napthalene sulfonic acid, 2-napthalene sulfonic acid, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, phenylacetic acid, or mandelic acid; or b) an acid salt of an organic or inorganic base containing an alkali metal cation, an alkaline earth metal cation, an ammonium cation, an aliphatic substituted ammonium cation or an aromatic substituted ammonium cation. 3. A compound which is 4{4-[3-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-ureido]-3-fluorophenoxy}-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid methylamide, or a salt thereof. 4. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of claim 3 which is a basic salt of an organic acid such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulfonic acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluene sulfonic acid (tosylate salt), 1-napthalene sulfonic acid, 2-napthalene sulfonic acid, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, phenylacetic acid, or mandelic acid. 5. A compound which is which is a hydrochloride, benzenesulfonate, or methanesulfonate salt of N-(4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-N′-2-fluoro-(4-(2-(N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-pyridyloxy)phenyl) urea. 6. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1 and a physiologically acceptable carrier. 7. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 3 and a physiologically acceptable carrier. 8. A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a disease in a human or other mammal regulated by a protein kinase, associated with an aberration in the protein kinase signal transduction pathway comprising a compound of claim 1 and a physiologically acceptable carrier. 9. A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a hyper-proliferative disorder comprising a compound of claim 1 and a physiologically acceptable carrier. 10. A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a cancerous cell growth comprising a compound of claim 1 and a physiologically acceptable carrier. 11. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of N-(4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-N′-2-fluoro-(4-(2-(N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-pyridyloxy)phenyl) urea and a physiologically acceptable carrier. 12. A method for regulating tyrosine kinase signal transduction comprising administering to a human or other mammal a compound of claim 1. 13. A method for treating or preventing a disease in a human or other mammal which is regulated by tyrosine kinase and associated with an aberration in the tyrosine kinase signal transduction pathway, said method comprising administering to a human or other mammal a compound of claim 1. 14. A method for treating or preventing a disease in a human and/or other mammal which is a VEGFR-2 mediated disorder, said method comprising administering to a human or other mammal a compound of claim 1. 15. A method for treating or preventing a disease in a human and/or other mammal which is a PDGFR mediated disorder, said method comprising administering to a human or other mammal a compound of claim 1. 16. A method for treating or preventing a disease in a human or other mammal which is a raf-mediated disorder, said method comprising administering to a human or other mammal a compound of claim 1. 17. A method for treating or preventing a disease in a human or other mammal which is a p38-mediated disorder, said method comprising administering to a human or other mammal a compound of claim 1. 18. A method for treating or preventing a disease in a human or other mammal which is a VEGF-mediated disorder, said method comprising administering to a human or other mammal a compound of claim 1. 19. A method for treating or preventing a disease in a human or other mammal which is a hyper-proliferative, inflammatory and/or angiogenesis disorder which comprises administering to a human or other mammal a compound of claim 1. 20. A method for treating or preventing a disease in a human or other mammal which is a hyper-proliferative disorder which comprises administering to a human or other mammal a compound of claim 1. 21. A method as in claim 20, wherein the hyper-proliferative disorder is cancer. 22. A method as in claim 21, wherein said method comprises administering to a human or other mammal a compound of claim 1 in combination with one or several additional anti-cancer agents. 23. A method for treating or preventing a disease in a human or other mammal characterized by abnormal angiogenesis or hyperpermiability processes comprising administering to a human or other mammal a compound of claim 1. 24. A method as in claim 23, for treating or preventing a disease in a human or other mammal characterized by abnormal angiogenesis or hyperpermeability processes, comprising administering to a human or other mammal, a compound of claim 1 simultaneously with another anti-angiogenesis agent, either in the same formulation or in separate formulations. 25. A method for treating or preventing one or more of the following conditions in humans and/or other mammals: tumor growth, retinopathy, ischemic retinal-vein occlusion, retinopathy of prematurity, age related macular degeneration; rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, a bullous disorder associated with subepidermal blister formation, including bullous pemphigoid, erythema multiforme, or dermatitis herpetiformis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, septic arthritis, tumor metastasis, periodontal disease, cornal ulceration, proteinuria and coronary thrombosis from atherosclerotic plaque, aneurismal aortic, birth control, dystrophobic epidermolysis bullosa, degenerative cartilage loss following traumatic joint injury, osteopenias mediated by MMP activity, tempero mandibular joint disease or demyelating disease of the nervous system, said method comprising administering to a human or other mammal, a compound of claim 1. 26. A method for treating or preventing one or more of the following conditions in humans and/or other mammals: tumor growth, retinopathy, ischemic retinal-vein occlusion, retinopathy of prematurity, age related macular degeneration; rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, a bullous disorder associated with subepidermal blister formation, including bullous pemphigoid, erythema multiforme, or dermatitis herpetiformis; in combination with another condition selected from the group consisting of: rheumatic fever, bone resorption, postmenopausal osteoporosis, sepsis, gram negative sepsis, septic shock, endotoxic shock, toxic shock syndrome, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (Krohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, asthma, adult respiratory distress syndrome, acute pulmonary fibrotic disease, pulmonary sarcoidosis, allergic respiratory disease, silicosis, coal worker's pneumoconiosis, alveolar injury, hepatic failure, liver disease during acute inflammation, severe alcoholic hepatitis, malaria (Plasmodium falciparum malaria and cerebral malaria), non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), congestive heart failure, damage following heart disease, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, acute encephalitis, brain injury, multiple sclerosis (demyelation and oligiodendrocyte loss in multiple sclerosis), advanced cancer, lymphoid malignancy, pancreatitis, impaired wound healing in infection, inflammation and cancer, myelodysplastic syndromes, systemic lupus erythematosus, biliary cirrhosis, bowel necrosis, radiation injury/toxicity following administration of monoclonal antibodies, host-versus-graft reaction (ischemia reperfusion injury and allograft rejections of kidney, liver, heart, and skin), lung allograft rejection (obliterative bronchitis) and complications due to total hip replacement, said method comprising administering to a human or other mammal a compound of claim 1. 27. A method for treating or preventing one or more of the following conditions in humans and/or other mammals: tumor growth, retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, ischemic retinal-vein occlusion, retinopathy of prematurity, age related macular degeneration; rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, bullous disorder associated with subepidermal blister formation, bullous pemphigoid, erythema multiforme, and dermatitis herpetiformis, in combination with an infectious disease selected from the group consisting of: tuberculosis, Helicobacter pylori infection during peptic ulcer disease, Chaga's disease resulting from Trypanosoma cruzi infection, effects of Shiga-like toxin resulting from E. coli infection, effects of enterotoxin A resulting from Staphylococcus infection, meningococcal infection, and infections from Borrelia burgdorferi, Treponema pallidum, cytomegalovirus, influenza virus, Theiler's encephalomyelitis virus, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); said method comprising administering to a human or other mammal a compound of claim 1. 28. A method as in claim 22 wherein the additional anti-cancer agent is selected from the group consisting of asparaginase, bleomycin, carboplatin, carmustine, chlorambucil, cisplatin, colaspase, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, dacarbazine, dactinomycin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin (adriamycine), epirubicin, etoposide, 5-fluorouracil, hexamethylmelamine, hydroxyurea, ifosfamide, irinotecan, leucovorin, lomustine, mechlorethamine, 6-mercaptopurine, mesna, methotrexate, mitomycin C, mitoxantrone, prednisolone, prednisone, procarbazine, raloxifen, streptozocin, tamoxifen, thioguanine, topotecan, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, aminoglutethimide, L-asparaginase, azathioprine, 5-azacytidine cladribine, busulfan, diethylstilbestrol, 2′,2′-difluorodeoxycytidine, docetaxel, erythrohydroxynonyl adenine, ethinyl estradiol, 5-fluorodeoxyuridine, 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate, fludarabine phosphate, fluoxymesterone, flutamide, hydroxyprogesterone caproate, idarubicin, interferon, medroxyprogesterone acetate, megestrol acetate, melphalan, mitotane, paclitaxel, pentostatin, N-phosphonoacetyl-L-aspartate (PALA), plicamycin, semustine, teniposide, testosterone propionate, thiotepa, trimethylmelamine, uridine, and vinorelbine, oxaliplatin, gemcitabine, capecitabine, epothilone and its natural or synthetic derivatives, tositumomab, trabedectin, and temozolomide. trastuzumab, cetuximab, bevacizumab, pertuzumab, ZD-1839 (Iressa), OSI-774 (Tarceva), CI-1033, GW-2016, CP-724,714, HKI-272, EKB-569, STI-571 (Gleevec), PTK-787, SU-11248, ZD-6474, AG-13736, KRN-951, CP-547,632, CP-673,451, CHIR-258, MLN-518, AZD-2171, PD-325901, ARRY-142886, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), LAQ-824, LBH-589, MS-275, FR-901228, bortezomib, and CCI-779. 29. A method as in claim 22 wherein the additional anti-cancer agent is a cytotoxic agent selected from the group consisting of DNA topoisomerase I and II inhibitors, DNA intercalators, alkylating agents, anti-metabolites, cell-cycle blockers, microtubule disruptors, and Eg5 inhibitors. 30. A method as in claim 22 wherein the additional anti-cancer agent is selected from the group consisting of inhibitors of growth factor receptor signaling, histone deacetylase inhibitors, inhibitors of the PKB pathway, inhibitors of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, inhibitors of the mTOR pathway, and proteasome inhibitors. 31. A method for treating or preventing one or more of the following conditions in humans and/or other mammals: rheumatic fever, bone resorption, postmenopausal osteoporosis, sepsis, gram negative sepsis, septic shock, endotoxic shock, toxic shock syndrome, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (Krohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, asthma, adult respiratory distress syndrome, acute pulmonary fibrotic disease, pulmonary sarcoidosis, allergic respiratory disease, silicosis, coal worker's pneumoconiosis, alveolar injury, hepatic failure, liver disease during acute inflammation, severe alcoholic hepatitis, malaria (Plasmodium falciparum malaria and cerebral malaria), non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), congestive heart failure, damage following heart disease, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, acute encephalitis, brain injury, multiple sclerosis (demyelation and oligiodendrocyte loss in multiple sclerosis), advanced cancer, lymphoid malignancy, pancreatitis, impaired wound healing in infection, inflammation and cancer, myelodysplastic syndromes, systemic lupus erythematosus, biliary cirrhosis, bowel necrosis, psoriasis, radiation injury/toxicity following administration of monoclonal antibodies, host-versus-graft reaction (ischemia reperfusion injury and allograft rejections of kidney, liver, heart, and skin), lung allograft rejection (obliterative bronchitis) or complications due to total hip replacement, said method comprising administering to a human or other mammal, a compound of claim 1. 32. A method for treating or preventing one or more of the following conditions in humans and/or other mammals: tuberculosis, Helicobacter pylori infection during peptic ulcer disease, Chaga's disease resulting from Trypanosoma cruzi infection, effects of Shiga-like toxin resulting from E. coli infection, effects of enterotoxin A resulting from Staphylococcus infection, meningococcal infection, and infections from Borrelia burgdorferi, Treponema pallidum, cytomegalovirus, influenza virus, Theiler's encephalomyelitis virus, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), said method comprising administering to a human or other mammal, a compound of claim 1. 33. A method for treating or preventing osteoporosis, inflammation, and angiogenesis disorders, with the exclusion of cancer, in a human and/or other mammal by administering an effective amount of a compound of claim 1 to said mammal. 34. A method for treating or preventing cancer in a human or other mammal which comprises administering to a human or other mammal a single active principle combining inhibition of tumor cell proliferation mediated by the raf/MEK/ERK pathway, and inhibition of angiogenesis mediated by PDGF and VEGF. 35. A method of claim 34 where said inhibition of tumor cell proliferation is caused by inhibition of raf kinase, and said inhibition of angiogenesis is caused by dual inhibition of PDGFR-beta and VEGFR-2 kinases. 36. A method for treating or preventing cancer in a human or other mammal which comprises administering to a human or other mammal a single active principle combining inhibition of tumor cell proliferation mediated by the raf pathway, and inhibition of angiogenesis mediated by PDGF or VEGF. 37. A method of treating and/or preventing a disease and/or condition in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering an effective amount of a compound of claim 1. 38. A method of claim 37, wherein said method comprises causing tumor regression in a subject or cells therefrom. 39. A method of claim 37, wherein said method comprises inhibiting lymphangiogenesis. 40. A method of claim 37, wherein said method comprises inhibiting angiogenesis. 41. A method of claim 37, wherein said method comprises inhibiting lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis. 42. A method of claim 37, wherein said method comprises stimulating the proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. 43. A method of claim 37, wherein said method comprises treating a disorder in a mammalian subject mediated by raf, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGFR-beta, p38 and/or flt-3. 44. A method of claim 37, wherein said method comprises determining whether a condition can be modulated by said compound, comprising measuring the expression or activity of raf, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGFR-beta, p38 and/or flt-3, in a sample comprising cells or a cell extract, wherein said ample is obtained from a subject or cell having said condition, whereby said condition can be modulated by said compound when said expression or activity is different in said condition as compared to a normal control. 45. A method of claim 44, further comprising comparing the expression in said sample to said normal control. 46. A method of claim 37, wherein said method comprises assessing the efficacy of said compound disorder, comprising administering said compound, measuring the expression or activity of raf, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGFR-beta, p38, and/or flt-3, and determining the effect of said compound on said expression or activity. 47. A method of claim 37, wherein said method comprises determining the presence of raf, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGFR-beta, p38 and/or flt-3 in a sample of a biological material, contacting said sample with said compound, and determining whether said compound binds to said material. 48. A method of claim 37, wherein said method comprises treating a tumor in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering an effective amount of said compound wherein said amount is effective to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and neovascularization. 49. A compound which is a naturally occurring metabolite of the compound of claim 3. 50. A compound of claim 49 where the metabolism site is either one of the two urea nitrogen atoms, or the pyridine nitrogen atom, or the methylamide functionality, or any combination of the above. 51. A compound of claim 49 where either urea nitrogen atom carries a hydroxyl group, and/or the pyridine nitrogen atom is oxidized, and/or the amide functionality is de-methylated. 52. A compound of claim 49 which is selected from: 4{4-[3-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-ureido]-3-fluorophenoxy}-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid amide, 4{4-[3-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-ureido]-3-fluorophenoxy}-1-hydroxy-pyridi-2-carboxylic acid methylamide, or 4{4-[3-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-ureido]-3-fluorophenoxy}-1-hydroxy-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid amide. 53. A method as in claim 19, where the inflammatory disorder is selected from rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, Crohn's disease and proriasis. 54. A method for treating or preventing a disease in a human or other mammal which is a flt-3 mediated disorder, said method comprising administering to a human or other mammal a compound of claim 1. | This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/489,102 filed Jul. 23, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/540,326 filed Feb. 2, 2004. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and the use of those compounds or compositions for treating diseases and conditions mediated by abnormal VEGFR, PDGFR, raf, p38, and/or flt-3 kinase signaling, either alone or in combination with anti-cancer agents. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Activation of the ras signal transduction pathway indicates a cascade of events that have a profound impact on cellular proliferation, differentiation, and transformation. Raf kinase, a downstream effector of ras, is recognized as a key mediator of these signals from cell surface receptors to the cell nucleus (Lowy, D. R.; Willumsen, B. M. Ann. Rev. Biochem. 1993, 62, 851; Bos, J. L. Cancer Res. 1989, 49, 4682). It has been shown that inhibiting the effect of active ras by inhibiting the raf kinase signaling pathway by administration of deactivating antibodies to raf kinase or by co-expression of dominant negative raf kinase or dominant negative MEK, the substrate of raf kinase, leads to the reversion of transformed cells to the normal growth phenotype (see: Daum et al. Trends Biochem. Sci. 1994, 19, 474-80; Fridman et al. J. Biol. Chem. 1994, 269, 30105-8. Kolch et al. (Nature 1991, 349, 426-28) have further indicated that inhibition of raf expression by antisense RNA blocks cell proliferation in membrane-associated oncogenes. Similarly, inhibition of raf kinase (by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides) has been correlated in vitro and in vivo with inhibition of the growth of a variety of human tumor types (Monia et al., Nat. Med. 1996, 2, 668-75). To support progressive tumor growth beyond the size of 1-2 mm3, it is recognized that tumor cells require a functional stroma, a support structure consisting of fibroblast, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, extracellular matrix proteins, and soluble factors (Folkman, J., Semin. Oncol. 2002. 29(6 Suppl 16), 15-8). Tumors induce the formation of stromal tissues through the secretion of soluble growth factors such as PDGF and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), which in turn stimulate the secretion of complimentary factors by host cells such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These stimulatory factors induce the formation of new blood vessels, or angiogenesis, which brings oxygen and nutrients to the tumor and allows it to grow and provides a route for metastasis. It is believed some therapies directed at inhibiting stroma formation will inhibit the growth of epithelial tumors from a wide variety of histological types. (George, D. Semin. Oncol. 2001. 28(5 Suppl 17), 27-33; Shaheen, R. M., et al., Cancer Res. 2001, 61(4), 1464-8; Shaheen, R. M., et al. Cancer Res. 1999, 59(21), 5412-6). However, because of the complex nature and the multiple growth factors involved in angiogenesis process and tumor progression, an agent targeting a single pathway may have limited efficacy. It is desirable to provide treatment against a number of key signaling pathways utilized by tumors to induce angiogenesis in the host stroma. These include PDGF, a potent stimulator of stroma formation (Ostman, A. and C. H. Heldin, Adv. Cancer Res. 2001, 80, 1-38), FGF, a chemo-attractant and mitogen for fibroblasts and endothelial cells, and VEGF, a potent regulator of vascularization. PDGF is a key regulator of stromal formation, which is secreted by many tumors in a paracrine fashion and is believed to promote the growth of fibroblasts, smooth muscle and endothelial cells, promoting stroma formation and angiogenesis. PDGF was originally identified as the v-sis oncogene product of the simian sarcoma virus (Heldin, C. H., et al., J. Cell. Sci. Suppl. 1985, 3, 65-76). The growth factor is made up of two peptide chains, referred to as A or B chains which share 60% homology in their primary amino acid sequence. The chains are disulfide cross linked to form the 30 kDa mature protein composed of either AA, BB or AB homo- or heterodimmers. PDGF is found at high levels in platelets, and is expressed by endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, the production of PDGF is up regulated under low oxygen conditions such as those found in poorly vascularized tumor tissue (Kourembanas, S., et al., Kidney Int. 1997, 51(2), 438-43). PDGF binds with high affinity to the PDGF receptor, a 1106 amino acid 124 kDa transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor (Heldin, C. H., A. Ostman, and L. Ronnstrand, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1998, 1378(1), 79-113). PDGFR is found as homo- or heterodimer chains which have 30% homology overall in their amino acid sequence and 64% homology between their kinase domains (Heldin, C. H., et al., Embo J. 1988, 7(5), 1387-93). PDGFR is a member of a family of tyrosine kinase receptors with split kinase domains that includes VEGFR-2 (KDR), VEGFR-3 (flt-4), c-kit, and flt-3. The PDGF receptor is expressed primarily on fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and pericytes and to a lesser extent on neurons, kidney mesangial, Leydig, and Schwann cells of the central nervous system. Upon binding to the receptor, PDGF induces receptor dimerization and undergoes auto- and trans-phosphorylation of tyrosine residues which increase the receptors' kinase activity and promotes the recruitment of downstream effectors through the activation of SH2 protein binding domains. A number of signaling molecules form complexes with activated PDGFR including PI-3-kinase, phospholipase C-gamma, src and GAP (GTPase activating protein for p21-ras) (Soskic, V., et al. Biochemistry 1999, 38(6), 1757-64). Through the activation of PI-3-kinase, PDGF activates the Rho signaling pathway inducing cell motility and migration, and through the activation of GAP, induces mitogenesis through the activation of p21-ras and the MAPK signaling pathway. In adults, it is believed the major function of PDGF is to facilitate and increase the rate of wound healing and to maintain blood vessel homeostasis (Baker, E. A. and D. J. Leaper, Wound Repair Regen. 2000, 8(5), 392-8, and Yu, J., A. Moon, and H. R. Kim, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 2001, 282(3), 697-700). PDGF is found at high concentrations in platelets and is a potent chemoattractant for fibroblast, smooth muscle cells, neutrophils and macrophages. In addition to its role in wound healing PDGF is known to help maintain vascular homeostasis. During the development of new blood vessels, PDGF recruits pericytes and smooth muscle cells that are needed for the structural integrity of the vessels. PDGF is thought to play a similar role during tumor neovascularization. As part of its role in angiogenesis PDGF controls interstitial fluid pressure, regulating the permeability of vessels through its regulation of the interaction between connective tissue cells and the extracellular matrix. Inhibiting PDGFR activity can lower interstitial pressure and facilitate the influx of cytotoxics into tumors improving the anti-tumor efficacy of these agents (Pietras, K., et al. Cancer Res. 2002, 62(19), 5476-84; Pietras, K., et al. Cancer Res. 2001, 61(7), 2929-34). PDGF can promote tumor growth through either the paracrine or autocrine stimulation of PDGFR receptors on stromal cells or tumor cells directly, or through the amplification of the receptor or activation of the receptor by recombination. Over expressed PDGF can transform human melanoma cells and keratinocytes (Forsberg, K., et al. Proc. Natl. Acad Sci. U S A. 1993, 90(2), 393-7; Skobe, M. and N. E. Fusenig, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U S A. 1998, 95(3), 1050-5), two cell types that do not express PDGF receptors, presumably by the direct effect of PDGF on stroma formation and induction of angiogenesis. This paracrine stimulation of tumor stroma is also observed in carcinomas of the colon, lung, breast, and prostate (Bhardwaj, B., et al. Clin. Cancer Res. 1996, 2(4), 773-82; Nakanishi, K., et al. Mod. Pathol. 1997, 10(4), 341-7; Sundberg, C., et al. Am. J. Pathol. 1997, 151(2), 479-92; Lindmark, G., et al. Lab. Invest. 1993, 69(6), 682-9; Vignaud, J. M., et al, Cancer Res. 1994, 54(20), 5455-63) where the tumors express PDGF, but not the receptor. The autocrine stimulation of tumor cell growth, where a large faction of tumors analyzed express both the ligand PDGF and the receptor, has been reported in glioblastomas (Fleming, T. P., et al. Cancer Res. 1992, 52(16), 4550-3), soft tissue sarcomas (Wang, J., M. D. Coltrera, and A. M. Gown, Cancer Res. 1994, 54(2), 560-4) and cancers of the ovary (Henriksen, R., et al. Cancer Res. 1993, 53(19), 4550-4), prostate (Fudge, K., C. Y. Wang, and M. E. Stearns, Mod. Pathol. 1994, 7(5), 549-54), pancreas (Funa, K., et al. Cancer Res. 1990, 50(3), 748-53) and lung (Antoniades, H. N., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U S A 1992, 89(9), 3942-6). Ligand independent activation of the receptor is found to a lesser extent but has been reported in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) where the a chromosomal translocation event forms a fusion protein between the Ets-like transcription factor TEL and the PDGF receptor. In addition, activating mutations in PDGFR have been found in gastrointestinal stromal tumors in which c-kit activation is not involved (Heinrich, M. C., et al., Science 2003, 9, 9). Another major regulator of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in both embryonic development and some angiogenic-dependent diseases is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; also called vascular permeability factor, VPF). VEGF represents a family of isoforms of mitogens existing in homodimeric forms due to alternative RNA splicing. The VEGF isoforms are highly specific for vascular endothelial cells (for reviews, see: Farrara et al. Endocr. Rev. 1992, 13, 18; Neufield et al. FASEB J. 1999, 13, 9). VEGF expression is induced by hypoxia (Shweiki et al. Nature 1992, 359, 843), as well as by a variety of cytokines and growth factors, such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor. To date, VEGF and the VEGF family members have been reported to bind to one or more of three transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases (Mustonen et al. J. Cell Biol. 1995, 129, 895), VEGF receptor-1 (also known as flt-1 (fms-like tyrosine kinase-1)), VEGFR-2 (also known as kinase insert domain containing receptor (KDR); the murine analogue of VEGFR-2 is known as fetal liver kinase-1 (flk-1)), and VEGFR-3 (also known as flt-4). VEGFR-2 and flt-1 have been shown to have different signal transduction properties (Waltenberger et al. J. Biol. Chem. 1994, 269, 26988); Park et al. Oncogene 1995, 10, 135). Thus, VEGFR-2 undergoes strong ligand-dependant tyrosine phosphorylation in intact cells, whereas flt-1 displays a weak response. Thus, binding to VEGFR-2 is believed to be a critical requirement for induction of the full spectrum of VEGF-mediated biological responses. In vivo, VEGF plays a central role in vasculogenesis, and induces angiogenesis and permeabilization of blood vessels. Deregulated VEGF expression contributes to the development of a number of diseases that are characterized by abnormal angiogenesis and/or hyperpermeability processes. It is believed that regulation of the VEGF-mediated signal transduction cascade by some agents can provide a useful control of abnormal angiogenesis and/or hyperpermeability processes. Tumorigenic cells within hypoxic regions of tumors respond by stimulation of VEGF production, which triggers activation of quiescent endothelial cells to stimulate new blood vessel formation. (Shweiki et al. Proc. Nat'l. Acad Sci. 1995, 92, 768). In addition, VEGF production in tumor regions where there is no angiogenesis may proceed through the ras signal transduction pathway (Grugel et al. J. Biol. Chem. 1995, 270, 25915; Rak et al. Cancer Res. 1995, 55, 4575). In situ hybridization studies have demonstrated VEGF mRNA is strongly upregulated in a wide variety of human tumors, including lung (Mattem et al. Br. J. Cancer 1996, 73, 931), thyroid (Viglietto et al. Oncogene 1995, 11, 1569), breast (Brown et al. Human Pathol. 1995, 26, 86), gastrointestinal tract (Brown et al. Cancer Res. 1993, 53, 4727; Suzuki et al. Cancer Res. 1996, 56, 3004), kidney and bladder (Brown et al. Am. J. Pathol. 1993, 1431, 1255), ovary (Olson et al. Cancer Res. 1994, 54, 1255), and cervical (Guidi et al. J. Nat'l Cancer Inst. 1995, 87, 12137) carcinomas, as well as angiosarcoma (Hashimoto et al. Lab. Invest. 1995, 73, 859) and several intracranial tumors (Plate et al. Nature 1992, 359, 845; Phillips et al. Int. J. Oncol. 1993, 2, 913; Berkman et al. J. Clin. Invest. 1993, 91, 153). Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to VEGFR-2 have been shown to be efficacious in blocking tumor angiogenesis (Kim et al. Nature 1993, 362, 841; Rockwell et al. Mol. Cell. Differ. 1995, 3, 315). Overexpression of VEGF, for example under conditions of extreme hypoxia, can lead to intraocular angiogenesis, resulting in hyperproliferation of blood vessels, leading eventually to blindness. Such a cascade of events has been observed for a number of retinopathies, including diabetic retinopathy, ischemic retinal-vein occlusion, and retinopathy of prematurity (Aiello et al. New Engl. J. Med. 1994, 331, 1480; Peer et al. Lab. Invest. 1995, 72, 638), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD; see, Lopez et al. Invest. Opththalmol. Vis. Sci. 1996, 37, 855). In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the in-growth of vascular pannus may be mediated by production of angiogenic factors. Levels of immunoreactive VEGF are high in the synovial fluid of RA patients, while VEGF levels were low in the synovial fluid of patients with other forms of arthritis of with degenerative joint disease (Koch et al. J. Immunol. 1994, 152, 4149). The angiogenesis inhibitor AGM-170 has been shown to prevent neovascularization of the joint in the rat collagen arthritis model (Peacock et al. J. Exper. Med. 1992, 175, 1135). Increased VEGF expression has also been shown in psoriatic skin, as well as bullous disorders associated with subepidermal blister formation, such as bullous pemphigoid, erythema multiforme, and dermatitis herpetiformis (Brown et al. J. Invest. Dermatol. 1995, 104, 744). The vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF, VEGF-C, VEGF-D) and their receptors (VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3) are not only key regulators of tumor angiogenesis, but also lymphangiogenesis. VEGF, VEGF-C and VEGF-D are expressed in most tumors, primarily during periods of tumor growth and, often at substantially increased levels. VEGF expression is stimulated by hypoxia, cytokines, oncogenes such as ras, or by inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (McMahon, G. Oncologist 2000, 5(Suppl. 1), 3-10; McDonald, N. Q.; Hendrickson, W. A. Cell 1993, 73, 421-424) The biological activities of the VEGFs are mediated through binding to their receptors. VEGFR-3 (also called flt-4) is predominantly expressed on lymphatic endothelium in normal adult tissues. VEGFR-3 function is needed for new lymphatic vessel formation, but not for maintenance of the pre-existing lymphatics. VEGFR-3 is also upregulated on blood vessel endothelium in tumors. Recently VEGF-C and VEGF-D, ligands for VEGFR-3, have been identified as regulators of lymphangiogenesis in mammals. Lymphangiogenesis induced by tumor-associated lymphangiogenic factors could promote the growth of new vessels into the tumor, providing tumor cells access to systemic circulation. Cells that invade the lymphatics could find their way into the bloodstream via the thoracic duct. Tumor expression studies have allowed a direct comparison of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 expression with clinicopathological factors that relate directly to the ability of primary tumors to spread (e.g., lymph node involvement, lymphatic invasion, secondary metastases, and disease-free survival). In many instances, these studies demonstrate a statistical correlation between the expression of lymphangiogenic factors and the ability of a primary solid tumor to metastasize (Skobe, M. et al. Nature Med. 2001, 7(2), 192-198; Stacker, S. A. et al., Nature Med. 2001, 7(2), 186-191; Makinen, T. et al. Nature Med. 2001, 7(2), 199-205; Mandriota, S. J. et al. EMBO J. 2001, 20(4), 672-82; Karpanen, T. et al. Cancer Res. 2001, 61(5), 1786-90; Kubo, H. et al. Blood 2000, 96(2), 546-53). Hypoxia appears to be an important stimulus for VEGF production in malignant cells. Activation of p38 MAP kinase is required for VEGF induction by tumor cells in response to hypoxia (Blaschke, F. et al. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 2002, 296, 890-896; Shemirani, B. et al. Oral Oncology 2002, 38, 251-257). In addition to its involvement in angiogenesis through regulation of VEGF secretion, p38 MAP kinase promotes malignant cell invasion, and migration of different tumor types through regulation of collagenase activity and urokinase plasminogen activator expression (Laferriere, J. et al. J. Biol. Chem. 2001, 276, 33762-33772; Westermarck, J. et al. Cancer Res. 2000, 60, 7156-7162; Huang, S. et al. J. Biol. Chem. 2000, 275, 12266-12272; Simon, C. et al. Exp. Cell Res. 2001, 271, 344-355). Inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 has been shown to inhibit both cytokine production (e.g., TNF, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8) and proteolytic enzyme production (e.g., MMP-1, MMP-3) in vitro and/or in vivo. The mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase p38 is involved in IL-1 and TNF signaling pathways (Lee, J. C.; Laydon, J. T.; McDonnell, P. C.; Gallagher, T. F.; Kumar, S.; Green, D.; McNulty, D.; Blumenthal, M. J.; Heys, J. R.; Landvatter, S. W.; Stricker, J. E.; McLaughlin, M. M.; Siemens, I. R.; Fisher, S. M.; Livi, G. P.; White, J. R.; Adams, J. L.; Yound, P. R. Nature 1994, 372, 739). Clinical studies have linked tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production and/or signaling to a number of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (Maini. J. Royal Coll. Physicians London 1996, 30, 344). In addition, excessive levels of TNF have been implicated in a wide variety of inflammatory and/or immunomodulatory diseases, including acute rheumatic fever (Yegin et al. Lancet 1997, 349, 170), bone resorption (Pacifici et al. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. 1997, 82, 29), postmenopausal osteoporosis (Pacifici et al. J. Bone Mineral Res. 1996, 11, 1043), sepsis (Blackwell et al. Br. J. Anaesth. 1996, 77, 110), gram negative sepsis (Debets et al. Prog. Clin. Biol. Res. 1989, 308, 463), septic shock (Tracey et al. Nature 1987, 330, 662; Girardin et al. New England J. Med 1988, 319, 397), endotoxic shock (Beutler et al. Science 1985, 229, 869; Ashkenasi et al. Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA 1991, 88, 10535), toxic shock syndrome, (Saha et al. J. Immunol. 1996, 157, 3869; Lina et al. FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol. 1996, 13, 81), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (Anon. Crit. Care Med. 1992, 20, 864), inflammatory bowel diseases (Stokkers et al. J. Inflamm. 1995-6, 47, 97) including Crohn's disease (van Deventer et al. Aliment. Pharmacol. Therapeu. 1996, 10 (Suppl. 2), 107; van Dullemen et al. Gastroenterology 1995, 109, 129) and ulcerative colitis (Masuda et al. J. Clin. Lab. Immunol. 1995, 46, 111), Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions (Fekade et al. New England J. Med. 1996, 335, 311), asthma (Amrani et al. Rev. Malad Respir. 1996, 13, 539), adult respiratory distress syndrome (Roten et al. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 1991, 143, 590; Suter et al. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 1992, 145, 1016), acute pulmonary fibrotic diseases (Pan et al. Pathol. Int. 1996, 46, 91), pulmonary sarcoidosis (Ishioka et al. Sarcoidosis Vasculitis Diffuse Lung Dis. 1996, 13, 139), allergic respiratory diseases (Casale et al. Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 1996, 15, 35), silicosis (Gossart et al. J. Immunol. 1996, 156, 1540; Vanhee et al. Eur. Respir. J. 1995, 8, 834), coal worker's pneumoconiosis (Borm et al. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 1988, 138, 1589), alveolar injury (Horinouchi et al. Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 1996, 14, 1044), hepatic failure (Gantner et al. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap. 1997, 280, 53), liver disease during acute inflammation (Kim et al. J. Biol. Chem. 1997, 272, 1402), severe alcoholic hepatitis (Bird et al. Ann. Intern. Med. 1990, 112, 917), malaria (Grau et al. Immunol. Rev. 1989, 112, 49; Taverne et al. Parasitol. Today 1996, 12, 290) including Plasmodium falciparum malaria (Perlmann et al. Infect. Immunit. 1997, 65, 116) and cerebral malaria (Rudin et al. Am. J. Pathol. 1997, 150, 257), non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM; Stephens et al. J. Biol. Chem. 1997, 272, 971; Ofei et al. Diabetes 1996, 45, 881), congestive heart failure (Doyama et al. Int. J. Cardiol. 1996, 54, 217; McMurray et al. Br. Heart J. 1991, 66, 356), damage following heart disease (Malkiel et al. Mol. Med. Today 1996, 2, 336), atherosclerosis (Parums et al. J. Pathol. 1996, 179, A46), Alzheimer's disease (Fagarasan et al. Brain Res. 1996, 723, 231; Aisen et al. Gerontology 1997, 43, 143), acute encephalitis (Ichiyama et al. J Neurol. 1996, 243, 457), brain injury (Cannon et al. Crit. Care Med. 1992, 20, 1414; Hansbrough et al. Surg. Clin. N. Am. 1987, 67, 69; Marano et al. Surg. Gynecol. Obstetr. 1990, 170, 32), multiple sclerosis (M. S.; Coyle. Adv. Neuroimmunol. 1996, 6, 143; Matusevicius et al. J. Neuroimmunol. 1996, 66, 115) including demyelation and oligiodendrocyte loss in multiple sclerosis (Brosnan et al. Brain Pathol. 1996, 6, 243), advanced cancer (MucWierzgon et al. J. Biol. Regulators Homeostatic Agents 1996, 10, 25), lymphoid malignancies (Levy et al. Crit. Rev. Immunol. 1996, 16, 31), pancreatitis (Exley et al. Gut 1992, 33, 1126) including systemic complications in acute pancreatitis (McKay et al. Br. J. Surg. 1996, 83, 919), impaired wound healing in infection inflammation and cancer (Buck et al. Am. J. Pathol. 1996, 149, 195), myelodysplastic syndromes (Raza et al. Int. J. Hematol. 1996, 63, 265), systemic lupus erythematosus (Maury et al. Arthritis Rheum. 1989, 32, 146), biliary cirrhosis (Miller et al. Am. J. Gasteroenterolog. 1992, 87, 465), bowel necrosis (Sun et al. J. Clin. Invest. 1988, 81, 1328), psoriasis (Christophers. Austr. J. Dermatol. 1996, 37, S4), radiation injury (Redlich et al. J. Immunol. 1996, 157, 1705), and toxicity following administration of monoclonal antibodies such as OKT3 (Brod et al. Neurology 1996, 46, 1633). TNF levels have also been related to host-versus-graft reactions (Piguet et al. Immunol. Ser. 1992, 56, 409) including ischemia reperfusion injury (Colletti et al. J Clin. Invest. 1989, 85, 1333) and allograft rejections including those of the kidney (Maury et al. J Exp. Med. 1987, 166, 1132), liver (Imagawa et al. Transplantation 1990, 50, 219), heart (Bolling et al. Transplantation 1992, 53, 283), and skin (Stevens et al. Transplant. Proc. 1990, 22, 1924), lung allograft rejection (Grossman et al. Immunol. Allergy Clin. N. Am. 1989, 9, 153) including chronic lung allograft rejection (obliterative bronchitis; LoCicero et al. J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 1990, 99, 1059), as well as complications due to total hip replacement (Cirino et al. Life Sci. 1996, 59, 86). TNF has also been linked to infectious diseases (review: Beutler et al. Crit. Care Med. 1993, 21, 5423; Degre. Biotherapy 1996, 8, 219) including tuberculosis (Rook et al. Med. Malad. Infect. 1996, 26, 904), Helicobacter pylori infection during peptic ulcer disease (Beales et al. Gastroenterology 1997, 112, 136), Chaga's disease resulting from Trypanosoma cruzi infection (Chandrasekar et al. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 1996, 223, 365), effects of Shiga-like toxin resulting from E. coli infection (Harel et al. J. Clin. Invest. 1992, 56, 40), the effects of enterotoxin A resulting from Staphylococcus infection (Fischer et al. J. Immunol. 1990, 144, 4663), meningococcal infection (Waage et al. Lancet 1987, 355; Ossege et al. J. Neurolog. Sci. 1996, 144, 1), and infections from Borrelia burgdorferi (Brandt et al. Infect. ImmunoL. 1990, 58, 983), Treponema pallidum (Chamberlin et al. Infect. Immunol. 1989, 57, 2872), cytomegalovirus (CMV; Geist et al. Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 1997, 16, 31), influenza virus (Beutler et al. Clin. Res. 1986, 34, 491a), Sendai virus (Goldfield et al. Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA 1989, 87, 1490), Theiler's encephalomyelitis virus (Sierra et al. Immunology 1993, 78, 399), and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; Poli. Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA 1990, 87, 782; Vyakaram et al. AIDS 1990, 4, 21; Badley et al. J. Exp. Med. 1997, 185, 55). A number of diseases are thought to be mediated by excess or undesired matrix-destroying metalloprotease (MMP) activity or by an imbalance in the ratio of the MMPs to the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). These include osteoarthritis (Woessner et al. J. Biol. Chem. 1984, 259, 3633), rheumatoid arthritis (Mullins et al. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1983, 695, 117; Woolley et al. Arthritis Rheum. 1977, 20, 1231; Gravallese et al. Arthritis Rheum. 1991, 34, 1076), septic arthritis (Williams et al. Arthritis Rheum. 1990, 33, 533), tumor metastasis (Reich et al. Cancer Res. 1988, 48, 3307; Matrisian et al. Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci., USA 1986, 83, 9413), periodontal diseases (Overall et al. J. Periodontal Res. 1987, 22, 81), corneal ulceration (Bums et al. Invest. Opthalmol. Vis. Sci. 1989, 30, 1569), proteinuria (Baricos et al. Biochem. J. 1988, 254, 609), coronary thrombosis from atherosclerotic plaque rupture (Henney et al. Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci., USA 1991, 88, 8154), aneurysmal aortic disease (Vine et al. Clin. Sci. 1991, 81, 233), birth control (Woessner et al. Steroids 1989, 54, 491), dystrophobic epidermolysis bullosa (Kronberger et al. J. Invest. Dermatol. 1982, 79, 208), degenerative cartilage loss following traumatic joint injury, osteopenias mediated by MMP activity, tempero mandibular joint disease, and demyelating diseases of the nervous system (Chantry et al. J. Neurochem. 1988, 50, 688). Because inhibition of p38 leads to inhibition of TNF production and MMP production, it is believed inhibition of mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase p38 enzyme can provide an approach to the treatment of the above listed diseases including osteoporosis and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and COPD (Badger, A. M.; Bradbeer, J. N.; Votta, B.; Lee, J. C.; Adams, J. L.; Griswold, D. E. J. Pharm. Exper. Ther. 1996, 279, 1453). Hypoxia appears to be an important stimulus for VEGF production in malignant cells. Activation of p38 kinase is required for VEGF induction by tumor cells in response to hypoxia (Blaschke, F. et al. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 2002, 296, 890-896; Shemirani, B. et al. Oral Oncology 2002, 38, 251-257). In addition to its involvement in angiogenesis through regulation of VEGF secretion, p38 kinase promotes malignant cell invasion, and migration of different tumor types through regulation of collagenase activity and urokinase plasminogen activator expression (Laferriere, J. et al. J. Biol. Chem. 2001, 276, 33762-33772; Westermarck, J. et al. Cancer Res. 2000, 60, 7156-7162; Huang, S. et al. J. Biol. Chem. 2000, 275, 12266-12272; Simon, C. et al. Exp. Cell Res. 2001, 271, 344-355). Therefore, inhibition of p38 kinase is also expected to impact tumor growth by interfering with signaling cascades associated with both angiogenesis and malignant cell invasion. Certain ureas have been described as having activity as serine-threonine kinase and/or as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In particular, the utility of certain ureas as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of cancer, angiogenesis disorders, inflammatory disorders, has been demonstrated. For cancer and angiogenesis, see: Smith et al., Bioorg. Med Chem. Lett. 2001, 11, 2775-2778. Lowinger et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 2000, 6(suppl.), 335. Lyons et al., Endocr.-Relat. Cancer 2001, 8, 219-225. Riedl et al., Book of Abstracts, 92nd AACR Meeting, New Orleans, La., USA, abstract 4956. Khire et al., Book of Abstracts, 93rdAACR Meeting, San Francisco, Calif., USA, abstract 4211. Lowinger et al., Curr. Pharm. Design 2002, 8, 99-110. Carter et al., Book of Abstracts, 92ndAACR Meeting, New Orleans, La., USA, abstract 4954. Vincent et al., Book of Abstracts, 38th ASCO Meeting, Orlando, Fla. USA, abstract 1900. Hilger et al., Book of Abstracts, 38th ASCO Meeting, Orlando, Fla., USA, abstract 1916. Moore et al., Book of Abstracts, 38th ASCO Meeting, Orlando, Fla., USA, abstract 1816. Strumberg et al., Book of Abstracts, 38th ASCO Meeting, Orlando, Fla., USA, abstract 121. For p38 mediated diseases, including inflammatory disorders, see: Redman et al., Bioorg Med. Chem. Lett. 2001, 11, 9-12. Dumas et al., Bioorg Med. Chem. Lett. 2000, 10, 2047-2050. Dumas et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2000, 10, 2051-2054. Ranges et al., Book of Abstracts, 220th ACS National Meeting, Washington, D.C., USA, MEDI 149. Dumas et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2002, 12, 1559-1562. Regan et al., J. Med. Chem. 2002, 45, 2994-3008. Pargellis et al., Nature Struct. Biol. 2002, 9(4), 268-272. Madwed J. B., Book of Abstracts, Protein Kinases: Novel Target Identification and Validation for Therapeutic Development, San Diego, Calif., USA, March 2002. Pargellis C. et al., Curr. Opin. Invest. Drugs 2003, 4, 566-571. Branger J. et al., J. Immunol. 2002, 168, 4070-4077. Branger J. et al., Blood 2003, 101, 4446-4448. Omega-Carboxyaryl diphenyl ureas are disclosed in WO00/42012, published: Jul. 20, 2000, WO00/41698, published: Jul. 20, 2000, the following published U.S. applications: US2002-0165394-A1, published Nov. 7, 2002, US2001-003447-A1, published Oct. 25, 2001, US2001-0016659-A1, published Aug. 23, 2001, US2002-013774-A1, published Sep. 26, 2002, and copending U.S. applications: Ser. No. 09/758,547, filed Jan. 12, 2001, Ser. No. 09/889,227, filed Jul. 12, 2001, Ser. No. 09/993,647, filed Nov. 27, 2001, Ser. No. 10/042,203, filed Jan. 11, 2002 and Ser. No. 10/071,248, filed Feb. 11, 2002, DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It has been discovered that the omega-carboxyaryl diphenyl urea of Formula I below, which has a 2-fluoro-4-(2-(N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-pyridyloxy)phenylene group bound to urea is a potent inhibitor raf kinase, VEGFR kinase, p38 kinase, and PDGFR kinase, which are all molecular targets of interest for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, inflammatory disorders, hyper-proliferatrive disorders, and angiogenesis disorders, including cancer. The present invention provides, e.g., (i) a novel compound of Formula (I), salts, prodrugs, and metabolites thereof, (ii) pharmaceutical compositions containing such compound, and (iii) use of this compound or compositions for treating diseases and conditions mediated by raf, VEGFR, PDGFR, flt-3, and p38, either as a sole agent or in combination with cytotoxic therapies. The compound of the Formula I below, salts, prodrugs and metabolites thereof is collectively referred to as the “compounds of the invention”. Formula I is as follows: The metabolites of the compound of this invention include oxidized derivatives of Formula I wherein one or more of the urea nitrogens are substituted with a hydroxy group. The metabolites of the compound of this invention also include analogs where the methylamide group of the compound of Formula I is hydroxylated then de-methylated by metabolic degradation. The metabolites of the compound of this invention further include oxidized derivatives where the pyridine nitrogen atom is in the N-oxide form (e.g. carries a hydroxy substituent) leading to those structures referred to in the art as 1-oxo-pyridine and 1-hydroxy-pyridine. Where the plural form of the word compounds, salts, and the like, is used herein, this is taken to mean also a single compound, salt, or the like. The use of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of Formula I is also within the scope of this invention. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to a relatively non-toxic, inorganic or organic acid addition salt of a compound of the present invention. For example, see S. M. Berge, et al. “Pharmaceutical Salts,” J. Pharm. Sci. 1977, 66, 1-19. Representative salts of the compound of this invention include the conventional non-toxic salts, for example, from inorganic or organic acids by means well known in the art. For example, such acid addition salts include acetate, adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cinnamate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, itaconate, lactate, maleate, mandelate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, succinate, sulfonate, tartrate, thiocyanate, tosylate, and undecanoate. The salts or prodrugs of the compounds of Formula I may contain one or more asymmetric centers. Asymmetric carbon atoms may be present in the (R) or (S) configuration or (R,S) configuration. Substituents on a ring may also be present in either cis or trans form. It is intended that all such configurations (including enantiomers and diastereomers), are included within the scope of the present invention. Preferred isomers are those with the configuration which produces the more desirable biological activity. Separated, pure or partially purified isomers or racemic mixtures of the compounds of this invention are also included within the scope of the present invention. The purification of said isomers and the separation of said isomeric mixtures can be accomplished by standard techniques known in the art. The particular process to be utilized in the preparation of the compound used in this embodiment of the invention is described in Example 1. Salt forms of the compound of Formula (I) are described in Examples 2, 3, and 4. Methods of Use The present invention provides compounds which are capable of modulating one or more signal transduction pathways involving raf, VEGFR, PDGFR, p38, and/or flt-3 kinases. Raf is an important signaling molecule involved in the regulation of a number of key cellular processes, including cell growth, cell survival and invasion. It is a member of the Ras/raf/MEK/ERK pathway. This pathway is present in most tumor cells. VEGFR, PDGFR, and flt-3 are transmembrane receptor molecules which, when stimulated by an appropriate ligand, trigger the Ras/raf/MEK/ERK cell signaling pathway, leading to a cascade of cellular events. Each of these receptor molecules have tyrosine kinase activity. The VEGFR receptors are stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), and are important control points in the regulation of endothelial cell development and function. The PDGF-beta receptor regulates cell proliferation and survival in a number of cell types, including mesenchymal cells. Flt-3 is a receptor for the FL ligand. It is structurally similar to c-kit, and modulates the growth of pluripotent haemopoietic cells, influencing the development of T-cells, B-cells, and dendritic cells. Any gene or isoform of raf, VEGFR, PDGFR, p38, and/or flt-3 can be modulated in accordance with present invention, including both wild-type and mutant forms. Raf or raf-1 kinase is a family of serine/threonine kinases which comprise at least three family members, a-raf, b-raf, and c-raf or raf-1. See, e.g., Dhillon and Kolch, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 2002, 404, 3-9. C-raf and b-raf are preferred targets for compounds of the present invention. Activating b-raf mutations (e.g., V599E mutant) have been identified in various cancers, including melanoma, and the compounds described herein can be utilized to inhibit their activity. By the term “modulate”, it is meant that the functional activity of the pathway (or a component of it) is changed in comparison to its normal activity in the absence of the compound. This effect includes any quality or degree of modulation, including, increasing, agonizing, augmenting, enhancing, facilitating, stimulating, decreasing, blocking, inhibiting, reducing, diminishing, antagonizing, etc. The compounds of the present invention can also modulate one or more of the following processes, including, but not limited to, e.g., cell growth (including, e.g., differentiation, cell survival, and/or proliferation), tumor cell growth (including, e.g., differentiation, cell survival, and/or proliferation), tumor regression, endothelial cell growth (including, e.g., differentiation, cell survival, and/or proliferation), angiogenesis (blood vessel growth), lymphangiogenesis (lymphatic vessel growth), and/or hematopoiesis (e.g., T- and B-cell development, dendritic cell development, etc.). While not wishing to be bound by any theory or mechanism of action, it has been found that compounds of the present invention possess the ability to modulate kinase activity. The methods of the present invention, however, are not limited to any particular mechanism or how the compounds achieve their therapeutic effect. By the term “kinase activity”, it is meant a catalytic activity in which a gamma-phosphate from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is transferred to an amino acid residue (e.g., serine, threonine, or tyrosine) in a protein substrate. A compound can modulate kinase activity, e.g., inhibiting it by directly competing with ATP for the ATP-binding pocket of the kinase, by producing a conformational change in the enzyme's structure that affects its activity (e.g., by disrupting the biologically-active three-dimensional structure), etc. Kinase activity can be determined routinely using conventional assay methods. Kinase assays typically comprise the kinase enzyme, substrates, buffers, and components of a detection system. A typical kinase assay involves the reaction of a protein kinase with a peptide substrate and an ATP, such as 32P-ATP, to produce a phosphorylated end-product (for instance, a phosphoprotein when a peptide substrate is used). The resulting end-product can be detected using any suitable method. When radioactive ATP is utilized, a radioactively labeled phosphoprotein can be separated from the unreacted gamma-32P-ATP using an affinity membrane or gel electrophoresis, and then visualized on the gel using autoradiography or detected with a scintillation counter. Non-radioactive methods can also be used. Methods can utilize an antibody which recognizes the phosphorylated substrate, e.g., an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody. For instance, kinase enzyme can incubated with a substrate in the presence of ATP and kinase buffer under conditions which are effective for the enzyme to phosphorylate the substrate. The reaction mixture can be separated, e.g., electrophoretically, and then phosphorylation of the substrate can be measured, e.g., by Western blotting using an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody. The antibody can be labeled with a detectable label, e.g., an enzyme, such as HRP, avidin or biotin, chemiluminescent reagents, etc. Other methods can utilize ELISA formats, affinity membrane separation, fluorescence polarization assays, luminescent assays, etc. An alternative to a radioactive format is time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET). This method follows the standard kinase reaction, where a substrate, e.g., biotinylated poly(GluTyr), is phosphorylated by a protein kinase in the presence of ATP. The end-product can then detected with a europium chelate phosphospecific antibody (anti-phosphotyrosine or phosphoserine/threonine), and streptavidin-APC, which binds the biotinylated substrate. These two components are brought together spatially upon binding, and energy transfer from the phosphospecific antibody to the acceptor (SA-APC) produces fluorescent readout in the homogeneous format. The compounds of the present invention can be used to treat and/or prevent any disease or condition mediated by one or more cellular signal transduction pathways involving raf, VEGFR, PDGFR, p38, and/or flt-3 kinases. The term “treating” is used conventionally, e.g., the management or care of a subject for the purpose of combating, alleviating, reducing, relieving, improving the condition of, etc., of a disease or disorder. The compounds can also be described as being used to prevent and/or treat diseases and/or condition mediated by the signaling molecules. The term “mediated” indicates, e.g., that the signaling molecule is part of the pathway which is aberrant or disturbed in the disease and/or condition. Diseases and conditions that can be treated include any of those mentioned above and below, as well as: Raf associated diseases include, e.g., cell-proliferation disorders, cancer, tumors, etc.; VEGFR-2 associated diseases include, e.g., cancer, tumor growth, inflammatory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, retinopathy, psoriasis, glomerulonephritis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, atherosclerosis, transplant rejection, conditions involving angiogenesis, etc.; VEGFR-3 associated diseases include, e.g., cancer, corneal disease, inflamed cornea (e.g., Hamrah, Am. J. Path. 2003, 163, 57-68), corneal transplantation (Cursiefen et al., Cornea 2003, 22, 273-81), lymphatic hyperplasia, conditions involving lymphangiogenesis, etc.; PDGFR-beta associated diseases include, e.g., diseases or conditions characterized by cell proliferation, cell matrix production, cell movement, and/or extracellular matrix production. Specific examples, include, e.g., tumors, malignancies, cancer, metastasis, chronic myeloid leukemia, inflammation, renal disease, diabetic nephropathy, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, fibrotic conditions, atherosclerosis, restenosis, hypertension-related arteriosclerosis, venous bypass graft arteriosclerosis, scleroderma, interstitial pulmonary diseases, synovial disorders, arthritis, leukemias, lymphomas, etc; Flt-3 associated diseases include, e.g., immune-related disorders, blood cell disorders, conditions involving hematopoietic cell development (e.g., T-cells, B-cells, dendritic cells, cancer, anemia, HIV, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, etc. p38 associated diseases include inflammatory disorders, immunomodulatory disorders, and other disorders that have been linked to abnormal cytokine production, especially TNF-alpha, or abnormal MMP activity. These disorders include, but are not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, osteoporosis, Crohn's disease and psoriasis. In addition, compounds of the present invention can be used to treat conditions and disorders disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,316,479, e.g., glomerular sclerosis, interstitial nephritis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, atherosclerosis, wound scarring and scleroderma. The compounds of this invention also have a broad therapeutic activity to treat or prevent the progression of a broad array of diseases, such as inflammatory conditions, coronary restenosis, tumor-associated angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, certain kidney diseases associated with proliferation of glomerular or mesangial cells, and ocular diseases associated with retinal vessel proliferation. psoriasis, hepatic cirrhosis, diabetes, atherosclerosis, restenosis, vascular graft restenosis, in-stent stenosis, angiogenesis, ocurlar diseases, pulmonary fibrosis, obliterative bronchiolitis, glomerular nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis. The present invention also provides for treating, preventing, modulating, etc., one or more of the following conditions in humans and/or other mammals: retinopathy, including diabetic retinopathy, ischemic retinal-vein occlusion, retinopathy of prematurity and age related macular degeneration; rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or bullous disorder associated with subepidermal blister formation, including bullous pemphigoid, erythema multiforme, or dermatitis herpetiformis, rheumatic fever, bone resorption, postmenopausal osteoperosis, sepsis, gram negative sepsis, septic shock, endotoxic shock, toxic shock syndrome, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, asthma, adult respiratory distress syndrome, acute pulmonary fibrotic disease, pulmonary sarcoidosis, allergic respiratory disease, silicosis, coal worker's pneumoconiosis, alveolar injury, hepatic failure, liver disease during acute inflammation, severe alcoholic hepatitis, malaria (Plasmodium falciparum malaria and cerebral malaria), non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), congestive heart failure, damage following heart disease, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, acute encephalitis, brain injury, multiple sclerosis (demyelation and oligiodendrocyte loss in multiple sclerosis), advanced cancer, lymphoid malignancy, pancreatitis, impaired wound healing in infection, inflammation and cancer, myelodysplastic syndromes, systemic lupus erythematosus, biliary cirrhosis, bowel necrosis, radiation injury/toxicity following administration of monoclonal antibodies, host-versus-graft reaction (ischemia reperfusion injury and allograft rejections of kidney, liver, heart, and skin), lung allograft rejection (obliterative bronchitis), or complications due to total hip replacement, ad an infectious disease selected from tuberculosis, Helicobacter pylori infection during peptic ulcer disease, Chaga's disease resulting from Trypanosoma cruzi infection, effects of Shiga-like toxin resulting from E. coli infection, effects of enterotoxin A resulting from Staphylococcus infection, meningococcal infection, and infections from Borrelia burgdorferi, Treponema pallidum, cytomegalovirus, influenza virus, Theiler's encephalomyelitis virus, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), papilloma, blastoglioma, Kaposi's sarcoma, melanoma, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, astrocytoma, head cancer, neck cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, Burkitt's disease, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic retinopathy, angiogenesis, restenosis, in-stent restenosis, vascular graft restenosis, pulmonary fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, atherosclerosis, glomerulonophritis, diabetic nephropathy, thrombic micoangiopathy syndromes, transplant rejection, psoriasis, diabetes, wound healing, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. hyperimmune disorders, hemangioma, myocardial angiogenesis, coronary and cerebral collateral vascularization, ischemia, corneal disease, rubeosis, neovascular glaucoma, macular degeneration retinopathy of prematurity, wound healing, ulcer Helicobacter related diseases, fractures, endometriosis, a diabetic condition, cat scratch fever, thyroid hyperplasia, asthma or edema following burns, trauma, chronic lung disease, stroke, polyps, cysts, synovitis, chronic and allergic inflammation, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, pulmonary and cerebral edema, keloid, fibrosis, cirrhosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, adult respiratory distress syndrome, ascites, an ocular condition, a cardiovascular condition, Crow-Fukase (POEMS) disease, Crohn's disease, glomerulonophritis, osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, graft rejection, Lyme disease, sepsis, von Hippel Lindau disease, pemphigoid, Paget's disease, polycystic kidney disease, sarcoidosis, throiditis, hyperviscosity syndrome, Osler-Weber-Rendu disease, chronic occlusive pulmonary disease, radiation, hypoxia, preeclampsia, menometrorrhagia, endometriosis, infection by Herpes simplex, ischemic retinopathy, corneal angiogenesis, Herpes Zoster, human immunodeficiency virus, parapoxvirus, protozoa, toxoplasmosis, and tumor-associated effusions and edema. The compounds of this invention can possess more than one of the mentioned activities, and therefore can target a plurality of signal transduction pathways. Thus, these compounds can achieve therapeutic and prophylactic effects which normally are only obtained when using a combination of different compounds. For instance, the ability to inhibit both new vessel formation (e.g., associated with VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 function) (e.g., blood and/or lymph) and cell-proliferation (e.g., associated with raf and PDGFR-beta function) using a single compound is especially beneficial in the treatment of cancer, and other cell-proliferation disorders that are facilitated by neo-vascularization. Thus, the present invention relates specifically to compounds which possess at least anti-cell proliferation and anti-angiogenic (i.e., inhibits angiogenesis) activity. Any disorder or condition that would benefit from inhibiting vessel growth and cell proliferation can be treated in accordance with the present invention. Using a single compound is also advantageous because its range of activities can be more precisely defined. As indicated above, the present invention relates to methods of treating and/or preventing diseases and conditions; and/or modulating one or more of the pathways, polypeptides, genes, diseases, conditions, etc., associated with raf, VEGFR, PDGFR, p38, and/or flt-3. These methods generally involve administering effective amounts of compounds of the present invention, where an effective amount is the quantity of the compound which is useful to achieve the desired result. Compounds can be administered in any effective form by any effective route, as discussed in more detail below. Methods include modulating tumor cell proliferation, including inhibiting cell proliferation. The latter indicates that the growth and/or differentiation of tumor cells is reduced, decreased, diminished, slowed, etc. The term “proliferation” includes any process which relates to cell growth and division, and includes differentiation and apoptosis. As discussed above, raf kinases play a key role in the activation of the cytoplasmic signaling cascade involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. For example, studies have found that inhibiting c-raf by anti-sense oligonucleotides can block cell proliferation (see above). Any amount of inhibition is considered therapeutic. Included in the methods of the present invention is a method for using the compound described above (Compound of Formula I), including salts, prodrugs, metabolites (oxidized derivatives) and compositions thereof, to treat mammalian hyper-proliferative disorders comprising administering to a mammal, including a human in need thereof, an amount of a compound of this invention, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, metabolite (oxidized derivative), and composition thereof, which is effective to treat the disorder. Hyper-proliferative disorders include but are not limited to solid tumors, such as cancers of the breast, respiratory tract, brain, reproductive organs, digestive tract, urinary tract, eye, liver, skin, head and neck, thyroid, parathyroid and their distant metastases. Those disorders also include lymphomas, sarcomas, and leukemias. Any tumor or cancer can be treated, including, but not limited to, cancers having one or more mutations in raf, ras, and/or flt-3, as well as any upstream or downstream member of the signaling pathways of which they are a part. As discussed earlier, a cancer can be treated with a compound of the present invention irrespective of the mechanism which is responsible for it. Cancers of any organ can be treated, including cancers of, but are not limited to, e.g., colon, pancreas, breast, prostate, bone, liver, kidney, lung, testes, skin, pancreas, stomach, colorectal cancer, renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma, etc. Examples of breast cancer include, but are not limited to, invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ, and lobular carcinoma in situ. Examples of cancers of the respiratory tract include, but are not limited to, small-cell and non-small-cell lung carcinoma, as well as bronchial adenoma and pleuropulmonary blastoma. Examples of brain cancers include, but are not limited to, brain stem and hypophtalmic glioma, cerebellar and cerebral astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, as well as neuroectodermal and pineal tumor. Tumors of the male reproductive organs include, but are not limited to, prostate and testicular cancer. Tumors of the female reproductive organs include, but are not limited to, endometrial, cervical, ovarian, vaginal, and vulvar cancer, as well as sarcoma of the uterus. Tumors of the digestive tract include, but are not limited to, anal, colon, colorectal, esophageal, gallbladder, gastric, pancreatic, rectal, small-intestine, and salivary gland cancers. Tumors of the urinary tract include, but are not limited to, bladder, penile, kidney, renal pelvis, ureter, and urethral cancers. Eye cancers include, but are not limited to, intraocular melanoma and retinoblastoma. Examples of liver cancers include, but are not limited to, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cell carcinomas with or without fibrolamellar variant), cholangiocarcinoma (intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma), and mixed hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma. Skin cancers include, but are not limited to, squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, malignant melanoma, Merkel cell skin cancer, and non-melanoma skin cancer. Head-and-neck cancers include, but are not limited to, laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, and/or oropharyngeal cancers, and lip and oral cavity cancer. Lymphomas include, but are not limited to, AIDS-related lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and lymphoma of the central nervous system. Sarcomas include, but are not limited to, sarcoma of the soft tissue, osteosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, lymphosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma. Leukemias include, but are not limited to, acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and hairy cell leukemia. In addition to inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells, compounds of the present invention can also cause tumor regression, e.g., a decrease in the size of a tumor, or in the extent of cancer in the body. The present invention also relates to methods of modulating angiogenesis and/or lymphangiogenesis in a system comprising cells, comprising administering to the system an effective amount of a compound described herein. A system comprising cells can be an in vivo system, such as a tumor in a patient, isolated organs, tissues, or cells, in vitro assays systems (CAM, BCE, etc), animal models (e.g., in vivo, subcutaneous, cancer models), hosts in need of treatment (e.g., hosts suffering from diseases having angiogenic and/or lymphangiogenic component, such as cancer), etc. Inappropriate and ectopic expression of angiogenesis can be deleterious to an organism. A number of pathological conditions are associated with the growth of extraneous blood vessels. These include, e.g., diabetic retinopathy, neovascular glaucoma, psoriasis, retrolental fibroplasias, angiofibroma, inflammation, etc. In addition, the increased blood supply associated with cancerous and neoplastic tissue, encourages growth, leading to rapid tumor enlargement and metastasis. Moreover, the growth of new blood and lymph vessels in a tumor provides an escape route for renegade cells, encouraging metastasis and the consequence spread of the cancer. Useful systems for measuring angiogenesis and/or lymphangiogenesis, and inhibition thereof, include, e.g., neovascularization of tumor explants (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,192,744; 6,024,688), chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay (e.g., Taylor and Folkman, Nature 1982, 297, 307-312; Eliceiri et al., J. Cell Biol. 1998, 140, 1255-1263), bovine capillary endothelial (BCE) cell assay (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,688; Polverini, P. J. et al., Methods Enzymol. 1991, 198, 440-450), migration assays, and HUVEC (human umbilical cord vascular endothelial cell) growth inhibition assay (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,449), and use of the rabbit ear model (e.g., Szuba et al., FASEB J. 2002, 16(14), 1985-7). Modulation of angiogenesis can be determined by any other method. For example, the degree of tissue vascularity is typically determined by assessing the number and density of vessels present in a given sample. For example, microvessel density (MVD) can be estimated by counting the number of endothelial clusters in a high-power microscopic field, or detecting a marker specific for microvascular endothelium or other markers of growing or established blood vessels, such as CD31 (also known as platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule or PECAM). A CD31 antibody can be employed in conventional immunohistological methods to immunostain tissue sections as described by, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,949; Dellas et al., Gyn. Oncol. 1997, 67, 27-33; and others. Other markers for angiogenesis, include, e.g., Vezf1 (e.g., Xiang et al., Dev. Bio. 1999, 206, 123-141), angiopoietin, Tie-1, and Tie-2 (e.g., Sato et al., Nature 1995, 376, 70-74). Additionally, the present invention relates to methods of screening patients to determine their sensitivity to compounds of the present invention. For example, the invention relates to methods of determining whether a condition can be modulated by a compound disclosed herein, comprising measuring the expression or activity of raf, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGFR-beta, p38, and/or flt-3 in a sample comprising cells or a cell extract, wherein said sample has been obtained from a cell or subject having said condition. When the results of the determination indicate that one or more of the mentioned genes (and/or polypeptides which they encode) differ from the normal state, this identifies the condition as being treatable with a compound of the present invention, i.e., whereby said disorder or condition can be modulated by the compound when said expression or activity is increased in said condition as compared to a normal control. The method can further comprise a step of comparing the expression in a sample with a normal control, or expression in a sample obtained from normal or unaffected tissue. Comparing can be done manually, against a standard, in an electronic form (e.g., against a database), etc. The normal control can be a standard sample that is provided with the assay; it can be obtained from adjacent, but unaffected, tissue from the same patient; or, it can be pre-determined values, etc. Gene expression, protein expression (e.g., abundance in a cell), protein activity (e.g., kinase activity), etc., can be determined. For instance, a biopsy from a cancer patient can be assayed for the presence, quantity, and/or activity of raf, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGFR-beta, p38, and/or flt-3. Increased expression or activity of one or more of these can indicate that the cancer can be targeted for treatment by a compound of the present invention. For example, as described in the examples below, raf activity can be monitored by its ability to initiate the cascade leading to ERK phosphorylation (i.e., raf/MEK/ERK), resulting in phospho-ERK. Increased phospho-ERK levels in a cancer specimen shows that its raf activity is elevated, suggesting the use of compounds of the present invention to treat it. Measuring expression includes determining or detecting the amount of the polypeptide present in a cell or shed by it, as well as measuring the underlying mRNA, where the quantity of mRNA present is considered to reflect the quantity of polypeptide manufactured by the cell. Furthermore, the genes for raf, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGFR-beta, p38, and/or Flt-3 can be analyzed to determine whether there is a gene defect responsible for aberrant expression or polypeptide activity. Polypeptide detection can be carried out by any available method, e.g., by Western blots, ELISA, dot blot, immunoprecipitation, RIA, immunohistochemistry, etc. For instance, a tissue section can be prepared and labeled with a specific antibody (indirect or direct and visualized with a microscope. Amount of a polypeptide can be quantitated without visualization, e.g., by preparing a lysate of a sample of interest, and then determining by ELISA or Western the amount of polypeptide per quantity of tissue. Antibodies and other specific binding agents can be used. There is no limitation on how detection is performed. Assays can be utilized which permit quantification and/or presence/absence detection of a target nucleic acid (e.g., genes, mRNA, etc., for raf, VEGFR, PDGFR, p38, and/or flt-3) in a sample. Assays can be performed at the single-cell level, or in a sample comprising many cells, where the assay is “averaging” expression over the entire collection of cells and tissue present in the sample. Any suitable assay format can be used, including, but not limited to, e.g., Southern blot analysis, Northern blot analysis, polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”) (e.g., Saiki et al., Science 1988, 241, 53; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,195, 4,683,202, and 6,040,166; PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications, Innis et al., eds., Academic Press, New York, 1990), reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (“RT-PCR”), anchored PCR, rapid amplification of cDNA ends (“RACE”) (e.g., Schaefer in Gene Cloning and Analysis: Current Innovations, Pages 99-115, 1997), ligase chain reaction (“LCR”) (EP 320 308), one-sided PCR (Ohara et al., Proc. Natl. Acad Sci. 1989, 86, 5673-5677), indexing methods (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,508,169), in situ hybridization, differential display (e.g., Liang et al., Nucl. Acid. Res. 1993, 21, 3269 3275; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,262,311, 5,599,672 and 5,965,409; WO97/18454; Prashar and Weissman, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 93:659-663, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,010,850 and 5,712,126; Welsh et al., Nucleic Acid Res., 20:4965-4970, 1992, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,985) and other RNA fingerprinting techniques, nucleic acid sequence based amplification (“NASBA”) and other transcription based amplification systems (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,409,818 and 5,554,527; WO 88/10315), polynucleotide arrays (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,143,854, 5,424,186; 5,700,637, 5,874,219, and 6,054,270; PCT WO 92/10092; PCT WO 90/15070), Qbeta Replicase (PCT/US87/00880), Strand Displacement Amplification (“SDA”), Repair Chain Reaction (“RCR”), nuclease protection assays, subtraction-based methods, Rapid-Scan, etc. Additional useful methods include, but are not limited to, e.g., template-based amplification methods, competitive PCR (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,747,251), redox-based assays (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,918), Taqman-based assays (e.g., Holland et al., Proc. Natl. Acad, Sci. 1991, 88, 7276-7280; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,210,015 and 5,994,063), real-time fluorescence-based monitoring (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,907), molecular energy transfer labels (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,348,853, 5,532,129, 5,565,322, 6,030,787, and 6,117,635; Tyagi and Kramer, Nature Biotech., 14:303-309, 1996). Any method suitable for single cell analysis of gene or protein expression can be used, including in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry, MACS, FACS, flow cytometry, etc. For single cell assays, expression products can be measured using antibodies, PCR, or other types of nucleic acid amplification (e.g., Brady et al., Methods Mol. & Cell. Biol. 1990, 2, 17-25; Eberwine et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 1992, 89, 3010-3014; U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,290). These and other methods can be carried out conventionally, e.g., as described in the mentioned publications. Activity of raf, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGFR-beta, p38, and/or flt-3 can be assessed routinely, e.g., as described in the examples below, or using standard assays for kinase activity. The present invention also provides methods of assessing the efficacy of a compound of the present invention in treating a disorder, comprising one or more of the following steps in any effective order, e.g., administering an amount of a compound, measuring the expression or activity of raf, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGFR-beta, p38, and/or flt-3 (see above), determining the effect of said compound on said expression or activity. For instance, biopsy samples can be removed from patients who have been treated with a compound of the present invention, and then assayed for the presence and/or activity of the mentioned signaling molecules. Similarly, as discussed above, decreases in the levels of phospho-ERK in the cancer tissue (e.g., compared to normal tissue or before treatment) indicate that the compound is exerting in vivo efficacy and a therapeutic effect. The method can be used to determine appropriate dosages and dosing regimens, e.g., how much compound to administer and at what frequency to administer it. By monitoring its effect on the signaling molecules in the tissue, the clinician can determine the appropriate treatment protocol and whether it is achieving the desired effect, e.g., on modulating or inhibiting the signal transduction pathway. Compounds of the present invention also can be used as markers to determine the presence and quantity of raf, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGFR-beta, p38, and/or flt-3, in a sample comprising a biological material. This comprises one or more of the following steps in any effective order: (i) contacting said sample comprising a biological material with a compound of the present invention, and (ii) determining whether said compound binds to said material. The compound can be labeled, or it can be used as a competitor to a labeled compound, such as labeled-ATP. The invention also provides methods for treating, preventing, modulating, etc., diseases and conditions in mammals comprising administering a compound of this invention with another modulator of the signal transduction pathway comprising, but not limited to raf, VEGFR, PDGFR, p38, and/or flt-3. These can be present in the same composition or in separate formulations or dosage units. Administration can be the same or different routes, and can be simultaneous or sequential. The following publications relate to VEGFR-3 modulation and are incorporated herein for their description of disease states mediated by VEGFR-3 and assays to determine such activity. WO95/33772 Alitalo, et. al. WO95/33050 Charnock-Jones, et. al.. WO96/39421 Hu, et. al. WO98/33917 Alitalo, et. al. WO02/057299 Alitalo, et. al. WO02/060950 Alitalo, et. al. WO02/081520 Boesen, et. al. The following publications relate to VEGFR-2 modulation and are incorporated herein for their description of disease states mediated by VEGFR-2 and assays to determine such activity. EP0882799 Hanai, et. al. EP1167384 Ferraram, et, al. EP1086705 Sato, et. al. EP11300032 Tesar, et. al. EP1166798 Haberey, et. al. EP1166799 Haberey, et. al. EP1170017 Maini, et. al. EP1203827 Smith WO02/083850 Rosen, et. al. The following publications relate to flt-3 modulation and are incorporated herein for their description of disease states mediated by flt-3 and assays to determine such activity. 2002/0034517 Brasel, et. al. 2002/0107365 Lyman, et. al. 2002/0111475 Graddis, et. al. EP0627487 Beckermann, et. al. WO9846750 Bauer, et. al. WO9818923 McWherter, et. al. WO9428391 Beckermann, et al. WO9426891 Birnbaum, et. al. The following patents and publication relate to PDGF/PDGFR modulation and are incorporated herein for their description of the disease states mediated by PDGFR-beta and assays to determine such activity. 5,094,941 Hart, et. al. 5,371,205 Kelly, et. al. 5,418,135 Pang 5,444,151 Vassbotn, et. al. 5,468,468 LaRochelle, et. al. 5,567,584 Sledziewski, et. al. 5,618,678 Kelly, et. al. 5,620,687 Hart, et. al. 5,648,076 Ross, et. al. 5,668,264 Janjic, et. al. 5,686,572 Wolf, et. al. 5,817,310 Ramakrishnan, et. al. 5,833,986 LaRochelle, et. al. 5,863,739 LaRochelle, et. al. 5,872,218 Wolf, et. al. 5,882,644 Chang, et. al. 5,891,652 Wolf, et. al. 5,976,534 Hart, et. al. 5,990,141 Hirth, et. al. 6,022,854 Shuman 6,043,211 Williams, et. al. 6,110,737 Escobedo, et. al. 6,207,816B1 Gold, et. al. 6,228,600B1 Matsui, et. al. 6,229,002B1 Janjic, et. al. 6,316,603B1 McTigue, et. al. 6,372,438B1 Williams, et. al. 6,403,769B1 La Rochelle, et. al. 6,440,445B1 Nowak, et. al. 6,475,782B1 Escobedo, et. al. WO02/083849 Rosen, et. al. WO02/083704 Rosen, et. al. WO02/081520 Boesen, et. al. WO02/079498 Thomas, et. al. WO02/070008 Rockwell, et. al. WO09959636 Sato, et. al. WO09946364 Cao, et. al. WO09940118 Hanai, et. al. WO9931238 Yabana, et. al. WO9929861 Klagsbrun, et. al. WO9858053 Kendall, et. al. WO9851344 Maini, et. al. WO9833917 Alitalo, et. al. WO9831794 Matsumoto, et. al. WO9816551 Ferrara, et. al. WO9813071 Kendall, et al. WO9811223 Martiny-Baron, et. al. WO9744453 Chen, et. al. WO9723510 Plouet, et. al. WO9715662 Stinchcomb, et. al. WO9708313 Ferrara, et. al. WO9639515 Cao, et. al. WO9623065 Smith, et. al. WO9606641 Fleurbaaij, et. al. WO9524473 Cao, et. al. WO9822316 Kyowa WO9521868 Rockwell, et. al. WO02/060489 Xia, et. al. PDGFR-beta EP0869177 Matsui, et. al. WO09010013 Matsui, et. al. WO9737029 Matsui, et. al. PDGFR-alpha EP1000617 Lammers, et. al. EP0869177 Matsui, et. al. EP0811685 Escobedo, et. al. Pharmaceutical Compositions Based on the Compounds of the Present Invention This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of the present invention and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compositions can be utilized to achieve the desired pharmacological effect by administration to a patient in need thereof. A patient, for the purpose of this invention, is a mammal, including a human, in need of treatment for the particular condition or disease. Therefore, the present invention includes pharmaceutical compositions which are comprised of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound, or salt thereof, of the present invention. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” is meant as any carrier which is relatively non-toxic and innocuous to a patient at concentrations consistent with effective activity of the active ingredient so that any side effects ascribable to the carrier do not vitiate the beneficial effects of the active ingredient. A pharmaceutically effective amount of compound is that amount which produces a result or exerts an influence on the particular condition being treated. The compound of the present invention can be administered with pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers well known in the art using any effective conventional dosage unit forms, including immediate, slow and timed release preparations, orally, parenterally, topically, nasally, ophthalmically, optically, sublingually, rectally, vaginally, and the like. For oral administration, the compound can be formulated into solid or liquid preparations such as capsules, pills, tablets, troches, lozenges, melts, powders, solutions, suspensions, or emulsions, and may be prepared according to methods known to the art for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions. The solid unit dosage forms can be a capsule which can be of the ordinary hard- or soft-shelled gelatin type containing, for example, surfactants, lubricants, and inert fillers such as lactose, sucrose, calcium phosphate, and corn starch. In another embodiment, the compounds of this invention may be tableted with conventional tablet bases such as lactose, sucrose and cornstarch in combination with binders such as acacia, corn starch or gelatin, disintegrating agents intended to assist the break-up and dissolution of the tablet following administration such as potato starch, alginic acid, corn starch, and guar gum, gum tragacanth, acacia, lubricants intended to improve the flow of tablet granulation and to prevent the adhesion of tablet material to the surfaces of the tablet dies and punches, for example talc, stearic acid, or magnesium, calcium or zinc stearate, dyes, coloring agents, and flavoring agents such as peppermint, oil of wintergreen, or cherry flavoring, intended to enhance the aesthetic qualities of the tablets and make them more acceptable to the patient. Suitable excipients for use in oral liquid dosage forms include dicalcium phosphate and diluents such as water and alcohols, for example, ethanol, benzyl alcohol, and polyethylene alcohols, either with or without the addition of a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant, suspending agent or emulsifying agent. Various other materials may be present as coatings or to otherwise modify the physical form of the dosage unit. For instance tablets, pills or capsules may be coated with shellac, sugar or both. Dispersible powders and granules are suitable for the preparation of an aqueous suspension. They provide the active ingredient in admixture with a dispersing or wetting agent, a suspending agent and one or more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents are exemplified by those already mentioned above. Additional excipients, for example those sweetening, flavoring and coloring agents described above, may also be present. The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also be in the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The oily phase may be a vegetable oil such as liquid paraffin or a mixture of vegetable oils. Suitable emulsifying agents may be (1) naturally occurring gums such as gum acacia and gum tragacanth, (2) naturally occurring phosphatides such as soy bean and lecithin, (3) esters or partial esters derived form fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example, sorbitan monooleate, (4) condensation products of said partial esters with ethylene oxide, for example, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The emulsions may also contain sweetening and flavoring agents. Oily suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredient in a vegetable oil such as, for example, arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil, or in a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. The oily suspensions may contain a thickening agent such as, for example, beeswax, hard paraffin, or cetyl alcohol. The suspensions may also contain one or more preservatives, for example, ethyl or n-propyl p-hydroxybenzoate; one or more coloring agents; one or more flavoring agents; and one or more sweetening agents such as sucrose or saccharin. Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents such as, for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol or sucrose. Such formulations may also contain a demulcent, and preservative, such as methyl and propyl parabens and flavoring and coloring agents. The compounds of this invention may also be administered parenterally, that is, subcutaneously, intravenously, intraocularly, intrasynovially, intramuscularly, or interperitoneally, as injectable dosages of the compound in a physiologically acceptable diluent with a pharmaceutical carrier which can be a sterile liquid or mixture of liquids such as water, saline, aqueous dextrose and related sugar solutions, an alcohol such as ethanol, isopropanol, or hexadecyl alcohol, glycols such as propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol, glycerol ketals such as 2,2-dimethyl-1,1-dioxolane-4-methanol, ethers such as poly(ethylene glycol) 400, an oil, a fatty acid, a fatty acid ester or, a fatty acid glyceride, or an acetylated fatty acid glyceride, with or without the addition of a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant such as a soap or a detergent, suspending agent such as pectin, carbomers, methycellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, or carboxymethylcellulose, or emulsifying agent and other pharmaceutical adjuvants. Illustrative of oils which can be used in the parenteral formulations of this invention are those of petroleum, animal, vegetable, or synthetic origin, for example, peanut oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, olive oil, petrolatum and mineral oil. Suitable fatty acids include oleic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid and myristic acid. Suitable fatty acid esters are, for example, ethyl oleate and isopropyl myristate. Suitable soaps include fatty acid alkali metal, ammonium, and triethanolamine salts and suitable detergents include cationic detergents, for example dimethyl dialkyl ammonium halides, alkyl pyridinium halides, and alkylamine acetates; anionic detergents, for example, alkyl, aryl, and olefin sulfonates, alkyl, olefin, ether, and monoglyceride sulfates, and sulfosuccinates; non-ionic detergents, for example, fatty amine oxides, fatty acid alkanolamides, and poly(oxyethylene-oxypropylene)s or ethylene oxide or propylene oxide copolymers; and amphoteric detergents, for example, alkyl-beta-aminopropionates, and 2-alkylimidazoline quarternary ammonium salts, as well as mixtures. The parenteral compositions of this invention will typically contain from about 0.5% to about 25% by weight of the active ingredient in solution. Preservatives and buffers may also be used advantageously. In order to minimize or eliminate irritation at the site of injection, such compositions may contain a non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of from about 12 to about 17. The quantity of surfactant in such formulation ranges from about 5% to about 15% by weight. The surfactant can be a single component having the above HLB or can be a mixture of two or more components having the desired HLB. Illustrative of surfactants used in parenteral formulations are the class of polyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, for example, sorbitan monooleate and the high molecular weight adducts of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base, formed by the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol. The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of sterile injectable aqueous suspensions. Such suspensions may be formulated according to known methods using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents such as, for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium alginate, gum tragacanth and gum acacia; dispersing or wetting agents which may be a naturally occurring phosphatide such as lecithin, a condensation product of an alkylene oxide with a fatty acid, for example, polyoxyethylene stearate, a condensation product of ethylene oxide with a long chain aliphatic alcohol, for example, heptadeca-ethyleneoxycetanol, a condensation product of ethylene oxide with a partial ester derived form a fatty acid and a hexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, or a condensation product of an ethylene oxide with a partial ester derived from a fatty acid and a hexitol anhydride, for example polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent. Diluents and solvents that may be employed are, for example, water, Ringer's solution, isotonic sodium chloride solutions and isotonic glucose solutions. In addition, sterile fixed oils are conventionally employed as solvents or suspending media. For this purpose, any bland, fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid can be used in the preparation of injectables. A composition of the invention may also be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration of the drug. These compositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable non-irritation excipient which is solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at the rectal temperature and will therefore melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such material is, for example, cocoa butter and polyethylene glycol. Another formulation employed in the methods of the present invention employs transdermal delivery devices (“patches”). Such transdermal patches may be used to provide continuous or discontinuous infusion of the compounds of the present invention in controlled amounts. The construction and use of transdermal patches for the delivery of pharmaceutical agents is well known in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,252, issued Jun. 11, 1991, incorporated herein by reference). Such patches may be constructed for continuous, pulsatile, or on demand delivery of pharmaceutical agents. Controlled release formulations for parenteral administration include liposomal, polymeric microsphere and polymeric gel formulations which are known in the art. It may be desirable or necessary to introduce the pharmaceutical composition to the patient via a mechanical delivery device. The construction and use of mechanical delivery devices for the delivery of pharmaceutical agents is well known in the art. Direct techniques for, for example, administering a drug directly to the brain usually involve placement of a drug delivery catheter into the patient's ventricular system to bypass the blood-brain barrier. One such implantable delivery system, used for the transport of agents to specific anatomical regions of the body, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,472, issued Apr. 30, 1991. The compositions of the invention can also contain other conventional pharmaceutically acceptable compounding ingredients, generally referred to as carriers or diluents, as necessary or desired. Conventional procedures for preparing such compositions in appropriate dosage forms can be utilized. Such ingredients and procedures include those described in the following references, each of which is incorporated herein by reference: Powell, M. F. et al, “Compendium of Excipients for Parenteral Formulations” PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology 1998, 52(5), 238-311; Strickley, R. G “Parenteral Formulations of Small Molecule Therapeutics Marketed in the United States (1999)-Part-1” PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology 1999, 53(6), 324-349; and Nema, S. et al, “Excipients and Their Use in Injectable Products” PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology 1997, 51(4), 166-171. Commonly used pharmaceutical ingredients which can be used as appropriate to formulate the composition for its intended route of administration include: acidifying agents (examples include but are not limited to acetic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid); alkalinizing agents (examples include but are not limited to ammonia solution, ammonium carbonate, diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, potassium hydroxide, sodium borate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine, trolamine); adsorbents (examples include but are not limited to powdered cellulose and activated charcoal); aerosol propellants (examples include but are not limited to carbon dioxide, CCl2F2, F2ClC-CClF2 and CClF3) air displacement agents (examples include but are not limited to nitrogen and argon); antifungal preservatives (examples include but are not limited to benzoic acid, butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium benzoate); antimicrobial preservatives (examples include but are not limited to benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzyl alcohol, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorobutanol, phenol, phenylethyl alcohol, phenylmercuric nitrate and thimerosal); antioxidants (examples include but are not limited to ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, hypophosphorus acid, monothioglycerol, propyl gallate, sodium ascorbate, sodium bisulfite, sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, sodium metabisulfite); binding materials (examples include but are not limited to block polymers, natural and synthetic rubber, polyacrylates, polyurethanes, silicones, polysiloxanes and styrene-butadiene copolymers); buffering agents (examples include but are not limited to potassium metaphosphate, dipotassium phosphate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate anhydrous and sodium citrate dihydrate) carrying agents (examples include but are not limited to acacia syrup, aromatic syrup, aromatic elixir, cherry syrup, cocoa syrup, orange syrup, syrup, corn oil, mineral oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, bacteriostatic sodium chloride injection and bacteriostatic water for injection) chelating agents (examples include but are not limited to edetate disodium and edetic acid) colorants (examples include but are not limited to FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Red No. 20, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 2, D&C Green No. 5, D&C Orange No. 5, D&C Red No. 8, caramel and ferric oxide red); clarifying agents (examples include but are not limited to bentonite); emulsifying agents (examples include but are not limited to acacia, cetomacrogol, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl monostearate, lecithin, sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene 50 monostearate); encapsulating agents (examples include but are not limited to gelatin and cellulose acetate phthalate) flavorants (examples include but are not limited to anise oil, cinnamon oil, cocoa, menthol, orange oil, peppermint oil and vanillin); humectants (examples include but are not limited to glycerol, propylene glycol and sorbitol); levigating agents (examples include but are not limited to mineral oil and glycerin); oils (examples include but are not limited to arachis oil, mineral oil, olive oil, peanut oil, sesame oil and vegetable oil); ointment bases (examples include but are not limited to lanolin, hydrophilic ointment, polyethylene glycol ointment, petrolatum, hydrophilic petrolatum, white ointment, yellow ointment, and rose water ointment); penetration enhancers (transdermal delivery) (examples include but are not limited to monohydroxy or polyhydroxy alcohols, mono-or polyvalent alcohols, saturated or unsaturated fatty alcohols, saturated or unsaturated fatty esters, saturated or unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, essential oils, phosphatidyl derivatives, cephalin, terpenes, amides, ethers, ketones and ureas) plasticizers (examples include but are not limited to diethyl phthalate and glycerol); solvents (examples include but are not limited to ethanol, corn oil, cottonseed oil, glycerol, isopropanol, mineral oil, oleic acid, peanut oil, purified water, water for injection, sterile water for injection and sterile water for irrigation); stiffening agents (examples include but are not limited to cetyl alcohol, cetyl esters wax, microcrystalline wax, paraffin, stearyl alcohol, white wax and yellow wax); suppository bases (examples include but are not limited to cocoa butter and polyethylene glycols (mixtures)); surfactants (examples include but are not limited to benzalkonium chloride, nonoxynol 10, oxtoxynol 9, polysorbate 80, sodium lauryl sulfate and sorbitan mono-palmitate); suspending agents (examples include but are not limited to agar, bentonite, carbomers, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, kaolin, methylcellulose, tragacanth and veegum); sweetening agents (examples include but are not limited to aspartame, dextrose, glycerol, mannitol, propylene glycol, saccharin sodium, sorbitol and sucrose); tablet anti-adherents (examples include but are not limited to magnesium stearate and talc); tablet binders (examples include but are not limited to acacia, alginic acid, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, compressible sugar, ethylcellulose, gelatin, liquid glucose, methylcellulose, and pregelatinized starch); tablet and capsule diluents (examples include but are not limited to dibasic calcium phosphate, kaolin, lactose, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose, precipitated calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium phosphate, sorbitol and starch); tablet coating agents (examples include but are not limited to liquid glucose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate and shellac); tablet direct compression excipients (examples include but are not limited to dibasic calcium phosphate); tablet disintegrants (examples include but are not limited to alginic acid, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, microcrystalline cellulose, polacrillin potassium, sodium alginate, sodium starch glycollate and starch); tablet glidants (examples include but are not limited to colloidal silica, corn starch and talc); tablet lubricants (examples include but are not limited to calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, mineral oil, stearic acid and zinc stearate); tablet/capsule opaquants (examples include but are not limited to titanium dioxide); tablet polishing agents (examples include but are not limited to carnauba wax and white wax); thickening agents (examples include but are not limited to beeswax, cetyl alcohol and paraffin); tonicity agents (examples include but are not limited to dextrose and sodium chloride); viscosity increasing agents (examples include but are not limited to alginic acid, bentonite, carbomers, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, methylcellulose, sodium alginate and tragacanth); and wetting agents (examples include but are not limited to heptadecaethylene oxycetanol, lecithin, sorbitol monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, and polyoxyethylene stearate). Pharmaceutical compositions according to the present invention can be illustrated as follows: Sterile IV Solution: a 5 mg/mL solution of the desired compound of this invention is made using sterile, injectable water, and the pH is adjusted if necessary. The solution is diluted for administration to 1-2 mg/mL with sterile 5% dextrose and is administered as an IV infusion over 60 minutes. Lyophilized powder for IV administration: A sterile preparation can be prepared with (i) 100-1000 mg of the desired compound of this invention as a lypholized powder, (ii) 32-327 mg/mL sodium citrate, and (iii) 300-3000 mg Dextran 40. The formulation is reconstituted with sterile, injectable saline or dextrose 5% to a concentration of 10 to 20 mg/mL, which is further diluted with saline or dextrose 5% to 0.2-0.4 mg/mL, and is administered either IV bolus or by IV infusion over 15-60 minutes. Intramuscular suspension: The following solution or suspension can be prepared, for intramuscular injection: 50 mg/mL of the desired, water-insoluble compound of this invention 5 mg/mL sodium carboxymethylcellulose 4 mg/mL Tween 80 9 mg/mL sodium chloride 9 mg/mL benzyl alcohol Hard Shell Capsules: A large number of unit capsules are prepared by filling standard two-piece hard galantine capsules each with 100 mg of powdered active ingredient, 150 mg of lactose, 50 mg of cellulose and 6 mg of magnesium stearate. Soft Gelatin Capsules: A mixture of active ingredient in a digestible oil such as soybean oil, cottonseed oil or olive oil is prepared and injected by means of a positive displacement pump into molten gelatin to form soft gelatin capsules containing 100 mg of the active ingredient. The capsules are washed and dried. The active ingredient can be dissolved in a mixture of polyethylene glycol, glycerin and sorbitol to prepare a water miscible medicine mix. Tablets: A large number of tablets are prepared by conventional procedures so that the dosage unit was 100 mg of active ingredient, 0.2 mg of colloidal silicon dioxide, 5 mg of magnesium stearate, 275 mg of microcrystalline cellulose, 11 mg of starch, and 98.8 mg of lactose. Appropriate aqueous and non-aqueous coatings may be applied to increase palatability, improve elegance and stability or delay absorption. Immediate Release Tablets/Capsules: These are solid oral dosage forms made by conventional and novel processes. These units are taken orally without water for immediate dissolution and delivery of the medication. The active ingredient is mixed in a liquid containing ingredient such as sugar, gelatin, pectin and sweeteners. These liquids are solidified into solid tablets or caplets by freeze drying and solid state extraction techniques. The drug compounds may be compressed with viscoelastic and thermoelastic sugars and polymers or effervescent components to produce porous matrices intended for immediate release, without the need of water. Dosage of the Pharmaceutical Compositions of the Present Invention Based upon standard laboratory techniques known to evaluate compounds useful for the treatment of any of the aforementioned disorders, by standard toxicity tests and by standard pharmacological assays for the determination of treatment of the conditions identified above in mammals, and by comparison of these results with the results of known medicaments that are used to treat these conditions, the effective dosage of the compounds of this invention can readily be determined for treatment of each desired indication. The amount of the active ingredient to be administered in the treatment of one of these conditions can vary widely according to such considerations as the particular compound and dosage unit employed, the mode of administration, the period of treatment, the age and sex of the patient treated, and the nature and extent of the condition treated. The total amount of the active ingredient to be administered can range from about 0.001 mg/kg to about 200 mg/kg, and preferably from about 0.1 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg body weight per day. A unit dosage may preferably contain from about 5 mg to about 4000 mg of active ingredient, and can be administered one or more times per day. The daily dosage for oral administration will preferably be from 0.1 to 50 mg/kg of total body weight. The daily dosage for administration by injection, including intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and parenteral injections, and use of infusion techniques will preferably be from 0.1 to 10 mg/kg of total body weight. The daily rectal dosage regimen will preferably be from 0.1 to 50 mg/kg of total body weight. The daily vaginal dosage regimen will preferably be from 0.1 to 50 mg/kg of total body weight. The daily topical dosage regimen will preferably be from 0.1 to 10 mg/kg administered between one to four times daily. The transdermal concentration will preferably be that required to maintain a daily dose of from 0.1 to 10 mg/kg. The daily inhalation dosage regimen will preferably be from 0.1 to 10 mg/kg of total body weight. Other dosages and amounts can be selected routinely. The specific initial and continuing dosage regimen for each patient will vary according to the nature and severity of the condition as determined by the attending diagnostician, the activity of the specific compound employed, the age and general condition of the patient, time of administration, route of administration, rate of excretion of the drug, drug combinations, and the like. The desired mode of treatment and number of doses of a compound of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or composition thereof can be ascertained by those skilled in the art using conventional treatment tests. Combination of the Compounds and Compositions of the Present Invention with Additional Active Ingredients Compounds of this invention can be administered as the sole pharmaceutical agent or in combination with one or more other pharmaceutical agents where the combination causes no unacceptable adverse effects. This may be of particular relevance for the treatment of hyper-proliferative diseases such as cancer. In this instance, the compound of this invention can be combined with known cytotoxic agents, signal transduction inhibitors, or with other anti-cancer agents, as well as with admixtures and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the compounds of the present invention can be combined with cytotoxic anti-cancer agents. Examples of such agents can be found in the 11th Edition of the Merck Index (1996). These agents include, by no way of limitation, asparaginase, bleomycin, carboplatin, carmustine, chlorambucil, cisplatin, colaspase, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, dacarbazine, dactinomycin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin (adriamycine), epirubicin, etoposide, 5-fluorouracil, hexamethylmelamine, hydroxyurea, ifosfamide, irinotecan, leucovorin, lomustine, mechlorethamine, 6-mercaptopurine, mesna, methotrexate, mitomycin C, mitoxantrone, prednisolone, prednisone, procarbazine, raloxifen, streptozocin, tamoxifen, thioguanine, topotecan, vinblastine, vincristine, and vindesine. Other cytotoxic drugs suitable for use with the compounds of the invention include, but are not limited to, those compounds acknowledged to be used in the treatment of neoplastic diseases in Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (Ninth Edition, 1996, McGraw-Hill). These agents include, by no way of limitation, aminoglutethimide, L-asparaginase, azathioprine, 5-azacytidine cladribine, busulfan, diethylstilbestrol, 2′, 2′-difluorodeoxycytidine, docetaxel, erythrohydroxynonyladenine, ethinyl estradiol, 5-fluorodeoxyuridine, 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate, fludarabine phosphate, fluoxymesterone, flutamide, hydroxyprogesterone caproate, idarubicin, interferon, medroxyprogesterone acetate, megestrol acetate, melphalan, mitotane, paclitaxel, pentostatin, N-phosphonoacetyl-L-aspartate (PALA), plicamycin, semustine, teniposide, testosterone propionate, thiotepa, trimethylmelamine, uridine, and vinorelbine. Other cytotoxic anti-cancer agents suitable for use in combination with the compounds of the invention also include newly discovered cytotoxic principles such as oxaliplatin, gemcitabine, capecitabine, epothilone and its natural or synthetic derivatives, temozolomide (Quinn et al., J. Clin. Oncology 2003, 21(4), 646-651), tositumomab (Bexxar), trabedectin (Vidal et al., Proceedings of the American Society for Clinical Oncology 2004, 23, abstract 3181), and the inhibitors of the kinesin spindle protein Eg5 (Wood et al., Curr. Opin. Pharmacol. 2001, 1, 370-377). In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention can be combined with other signal transduction inhibitors. Of particular interest are signal transduction inhibitors which target the EGFR family, such as EGFR, HER-2, and HER-4 (Raymond et al., Drugs 2000, 60 (Suppl.1), 15-23; Harari et al., Oncogene 2000, 19 (53), 6102-6114), and their respective ligands. Examples of such agents include, by no way of limitation, antibody therapies such as Herceptin (trastuzumab), Erbitux (cetuximab), and pertuzumab. Examples of such therapies also include, by no way of limitation, small-molecule kinase inhibitors such as ZD-1839/Iressa (Baselga et al., Drugs 2000, 60 (Suppl. 1), 33-40), OSI-774/Tarceva (Pollack et al. J. Pharm. Exp. Ther. 1999, 291(2), 739-748), CI-1033 (Bridges, Curr. Med. Chem. 1999, 6, 825-843), GW-2016 (Lackey et al., 92nd AACR Meeting, New Orleans, Mar. 24-28, 2001, abstract 4582), CP-724,714 (Jani et al., Proceedings of the American Society for Clinical Oncology 2004, 23, abstract 3122), HKI-272 (Rabindran et al., Cancer Res. 2004, 64, 3958-3965), and EKB-569 (Greenberger et al., 11th NCI-EORTC-AACR Symposium on New Drugs in Cancer Therapy, Amsterdam, November 7-10, 2000, abstract 388). In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention can be combined with other signal transduction inhibitors targeting receptor kinases of the split-kinase domain families (VEGFR, FGFR, PDGFR, flt-3, c-kit, c-fms, and the like), and their respective ligands. These agents include, by no way of limitation, antibodies such as Avastin (bevacizumab). These agents also include, by no way of limitation, small-molecule inhibitors such as STI-571/Gleevec (Zvelebil, Curr. Opin. Oncol., Endocr. Metab. Invest. Drugs 2000, 2(1), 74-82), PTK-787 (Wood et al., Cancer Res. 2000, 60(8), 2178-2189), SU-11248 (Demetri et al., Proceedings of the American Society for Clinical Oncology 2004, 23, abstract 3001), ZD-6474 (Hennequin et al., 92nd AACR Meeting, New Orleans, Mar. 24-28, 2001, abstract 3152), AG-13736 (Herbst et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 2003, 9, 16 (suppl 1), abstract C253), KRN-951 (Taguchi et al., 95th AACR Meeting, Orlando, Fla, 2004, abstract 2575), CP-547,632 (Beebe et al., Cancer Res. 2003, 63, 7301-7309), CP-673,451 (Roberts et al., Proceedings of the American Association of Cancer Research 2004, 45, abstract 3989), CHIR-258 (Lee et al., Proceedings of the American Association of Cancer Research 2004, 45, abstract 2130), MLN-518 (Shen et al., Blood 2003, 102, 11, abstract 476), and AZD-2171 (Hennequin et al., Proceedings of the American Association of Cancer Research 2004, 45, abstract 4539). In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention can be combined with inhibitors of the Raf/MEK/ERK transduction pathway (Avruch et al., Recent Prog. Horm. Res. 2001, 56, 127-155), or the PKB (akt) pathway (Lawlor et al., J. Cell Sci. 2001, 114, 2903-2910). These include, by no way of limitation, PD-325901 (Sebolt-Leopold et al., Proceedings of the American Association of Cancer Research 2004, 45, abstract 4003), and ARRY-142886 (Wallace et al., Proceedings of the American Association of Cancer Research 2004, 45, abstract 3891). In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention can be combined with inhibitors of histone deacetylase. Examples of such agents include, by no way of limitation, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), LAQ-824 (Ottmann et al., Proceedings of the American Society for Clinical Oncology 2004, 23, abstract 3024), LBH-589 (Beck et al., Proceedings of the American Society for Clinical Oncology 2004, 23, abstract 3025), MS-275 (Ryan et al., Proceedings of the American Association of Cancer Research 2004, 45, abstract 2452), and FR-901228 (Piekarz et al., Proceedings of the American Society for Clinical Oncology 2004, 23, abstract 3028). In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention can be combined with other anti-cancer agents such as proteasome inhibitors, and m-TOR inhibitors. These include, by no way of limitation, bortezomib (Mackay et al., Proceedings of the American Society for Clinical Oncology 2004, 23, Abstract 3109), and CCI-779 (Wu et al., Proceedings of the American Association of Cancer Research 2004, 45, abstract 3849). Generally, the use of cytotoxic and/or cytostatic anti-cancer agent in combination with a compound or composition of the present invention for the treatment of cancer will serve to: (1) yield better efficacy in reducing the growth of a tumor or even eliminate the tumor as compared to administration of either agent alone, (2) provide for the administration of lesser amounts of the administered chemotherapeutic agents, (3) provide for a chemotherapeutic treatment that is well tolerated in the patient with fewer deleterious pharmacological complications than observed with single agent chemotherapies and certain other combined therapies, (4) provide for treating a broader spectrum of different cancer types in mammals, especially humans, (5) provide for a higher response rate among treated patients, (6) provide for a longer survival time among treated patients compared to standard chemotherapy treatments, (7) provide a longer time for tumor progression, and/or (8) yield efficacy and tolerability results at least as good as those of the agents used alone, compared to known instances where other cancer agent combinations produce antagonistic effects. EXAMPLES Abbreviations used in this specification are as follows: HPLC high pressure liquid chromatography MS mass spectrometry ES electrospray DMSO dimethylsulfoxide MP melting point NMR nuclear resonance spectroscopy TLC thin layer chromatography rt room temperature Preparation of 4-amino-3-fluorophenol To a dry flask purged with Argon was added 10% Pd/C (80 mg) followed by 3-fluoro-4-nitrophenol (1.2 g, 7.64 mmol) as a solution in ethyl acetate (40 mL). The mixture was stirred under an H2 atmosphere for 4 h. The mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to afford the desired product as a tan solid (940 mg, 7.39 mmol; 97% yield); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6) 4.38 (s, 2H), 6.29-6.35 (m, 1H), 6.41 (dd, J=2.5, 12.7, 1H), 6.52-6.62 (m, 1H), 8.76 (s, 1H). Preparation of 4-(4-amino-3-fluorophenoxy)pyridine-2-carboxylic acid methylamide A solution of 4-amino-3-fluorophenol (500 mg, 3.9 mmol) in N,N-dimethylacetamide (6 mL) cooled to 0° C. was treated with potassium tert-butoxide (441 mg, 3.9 mmol), and the brown solution was allowed to stir at 0° C. for 25 min. To the mixture was added 4-chloro-N-methyl-2-pyridinecarboxamide (516 mg, 3.0 mmol) as a solution in dimethylacetamide (4 mL). The reaction was heated at 100° C. for 16 h. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, quenched with H2O (20 mL), and extracted with ehtylacetate (4×40 mL). The combined organics were washed with H2O (2×30 mL), dried (MgSO4), and evaporated to afford a red-brown oil. 1H-NMR indicated the presence of residual dimethylacetamide, thus the oil was taken up in diethylether (50 mL) and was further washed with brine (5×30 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO4) and concentrated to give 950 mg of the desired product as a red-brown solid, which was used in the next step without purification. A method of preparing 4-chloro-N-methyl-2-pyridinecarboxamide is described in Bankston et al., Org. Proc. Res. Dev. 2002, 6(6), 777-781. Example 1 Preparation of 4{4-[3-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-ureido]-3-fluorophenoxy}-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid methylamide To a solution of 4-(4-amino-3-fluorophenoxy)pyridine-2-carboxylic acid methylamide (177 mg, 0.68 mmol) in toluene (3 mL) was added 4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl isocyanate (150 mg, 0.68 mmol). The mixture was stirred at rt for 72 h. The reaction was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was triturated with diethylether. The resulting solid was collected by filtration and dried in vacuo for 4 h to afford the title compound (155 mg, 0.32 mmol; 47% yield); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6) 2.78 (d, J=4.9, 3H), 7.03-7.08 (m, 1H), 7.16 (dd, J=2.6, 5.6, 1H), 7.32 (dd, J=2.7, 11.6, 1H), 7.39 (d, J=2.5, 1H), 7.60 (s, 2H), 8.07-8.18 (m, 2H), 8.50 (d, J=5.7, 1H), 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.74-8.80 (m, 1H), 9.50 (s, 1H); MS (HPLC/ES) 483.06 m/z=(M+1). Example 2 Preparation of 4{4-[3-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-ureido]-3-fluorophenoxy}-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid methylamide hydrochloride The compound of example 1 as a free base (2.0 g) was dissolved in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (15 mL) and a 4M HCl/dioxane was added (excess). The solution was then concentrated in vacuo to afford 2.32 grams of off-white solids. The crude salt was dissolved in hot ethanol (125 mL), activated carbon was added and the mixture heated at reflux for 15 minutes. The hot suspension was filtered through a pad of Celite 521 and allowed to cool to room temperature. The flask was placed in a freezer overnight. The crystalline solids were collected by suction filtration, washed with ethanol, then hexane and air-dried. The mother liquors were concentrated down and crystallization (in freezer) allowed taking place overnight. A second crop of solids was collected and combined with the first crop. The colorless salt was dried in a vacuum oven at 60° C. over two days. Yield of hydrochloride salt obtained 1.72 g (79%). Melting point: 215° C. Elemental analysis: Calcd. Found C 48.57 48.68 H 3.11 2.76 N 10.79 10.60 Cl 13.65 13.63 F 14.63 14.88 Example 3 Preparation of 4{4-[3-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-ureido]-3-fluorophenoxy}-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid methylamide mesylate The compound of example 1 as a free base (2.25 g) was dissolved in ethanol (100 mL) and a stock solution of methanesulfonic acid (excess) was added. The solution was then concentrated in vacuo to afford a yellow oil. Ethanol was added and concentration repeated, affording 2.41 g of off-white solids. The crude salt was dissolved in hot ethanol (˜125 mL) and then cooled slowly to crystallize. After reaching room temperature, the flask was placed in a freezer overnight. The colorless crystalline material was collected by suction filtration; the filter cake was washed with ethanol, then hexane and air-dried, to afford 2.05 g of material, which was dried in a vacuum oven at 60° C. overnight. Melting point: 231° C. Elemental analysis: Calcd. Found C 45.64 45.34 H 3.31 3.08 N 9.68 9.44 Cl 6.12 6.08 F 13.13 13.42 S 5.54 5.59 Example 4 Preparation of 4{4-[3-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-ureido]-3-fluorophenoxy}-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid methylamide phenylsulfonate The compound of example 1 as a free base (2.25 g) was suspended in ethanol (50 mL) and benzensulfonic acid (0.737 g) in ethanol (50 mL) was added. The mixture was heated with vigorous stirring. All solid material dissolved to give a reddish solution. The solution was allowed to cool to room temperature and the flask scratched. Crystal formation was difficult to achieve, some seeds were found, added to solution and placed in freezer overnight. Grayish-tan solids had formed in the flask; the material was broken up & collected by suction filtration. The solids were washed with ethanol, then hexane and air-dried. Weighed product: 2.05 g, 69% yield. Melting point: 213° C. Elemental Analysis: Calcd. Found C 50.59 50.24 H 3.30 3.50 N 8.74 8.54 F 11.86 11.79 Cl 5.53 5.63 S 5.00 5.16 Example 5 c-raf (raf-1) Biochemical Assay The c-raf biochemical assay was performed with a c-raf enzyme that was activated (phosphorylated) by Lck kinase. Lck-activated c-raf (Lck/c-raf) was produced in Sf9 insect cells by co-infecting cells with baculoviruses expressing, under the control of the polyhedrin promoter, GST-c-raf (from amino acid 302 to amino acid 648) and Lck (full-length). Both baculoviruses were used at the multiplicity of infection of 2.5 and the cells were harvested 48 h post infection. MEK-1 protein was produced in Sf9 insect cells by infecting cells with the baculovirus expressing GST-MEK-1 (full-length) fusion protein at the multiplicity of infection of 5 and harvesting the cells 48 hours post infection. Similar purification procedure was used for GST-c-raf 302-648 and GST-MEK-1. Transfected cells were suspended at 100 mg of wet cell biomass per mL in a buffer containing 10 mM sodium phosphate, 140 mM sodium chloride pH 7.3, 0.5% Triton X-100 and the protease inhibitor cocktail. The cells were disrupted with Polytron homogenizer and centrifuged 30,000 g for 30 minutes. The 30,000 g supernatant was applied onto GSH-Sepharose. The resin was washed with a buffer containing 50 mM Tris, pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl and 0.01% Triton X-100. The GST-tagged proteins were eluted with a solution containing 100 mM Glutathione, 50 mM Tris, pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl and 0.01% Triton X-100. The purified proteins were dialyzed into a buffer containing 20 mM Tris, pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl and 20% Glycerol. Test compounds were serially diluted in DMSO using three-fold dilutions to stock concentrations ranging typically from 50 μM to 20 nM (final concentrations in the assay range from 1 μM to 0.4 nM). The c-Raf biochemical assay was performed as a radioactive filtermat assay in 96-well Costar polypropylene plates (Costar 3365). The plates were loaded with 75 μL solution containing 50 mM HEPES pH 7.5, 70 mM NaCl, 80 ng of Lck/c-raf and 1 μg MEK-1. Subsequently, 2 μL of the serially diluted individual compounds were added to the reaction, prior to the addition of ATP. The reaction was initiated with 25 μL ATP solution containing 5 μM ATP and 0.3 μCi [33P]-ATP. The plates were sealed and incubated at 32° C. for 1 h. The reaction was quenched with the addition of 50 μL of 4% Phosphoric Acid and harvested onto P30 filtermats (PerkinElmer) using a Wallac Tomtec Harvester. Filtermats were washed with 1% Phosphoric Acid first and deinonized H2O second. The filters were dried in a microwave, soaked in scintillation fluid and read in a Wallac 1205 Betaplate Counter (Wallac Inc., Atlanta, Ga., U.S.A.). The results were expressed as percent inhibition. % Inhibition=[100−(Tib/Ti)]×100 where Tib=(counts per minute with inhibitor)-(background) Ti=(counts per minute without inhibitor)-(background) The compound of the present invention shows potent inhibition of raf kinase in this assay. Example 6 p38 kinase in vitro assay Purified and His-tagged p38 α2 (expressed in E. Coli) was activated in vitro by MMK-6 to a high specific activity. Using a microtiter format, all reactions were conducted in 100 μL volumes with reagents diluted to yield 0.05 μg/well of activated p38 α2 and 10 μg/well of myelin basic protein in assay buffer (25 mM HEPES 7.4, 20 mM MgCl2, 150 mM NaCl). Test compounds (5 μL of a 10% DMSO solution in water) were prepared and diluted into the assay to cover a final concentration range from 5 nM to 2.5 μM. The kinase assay was initiated by addition of 25 μL of an ATP cocktail to give a final concentration of 10 μM cold ATP and 0.2 μCi [gamma-33P] ATP per well (200-400 dpm/pmol of ATP). The plate was incubated at 32° C. for 35 min., and the reaction quenched with 7 μL of a 1 N aq HCl solution. The samples were harvested onto a P30 Filtermat (Wallac, Inc.) using a TomTec 1295 Harvester (Wallac, Inc.), and counted in a LKB 1205 Betaplate Liquid Scintillation Counter (Wallac, Inc.). Negative controls included substrate plus ATP alone. SW1353 cellular assay: SW1353 cells (human chondro-sarcoma) are seeded (1000 cells/100 μL DMEM 10% FCS/well) into 96-well plates and incubated overnight. After medium replacement, cells are exposed to test compounds for 1 h at 37° C., at which time human IL-1 (1 ng/mL, Endogen, Woburn, Wa.) and recombinant human TNFalpha (10 ng/mL) are added. Cultures are incubated for 48 h at 37° C., then supernatant IL-6 values are determined by ELISA. The compound of this invention shows significant inhibition of p38 kinase. Example 7 Bio-Plex Phospho-ERK ½ immunoassay. A 96 well pERK immunoassay, using laser flow cytometry (Bio-Rad) platform has been established to measure inhibition of basal pERK in breast cancer cell line. MDA-MB-231 cells were plated at 50,000 cells per well in 96 well microtitre plates in complete growth media. For effects of test compounds on basal pERK½ inhibition, the next day after plating, MDA-MB-231 cells were transferred to DMEM with 0.1% BSA and incubated with test compounds diluted 1:3 to a final concentration of 3 μM to 12 nM in 0.1% DMSO. Cells were incubated with test compounds for 2 h, washed, and lysed in Bio-Plex whole cell lysis buffer A. Samples are diluted with buffer B 1:1 (v/v) and directly transferred to assay plate or frozen at −80 C. degrees until processed. 50 μL of diluted MDA-MB-231 cell lysates were incubated with about 2000 of 5 micron Bio-Plex beads conjugated with an anti-ERK½ antibody overnight on a shaker at room temperature. The next day, biotinylated phospho-ERK½ sandwich immunoassay was performed, beads are washed 3 times during each incubation and then 50 μL of PE-strepavidin was used as a developing reagent. The relative fluorescence units of pERK½ were detected by counting 25 beads with Bio-Plex flow cell (probe) at high sensitivity. The IC50 was calculated by taking untreated cells as maximum and no cells (beads only) as background using in an Excel spreadsheet based program. The compound of this invention shows significant inhibition in this assay. Example 8 Flk-1 (murine VEGFR-2) Biochemical Assay This assay was performed in 96-well opaque plates (Costar 3915) in the TR-FRET format. Reaction conditions are as follows: 10 μM ATP , 25 nM poly GT-biotin , 2 nM Eu-labelled phospho-Tyr Ab, 10 nM APC, 7 nM Flk-1 (kinase domain), 1% DMSO, 50 mM HEPES pH 7.5, 10 mM MgCl2, 0.1 mM EDTA, 0.015% BRIJ, 0.1 mg/mL BSA, 0.1% mercapto-ethanol). Reaction is initiated upon addition of enzyme. Final reaction volume in each well is 100 μL. Plates are read at both 615 and 665 nM on a Perkin Elmer Victor V Multilabel counter at about 1.5-2.0 hours after reaction initiation. Signal is calculated as a ratio: (665 nm/615 nm)*10000 for each well. The compound of this invention shows significant inhibition of VEGFR2 kinase. Example 9 Murine PDGFR FRET biochemical assay This assay was formatted in a 96-well black plate (Costar 3915). The following reagents are used: Europium-labeled anti-phosphotyrosine antibody pY20 (Perand streptavidin-APC; poly GT-biotin from, and mouse PDGFR. The reaction conditions are as follows: 1 nM mouse PDGFR is combined with 20 μM ATP, 7 nM poly GT-biotin, 1 nM pY20 antibody, 5 nM streptavidin-APC, and 1% DMSO in assay buffer (50 mM HEPES pH 7.5, 10 mM MgCl2, 0.1 mM EDTA, 0.015% BRIJ 35, 0.1 mg/mL BSA, 0.1% mercaptoethanol). Reaction is initiated upon addition of enzyme. Final reaction volume in each well is 100 μL. After 90 minutes, the reaction is stopped by addition of 10 μL/well of 5 μM staurosporine. Plates are read at both 615 and 665 nm on a Perkin Elmer VictorV Multilabel counter at about 1 hour after the reaction is stopped. Signal is calculated as a ratio: (665 nm/615 nm)*10000 for each well. The compound of this invention shows significant inhibition of PDGFR kinase. For IC50 generation for both PDGFR and Flk-1, compounds were added prior to the enzyme initiation. A 50-fold stock plate was made with compounds serially diluted 1:3 in a 50% DMSO/50% dH2O solution. A 2 μL addition of the stock to the assay gave final compound concentrations ranging from 10 μM-4.56 nM in 1% DMSO. The data were expressed as percent inhibition: % inhibition=100-((Signal with inhibitor-background)/(Signal without inhibitor-background))*100 Example 10 MDA-MB231 proliferation assay Human breast carcinoma cells (MDA MB-231, NCI) were cultured in standard growth medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated FBS at 37° C. in 5% CO2 (vol/vol) in a humidified incubator. Cells were plated at a density of 3000 cells per well in 90 μL growth medium in a 96 well culture dish. In order to determine T0h CTG values, 24 hours after plating, 100 μL of CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Reagent (Promega) was added to each well and incubated at room temperature for 30 minutes. Luminescence was recorded on a Wallac Victor II instrument. The CellTiter-Glo reagent results in cell lysis and generation of a luminescent signal proportional to the amount of ATP present, which, in turn is directly proportional to the number of cells present. Test compounds are dissolved in 100% DMSO to prepare 10 mM stocks. Stocks were further diluted 1:400 in growth medium to yield working stocks of 25 μM test compound in 0.25% DMSO. Test compounds were serially diluted in growth medium containing 0.25% DMSO to maintain constant DMSO concentrations for all wells. 60 μL of diluted test compound were added to each culture well to give a final volume of 180 μL. The cells with and without individual test compounds were incubated for 72 hours at which time ATP dependent luminescence was measured, as described previously, to yield T72h values. Optionally, the IC50 values can be determined with a least squares analysis program using compound concentration versus percent inhibition. % Inhibition=[1−(T72h test−T0h)/(T72h ctrl−T0h)]×100, where T72h test=ATP dependent luminescence at 72 hours in the presence of test compound T72h ctrl=ATP dependent luminescence at 72 hours in the absence of test compound T0h=ATP dependent luminescence at Time Zero The compound of this invention shows significant inhibition of proliferation using this assay. Example 11 pPDGFR-beta sandwich ELISA in AoSMC cells 100K P3-P6 Aortic SMC were plated in each well of 12-well cluster in 1000 μL volume/well of SGM-2 using standard cell culture techniques. Next day, cells were rinsed with 1000 μL D-PBS once, then serum starved in 500 μL SBM (smooth muscle cell basal media) with 0.1% BSA overnight. Compounds were diluted at a dose range from (10 μM to 1 nM in 10-fold dilution steps in DMSO. Final DMSO concentration 0.1%). Remove old media by inversion into the sink quickly then add 100 μL of each dilution to corresponding well of cells for 1 h at 37° C. Cells were then stimulated with 10 ng/mL PDGF-BB ligand for 7 min at 37° C. The media is decanted and 150 μL of isotonic lysis buffer with protease inhibitor tablet (Complete; EDTA-free) and 0.2 mM Na vanadate is added. Cells are lysed for 15 min at 4° C. on shaker in cold room. Lysates are put in eppendorf tubes to which 15 μL of agarose-conjugated anti-PDGFR-beta antibody is added and incubated at 4° C. overnight. Next day, beads are rinsed in 50-volumes of PBS three times and boiled in 1×LDS sample buffer for 5 minutes. Samples were run on 3-8% gradient Tris-Acetate gels and transferred onto Nitrocellulose. Membranes were blocked in 1% BSA/TBS-T for 1 hr. before incubation in anti-phospho-PDGFR-b (Tyr-857) antibody in blocking buffer (1:1000 dilution) for 1 h. After three washes in TBS-T, membranes were incubated in Goat anti-rabbit HRP IgG (1:25000 dilution) for 1 hr. Three more washes followed before addition of ECL substrate. Membranes were exposed to Hyperfilm-ECL. Subsequently, membranes were stripped and reprobed with anti-PDGFR-beta antibody for total PDGFR-beta. Table 1 illustrates the results of in vitro kinase biochemical assays for p38 kinase, PDGFR kinase and VEGFR2 kinase. These three kinase targets are all involved in stroma activation and endothelial cell proliferation, leading to angiogenesis, and providing blood supply to the tumor tissue. TABLE 1 mPDGFR mVEGFR2 p38 IC50, nM IC50, nM IC50, nM Example 1 83 5.5 24 Table 2 illustrates the results of two cellular assays for raf kinase activity, which are (i) inhibition of pERK in MDA-MB231 cells, a mechanistic readout of raf kinase activity, and (ii) a proliferation assay of MDA-MB231 cells, a functional assay of raf kinase activity. In addition, Table 2 illustrates the results of PDGFR driven phosphorylation of PDGFR-beta in aortic smooth muscle cells, which is a mechanistic readout of PDGFR kinase inhibition. TABLE 2 pERK in cells (MDA-MB- Proliferation pPDGFR 231) (MDA-MB-231) (AoSMC) IC50, nM IC50, nM IC50, nM Example 1 22 600 43.6 Overall, compounds of the present invention provide a unique combination of inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation. They also possess an improved inhibition profile against several key kinase targets such as raf, p38, PDGFR, and VEGFR-2, which are all molecular targets of interest for the treatment of osteoporosis, inflammatory diseases, and hyper-proliferative diseases, including cancer. It is believed that one skilled in the art, using the preceding information and information available in the art, can utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that changes and modifications can be made to this invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as it is set forth herein. All publications, applications and patents cited above and below are incorporated herein by reference. The topic headings set forth above and below are meant as guidance where certain information can be found in the application, but are not intended to be the only source in the application where information on such topic can be found. Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The preceding preferred specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever. In the foregoing and in the examples, all temperatures are set forth uncorrected in degrees Celsius and, all parts and percentages are by weight, unless otherwise indicated. The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited herein and of corresponding U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/489,102, filed Jul. 23, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/540,326 filed Feb. 2, 2004 are incorporated by reference herein. The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples. From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Activation of the ras signal transduction pathway indicates a cascade of events that have a profound impact on cellular proliferation, differentiation, and transformation. Raf kinase, a downstream effector of ras, is recognized as a key mediator of these signals from cell surface receptors to the cell nucleus (Lowy, D. R.; Willumsen, B. M. Ann. Rev. Biochem . 1993, 62, 851; Bos, J. L. Cancer Res . 1989, 49, 4682). It has been shown that inhibiting the effect of active ras by inhibiting the raf kinase signaling pathway by administration of deactivating antibodies to raf kinase or by co-expression of dominant negative raf kinase or dominant negative MEK, the substrate of raf kinase, leads to the reversion of transformed cells to the normal growth phenotype (see: Daum et al. Trends Biochem. Sci . 1994, 19, 474-80; Fridman et al. J. Biol. Chem . 1994, 269, 30105-8. Kolch et al. ( Nature 1991, 349, 426-28) have further indicated that inhibition of raf expression by antisense RNA blocks cell proliferation in membrane-associated oncogenes. Similarly, inhibition of raf kinase (by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides) has been correlated in vitro and in vivo with inhibition of the growth of a variety of human tumor types (Monia et al., Nat. Med . 1996, 2, 668-75). To support progressive tumor growth beyond the size of 1-2 mm 3 , it is recognized that tumor cells require a functional stroma, a support structure consisting of fibroblast, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, extracellular matrix proteins, and soluble factors (Folkman, J., Semin. Oncol . 2002. 29(6 Suppl 16), 15-8). Tumors induce the formation of stromal tissues through the secretion of soluble growth factors such as PDGF and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), which in turn stimulate the secretion of complimentary factors by host cells such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These stimulatory factors induce the formation of new blood vessels, or angiogenesis, which brings oxygen and nutrients to the tumor and allows it to grow and provides a route for metastasis. It is believed some therapies directed at inhibiting stroma formation will inhibit the growth of epithelial tumors from a wide variety of histological types. (George, D. Semin. Oncol . 2001. 28(5 Suppl 17), 27-33; Shaheen, R. M., et al., Cancer Res . 2001, 61(4), 1464-8; Shaheen, R. M., et al. Cancer Res . 1999, 59(21), 5412-6). However, because of the complex nature and the multiple growth factors involved in angiogenesis process and tumor progression, an agent targeting a single pathway may have limited efficacy. It is desirable to provide treatment against a number of key signaling pathways utilized by tumors to induce angiogenesis in the host stroma. These include PDGF, a potent stimulator of stroma formation (Ostman, A. and C. H. Heldin, Adv. Cancer Res . 2001, 80, 1-38), FGF, a chemo-attractant and mitogen for fibroblasts and endothelial cells, and VEGF, a potent regulator of vascularization. PDGF is a key regulator of stromal formation, which is secreted by many tumors in a paracrine fashion and is believed to promote the growth of fibroblasts, smooth muscle and endothelial cells, promoting stroma formation and angiogenesis. PDGF was originally identified as the v-sis oncogene product of the simian sarcoma virus (Heldin, C. H., et al., J. Cell. Sci. Suppl . 1985, 3, 65-76). The growth factor is made up of two peptide chains, referred to as A or B chains which share 60% homology in their primary amino acid sequence. The chains are disulfide cross linked to form the 30 kDa mature protein composed of either AA, BB or AB homo- or heterodimmers. PDGF is found at high levels in platelets, and is expressed by endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, the production of PDGF is up regulated under low oxygen conditions such as those found in poorly vascularized tumor tissue (Kourembanas, S., et al., Kidney Int . 1997, 51(2), 438-43). PDGF binds with high affinity to the PDGF receptor, a 1106 amino acid 124 kDa transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor (Heldin, C. H., A. Ostman, and L. Ronnstrand, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1998, 1378(1), 79-113). PDGFR is found as homo- or heterodimer chains which have 30% homology overall in their amino acid sequence and 64% homology between their kinase domains (Heldin, C. H., et al., Embo J . 1988, 7(5), 1387-93). PDGFR is a member of a family of tyrosine kinase receptors with split kinase domains that includes VEGFR-2 (KDR), VEGFR-3 (flt-4), c-kit, and flt-3. The PDGF receptor is expressed primarily on fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and pericytes and to a lesser extent on neurons, kidney mesangial, Leydig, and Schwann cells of the central nervous system. Upon binding to the receptor, PDGF induces receptor dimerization and undergoes auto- and trans-phosphorylation of tyrosine residues which increase the receptors' kinase activity and promotes the recruitment of downstream effectors through the activation of SH2 protein binding domains. A number of signaling molecules form complexes with activated PDGFR including PI-3-kinase, phospholipase C-gamma, src and GAP (GTPase activating protein for p21-ras) (Soskic, V., et al. Biochemistry 1999, 38(6), 1757-64). Through the activation of PI-3-kinase, PDGF activates the Rho signaling pathway inducing cell motility and migration, and through the activation of GAP, induces mitogenesis through the activation of p21-ras and the MAPK signaling pathway. In adults, it is believed the major function of PDGF is to facilitate and increase the rate of wound healing and to maintain blood vessel homeostasis (Baker, E. A. and D. J. Leaper, Wound Repair Regen . 2000, 8(5), 392-8, and Yu, J., A. Moon, and H. R. Kim, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun . 2001, 282(3), 697-700). PDGF is found at high concentrations in platelets and is a potent chemoattractant for fibroblast, smooth muscle cells, neutrophils and macrophages. In addition to its role in wound healing PDGF is known to help maintain vascular homeostasis. During the development of new blood vessels, PDGF recruits pericytes and smooth muscle cells that are needed for the structural integrity of the vessels. PDGF is thought to play a similar role during tumor neovascularization. As part of its role in angiogenesis PDGF controls interstitial fluid pressure, regulating the permeability of vessels through its regulation of the interaction between connective tissue cells and the extracellular matrix. Inhibiting PDGFR activity can lower interstitial pressure and facilitate the influx of cytotoxics into tumors improving the anti-tumor efficacy of these agents (Pietras, K., et al. Cancer Res . 2002, 62(19), 5476-84; Pietras, K., et al. Cancer Res . 2001, 61(7), 2929-34). PDGF can promote tumor growth through either the paracrine or autocrine stimulation of PDGFR receptors on stromal cells or tumor cells directly, or through the amplification of the receptor or activation of the receptor by recombination. Over expressed PDGF can transform human melanoma cells and keratinocytes (Forsberg, K., et al. Proc. Natl. Acad Sci . U S A. 1993, 90(2), 393-7; Skobe, M. and N. E. Fusenig, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci . U S A. 1998, 95(3), 1050-5), two cell types that do not express PDGF receptors, presumably by the direct effect of PDGF on stroma formation and induction of angiogenesis. This paracrine stimulation of tumor stroma is also observed in carcinomas of the colon, lung, breast, and prostate (Bhardwaj, B., et al. Clin. Cancer Res . 1996, 2(4), 773-82; Nakanishi, K., et al. Mod. Pathol . 1997, 10(4), 341-7; Sundberg, C., et al. Am. J. Pathol . 1997, 151(2), 479-92; Lindmark, G., et al. Lab. Invest . 1993, 69(6), 682-9; Vignaud, J. M., et al, Cancer Res . 1994, 54(20), 5455-63) where the tumors express PDGF, but not the receptor. The autocrine stimulation of tumor cell growth, where a large faction of tumors analyzed express both the ligand PDGF and the receptor, has been reported in glioblastomas (Fleming, T. P., et al. Cancer Res . 1992, 52(16), 4550-3), soft tissue sarcomas (Wang, J., M. D. Coltrera, and A. M. Gown, Cancer Res . 1994, 54(2), 560-4) and cancers of the ovary (Henriksen, R., et al. Cancer Res . 1993, 53(19), 4550-4), prostate (Fudge, K., C. Y. Wang, and M. E. Stearns, Mod. Pathol . 1994, 7(5), 549-54), pancreas (Funa, K., et al. Cancer Res . 1990, 50(3), 748-53) and lung (Antoniades, H. N., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U S A 1992, 89(9), 3942-6). Ligand independent activation of the receptor is found to a lesser extent but has been reported in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) where the a chromosomal translocation event forms a fusion protein between the Ets-like transcription factor TEL and the PDGF receptor. In addition, activating mutations in PDGFR have been found in gastrointestinal stromal tumors in which c-kit activation is not involved (Heinrich, M. C., et al., Science 2003, 9, 9). Another major regulator of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in both embryonic development and some angiogenic-dependent diseases is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; also called vascular permeability factor, VPF). VEGF represents a family of isoforms of mitogens existing in homodimeric forms due to alternative RNA splicing. The VEGF isoforms are highly specific for vascular endothelial cells (for reviews, see: Farrara et al. Endocr. Rev . 1992, 13, 18; Neufield et al. FASEB J . 1999, 13, 9). VEGF expression is induced by hypoxia (Shweiki et al. Nature 1992, 359, 843), as well as by a variety of cytokines and growth factors, such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor. To date, VEGF and the VEGF family members have been reported to bind to one or more of three transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases (Mustonen et al. J. Cell Biol . 1995, 129, 895), VEGF receptor-1 (also known as flt-1 (fms-like tyrosine kinase-1)), VEGFR-2 (also known as kinase insert domain containing receptor (KDR); the murine analogue of VEGFR-2 is known as fetal liver kinase-1 (flk-1)), and VEGFR-3 (also known as flt-4). VEGFR-2 and flt-1 have been shown to have different signal transduction properties (Waltenberger et al. J. Biol. Chem . 1994, 269, 26988); Park et al. Oncogene 1995, 10, 135). Thus, VEGFR-2 undergoes strong ligand-dependant tyrosine phosphorylation in intact cells, whereas flt-1 displays a weak response. Thus, binding to VEGFR-2 is believed to be a critical requirement for induction of the full spectrum of VEGF-mediated biological responses. In vivo, VEGF plays a central role in vasculogenesis, and induces angiogenesis and permeabilization of blood vessels. Deregulated VEGF expression contributes to the development of a number of diseases that are characterized by abnormal angiogenesis and/or hyperpermeability processes. It is believed that regulation of the VEGF-mediated signal transduction cascade by some agents can provide a useful control of abnormal angiogenesis and/or hyperpermeability processes. Tumorigenic cells within hypoxic regions of tumors respond by stimulation of VEGF production, which triggers activation of quiescent endothelial cells to stimulate new blood vessel formation. (Shweiki et al. Proc. Nat'l. Acad Sci . 1995, 92, 768). In addition, VEGF production in tumor regions where there is no angiogenesis may proceed through the ras signal transduction pathway (Grugel et al. J. Biol. Chem . 1995, 270, 25915; Rak et al. Cancer Res . 1995, 55, 4575). In situ hybridization studies have demonstrated VEGF mRNA is strongly upregulated in a wide variety of human tumors, including lung (Mattem et al. Br. J. Cancer 1996, 73, 931), thyroid (Viglietto et al. Oncogene 1995, 11, 1569), breast (Brown et al. Human Pathol . 1995, 26, 86), gastrointestinal tract (Brown et al. Cancer Res . 1993, 53, 4727; Suzuki et al. Cancer Res . 1996, 56, 3004), kidney and bladder (Brown et al. Am. J. Pathol . 1993, 1431, 1255), ovary (Olson et al. Cancer Res . 1994, 54, 1255), and cervical (Guidi et al. J. Nat'l Cancer Inst . 1995, 87, 12137) carcinomas, as well as angiosarcoma (Hashimoto et al. Lab. Invest. 1995, 73, 859) and several intracranial tumors (Plate et al. Nature 1992, 359, 845; Phillips et al. Int. J. Oncol . 1993, 2, 913; Berkman et al. J. Clin. Invest . 1993, 91, 153). Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to VEGFR-2 have been shown to be efficacious in blocking tumor angiogenesis (Kim et al. Nature 1993, 362, 841; Rockwell et al. Mol. Cell. Differ . 1995, 3, 315). Overexpression of VEGF, for example under conditions of extreme hypoxia, can lead to intraocular angiogenesis, resulting in hyperproliferation of blood vessels, leading eventually to blindness. Such a cascade of events has been observed for a number of retinopathies, including diabetic retinopathy, ischemic retinal-vein occlusion, and retinopathy of prematurity (Aiello et al. New Engl. J. Med . 1994, 331, 1480; Peer et al. Lab. Invest . 1995, 72, 638), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD; see, Lopez et al. Invest. Opththalmol. Vis. Sci . 1996, 37, 855). In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the in-growth of vascular pannus may be mediated by production of angiogenic factors. Levels of immunoreactive VEGF are high in the synovial fluid of RA patients, while VEGF levels were low in the synovial fluid of patients with other forms of arthritis of with degenerative joint disease (Koch et al. J. Immunol . 1994, 152, 4149). The angiogenesis inhibitor AGM-170 has been shown to prevent neovascularization of the joint in the rat collagen arthritis model (Peacock et al. J. Exper. Med . 1992, 175, 1135). Increased VEGF expression has also been shown in psoriatic skin, as well as bullous disorders associated with subepidermal blister formation, such as bullous pemphigoid, erythema multiforme, and dermatitis herpetiformis (Brown et al. J. Invest. Dermatol . 1995, 104, 744). The vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF, VEGF-C, VEGF-D) and their receptors (VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3) are not only key regulators of tumor angiogenesis, but also lymphangiogenesis. VEGF, VEGF-C and VEGF-D are expressed in most tumors, primarily during periods of tumor growth and, often at substantially increased levels. VEGF expression is stimulated by hypoxia, cytokines, oncogenes such as ras, or by inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (McMahon, G. Oncologist 2000, 5(Suppl. 1), 3-10; McDonald, N. Q.; Hendrickson, W. A. Cell 1993, 73, 421-424) The biological activities of the VEGFs are mediated through binding to their receptors. VEGFR-3 (also called flt-4) is predominantly expressed on lymphatic endothelium in normal adult tissues. VEGFR-3 function is needed for new lymphatic vessel formation, but not for maintenance of the pre-existing lymphatics. VEGFR-3 is also upregulated on blood vessel endothelium in tumors. Recently VEGF-C and VEGF-D, ligands for VEGFR-3, have been identified as regulators of lymphangiogenesis in mammals. Lymphangiogenesis induced by tumor-associated lymphangiogenic factors could promote the growth of new vessels into the tumor, providing tumor cells access to systemic circulation. Cells that invade the lymphatics could find their way into the bloodstream via the thoracic duct. Tumor expression studies have allowed a direct comparison of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 expression with clinicopathological factors that relate directly to the ability of primary tumors to spread (e.g., lymph node involvement, lymphatic invasion, secondary metastases, and disease-free survival). In many instances, these studies demonstrate a statistical correlation between the expression of lymphangiogenic factors and the ability of a primary solid tumor to metastasize (Skobe, M. et al. Nature Med . 2001, 7(2), 192-198; Stacker, S. A. et al., Nature Med . 2001, 7(2), 186-191; Makinen, T. et al. Nature Med . 2001, 7(2), 199-205; Mandriota, S. J. et al. EMBO J . 2001, 20(4), 672-82; Karpanen, T. et al. Cancer Res . 2001, 61(5), 1786-90; Kubo, H. et al. Blood 2000, 96(2), 546-53). Hypoxia appears to be an important stimulus for VEGF production in malignant cells. Activation of p38 MAP kinase is required for VEGF induction by tumor cells in response to hypoxia (Blaschke, F. et al. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun . 2002, 296, 890-896; Shemirani, B. et al. Oral Oncology 2002, 38, 251-257). In addition to its involvement in angiogenesis through regulation of VEGF secretion, p38 MAP kinase promotes malignant cell invasion, and migration of different tumor types through regulation of collagenase activity and urokinase plasminogen activator expression (Laferriere, J. et al. J. Biol. Chem . 2001, 276, 33762-33772; Westermarck, J. et al. Cancer Res . 2000, 60, 7156-7162; Huang, S. et al. J. Biol. Chem . 2000, 275, 12266-12272; Simon, C. et al. Exp. Cell Res . 2001, 271, 344-355). Inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 has been shown to inhibit both cytokine production (e.g., TNF, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8) and proteolytic enzyme production (e.g., MMP-1, MMP-3) in vitro and/or in vivo. The mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase p38 is involved in IL-1 and TNF signaling pathways (Lee, J. C.; Laydon, J. T.; McDonnell, P. C.; Gallagher, T. F.; Kumar, S.; Green, D.; McNulty, D.; Blumenthal, M. J.; Heys, J. R.; Landvatter, S. W.; Stricker, J. E.; McLaughlin, M. M.; Siemens, I. R.; Fisher, S. M.; Livi, G. P.; White, J. R.; Adams, J. L.; Yound, P. R. Nature 1994, 372, 739). Clinical studies have linked tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production and/or signaling to a number of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (Maini. J. Royal Coll. Physicians London 1996, 30, 344). In addition, excessive levels of TNF have been implicated in a wide variety of inflammatory and/or immunomodulatory diseases, including acute rheumatic fever (Yegin et al. Lancet 1997, 349, 170), bone resorption (Pacifici et al. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol . 1997, 82, 29), postmenopausal osteoporosis (Pacifici et al. J. Bone Mineral Res . 1996, 11, 1043), sepsis (Blackwell et al. Br. J. Anaesth . 1996, 77, 110), gram negative sepsis (Debets et al. Prog. Clin. Biol. Res . 1989, 308, 463), septic shock (Tracey et al. Nature 1987, 330, 662; Girardin et al. New England J. Med 1988, 319, 397), endotoxic shock (Beutler et al. Science 1985, 229, 869; Ashkenasi et al. Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA 1991, 88, 10535), toxic shock syndrome, (Saha et al. J. Immunol . 1996, 157, 3869; Lina et al. FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol . 1996, 13, 81), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (Anon. Crit. Care Med . 1992, 20, 864), inflammatory bowel diseases (Stokkers et al. J. Inflamm . 1995-6, 47, 97) including Crohn's disease (van Deventer et al. Aliment. Pharmacol. Therapeu . 1996, 10 (Suppl. 2), 107; van Dullemen et al. Gastroenterology 1995, 109, 129) and ulcerative colitis (Masuda et al. J. Clin. Lab. Immunol . 1995, 46, 111), Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions (Fekade et al. New England J. Med . 1996, 335, 311), asthma (Amrani et al. Rev. Malad Respir . 1996, 13, 539), adult respiratory distress syndrome (Roten et al. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis . 1991, 143, 590; Suter et al. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis . 1992, 145, 1016), acute pulmonary fibrotic diseases (Pan et al. Pathol. Int . 1996, 46, 91), pulmonary sarcoidosis (Ishioka et al. Sarcoidosis Vasculitis Diffuse Lung Dis . 1996, 13, 139), allergic respiratory diseases (Casale et al. Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol . 1996, 15, 35), silicosis (Gossart et al. J. Immunol . 1996, 156, 1540; Vanhee et al. Eur. Respir. J . 1995, 8, 834), coal worker's pneumoconiosis (Borm et al. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis . 1988, 138, 1589), alveolar injury (Horinouchi et al. Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol . 1996, 14, 1044), hepatic failure (Gantner et al. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap . 1997, 280, 53), liver disease during acute inflammation (Kim et al. J. Biol. Chem . 1997, 272, 1402), severe alcoholic hepatitis (Bird et al. Ann. Intern. Med . 1990, 112, 917), malaria (Grau et al. Immunol. Rev . 1989, 112, 49; Taverne et al. Parasitol. Today 1996, 12, 290) including Plasmodium falciparum malaria (Perlmann et al. Infect. Immunit . 1997, 65, 116) and cerebral malaria (Rudin et al. Am. J. Pathol . 1997, 150, 257), non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM; Stephens et al. J. Biol. Chem . 1997, 272, 971; Ofei et al. Diabetes 1996, 45, 881), congestive heart failure (Doyama et al. Int. J. Cardiol . 1996, 54, 217; McMurray et al. Br. Heart J . 1991, 66, 356), damage following heart disease (Malkiel et al. Mol. Med. Today 1996, 2, 336), atherosclerosis (Parums et al. J. Pathol . 1996, 179, A46), Alzheimer's disease (Fagarasan et al. Brain Res . 1996, 723, 231; Aisen et al. Gerontology 1997, 43, 143), acute encephalitis (Ichiyama et al. J Neurol . 1996, 243, 457), brain injury (Cannon et al. Crit. Care Med . 1992, 20, 1414; Hansbrough et al. Surg. Clin. N. Am . 1987, 67, 69; Marano et al. Surg. Gynecol. Obstetr . 1990, 170, 32), multiple sclerosis (M. S.; Coyle. Adv. Neuroimmunol . 1996, 6, 143; Matusevicius et al. J. Neuroimmunol . 1996, 66, 115) including demyelation and oligiodendrocyte loss in multiple sclerosis (Brosnan et al. Brain Pathol . 1996, 6, 243), advanced cancer (MucWierzgon et al. J. Biol. Regulators Homeostatic Agents 1996, 10, 25), lymphoid malignancies (Levy et al. Crit. Rev. Immunol . 1996, 16, 31), pancreatitis (Exley et al. Gut 1992, 33, 1126) including systemic complications in acute pancreatitis (McKay et al. Br. J. Surg . 1996, 83, 919), impaired wound healing in infection inflammation and cancer (Buck et al. Am. J. Pathol . 1996, 149, 195), myelodysplastic syndromes (Raza et al. Int. J. Hematol . 1996, 63, 265), systemic lupus erythematosus (Maury et al. Arthritis Rheum . 1989, 32, 146), biliary cirrhosis (Miller et al. Am. J. Gasteroenterolog . 1992, 87, 465), bowel necrosis (Sun et al. J. Clin. Invest . 1988, 81, 1328), psoriasis (Christophers. Austr. J. Dermatol . 1996, 37, S4), radiation injury (Redlich et al. J. Immunol . 1996, 157, 1705), and toxicity following administration of monoclonal antibodies such as OKT3 (Brod et al. Neurology 1996, 46, 1633). TNF levels have also been related to host-versus-graft reactions (Piguet et al. Immunol. Ser . 1992, 56, 409) including ischemia reperfusion injury (Colletti et al. J Clin. Invest . 1989, 85, 1333) and allograft rejections including those of the kidney (Maury et al. J Exp. Med . 1987, 166, 1132), liver (Imagawa et al. Transplantation 1990, 50, 219), heart (Bolling et al. Transplantation 1992, 53, 283), and skin (Stevens et al. Transplant. Proc . 1990, 22, 1924), lung allograft rejection (Grossman et al. Immunol. Allergy Clin. N. Am . 1989, 9, 153) including chronic lung allograft rejection (obliterative bronchitis; LoCicero et al. J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg . 1990, 99, 1059), as well as complications due to total hip replacement (Cirino et al. Life Sci . 1996, 59, 86). TNF has also been linked to infectious diseases (review: Beutler et al. Crit. Care Med . 1993, 21, 5423; Degre. Biotherapy 1996, 8, 219) including tuberculosis (Rook et al. Med. Malad. Infect . 1996, 26, 904), Helicobacter pylori infection during peptic ulcer disease (Beales et al. Gastroenterology 1997, 112, 136), Chaga's disease resulting from Trypanosoma cruzi infection (Chandrasekar et al. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun . 1996, 223, 365), effects of Shiga-like toxin resulting from E. coli infection (Harel et al. J. Clin. Invest . 1992, 56, 40), the effects of enterotoxin A resulting from Staphylococcus infection (Fischer et al. J. Immunol . 1990, 144, 4663), meningococcal infection (Waage et al. Lancet 1987, 355; Ossege et al. J. Neurolog. Sci . 1996, 144, 1), and infections from Borrelia burgdorferi (Brandt et al. Infect. ImmunoL . 1990, 58, 983), Treponema pallidum (Chamberlin et al. Infect. Immunol . 1989, 57, 2872), cytomegalovirus (CMV; Geist et al. Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol . 1997, 16, 31), influenza virus (Beutler et al. Clin. Res . 1986, 34, 491a), Sendai virus (Goldfield et al. Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA 1989, 87, 1490), Theiler's encephalomyelitis virus (Sierra et al. Immunology 1993, 78, 399), and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; Poli. Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA 1990, 87, 782; Vyakaram et al. AIDS 1990, 4, 21; Badley et al. J. Exp. Med . 1997, 185, 55). A number of diseases are thought to be mediated by excess or undesired matrix-destroying metalloprotease (MMP) activity or by an imbalance in the ratio of the MMPs to the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). These include osteoarthritis (Woessner et al. J. Biol. Chem . 1984, 259, 3633), rheumatoid arthritis (Mullins et al. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1983, 695, 117; Woolley et al. Arthritis Rheum . 1977, 20, 1231; Gravallese et al. Arthritis Rheum . 1991, 34, 1076), septic arthritis (Williams et al. Arthritis Rheum . 1990, 33, 533), tumor metastasis (Reich et al. Cancer Res . 1988, 48, 3307; Matrisian et al. Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci., USA 1986, 83, 9413), periodontal diseases (Overall et al. J. Periodontal Res . 1987, 22, 81), corneal ulceration (Bums et al. Invest. Opthalmol. Vis. Sci . 1989, 30, 1569), proteinuria (Baricos et al. Biochem. J . 1988, 254, 609), coronary thrombosis from atherosclerotic plaque rupture (Henney et al. Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci., USA 1991, 88, 8154), aneurysmal aortic disease (Vine et al. Clin. Sci . 1991, 81, 233), birth control (Woessner et al. Steroids 1989, 54, 491), dystrophobic epidermolysis bullosa (Kronberger et al. J. Invest. Dermatol . 1982, 79, 208), degenerative cartilage loss following traumatic joint injury, osteopenias mediated by MMP activity, tempero mandibular joint disease, and demyelating diseases of the nervous system (Chantry et al. J. Neurochem . 1988, 50, 688). Because inhibition of p38 leads to inhibition of TNF production and MMP production, it is believed inhibition of mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase p38 enzyme can provide an approach to the treatment of the above listed diseases including osteoporosis and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and COPD (Badger, A. M.; Bradbeer, J. N.; Votta, B.; Lee, J. C.; Adams, J. L.; Griswold, D. E. J. Pharm. Exper. Ther . 1996, 279, 1453). Hypoxia appears to be an important stimulus for VEGF production in malignant cells. Activation of p38 kinase is required for VEGF induction by tumor cells in response to hypoxia (Blaschke, F. et al. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun . 2002, 296, 890-896; Shemirani, B. et al. Oral Oncology 2002, 38, 251-257). In addition to its involvement in angiogenesis through regulation of VEGF secretion, p38 kinase promotes malignant cell invasion, and migration of different tumor types through regulation of collagenase activity and urokinase plasminogen activator expression (Laferriere, J. et al. J. Biol. Chem . 2001, 276, 33762-33772; Westermarck, J. et al. Cancer Res . 2000, 60, 7156-7162; Huang, S. et al. J. Biol. Chem . 2000, 275, 12266-12272; Simon, C. et al. Exp. Cell Res . 2001, 271, 344-355). Therefore, inhibition of p38 kinase is also expected to impact tumor growth by interfering with signaling cascades associated with both angiogenesis and malignant cell invasion. Certain ureas have been described as having activity as serine-threonine kinase and/or as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In particular, the utility of certain ureas as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of cancer, angiogenesis disorders, inflammatory disorders, has been demonstrated. For cancer and angiogenesis, see: Smith et al., Bioorg. Med Chem. Lett . 2001, 11, 2775-2778. Lowinger et al., Clin. Cancer Res . 2000, 6(suppl.), 335. Lyons et al., Endocr .- Relat. Cancer 2001, 8, 219-225. Riedl et al., Book of Abstracts, 92 nd AACR Meeting, New Orleans, La., USA, abstract 4956. Khire et al., Book of Abstracts, 93 rd AACR Meeting, San Francisco, Calif., USA, abstract 4211. Lowinger et al., Curr. Pharm. Design 2002, 8, 99-110. Carter et al., Book of Abstracts, 92 nd AACR Meeting, New Orleans, La., USA, abstract 4954. Vincent et al., Book of Abstracts, 38 th ASCO Meeting, Orlando, Fla. USA, abstract 1900. Hilger et al., Book of Abstracts, 38 th ASCO Meeting, Orlando, Fla., USA, abstract 1916. Moore et al., Book of Abstracts, 38 th ASCO Meeting, Orlando, Fla., USA, abstract 1816. Strumberg et al., Book of Abstracts, 38 th ASCO Meeting, Orlando, Fla., USA, abstract 121. For p38 mediated diseases, including inflammatory disorders, see: Redman et al., Bioorg Med. Chem. Lett . 2001, 11, 9-12. Dumas et al., Bioorg Med. Chem. Lett . 2000, 10, 2047-2050. Dumas et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett . 2000, 10, 2051-2054. Ranges et al., Book of Abstracts, 220th ACS National Meeting, Washington, D.C., USA, MEDI 149. Dumas et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett . 2002, 12, 1559-1562. Regan et al., J. Med. Chem . 2002, 45, 2994-3008. Pargellis et al., Nature Struct. Biol . 2002, 9(4), 268-272. Madwed J. B., Book of Abstracts, Protein Kinases: Novel Target Identification and Validation for Therapeutic Development, San Diego, Calif., USA, March 2002. Pargellis C. et al., Curr. Opin. Invest. Drugs 2003, 4, 566-571. Branger J. et al., J. Immunol . 2002, 168, 4070-4077. Branger J. et al., Blood 2003, 101, 4446-4448. Omega-Carboxyaryl diphenyl ureas are disclosed in WO00/42012, published: Jul. 20, 2000, WO00/41698, published: Jul. 20, 2000, the following published U.S. applications: US2002-0165394-A1, published Nov. 7, 2002, US2001-003447-A1, published Oct. 25, 2001, US2001-0016659-A1, published Aug. 23, 2001, US2002-013774-A1, published Sep. 26, 2002, and copending U.S. applications: Ser. No. 09/758,547, filed Jan. 12, 2001, Ser. No. 09/889,227, filed Jul. 12, 2001, Ser. No. 09/993,647, filed Nov. 27, 2001, Ser. No. 10/042,203, filed Jan. 11, 2002 and Ser. No. 10/071,248, filed Feb. 11, 2002, detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? | 20040722 | 20140128 | 20050217 | 74200.0 | 2 | COPPINS, JANET L | FLUORO SUBSTITUTED OMEGA-CARBOXYARYL DIPHENYL UREA FOR THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF DISEASES AND CONDITIONS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
||||
10,896,193 | ACCEPTED | Ultrasound-activated anti-infective coatings and devices made thereof | An implantable medical device is provided including a vascular access device and a coating on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the vascular access device. The coating includes: (a) a polymeric component including at least one of a light reactive moiety and a sound reactive moiety; and (b) at least one therapeutic agent releasably associated with the polymeric component, wherein a rate of release of the therapeutic agent is controlled by in situ exposure of the medical device to at least one of a light energy source and an ultrasound energy source. | 1. An implantable medical device comprising: a vascular access device; and a coating on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of said vascular access device, said coating comprising: (a) a polymeric component including at least one of a light reactive moiety and a sound reactive moiety; and (b) at least one therapeutic agent releasably associated with said polymeric component, wherein a rate of release of said therapeutic agent is controlled by in situ exposure of the medical device to at least one of a light source and an ultrasound source. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said vascular access device is a total implantation venous access devices (TIVAD). 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said coating is an ultrasound reactive coating. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein said ultrasound reactive coating releases said therapeutic agent upon exposure to continuous or pulsed ultrasonic energy in the frequency range of from about 20 KHz to about 500 KHz. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein a rate of release of said coating is controlled by at least one of: a duration of exposure to said ultrasonic energy, a frequency of said ultrasonic energy and an intensity of said ultrasonic energy. 6. The device of claim 4, wherein said polymeric component comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of: (a) a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), poly (L-lactic acid) (P LLA), poly(caprolactone), poly(α-amino acids), polyurethanes, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), poly hydroethyl methacrylate, and copolymers and block polymers thereof, or (b) poly(L-lysine-co-polyethyleneglycol), poly[(L-lactide-co-methenyl-capped oligo(ethylene oxide) methacrylate and cross-linked dextran-polyethylene glycol hydrogels and co-polymers and block polymers thereof. 7. The device of claim 3, wherein said therapeutic agent is at least one of a thrombo-resistant agent, an antimicrobial agent, an anti-tumor agent, an anti-fungal agent and an anti-viral agent. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein said therapeutic agent is at least one of a penicillin, a cephalosporin, a vancomycin, an aminoglycoside, a quinolone, a polymyxin, an erythromycin, a tetracycline, a chloramphenicol, a clindamycin, a lincomycin, a sulfonamide, or a homolog, an analog, a fragment, a derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein said coating is a light reactive coating. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein said light reactive coating releases said therapeutic agent upon exposure to a light source having a frequency of from about 200 nm to about 800 nm. 11. The device of claim 10, wherein a rate of release of said therapeutic agent from said coating is controlled by at least one of: a duration of exposure to said light source, a wavelength of said light source and an intensity of said light source. 12. The device of claim 10, wherein said polymeric component is selected from the group consisting of: poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA), poly(caprolactone), poly(α-amino acids), polyurethanes, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), poly hydroethyl methacrylate, and copolymers and block polymers thereof. 13. The device of claim 12, wherein said therapeutic agent is at least one of a thrombo-resistant agent, an antimicrobial agent, an anti-tumor agent, an anti-fungal agent and an anti-viral agent. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein said therapeutic agent is at least one of a penicillin, a cephalosporin, a vancomycin, an aminoglycoside, a quinolone, a polymyxin, an erythromycin, a tetracycline, a chloramphenicol, a clindamycin, a lincomycin, a sulfonamide, or a homolog, an analog, a fragment, a derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 15. The device of claim 9, wherein said light reactive coating further comprises a photosensitizer, wherein a linker bound to a backbone of said polymeric coating links the photosensitizer to the backbone. 16. A method of releasing a therapeutic agent from an implanted medical device, comprising the steps of: (a) implanting a medical device according to claim 1 intradermally into a patient in need thereof; and (b) releasing said therapeutic agent to said patient by intra- or extra-dermal exposure to at least one of a light energy source and an ultrasonic energy source. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the exposure is extradermal 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of: (c) controlling a rate of release of said therapeutic agent from said coating by application of said light energy source or said ultrasonic energy source for a predetermined period of time. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said releasing step is extra-dermal exposure to an ultrasonic energy source. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein said ultrasonic energy source comprises continuous or pulsed ultrasonic energy in the frequency range of from about 20 KHz to about 500 KHz. 21. The method of claim 18, wherein said releasing step is extra-dermal exposure to a light energy source. 22. The method of claim 18, wherein said light energy source comprises light energy in the wavelength range of from about 200 nm to about 800 nm. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to implantable medical devices having a biocompatible polymer coating for delivery of therapeutic agents. More particularly, the present invention relates to an implantable medical device having a biocompatible polymer coating including at least one therapeutic agent whereby the therapeutic agent is released from the coating by exposure to at least one of ultrasound energy and light energy. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Central vascular access devices (CVADs) are medical devices that are implanted into a patient's vascular system and are typically used in applications which provide a means for repeated access to a patient's vascular system. Applications for CVADs are varied and include, for example, intravenous feeding, intravenous drug delivery, and extracorporeal protocols. Specific applications include chemotherapy treatments, intensive antibiotic treatment, prolonged IV feeding, and extracorporeal blood treatment protocols, such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and apheresis. CVADs having an exterior component (located outside the skin of a patient) are convenient to use and may be used safely by skilled practitioners who use sterile cannulas to access the CVAD and who provide sufficient maintenance in the form of regular flushing and dressing changes. However, an added risk of infection exists due to the presence of the exterior component. Specifically, the external component may serve as a route of exposure to airborne contaminants such as bacteria. Total implantation venous access devices, also referred to herein as TIVADs are a variety of vascular access devices that are implanted into a patient's vascular system but that do not have any exterior components. The entire device is implanted under the patient's skin. TIVADs have become used more routinely, where possible, as opposed to other central vascular access devices (CVADs) having an exterior component. An example of a TIVAD is an arterial-venous (A-V) port used in accessing the circulatory system, for example, in performing dialysis treatments. The port is accessed through the skin by percutaneous placement of a HUBER needle or other connecting tube. An example of a conventional port is shown in FIG. 1. The A-V port, referred to generally as reference numeral 2, includes a lumen catheter 4 coupled to one or more reservoir access port 6 via a catheter connector 8. The catheter 4 resides in the vein. The port 6 includes an impenetrable housing 10 defining a reservoir for fluids. The housing 10 includes an opening for receiving a plastic or metal disk having a septum 12 in the center. The septum 12 is a needle penetrable elastometric material and acts as a portal to the reservoir. Further examples of commercial ports include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,168, or VAXGEL implantable ports (available from Boston Scientific, Natick, Mass.). TIVADs such as ports require less maintenance that other CVADs. For example, a properly functioning port may require flushing only once a month. Furthermore, no external dressing is necessary for such ports. An advantage of using TIVADs over other CVADs is the reduced risk of infection arising from the protective skin barrier which prevents any possible exposure to airborne contamination. A further advantage of TIVADs over CVADs generally is greater patient acceptance. Risks associated with the use of CVADs include local complications such as thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, as well as systemic complications including embolisms, pulmonary edema and bloodstream infections. Although the risk of infection is reduced in TIVADs as compared to other CVADs, it is still possible for a patient to experience an infection at the port, particularly the area where the port is accessed. The average time a TIVAD-type A-V port remains useful for A-V access is about two years. During these two years, infection will develop in around 20% of patients, and often leads to removal of the port. In this case, A-V access has to be reestablished. Often, this means finding another site for A-V access and waiting a period of time of up to three weeks before a normal hemodialysis schedule can be resumed. Infection of the A-V port has been recorded as a major cause of death in patients receiving dialysis treatments. There are principally three ways in which an infection can be introduced during A-V access set up or the hemodialysis procedure itself. First, bacteria can be implanted with the A-V access device itself during a break in aseptic technique. Second, bacteria may already be present on the surface of the device. Third, bacteria can be transmitted from external sources, such as central venous catheters and needles. The entry site for infection is typically the puncture site. The course of treatment for infections related to CVADs depends upon the type of medical device, the condition of the patient, and the identity of the bacteria causing the infection. The most common infectious agents are: staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and staphylococcus epidermis. These agents have been identified in over 75% of all reported vascular infections. Both staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa, show high virulence and can lead to clinical signs of infection early in the post-operative period (less than four months). It is this virulence that leads to septicemia and is one main factor in the high mortality rates. Staphylococcus epidermis is described as a low virulence type of bacterium. It is late occurring, which means it can present clinical signs of infection up to five years post-operative. This type of bacterium has been shown to be responsible for up to 60% of all vascular graft infections. Vascular port infections are difficult to treat with the standard course of oral antibiotics. Accordingly, infections of this type often require total graft excision, debridement of surrounding tissue, and revascularization through an uninfected route. It would be advantageous for implantable medical devices, such as ports, to be provided with a mechanism to deliver a therapeutic agent to address such infections, at the site of infection. Generally, it is known that certain design parameters are critical to proper delivery of therapeutic agents. Typically, they are: (1) delivering the agent to the target tissue; (2) supplying the agent in the correct temporal pattern for a predetermined period of time; and (3) fabricating a delivery system that provides the desired spatial and temporal pattern. Controlled or sustained release delivery systems are intended to manipulate these parameters to achieve the aforementioned advantages when compared to conventional dosing. A typical drug concentration versus time profile for a conventional parenteral or oral dosage form (A) and an idealized sustained drug delivery system (B) might look as shown in FIG. 2. A disadvantage of presently available methods for providing therapeutic agents on medical device substrates is the lack of a means to control the rate of release of the therapeutic agent. For example, in conventional biodegradable polymers, a steady state rate or sustained release of drug occurs, based on, inter alia, the rate of degradation of the polymer. Accordingly, there is no control over the time or rate of delivery of the therapeutic agent. It is possible, using these systems, for the therapeutic agent to be depleted by the time it is needed by the patent. Thus, the patient is dosed with therapeutic agent even if there is no infection. Furthermore, an active infection may require a larger dose than is delivered by sustained release of the therapeutic (i.e. anti-microbial) agent. It would therefore be advantageous, for an implanted medical device such as a CVAD, in particular a TIVAD, to provide variable drug release, so as to increase the dose of the therapeutic agent when necessary to address an active infection. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a coating for a medical device including a polymeric structure including at least one therapeutic agent, wherein a rate of release of the therapeutic agent from the polymeric structure is regulated by in situ exposure of the coating to at least one of ultrasound energy and light energy. When used as a coating on a medical device implanted in a patient, the coating provides the therapeutic agent to the patient on an as-need basis. In accordance with the present invention, an implantable medical device is provided including a vascular access device and a coating on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the vascular access device. The coating includes: (a) a polymeric component including at least one of a light reactive moiety and a sound reactive moiety; and (b) at least one therapeutic agent releasably associated with the polymeric component, wherein a rate of release of the therapeutic agent is controlled by in situ exposure of the medical device to at least one of a light energy source and an ultrasound energy source. Also provided is a method of treating a patient including the steps of: (a) implanting a medical device of the invention intradermally into a patient in need thereof; and (b) releasing the therapeutic agent to the patient by intra- or extra-dermal exposure to at least one of a light energy source and an ultrasound energy source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional implantable A-V port. FIG. 2 is a graph showing a typical release profile for a conventional dosing scheme as compared to that of a sustained release dosing scheme. FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic representations of a cross-section of an embodiment of a coated medical device according to the invention. FIGS. 3C and 3D are schematic representations of a cross-section of a further embodiment of a coated medical device according to the invention. FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic representations of a cross-section of a further embodiment of a coated medical device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a medical device including a coating having a polymeric component and a releasable therapeutic agent associated therewith. The coating uses one or more polymers to mechanically hold and/or chemically bond one or more therapeutic agents to the polymer. The coatings are placed on at least part of inner and/or outer surfaces of a medical device, preferably a TIVAD, before implantation into a patient in need thereof. The rate of release of the therapeutic agents is controlled by exposure to at least one of a light or an ultrasound energy source. Suitable Polymers Those polymers useful in preparing coatings of the present invention include a wide variety of known polymers. Although the mechanism of action of the individual polymer-therapeutic agent combinations may differ, common among the polymers used in the present invention are the properties of chemical and physical stability, biological inertness, and processability. Further desirable properties for use in coating the septum part of an A-V port, include a low glass transition temperature which provides the characteristic, inter alia, of pliability. Useful polymeric materials include polymers, copolymers, block polymers and mixtures thereof. Among the known useful polymers or polymer classes which meet the above criteria are: poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) (PLA), polyoxalates, poly(α-esters), polyanhydrides, polyacetates, polycaprolactones, poly(orthoesters), polyamino acids, polyurethanes, polycarbonates, polyiminocarbonates, polyamides, poly (alky cyanoacrylates), and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Additional useful polymers include, stereopolymers of L- and D-lactic acid, copolymers of 1,3 bis(p-carboxyphenoxy) propane and sebacic acid, sebacic acid copolymers, copolymers of caprolactone, poly(lactic acid)/poly(glycolic acid)/polethyleneglycol terpolymers, copolymers of polyurethane and poly(lactic acid), copolymers of α-amino acids, copolymers of α-amino acids and caproic acid, copolymers of α-benzyl glutamate and polyethylene glycol, copolymers of poly succinic acid and poly(glycols), polyphosphazene, polyhdroxy-alkanoates and mixtures thereof. Binary and ternary systems are contemplated. Preferred are poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA), poly(ε-caprolactone), poly(α-amino acids), polyurethanes, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), poly hydroethyl methacrylate, and copolymers and block polymers thereof. Some exemplary polymers which can be used in forming coatings for use in the present invention may be generally categorized as follows: I. Polyesters a) poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL): b) poly (glycolic acid) (PGA): c) poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA): d) poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PGA): e) poly (lactic acid-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLACL): II. Poly (ethylene glycol), PEG Block Copolymers (Also Referred to as poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) a) PLA-PEG diblock copolymer: b) PLA-PEG-PLA triblock copolymer: c) Poly (orthoesters): Within aqueous environments, the ortho ester groups are hydrolyzed to form pentaethyritol and proprionic acid. This is controlled by introducing basic or acid components into the matrices. III. Polyanhydrides a) poly[1,3 bis(p-carboxyphenoxy propane)], where x=3 poly[1, bis(p-carboxyphenoxy hexane)], where x=6 b) poly (sebactic anhydride): IV. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and Derivatives, and vinyl Polymers Thereof, for Example: a) R═H— or CH3— (methacrylic) R′═H— or HOCH2CH2— b) R═H— or CH3 —R′═—CH2 CH(OH)CH3, —CH(CH3)2 c) Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA): d) Poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate) (PEVAc): See, for example, Proceeding of the 28th International Symposium on Controlled Release of Bioactive Materials, San Diego, Calif., C. Aschkenasy and J. Kost, p. 311-312 (June 2001). V. Poly(amino acids) and Copolymers (a) poly (lysine): b) Poly (lactic acid-co-lysine): VI. Polyurethanes and Block Copolymers a) R═(CH2)n n 4-6 Commercially available polyurethanes include BIOMER, ACUTHANE (available from Dow Chemical Co., PELLETHANE (available from Dow Chemical Co., Wilmington, Del.), and RIMPLAST. VII. Poly(dimethylsiloxanes) Further examples of suitable commercially available polymers include: PLURONIC (available from BASF Corp., Ludwigshafen, Germany); MEDISORB, ELVAX40P (ethylene vinyl acetate) and BIODEL (available from Dupont Corp., Wilmington, Del.); and Polymer No. 6529C (Poly(lactic acid)) and Polymer No. 6525 (poly(glycolic acid)) available from Polysciences Inc., Warrington, Pa. In one aspect of the invention, polymers used are polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate alone or in combination. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the polymers are FDA approved for use in the body. Mixtures of polymers as well as layers of polymers are contemplated in the coatings used in the present invention. As will be discussed further herein, known polymers may be used or be derivatized so as to provide a coating in which the rate of release of a therapeutic agent contained therein can be controlled, directly at a point of infection. Polymer Systems Useful in the Invention Known polymer systems which mechanically hold therapeutic agent therein, deliver the agent in a controlled release fashion based on the structural and morphological configuration of the polymer. Specifically, transport of particles (such as therapeutic agents) through pores in polymeric membranes occurs by mass transit mechanisms such as diffusion and convection. The mass transport of particles depend on whether or not the polymeric structures contain pores, and if so, what size pores. Macroporous membranes having relatively large pores in the range of about 500 angstroms to about 1.0 microns rely primarily on convection to release particles. Examples of polymeric materials which can form macroporous membranes include polyurethanes, polyethylene glycol/poly propylene glycol copolymers and poly(lactic-co-glycolide-polyethylene). In microporous polymer systems, in which the pore size is from about 100 angstroms to about 500 angstroms, transport phenomenon is restricted by the geometric characteristics of the porous structure and by solute in the pores partitioning the pore walls. Examples of polymeric materials which can form microporous membranes include ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer loaded with macro molecular therapeutic agent. See, for example, Rhine et al., J. of Pharmaceutical Sci., 69: 265-263 (1980). Non-porous polymer systems, such as hydrogels, have internal structure based on molecular chains of entangled, cross-linked or crystalline chain networks in the polymer. As used herein a “hydrogel” is a polymeric material that swells in water without dissolving and that retains a significant amount of water in its structure. Hydrogels may deform elastically. The space between macromolecular chains is the mesh size. In these polymer systems, diffusion can be regulated to a certain extent by controlling the geometric factors such as thickness and surface area of the polymeric structure, and physiochemical parameters related to permeability of solute through the membrane. Controlling characteristics of the polymeric structure such as crystalline phase, porous structure, degree of swelling, additive concentration, mesh size of cross-linked macromolecular chains, and thermodynamic glassy/rubbery transitions, can be used to control diffusion. In particular, cross-linking and/or entangled polymer chains produces a screening effect to reduce the rate of diffusion. Hydrogels useful in the present invention include, for example, polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol and the like. Another form of polymeric system is the reservoir system in which a polymeric membrane surrounds a core of therapeutic agent. In this embodiment, a porous or non-porous polymer encapsulates therapeutic agent within micro- or nano-particles, which form micro-containers or micelles for the therapeutic agent. Non-limiting examples of preferred polymers for use in this embodiment include poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) or co-polymers or block polymers thereof. See, for example, Tian and Uhrich, Polymer Preprints, 43(2): 719-720 (2002). Preferably, the polymer is amphiphilic, containing controlled hydrophobic and hydrophilic balance (HLB) which facilitate organization of the polymer into circular micelles. The therapeutic agent is contained in the micelles for later release. Examples of suitable reservoir systems include hydrogels such as swollen poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PEMA), silicone networks, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers and the like. See, for example, Pedley et al., Br. Polymer J., 12: 99 (1980). Further examples include polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and polyethylene oxide. Furthermore, known polymer systems which chemically degrade so as to release therapeutic agent contained therein may be adapted for use in the invention. Specifically, polymer systems referred to as polymeric matrixes possess characteristics which promote chemical degradation or erosion of the polymer to release therapeutic agent. Chemically, there are three mechanisms for polymer erosion from a bulk matrix. First, degradation of cross-links can free polymer chains from the bulk matrix. Second, solubilization of water-insoluble polymers can occur as a result of hydrolysis, ionization, or protonation of a side group. Third, degradation of labile backbone bonds attached to the backbone structure of the polymer chain. In this mechanism, polymers having hydrolytic labile backbone or side chains contribute to the process of degradation. Degradation of cross-links is possible if the polymer includes or is derivatized to include labile moieties in the cross-linkers such as ester or amide functional groups. Any polymeric material may be derivatized to include such labile portions using methods generally known to one having ordinary skill in the art. Examples of polymeric matrix materials exhibiting the second type of chemical degradation include those including a pendant group that may be solubilized. Specific polymers of this type include poly(L-lysine-co-polyethyleneglycol), poly(methacrylic acid-co-methacryloxyethylglucoside) and poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyleneglycol). Examples of polymeric matrix materials exhibiting the third type of chemical degradation include high molecular weight water-insoluble polymers having labile bonds in the polymer backbone. These labile bonds become cleaved and the cleaved portion of the polymer is converted to small, water-soluble molecules. Alternative, a percolation technique breaks the backbone bonds causing the volume of the polymer to increase and allow therapeutic agent captured therein to flow out of the polymer. Examples of such bioerodible polymers include polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA) and lactic/glycolic acid co-polymer, polyamides, poly(ε-caprolactone), poly(orthoesters), and polyanhydrides. Further non-limiting examples of suitable polymers in forming the matrix include polyanhydrides, ethylene-vinyl acetate, poly(lactic acid), poly(glutamic acid), poly(ε-caprolactone), lactic/glycolic acid copolymers, polyorthoesters, polyamides and the like. Non-degradable polymers include ethylene-vinyl acetate and silicone. Alternatively, it is possible to link a photosensitizer to a polymer backbone or side chain of the backbone using an appropriate linker which, when exposed to an appropriate light energy, will react to release the therapeutic agent associated therewith. In this embodiment the therapeutic agent may be linked via a side chain to the polymer backbone and the photosensitzer may be linked to the same or different polymer backbone in the vicinity of the therapeutic agent. It is also possible to attach a photosensitizer directly to the therapeutic agent, or to interpose a photosensitizer between a linker and a therapeutic agent. Examples of polymers suitable for use in this embodiment include co-polymers of N-(-2 hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide and an enzymatically degradable oligopeptide poly (L-lysine-copolyethylene glycol). In each of these known polymer systems, once the design criteria has been selected, it has not heretofore been known to modify the polymeric configuration in situ to alter rates of release of a therapeutic agent contained therein after implantation. Heretofore these polymer systems either did not erode at sufficiently high rates to deliver sufficient dosages or released the therapeutic agent too quickly. Additionally, although the Langer reference shows a compressed implant of a polymeric structure which is implanted independent of a medical device, it has not been known to coat a medical device with a polymeric material in which release rates of a therapeutic agent contained therein may be regulated and the therapeutic agent delivered directly to the location of the infection without first having to be circulated throughout the system. Thus, although the known polymeric systems may degrade over time, or the polymeric systems may release a therapeutic agent through diffusion through pore structures, or implanted polymeric blocks may be treated to release therapeutic agent therefrom, it has not until now been shown that a coated medical device may be exposed in situ to an energy source so as to immediately direct the release of a therapeutic agent at the site of an infection. Ultrasound Responsive Polymeric Materials As used herein, the term “ultrasound” or “ultrasound energy” refers to a mechanical (“acoustic” or in terms of “pressure”) wave in a medium in a frequency range of from about 16 kHz to about 1 GHz. Ultrasound is a longitudinal wave form with the direction of propagation being the same as the direction of oscillation. The effects of ultrasound energy generally include compression and expansion of the propagation medium at approximately one half a wavelength distance from the wave source. This causes pressure variations in the medium. The wavelength of ultrasound is expressed by the relationship: λf=C where: λ=wavelength f=frequency C=speed of propagation It is possible to direct sufficient ultrasound energy to a particular location in the body by accounting for the mass density of the tissue being penetrated and the related half value depth. By applying ultrasound waves perpendicular to homogeneous tissue (i.e., skin), it is possible to calculate the absorption coefficient which indicates the intensity of absorption in the tissue, as follows: I(X)=I0·e−ax where: I(X)=intensity at depth X I0=intensity at the skin surface a=absorption coefficient Generally, release rate is proportional to the intensity of the applied sound wave. By knowing the intensity of the wave at the surface of the skin, an absorption coefficient for a known depth of X can be realized by solving the above equation for a. A parameter relating to absorption is the half-value depth (D1/2) which is the distance in the direction of a sound beam in which the intensity in a certain medium decreases by half. For skin, the D1/2 is 11.1 mm at 1 MHz and 4 mm at 3 MHz. The effects of ultrasound are related to several different physical mechanisms including thermal heating, cavitation and streaming. In thermal heating, part of the ultrasound energy applied to a polymer will be converted into heat. For example, exposure of soft tissue to an ultrasound beam of an intensity of 1 W/cm2 can result in a rise in temperature of 0.5° C./s if heat conduction is discounted. Using ultrasound energy to cause controlled localized thermal heating will generate heat induced changes, including but not limited to breaking of cross-linking bonds, in the polymeric material. The application of heat under controlled conditions will thereby regulate the rate of release of the therapeutic agent by controlling the rate of diffusion of the therapeutic agent from the polymeric material, the rate of degradation of the polymeric material or a combination thereof. In cavitation, application of ultrasound to a liquid or quasi-liquid medium gives rise to activity involving gaseous or vaporous cavities or bubbles in the medium. Cavitation may require pre-existing nuclei or bodies of gas stabilized in crevices or pores or by other means in the medium. Both stable and transient cavitation are possible. In stable cavitation, gas bubbles of a size that are resonant in the sound field generated oscillate with large amplitude. The expansion and contraction of the bubble which oscillate with the ultrasound pressure cycle causes the surrounding medium to flow in and out with a higher velocity than if the gas bubble were absent. The resonant diameter of a cavitation bubble in water at 1 MHz is about 3.5 microns. Pulsating gas bubbles resulting from such resonation are asymmetric at the air/liquid interface. The surface of such a pulsating asymmetric oscillation bubble causes a steady eddying motion to be generated in the immediate adjoining liquid, often called microstreaming. This pulsating results in localized shearing action which is strong enough to cause fragmentation of internal structures of the polymer. For example, main chain rupture may be induced by shock waves during cavitiation of the liquid medium. Acoustic streaming is the unique property of acoustic wave propagation in which time independent flow of fluid is induced by the sound filed. Without intending to be limited to any particular theory, it is believed that streaming is related to the conservation of momentum dissipated by the absorption and propagation of the wave. As a result of streaming, physical effects such as enhanced transfer of heat and mass, changes in reaction rates, and depolymerization are possible. Accordingly, using ultrasound energy to cause cavitation and/or microstreaming in a polymer system will cause the controlled alteration in structure, such as fragmentation and expansion of pore structures, so as to increase the rate of diffusion of the therapeutic agent from the polymeric material. Additionally, chemical changes are commonly produced by cavitation. Again, without intending to be limited to any particular theory, it is believed the combination of high pressures and temperatures can generate aqueous free radicals and hydrated electrons (highly reactive chemical species) within the exposed medium by the dissociation of water vapor in the bubble during its contraction. Chemical reactions of the resultant free radicals (particularly —H and —OH radicals) with the polymeric structures are sufficient to increase the rate of degradation of the polymeric structures to release the therapeutic agent. Using ultrasound energy to cause chemical changes in a polymeric system will cause the controlled degradation of polymeric infrastructure by increasing the rate of release of the therapeutic agent from the polymeric material. Although deep body tissue is generally opaque to light, it is usually penetrable by ultrasound waves. Accordingly, ultrasound waves emitted from a focused ultrasound transducer or a phased array can be concentrated at any location in the body. Depending on the frequency, the ultrasound transducer can cause cold cavitation, localized heating and/or streaming effects on a polymer at the focal point of exposure. Thus, it is well within the purview of the invention to initiate temperature, mechanical and/or chemical related release of therapeutic agent from a polymeric material by exposure to ultrasound. In one embodiment of the invention, ultrasound is applied to a coating on a medical device sufficient to cause a localized and controlled temperature, mechanical and or chemical effect on at least a portion of the coating, thereby regulating the rate of diffusion of the therapeutic agent from the polymeric material, the rate of degradation of the polymeric material or a combination thereof. Accordingly, the rate of release of the therapeutic agent contained therein is regulated based on the frequency, duration and intensity of the applied wave. In this embodiment, a polymeric material including a releasable therapeutic agent is exposed to ultrasound energy under conditions and for a time to cause at least one of the effects discussed above, sufficient to release the therapeutic agent at a desired rate. Rate of release of therapeutic agent from the polymeric material can be regulated by varying one or more of the intensity, frequency or duration of the applied ultrasound energy. There are no particular limitations to the frequency, duration and intensity of the applied wave provided the combination is sufficient to provide the desired rate of release of the therapeutic agent while preserving the structural integrity and functionality of the medical device substrate or substrates and the therapeutic agent. Preferably, the ultrasonic energy is generated from an ultrasound transducer. The range of intensity of ultrasound effective for producing short-term therapeutic agent release from a polymeric material is preferably from about 0.1 W/cm2 to about 30 W/cm2, more preferably from about 1 W/cm2 to about 50 W/cm2. As stated above, the rate of release of the therapeutic agent is proportional to the intensity of the applied sound wave. Thus, it is possible to increase the intensity of the applied ultrasound energy to increase the rate of release. Preferably, the ultrasonic energy is delivered in the frequency range of from about 20 kHz to about 10 MHz and is delivered through the skin to the implanted medical device. Preferably, the frequency is in the range of from about 50 kHz to about 200 kHz. For the purposes of maximizing cavitation effects, preferably the frequency used will be about 2.5 MHz. Duration and/or pulse cycle of the wave form will also have an effect on the amount of therapeutic released per exposure event. The duration of exposure may also be varied to regulate the rate of release. Although there is no particular limitation to the duration of exposure, for the comfort and convenience of the patient, it is desirable to minimize the time of exposure. Suitable times may range from a few seconds continuous or pulsed to an hour or more. Preferably, the exposure shall be from about 20 seconds to about 10 minutes, continuous or pulsed. It is possible to generate release rate curves for a particular polymer and therapeutic agent combination so as to be able to know the amount of time necessary to achieve the desired amount and/or rate of release of the therapeutic agent. There are no particular limitations to the polymeric material used in these embodiments except that it should, without exposure to ultrasound or light, resist substantial erosion for at least about six months, preferably at least about one year. In one aspect of the invention, the polymeric material used in the coating will have a sufficient number of temperature labile bonds therein so that exposure to the elevated temperatures contemplated from localized heating, results in an increase in the rate of release of therapeutic agent. Further, in another aspect of the invention, in order to take advantage of cavitation related effects, the polymer will preferably have pores including air bubbles. In this aspect of the invention, it is desirable for the polymeric material to include a micelle surrounding, a therapeutic agent and include air bubbles therein. Preferably, the micelles are from about 0.01 to 100 microns in diameter and have a gas volume therein of from about 5% to about 30% of the volume of the micelle. Preferably, the therapeutic agent is a light activatable drug. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,759, which is herein incorporated by reference. Additional limitations to this embodiment include the medical device surface or substrate which is coated should be stable at the localized temperatures used to effect release of the therapeutic agent. Furthermore, the therapeutic agent used should be stable at any elevated temperatures used to either polymerize the polymeric material or to coat the medical device. Preferably, the polymeric material may be cured at or about room temperature. In one aspect of the invention, polymers which readily release therapeutic agent through diffusion through a polymeric matrix may be derivatized using a cross-linking agent to include cross-linked internal structure which will degrade upon exposure to ultrasound energy. In one aspect of the invention, a polymeric material used in the coating includes bonds which break upon exposure to localized elevated temperature from exposure to ultrasound energy. Examples of such bonds include ester or amide introduced into the polymer by side chain reactions such as esters or acids with amine. Examples of polymeric materials suitable for use in this embodiment include, but are not limited to, poly(L-lysine-co-polyethyleneglycol), poly(methacrylic acid-co-methacryloxyethylglucoside) and poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyleneglycol), polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyamides, poly(ε-caprolactone), poly(orthoesters), and polyanhydrides. Further non-limiting examples of suitable polymers in forming the coating include polyanhydrides, ethylene-vinyl acetate, poly(lactic acid), poly(glutamic acid), poly(ε-caprolactone), lactic/glycolic acid copolymers, polyorthoesters, polyamides and the like. Suitable cross-linking agents will be apparent to those having skill in the art. In a further aspect of the invention, the polymeric material used in the coating includes pores which, when exposed to ultrasound energy, react by forming localized changes in the internal configuration of the pores so as to enlarge the pores and release therapeutic agent contained therein. Examples of polymeric materials suitable for use in this embodiment include, but are not limited to polyethyleneglycol/polypropylene glycol copolymers and poly(lactide-co-glycolide polyethyleneoxide). In another aspect of this embodiment, the polymeric material is derivatized to include temperature sensitive bonds so as to increase reactivity upon exposure to the localized elevated temperatures used to release the therapeutic agent. In this embodiment, the polymeric material is derivatized to contain an ultrasound reactive component which, when exposed to ultrasound energy, will effect a controlled increase in the rate of release of the therapeutic agent from the polymeric material. In a still further aspect of the invention, the polymeric material used in the coating includes both bonds and pores which react upon exposure to ultrasound energy so as to release therapeutic agent. Photoreactive Polymeric Materials In another embodiment of the invention, a coating is provided on a medical device that is photoreactive or derivatized to contain a photoreactive moiety. Most organic reactions are carried out between molecules in the ground state. However, photochemical reactions, utilizing light of a specific wavelength range, promote molecules to an electronically excited state. Electrons can move from the ground-state energy level of the molecule to a higher level with this application of outside energy. The physical processes undergone by excited molecules include excitation, vibrational relaxation, intersystem crossing, singlet-singlet transfer or triplet-triplet transfer (photosensitization), and the like. Some compounds will assume excited triplet states upon excitation by exposure to a certain wavelength of light. These compounds (“sensitizers” or “photosensitizers”) can interact with various other compounds (“acceptors”) and transfer energy to or electrons from the acceptors, thus returning the sensitizer to its unexcited or ground state. Most compounds will assume the excited singlet upon excitation. A photosensitizer in its triplet state is capable of converting ground-state oxygen (a triplet) to an excited singlet state. See Singlet Molecular Oxygen, A. Schaap Ed., Dowden, Hutchinson and Ross, Stroudsburg, Pa. (1976). The singlet oxygen can result in sufficient energy to alter electron states of surrounding materials and to cause bonds in those materials to break. It is possible to link a photoreactive compound or photosensitizer to a polymer backbone using an appropriate linker, which when exposed to an appropriate light energy, will react to release the therapeutic agent associated therewith. For example, it is possible to bind photosensitizers to therapeutic agents having aliphatic amino groups to form photoreactive/therapeutic agent complexes. Polymer backbones or co-polymer precursors may be derivatized to contain co-polymer side chains or “linkers” having active ester functionalities. The aliphatic amino groups of the complexes may be bound to the active ester functionalities of the polymeric precursors by aminolysis reactions. These stable moieties may be formed into co-polymers to be used as coatings for the medical device. Application of appropriate light energy will result in release of the therapeutic agent from the polymer by breaking a bond to the linker. See, for example, N. L. Krinick et al., J. Biomater. Sci. Polymer Edn., 5(4): 303-324 (1994). Advantageously, the polymers comprise cross-linked matrixes of polymer and include one or more therapeutic agents bound to a surface thereof or incorporated therein. Advantageously, the photochemically reactive group is furfuryl alcohol or meso-chlorin e6 monoethylene diamine disodium salt. Accordingly, photoreactive agents may be used in conjunction with therapeutic agents linked to a polymeric coating on a medical device. The release of therapeutic agents is controlled by exposure of the coating to an appropriate light energy. Suitable polymers for this embodiment include copolymers of N(−2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide and a linker, such as poly(L-lysine-co-polyethylene glycol). Further, non-limiting examples of suitable polymers for this embodiment include poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). Photosensitizers useful for attachment to a therapeutic agent or linkers include: dabcyl succinimidyl ester, dabcyl sulfonyl chloride, malachite green isothiocyanate, QSY7 succinimidyl ester, SY9 succinimidyl ester, SY21 carboxylic acid succinimidyl ester, SY35 acetic acid succinimidyl ester or the like, which are commercially available from Invitrogen Life Sciences, Carlsbad, Calif. These photoreactive agents will absorb light in the range of from about 450 nm to about 650 nm. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, a polymeric material and therapeutic agent may be joined by a linking moiety. The linking moiety attaches at a first end to the polymeric material and at a second end via a photochemically reactive group to the therapeutic agent. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,263,992 and 6,179,817, which are herein incorporated by reference. Exposure to light energy will cause the photochemically reactive group to release the therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, a polymeric material linked via a photoreactive group to a therapeutic agent is exposed to light energy under conditions and for a time to cause the therapeutic agent to be release from the linker at a desired rate. Rate of release can be regulated by increasing the duration and/or intensity of applied light energy. Selection of the appropriate wavelength of light to cause the release will be apparent to one having skill in the art. Preferably, the applied light will not compromise the efficiency of the therapeutic agent or the integrity of the medical device exposed thereto. In another aspect of the invention, it is possible to bind therapeutic agents having, or derivatized to contain, reactive aliphatic amino groups to polymers having, or derivatized to contain, ester or acid functional groups. The ester or acid moieties may, for example, be present on a polymer or co-polymer side chain. Amidization reaction will bind the aliphatic amino groups of the therapeutic agent to the ester groups on the polymer. Other methods of reversibly adding therapeutic agents or the like to polymers will be known to those having ordinary skill in the art. For example, therapeutic agents having, or derivatized to contain reactive hydroxyl groups, may be attached to polymers having or derivatized to contain ester or acid functional groups. In a further embodiment of the invention, a linker will include a photoreactive group arranged between a polymeric material and a therapeutic agent. The photoreactive group and therapeutic agent may be embedded in the polymeric material or coated on a surface thereof. The photoreactive group will release the therapeutic agent upon exposure to light in the wavelength range of from about 200 nm to about 800 nm. Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment using polymeric materials linked to photoreactive moieties is shown. A surface of a medical device 14 serves as a substrate for a layer of polymeric material 16. A photoreactive linker 20 attaches to the polymeric material 16 either directly or via a reactive group 18. In this embodiment, the free end of the linker includes a photoreactive moiety 20 which is bound to a therapeutic agent 22. As shown in FIG. 3B, upon exposure to an applied energy source 24, the therapeutic agent 22 is released from the polymeric material 16. Referring now to FIGS. 3C to 3D, a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, a surface of a medical device 14 serves as a substrate for a layer of polymeric material 16′. The layer 16′ includes two miscible polymeric materials labeled polymer A and polymer B. In this embodiment, polymer A includes a photoreactive moiety 20. Polymer B includes a therapeutic agent 22 bound to a linker 28 in the vicinity of photoreactive moiety 20. Upon exposure to an applied energy source 24, the photoreactive moiety 20 reacts with the linker 28 to release the therapeutic agent 22 from Polymer B. In a still further aspect of the present invention, light reactive drug is contained in polymeric micelles. The micelles may be added as a layer between a medical device substrate and a polymeric matrix or may be integrated into a polymeric coating on the substrate or may be added as a layer on a polymeric coating on the substrate. Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a schematic representation of yet a further embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, a surface of a medical device 14 is coated with a polymeric material 16″. The material 16″ is embedded and/or coated with micelles 22 having therapeutic agent 26 contained therein. Upon exposure to an appropriate applied energy source 24 the micelle 22 expands or opens so as to release the therapeutic agent 26 held therein. Preferably, the therapeutic agent is also photoreactive or derivatized to be photoreactive. Suitable Therapeutic Agents Both water-soluble and water-insoluble therapeutic agents will find use in the coatings covered by the invention. For purposes for this application, the terms water-soluble and water-insoluble therapeutic agent will have the following definitions. Water-soluble therapeutic agent will mean that up to 30 parts of solvent are required to completely dissolve one part of therapeutic agent. The term water-insoluble therapeutic agent will mean greater than 30 parts of solvent are required to dissolve one part of the therapeutic agent. For further discussion of these terms, see U.S. Pharmacopia, National Formulary, latest edition, incorporated herein by reference. Examples of suitable therapeutic agents include, without limitation, thrombo-resistant agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-tumor agents, anti-viral agents, cell cycle regulating agents, their homologs, derivatives, fragments, pharmaceutical salts, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the therapeutic agent is an antimicrobial agent. More preferably, the therapeutic agent is photoreactive or derivatized to contain a photoreactive moiety. Useful anti-thrombogenic agents may include, for example, heparin, heparin sulfate, hirudin, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, keratin sulfate, lytic agents, including urokinase and streptokinase, their homologs, analogs, fragments, derivatives and pharmaceutical salts thereof. Useful antimicrobial agents may include, for example, penicillins, cephalosporins, vancomycins, aminoglycosides, quinolones, polymyxins, erythromycins, tetracyclines, chloramphenicols, clindamycins, lincomycins, sulfonamides, their homologs, analogs, fragments, derivatives, pharmaceutical salts and mixtures thereof. Useful anti-tumor agents may include, for example, paclitaxel, docetaxel, alkylating agents including mechlorethamine, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, melphalan and ifosfamide; antimetabolites including methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine, 5-fluorouracil and cytarabine; plant alkaloids including vinblastine, vincristine and etoposide; antibiotics including doxorubicin, daunomycin, bleomycin, and mitomycin; nitrosureas including carmustine and lomustine; inorganic ions including cisplatin; biological response modifiers including interferon; enzymes including asparaginase; and hormones including tamoxifen and flutamide; their homologs, analogs, fragments, derivatives, pharmaceutical salts and mixtures thereof Useful anti-viral agents may include, for example, amantadines, rimantadines, ribavirins, idoxuridines, vidarabines, trifluridines, acyclovirs, ganciclovirs, zidovudines, foscarnets, interferons, their homologs, analogs, fragments, derivatives, pharmaceutical salts and mixtures thereof. While the foregoing therapeutic agents have been used to prevent or treat various conditions, they are provided by way of example and are not meant to be limiting, as other therapeutic agents may be developed which are equally applicable for use with the present invention. The rate of release of the therapeutic agent will be controlled by the intensity, frequency and duration of ultrasound energy or light energy to which the polymeric structure containing the therapeutic agent is exposed. The rate of release will also be controlled by the area of the medical device exposed to the energy. A principle limitation upon the therapeutic agent is that it neither be degraded nor rendered substantially inactive while being loaded into the polymeric coating or being exposed to the applied ultrasound or light energy source. Furthermore, the therapeutic agent should not react with the polymeric material in which it is contained. Generally, the amount of therapeutic agent present in a coating of the invention will be greater than the standard single dose for the therapeutic agent to be administered preferably orders of magnitude greater than the standard single dose. Proportions of the therapeutic agent that are suitable for the purposes of the invention range generally from about 0.1 to about 70 parts by weight of the coating, with the balance being the polymeric component. Methods of Making and Using Coatings The coating is prepared according to the invention by dissolving the polymeric material in a solvent to form a first and combining this first solution with a solution or suspension containing a the therapeutic agent. Preferably, these may be combined at room temperature or at a slightly elevated temperature with the aid of agitation. It is preferred to employ solvents which readily evaporate from the coating at room temperature, or at an elevated temperature below that which inactivates the therapeutic agent. Where the therapeutic agent used is insoluble in the dissolved polymer material, it is preferred that the agent be very finely subdivided, as by grinding with a mortar and pestle. A preferred form is micronized, e.g., a powder wherein all particles are of a size of 5 mircons or less. The coating may be preferred by first dissolving the polymeric material such as a biomedical polyurethane in a solvent. The therapeutic agent is then dissolved in the same or a different solvent. Solvents used in making the coating will depend upon the specific polymeric material and therapeutic agent or combination of agents. For example, useful solvents include acetic acid, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, hexane, N—N dimethylacetamide (DMAC), tehahydrofuram (THF), alcohols, water, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) or N-ethyl pyrrolidone (NEP) and combinations thereof. Certain desired solvents for the polymeric material may not be good solvents for a therapeutic agent of choice. In this case, a solvent is selected which will dissolve the therapeutic agent and be miscible with the solvent for the polymeric material. Thus, a solvent solution of the therapeutic agent may be combined with a polymeric material in solution, and the two solutions may then be combined to form a uniform mixture. A polymeric matrix may be formed by admixing powdered polymer and therapeutic agents together and melting the mixture to a liquid form which can then be applied by dip coating to the medical device. Alternatively, a polymeric matrix may be admixed with an appropriate solvent to form a solution. The therapeutic agent may then be added to the solution which can then be applied to the medical device using conventional methods such as dip coating or spray coating. The solvent may be driven off in a drying process, leaving behind the polymeric coating. In one aspect of the invention, the polymers are block polymers formed into circular micelles. See, for example, Kim et al., J. of Controlled Release, 65(3), 345-358 (2000). The micelles so formed are large enough to accommodate therapeutic agents. Once formed, the micelles are loaded with the agent using a known dialysis method. See, for example, Kwon, et al., J. Controlled Release, 29, 17-23 (1994). Afterwards, the solution may be treated so as to remove unloaded drug and aggregated particles, for example using centrifugation. The micelles so formed may be freeze dried for storage or mixed with a solvent or formed into a hydrogel or polyamine matrix for application onto the TIVAD, either alone or associated further with a polymeric matrix as described previously. Accordingly, in an alternate embodiment, circular micelles surrounding a therapeutic agent are added to a polymeric material and the mixture applied as a coating onto the medical device. A diagrammatic representation of this embodiment is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The medical device 14 includes a polymeric material 16 including mycelles 26 containing therapeutic agent 22. The mycelles 26 are shown evenly distributed in the polymeric material 16, where they may be trapped in pore structures, captured in enlarged polymeric chains, or residing at the surface of the polymeric material 16. Upon application of an energy source 24 as shown in FIG. 4B, the myselles release the therapeutic agent therefrom. An implantable medical device may be coated with the polymeric coating of the invention and implanted into a patient in need thereof. Suitable coating methods will depend upon the particular polymeric material used, and will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art. Conventional coating methods such as dip coating, spray coating or dip casting may be used. Use of the Medical Devices of the Invention Once implanted, the medical device is subjected to an energy source to increase the therapeutic agent kinetics and/or degrade the polymer so as to release the therapeutic agent contained therein. The energy required to control the rate and duration of release of the therapeutic agent can readily be adjusted. The optimal energy for producing a safe and effective dosage will depend on the particular polymeric structure and therapeutic agent used. In order to assure safe levels of release of the therapeutic agent, it is possible to test the implant in a liquid medium designed to mimic the in vivo environment and observe the rate of release of the therapeutic agent upon exposure to known levels of energy. In this way, a curve of applied energy versus therapeutic agent release rate can be derived. The coating can be made to deliver a predetermined rate of release of the therapeutic agent by selection of an appropriate intensity and duration of applied energy, based on the curve. It is possible to use different photoreactive polymers with different therapeutic agents, so that exposure to a first light energy source will release a first therapeutic agent while exposure to a second (i.e., different frequency) light energy source will only release a second therapeutic agent. Similarly, it is possible to use different polymer coatings having different therapeutic agents contained therein, so that exposure to a light energy source will only release a first therapeutic agent while exposure to an ultrasound energy source will release a second therapeutic agent. For exposure of the medical device to ultrasonic energy, a commercially available ultrasonic transducer may be used by placement of the ultrasound device on a surface of the skin over the implanted device. Desirably, a coupling media is placed between the ultrasound device and the skin to improve conveyance of the ultrasound energy. Suitable coupling agents are known to those in the art. For exposure of the implanted medical device to light energy, a light source emitting the appropriate wavelength of light including a probe for intradermal insertion may be used. Such probes are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,154 to Amirkhanian et al. The probe may be used to administer laser treatment to a surface of an implanted medical device by insertion intradermally either directly above the medical device or inside the medical device. EXAMPLE 1 Ultrasound Activatable Micelles This example describes a coating made with a cross-linked polymeric material formed into micelles loaded with therapeutic agent that will release the agent upon exposure to ultrasound energy. An amphiphylic alternating copolymer consisting of poly(ethyleneglycol) and poly(L-lactic acid) as shown below is used to form micelles. The polymeric micelles are further stabilized by polymerization using N,N-diethylacrylamide in a poly(L-lactic acid) inner core of the micelles. The micelles are further optimized by reaction of acetylated hydroxyalkyl carboxylic acid derivatives to add functional groups, such as —COOH, SO4, H, NH or the like, as attachment sites for the therapeutic agent. The hydrophilic/hydrophobic copolymer is dissolved in methylene chloride and emulsified with a 5% aqueous solution of albumin containing an antibiotic and/or a thrombogenic agent by sonicating for 2 minutes, and spray-drying to produce particles (10 μm). The micelle hydrogel microparticles are redissolved in an aqueous solution of sodium chloride. The polymeric micelle composition is dip coated and/or spray coated onto an inner surface, outer surface or both of the TIVAP to form the coated medical device. Release of the therapeutic agent is accomplished by the application of ultrasound energy on the surface of the skin over the implant. The ultrasound energy is in the frequency range of from about 20 KHz to about 90 KHz for from about 0.1 seconds to about 20 seconds. The therapeutic agent is released from the core of the micelles and available to the surrounding tissue. EXAMPLE 2 Ultrasound Activatable Micelles This example describes a coating made with a cross-linked polymeric material which forms micelles loaded with therapeutic agent that will release the agent upon exposure to ultrasound energy. Poly(ethylene oxide glycol)/poly(propylene oxide glycol) copolymers and poly(Ε-capriolactone) are used to form a block polymer as shown below. The core of this polymeric micelle is stabilized by forming an interpenetrating cross-linked system using N,N,diethylacrylamide as a cross-linking agent. The therapeutic agent is incorporated into the micelle as described above. The micelle is dried and used directly as a coating on a medical device substrate or is dried and applied onto a polymeric coating on the substrate. EXAMPLE 3 Ultrasound Activatable Micelles This example describes a coating made with a cross-linked polymeric material which forms micelles loaded with therapeutic agent that will release the agent upon exposure to ultrasound energy. A commercially available poly(ethylene/glycol)-poly(propylene glycol) triblock copolymer (PEO-PPO-PEO), as shown below is used to make the polymeric material of the coating. The copolymer is optionally cross-linked to form an interpenetrating network. To a commercial polymer, (PLURONIC 105 or PLURONIC 127, available from BASF Corp., Ludwigshafen, Germany) is added N,N-diethylacrylamide to stabilize the hydrophobic core of the micelle. The therapeutic agent is incorporated into the micelle as described above. The micelles are dried and used directly as a coating on a medical device substrate or are dried and appied onto a polymeric coating on the substrate. EXAMPLE 4 Light Activatable Coating This example describes a coating made with a polymeric material including therapeutic agent which is attached by light reactive pendant chains to a surface of a medical device, wherein the coating will release the agent upon exposure to light energy. A water soluble copolymer of N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide and a photoreactive oligopeptide containing a therapeutic agent are provided as shown below. A solution of the water-soluble copolymer is applied to at lease one of the inside and outside surfaces of the TIVAD. Release of the therapeutic agent is accomplished by the application of 650 nm wavelength light to the TIVAD for 60 seconds, to the surface of the skin surface over the implant. The light penetrates the skin to activate release of the drug from the oligopeptide. Alternatively, a light probe is inserted into the port via the septum to introduce light directly into the reservoir of the port. The release rate is a function of the light exposure time. It will be apparent that the present invention has been described herein with reference to certain preferred or exemplary embodiments. The preferred or exemplary embodiments described herein may be modified, changed, added to, or deviated from without departing from the intent, spirit and scope of the present invention, and it is intended that all such additions, modifications, amendments and/or deviations be included within the scope of the following claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications referenced in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or application had been specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Central vascular access devices (CVADs) are medical devices that are implanted into a patient's vascular system and are typically used in applications which provide a means for repeated access to a patient's vascular system. Applications for CVADs are varied and include, for example, intravenous feeding, intravenous drug delivery, and extracorporeal protocols. Specific applications include chemotherapy treatments, intensive antibiotic treatment, prolonged IV feeding, and extracorporeal blood treatment protocols, such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and apheresis. CVADs having an exterior component (located outside the skin of a patient) are convenient to use and may be used safely by skilled practitioners who use sterile cannulas to access the CVAD and who provide sufficient maintenance in the form of regular flushing and dressing changes. However, an added risk of infection exists due to the presence of the exterior component. Specifically, the external component may serve as a route of exposure to airborne contaminants such as bacteria. Total implantation venous access devices, also referred to herein as TIVADs are a variety of vascular access devices that are implanted into a patient's vascular system but that do not have any exterior components. The entire device is implanted under the patient's skin. TIVADs have become used more routinely, where possible, as opposed to other central vascular access devices (CVADs) having an exterior component. An example of a TIVAD is an arterial-venous (A-V) port used in accessing the circulatory system, for example, in performing dialysis treatments. The port is accessed through the skin by percutaneous placement of a HUBER needle or other connecting tube. An example of a conventional port is shown in FIG. 1 . The A-V port, referred to generally as reference numeral 2 , includes a lumen catheter 4 coupled to one or more reservoir access port 6 via a catheter connector 8 . The catheter 4 resides in the vein. The port 6 includes an impenetrable housing 10 defining a reservoir for fluids. The housing 10 includes an opening for receiving a plastic or metal disk having a septum 12 in the center. The septum 12 is a needle penetrable elastometric material and acts as a portal to the reservoir. Further examples of commercial ports include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,168, or VAXGEL implantable ports (available from Boston Scientific, Natick, Mass.). TIVADs such as ports require less maintenance that other CVADs. For example, a properly functioning port may require flushing only once a month. Furthermore, no external dressing is necessary for such ports. An advantage of using TIVADs over other CVADs is the reduced risk of infection arising from the protective skin barrier which prevents any possible exposure to airborne contamination. A further advantage of TIVADs over CVADs generally is greater patient acceptance. Risks associated with the use of CVADs include local complications such as thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, as well as systemic complications including embolisms, pulmonary edema and bloodstream infections. Although the risk of infection is reduced in TIVADs as compared to other CVADs, it is still possible for a patient to experience an infection at the port, particularly the area where the port is accessed. The average time a TIVAD-type A-V port remains useful for A-V access is about two years. During these two years, infection will develop in around 20% of patients, and often leads to removal of the port. In this case, A-V access has to be reestablished. Often, this means finding another site for A-V access and waiting a period of time of up to three weeks before a normal hemodialysis schedule can be resumed. Infection of the A-V port has been recorded as a major cause of death in patients receiving dialysis treatments. There are principally three ways in which an infection can be introduced during A-V access set up or the hemodialysis procedure itself. First, bacteria can be implanted with the A-V access device itself during a break in aseptic technique. Second, bacteria may already be present on the surface of the device. Third, bacteria can be transmitted from external sources, such as central venous catheters and needles. The entry site for infection is typically the puncture site. The course of treatment for infections related to CVADs depends upon the type of medical device, the condition of the patient, and the identity of the bacteria causing the infection. The most common infectious agents are: staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas aeruginosa , and staphylococcus epidermis . These agents have been identified in over 75% of all reported vascular infections. Both staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa , show high virulence and can lead to clinical signs of infection early in the post-operative period (less than four months). It is this virulence that leads to septicemia and is one main factor in the high mortality rates. Staphylococcus epidermis is described as a low virulence type of bacterium. It is late occurring, which means it can present clinical signs of infection up to five years post-operative. This type of bacterium has been shown to be responsible for up to 60% of all vascular graft infections. Vascular port infections are difficult to treat with the standard course of oral antibiotics. Accordingly, infections of this type often require total graft excision, debridement of surrounding tissue, and revascularization through an uninfected route. It would be advantageous for implantable medical devices, such as ports, to be provided with a mechanism to deliver a therapeutic agent to address such infections, at the site of infection. Generally, it is known that certain design parameters are critical to proper delivery of therapeutic agents. Typically, they are: (1) delivering the agent to the target tissue; (2) supplying the agent in the correct temporal pattern for a predetermined period of time; and (3) fabricating a delivery system that provides the desired spatial and temporal pattern. Controlled or sustained release delivery systems are intended to manipulate these parameters to achieve the aforementioned advantages when compared to conventional dosing. A typical drug concentration versus time profile for a conventional parenteral or oral dosage form (A) and an idealized sustained drug delivery system (B) might look as shown in FIG. 2 . A disadvantage of presently available methods for providing therapeutic agents on medical device substrates is the lack of a means to control the rate of release of the therapeutic agent. For example, in conventional biodegradable polymers, a steady state rate or sustained release of drug occurs, based on, inter alia, the rate of degradation of the polymer. Accordingly, there is no control over the time or rate of delivery of the therapeutic agent. It is possible, using these systems, for the therapeutic agent to be depleted by the time it is needed by the patent. Thus, the patient is dosed with therapeutic agent even if there is no infection. Furthermore, an active infection may require a larger dose than is delivered by sustained release of the therapeutic (i.e. anti-microbial) agent. It would therefore be advantageous, for an implanted medical device such as a CVAD, in particular a TIVAD, to provide variable drug release, so as to increase the dose of the therapeutic agent when necessary to address an active infection. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides a coating for a medical device including a polymeric structure including at least one therapeutic agent, wherein a rate of release of the therapeutic agent from the polymeric structure is regulated by in situ exposure of the coating to at least one of ultrasound energy and light energy. When used as a coating on a medical device implanted in a patient, the coating provides the therapeutic agent to the patient on an as-need basis. In accordance with the present invention, an implantable medical device is provided including a vascular access device and a coating on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the vascular access device. The coating includes: (a) a polymeric component including at least one of a light reactive moiety and a sound reactive moiety; and (b) at least one therapeutic agent releasably associated with the polymeric component, wherein a rate of release of the therapeutic agent is controlled by in situ exposure of the medical device to at least one of a light energy source and an ultrasound energy source. Also provided is a method of treating a patient including the steps of: (a) implanting a medical device of the invention intradermally into a patient in need thereof; and (b) releasing the therapeutic agent to the patient by intra- or extra-dermal exposure to at least one of a light energy source and an ultrasound energy source. | 20040721 | 20080408 | 20060511 | 62926.0 | A61N130 | 0 | KENNEDY, SHARON E | LIGHT-ACTIVATED ANTI-INFECTIVE COATINGS AND DEVICES MADE THEREOF | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | A61N | 2,004 |
|
10,896,277 | ACCEPTED | Adaptive pilot insertion for a MIMO-OFDM system | A transmitting entity transmits a “base” pilot in each protocol data unit (PDU). A receiving entity is able to derive a sufficiently accurate channel response estimate of a MIMO channel with the base pilot under nominal (or most) channel conditions. The transmitting entity selectively transmits an additional pilot if and as needed, e.g., based on channel conditions and/or other factors. The additional pilot may be adaptively inserted in almost any symbol period in the PDU. The receiving entity is able to derive an improved channel response estimate with the additional pilot. The transmitting entity sends signaling to indicate that additional pilot is being sent. This signaling may be embedded within pilot symbols sent on a set of pilot subbands used for a carrier pilot that is transmitted across most of the PDU. The signaling indicates whether additional pilot is being sent and possibly other pertinent information. | 1. A method of transmitting pilot in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system, comprising: transmitting in each protocol data unit (PDU) a first pilot suitable for deriving an estimate of a response of a MIMO channel between a transmitting entity and a receiving entity; and selectively transmitting in each PDU an additional pilot suitable for deriving an improved estimate of the MIMO channel response. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining whether to transmit the additional pilot based on one or more factors including condition of the MIMO channel. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting signaling to indicate the additional pilot being transmitted. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the signaling for the additional pilot is transmitted concurrently with the additional pilot. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the additional pilot is sent on a first set of frequency subbands in a symbol period selected for additional pilot transmission, and wherein the signaling is sent on a second set of frequency subbands in the symbol period. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the second set of frequency subbands is for a carrier pilot suitable for tracking a phase of a carrier signal used by the transmitting entity. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first pilot and the additional pilot are unsteered MIMO pilots sent from a plurality of antennas at the transmitting entity and without spatial processing by the transmitting entity. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first pilot and the additional pilot are steered MIMO pilots sent on orthogonal spatial channels of the MIMO channel. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional pilot is sent on all subbands usable for data transmission. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional pilot is sent on a subset of subbands usable for data transmission. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein each PDU spans a plurality of symbol periods designated for data transmission, and wherein the additional pilot is selectively transmitted in each of the plurality of symbol periods. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the MIMO system utilizes orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). 13. An apparatus in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system, comprising: a transmitter unit to transmit in each protocol data unit (PDU) a first pilot suitable for deriving an estimate of a response of a MIMO channel between a transmitting entity and a receiving entity and to selectively transmit in each PDU an additional pilot suitable for deriving an improved estimate of the MIMO channel response; and a controller to direct selective transmission of the additional pilot in each PDU. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the controller further directs transmission of signaling to indicate the additional pilot being transmitted. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the additional pilot is sent on a first set of frequency subbands in a symbol period selected for additional pilot transmission, and wherein the signaling is sent on a second set of frequency subbands in the symbol period. 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each PDU spans a plurality of symbol periods designated for data transmission, and wherein the additional pilot is selectively transmitted in each of the plurality of symbol periods. 17. An apparatus in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system, comprising: means for transmitting in each protocol data unit (PDU) a first pilot suitable for deriving an estimate of a response of a MIMO channel between a transmitting entity and a receiving entity; and means for selectively transmitting in each PDU an additional pilot suitable for deriving an improved estimate of the MIMO channel response. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: means for transmitting signaling to indicate the additional pilot being transmitted. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the additional pilot is sent on a first set of frequency subbands in a symbol period selected for additional pilot transmission, and wherein the signaling is sent on a second set of frequency subbands in the symbol period. 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein each PDU spans a plurality of symbol periods designated for data transmission, and wherein the additional pilot is selectively transmitted in each of the plurality of symbol periods. 21. A method of transmitting signaling in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system utilizing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), comprising: selecting a signaling value from among a plurality of signaling values; selecting a set of pilot symbols from among a plurality of sets of pilot symbols, wherein each of the plurality of sets of pilot symbols corresponds to a different one of the plurality of signaling values, and wherein the selected set of pilot symbols corresponds to the selected signaling value; and multiplexing the selected set of pilot symbols on a first set of frequency subbands used for a carrier pilot. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the carrier pilot is suitable for use by a receiving entity to track a phase of a carrier signal used by a transmitting entity. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the plurality of signaling values include a first signaling value indicating additional pilot symbols are being transmitted on a second set of frequency subbands. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the selected set of pilot symbols is transmitted on the first set of frequency subbands and the additional pilot symbols are concurrently transmitted on the second set of frequency subbands in a symbol period. 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the plurality of signaling values further include a second signaling value indicating data symbols are being transmitted on the second set of frequency subbands. 26. The method of claim 21, wherein the selected signaling value indicates a type of an additional pilot being transmitted. 27. The method of claim 21, wherein the selected signaling value indicates a set of frequency subbands used to transmit an additional pilot. 28. The method of claim 21, wherein the selected signaling value indicates a mode of transmission for an additional pilot being transmitted. 29. An apparatus in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system utilizing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), comprising: a controller to select a signaling value from among a plurality of signaling values; a processor to select a set of pilot symbols from among a plurality of sets of pilot symbols, wherein each of the plurality of sets of pilot symbols corresponds to a different one of the plurality of signaling values, and wherein the selected set of pilot symbols corresponds to the selected signaling value; and a multiplexer to multiplex the selected set of pilot symbols on a first set of frequency subbands used for a carrier pilot. 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the plurality of signaling values include a first signaling value indicating additional pilot symbols are being transmitted on a second set of frequency subbands. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the selected set of pilot symbols is transmitted on the first set of frequency subbands and the additional pilot symbols are concurrently transmitted on the second set of frequency subbands in a symbol period. 32. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the selected signaling value indicates a set of frequency subbands used to transmit an additional pilot. 33. An apparatus in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system utilizing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), comprising: means for selecting a signaling value from among a plurality of signaling values; means for selecting a set of pilot symbols from among a plurality of sets of pilot symbols, wherein each of the plurality of sets of pilot symbols corresponds to a different one of the plurality of signaling values, and wherein the selected set of pilot symbols corresponds to the selected signaling value; and means for multiplexing the selected set of pilot symbols on a first set of frequency subbands used for a carrier pilot 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the plurality of signaling values include a first signaling value indicating additional pilot symbols are being transmitted on a second set of frequency subbands. 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the selected set of pilot symbols is transmitted on the first set of frequency subbands and the additional pilot symbols are concurrently transmitted on the second set of frequency subbands in a symbol period. 36. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the selected signaling value indicates a set of frequency subbands used to transmit an additional pilot. 37. A method of receiving pilot in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system, comprising: receiving a first pilot transmitted in each protocol data unit (PDU) and suitable for deriving an estimate of a response of a MIMO channel between a transmitting entity and a receiving entity; and receiving an additional pilot selectively transmitted in each PDU and suitable for deriving an improved estimate of the MIMO channel response. 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising: receiving signaling indicating whether the additional pilot is being transmitted in each PDU. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the signaling is received on a first set of frequency subbands and the additional pilot is received on a second set of frequency subbands. 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the signaling and the additional pilot are transmitted concurrently in a symbol period by the transmitting entity. 41. The method of claim 37, wherein each PDU spans a plurality of symbol periods designated for data transmission, and wherein the additional pilot is selectively transmitted in each of the plurality of symbol periods. 42. The method of claim 37, wherein the first pilot and the additional pilot are unsteered MIMO pilots sent from a plurality of antennas at the transmitting entity and without spatial processing by the transmitting entity. 43. The method of claim 37, wherein the first pilot and the additional pilot are steered MIMO pilots sent on orthogonal spatial channels of the MIMO channel. 44. An apparatus in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system, comprising: a receiver unit to receive a first pilot transmitted in each protocol data unit (PDU) and suitable for deriving an estimate of a response of a MIMO channel between a transmitting entity and a receiving entity and to receive an additional pilot selectively transmitted in each PDU and suitable for deriving an improved estimate of the MIMO channel response. 45. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising: a controller to receive signaling indicating whether the additional pilot is being transmitted in each PDU. 46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the signaling is received on a first set of frequency subbands and the additional pilot is received on a second set of frequency subbands. 47. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the signaling and the additional pilot are transmitted concurrently in a symbol period by the transmitting entity. 48. An apparatus in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system, comprising: means for receiving a first pilot transmitted in each protocol data unit (PDU) and suitable for deriving an estimate of a response of a MIMO channel between a transmitting entity and a receiving entity; and means for receiving an additional pilot selectively transmitted in each PDU and suitable for deriving an improved estimate of the MIMO channel response. 49. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising: means for receiving signaling indicating whether the additional pilot is being transmitted in each PDU. 50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the signaling is received on a first set of frequency subbands and the additional pilot is received on a second set of frequency subbands. 51. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the signaling and the additional pilot are transmitted concurrently in a symbol period by the transmitting entity. | BACKGROUND I. Field The present invention relates generally to communication, and more specifically to techniques for transmitting pilot and signaling in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system. II. Background A MIMO system employs multiple (T) transmit antennas at a transmitting entity and multiple (R) receive antennas at a receiving entity for data transmission. A MIMO channel formed by the T transmit antennas and R receive antennas may be decomposed into S spatial channels, where S≦min {T, R}. The S spatial channels may be used to transmit data in parallel to achieve higher throughput and/or redundantly to achieve greater reliability. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a multi-carrier modulation technique that effectively partitions the overall system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal frequency subbands. These subbands are also referred to as tones, subcarriers, bins, and frequency channels. With OFDM, each subband is associated with a respective subcarrier that may be modulated with data. Up to K modulation symbols may be sent on the K subbands in each symbol period. A MIMO-OFDM system is a MIMO system that utilizes OFDM. The MIMO-OFDM system has S spatial channels for each of the K subbands. Each spatial channel of each subband may be called a “transmission channel” and may be used to transmit one modulation symbol in each symbol period. Each transmission channel may experience various deleterious channel conditions such as, e.g., fading, multipath, and interference effects. The S·K transmission channels of the MIMO channel may also experience different channel conditions and may be associated with different complex gains and signal-to-noise-and-interference ratios (SNRs). To achieve high performance, it is often necessary to characterize the MIMO channel. For example, the transmitting entity may need an estimate of the MIMO channel response to perform spatial processing (described below) in order to transmit data to the receiving entity. The receiving entity typically needs an estimate of the MIMO channel response to perform receiver spatial processing on signals received from the transmitting entity in order to recover the transmitted data. The transmitting entity normally transmits a pilot to assist the receiving entity in performing a number of functions. The pilot is typically composed of known modulation symbols that are transmitted in a known manner. The receiving entity may use the pilot for channel estimation, timing and frequency acquisition, data detection, and so on. Since the pilot represents overhead in the system, it is desirable to minimize the amount of system resources used to transmit the pilot. The system may thus employ a pilot structure that provides an adequate amount of pilot for most receiving entities under normal (or most) channel conditions. However, this pilot structure may be inadequate for certain receiving entities observing adverse channel conditions. There is therefore a need in the art for techniques to transmit pilot for various channel conditions. SUMMARY Techniques to adaptively and flexibly transmit additional pilot, e.g., based on channel conditions and/or other factors, in order to achieve good performance are described herein. A transmitting entity transmits a “base” pilot in each protocol data unit (PDU). A receiving entity is able to derive a sufficiently accurate channel response estimate of a MIMO channel between the transmitting and receiving entities with the base pilot under nominal (or most) channel conditions. The transmitting entity selectively transmits an additional pilot if and as needed, e.g., based on the channel conditions and/or other factors. The additional pilot may be adaptively inserted in any symbol period in the PDU, except for symbol periods with other designated transmissions. The receiving entity is able to derive an improved channel response estimate with the additional pilot. The base pilot represents a fixed overhead and is selected to provide good performance under nominal (or most) channel conditions. The additional pilot may be sent when needed and may provide good performance for adverse channel conditions, without having to incur a fixed and high overhead for the pilot. The transmitting entity sends signaling to indicate that additional pilot is being sent. This signaling may be conveniently embedded within a carrier pilot that is transmitted on a designated set of P subbands across most of the PDU (e.g., P=4). A set of P pilot symbols is sent on the set of P subbands in each symbol period in which the carrier pilot is transmitted. Different sets of P pilot symbols may be formed for different signaling values, e.g., one signaling value to indicate that data symbols are being transmitted on the remaining usable subbands, another signaling value to indicate that additional pilot symbols are being transmitted, and so on. The signaling for the additional pilot may be sent by selecting the proper set of P pilot symbols and sending these P pilot symbols on the P subbands used for the carrier pilot. The additional pilot and its signaling may thus be selectively and concurrently sent in almost any symbol period in the PDU. The signaling for the additional pilot may also be sent in some other manners. Various aspects and embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows an OFDM subband structure used by IEEE 802.11a; FIG. 2 shows an exemplary PDU format suitable for a MIMO system; FIG. 3 shows a process to transmit an additional pilot; FIG. 4 shows a process to receive and utilize the additional pilot; FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a transmitting entity and a receiving entity; FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a transmit (TX) spatial processor; and FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a TX pilot signaling processor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The pilot transmission and signaling techniques described herein may be used for a single-input single-output (SISO) system, a single-input multiple-output (SIMO) system, a multiple-input single-output (MISO) system, and a MIMO system. These techniques may be used for an OFDM-based system and for other multi-carrier communication systems. These techniques may also be used with various OFDM subband structures. For clarity, these techniques are specifically described below for a MIMO-OFDM system utilizing the OFDM subband structure defined by IEEE 802.11a. The IEEE 802.11 OFDM subband structure partitions the overall system bandwidth into 64 orthogonal subbands (i.e., K=64), which are assigned indices of −32 to +31. Of these 64 subbands, 48 subbands with indices of ±{1, . . . , 6, 8, . . . , 20, 22, . . . 26} may be used for data and pilot transmission and are called “data” subbands, 4 subbands with indices of ±{7, 21} may be used for a carrier pilot and possibly signaling and are called “pilot” subbands, the DC subband with index of 0 is not used, and the 11 remaining subbands are also not used and serve as guard subbands. Thus, the 64 total subbands include 52 “usable” subbands composed of the 48 data subbands and the 4 pilot subbands and 12 “unused” subbands. This OFDM subband structure is described in a document for IEEE Standard 802.11a entitled “Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications: High-speed Physical Layer in the 5 GHz Band,” September 1999, which is publicly available. In general, an OFDM-based system may utilize any OFDM subband structure with any number of data, pilot, and guard subbands. FIG. 1 shows a PDU format 100 defined by IEEE 802.11 and suitable for use for various communication systems. At a physical (PHY) layer in the protocol stack for IEEE 802.11, data is processed and transmitted in PHY protocol data units (PPDUs), which are also called “PDUs” herein for simplicity. Each PDU 110 for IEEE 802.11 includes a preamble section 120, a signal section 130, and a data section 150. Preamble section 120 carries short and long training symbols that are described below. Signal section 130 carries one OFDM symbol for signaling for the PDU. Data section 150 carries a variable number of OFDM symbols for traffic/packet data for the PDU. The length of data section 150 is indicated by the signaling in signal section 130. Preamble section 120 carries ten short training symbols sent in two OFDM symbol periods followed by two long training symbols sent in two OFDM symbol periods. Four short training symbols are formed by performing an inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) on a specific set of 12 pilot symbols sent on 12 subbands with indices of {−24, −20, −16, −12, −8, −4, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24}. A “pilot symbol” is a modulation symbol for pilot and is typically known a priori by both the transmitting and receiving entities. The same set of 12 pilot symbols is used for all short training symbols. Each long training symbol is formed by performing an IDFT on a specific set of 52 pilot symbols sent on the 52 usable subbands. The same set of 52 pilot symbols is also used for both long training symbols. A receiving entity may use the short training symbols for signal detection, coarse frequency offset estimation, timing synchronization, automatic gain control (AGC), and so on. The receiving entity may use the long training symbols for channel estimation, fine frequency offset estimation, and so on. Signaling and data are sent on the 48 data subbands in signal section 130 and data section 150, respectively. A carrier pilot is sent on the four pilot subbands in the signal and data sections. The carrier pilot is composed of four pilot symbols that are sent on the four pilot subbands across the signal and data sections. Prior to transmission, the pilot symbol for each pilot subband is multiplied with a 127-chip circularly extended pseudo-random number (PN) sequence to generate a predetermined symbol sequence for that pilot subband. The receiving entity may use the carrier pilot to track the phase of a carrier signal across the signal and data sections. The pilot structure shown in FIG. 1 comprises ten short training symbols, two long training symbols, and the carrier pilot. This pilot structure is generally suitable for a SISO system. A MIMO system may utilize different types of pilot to support various functions needed for proper system operation, such as timing and frequency acquisition, channel estimation, calibration, and so on. Table 1 lists four types of pilot and their short description. A pilot is also called a “reference”, and these two terms are often used interchangeably. TABLE 1 Pilot Types Pilot Type Description Beacon Pilot A pilot transmitted from all transmit antennas and used for timing and frequency acquisition. Unsteered A pilot transmitted from all transmit antennas and MIMO Pilot used for channel estimation, with the pilot transmission from each transmit antenna being identifiable by a receiving entity. Steered A pilot transmitted on “eigenmodes” of a MIMO MIMO Pilot channel and used for channel estimation and possibly rate control. Carrier Pilot A pilot used for phase tracking of a carrier signal. The unsteered and steered MIMO pilots are described in detail below. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary PDU format 200 suitable for the MIMO system. A PDU 210 for this format includes a preamble section 220, a signal section 230, a MIMO pilot section 240, and a data section 250. Preamble section 220 carries the beacon pilot. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the beacon pilot is composed of ten short training symbols and two long training symbols. Preamble section 220 is thus similar to preamble section 120 in FIG. 1. Signal section 230 carries signaling for PDU 210 and may include (1) a field that indicates whether the PDU has format 200 or some other format (e.g., format 100) and (2) a field that indicates the length of MIMO pilot section 240. MIMO pilot section 240 carries a “base” MIMO pilot, which may be unsteered or steered. The base MIMO pilot is typically sent in each PDU and may be transmitted in the same manner as the data in the PDU. Data section 250 carries the data for PDU 210. A carrier pilot is sent on the four pilot subbands in signal section 230, MIMO pilot section 240, and data section 250. A PDU may also be called a packet, a data unit, a frame, a slot, a block, or some other terminology. PDU format 200 includes an exemplary pilot structure for the MIMO system. To minimize overhead, the pilot structure may include a minimal (or nominal) amount of pilot (the base pilot) needed for proper system operation under normal channel conditions. For example, MIMO pilot section 240 may carry T OFDM symbols for the MIMO pilot for T transmit antennas. Additional pilot may be adaptively inserted and sent if and as needed in order to achieve improved performance. The additional pilot may be beneficial under certain adverse channel conditions such as increased fade rates due to Doppler effect, changing interference and/or jamming characteristics, and so on. The additional pilot may also be sent based on other factors, e.g., if the PDU is for a retransmission because an acknowledgment (ACK) was not received for a prior transmission of the PDU. The additional pilot may be inserted in the data section of the PDU. Signaling to indicate transmission of the additional pilot may be efficiently embedded within the carrier pilot, as described below, or sent in signal section 230. A MIMO channel between a transmitting entity and a receiving entity may be characterized by an R×T channel response matrix H(k) for each subband k, which may be expressed as: H _ ( k ) = [ h 1 , 1 ( k ) h 1 , 2 ( k ) ⋯ h 1 , T ( k ) h 2 , 1 ( k ) h 2 , 2 ( k ) ⋯ h 2 , T ( k ) ⋮ ⋮ ⋰ ⋮ h R , 1 ( k ) h R , 2 ( k ) ⋯ h R , T ( k ) ] , for k = 1 … K , Eq ( 1 ) where entry hi,j(k), for i=1 . . .R and j=1. . . T, denotes the coupling or complex channel gain between transmit antenna j and receive antenna i for subband k. For simplicity, the MIMO channel is assumed to be full rank with S=T≦R. The receiving entity may obtain an estimate of H(k) for each subband k based on an unsteered MIMO pilot sent by the transmitting entity. The unsteered MIMO pilot comprises T pilot transmissions sent from T transmit antennas, where the pilot transmission from each transmit antenna is identifiable by the receiving entity. This may be achieved by sending the pilot transmission for each transmit antenna with a different orthogonal (e.g., Walsh) sequence using code multiplexing, on a different subband using subband multiplexing, in a different symbol period using time multiplexing, and so on. An unsteered MIMO pilot sent using code multiplexing may be expressed as: xpilotu(k,n)=W(n)·p(k,n), for k ε Ku, Eq (2) where p(k,n) is a vector of T pilot symbols to be sent from the T transmit antennas on subband k in symbol period n; W(n) is a diagonal Walsh matrix for the T transmit antennas in symbol period n; xpilotu(k,n) is a vector of transmit symbols for the unsteered MIMO pilot for subband k in symbol period n; and Ku is a set of subbands on which the unsteered MIMO pilot is sent. A “transmit symbol” is a symbol to be sent from a transmit antenna. The same Walsh matrix W(n) may be used for all subbands and may thus not be a function of subband index k. As an example, if T=4, then the four transmit antennas may be assigned four Walsh sequences of W1={1, 1, 1, 1}, W2={1, −1, 1, −1}, W3={1, 1, −1, −1}, and W4={1, −1, −1, 1}. Walsh matrix W(1) then contains the first element of the four Walsh sequences along its diagonal, W(2) contains the second element of the four Walsh sequences, W(3) contains the third element of the four Walsh sequences, and W(4) contains the fourth element of the four Walsh sequences. The four Walsh matrices W(1) through W(4) may be used in four symbol periods to transmit the unsteered MIMO pilot. In general, a complete unsteered MIMO pilot may be sent in T (consecutive or non-consecutive) symbol periods with code multiplexing, or one symbol period for each chip of the orthogonal sequence. Upon receiving the complete unsteered MIMO pilot, the receiving entity may perform the complementary processing on the received pilot to estimate H(k). The transmitting entity may transmit data on S eigenmodes of the channel response matrix H(k) for each subband k to achieve improved performance. The channel response matrix H(k) for each subband k may be “diagonalized” to obtain the S eigenmodes of the MIMO channel for that subband. This diagonalization may be achieved by performing either singular value decomposition of H(k) or eigenvalue decomposition of a correlation matrix of H(k), which is R(k)=HH(k)·H(k), where HH denotes the conjugate transpose of H. The singular value decomposition of H(k) may be expressed as: H(k)=U(k)·Σ(k)·VH(k), Eq (3) where U(k) is an R×R unitary matrix of left eigenvectors of H(k); Σ(k) is an R×T diagonal matrix of singular values of H(k); and V(k) is a T×T unitary matrix of right eigenvectors of H(k). A unitary matrix M is characterized by the property MHM=I, where I is the identity matrix. The columns of a unitary matrix are orthogonal to one another. The transmitting entity may use the right eigenvectors in V(k) for spatial processing to transmit data on the S eigenmodes of H(k). The receiving entity may use the left eigenvectors in U(k) for receiver spatial processing to recover the data transmitted on the S eigenmodes of H(k). The diagonal matrix Σ(k) contains non-negative real values along the diagonal and zeros elsewhere. These diagonal entries are referred to as singular values of H(k) and represent the channel gains for the S eigenmodes of H(k). Singular value decomposition is described by Gilbert Strang in “Linear Algebra and Its Applications,” Second Edition, Academic Press, 1980. The transmitting entity may transmit a steered MIMO pilot as follows: Xpilot,ms(k)=vm(k)·pm(k), for k ε Ks, Eq (4) where vm(k) is the m-th eigenvector/column of V(k); pm(k) is a pilot symbol to be transmitted on the m-th eigenmode of H(k); Xpilot,ms(k) is a transmit vector for the steered MIMO pilot for the m-th eigenmode of H(k); and Ks is a set of subbands on which the steered MIMO pilot is sent. The received steered MIMO pilot at the receiving entity may be expressed as: r _ pilot , m s ( k ) = H _ ( k ) · x _ pilot , m s ( k ) + n _ ( k ) , = U _ ( k ) · Σ _ ( k ) · V _ H ( k ) · v _ m ( k ) · p m ( k ) + n _ ( k ) , for k ∈ K s , = u _ m ( k ) · σ m ( k ) · p m ( k ) + n _ ( k ) , Eq ( 5 ) where rpilots(k) is a vector of received symbols for the steered MIMO pilot for the m-th eigenmode of H(k); σm(k) is the m-th diagonal element of Σ(k); and um(k) is the m-th eigenvector/column of U(k). A “received symbol” is a symbol obtained from a receive antenna. The transmitting entity may transmit a complete steered MIMO pilot on all S eigenmodes of H(k) in S symbol periods, e.g., on one eigenmode per symbol period using time multiplexing as shown in equation (4). The receiving entity may obtain an estimate of U(k), one column at a time, based on the steered MIMO pilot sent using time multiplexing, as shown in equation (5). The transmitting entity may also transmit the steered MIMO pilot on all S eigenmodes of H(k) concurrently in S symbol periods using coding multiplexing. The steered MIMO pilot with code multiplexing may be expressed as: Xpilots(k,n)=V(k,n)·W(n)·p(k,n), for k ε Ks, Eq (6) where V(k,n) is a matrix of right eigenvectors of H(k,n) for subband k in symbol period n. The receiving entity may obtain an estimate of U(k,n) after receiving the complete steered MIMO pilot. The transmitting entity may also transmit the complete steered MIMO pilot for all S eigenmodes of H(k) on S subbands k through k+S−1 in one symbol period using subband multiplexing. The transmitting entity may also transmit the steered MIMO pilot on less than S eigenmodes. For example, the transmitting entity may transmit the steered MIMO pilot on the best or principal eigenmode in one symbol period, on the two best eigenmodes in two symbol periods, and so on. In general, the transmitting entity may transmit the unsteered and steered MIMO pilots in various manners using code, subband, and/or time multiplexing. Code multiplexing allows the transmitting entity to use the maximum transmit power available for each transmit antenna for pilot transmission, which may improve channel estimation performance. The additional pilot may be a MIMO pilot, as described above. The additional pilot may also be some other type of pilot. For example, the transmitting entity may transmit a single stream of pilot symbols on a single eigenmode or may beam steer a single stream of pilot symbols in some other manner. This additional pilot may be used, for example, to drive the timing offset, correct residual frequency offset, and so on. The pilot structure includes the base pilot (e.g., MIMO pilot section 240 in FIG. 2) that provides good performance under nominal channel conditions. This results in low overhead for the pilot. Additional pilot may be transmitted if and as needed. The amount of additional pilot to be sent as well as the placement of the additional pilot within a PDU may be flexibly selected based on the channel conditions and/or other factors. For example, a larger amount of additional pilot may be sent under more severe channel conditions. The additional pilot may be sent at or near the start of a PDU, which may simplify channel estimation and data detection and may further reduce buffering requirement. The additional pilot may also be dispersed throughout a PDU, which may improve performance for a time-varying channel. Referring to FIG. 2, four pilot symbols may be sent on the four pilot subbands in each symbol period in data section 250. These pilot symbols may be used to indicate/signal the content being sent on the 48 data subbands. If each pilot symbol is formed with B bits, then up to 24B different signaling values may be defined with the four pilot symbols sent on the four pilot subbands. For example, using binary phase shift keying (BPSK), each pilot symbol is formed with one bit, and up to 24=16 different signaling values may be defined with the four pilot symbols. In general, detection performance for the signaling embedded in the four pilot symbols degrades in proportion to the number of signaling values defined for these pilot symbols. The receiving entity receives noisy versions of the four pilot symbols and needs to ascertain the specific signaling value sent by the transmitting entity based on these noisy received pilot symbols. The receiving entity may compute a metric (e.g., a distance) between the received pilot symbols and the set of pilot symbols for each valid signaling value. The receiving entity then selects the signaling value with the best metric (e.g., the shortest distance) as the value sent by the transmitting entity. Detection error is more likely when there are more valid signaling values from which to choose. In an embodiment, the four pilot symbols are used to indicate whether data or additional pilot is being sent in the OFDM symbol. Table 2 shows an exemplary signaling set for this embodiment with four bits b1, b2, b3, and b4 carried by the four pilot symbols with BPSK. TABLE 2 Bits Value Definition b1b2b3b4 ‘0000’ Data is being sent in the OFDM symbol ‘1111’ MIMO pilot is being sent in the OFDM symbol The additional MIMO pilot may be steered or unsteered, e.g., may be sent in the same manner as data symbols in the PDU. A “data symbol” is a modulation symbol for data. In another embodiment, the 4 B bits are used to indicate whether additional pilot is being sent in the OFDM symbol and, if yes, specific information for the additional pilot. Table 3 shows an exemplary signaling set for this embodiment with four bits b1, b2, b3, and b4 carried by the four pilot symbols with BPSK. TABLE 3 Bits Value Definition b1b2 ‘00’ Data is being sent in the OFDM symbol ‘01’ Steered MIMO pilot is being sent in the OFDM symbol ‘10’ Unsteered MIMO pilot is being sent in the OFDM symbol ‘11’ Reserved b3 ‘0’ Additional pilot is being sent with code multiplexing ‘1’ Additional pilot is being sent with subband multiplexing b4 ‘0’ Additional pilot is being sent on 48 data subbands ‘1’ Additional pilot is being sent on 24 data subbands For the embodiment shown in Table 3, bits b1 and b2 indicate whether an unsteered MIMO pilot, a steered MIMO pilot, or no additional pilot is being sent in the OFDM symbol. Bit b3 indicates whether the MIMO pilot is being sent using code/time multiplexing or subband multiplexing. For code multiplexing, the MIMO pilot is sent over multiple symbol periods using orthogonal sequences. For example, an unsteered MIMO pilot may be sent from four transmit antennas in four symbol periods using 4-chip Walsh sequences, as shown in equation (2). A steered MIMO pilot may be sent on all four eigenmodes concurrently in four symbol periods using 4-chip Walsh sequences, as shown in equation (6). For subband multiplexing, the MIMO pilot is sent on multiple subbands in one symbol period. For example, an unsteered MIMO pilot may be sent from four transmit antennas on four different subbands in one symbol period (e.g., from transmit antenna 1 on subband k, from transmit antenna 2 on subband k+1, from transmit antenna 3 on subband k+2, and from transmit antenna 4 on subband k+3). A steered MIMO pilot may be sent on four eigenmodes using four different subbands in one symbol period (e.g., on eigenmode 1 using subband k, on eigenmode 2 using subband k+1, on eigenmode 3 using subband k+2, and on eigenmode 4 using subband k+3). Bit b4 indicates the number of subbands used for the additional pilot. For example, additional pilot symbols may be sent on all 48 data subbands or on only 24 data subbands (e.g., every other data subband). Tables 2 and 3 show two specific embodiments of the signaling embedded in the four pilot subbands with four bits using BPSK. In general, the 4 B bits for the carrier pilot may be used to convey any type of information for the additional pilot such as (1) whether or not the additional pilot is being sent, (2) the type of additional pilot being sent (e.g., unsteered MIMO pilot, steered MIMO pilot, and so on), (3) the manner in which the pilot is being sent (e.g., code multiplexing, subband multiplexing, time multiplexing, and so on), (4) the number of subbands used for the additional pilot (e.g., all, half, quarter, or some other number of data subbands), and (5) possibly other pertinent information. More signaling values provide more flexibility in the transmission of the additional pilot. However, detection performance is also worse with more signaling values. A tradeoff may be made between detection performance and pilot insertion flexibility. The signaling for the additional pilot in a given PDU may also be sent in signal section 230 of the PDU. This signaling may indicate any or all of the possible information noted above for the additional pilot. Furthermore, this signaling may indicate the specific symbol periods in which the additional pilot will be sent (e.g., in the middle of data section 250, in every quarter of the data section, in every L-th symbol period, and so on). The carrier pilot may be used to send signaling for the additional pilot, as described above. The carrier pilot may also be used to send other types of signaling such as, for example, the rate (e.g., coding and modulation scheme) used for a PDU being sent, the rate to be used for the other link (e.g., downlink or uplink), power control information (e.g., UP and DOWN power control commands used to adjust transmit power), transmission parameters (e.g., the allocated traffic channels, frequency subbands, and so on), an acknowledgment (ACK) or a negative acknowledgment (NAK) for a PDU received via the other link, a set of base station(s) to use for communication, and so on. Different types of signaling may have different reliability requirements and may employ different encoding schemes and/or different signaling sets. Regardless of the type of signaling to be sent, the transmitting entity may conveniently send this signaling on the pilot subbands, and the receiving entity may quickly detect this signaling. FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a process 300 performed by the transmitting entity to send additional pilot. Process 300 may be performed for each PDU. The transmitting entity multiplexes and transmits the base pilot in the PDU (block 310). The transmitting entity also determines whether or not to transmit additional pilot in the PDU, e.g., based on channel conditions and/or other factors (block 312). If additional pilot is not to be sent in the PDU, as determined in block 314, then the transmitting entity processes and transmits the PDU in the normal manner without any additional pilot (block 316). Otherwise, if additional pilot is to be sent, then the transmitting entity determines the amount, type, location, and so on, of the additional pilot to be sent in the PDU, e.g., based on the channel conditions and/or other factors (block 318). The transmitting entity then sends signaling for the additional pilot in the PDU, e.g., embedded in the pilot symbols sent on the four pilot subbands (block 320). The transmitting entity also multiplexes and transmits the additional pilot as indicated by the signaling (block 322). The transmitting entity also processes and transmits the PDU in light of the additional pilot (block 324). For example, the length of the PDU may be extended by the amount of additional pilot being sent in the PDU. FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of a process 400 performed by the receiving entity to receive and utilize the additional pilot. Process 400 may also be performed for each PDU. The receiving entity receives the base pilot (e.g., the MIMO pilot sent in MIMO pilot section 240) and derives a MIMO channel response estimate based on the received base pilot (block 410). The receiving entity receives signaling for the additional pilot, e.g., from the pilot symbols sent on the four pilot subbands (block 412). The receiving entity determines whether or not additional pilot is being sent based on the received signaling (block 414). If additional pilot is not being sent, then the process proceeds to block 420. Otherwise, the receiving entity receives and demultiplexes the additional pilot as indicated by the received signaling (block 416). The receiving entity then derives an improved MIMO channel response estimate with the additional pilot (block 418). The receiving entity uses the channel response estimate to perform data detection on received data symbols for the PDU (block 420). FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a transmitting entity 510 and a receiving entity 550 in a MIMO system 500. Transmitting entity 510 may be an access point or a user terminal. Receiving entity 550 may also be an access point or a user terminal. At transmitting entity 510, a TX data processor 512 processes (e.g., encodes, interleaves, and symbol maps) traffic/packet data to obtain data symbols. A TX spatial processor 520 receives and demultiplexes pilot and data symbols onto the proper subbands, performs spatial processing as appropriate, and provides T streams of transmit symbols for the T transmit antennas to T OFDM modulators (Mod) 530a through 530t. Each OFDM modulator 530 performs OFDM modulation on a respective transmit symbol stream and provides a stream of samples to an associated transmitter unit (TMTR) 532. Each transmitter unit 532 processes (e.g., converts to analog, amplifies, filters, and frequency upconverts) its sample stream to generate a modulated signal. Transmitter units 532a through 532t provide T modulated signals for transmission from T antennas 534a through 534t, respectively. At receiving entity 550, R antennas 552a through 552r receive the T transmitted signals, and each antenna 552 provides a received signal to a respective receiver unit (RCVR) 554. Each receiver unit 554 processes its received signal and provides a corresponding sample stream to an associated OFDM demodulator (Demod) 560. Each OFDM demodulator 560 performs OFDM demodulation on its sample stream and provides received data symbols to a receive (RX) spatial processor 570 and received pilot symbols to a channel estimator 584 within a controller 580. Channel estimator 584 derives channel response estimates for the MIMO channel between transmitting entity 510 and receiving entity 550 for subbands used for data transmission. The channel response estimates may be derived with the base pilot and/or the additional pilot sent by transmitting entity 510. Controller 580 also derives spatial filter matrices based on the MIMO channel response estimates. RX spatial processor 570 performs receiver spatial processing (or spatial matched filtering) on the received data symbols for each subband with the spatial filter matrix derived for that subband and provides detected data symbols for the subband. Each detected data symbol is an estimate of a data symbol sent by transmitting entity 510. An RX data processor 572 then processes the detected data symbols for all subbands and provides decoded data. Controllers 540 and 580 control the operation of the processing units at transmitting entity 510 and receiving entity 550, respectively. Memory units 542 and 582 store data and/or program codes used by controllers 540 and 580, respectively. FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of TX spatial processor 520 at transmitting entity 510. Within processor 520, a TX data spatial processor 610 receives and performs spatial processing on the data symbols for transmission via the T transmit antennas or the S eigenmodes of each data subband. TX data spatial processor 610 provides T streams of spatially processed data symbols for the T transmit antennas to T symbol multiplexers (Mux) 640a through 640t. A TX pilot spatial processor 620 performs spatial processing on pilot symbols and provides (1) an unsteered MIMO pilot for transmission from the T transmit antennas or (2) a steered MIMO pilot for transmission on up to S eigenmodes of each subband used for pilot transmission. TX pilot spatial processor 620 provides spatially processed pilot symbols for the T transmit antennas to T symbol multiplexers 640a through 640t. A TX pilot signaling processor 630 generates signaling for the additional pilot, if any, being sent. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the signaling for the additional pilot is embedded within the pilot symbols sent on the four pilot subbands for the carrier pilot. TX pilot signaling processor 630 provides carrier pilot symbols, with the signaling embedded therein, to symbol multiplexers 640a through 640t. Each symbol multiplexer 640 receives and multiplexes the spatially processed data symbols, the spatially processed pilot symbols, and the carrier pilot symbols for its transmit antenna onto the proper subband and symbol period. T symbol multiplexers 640a through 640t provide T streams for transmit symbols for the T transmit antennas to T OFDM modulators 530a through 530t. Each OFDM modulator 530 performs OFDM modulation on a respective transmit symbol stream and provides a corresponding OFDM symbol stream. For each symbol period, each OFDM modulator 530 obtains K frequency-domain values, e.g., for 48 data and/or pilot symbols to be sent on the 48 data subbands, four carrier pilot symbols to be sent on the four pilot subbands, and 12 signal values of zero for the 12 unused subbands. An inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) unit 650 transforms the K frequency-domain values to the time domain with a K-point IFFT and provides a “transformed” symbol that contains K time-domain chips. To combat intersymbol interference (ISI), which is caused by frequency selective fading, a cyclic prefix generator 652 repeats a portion of each transformed symbol to form a corresponding OFDM symbol. The repeated portion is often called a cyclic prefix or guard interval. An OFDM symbol period (or simply, a symbol period) is the duration of one OFDM symbol. FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of TX pilot signaling processor 630. Controller 540 provides a signaling value for the additional pilot to a signaling look-up table (LUT) 710, which then provides four pilot symbols corresponding to this signaling value to four multipliers 712a through 712d. Each multiplier 712 also receive a PN sequence from a PN generator 714 and, for each symbol period, multiplies the pilot symbol for that symbol period with the PN value for that symbol period to generate a scrambled pilot symbol. Multipliers 712a through 712d provide four scrambled pilot symbols for the four pilot subbands to T symbol multiplexers 640a through 640t. Each symbol multiplexer 640i, for i=1 . . . T, multiplexes the scrambled pilot symbols onto the four pilot subbands used for the carrier pilot and further multiplexes spatially processed data and pilot symbols for transmit antenna i onto the data subbands. The pilot transmission and signaling techniques described herein may be implemented by various means. For example, these techniques may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the processing units used to transmit additional pilot and signaling may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. The processing units used to receive the additional pilot and signaling may also be implemented within one or more ASICs, DSPs, and so on. For a software implementation, the techniques described herein may be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. The software codes may be stored in a memory unit (e.g., memory units 542 and/or 582 in FIG. 5) and executed by a processor (e.g., controller 540 and/or 580 in FIG. 5). The memory unit may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor, in which case it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means as is known in the art. The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>I. Field The present invention relates generally to communication, and more specifically to techniques for transmitting pilot and signaling in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system. II. Background A MIMO system employs multiple (T) transmit antennas at a transmitting entity and multiple (R) receive antennas at a receiving entity for data transmission. A MIMO channel formed by the T transmit antennas and R receive antennas may be decomposed into S spatial channels, where S≦min {T, R}. The S spatial channels may be used to transmit data in parallel to achieve higher throughput and/or redundantly to achieve greater reliability. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a multi-carrier modulation technique that effectively partitions the overall system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal frequency subbands. These subbands are also referred to as tones, subcarriers, bins, and frequency channels. With OFDM, each subband is associated with a respective subcarrier that may be modulated with data. Up to K modulation symbols may be sent on the K subbands in each symbol period. A MIMO-OFDM system is a MIMO system that utilizes OFDM. The MIMO-OFDM system has S spatial channels for each of the K subbands. Each spatial channel of each subband may be called a “transmission channel” and may be used to transmit one modulation symbol in each symbol period. Each transmission channel may experience various deleterious channel conditions such as, e.g., fading, multipath, and interference effects. The S·K transmission channels of the MIMO channel may also experience different channel conditions and may be associated with different complex gains and signal-to-noise-and-interference ratios (SNRs). To achieve high performance, it is often necessary to characterize the MIMO channel. For example, the transmitting entity may need an estimate of the MIMO channel response to perform spatial processing (described below) in order to transmit data to the receiving entity. The receiving entity typically needs an estimate of the MIMO channel response to perform receiver spatial processing on signals received from the transmitting entity in order to recover the transmitted data. The transmitting entity normally transmits a pilot to assist the receiving entity in performing a number of functions. The pilot is typically composed of known modulation symbols that are transmitted in a known manner. The receiving entity may use the pilot for channel estimation, timing and frequency acquisition, data detection, and so on. Since the pilot represents overhead in the system, it is desirable to minimize the amount of system resources used to transmit the pilot. The system may thus employ a pilot structure that provides an adequate amount of pilot for most receiving entities under normal (or most) channel conditions. However, this pilot structure may be inadequate for certain receiving entities observing adverse channel conditions. There is therefore a need in the art for techniques to transmit pilot for various channel conditions. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Techniques to adaptively and flexibly transmit additional pilot, e.g., based on channel conditions and/or other factors, in order to achieve good performance are described herein. A transmitting entity transmits a “base” pilot in each protocol data unit (PDU). A receiving entity is able to derive a sufficiently accurate channel response estimate of a MIMO channel between the transmitting and receiving entities with the base pilot under nominal (or most) channel conditions. The transmitting entity selectively transmits an additional pilot if and as needed, e.g., based on the channel conditions and/or other factors. The additional pilot may be adaptively inserted in any symbol period in the PDU, except for symbol periods with other designated transmissions. The receiving entity is able to derive an improved channel response estimate with the additional pilot. The base pilot represents a fixed overhead and is selected to provide good performance under nominal (or most) channel conditions. The additional pilot may be sent when needed and may provide good performance for adverse channel conditions, without having to incur a fixed and high overhead for the pilot. The transmitting entity sends signaling to indicate that additional pilot is being sent. This signaling may be conveniently embedded within a carrier pilot that is transmitted on a designated set of P subbands across most of the PDU (e.g., P=4). A set of P pilot symbols is sent on the set of P subbands in each symbol period in which the carrier pilot is transmitted. Different sets of P pilot symbols may be formed for different signaling values, e.g., one signaling value to indicate that data symbols are being transmitted on the remaining usable subbands, another signaling value to indicate that additional pilot symbols are being transmitted, and so on. The signaling for the additional pilot may be sent by selecting the proper set of P pilot symbols and sending these P pilot symbols on the P subbands used for the carrier pilot. The additional pilot and its signaling may thus be selectively and concurrently sent in almost any symbol period in the PDU. The signaling for the additional pilot may also be sent in some other manners. Various aspects and embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below. | 20040720 | 20110816 | 20060126 | 57819.0 | H04Q700 | 0 | LAI, ANDREW | ADAPTIVE PILOT INSERTION FOR A MIMO-OFDM SYSTEM | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H04Q | 2,004 |
|
10,896,321 | ACCEPTED | Modulated control circuit and method for current-limited dimming and color mixing of display and illumination systems | A control circuit for a lighting system allows analog control over a first range of illumination intensities in which the intensity of the illumination source varies in proportion to the voltage level of the control signal. The circuit provides for improved dimming and color mixing capability by allowing pulse width or frequency modulation control in addition to analog control over a second range of illumination intensities. | 1. An illumination control circuit comprising: a controlling module having one or more analog output signals producing output control voltages each individually variable within a range of values; one or more intensity modules receiving said analog output signals of said controlling module to control one or more illumination sources; wherein said intensity modules are controlled according to said analog output signals of said controlling module to vary the intensity of said illumination sources in proportion to the voltage level of said analog output signals, and additionally in response to a pulsing of said analog output signals between any two or more discrete voltage levels. 2. The illumination control circuit of claim 1 wherein said output signals of said controlling module jointly vary the intensity of said illumination sources in order to achieve a dimming effect. 3. The illumination control circuit of claim 1 wherein said output signals of said controlling module individually vary the intensities of multiply colored illumination sources in order to vary the hue of the combined output of light. 4. The illumination control circuit of claim 1 wherein the controlling module comprises: a microcontroller having an input/output port and one or more output signals; said output signals of said microcontroller each having a first state and a second state; one or more digital-to-analog converters each having as an input the input/output port from said microcontroller, and each having an output signal; one or more switching devices each having as a first input the output signal from one of said digital-to-analog converters and each having as a second input one of said output signals from said microcontroller, and each having an analog output signal; wherein each of said analog output signals from each of said switching devices is controlled according to the output signal from one of said digital-to-analog converters when the corresponding output signal of said microcontroller is in its first state, and each of said analog output signals is connected to ground when the corresponding output signal of said microcontroller is in its second state. 5. The illumination control circuit of claim 4, wherein each switching device is an analog multiplexer. 6. The illumination control circuit of claim 1, wherein the analog output signals of said controlling module are frequency modulated. 7. The illumination control circuit of claim 1, wherein the analog output signals of said controlling module are pulse width modulated. 8. The illumination control circuit of claim 1, wherein the illumination sources comprise light emitting diodes. 9. The illumination control circuit of claim 1, wherein each intensity module includes a voltage-to-current converter having as its input one of said analog output signals from said controlling module, and each having an output connected to one or more of said illumination sources providing a current to said illumination sources proportional to the voltage level of said analog output signal. 10. The illumination control circuit of claim 9 wherein each voltage-to-current converter is a MOSFET with a resistor connected between the source pin of said MOSFET and ground, the input of said voltage-to-current converter is the gate pin of said MOSFET, and the output of said voltage-to-current converter is the drain pin of said MOSFET. 11. An illumination control circuit comprising: a microcontroller adapted to write an output control signal to a digital-to-analog converter according to programmed instructions; said digital-to-analog converter having an analog output signal that varies according to said output control signal of said microcontroller; a switching device receiving said analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter to control an illumination source; wherein said switching device is controlled according to the analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter to vary the intensity of said illumination source over a first range of illumination intensities of said illumination source such that the intensity of the illumination source varies in proportion to the voltage of said analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter, and a second range of illumination intensities of said illumination source such that the intensity of said illumination source varies in proportion to the voltage of the analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter and said analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter is pulsed between any two or more discrete voltage levels. 12. A method for controlling the intensity of an illumination source comprising: providing an input signal to a circuit containing said illumination source; varying said input signal over a first range of illumination intensities of said illumination source such that the intensity of the illumination source varies in proportion to the voltage of the input signal; and varying said input signal over a second range of illumination intensities of said illumination source such that the intensity of said illumination source varies in proportion to the voltage of the input signal and the input signal is pulsed between any two or more discrete voltage levels. 13. The method for controlling the intensity of an illumination source of claim 12, in which said first range of illumination intensities varies from a lower value of between about 25% to about 35% of the maximum illumination achievable in said circuit and a higher value of about 100% of said maximum illumination value. 14. The method for controlling the intensity of an illumination source of claim 12, in which said second range of illumination intensities varies from a lower value of about 0% of the maximum illumination achievable in said circuit and a higher value of between about 25% to about 35% of said maximum illumination value. 15. The method for controlling the intensity of an illumination source of claim 12, in which said voltage of said input signal varies linearly. 16. The method for controlling the intensity of an illumination source of claim 12, in which said voltage of said input signal varies non-linearly. 17. The method for controlling the intensity of an illumination source of claim 12, in which said input signal is pulsed over said second range of illumination intensities by varying the pulse frequency. 18. The method for controlling the intensity of an illumination source of claim 12, in which said input signal is pulsed over said second range of illumination intensities by varying the pulse width. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to controllers for illumination devices such as LEDs (light emitting diodes). The use of LEDs in illumination systems is well known. These devices are especially useful for lighting components, systems, and finished goods. LED lighting is a fast growing segment of the lighting industry due to the efficiency, reliability and longevity of LEDs. Product usage applications include but are not limited to interior and exterior signage, cove lighting, architectural lighting, display case lighting, under water lighting, marine lighting, and many others. The present invention includes lighting controllers compatible with LED bulbs, color changing LED strips, color wash controllers, LED brick lights, LED color changing disks, LED traffic/warning lights, sign modules and the like. Although the preferred embodiments of the invention are discussed in relation to LED devices, it should be understood that the present invention can be applied to other lighting technologies, such as incandescent, plasma, liquid crystal display or the like. In one embodiment of the invention, a lighting controller for LED products includes an analog control LED dimming circuit with an analog multiplexer to obtain improved dimming and color mixing capability. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION LEDs are current-controlled devices in the sense that the intensity of the light emitted from an LED is related to the amount of current driven through the LED. FIG. 1 shows a typical relationship of relative luminosity to forward current in an LED. The longevity or useful life of LEDs is specified in terms of acceptable long-term light output degradation. Light output degradation of LEDs is primarily a function of current density over the elapsed on-time period. LEDs driven at higher levels of forward current will degrade faster, and therefore have a shorter useful life, than the same LEDs driven at lower levels of forward current. It therefore is advantageous in LED lighting systems to carefully and reliably control the amount of current through the LEDs in order to achieve the desired illumination intensity while also maximizing the life of the LEDs. LED illumination products have been developed which provide the ability to vary the forward current through the LEDs over an acceptable range in order to provide dimming capability. LED lighting systems have also been devised which, through the use of multiple colors of LEDs and individual intensity control of each color, can produce a variety of color hues. Systems incorporating Red, Green, and Blue LEDs can achieve near infinite color variations by varying the intensity of the Red, Green, and Blue color banks. As LED Lighting Systems have become more prevalent, various methods have been devised to control the current driven through the LEDs to achieve dimming and color mixing. One common method is a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) scheme such as that set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,618,031, 6,510,995, 6,150,774, 6,016,038, 5,008,595, and 4,870,325, all of which are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full. PWM schemes pulse the LEDs alternately to a full current “ON” state followed by a zero current “OFF” state. The ratio of the ON time to total cycle time, defined as the Duty Cycle, in a fixed cycle frequency determines the time-average luminous intensity. Varying the Duty Cycle from 0% to 100% correspondingly varies the intensity of the LED as perceived by the human eye from 0% to 100% as the human eye integrates the ON/OFF pulses into a time-average luminous intensity. Although PWM schemes are common, there are several disadvantages to this method of LED intensity control. The fixed frequency nature of PWM means that all LEDs switch on (to maximum power draw) and off (zero power draw) at the same time. Large illumination systems can easily require several amperes of current to be instantaneously switched on and off. This can create two problems. First, the rapid on and off switching of the system can create asymmetric power supply loading. Second, the pulsing of the current through electrical leads can create difficult to manage electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems because such leads may act as transmitters of radiofrequency energy that may interfere with other devices operating at similar frequencies. In order to address these problems with PWM, an alternate method of LED intensity control, called Frequency Modulation (FM) has been developed and implemented by Artistic Licence Ltd. and described at their website, particularly in Application Note 008, located at http://www.artisticlicence.com/ (last visited Jun. 17, 2004). The FM method of LED intensity control is similar to the PWM method in that the LEDs are switched alternately from a maximum current state to a zero current state at a rate fast enough for the human eye to see one integrated time-average intensity. The two methods differ in that PWM uses a fixed frequency and a variable pulse width (duty cycle), whereas FM delivers a fixed width pulse over a variable frequency. Both of these methods achieve a dimming effect through the varying ratio of LED ON time to OFF time. Where the FM method improves upon the PWM method, is in the fact that a varying frequency creates fewer EMI problems, and reduces the asymmetric power supply loading effect. The FM method, however, suffers from the same drawbacks of the PWM method when the dimming level is held constant, or is changing at a relatively slow rate. In fact, at a constant level of dimming, it can be seen that the EMI and asymmetric power supply loading effects of PWM and FM are identical. As the size of the lighting system (total number of LEDs) controlled by a central control and power supply gets large, these negative effects can get correspondingly large and difficult to overcome. There is a third prior art method of LED intensity control that eliminates the drawbacks of the PWM and FM techniques, called Analog Control. Analog Control is a method of varying the current being driven through the LEDs through a continuous analog range from zero through the maximum desired level. Since the LEDs are not constantly pulsed between two states of zero and maximum current, EMI problems are minimized, as are power supply loading problems associated with large instantaneous changes in power draw. The Analog Control method, although solving the problems associated with PWM and FM techniques for LED driving, nevertheless has other drawbacks. Due to process variations and tolerances of analog components, including the LEDs themselves, variations in luminous intensity from the desired intensity, i.e., brightness control inaccuracies, can show up at lower levels of current where component tolerances make up a larger percentage of the total effect. In addition, wavelength shifts can occur especially at lower current levels, which can lead to undesired color shifts in the light output by the LEDs. As lighting designers seek to employ very low levels of output illumination, a higher degree of control in this range becomes more and more desirable. It is desirable then, to devise a circuit for variably controlling the current through LEDs without the drawbacks inherent in PWM and FM schemes, and that overcomes the problems with the Analog Control circuit associated with low current levels that are described above. The invention described herein solves these problems effectively while remaining simple and inexpensive to implement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a graph showing a typical relationship of relative luminosity to forward current in an LED. FIG. 2 is a diagram of the pertinent part of a prior art analog control LED dimming circuit. FIG. 3 is a graph showing a typical relationship of the dominant wavelength shift to current in blue, cyan and green LEDs. FIG. 4 is a diagram of the pertinent part of one embodiment of the presently inventive modulated analog control LED dimming circuit. FIG. 5 is a table of values characterizing one example of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship of the values for VCTRL output and LED illumination from FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship of the values for the Effective Pulse Duty Cycle and LED illumination from FIG. 5. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a lighting controller for LED products, particularly those that employ dimming and color changing effects. An advantage of the present invention is that it enhances control of an analog current limiting circuit when it is operated at low current levels. The present invention provides greater control over illumination intensity and hue for LED lighting systems by reducing differences in illumination intensity among LEDs in separate control strings and also minimizing color shifts at low levels of output illumination. The present invention also reduces the difficulties relating to EMI and asymmetric power supply loading effects found in PWM and FM control methods. Further advantages of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through the disclosure herein. The advantages of the present invention can be obtained by using a modulated analog control LED dimming circuit with only a minimal addition of components or control signals. One aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling the intensity of an illumination source, such as an LED, by providing an input signal to a circuit containing the illumination source, and varying the input signal over a first range of illumination intensities so that the intensity of the illumination source varies in proportion to the voltage of the input signal; and varying the input signal over a second range of illumination intensities of said illumination source such that the intensity of said illumination source varies in proportion to the voltage of the input signal and the input signal is pulsed between any two or more discrete voltage levels. Another aspect of the invention relates to an illumination control circuit comprising: a controlling module having one or more analog output signals producing output control voltages each individually variable within a range of values; one or more intensity modules receiving said analog output signals of said controlling module to control one or more illumination sources; wherein said intensity modules are controlled according to said analog output signals of said controlling module to vary the intensity of said illumination sources in proportion to the voltage level of said analog output signals, and additionally in response to a pulsing of said analog output signals between any two or more discrete voltage levels. The advantages of the present invention can be obtained using a microcontroller having an input/output port and one or more output signals; said output signals of said microcontroller each having a first state and a second state; one or more digital-to-analog converters each having as an input the input/output port from said microcontroller, and each having an output signal; one or more switching devices each having as a first input the output signal from one of said digital-to-analog converters and each having as a second input one of said output signals from said microcontroller, and each having an analog output signal; wherein each of said analog output signals from each of said switching devices is controlled according to the output signal from one of said digital-to-analog converters when the corresponding output signal of said microcontroller is in its first state, and each of said analog output signals is connected to ground when the corresponding output signal of said microcontroller is in its second state. Another aspect of the invention relates to an illumination control circuit comprising, for example: a microcontroller adapted to write an output control signal to a digital-to-analog converter according to programmed instructions; said digital-to-analog converter having an analog output signal that varies according to said output control signal of said microcontroller; a switching device receiving said analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter to control an illumination source; wherein said switching device is controlled according to said analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter to vary the intensity of said illumination source over a first range of illumination intensities of said illumination source such that the intensity of the illumination source varies in proportion to the voltage of said analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter, and a second range of illumination intensities of said illumination source such that the intensity of said illumination source varies in proportion to the voltage of said analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter and said analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter is pulsed between any two or more discrete voltage levels. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is best understood in relation to the prior art Analog Control circuit. FIG. 2 shows a prior art analog control LED dimming circuit. Switching devices, such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) M1 and M2 along with source resistors RS1 and RS2 provide the current limiting function for their respective series strings of LEDs D11, D12, D13, D14 and D21, D22, D23, D24, respectively. That is, MOSFETs M1 and M2 and resistors RS1 and RS2, respectively, vary the current output to the LEDs in accordance with the voltage level of the signal input into the MOSFETs. Input/output port of microcontroller 10 is coupled to a digital analog converter 20 which provides the analog control voltage VCTRL to MOSFETs M1 and M2. Concentrating on the first current limiting circuit, it can be seen that with the DAC output at Ground potential (VCTRL=0V), the Gate-to-Source voltage (VGS1) of MOSFET M1 will be 0V, and the MOSFET will be off. Thus, no current will flow through the LEDs. As VCTRL increases, VGS1 increases until the Turn-On threshold (VTH1) of M1 is reached. At this point, M1 will begin sourcing current ID1 through its string of LEDs D11, D12, D13, D14. As the current ID1 flows through the source resistor RS1, a voltage potential VRS1 is created which correspondingly reduces the Gate-to-Source potential VGS1 of M1. It can be shown, according to Ohm's Law, that as long as the control voltage VCTRL is greater than the Turn-on threshold (VTH1) of the MOSFET M1, then the current through the LEDs ID1 will follow the linear relationship: ID1=(VCTRL−VTH1)/RS1. Likewise, ID2=(VCTRL−VTH2)/RS2. The drawback to this control circuit comes when considering component tolerances between separate control strings. Using this same example, it can be seen that VCTRL is common between the two current limiting circuits, and therefore does not contribute to any difference error between them. However, differences between RS1 and RS2 will directly contribute to differences between ID1 and ID2 and the resulting illumination levels of the LEDs. A 10% difference between these source resistors results in a 10% difference in the LED current between the two strings. Choosing tighter tolerance resistors such as 1% can easily minimize this affect. A more difficult problem arises when considering differences between the Turn-on thresholds VTH1 and VTH2 of the MOSFETs M1 and M2. Careful examination of the equations above reveals that as VCTRL approaches the VTH threshold, a small difference between VTH1 and VTH2 makes an increasingly greater difference between ID1 and ID2. Therefore, at very low levels of output illumination, noticeable differences in intensity between LEDs in separate control strings can appear. As an example, consider the following values for the circuit of FIG. 2: VTH1=2.0V VTH2=2.1V RS1=RS2=150 Ω VCTRL=2.0V-5.0V The percentage difference in Turn-on Thresholds=100% (VTH2−VTH1)/VTH1=5%. At VCTRL=5.0V: ID1=(5.0V-2.0V)/150 Ω=20.0 mA ID2=(5.0V-2.1V)/150 Ω=19.3 mA The percentage difference in LED current=100% (ID2−ID1)/ID1=3.5% Now, at VCTRL=2.2V: ID1=1.3 mA ID2=667 uA The percentage difference in LED current=100% (ID2−ID1)/ID1=50% A further difficulty with the prior art Analog Control circuit arises from the dominant wavelength shift that occurs in LEDs as the current through the LED is varied. FIG. 3 shows a graph of a typical relationship between the dominant wavelength shift to current in Blue, Green and Cyan LEDs. The graph shows that the shift is non-linear, and increases at a higher rate at low current levels. Thus, especially at lower current levels near VTH1, the color of light emitted by the LED can change as the analog circuit changes the luminous intensity. Therefore, both of the problems inherent in the Analog Control method, intensity control and color control, are more pronounced at low LED current levels. The present invention is an improvement on the basic Analog Control circuit for LED current limiting discussed above. This new LED current limiting circuitry greatly reduces the negative effects of Analog Control at low current levels. FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the present invention. Although this embodiment is used for the purpose of explaining the inventive circuit and method, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other embodiments of this invention can be designed, without exceeding the scope of the invention, or the claims which follow. Referring to FIG. 4, an additional switching device, which may, for example, be in the form of a 2 to 1 analog multiplexer 300, has been added between the analog control voltage output VCTRL of the DAC 200, and the MOSFETs M10 and M20 of the basic Analog Control circuit that was described in more detail FIG. 2. Together, microcontroller 100, DAC 200 and multiplexer 300 comprise a controlling module that outputs analog signals to intensity modules described below. In addition, although the present embodiment of the invention is described with one DAC, one skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple DACs could be connected to the input/output port of microcontroller 100 in alternate implementations of the invention. It will also be appreciated that one or more controlling modules may be used in alternate implementations of the invention. The number of controlling modules, and DACs within each controlling module, will generally be determined by the size and complexity of the particular lighting display. The 1X input of multiplexer 300 is connected to the VCTRL output, and the 0X input is connected to ground (GND). The output X of multiplexer 300 is connected to the gates of the MOSFETs M10 and M20. The select line A of multiplexer 300 is connected to an output pin on the microcontroller 100. The invention can be implemented with any common analog multiplexer such as a 74HC4053 from Fairchild Semiconductor. The analog multiplexer 300 allows the analog control voltage VCTRL to be presented to M10 and M20 whenever select line A of multiplexer 300 is in the logical “1” state. When the select line A of multiplexer 300 is in the logical “0” state, the analog voltage present on input 0X (in this case GND) is presented to the gate pins of M10 and M20, respectively, which causes them to turn off. This allows the microcontroller 100 to pulse the LEDs D110, D120, D130, D140 and D210, D220, D230, D240 (which are connected to the drain pins of MOSFETs M10 and M20, respectively) alternately On and Off, where “On” and “Off” each can be any level of current drive in the full range provided by the analog circuits that include MOSFETS M10 and M20 and source resistors RS10 and RS20, connected to the source pins thereof, respectively. Each MOSFET, source resistor and associated LEDs together comprise an intensity module, which receives the analog signal output from the controlling module described above. It will be appreciated that each set of LEDs in an individual intensity module may represent different colors, such as blue, green or cyan, such that the color mixture, or hue, of a multi-color display may be controlled according to the signals output from the controlling module individually to each of the intensity modules. The improved analog control circuit of the present invention shares the capabilities of all three of the previously described control methods while eliminating many of the drawbacks of each. That is, it is fully capable of PWM, FM, or Analog control, strictly by the action of the microcontroller 100 as dictated in the firmware instructions encoded within. In a preferred embodiment, the dimming algorithm that is programmed into the microcontroller implements an analog control scheme for higher levels of current through the LEDs where component tolerance effects are negligible, and where dominant wavelength shifting is minimal. At lower levels of current (below a predetermined minimum current threshold), the microcontroller 100 holds the analog output level VCTRL of the DAC 200 at a constant level, and begins pulsing the multiplexer 300 select line A to inject “Off time” of zero current flow through the LEDs, thereby implementing either PWM or FM control. As the “Off time” is increased in either duration or frequency, the time averaged luminous intensity output of the LEDs continues to decrease, so the LEDs continue to dim further while the instantaneous current driven through them remains at the constant preset minimum. In one particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pulsing algorithm chosen is an inverse Frequency Modulation scheme where a negative (logic level 0) pulse of constant width is injected at increasing frequency, corresponding to increasing Off-time, and therefore decreasing On-time to Off-time ratio resulting in further dimming of the LEDs. FIG. 5 presents actual values characterizing the system of this one particular embodiment for VCTRL output and pulsing frequency over a full dimming range of 100% to 0% of maximum illumination level in 5% intervals where maximum illumination current through the LEDs is chosen to be 20 mA, the preset minimum current is selected as 5 mA, and Off-time pulses of 100 us duration are used. These values assume a nominal VGS turn-on threshold of 2.0V for the MOSFETs. FIGS. 6 and 7 give a graphical representation of the VCTRL output and the effective duty cycle over the full dimming range. The values in FIGS. 5-7 are selected to clearly illustrate the principles used in the present invention. For example, in all three figures, the analog control VCTRL is shown to have a given linear slope over a first dimming range of 100% to 25%, followed by a constant value in a second dimming range of 25% to 0% of maximum illumination level. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the dimming range values can vary according to the design of the lighting system. For example, the first range over which VCTRL varies may be 35% to 100% of maximum illumination level or it may be 15% to 100%. Moreover, the variation in VCTRL need not be linear over this range, but can be varied non-linearly or in stepwise fashion. In addition, VCTRL need not be held constant over the second dimming, but VCTRL can also vary linearly, non-linearly or in stepwise fashion in this range as well. Similarly, the effective pulse duty cycle need not be maintained at strictly 100% over the entire first dimming range but can be varied independently of VCTRL. For example, the effective duty cycle may be varied over a different dimming range from the range over which VCTRL is varied by varying the frequency of pulses input to select line A of multiplexer 300 over one or more dimming ranges that may or may not be the same dimming ranges over which VCTRL is varied. For example, control pulses of varying frequency or duration may be input to select line A of multiplexer 300 over a range of 35% to 0% of maximum illumination as VCTRL is being varied in one way from 100% to 20% and a second way from 20% and 0% as described above. In addition, additional dimming ranges over which VCTRL and/or the effective pulse duty cycle may be defined. That is, VCTRL may be varied over three distinct ranges such as, for example, 100% to 35%, 35% to 20% and 20% to 0% of maximum illumination level whereas the effective pulse duty cycle may be varied over the ranges defined by 100% to 25%, 25% to 10% and 10% to 0% of the maximum illumination level. It should also be noted that the pulsing technique chosen for this implementation is an inverse Frequency Modulation algorithm which provides the advantages over Pulse Width Modulation that were discussed above. However, because of the nature of invention (that is the low current threshold before pulsing occurs), any alternate pulsing algorithm can be used and falls within the spirit and scope of this invention in its broadest form. Thus, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, the present invention allows for nearly any conceivable combination of variation of effective pulse duty cycle and voltage control level in any given application and therefore provides the lighting designer with maximum flexibility in designing a control scheme that maximizes objectives such as LED life, EMI and power cycle problem minimization, consistent with the needs of the particular display. The LED dimming method of the current invention thus provides a substantial improvement over the prior art PWM, FM and Analog Control schemes in terms of design flexibility and alleviation of asymmetric loading and EMI problems. In addition to the various embodiments of the invention discussed above, it should be noted that the invention could also be implemented without the use of the multiplexer 300 by causing the microcontroller 100 to alternately write the values to the DAC 200 representing the desired analog output of the DAC 200. For example, intermittent values “0” which will turn the MOSFETS off can be inserted into the microcontroller output signal at intervals of the desired frequency or duration to create the same VCTRL output from DAC 200 as described above in accordance with embodiments that utilize multiplexer 300. So long as there is enough processing power in terms of bandwidth available in the microcontroller 100, this “DAC pulsing” function can be performed by altering the microcontroller programming without any additional hardware over the basic Analog Control circuitry. In addition, the present invention is implemented in, and described in terms of an LED illumination system providing dimming and/or color mixing capability. However, it will be readily appreciated by one skilled in the art that the invention provides the same benefits, and is equally applicable to LED display systems or any other illumination system using other types of illumination sources such as incandescent, plasma, liquid crystal or the like where dimming and/or color mixing are desired. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>LEDs are current-controlled devices in the sense that the intensity of the light emitted from an LED is related to the amount of current driven through the LED. FIG. 1 shows a typical relationship of relative luminosity to forward current in an LED. The longevity or useful life of LEDs is specified in terms of acceptable long-term light output degradation. Light output degradation of LEDs is primarily a function of current density over the elapsed on-time period. LEDs driven at higher levels of forward current will degrade faster, and therefore have a shorter useful life, than the same LEDs driven at lower levels of forward current. It therefore is advantageous in LED lighting systems to carefully and reliably control the amount of current through the LEDs in order to achieve the desired illumination intensity while also maximizing the life of the LEDs. LED illumination products have been developed which provide the ability to vary the forward current through the LEDs over an acceptable range in order to provide dimming capability. LED lighting systems have also been devised which, through the use of multiple colors of LEDs and individual intensity control of each color, can produce a variety of color hues. Systems incorporating Red, Green, and Blue LEDs can achieve near infinite color variations by varying the intensity of the Red, Green, and Blue color banks. As LED Lighting Systems have become more prevalent, various methods have been devised to control the current driven through the LEDs to achieve dimming and color mixing. One common method is a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) scheme such as that set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,618,031, 6,510,995, 6,150,774, 6,016,038, 5,008,595, and 4,870,325, all of which are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full. PWM schemes pulse the LEDs alternately to a full current “ON” state followed by a zero current “OFF” state. The ratio of the ON time to total cycle time, defined as the Duty Cycle, in a fixed cycle frequency determines the time-average luminous intensity. Varying the Duty Cycle from 0% to 100% correspondingly varies the intensity of the LED as perceived by the human eye from 0% to 100% as the human eye integrates the ON/OFF pulses into a time-average luminous intensity. Although PWM schemes are common, there are several disadvantages to this method of LED intensity control. The fixed frequency nature of PWM means that all LEDs switch on (to maximum power draw) and off (zero power draw) at the same time. Large illumination systems can easily require several amperes of current to be instantaneously switched on and off. This can create two problems. First, the rapid on and off switching of the system can create asymmetric power supply loading. Second, the pulsing of the current through electrical leads can create difficult to manage electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems because such leads may act as transmitters of radiofrequency energy that may interfere with other devices operating at similar frequencies. In order to address these problems with PWM, an alternate method of LED intensity control, called Frequency Modulation (FM) has been developed and implemented by Artistic Licence Ltd. and described at their website, particularly in Application Note 008, located at http://www.artisticlicence.com/ (last visited Jun. 17, 2004). The FM method of LED intensity control is similar to the PWM method in that the LEDs are switched alternately from a maximum current state to a zero current state at a rate fast enough for the human eye to see one integrated time-average intensity. The two methods differ in that PWM uses a fixed frequency and a variable pulse width (duty cycle), whereas FM delivers a fixed width pulse over a variable frequency. Both of these methods achieve a dimming effect through the varying ratio of LED ON time to OFF time. Where the FM method improves upon the PWM method, is in the fact that a varying frequency creates fewer EMI problems, and reduces the asymmetric power supply loading effect. The FM method, however, suffers from the same drawbacks of the PWM method when the dimming level is held constant, or is changing at a relatively slow rate. In fact, at a constant level of dimming, it can be seen that the EMI and asymmetric power supply loading effects of PWM and FM are identical. As the size of the lighting system (total number of LEDs) controlled by a central control and power supply gets large, these negative effects can get correspondingly large and difficult to overcome. There is a third prior art method of LED intensity control that eliminates the drawbacks of the PWM and FM techniques, called Analog Control. Analog Control is a method of varying the current being driven through the LEDs through a continuous analog range from zero through the maximum desired level. Since the LEDs are not constantly pulsed between two states of zero and maximum current, EMI problems are minimized, as are power supply loading problems associated with large instantaneous changes in power draw. The Analog Control method, although solving the problems associated with PWM and FM techniques for LED driving, nevertheless has other drawbacks. Due to process variations and tolerances of analog components, including the LEDs themselves, variations in luminous intensity from the desired intensity, i.e., brightness control inaccuracies, can show up at lower levels of current where component tolerances make up a larger percentage of the total effect. In addition, wavelength shifts can occur especially at lower current levels, which can lead to undesired color shifts in the light output by the LEDs. As lighting designers seek to employ very low levels of output illumination, a higher degree of control in this range becomes more and more desirable. It is desirable then, to devise a circuit for variably controlling the current through LEDs without the drawbacks inherent in PWM and FM schemes, and that overcomes the problems with the Analog Control circuit associated with low current levels that are described above. The invention described herein solves these problems effectively while remaining simple and inexpensive to implement. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is directed to a lighting controller for LED products, particularly those that employ dimming and color changing effects. An advantage of the present invention is that it enhances control of an analog current limiting circuit when it is operated at low current levels. The present invention provides greater control over illumination intensity and hue for LED lighting systems by reducing differences in illumination intensity among LEDs in separate control strings and also minimizing color shifts at low levels of output illumination. The present invention also reduces the difficulties relating to EMI and asymmetric power supply loading effects found in PWM and FM control methods. Further advantages of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through the disclosure herein. The advantages of the present invention can be obtained by using a modulated analog control LED dimming circuit with only a minimal addition of components or control signals. One aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling the intensity of an illumination source, such as an LED, by providing an input signal to a circuit containing the illumination source, and varying the input signal over a first range of illumination intensities so that the intensity of the illumination source varies in proportion to the voltage of the input signal; and varying the input signal over a second range of illumination intensities of said illumination source such that the intensity of said illumination source varies in proportion to the voltage of the input signal and the input signal is pulsed between any two or more discrete voltage levels. Another aspect of the invention relates to an illumination control circuit comprising: a controlling module having one or more analog output signals producing output control voltages each individually variable within a range of values; one or more intensity modules receiving said analog output signals of said controlling module to control one or more illumination sources; wherein said intensity modules are controlled according to said analog output signals of said controlling module to vary the intensity of said illumination sources in proportion to the voltage level of said analog output signals, and additionally in response to a pulsing of said analog output signals between any two or more discrete voltage levels. The advantages of the present invention can be obtained using a microcontroller having an input/output port and one or more output signals; said output signals of said microcontroller each having a first state and a second state; one or more digital-to-analog converters each having as an input the input/output port from said microcontroller, and each having an output signal; one or more switching devices each having as a first input the output signal from one of said digital-to-analog converters and each having as a second input one of said output signals from said microcontroller, and each having an analog output signal; wherein each of said analog output signals from each of said switching devices is controlled according to the output signal from one of said digital-to-analog converters when the corresponding output signal of said microcontroller is in its first state, and each of said analog output signals is connected to ground when the corresponding output signal of said microcontroller is in its second state. Another aspect of the invention relates to an illumination control circuit comprising, for example: a microcontroller adapted to write an output control signal to a digital-to-analog converter according to programmed instructions; said digital-to-analog converter having an analog output signal that varies according to said output control signal of said microcontroller; a switching device receiving said analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter to control an illumination source; wherein said switching device is controlled according to said analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter to vary the intensity of said illumination source over a first range of illumination intensities of said illumination source such that the intensity of the illumination source varies in proportion to the voltage of said analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter, and a second range of illumination intensities of said illumination source such that the intensity of said illumination source varies in proportion to the voltage of said analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter and said analog output signal of said digital-to-analog converter is pulsed between any two or more discrete voltage levels. | 20040721 | 20060808 | 20060126 | 71956.0 | H05B3702 | 0 | LIE, ANGELA M | MODULATED CONTROL CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR CURRENT-LIMITED DIMMING AND COLOR MIXING OF DISPLAY AND ILLUMINATION SYSTEMS | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | H05B | 2,004 |
|
10,896,451 | ACCEPTED | Municipal water delivery control systems | A municipal water supply control system includes an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main, and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer. Underground valve means may be located either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or in between the two for controlling the passage of water to each water consumer. Underground valve actuation means responsive to an activation signal activate the underground water valve means between a closed condition and an open condition. A data channel means establishes a wired or wireless data channel between a valve activation control means for issuing the activation signal and the underground valve actuation means. | 1. A municipal water supply control system, comprising an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, underground valve means located either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, underground valve activation means, responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground water valve means between a closed condition and an open condition, valve activation control means for issuing the activation signal and data channel means for establishing a wired or wireless data channel between the valve activation control means and the underground valve actuation means to deliver the activation signal thereto. 2. A system as defined in claim 1 wherein the underground valve activation means includes a solenoid actuator operably coupled with the underground valve means to displace the valve means between the open and closed positions. 3. A system as defined in claim 2 wherein the open position is a fully open position and the closed position is a fully closed position. 4. A system as defined in claim 1 wherein the underground valve activation means includes indication means for conveying a signal indicative of an open or closed position of the underground valve means. 5. A system as defined in claim 4 wherein the indication means includes a limit switch. 6. A system as defined in claim 1 wherein the activation control means includes an above-ground control cabinet. 7. A system as defined in claim 6 wherein the water consumer includes a building having an exterior wall, the above-ground control cabinet is mountable on the exterior wall. 8. A system as defined in claim 1, further comprising lock means for controlling access to the above-ground cabinet. 9. A system as defined in claim 1 wherein the valve activation control means includes a first communications portion and the underground valve activation means includes a second communications portion, the first and second communications portions operable to establish a data link there between. 10. A system as defined in claim 9 wherein the first and second communications portions are operable under an RS485 signal transmission protocol. 11. A system as defined in claim 10 wherein the valve activation control means includes a portable housing. 12. A system as defined in claim 11 wherein the valve activation control means includes one or more batteries contained in the housing, for powering the valve activation control means. 13. A system as defined in claim 1 wherein the underground valve means includes a drive motor and a valve housing, the valve housing having a first inlet and a first outlet and a channel there between, the valve housing containing a valve element movable between an open position and a closed position, respectively to open or close the channel. 14. A system as defined in claim 13 wherein the motor has a drive axle which is powered unidirectionally and the valve element is movable between the closed and open positions under the action of the motor travelling at least a portion of one rotation. 15. A system as defined in claim 14 wherein the valve element is movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from a first position to a second position; and from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the second position to a third position, or the first position. 16. A system as defined in claim 15 wherein the valve element is movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from the third position to a fourth position; and from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the fourth position to a fifth position or the first position. 17. A system as defined in claim 14 wherein the valve element is movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from a North position to a West position; from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the West position to a South position; from the closed position to the open position when the motor axle travels from the South position to an East position; and from the open position to the closed position when the motor axle travels from the East position to the North position. 18. A system as defined in claim 13 wherein the activation signal includes a data component representative of a target position for the valve element. 19. A system as defined in claim 18, further comprising detection means for detecting the position of the motor axle in order to determine the current position of the valve element. 20. A system as defined in claim 19, further comprising comparison means for comparing the target position with the current position. 21. A system as defined in claim 20 wherein the detection means includes a limit switch to detect the transition of the valve through at least two of the North, West, South and East positions. 22. A system as defined in claim 21 wherein the limit switch moves from a low condition to a high condition when the valve moves from a closed position to an open position, and from a high condition to a low condition when the valve moves from the open position to the closed position. 23. A system as defined in claim 22 wherein the detection means is operable, when responding to an activation signal to open the valve, to detect a transition of the limit switch from a low condition to a high condition. 24. A system as defined in claim 22 wherein the detection means is operable, when responding to an actuation signal to close the valve, to detect a transition of the limit switch from a high condition to a low condition. 25. A system as defined in claim 22, further comprising memory means for storing limit switch transition data representative of a last known state of the limit switch. 26. A system as defined in claim 25 wherein the detection means is operable to access the transition data from the memory means. 27. A method of controlling a municipal water supply, of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main, an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer and an underground valve for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising the steps of providing an underground valve activator which is responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground water valve between a closed condition and an open condition, providing a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal; and providing a data channel between the valve activation controller and the valve activator to deliver the activation signal thereto to the underground water valve means. 28. A method as defined in claim 27, wherein the step of providing a data channel includes the step of providing the valve activation controller with a first communications portion and the underground valve activator with a second communications portion, the first and second communications portions operable to establish a data link there between. 29. A method as defined in claim 28, further comprising the step of establishing an RS485 signal transmission protocol between the first and second communications portions. 30. A method as defined in claim 27, wherein the step of providing an underground valve activator includes the steps of providing a unidirectional drive motor and a valve housing with a first inlet and a first outlet and a channel there between, locating a valve element in the housing which is movable between an open position and a closed position, respectively to open or close the channel, and powering the drive motor unidirectionally so that the valve element is movable between the closed and open positions under the action of the motor travelling at least a portion of one rotation. 31. A method as defined in claim 30 wherein the step of providing an underground valve activator includes the steps of arranging the valve element to be movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from a first position to a second position; and from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the second position to a third position. 32. A method as defined in claim 31 wherein the step of providing an underground valve activator includes the steps of arranging the valve element to be movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from the fourth position to a fifth position or the first position; and from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the third position to a fourth position. 33. A method as defined in claim 30 wherein the step of providing an underground valve activator includes the steps of arranging the valve element to be movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from a North position to a West position; from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the West position to a South position; from the closed position to the open position when the motor axle travels from the South position to an East position; and from the open position to the closed position when the motor axle travels from the East position to the North position. 34. A method as defined in claim 30, further comprising the step of configuring the activation signal to include a data component representative of a target position for the valve element. 35. A method as defined in claim 34, further comprising the step of providing a detector unit for detecting the position of the motor axle in order to determine the current position of the valve element. 36. A method as defined in claim 35, further comprising the step of providing a comparator unit for comparing the target position with the current position. 37. A method as defined in claim 36, wherein the step of providing a comparator unit includes providing a limit switch to detect the transition of the valve through at least two of the North, West, South and East positions. 38. A method as defined in claim 37 wherein the step of providing a limit switch includes the step of configuring the limit switch to moves from a low condition to a high condition when the valve moves from a closed position to an open position, and from a high condition to a low condition when the valve moves from the open position to the closed position. 39. A kit for controlling a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, the kit comprising a valve unit configured to be positioned underground either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, a valve activator unit configured to be located underground and to be responsive to an activation signal for activating the valve unit between a closed condition and an open condition, a valve activation controller configured to be positioned above ground for issuing the activation signal to the underground water valve means and a pair of data channel transceivers for establishing a wired or wireless data channel between the valve activator and the underground means to deliver the activation signal thereto. 40. A kit for use with a municipal water supply for enabling remote control thereof, the water supply being of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer and a valve unit configured to be positioned underground either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, the kit comprising a valve activator unit configured to be located underground and to be responsive to an activation signal for activating the valve unit between a closed condition and an open condition, a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal to the underground water valve means and data path means for establishing a data path to deliver the activation signal thereto. 41. A method of improving the operation of a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer and a valve unit configured to be positioned underground either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, the kit comprising a remote activated valve actuation means for rendering the valve unit responsive to an activation signal for activating the valve unit between a closed condition and an open condition, a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal to the underground water valve means and data path means for establishing a data path to deliver the activation signal thereto. 42. A method of controlling a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer; and an underground valve for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising: a step for providing an underground valve activator which is responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground water valve between a closed condition and an open condition, and a step for providing a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal; and providing a data channel between the valve activation controller and the valve activator to deliver the activation signal thereto to the underground water valve means. 43. A method of improving the control of a municipal water supply, of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main, an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer and an underground valve for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising the steps of retrofitting the underground to be responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground valve between a closed condition and an open condition, providing a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal; and providing a data channel between the valve activation controller and the valve activator to deliver the activation signal thereto to the underground water valve means. 44. A remote controlled municipal water supply control system, comprising an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, underground valve means located either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, underground valve activation means, responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground water valve means between a closed condition and an open condition, remote valve activation control means for issuing the activation signal and data channel means for establishing a wired or wireless data channel between the valve activation control means and the underground valve actuation means to deliver the activation signal thereto. 45. A system as defined in claim 44 where the remote valve activation control means includes a control pod located at, near or above the ground surface or at a location remote therefrom. 46. A system as defined in claim 44 wherein the valve activation control means includes a programmed logic controller, or is embodied in a software program configured to run on a general purpose computer including a desktop or notebook personal computer, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, or a computer mainframe which is operable to work within a network. 47. A system as defined in claim 44 wherein the network includes one or more general purpose computers joined in a local area network or via internet. 48. A computer program product encoded in a computer readable fixed or temporary medium or signal including a plurality of computer executable steps for a computer to control an underground valve in a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, wherein the underground valve is responsive to an underground valve actuator to control the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising the computer executable steps: establishing a communication link with the underground valve actuator; storing data representative of at least operative position of the underground valve; and issuing an instruction signal to the underground valve actuator to change the operative position of the underground valve. 49. A computer program product as defined in claim 48, further comprising the computer executable step of querying the underground valve activator for a current operative position. 50. A computer program product as defined in claim 49, further comprising the computer executable step of receiving data from the underground valve actuator representative of the current operative position. 51. A computer program product encoded in a computer readable fixed or transient medium or signal including a plurality of computer executable steps for a computer to control an underground valve in a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, wherein the underground valve is responsive to an underground valve actuator to control the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising: executing a step to establish a communication link with the underground valve actuator; executing a step to store data representative of at least operative position of the underground valve; and executing a step to issue an instruction signal to the underground valve actuator to change the operative position of the underground valve. 52. A computer-readable data structure useful to control an underground valve in a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, wherein the underground valve is responsive to an underground valve actuator to control the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising data representative of an operative current position of the underground valve. 53. A signal propagated on a carrier medium, the signal including data encoding a current operative position of an underground valve in a municipal water supply. 54. A signal propagated on a carrier medium, the signal including data encoding an instruction to an underground valve actuator to change an operative position of an underground valve in a municipal water supply. | The entire subject matter of U.S. Provisional applications Ser. No. 60/492,211 filed Aug. 1, 2003 and 60/525,752 filed Nov. 28, 2003 and both entitled MUNICIPAL WATER DELIVERY CONTROL SYSTEMS are incorporated herein by reference. The applicant claims priority benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(e) of U.S. Provisional applications Ser. No. 60/492,211 filed Aug. 1, 2003 and 60/525,752 filed Nov. 28, 2003, and both entitled MUNICIPAL WATER DELIVERY CONTROL SYSTEMS. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the control of municipal water supplies, and more particularly to the control of the delivery of water to a municipal water consumer. 2. Description of the Related Art When buildings, such as industrial and commercial structures (known to the trade as the ICI market), as well as residential structures such as homes, are built and water delivery and plumbing systems installed, a connection is made between the municipal water main and a water service pipe to the building. A shut-off valve (commonly referred to as a curb stop), is installed along the water service pipe at a position between the water main and the building. The curb stop typically has a valve body which is mounted on a concrete slab about eight feet below the ground surface. In order to actuate the curb stop, an extension service box must span the eight feet to the ground surface and provide a fitting which is manipulated by a wrench. The curb stop and the extension service box must be installed early in the construction of the building. Typically, a pipe is placed over the service box. In a residential subdivision, for example, the pipe is then supported by one or more 2×4 stud driven into the ground, while in the industrial market, the pipe is usually freestanding. The heavy equipment used in new construction can often damage the service box, which remains fully exposed on the surface and prone to such damage until the construction area is complete. Over time, the earth tends to settle which leads the service box to project above its preferred flush location at the ground surface. Frost also tends to cause the service box to shift or heave. This usually results in remedial work. Municipalities typically incur large costs to repair damaged service boxes and surrounding ground surface features as a result of settling and heaving. Municipalities also face potentially severe liabilities arising from personal injuries caused by damaged service boxes. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel municipal water delivery control system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one of its aspects, the present invention provides a municipal water supply control system, comprising an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, underground valve means located either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, underground valve activation means, responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground water valve means between a closed condition and an open condition, valve activation control means for issuing the activation signal and data channel means for establishing a wired or wireless data channel between the valve activation control means and the underground valve actuation means to deliver the activation signal thereto. In an embodiment, the underground valve activation means includes a solenoid actuator operably coupled with the underground valve means to displace the valve means between the open and closed positions. In one example, the open position is a fully open position and the closed position is a fully closed position. In an embodiment, the underground valve activation means includes indication means for conveying a signal indicative of an open or closed position of the underground valve means. In this case, the indication means may include a limit switch or other switching arrangements. In an embodiment, the activation control means includes an above-ground control cabinet, wherein the water consumer includes a building having an exterior wall. In this case, the above-ground control cabinet is mountable on the exterior wall. However, the cabinet may be provided in some other form, such as a protected weather tight chamber located at or near the ground surface. In one example, a lock means is provided for controlling access to the above-ground cabinet. In an embodiment, the valve activation control means includes a first communications portion and the underground valve activation means includes a second communications portion and the first and second communications portions are operable to establish a data link there between. For example, the first and second communications portions may be operable under an RS485 signal transmission protocol, though other protocols may also be used. In an embodiment, the valve activation control means includes a portable housing with the one or more batteries contained in the housing, for powering the valve activation control means. In an embodiment, the underground valve means includes a drive motor and a valve housing, the valve housing having a first inlet and a first outlet and a channel there between, the valve housing containing a valve element movable between an open position and a closed position, respectively to open or close the channel. In an embodiment, the motor has a drive axle which is powered unidirectionally and the valve element is movable between the closed and open positions under the action of the motor travelling at least a portion of one rotation. In one example, the valve element is movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from a first position to a second position; and from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the second position to a third position, or the first position. In another example, the valve element is movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from the third position to a fourth position; and from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the fourth position to a fifth position or the first position In still another example, the valve element is movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from a North position to a West position; from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the West position to a South position; from the closed position to the open position when the motor axle travels from the South position to an East position; and from the open position to the closed position when the motor axle travels from the East position to the North position. In an embodiment, the activation signal includes a data component representative of a target position for the valve element. The system further includes detection means for detecting the position of the motor axle in order to determine the current position of the valve element, and comparison means for comparing the target position with the current position. In this case, the detection means includes a limit switch to detect the transition of the valve through at least two of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth (or more if need be) positions, or at least two of the North, West, South and East positions. The limit switch moves from a low condition to a high condition when the valve moves from a closed position to an open position, and from a high condition to a low condition when the valve moves from the open position to the closed position. The detection means is operable, when responding to an activation signal to open the valve, to detect a transition of the limit switch from a low condition to a high condition. The detection means is also operable, when responding to an actuation signal to close the valve, to detect a transition of the limit switch from a high condition to a low condition. The detection means may involve other detection devices beyond limit switches, such as a sevro motor which is capable of providing precise rotational adjustments of the valve element. In an embodiment, the system has memory means for storing limit switch transition data representative of a last known state of the limit switch. In this case, the detection means is operable to access the transition data from the memory means. In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of controlling a municipal water supply, of the type having an underground water main, comprising the steps of providing at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main, providing an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, locating an underground valve either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, providing an underground valve activation unit, which is responsive to an activation signal, for activating the underground water valve means between a closed condition and an open condition, and providing a valve activation control unit for conveying the activation signal to the underground water valve unit. In still another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of controlling a municipal water supply, of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main, an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer and an underground valve for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising the steps of providing an underground valve activator which is responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground water valve between a closed condition and an open condition, providing a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal; and providing a data channel between the valve activation controller and the valve activator to deliver the activation signal thereto to the underground water valve means. In one embodiment, the step of providing a data channel includes the step of providing the valve activation controller with a first communications portion and the underground valve activator with a second communications portion, the first and second communications portions operable to establish a data link, for example under an RS485 signal transmission protocol, between the first and second communications portions. In one embodiment, the step of providing an underground valve activator includes the steps of providing a unidirectional drive motor and a valve housing with a first inlet and a first outlet and a channel there between, locating a valve element in the housing which is movable between an open position and a closed position, respectively to open or close the channel, and powering the drive motor unidirectionally so that the valve element is movable between the closed and open positions under the action of the motor travelling at least a portion of one rotation. Alternatively, other actuators or motors may be used, such as servo motors and/or other reversing or non reversing motors. In one embodiment, the step of providing an underground valve activator includes the steps of arranging the valve element to be movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from a first position to a second position; and from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the second position to a third position. In one embodiment, the step of providing an underground valve activator includes the steps of arranging the valve element to be movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from the third position to a fourth position; and from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the fourth position to a fifth position. In one embodiment, the step of providing an underground valve activator includes the steps of arranging the valve element to be movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from a North position to a West position; from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the West position to a South position; from the closed position to the open position when the motor axle travels from the South position to an East position; and from the open position to the closed position when the motor axle travels from the East position to the North position. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of configuring the activation signal to include a data component representative of a target position for the valve element. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of providing a detector unit for detecting the position of the motor axle in order to determine the current position of the valve element. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of providing a comparator unit for comparing the target position with the current position. In one embodiment, the step of providing a comparator unit includes providing a limit switch to detect the transition of the valve through at least two of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth positions, or at least two of the North, West, South and East positions. In one embodiment, the step of providing a limit switch includes the step of configuring the limit switch to move from a low condition to a high condition when the valve moves from a closed position to an open position, and from a high condition to a low condition when the valve moves from the open position to the closed position. In still another of its aspects, there is provided a kit for controlling a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, the kit comprising valve means configured to be positioned underground either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, valve activation means configured to be located underground and to be responsive to an activation signal, for activating the underground water valve means between a closed condition and an open condition, and valve activation control means configured to be positioned above ground for conveying the activation signal to the underground water valve means. In still another of its aspects, the present invention provides a kit for controlling a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, the kit comprising a valve unit configured to be positioned underground either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, a valve activator unit configured to be located underground and to be responsive to an activation signal for activating the valve unit between a closed condition and an open condition, a valve activation controller configured to be positioned above ground for issuing the activation signal to the underground water valve means and a pair of data channel transceivers for establishing a wired or wireless data channel between the valve activator and the underground means to deliver the activation signal thereto. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a kit for use with a municipal water supply for enabling remote control thereof, the water supply being of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer and a valve unit configured to be positioned underground either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, the kit comprising a valve activator unit configured to be located underground and to be responsive to an activation signal for activating the valve unit between a closed condition and an open condition, a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal to the underground water valve means and data path means for establishing a data path to deliver the activation signal thereto. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of improving the operation of a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer and a valve unit configured to be positioned underground either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, the kit comprising a remote activated valve actuation means for rendering the valve unit responsive to an activation signal for activating the valve unit between a closed condition and an open condition, a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal to the underground water valve means and data path means for establishing a data path to deliver the activation signal thereto. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of controlling a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer; and an underground valve for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising: a step for providing an underground valve activator which is responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground water valve between a closed condition and an open condition, and a step for providing a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal; and providing a data channel between the valve activation controller and the valve activator to deliver the activation signal thereto to the underground water valve means. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of improving the control of a municipal water supply, of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main, an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer and an underground valve for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising the steps of retrofitting the underground to be responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground valve between a closed condition and an open condition, providing a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal; and providing a data channel between the valve activation controller and the valve activator to deliver the activation signal thereto to the underground water valve means. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a remote controlled municipal water supply control system, comprising an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, underground valve means located either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, underground valve activation means, responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground water valve means between a closed condition and an open condition, remote valve activation control means for issuing the activation signal and data channel means for establishing a wired or wireless data channel between the valve activation control means and the underground valve actuation means to deliver the activation signal thereto. In one embodiment, the remote valve activation control means includes a control pod located at, near or above the ground surface or at a location remote therefrom. In one embodiment, the valve activation control means includes a programmed logic controller, or is embodied in a software program configured to run on a general purpose computer including a desktop or notebook personal computer, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, or a computer mainframe which is operable to work within a network. In one embodiment, the network includes one or more general purpose computers joined in a local area network or via internet. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product encoded in a computer readable fixed or temporary medium or signal including a plurality of computer executable steps for a computer to control an underground valve in a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, wherein the underground valve is responsive to an underground valve actuator to control the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising the computer executable steps: establishing a communication link with the underground valve actuator; storing data representative of at least operative position of the underground valve; and issuing an instruction signal to the underground valve actuator to change the operative position of the underground valve. The readable fixed or temporary medium or signal includes such things as ROM and RAM memory both internal and external to a computer, compact discs other portable media of that sort, as well as signals conveyed to or between computers in internal or external networks and the like. In an embodiment, the computer program product further comprises the computer executable step of querying the underground valve activator for a current operative position. In an embodiment, the computer program product further comprises the computer executable step of receiving data from the underground valve actuator representative of the current operative position. In another further aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product encoded in a computer readable fixed or transient medium or signal including a plurality of computer executable steps for a computer to control an underground valve in a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, wherein the underground valve is responsive to an underground valve actuator to control the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising: executing a step to establish a communication link with the underground valve actuator; executing a step to store data representative of at least operative position of the underground valve; and executing a step to issue an instruction signal to the underground valve actuator to change the operative position of the underground valve. In another further aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable data structure useful to control an underground valve in a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, wherein the underground valve is responsive to an underground valve actuator to control the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising data representative of an operative current position of the underground valve. In another further aspect, the present invention provides a signal propagated on a carrier medium, the signal including data encoding a current operative position of an underground valve in a municipal water supply. In another further aspect, the present invention provides a signal propagated on a carrier medium, the signal including data encoding an instruction to an underground valve actuator to change an operative position of an underground valve in a municipal water supply. Thus, the present invention contemplates, among others, full installations of water supply control systems, such as those in municipal applications, as well as the partial or full retrofitting of an existing water supply control system, where the retrofit task may involve the replacement of a valve, or the reconfiguring of a valve, in both cases to be responsive to an external activation signal, as well computer implemented processes to control them. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a municipal water delivery control system; FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are schematic views of different portions of the control system of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a portion of an alternative municipal water delivery control system; FIG. 6 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the system of FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is an operational flow chart of the system of FIG. 5; FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic views of portions of the system of FIG. 5. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 illustrates a municipal water supply control system 10, comprising an underground water main 12, at least one water consumer station 14, in the form of a building, downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel 16 joining the water main to the water consumer. An underground valve 20 is located in the underground water delivery channel 16 for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer and is actuated by an underground valve activator 22. Located above ground, preferably on an exterior or interior side wall of building 14 is a valve activation controller 24 for conveying the activation signal to the underground water valve along conductive path 30. The valve activation controller 24 is preferably located in an above ground control cabinet 34 mountable on the wall of the building 14. The control cabinet may be provided with a lock 36 for controlling access thereto, for example only to those municipal officials entitled to access. The lock 36 may be of the key or keyless variety, in the latter case by providing access after receiving a verification code, such as a pass code entered in a key pad, integrally formed with the lock or separate therefrom, as shown at 36a , in FIG. 4, or by way of biometric data, retinal scans or the like. The conductive path 30 may be a dedicated low voltage wire, or may be in another form. For example, the activation signal may be transmitted, if desired, through the building's wiring or plumbing in manner to deliver the activation signal to the valve along high voltage power delivery line to the valve. The activation signal may be transmitted over an optical carrier wave transmitted on a fibre network, an RF carrier signal transmitted over an RF network or in other forms. The controller may be a hand held unit which is capable of transmitting a wireless signal to the valve or to an antenna station in communication with the valve. For example, the hand held controller may be provided with an RFID chip which may be powered internally or externally by such power sources as battery or an internal power generating module such as solar power generator operating in the presence of solar radiation, or an inductive power generator operating in the presence of microwave or RF radiation. The power supply portion may include a conductive path to an external power source. Thus, the activation signal may be delivered by a carrier wave, which may include radio frequency waves, microwaves or waves or signals of other frequencies or frequency ranges, and encoded on the wave by frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, wave superposition or a combination thereof. The valve activation controller 24 may include a programmed logic controller or some other form of controller. It may be included in a software program configured to run on a general purpose computer, such as personal computer, or on a more substantial computer mainframe, which is operable to work within a network. The network may thus involve several general purpose computers, for example those sold under the trade names APPLE™ or IBM™, or clones thereof, which are programmed with operating systems known by the trade names WINDOWS™, LINUX or other well known or lesser known equivalents of these. The system may involve pre-programmed software using a number of possible languages or a custom designed version of a programming software sold under the trade name ACCESS™ or similar programming software. The computer network may be a wired local area network, or a wide area network such as the Internet, or a combination of the two, with or without added security, authentication protocols, or under “peer-to-peer” or “client-server” or other networking architectures. The network may also be a wireless network or a combination of wired and wireless networks. The wireless network may operate under frequencies such as those dubbed ‘radio frequency’ or “RF” using protocols such as the 802.11, TCP/IP, BLUE TOOTH and the like, or other well known Internet, wireless, satellite or cell packet protocols. The control function of the valve activation controller 24 may, alternatively, be executed on a single custom built computer which is dedicated to the function of the system alone. Thus, while the preferred embodiment employs a controller mounted on the side of the building 14, it may be employed in a range of other forms. The controller may be resident in a computer implemented system which is either local to the building 14 or remote therefrom and accessible to the valve via a direct internet connection, that is if the valve has its own IP address or indirectly accessible through a building IP address. The valve activator 22 includes a solenoid actuator, shown schematically at 38 operably coupled with the valve wherein actuation of the solenoid displaces the valve means between the open and closed positions. In one case, the open position is a fully open position and the closed position is a fully closed position. A suitable valve and valve activator is available under the trade name WORCESTER CONTROLS (FLOWSERVE). at www.worcestercc.com, under model number SERIES 36 ELECTRIC ACTUATOR. The valve activator has a limit switch shown schematically at 40 in FIG. 3, which emits a status signal indicative of the condition of the valve. For example, the limit switch may indicate two conditions, the “fully open” position 42 and “fully closed” position 44. Referring to FIG. 4, the valve activation controller 24 is provided with a signal switch 46 movable between open and closed positions and has a status indicator 48 which is responsive to the status signal from the limit switch 40 to display the condition of the valve. The status indicator is provided, in this case, by a pair of light emitting diodes, but may also be provided by other indicators such as digital and analog displays and the like. In addition, the status indicator may be a signal receiving or displaying device remote from the valve actuator itself which displays a status, such as for instance, a tone or audio message, or a graphic, either on a remote telephone, a remote computer, a remote personal digital assistant or other remote communications device. The system 10 is used as follows. First, the underground water main 12, water consumer station 14 downstream from the water main 12 and underground water delivery channel 16 are located and the valve 20 and valve activator 22 are installed according to the appropriate governing building codes, including the mounting of the valve 20 on a cement pad, as shown at 20a. Alternatively, the underground water main 12, water consumer station 14 downstream from the water main 12, underground water delivery channel 16 and the valve 20 may be located and the valve 20 may be retrofitted with the valve actuator 22. The control cabinet 34 and the valve activation controller 24 are installed at their designated location on the building and a data link is established between the valve activation controller 24 and the valve actuator along conductive path 30. The municipal worker may then gain access to the control cabinet and initiate a valve activation sequence, first by viewing the status of the valve and then by activating the valve as desired, via switch 46. In so doing, the municipal worker need not access a manual service box at the ground surface, nor does the municipality need to undertake the otherwise expensive remedial work necessary to repair damage due to frost heaving, ground settling, tampering or misuse, and the like. That being said, the control cabinet 34 may be located at, below, above, adjacent or near the ground surface in other arrangements as may be needed or desired in some installations. Another municipal water supply control system is shown at 60 in FIG. 5 having an underground valve 62 which is activated by an underground valve activator station 64. The underground valve activator station 64 has a motor 66 whose motor axle 68 is attached to a central shaft 70 on the valve 62 to move a valve element, shown schematically at 63, between a closed position and an open position, as will be described. The underground valve activator station 64 also includes a motor controller 72 which includes a motor driver 74, a serial number generator 76 and a data transceiver 78, all of which are controlled by a micro controller 80. The control system 60 has a valve activation controller 90 with a data transceiver 92 for exchanging data with the data transceiver 78, under an RS485 signal transmission protocol, which is more fully described herein below under the heading SERIAL COMMUNICATION PARAMETERS. The data transceiver 92 is responsive to a micro controller 94 which governs the control sequences of the system and displays the status thereof through a digital display 96. In addition, valve activation controller 96 includes a number of user-adjustable buttons 98, 100 for a user to initiate a valve control sequence, again as will be described. Referring to FIG. 6, the valve activation controller includes a portable housing 102 and includes one or more batteries 104 contained therein, along with a circuit board 106 on which the digital display 96 is integrally formed, and a cover layer 108, the latter of which containing the appropriate identifying indicia to allow the user to identify the display, the status indicators and the buttons available thereon. The display has a number of flexible regions, as shown in the dashed lines at 110 in FIG. 5, permitting buttons there beneath to be actuated by pressing against the cover layer 108. Referring to FIG. 5, the motor axle 68 is powered unidirectionallly and the valve element 63 is movable between the closed and open positions under the action of the motor travelling at least a portion of one rotation. The valve element 63 is movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from a North position to a West position; from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the West position to a South position; from the closed position to the open position when the motor axle travels from the South position to an East position; and from the open position to the closed position when the motor axle travels from the East position to the North position. The control system 60 is provided with a detection means for detecting the position of the motor axle 68 in order to determine the current position of the valve unit 63. In this case, the activation signal from the valve activation controller 90 includes a data component representative of a target position for the valve (either “open” or “closed”) and a comparison means is provided for comparing the “target” position with the “current” position. The detection means includes a limit switch, shown schematically at 120, to detect the transition of the valve through at least two of the North, West, South and East positions. The limit switch functions as a cam element on a portion of the motor axle 68 and moves from a low condition to a high condition when the valve moves from a closed position to an open position, and from a high condition to a low condition when the valve moves from the open position to the closed position. In this case, the limit switch 120 will move from the open to the closed position twice through a full rotation of the motor axle 68. The detection function is also provided by the micro controller 80 which is in communication with the limit switch to detect a transition of the limit switch 120 from a low condition to a high condition, in response to an activation signal to open the valve. In this case, the detection means may be operable to detect a transition of the limit switch 120 from high to low, in response to an activation signal to close the valve. The underground activation station 64 also includes a memory means in the form of a memory module that 122 is provided for storing limit switch transition data representative of a last known state of the limit switch. In this case, the detection means accesses the transition data from the memory module 122. Referring to FIG. 7, the control system 60 is used as follows. The valve 62 and the valve activator station 64 are installed (or alternatively, the valve 62 is retrofitted with the valve activator station 64 as the case may be in some applications) and the valve activation controller 90 is configured for data exchange with the valve activator station, following the RS485 protocol as described below, which will include establishing a data link, along the conductive path 30, such as by coupling one end of a serial cable to the appropriate port on the valve activation controller 90, (where the other end of the cable is already coupled to the corresponding port on the valve activator station 64) and placed at an appropriate location at the ground surface or above the ground surface. For example, the serial cable may be located in a ground level access weather protected chamber or on a wall mounted cabinet (as in the case of the system 10 above). Until such time as the cable is properly attached, the digital readout indicates a “no connection” condition as shown at step 7a. The user then will see a change in the status after the cable has been installed as shown at step 7b. Next, the activation controller 90 determines the current status of the valve by conveying a query signal to the valve activator station 64. Consequently, the micro controller 80 accesses the memory model 122 for the last known state of the limit switch 120. The valve activator station 64 then transmits a signal to the valve activation controller 90, to be received by the micro controller 94 and which conveys a status signal to the display 96, either indicating that the valve is open or that the valve is closed, as shown by the alternative conditions at step 7c. If the valve is OPEN, the user may then press the CLOSE key and, similarly, if the valve is CLOSED, the user may then press the OPEN key, as shown by the alternative conditions of step 7d. Finally, if the valve does not move into the commanded position in time (that is over a preset time out period of, say, about 1 second to about 5 seconds, more preferably about 3 seconds, as shown by step 7e. Serial Communication Parameters The data transceivers 78 and 92 communicate with one another through an RS485 point to point connection. The RS485 standard provides for transmission lengths of up to 4000 feet at slow data rates. Serial communication between the valve activation controller and the valve circuit uses the following parameters: Protocol # Data Bits # Stop Bits Parity Data Rate RS485 Half Duplex 8 1 None 9600 bps Physical and Electrical Connection The valve activator station 64 and valve activation controller 90 connect to one another using the RS485 data transceivers 78 and 92 and associated connector hardware at each end point. The RS485 transceivers 78 and 92 use a differential asynchronous signal to transmit data. While RS485 allows for multidrop networking, this hardware is used in this case as a point-to-point connection. The TE or “transmit enable” line is toggled by the module hardware. It is an active high signal, so normally it is set low to allow the module to continuously receive data. When the module needs to send data back, it sets the TE line high. The RE line is an active low “read enable”, so the two lines can be connected together. TD is the “transmit data” line, and RD is the “receive data” line. Both transceivers are set to continuously allow reception of data, but only transmit when the TE line is pulled high. Packet Error Detection Errors in packet data are detected by use of a cyclical redundancy check (CRC) on each data packet. The CRC is a two-byte number that is a function of the bytes in the data packet that precede it. It is similar to a “signature” for the data packet, that can be considered unique for every distinct data packet. The sender calculates the CRC for the data packet being transmitted, and then transmits those two bytes at the end of the data packet. The receiver will calculate its own CRC of the data it receives, and compare it to the CRC included in the data packet. If the two numbers match, it is considered a good CRC. If the CRCs do not match, the data packet is considered corrupted and is ignored. No error correction will take place, it simply waits for the next data packet to be sent. Collision Avoidance Data bus contention or “collisions” will occur if more than one device attempts to transmit data at the same time. For example, if the valve activation controller 90 were to transmit a command packet at the same time that the valve transmits a status packet, the two packets would corrupt each other and the data would be indecipherable. To prevent this situation, a time-division protocol has been implemented. The valve activation controller 64 does not attempt to transmit any packet data until it has received a valid (i.e. packet data with a correctly matched CRC) status packet from the valve activator station 64. It then waits approximately 10 milliseconds, and transmits a response packet. The valve in turn will wait approximately 100 milliseconds before transmitting its next packet. Since the 11-byte packets only take a short period of time to transmit, this protocol ensures that two packets are never sent at the same time. Valve Packet Data Description The valve will continuously transmit the following 11-byte packet on a 100 ms interval any time it has power. VALVE TRANSMITTED PACKET (OCCURS EVERY 100 ms) BYTE 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 DESC SYNCH STATUS 6-byte unique ID 2-byte CRC SYNCH—(Bytes 0 and 1) The two bytes 0x01 and 0x7F. (Binary 0000 0001 0111 1111) STATUS—(Byte 2) The status byte contains information on the inner operation of the valve circuit and the state the motor is in. This byte contains the most useful information. A bit by bit description of the data contained in the STATUS byte is shown below. BIT 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 NAME GLOBAL OVER OVER Not Not Not LIMIT MOTOR FAULT TEMP CURRENT used used used SWITCH ON DESC 0 = OK 0 = OK 0 = OK X X X 1 = open 1 = ON 1 = FAULT 1 = FAULT 1 = FAULT 0 = closed 0 = OFF BIT7—If any fault occurs, BIT7=1. If the circuit does not detect anything wrong, BIT7=0. BIT6—If the onboard motor driver is in an over temperature condition, it will shut itself down and BIT6=1. Otherwise, BIT6=0. BIT5—If the onboard motor driver is using more current than it should (i.e. in a stall or a short-circuit situation), it will shut down and BIT5=1. Otherwise, BIT5=0. BIT4-BIT2—Not currently used. BIT1—If the cam switch is closed (indicating the valve is open), BIT1=1. If the cam switch is open (indicating the valve is closed), BIT1=0. BIT0—If the motor is turning, BIT0=1. If the motor is shut off, BIT0=0. UNIQUE ID—(Bytes 3 to 8) A 48-bit unique serial number as generated by serial number generator 76, for example in the form of a DS2401Z device, provided by Dallas Semiconductor. 48 bits allows for a total number of 281,474,976,710,656 different serial numbers. CRC—(Bytes 9 and 10) A cyclical redundancy check based on a function of bytes 2-8. Upon receiving the packet, the receiver should generate its own CRC. If the calculated CRC does not match the transmitted CRC, the entire packet is ignored. Controller Packet Data Description Approximately 10 milliseconds after the valve activation controller receives a valid (i.e. CRC passed) packet from the valve, it transmits an 11-byte response packet back to the valve. This packet controls the operation of the valve activation controller 90 circuitry within the valve activator station 64. CONTROLLER TRANSMITTED PACKET (must follow valve packet by at least 10 ms) BYTE 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 DESC SYNCH DATA 6-byte unique ID 2-byte CRC SYNCH—(Bytes 0 and 1) The two bytes 0x01 and 0x7F. (Binary 0000 0001 0111 1111) DATA—(Byte 2) The DATA byte contains commands to open or close the valve, or shut off power to the motor. A bit by bit description of the data contained in the STATUS byte is shown below. BIT 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 NAME Not Not Not Not Not Not On/ Open/ used used used used used used Off Close DESC X X X X X X 1 = ON 1 = Open 0 = 0 = Close OFF BIT7-BIT2—Not currently used. BIT1—To request that either the valve is opened or closed, BIT1=1. Otherwise, BIT1=0. This allows you to send packets without actually causing the valve to move. BIT0—To command the valve to open, BIT0=1. To command the valve to close, BIT0=0. UNIQUE ID—(Bytes 3 to 8) The valve activation controller 90 retransmits the serial number it receives from the valve actuator station 64. The latter will ignore any serial packets that do not contain the same unique serial number it transmits in its own packets. CRC—(Bytes 9 and 10) A cyclical redundancy check based on a function of bytes 2-8. Upon receiving the packet, the receiver should generate its own CRC. If the calculated CRC does not match the transmitted CRC, the entire packet is ignored. This is an error-checking technique. While the present invention has been described for what are presently considered the preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the control of municipal water supplies, and more particularly to the control of the delivery of water to a municipal water consumer. 2. Description of the Related Art When buildings, such as industrial and commercial structures (known to the trade as the ICI market), as well as residential structures such as homes, are built and water delivery and plumbing systems installed, a connection is made between the municipal water main and a water service pipe to the building. A shut-off valve (commonly referred to as a curb stop), is installed along the water service pipe at a position between the water main and the building. The curb stop typically has a valve body which is mounted on a concrete slab about eight feet below the ground surface. In order to actuate the curb stop, an extension service box must span the eight feet to the ground surface and provide a fitting which is manipulated by a wrench. The curb stop and the extension service box must be installed early in the construction of the building. Typically, a pipe is placed over the service box. In a residential subdivision, for example, the pipe is then supported by one or more 2×4 stud driven into the ground, while in the industrial market, the pipe is usually freestanding. The heavy equipment used in new construction can often damage the service box, which remains fully exposed on the surface and prone to such damage until the construction area is complete. Over time, the earth tends to settle which leads the service box to project above its preferred flush location at the ground surface. Frost also tends to cause the service box to shift or heave. This usually results in remedial work. Municipalities typically incur large costs to repair damaged service boxes and surrounding ground surface features as a result of settling and heaving. Municipalities also face potentially severe liabilities arising from personal injuries caused by damaged service boxes. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel municipal water delivery control system. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In one of its aspects, the present invention provides a municipal water supply control system, comprising an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, underground valve means located either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, underground valve activation means, responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground water valve means between a closed condition and an open condition, valve activation control means for issuing the activation signal and data channel means for establishing a wired or wireless data channel between the valve activation control means and the underground valve actuation means to deliver the activation signal thereto. In an embodiment, the underground valve activation means includes a solenoid actuator operably coupled with the underground valve means to displace the valve means between the open and closed positions. In one example, the open position is a fully open position and the closed position is a fully closed position. In an embodiment, the underground valve activation means includes indication means for conveying a signal indicative of an open or closed position of the underground valve means. In this case, the indication means may include a limit switch or other switching arrangements. In an embodiment, the activation control means includes an above-ground control cabinet, wherein the water consumer includes a building having an exterior wall. In this case, the above-ground control cabinet is mountable on the exterior wall. However, the cabinet may be provided in some other form, such as a protected weather tight chamber located at or near the ground surface. In one example, a lock means is provided for controlling access to the above-ground cabinet. In an embodiment, the valve activation control means includes a first communications portion and the underground valve activation means includes a second communications portion and the first and second communications portions are operable to establish a data link there between. For example, the first and second communications portions may be operable under an RS485 signal transmission protocol, though other protocols may also be used. In an embodiment, the valve activation control means includes a portable housing with the one or more batteries contained in the housing, for powering the valve activation control means. In an embodiment, the underground valve means includes a drive motor and a valve housing, the valve housing having a first inlet and a first outlet and a channel there between, the valve housing containing a valve element movable between an open position and a closed position, respectively to open or close the channel. In an embodiment, the motor has a drive axle which is powered unidirectionally and the valve element is movable between the closed and open positions under the action of the motor travelling at least a portion of one rotation. In one example, the valve element is movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from a first position to a second position; and from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the second position to a third position, or the first position. In another example, the valve element is movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from the third position to a fourth position; and from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the fourth position to a fifth position or the first position In still another example, the valve element is movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from a North position to a West position; from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the West position to a South position; from the closed position to the open position when the motor axle travels from the South position to an East position; and from the open position to the closed position when the motor axle travels from the East position to the North position. In an embodiment, the activation signal includes a data component representative of a target position for the valve element. The system further includes detection means for detecting the position of the motor axle in order to determine the current position of the valve element, and comparison means for comparing the target position with the current position. In this case, the detection means includes a limit switch to detect the transition of the valve through at least two of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth (or more if need be) positions, or at least two of the North, West, South and East positions. The limit switch moves from a low condition to a high condition when the valve moves from a closed position to an open position, and from a high condition to a low condition when the valve moves from the open position to the closed position. The detection means is operable, when responding to an activation signal to open the valve, to detect a transition of the limit switch from a low condition to a high condition. The detection means is also operable, when responding to an actuation signal to close the valve, to detect a transition of the limit switch from a high condition to a low condition. The detection means may involve other detection devices beyond limit switches, such as a sevro motor which is capable of providing precise rotational adjustments of the valve element. In an embodiment, the system has memory means for storing limit switch transition data representative of a last known state of the limit switch. In this case, the detection means is operable to access the transition data from the memory means. In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of controlling a municipal water supply, of the type having an underground water main, comprising the steps of providing at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main, providing an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, locating an underground valve either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, providing an underground valve activation unit, which is responsive to an activation signal, for activating the underground water valve means between a closed condition and an open condition, and providing a valve activation control unit for conveying the activation signal to the underground water valve unit. In still another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of controlling a municipal water supply, of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main, an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer and an underground valve for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising the steps of providing an underground valve activator which is responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground water valve between a closed condition and an open condition, providing a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal; and providing a data channel between the valve activation controller and the valve activator to deliver the activation signal thereto to the underground water valve means. In one embodiment, the step of providing a data channel includes the step of providing the valve activation controller with a first communications portion and the underground valve activator with a second communications portion, the first and second communications portions operable to establish a data link, for example under an RS485 signal transmission protocol, between the first and second communications portions. In one embodiment, the step of providing an underground valve activator includes the steps of providing a unidirectional drive motor and a valve housing with a first inlet and a first outlet and a channel there between, locating a valve element in the housing which is movable between an open position and a closed position, respectively to open or close the channel, and powering the drive motor unidirectionally so that the valve element is movable between the closed and open positions under the action of the motor travelling at least a portion of one rotation. Alternatively, other actuators or motors may be used, such as servo motors and/or other reversing or non reversing motors. In one embodiment, the step of providing an underground valve activator includes the steps of arranging the valve element to be movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from a first position to a second position; and from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the second position to a third position. In one embodiment, the step of providing an underground valve activator includes the steps of arranging the valve element to be movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from the third position to a fourth position; and from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the fourth position to a fifth position. In one embodiment, the step of providing an underground valve activator includes the steps of arranging the valve element to be movable: from a closed position to an open position when the motor axle travels from a North position to a West position; from the open condition and the closed position when the motor axle travels from the West position to a South position; from the closed position to the open position when the motor axle travels from the South position to an East position; and from the open position to the closed position when the motor axle travels from the East position to the North position. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of configuring the activation signal to include a data component representative of a target position for the valve element. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of providing a detector unit for detecting the position of the motor axle in order to determine the current position of the valve element. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of providing a comparator unit for comparing the target position with the current position. In one embodiment, the step of providing a comparator unit includes providing a limit switch to detect the transition of the valve through at least two of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth positions, or at least two of the North, West, South and East positions. In one embodiment, the step of providing a limit switch includes the step of configuring the limit switch to move from a low condition to a high condition when the valve moves from a closed position to an open position, and from a high condition to a low condition when the valve moves from the open position to the closed position. In still another of its aspects, there is provided a kit for controlling a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, the kit comprising valve means configured to be positioned underground either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, valve activation means configured to be located underground and to be responsive to an activation signal, for activating the underground water valve means between a closed condition and an open condition, and valve activation control means configured to be positioned above ground for conveying the activation signal to the underground water valve means. In still another of its aspects, the present invention provides a kit for controlling a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, the kit comprising a valve unit configured to be positioned underground either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, a valve activator unit configured to be located underground and to be responsive to an activation signal for activating the valve unit between a closed condition and an open condition, a valve activation controller configured to be positioned above ground for issuing the activation signal to the underground water valve means and a pair of data channel transceivers for establishing a wired or wireless data channel between the valve activator and the underground means to deliver the activation signal thereto. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a kit for use with a municipal water supply for enabling remote control thereof, the water supply being of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer and a valve unit configured to be positioned underground either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, the kit comprising a valve activator unit configured to be located underground and to be responsive to an activation signal for activating the valve unit between a closed condition and an open condition, a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal to the underground water valve means and data path means for establishing a data path to deliver the activation signal thereto. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of improving the operation of a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer and a valve unit configured to be positioned underground either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, the kit comprising a remote activated valve actuation means for rendering the valve unit responsive to an activation signal for activating the valve unit between a closed condition and an open condition, a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal to the underground water valve means and data path means for establishing a data path to deliver the activation signal thereto. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of controlling a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer; and an underground valve for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising: a step for providing an underground valve activator which is responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground water valve between a closed condition and an open condition, and a step for providing a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal; and providing a data channel between the valve activation controller and the valve activator to deliver the activation signal thereto to the underground water valve means. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of improving the control of a municipal water supply, of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main, an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer and an underground valve for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising the steps of retrofitting the underground to be responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground valve between a closed condition and an open condition, providing a valve activation controller for issuing the activation signal; and providing a data channel between the valve activation controller and the valve activator to deliver the activation signal thereto to the underground water valve means. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a remote controlled municipal water supply control system, comprising an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, underground valve means located either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or there between for controlling the passage of water to the water consumer, underground valve activation means, responsive to an activation signal for activating the underground water valve means between a closed condition and an open condition, remote valve activation control means for issuing the activation signal and data channel means for establishing a wired or wireless data channel between the valve activation control means and the underground valve actuation means to deliver the activation signal thereto. In one embodiment, the remote valve activation control means includes a control pod located at, near or above the ground surface or at a location remote therefrom. In one embodiment, the valve activation control means includes a programmed logic controller, or is embodied in a software program configured to run on a general purpose computer including a desktop or notebook personal computer, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, or a computer mainframe which is operable to work within a network. In one embodiment, the network includes one or more general purpose computers joined in a local area network or via internet. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product encoded in a computer readable fixed or temporary medium or signal including a plurality of computer executable steps for a computer to control an underground valve in a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, wherein the underground valve is responsive to an underground valve actuator to control the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising the computer executable steps: establishing a communication link with the underground valve actuator; storing data representative of at least operative position of the underground valve; and issuing an instruction signal to the underground valve actuator to change the operative position of the underground valve. The readable fixed or temporary medium or signal includes such things as ROM and RAM memory both internal and external to a computer, compact discs other portable media of that sort, as well as signals conveyed to or between computers in internal or external networks and the like. In an embodiment, the computer program product further comprises the computer executable step of querying the underground valve activator for a current operative position. In an embodiment, the computer program product further comprises the computer executable step of receiving data from the underground valve actuator representative of the current operative position. In another further aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product encoded in a computer readable fixed or transient medium or signal including a plurality of computer executable steps for a computer to control an underground valve in a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, wherein the underground valve is responsive to an underground valve actuator to control the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising: executing a step to establish a communication link with the underground valve actuator; executing a step to store data representative of at least operative position of the underground valve; and executing a step to issue an instruction signal to the underground valve actuator to change the operative position of the underground valve. In another further aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable data structure useful to control an underground valve in a municipal water supply of the type having an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer, wherein the underground valve is responsive to an underground valve actuator to control the passage of water to the water consumer, comprising data representative of an operative current position of the underground valve. In another further aspect, the present invention provides a signal propagated on a carrier medium, the signal including data encoding a current operative position of an underground valve in a municipal water supply. In another further aspect, the present invention provides a signal propagated on a carrier medium, the signal including data encoding an instruction to an underground valve actuator to change an operative position of an underground valve in a municipal water supply. Thus, the present invention contemplates, among others, full installations of water supply control systems, such as those in municipal applications, as well as the partial or full retrofitting of an existing water supply control system, where the retrofit task may involve the replacement of a valve, or the reconfiguring of a valve, in both cases to be responsive to an external activation signal, as well computer implemented processes to control them. | 20040722 | 20060926 | 20050331 | 66703.0 | 1 | FRISTOE JR, JOHN K | MUNICIPAL WATER DELIVERY CONTROL SYSTEMS | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,896,811 | ACCEPTED | Anti-cancer compounds | This invention relates to a compound or group of compounds present in an active principle derived from plants of species Euphorbia peplus, Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia drummondii, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. Extracts from these plants have been found to show selective cytotoxicity against several different cancer cell lines. The compounds are useful in effective treatment of cancers, particularly malignant melanomas and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compound is selected from the group consisting of jatrophanes, pepluanes, paralianes and ingenanes, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts or esters thereof, and more particularly jatrophanes of Conformation II. | 1.-32. (Cancelled) 33. A method for inhibiting proliferative activity of neoplastic cells in a subject, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound, said compound being an angeloyl-substituted ingenane, a jatrophane, a pepluane or an active derivative of the group consisting of an angeloyl-substituted ingenane, jatrophane or a pepluane, wherein said active derivative inhibits proliferative activity of neoplastic cells. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of an angeloyl-substituted ingenane with an acylated substitution on or at the C-20 position. 35. The method of claim 33, wherein the compound is 20-O-acetyl-ingenol-3-angelate. 36. The method of claim 33, wherein the compound contains a jatrophane ring conformation. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the jatrophane ring is present in two diastereomeric conformations. 38. The method of claim 36, wherein the jatrophane ring is present in one diastereomeric conformation. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the diastereomeric conformation is a conformation II wherein the 6,17 exocyclic double bond lies parallel to the mean plane of the jatrophane ring skeleton. 40. The method of claim 36, wherein the jatrophane ring conformation contains a nicotinate moiety. 41. The method of claim 36, wherein the jatrophane ring conformation contains a benzoate moiety. 42. The method of claim 36, wherein the jatrophane ring conformation contains an iso-butyrate moiety. 43. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane is esterified. 44. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane is acetylated. 45. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane contains a substituent in the jatrophane ring at the carbon 1 position thereof selected from the group consisting of —H and —OAc. 46. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane contains a substituent in the jatrophane ring at the carbon 2 position thereof selected from the group consisting of —H, —OAc and CH3. 47. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane contains a substituent in the jatrophane ring at the carbon 3 position thereof selected from the group consisting of —OH, —OAc, —OiBu, —OCinn, —OBz, —OBzOCH2CO, and —PhCH2CH2CO2. 48. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane contains a hydrogen in the jatrophane ring at the carbon 4-position thereof. 49. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane contains a substituent in the jatrophane ring at the carbon 5 position thereof selected from the group consisting of —OAc, —OiBu, —OMeBu and —OAcAc. 50. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane contains an exocyclic double bond at the carbon 6 position of the jatrophane ring. 51. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane contains a substituent in the jatrophane ring at the carbon 7 position selected from the group consisting of —H2, —OAc, —OiBu, —OmeBu, —OPr, —OCOiPr and —OCOEt. 52. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane contains a substituent in the jatrophane ring at the carbon 8 position selected from the group consisting of —H2, —OH, —OAc, —OiBu, —OmeBu, —OBz and —OAng. 53. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane contains a substituent in the jatrophane ring at the carbon 9 position thereof selected from the group consisting of —OH, —OAc, —OCinn, —ONic or =0. 54. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane contains a (CH3)2 in the jatrophane ring at the carbon 10 position thereof. 55. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane contains a double bond between carbon 11 and carbon 12 of the jatrophane ring. 56. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane contains a CH3 group at the carbon 13 position of the jatrophane ring. 57. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane contains a substituent in the jatrophane ring at the carbon 14 position threreof selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —OAc and =0. 58. The method of claim 33, wherein the jatrophane contains a substituent in the jatrophane ring at the carbon 15 position thereof selected from the group consisting of —OH and —Oac. 59. The method of claim 33, wherein the compound is a 2,3,5,7,15-pentaacetoxy-9-nicotinoyloxy-14-oxojatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 60. The method of claim 33, wherein the compound is a 2,3,5,7,14-hexaacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-15-hydroxy-jatropha-6(17), 11E-diene (jatrophane 2) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 61. The method of claim 33, wherein the compound is a 2,5,14-triacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxy-7-isobutyroyloxy-9-nicotinoyloxyjatropha-6(17), 11E-diene (jatrophane 3) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 62. The method of claim 33, wherein the compound is a 2,5,9,14-tetraacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxy-7-isobutyroyloxyjatropha-6(17), 11E-diene) (jatrophane 4) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 63. The method of claim 33, wherein the compound is a 2,5,7,14-tetraacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxy-9-nicotinoyloxyjatropha-6(17), 11E-diene (jatrophane 5) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 64. The method of claim 33, wherein the compound is a 2,5,7,9,14-pentaacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxyjatropha-6(17), 11E-diene (jatrophane 6) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 65. The method of claim 33, wherein the pepluane is esterified. 66. The method of claim 33, wherein the pepluane is acetylated. 67. The method of claim 33, wherein the pepluane is substituted in a position in a pepluane skeleton, said substituent being selected from the group consisting of —H2 or an —OAc at a carbon 1 position; —CH3 and —H at a carbon 2 position; —OBz at a carbon 3 position; —H at a carbon 4 position; —OAc at a carbon 5 position; —CH3 or —CH2OAc at a carbon 6 position; —H2 at a carbon 7 position; —OAc or a double bond to C12 at a carbon 8 position; —OAc or a double bond to C18 at a carbon 9 position; —CH3 and —OAc, a —CH3, or a double bond to C11 at a carbon 10 position; —H2 or a double bond to C10 at a carbon 11 position; —H or a double bond to C8 at a carbon 12 position; —CH3 at a carbon 13 position; —OAc at a carbon 14 position; —OH at a carbon 15 position; and —H or —H2 at a carbon 18 position. 68. The method of claim 33, wherein the pepluane is 5,8,9,10,14-pentaacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-15-hydroxypepluane, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt there. 69. The method of claim 33, wherein the paraliane is esterified. 70. The method of claim 33, wherein the paraliane is acetylated. 71. The method of claim 33, wherein the paraliane is a paraline containing a substitution in a position in a paraliane skeleton selected from the group consisting of —H, —H2 or —OAc at a carbon 1 position; —CH3 and —H or —CH3 and —OAc at a carbon 2 position; —OBz at a carbon 3 position; —H at a carbon 4 position; —OAc at a carbon 5 position; —CH3 or —CH2OAc at a carbon 6 position; —H2 at a carbon 7 position; —H or —OAc at a carbon 8 position; an=0 at a carbon 9 position; —(CH3)2 at a carbon 10 position; —H2 at a carbon 11 position; —H at a carbon 12 position; —CH3 at a carbon 13 position; —OAc at a carbon 14 position; and, —OH at a carbon 15 position. 72. The method of claim 33 wherein the neoplastic cells are present in a subject with cancer or a tumor. 73. The method of claim 72 wherein the cancer or tumor is selected from the group consisting of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, merkel cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and solar keratosis. 74. The method of claim 72 wherein the cancer or tumor is selected from the group consisting of a solid tumor, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer. 75. An isolated jatrophane or active derivative thereof having a diastereomeric conformation of Conformation II wherein a 6, 17 exocyclic double bond lies parallel to a mean plane of the jatrophane skeleton, wherein said active derivative inhibits proliferation of neoplastic cells. 76. The jatrophane of claim 75 which is esterified. 77. The jatrophane of claim 75 which is acylated. 78. The jatrophane of claim 75 wherein the jatrophane is 2,3,5,7,15-pentaacetoxy-9-nicotinoyloxy-14-oxojatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 79. The jatrophane of claim 75 wherein the jatrophane is 2,3,5,7,14-hexaacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-15-hydroxy-jatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 2) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 80. The jatrophane of claim 75 wherein the jatrophane is 2,5,14-triacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxy-7-isobutyroyloxy-9-nicotinoyloxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 3) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 81. The jatrophane of claim 75 wherein the jatrophane is 2,5,9,14-tetraacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxy-7-isobutyroyloxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 4) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 82. The jatrophane of claim 75 wherein the jatrophane is 2,5,7,14-tetraacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxy-9-nicotinoyloxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 5) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 83. The jatrophane of claim 75 wherein the jatrophane is 2,5,7,9,14-pentaacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 6) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 84. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the jatrophane of any one of claims 75-83 in association with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents. 85. An isolated pepluane selected from the group consisting of a pepluane and an active derivative of pepluane wherein said active derivative inhibits proliferation of neoplastic cells. 86. The isolated pepluane of claim 85 wherein the pepluane is 5,8,9,10,14-pentaacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-15-hydroxypepluane, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 87. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 85 or 86 in association with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents. | This invention relates to a compound or croup or compounds present in an active principle derived from the family Euphorbiaceae, and in particular in plants of the species Euphorbia peplus, Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia drummondii. Extracts from these plants have been found to show selective cytotoxicity against several different cancer cell lines. Compounds present in the sap of Euphorbia spp. are useful in effective treatment or cancers, particularly malignant melanomas and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There is a strong association between exposure of the skin to the ultraviolet light component of sunlight and the development of skin cancers, such as malignant melanoma and the non-melaroma skin cancers, mainly basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). The incidence of these cancers has been rapidly increasing world wide. In Britain, there were 4000 newly-diagnosed cases of malignant melanoma in 1994, an 80% increase over the past 10 years (Wessex Cancer Trust, 1996). In the United States, approximately 34,100 new cases were expected, an increase of 4% per year. Queensland, Australia, has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world, but early detection and widespread public health campaigns and the promotion of the use of sunscreens and reduction of ultraviolet exposure have helped to reduce the number of deaths. BCCs currently affect one in 1,000 in the U.K. population, and the incidence has more than doubled in the last 20 years (Imperial Cancer Research Fund, U.K., 1997). One million new cases of BCCs and SCCs are expected to be diagnosed in the USA in 1997, compared to 600,000 in 1990 and 400,000 in 1980 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S.A., 1997). In Australia, there is no reason to suspect that a similarly increasing incidence would not also apply, despite extensive publicising of the dancers of solar and (T1! radiation, with the Queensland population being at the greatest risk. Over 90% of all skin cancers occur on areas of the skin that have been regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation, with U.V.B. responsible for burning the skin and associated with malignant melanomas, and U.V.A. associated with premature skin aging and the development of ECCs and SCCs (Wessex Cancer Trust, 1996). Childhood sun exposure has been linked to the development of malignant melanoma in younger adults. Other risk factors include a genetic predisposition (fair complexion, many skin moles), chemical pollution, over-exposure to X-rays, and exposure to some drugs and pesticides. Depletion of the ozone layer of the stratosphere is considered to contribute to long-term increases in skin cancer. Surgical removal is by far the most common treatment for malignant melanomas, BCCs and SCCs. This can take the form of electrodesiccation and curettage, cryosurgery, simple wide excision, micrographic surgery or laser therapy. Other treatments, used when the cancers are detected at a later stage of development, are external radiation therapy, chemotherapy or to a lesser extent bio-immunotherapy or photodynamic therapy. The choice of treatment is dependent on the type and stage of the disease and the age and health of the patient (National Cancer Institute, U.S.A., 1997). All of the present treatments suffer from severe limitations. The major concern is the poor recognition of cancerous cells at the site of excision and the high likelihood of recurrence, necessitating follow-up surgery and treatment, with the risk of further disfigurement and scarring. In one publication, the reported rates for incompletely-excised BCCs was 30-67% (Sussman and Liggins, 1996). Immune suppression associated with surgery may cause any remaining cells to proliferate, and increase the risk of metastases. In melanoma patients there is a high risk that the cancer has already metastasized at the time of initial surgery, and late recurrence leading to death is common. Present alternatives to surgery, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, also carry risks of immune suppression and poor specificity. Immunotherapy and gene therapy hold the greatest promise, but the rational application of these is likely to be still decades away. When the tumour is past the stage amenable to surgery, the most common treatment for melanoma or metastatic skin cancer of all types is chemotherapy, which has been largely unsuccessful (Beljanski and Crochet, 1996) In theory, an ideal drug would be one that when applied topically to an exposed melanoma, BCC or SCC, selectively necrotises the tumour cells or induces them to undergo apoptosis, without causing damage to the surrounding healthy skin cells. In practice, this has yet to be achieved. The drugs currently available are neither selective nor penetrative. The lay public is also enamoured of the concept of topical chemotherapy. There have been many documented “home remedies” for skin cancer, which have had disastrous consequences, eg the use of boot polish (Adele Green, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, pers. Comm.) The major danger is the production of scar tissue, underneath which the tumour cells continue to grow. An extract derived from plants of the genus Solanum (kangaroo apple or devil's apple) and purportedly containing solasodine glycosides has been available in Australia as a non-prescription preparation treatment of sunspots and solar keratoses, under the name “Curaderm”. However the preparation was shown in a small clinical trial against BCCs to be ineffective, with 14/20 patients showing persisting tumour on histological examination of tissue from the treated site. In some cases, histological examination of the site of treatment revealed malignant tissue embedded in scar tissue. The authors warned against self-diagnosis and treatment, particularly with irritant substances (Francis et al, 1989). However, anecdotal reports suggest that plant sap extracts are still being used by the general public for h treatment of sunspots or solar keratoses, with some success being claimed. The sap of plants of the family Euphorbiaceae, particularly the genus Euphorbia, has been used in the folk medicine of many countries. The genus was named after an early Greek physician in deference to its purported medicinal properties (Pearn, 1987). Only recently have some of these claims been investigated scientifically. The genus is enormously diverse, ranging from stall, low-growing herbaceous plants to shrubs and trees. Nearly all reports of activity of these plants and their extracts are anecdotal or derived from traditional medicine, and the nature of the preparations used is frequently either unknown or very poorly described. Activity has been claimed against a huge variety of conditions, ranging from warts, “excrescences”, calluses, “cheloid tumours”, corns, whitlows or felons, “superfluous flesh” and the like, to a variety of cancers (see, for example, Hartwell: Lloydia 1969 32 153). As part of the screening program for anti-cancer activity carried out on 114,000 extracts from 35,000 terrestrial plant species carried out by the United States National Cancer Institute, a number of species of Euphorbia were tested. An aqueous suspension, an olive-oil suspension, an alcohol extract and an acid extract were screened for activity against the transplantable tumour cell line sarcoma 37. Four species were tested. Of these, Euphorbia peplus showed no activity in any of the extracts; Euphorbia drummondii, Euphorbia pilulifera, and Euphorbia resinifera showed weak activity of an acid extract, an alcohol extract, and an olive-oil suspension respectively (Belkin and Fitzgerald, 1953). A review of the scientific and medical literature of the past five vears revealed a diversity of powerful active principles such as di- and tetra-terpenes, flavonoids, sterols and proteins in this genus, and many bioactive effects have been reported, with both positive and adverse effects noted. These reports are summarized in Table 1. In particular the genus Euphorbia is well known to produce tumour promoters such as phorbol esters (Hecker, E.: “Cocarcinogens from Euphorbiaceae and Thymeleaceae” in “Symposium on Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry” (Wagner et al, eds., Springer Verlag 1970 147-165)). TABLE 1 Species Active principle Action Reference Euphorbia aleppica whole plant: prostatic and lung Oksuz, S. et al aleppicatines, diterpene neoplasms (1996) polyesters, cycloartene triterpenes, scopoletin, kaempferol, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid Euphorbia biglandulosa cerebrosides ? Falsone G et al Desf. (1994) Euphorbia bougheii latex skin irritant and tumour Gundidza, M. et promoting effect al (1993) Euphorbia characias latex: lipase homology (43.5%) with B Moulin, A. et chain of ricin al (1994) Euphorbia cooperei NE whole plant: phorbol skin irritant Gundidza, M. et Br ester al (1992) Euphorbia fisheriana alkaline extract treatment of epilepsy Liu Y. et al (1994) Euphorbia hirta whole plant inhibition of bacteria Vijaya, K. et of Shigella spp al (1995) Euphorbia hirta whole plant: flavonoid antidiarrhoeic activity Galvez, J. et al (1993) Euphorbia humifusa whole plant: ? Yoshida, T. et hydrolysable tannins, al (1994) polyphenol glucoside Euphorbia hylonoma root: Chinese herbal medicine Guo, Z. et al 3,3′,4-tri-O-metmethyl- ?? action (1995) ellagic acid, beta- sitosterol Euphorbia kansui whole plant: ingenols stimulation of Matsumoto, T. expression of the et al (1992) macrophage Fc receptor Euphorbia lathyris pelletised plant rodenticide Gassling and material Landis (1990) U.S. Pat. No. 4906472 Euphorbia marginata latex mitogenic lectin Stirpe, F. et al (1993) Euphorbia peplus ? quercetin, Folk remedies for warts, Weedon and Chick hyperoside, kaempferol, corns, asthma, rodent (1976) and sitosterol, alkaloids, ulcer, BCC references cited glycosides therein Euphorbia diterpenes selectively cytotoxic for Fatope, M.O. et al poisonii human kidney carcinoma (1996) cell line A-498 Euphorbia latex inhibition of mollusc Jurberg, P. et al splendens Biomphalaria glabrata (1995) (vectors of schistosomiasis) Euphorbia whole plant reduces EBV-specific Imai, S. (1994) tirucalli cellular immunity in Burkitt's lymphoma The most intensively studied species of this group is Euphorbia pilulifera L (synonyms E. hirta L.; E. capitata Lam.), whose common names include pill-bearing spurge, snake-weed, cat's hair, Queensland asthma weed and flowery-headed spurge. The plant is widely distributed in tropical countries, including India, and in Northern Australia, including Queensland. According to the “Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics” (Leung and Foster, 1996), the whole flowering or fruiting plant is used in herbal remedies, principally for cough preparations, and in traditional medicine for treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, coughs and hayfever. This reference reports the active constituents of Euphorbia pilulifera to be choline and shikimic acid, and that other compounds present include triterpenes, sterols, flavonoids, n-alkanes, phenolic acids, L-inositol, sugars and resins. Of these components, shikimic acid is an essential intermediate in the synthesis of aromatic amino acids, and has been reported to have carcinogenic activity in mice (Evans and Osman, 1974; Stavric and Stoltz, 1976). Jatrophanes, ingenanes, and a tetracyclic diterpene designated pepluane were identified in the sap of Euphorbia peplus by Jakupovic et al (1998a). The jatrophanes were stated to have a different conformation from those of previously-known jatrophanes. Jatrophanes are also stated to belong to a group of non-irritant diterpenes, which could have accounted to their being overlooked in previous studies. There is no disclosure or suggestion at all of any biological activity of the jatrophanes or of the new pepluane compound; nor is it suggested that any of these compounds might be useful for any pharmaceutical purpose. A recent report describes selective cytotoxicity of a number of tigliane diterpene esters from the latex of Euphorbia poisonii, a highly-toxic plant found in Northern Nigeria, which is used as a garden pesticide and reputed to be used in homicides. One of these compounds has a selective cytotoxicity for the human kidney carcinoma cell line A-498 more than 10,000-times greater than that of adriamycin (Fatope et al, 1996). In a series of patent applications, Tamas has claimed use of Euphorbia hirta plants and extracts thereof for a variety of purposes, including tumour therapy (EP 330094), AIDS-related complex and AIDS (HU-208790) and increasing immunity and as an anti fungoid agent for treatment of open wounds (DE-4102054). Thus, while there are isolated reports of anti-cancer activity of various Euphorbia preparations (see Fatope et al, 1996; Oksuz et al, 1996), not only are the compounds present in at least one Euphorbia species reported to be carcinogenic (Evans and Osman, 1974; Stavric and Stolz, 1976; Hecker, 1970; 1977), but at least one species has a skin-irritant and tumour-promoting effect (Gundidza et al, 1993), and another species reduces EBV-specific cellular immunity in Burkitt's lymphoma (Imai, 1994). To our knowledge, there has been no reliable or reproducible report of the use of any extract from Euphorbia species for the treatment of malignant melanoma or SCCs. An anecdotal. report of home treatment of a BCC with the latex of Euphorbia peplus (petty spurge or milk weed) was the publication of Weedon, D. and Chick, J., entitled “Home treatment of basal cell carcinoma” (1976). The authors stated that medicinal properties have been claimed for the milky juice of this plant since the time of Galen, and it was widely used as a home remedy for corns, warts, and asthma. At the turn of the century it was used by some physicians in Sydney for the treatment of rodent ulcers. The author's patient claimed to have treated himself over many years for multiple BCCs. “The patient, a 54 year old male, had been seen sporadically at the Royal Brisbane Hospital since 1971. On one visit he was noted to have a clinical basal cell carcinoma on the anterior part of his chest which was confirmed by biopsy of a tiny specimen taken from one edge Some days later when the biopsy site had healed the patient applied the sap of Euphorbia peplus every day for 5 days. The area became erythematous and then pustular, after which the lesion sloughed off. On his return 6 weeks after treatment, the patient agreed to let us surgically excise the small area of residual scarring. Multiple sections showed dermal scar tissue which contained a few chronic inflammatory cells, but showed no evidence of residual tumour.” The authors stated that “this communication should in no way be taken as a recommendation of the form of therapy”. There are a few reports cautioning on the corrosive nature of the sap, and minor eye damage that has resulted from the home treatment of warts using Euphorbia peplus (Eke, T., 1994). It appears likely that the effect reported by Weedon and Chick resulted from the irritant activity of the Euphorbia peplus sap, and that, as in the case of the Solanum extract “Curaderm” reported by Francis et al (1989), there is a high risk of residual tumour cells surviving in or under the scar tissue that results from such treatment. The inventor has now surprisingly found that sap of plants from three different Euphorbia species, Euphorbia peplus, Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia drummondii, specifically inhibits growth of three different human tumour cell lines, including malignant melanoma. Moreover, at very low concentrations, sap from Euphorbia peplus and Euphorbia hirta induced differentiation of malignant melanoma cells so that they adopted the morphological appearance of normal melanocytes. At similar or even lower concentrations an extract stimulated activation of the metallothionein gene promoter and expression of a reporter gene in MM96L malignant melanoma cells. The results were particularly striking, since the melanoma cell line which was used is refractory to inhibition by all of the conventional chemotherapeutic agents which have been test d against it (Maynard and Parsons, 1986). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the invention provides a compound or compounds present in plants of the genus Euphorbia, and in particular in sap of Euphorbia peplus, Euphorbia hirta and/or Euphorbia drummondii, which: (a) is able to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells, but does not significantly affect normal neonatal fibroblasts, or spontaneously transformed keratinocytes; (b) has activity which is not destroyed by heating at 95% for 15 minutes; (c) has activity which is not destroyed by treatment with acetone; (d) has activity which can be extracted with 95% ethanol; and (e) stimulates metallothionein gene activation. Preferably, the compound(s) is able to inhibit the growth of at least one cell line selected from the group consisting of M96L, MM229, MM220, MM237, MM2058, B16, LIM1215, HeLa, A549, MCF7, MCC16 and Colo16 as herein defined. More preferably, the compound(s) is able to inhibit growth of or to induce differentiation in MM96L cells. Even more preferably the compound is also able to induce normal melanocytes to proliferate. Preferably, the compound is present in sap of E. peplus or E. hirta. It will be clearly understood that while the invention is described in detail with reference to compounds detected in sap or sap extracts, these compounds, when present in or extracted from whole plants or parts thereof, are still within the scope of the invention. In a second aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising an active compound as described above, together with a pharmaceutically-suitable carrier dr diluent. More preferably the compound is selected from the group consisting of jatrophanes, pepluanes, paralianes and ingenanes. Where the compound is a jatrophane, it is preferably of Conformation II as defined by Jakupovic et al (1998a). It will be clearly understood that the substitutions observed in naturally-occurring jatrophane, pepluane and paraliane skeletons are within the scope of the invention. These include the following substitutions and analogues. Compounds of this type have been found in a variety of plants of the genus Euphobia (Jakupovic et al, 1998a, b, c; Marco et al, 1998). TABLE 2 Natural Substitutions Observed for the Jatrophane, Pepluane and Paraliane Skeletons. (Jakupovic et al, 1998a, b, c; Marco et al, 1998) Carbon position Jatrophane Pepluane Paraliane 1 H, OAc H2, OAc H & OAc, H2, 2 OAc & H, CH3 & OAc, CH3 & H CH3 & H CH3 & H, CH3 & OAc 3 OH, OAc, OiBu, OCinn, OBz, OBz OBz OBzOCH2CO, PhCO2CH2CO2 4 H H H 5 OAC, OiBu, Omebu, OAcOAc OAc OAc 6 exocyclic double bond CH3, CH2OAc CH3, CH2OAc 7 H2, OAc, OiBu, OMeBu, OPr, H2, H2, OCOiPr, OCOEt 8 H2, OH, OAc, OiBu, OMebu, OBz, OAc, double H, OAc OAng, bond to C12 9 OH, OAc, OCinn, ONic, ═O OAc, 9-18 ═O double bond 10 (CH3)2 CH3 & OAc, (CH3)2 double bond to 11, CH3 11 double bond to 12 H2, double H2 bond to 10 & OH 12 double bond to 11 H, double H bond to 8 13 CH3 CH3 CH3 14 H & OH, H & OAc, ═O OAc OAc 15 OAc, OH OH OH 18 H, H2. Ac = CH3CO, Me = CH3, Et = CH3CH2, iBu = (CH3)2CHCO, Ph = C6H5, Cinn = PhCHCHCO, OBz = C6H5COO, OMebu = OCH3CH2CH(CH3)CO, ONic = C5H4NCO2, Pr = CH3CH2CH2, iPr = CH(CH3)2, Ang = CH3CHC(CH3)CO Even more preferably, the compound is selected from the group consisting of: 5,8,9,10,14-pentaacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-15-hydroxypepluane (pepluane); 15-pentaacetoxy-9-nicotinoyloxy-14-oxojatropha-6(1),11E-diene (jatrophane 1); 2,5,7,9,14-hexaacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-15-hydroxy-jatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 2); 2,5,4-triacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,5-dihydroxy-7-isobutyroyloxy-9-nicotinoyloxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 3); 2,5,9,14-tetraacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxy-7-isobutyroyloxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene) (jatrophane 4); 2,5,7,14-tetraacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxy-9-nicotinoyloxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 5); 2,5,7,9,14-pentaacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 6); 20-acetyl-ingenol-3-angelate; and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts or esters thereof. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition additionally comprises β-alanine betaine hydrochloride or t-4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyl proline. In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of treatment of a cancer, comprising the step of administering an anti-cancer effective amount of a compound of the invention to a mammal in need of such treatment. Preferably, the cancer is a solid tumour. More preferably, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of malignant melanoma, other skin cancers including Merkel cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer. In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of inhibiting proliferative activity of neoplastic cells, comprising the step of exposing the cells to an anti-proliferative amount of a compound of the invention. The cells may be treated either ex vivo or in vivo. In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of preventing or alleviating damage to skin, caused by ultraviolet irradiation, ionizing radiation, microwave radiation, exposure to ozone, or the like, comprising the step of topically administering an effective amount or a compound of the invention to a subject in need of such treatment. This aspect of the invention may be used in the treatment of solar keratosis, skin damage occurring during radiotherapy, and the like. In a sixth aspect the invention provides a method of stimulating proliferation of non-neoplastic cells comprising the step of exposing the cells to a proliferation-inducing amount of a compound or a composition of the invention. This is useful in inducing regeneration of tissues and, because T-lymphocytes proliferate in response to the compositions of the invention, is useful in promoting the immune response to disease states. The mammal may be a human, or may be a domestic or companion animal. While it is particularly contemplated that the compounds of the invention are suitable for use in medical treatment of humans, it is also applicable to veterinary treatment, including treatment or companion animals such as dogs and cats, and domestic animals such as horses, cattle and sheep, or zoo animals such as felids, canids, bovids, and ungulates. The compounds and compositions of the invention may be administered by any suitable route, and the person skilled in the art will readily be able to determine the most suitable route and dose for the condition to be treated. Dosage will be at the discretion of the attendant physician or veterinarian, and will depend on the nature and state of the condition to be treated, the age and general state of health of the subject to be treated, the route of administration, and any previous treatment which may have been administered. The carrier or diluent, and other excipients, will depend on the route of administration, and again the person skilled in the art will readily be able to determine the most suitable formulation for each particular case. It is contemplated that compounds of the invention may be administered orally, topically, and/or by parenteral injection, including intravenous injection. Methods and pharmaceutical carriers for preparation of pharmaceutical compositions are well known in the art, as set out in textbooks such as Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th Edition, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., USA. For the purposes of this specification it will be clearly understood that the word “comprising” means “including but not limited to”, and that the word “comprises” has a corresponding meaning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 shows the effect of E. peplus sap on metallothionein gene activation, measured by detecting the activity of β-galactosidase using a chromogenic substrate. FIG. 2 shows the proliferation of MCF7 breast cancer cells grown in microtitre wells in the presence of E. peplus sap for 7 days (expressed as a percentage of control values). FIG. 3 shows the absorbance profile at 195 nm, following RP-HPLC sub-fractionation of an ethanol-soluble extract of E. peplus sap. FIG. 4 shows the results of repeated RP-HPLC chromatography of fraction 14 from FIG. 3. FIG. 5 shows the constant diode array spectrum of the peak from FIG. 4. FIG. 6 shows the results of treatment of MM96L melanoma cells with Fraction 15 from Example 7. Cells are stained with antibody TRP-1, directed against the cytoskeleton A,B: 4 days, C,D: 21 days FIG. 7 shows the results of thin layer chromatography of the ether-soluble fraction from Example 6 using chloroform:ethyl acetate (82:18) as the developing solvent. FIG. 8 shows the results of further purification by 2-dimensional TLC on silica gel, using hexane:ethyl acetate (1:1) in the first dimension, and toluene:acetone (9:1) in the second dimension. A: Spots 34-45 were visualised en a UV light box. Activities were scored towards MM96L at a 1 in 500 dilution (+++=no effect, −=complete cell death, d=100% reversion of cells to a dendritic appearance. B: Spots 14-20 were visualised on a UV light box. Activities were scored towards MM96L at a 1 in 500 dilution (+++=no effect, −=complete cell death, d=100% reversion of cells to a dendritic appearance. C: Spots 21-27 were visualised on a UV light box. Activities were scored towards MM96L at a 1 in 500 dilution (+++=no effect, −=complete cell death, d=100% reversion of cells to a dendritic appearance. FIG. 9 shows results of ascending chromatography of crude sap on HPTLC using a toluene:acetone (9:1) solvent system. Opaque bands 1-7 were visualised on a UV light box FIG. 10 shows results of ascending chromatography of fraction 1 from FIG. 9 on HPTLC using a hexane:ethyl acetate (4:1) solvent system. Bands A-G were visualised on a UV light box. (Side strip stained with 0.1% iodine in chloroform revealed Fraction G—inactive against MM96L). FIG. 11 shows results of ascending chromatography of fraction 1 from FIG. 9 on HPTLC using a hexane:ethyl acetate (4:1) solvent system. Band H was visualised on a UV light box. FIG. 12 shows the results of ascending chromatography of diethyl ether soluble fraction prepared from crude sap on preparative thin layer chromatography (PLC, Merck) using hexane:ethyl acetate (4:1) solvent system. Zones H and A-F were visualised on a UV light box, extracted, and used for in vivo studies. FIG. 13 shows the results of treatment of subcutaneous human melanoma MM96L xenografts in nude mice with a partially purified fraction prepared as described in Example 11. Arrows denote the position of topical treatments for a tumour (right-hand side) and for normal skin (top of back). There was no evidence or residual tumour growth or lasting damage to the normal skin 32 days after the treatment regimen began, and 20 days after the first topical application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention will be described in detail by reference only to the following non-limiting examples and to the figures. Example 1 Inhibitory Activity of Euphorbia Sap Against Tumour Cell Lines The ability of sap of three Euphorbia species, Euphorbia peplus, Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia drummondii to inhibit the growth of three different human tumour cell lines was tested. The activity against normal skin fibroblasts was tested as a control: The cell lines were maintained in RPMI medium containing 5% foetal calf serum (FCS), and assays were performed in the same medium. Sap was collected from plants growing randomly on cultivated soil on a farm at Palmwoods, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, South-East Queensland. The plant stem surface was briefly washed with 70% ethanol, and scissors washed in ethanol were used to cut the stem and release the milky latex sap. The sap was collected into 10 ml sterile plastic centrifuge tubes, transported at 4° C. to Brisbane and stored frozen at −20° C. Prior to use, the sac was serially diluted five-fold up to 1 in 3125 into sterile 1.5 ml Eppendorf tubes using sterile MilliQ water. 10 μL aliquots of each dilution were added to each two of microtitre plate wells containing 100 μl of the cell lines. Assays were performed in duplicate. After 5 days, cells were examined blind, for inhibition of growth compared to control untreated cell samples. The results are summarized in Tables 3 to 6, in which the cell lines tested were NFF normal skin fibroblasts MM96L malignant melanoma, brain metastasis HeLa cervical cancer HACat spontaneously-transformed human keratinocytes and the scale is 0 = no effect to 5 = complete cell death The dilution in the table heading refers to the dilution of the sample before addition to the culture. Thus, the dilution in the final culture is approximately 10-fold greater. TABLE 3 NFF Normal Fibroblasts Dilution Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 1/5 1/25 1/125 1/625 1/3125 1/5 1/25 1/125 1/625 1/3125 E. peplus 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 E. hirta 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 E. drummondii 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 No addition 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TABLE 4 MM96L Malignant Melanoma Dilution Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 1/5 1/25 1/125 1/625 1/3125 1/5 1/25 1/125 1/625 1/3125 E. peplus 5 4 4 0 0 5 3 1 0 0 E. hirta 5 4 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 E. drummondii 5 2 1 0 0 5 2 0 0 0 No addition 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TABLE 5 Hela Cells Dilution Sample 1/5 1/25 1/125 1/625 1/3125 E. peplus 5 3.5 3 1 1 E. hirta 5 5 5 5 0 E. drummondii 5 0 0 0 0 No addition 0 0 0 0 0 TABLE 6 HACat keratinocytes Dilution Sample 1/5 1/25 1/125 1/625 1/3125 E. peplus 4 0 0 0 0 E. hirta 5 0 0 0 0 E. drummondii 5 0 0 0 0 No addition 0 0 0 0 0 From these results it can be seen that: a) E. peplus was active against HeLa cells, and to a lesser extent against MM96L cells. b) E. hirta was active against MM96L cells and very strongly active against HeLa cells. c) E. drummondii had a lesser effect against. MM96L than the other two samples, and inhibited HeLa cells only at the highest concentration tested. d) NFF normal fibroblasts were severely affected at the ⅕ dilution, but only mildly affected at the other dilutions. For example, at a dilution of {fraction (1/25)}, there was mild inhibition of NFF cells (rating 2), but severe inhibition of MM96L cells (rating 4). At a dilution of {fraction (1/125)}, no effect was observed against NFF cells-(rating 0), but severe inhibition of MM96L cells (rating 4) was observed for one sample, and milder inhibition (rating 1) with the duplicate sample). HACat cells, which could be considered as representative of normal keratinocvtes, were only inhibited at the highest concentration. At high concentrations of E. peplus Sap, it appeared that there was direct killing of MS196 cells. However, at lower concentrations (down to a dilution of {fraction (1/625)}), although no growth inhibition was observed, the surviving cells were dendritic, and had the appearance or normal melanocytes. Without wishing to be limited to any proposed mechanism, it appears that E. peplus sap may contain at least one agent which promotes differentiation, rather than directly cytotoxic agents which damage DNA. Example 2 Effect of Heat or Acetone Trea Bent on Activity of Euphorbia Sap The experiment described in Example 1 was repeated for E. peplus and E. hirta by a different person, using different cell line preparations, different plant samples and a different rating scale. The samples were either prepared as described in Example 1, or were subjected to treatment with heat or acetone. Undiluted extracts of plant sap were heated at 95° C. for 15 minutes. For the acetone treatment, 40 μl extract was suspended in 400 μl acetone, and the tube shaken on a vortex mixer. Contents were centrifuged at 10,000 g for 3 minutes and the supernatant (acetone-soluble fraction) removed to a separate tube. Both the pellet and supernatant were left in open tubes at room temperature in the fume hood overnight with exhaust fan operating to evaporate the residual acetone. The results are shown in Tables 7 to 9, in which +++ indicates no effect, and − indicates 100% cell death. “C” indicates that the culture was contaminated. Using this rating scale the results were even more striking than in Example 1, with strong inhibitory activity being observed up to a dilution of 1:3125. However, some growth inhibition of NFF cells was seen in this experiment. Neither heat nor acetone affected the anti-tumour activity significantly. With acetone treatment, most activity was found in the pellet, particularly in the case of E. hirta, though some activity was also present in the soluble fraction. This suggests that the compounds responsible are not protein in nature, and that at least one component may be a lipid. TABLE 7 MM96L Dilution Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 1/5 1/25 1/125 1/625 1/3125 1/5 1/25 1/125 1/625 1/3125 E. peplus − − ± ± ± − − ± + + E. hirta − ++ ++ +++ +++ E. hirta heat ± + + +++ +++ acetone soluble ± + + +++ +++ E. peplus acetone soluble ± ++ +++ +++ +++ E. hirta acetone − + + +++ +++ precipitate E. peplus acetone − −/± ++ +++ +++ − − ++ +++ +++ precipitate E. hirta E. peplus heat − + +/++ +/++ +/++ − + ++ ++ ++ TABLE 8 NFF Dilution Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 1/5 1/25 1/125 1/625 1/3125 1/5 1/25 1/125 1/625 1/3125 E. peplus − + c +/++ ++ − c + ++ ++ E. hirta − + + + ++ − + ++ ++ ++ E. hirta heat + + ++ ++ ++ acetone soluble ± ++ ++ ++ ++ E. peplus acetone soluble + ++ ++ ++ ++ E. hirta acetone ± + + ++ ++ precipitate E. peplus acetone − ± + ++ + precipitate E. hirta E. peplus heat − + ++ + ++ TABLE 9 HeLa cells Sample 1/5 1/25 1/125 1/625 1/3125 E. peplus ± + +++ +++ +++ E. hirta − +++ +++ +++ +++ E. hirta heat + ++ +++ +++ +++ acetone +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ soluble E. peplus acetone +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ soluble E. hirta acetone ppte ++ ++ +++ +++ +++ E. peplus acetone ppte ± +++ +++ +++ +++ E. hirta E. peplus − +++ +++ +++ +++ heat Example 3 Further Tests Using E. Peplus Since E. peplus is the most abundant of the three plants tested in these studies, further experiments utilised extracts from this species. This is not to be taken to imply that activity is not present in the other two species. Example 2 was repeated, using MM229 and MM220 human malignant melanoma cells and B16 mouse malignant melanoma cell lines, in addition to NFF and MM96L cells. Assays were performed in duplicate, using addition of an equivalent amount of water as a control, and dilutions of the pellet and supernatant fractions after acetone treatment from {fraction (1/20)} to {fraction (1/12500)}. The results are summarised in Table 10. TABLE 10 H2O DILUTION Sample Control 1/20 1/100 1/500 1/2,500 1/12,500 1/20 1/100 1/500 1/2,500 1/12,500 NFF pellet +++ + +++ +++ +++ +++ +/++ +++ +++ +++ +++ NFF supernatant +++ + +++ +++ +++ +++ + +++ +++ +++ +++ MM96L pellet +++ − + +/++ +++ +++ − ++ +++ +++ +++ MM96L +++ ± ++ ++ ++ ++ − + ++ +++ +++ supernatant Hela pellet +++ − + ++/ +++ +++ − ++ ++ +++ +++ +++ Hela +++ − ± ++ ++ ++ − ± ++ +++ +++ supernatant MM229 pellet ++ − + + ++ ++ − + ± ++ ++ MM229 ++ − + +/++ + ++ ++ + ++ + + supernatant MM220 pellet ++ − ++ ++ ++ − + ++ ++ ++ ++ MM220 ++ − + ++ ++ −− − ++ ++ ++ ++ supernatant B16 pellet ++ − − ++ ++ − − ++ ++ ++ ++ B16 supernatant ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ The results confirm those obtained in Example 2. At a dilution of {fraction (1/100)} to {fraction (1/50)} there was no effect on NFF cells, but significant inhibition of MM96L cells was observed. The melanoma cells surviving at these dilutions had the appearance of normal melanocytes. Inhibition of the other two human melanoma cell lines and of the mouse melanoma cell line was also observed. Similar results were obtained using Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC 16) or squamous cell carcinoma (Colo 6) calls. The results are shown in Table 11. Dendritic cell morphology was displayed by squamous cell carcinoma, even at 1 in 500,000 dilution. This extreme potency of the crude extract was also evident for Merkel cell inhibition, which was also still evident at 1 in 500,000 dilution. TABLE 11 Effect of crude sap from E. peplus on Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC16) and squamous cell carcinoma (Colo16) cell numbers. Cell line Sample 1/50 1/500 1/5,000 1/50,000 1/500,000 Colo16 Solvent +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ (control) crude − ++d* +++d* +++d* +++d* E. peplus sap MCC16 Solvent +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ (control) crude − ±* + + ++ E. peplus sap Scale: +++ = no effect, − = complete cell death *d = 2 indicates change to dendritic morphology of the cells; dendricity not recorded for MCC16 ratings. Example 4 Ethanol Extract of E. peplus A fresh preparation of sap from E. peplus was subjected to extraction with 95% aqueous ethanol. Ethanol was removed from the soluble fraction after extraction by vacuum centrifugation, and the fraction was reconstituted to its original volume in tissue culture medium (RPMI1640) containing 5% foetal calf serum and antibiotics. The pellet remaining after ethanol extraction was dried by vacuum centrifugation and reconstituted to its original volume in tissue culture medium as described above. The crude sap (C), the soluble fraction (S) and the pellet (P) were tested as described above against NFF cells, the melanoma cell lines MM96L, M1537, MM229 and MM2058, and also against the colon cancer cell line LIM4215 and the lung cancer cell line A549. Assays were performed in triplicate, and were assessed after four days culture following addition of the sample. The results are shown in Table 12, in which + indicates normal appearance of cells, ++ indicates a possible increase in cell numbers, and − indicates cell death. TABLE 12 Dilution 1/20 1/100 1/500 1/2,500 Cell line C S P C S P C S P C S P NFF − +/− + + + + + + + + + + MM 96L − +/− +/− +/− +/− +/− +/− +/− +/− +/− + + MM 537 − − + +/− + + + + + + + + MM 229 − +/− + +/− + + + + + + + + MM 2058 − +/− +/− +/− + + + + + + + + Hela − +/− +/− + + + + + + + + LIM 1215 − − + − + + + + + + + ++ A 549 − − +/− +/− − +/− +/− +/− + +/− +/− + The results obtained were consistent with those of the previous experiments. Again at low doses the MM96L cells had a dendritic appearance. All of the tumour cell lines as well as the normal fibroblast cell line NFF were killed by the crude sap and by the soluble fraction obtained by ethanol extraction at a dilution of {fraction (1/20)}. It appeared that the majority of the activity partitioned to the ethanol-soluble fraction. The lung cancer cell line A459 appeared to be particularly susceptible, being affected at a dilution of up to {fraction (1/2500)} by both the crude sap and by the soluble fraction. Example 5 Reporter Assay for Gene Expression in Transfected MM96L Malignant Melanoma Cell Line E. peplus sap in phosphate-buffered saline diluent was added to wells containing MM96L cells or the breast cancer cell line MCF7 transfected with a construct consisting of the sheep metallothionein promoter, upstream of a β-galactosidase reporter gene which had been substituted for the metallothionein gene. The assay thus becomes a measure of gene expression and in particular, of potential transcription, translation and expression of the metallothionein gene. Cells were treated with 4 extract in microtitre plates for 20 hr, 100 μM ZnSO4 was added and the plates incubated for a further 5 hr, and the medium was removed. β-galactosidase activity was then measured by incubation of the cells for 1-2 h at 37° C. with a chromogenic substrate. This assay is used as a sensitive test for transcriptional activation of genes. The results are shown in FIG. 1. This shows that there was a marked stimulation of metallothionein gene activation, as measured by increased β-galactosidase reporter gene expression, which surprisingly became more evident as the sample further was diluted. The mechanism by which E. peplus sap mediates this effect is not understood. Whereas known drugs specific for inhibition of histone deacetylase activity demonstrate increasing expression of the reporer gene with increasing concentration of drug, E. peplus exhibits an inverse dose response. However, the results indicate that this assay can be used to monitor purification of the active agents(s) in E. peplus sap or the plant itself. The metallothionein protein has antioxidant activity, and is implicated in a protective role against heavy metal-induced cancers. Activation of the metallothionein promoter occurred at concentrations of E. peplus sap too low to effect direct cell killing, except for the extremely sensitive breast cancer cell line MCF7 (FIG. 2). The change in appearance of MM96L melanoma cells to the dendritic morphology of normal melanocytes at these dilutions possibly implicates the metallothionein gene in these effects. Example 6 Subfractionation of Ethanol-Soluble Extract The soluble fraction obtained by extraction with 95% ethanol, performed as in Example 4, was subjected to isocratic reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). 100 μl of crude extract was dissolved in 1 ml 95% ethanol and periodically shaken at 4° C. overnight. The extract was centrifuged at 10,000×g for 4 minutes, and the supernatant was removed and dried by vacuum centrifugation. The solids were reconstituted in 100 μl running buffer centrifuged briefly, and the soluble material applied to a Brownlee Aquapore RP-300 column (C8), 220×4 mm, with a 30×4 mm RP-300 guard column. The running buffer was acetonitrile:water 50:50 (v/v), and the flow rate was 0.75 ml/mn. Fractions were collected at 0.5 min intervals, and the absorbance profile at 195 nm was monitored. The absorbance profile is shown in FIG. 3. Fractions were dried by vacuum centrifugation, reconstituted in 500 μl PBS, and assayed against MM96L cells and in the metallothionein reporter assay as described above. Fractions 13 to 28 all induced complete reversion of KM96L cells to a dendritic appearance, but cell death was not observed. The effect was much more striking in the reporter assay, in which activity was still observed at a dilution of {fraction (1/10,000)} (ie. at a final concentration in the culture of {fraction (1/100,000)}) in addition to the foregoing results, the inventor has found that following ultracentrifugation, activity against MM96L cells is found both in the supernatant and in the pellet, and that activity cannot be removed by passing a sample through a molecular weight cut-off membrane. In addition to the cell lines tested above, proliferation of cells of the MCF7 breast cancer cell line was inhibited by E. peplus sap at a final dilution of up to {fraction (1/100,000)}. Cell numbers were assessed using the bicinchoninic acid reagent (Pierce). Results are shown in FIG. 2. Example 7 Solvent Fractionation Further solvent fractionation of the crude latex of E. peplus was effected by a series of solvents of increasing polarity. To 1 ml crude latex was added 20 ml diethyl ether in a centrifuge tube. The tube was shaken and centrifuged at 5000 g for 5 minutes to partition the layers. The diethyl ether upper layer was removed and the procedure repeated twice. The ether fractions were combined, concentrated to dryness on a rotary evaporator and reconstituted in 1 ml DME for bioassay. In a similar manner, the residue was extracted with ethyl acetate, followed by methylene chloride. The initial ether extract obtained the majority of the activity as measured by decrease in cell numbers of MCF7 breast cancer cells and reversion to a dendritic appearance. However, activity was also demonstrated from the fractions derived from the ethyl acetate and methylene chloride layers. No activity was seen in the final water—soluble (aqueous) fraction. The results are summarised in Table 13. TABLE 13 Cell line* Sample 1/50 1/500 1/5,000 1/50,00 1/500,000 NFF crude E. peplus latex − ± + + + diethylether fraction − ± + + + ethyl acetate fraction ± + + + + methylene chloride fraction + ± + + + aqueous fraction + + + + + HT144 crude E. peplus latex − − + + + diethylether fraction − ± + + + ethyl acetate fraction ± + + ++ ++ methylene chloride fraction + + ++ ++ ++ aqueous fraction + ++ ++ ++ ++ MCF7 crude E. peplus latex − − ± ± ± diethylether fraction − − ± ± ± ethyl acetate fraction − ± ± ± ± methylene chloride fraction ± ± ± + + aqueous fraction + + + + + *= NFF: normal fibroblasts, HT144: human melanoma, MCF7: human breast cancer CMV promoter activity was assayed in HeLa cells infected with a replication-deficient adenovirus construct, in which the E1a gene had been replaced by the CMV promoter driving β-galactosidase. The results, shout in Table 14, are expressed as a percentage of the control values of infected, untreated cells. TABLE 14 Dilution Sample 1/50 1/500 1/5,000 crude E. peplus latex 170 175 400 diethylether fraction 240 250 345 ethyl acetate fraction 630 550 360 methylene chloride 746 420 170 fraction aqueous fraction 180 100 100 solvent control* 100 approx100 100 *ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DME) The results obtained are qualitatively similar to those seen with other differentiation-inducing agents, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors or butyrate, albeit with more potent activity than seen with these agents. The lower promoter activity observed with the crude and the diethylether extracts at higher concentrations probably reflects cell killing effects against HeLa cells seen at those concentrations. In a further solvent fractionation experiment, the crude sap was partitioned between methanol:water (17:3) and n-hexane, a solvent partition expected on the basis of previous reports to separate diterpenes (polar phase) from the triterpenes (heptane phase) (Evans and Kinghorn 1977). Unexpectedly, however, activity was detected in both phases, suggesting that the active principles behave anomalously in this system. Another solvent fractionation approach was suggested by the need to clarify samples prior to HPLC analysis. The crude latex was mixed with ethanol to 70-95% and shaken overnight at 4° C. The mixture was centrifuged at 1,000 g for 10 min and the supernatant was removed and concentrated to approx one third the original volume of crude sap. To the concentrate was added 100% acetonitrile to 30-60%. The resulting white precipitate was removed by centrifugation at 12,000 g for 10 minutes. The supernatant was enriched in macrocyclic diterpenes (jatrophanes and pepluane), as determined by TLC and mass spectroscopy. This observation points the way to a suitable large scale process for enrichment of the active principles Example 8 Further Activity-Guided Subfractionation of the Ethanol-Soluble Extract Fractions 14 and 15 from the HPLC subfractionation described in Example 7 and FIG. 3 were further purified by repeated chromatography, selecting the dominant symmetrical peak with constant diode array sectra (eg. fractions 14 and 15; results for fraction 14 are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). Activity of the purified fractions in causing reversion of MM96L to the dendritic appearance was confirmed by cell assay. The features of the change to M96L cells after the addition of Fraction 15 are shown in FIG. 6. Cells were visualised as photomicrographs, using an antibody coupling procedure. The first antibody, a mouse monoclonal directed towards tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1), was detected with a second antibody, sheep anti-mouse—alkaline phosphatase conjugate, using bromo-chloro-indolyl phosphate and nitroblue tetrazolium (BCIP/NST) as developing substrates. After four days of incubation (FIGS. 6A and 6B) there was a marked reduction in the number of melanoma cells and a pronounced change in their morphology. The cells had reverted to a long, spindly (dendritic) appearance, characteristic of normal mature melanocytes. All cells in the field appeared to have adopted this altered morphology, which is surprising given the heterogeneous nature of the M96L cell population. After 21 days of incubation, the treated cells were seen to align somewhat parallel to one another in clusters, as shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D, a characteristic of normal, mature melanocytes. Similar features have been observed with all dendritic cell-inducing fractions from E. peplus, including the crude sap. Electrospray mass spectroscopic analyses for fractions 14 and 15 indicated the presence of 2,5,7,14-tetraacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxy-9-nicotinoyloxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 5, Jakupovic et al, 1998a) with an m/z of 780 (calculated 779.315). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, using 1D NMR, on fraction 14 gave down-field signals between 7 and 9.4 ppm which are consistent with a pyridine-like moiety, as is present in the nicotinoate group at ring position 9. Also, a trans double bond was evidenced by the large coupling constant at 5-6 ppm, in agreement with the 11, 12 internal double bond in the jatrophane ring structure. Also identified in fraction 14 by electrosorav in the negative ion mode was 2,5,7,9,14-pentaacetocy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxy-jatropha-6(17), 11E-diene (jatrophane 6, Jakupovic et al, 1998a), with m/z 716 (calculated 716.304), 673 (M-ketene), 656 (M-AcOH). Fraction 15 contained 2,3,5,7,15-pentaacetoxy-9-nicotinoyloxy-14-oxojatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 1, Jakupovic et al, 1998a) with m/z 597 (M-ketene-ACOH). Thus, by spectroscopic analysis, the early-eluting fractions at 7-7.5 minutes on HPLC with cell killing and dendritic activity contained a mixture of jatrophanes 5, 6, and 1. This result is consistent with the behaviour of HPLC fractions 14 and 15 when chromatographed on HPTLC, using toluene:acetone 9:1 as the developing solvent. UV-positive spots did not move from the origin, Rf 0.0 (approx), in contrast to later-eluting fractions (eg fractions 20-22, Rf 0.3-0.5). This indicates the relatively polar behaviour of jatrophanes 5, 6, and 1, in comparison to jatrophanes 3, 2 and 4, as demonstrated by chromatography on HPTLC, using either toluene:acetone 9:1 or hexane:ethyl acetate 4:1 as developing solvents. These results are similar to those obtained by Jakupovic et al, 1998a, using petrol: methyl-tert-butyl ether (1:1) as the developing solvent, eg: jatrophane 5: Rf 0.04, jatrophane 6: Rf 0.10 (3×), and jatrophane 1: Rf 0.11. There was no evidence in the mass spectroscopic data from the early HPLC fractions of the presence of ingenane derivatives (see later), or other components reported from the literature and presented in Table 1, in E. peplus crude extracts. Example 9 Biological Activity-Guided Purification of Crude and Ether-Soluble Extracts on Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) (a) The ether-soluble fraction, prepared as in Example 7, was reconstituted in ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DME) and chromatographed on 20×20 cm silica gel plates, using chloroform:ethyl acetate (82:18) as the developing solvent (FIG. 7). The plate was viewed on a (TV light box and the TV positive bands were identified, excised from the gel, eluted with DME, and tested for inhibitory activity and morphology reversal against MM96L melanoma cell line. By slicing the whole gel into UV and non-UV absorbing fractions, it was demonstrated in preliminary experiments that activity was associated with the UV-absorbing bands. Staining the side strips of the gel with 0.1% iodine in chloroform revealed other iodine strongly positive bands. However, these were found to possess negligible activity. UV-absorbing bands at Rf 0.0 (A), Rf 0.16-0.18 (B1), Rf 0.22-0.24 (B2), Rf 0.73-0.80 (C), Rf 0.80-0.96 (D) were biologically active, with observable decrease in cell numbers and complete reversion to dendritic cell appearance at {fraction (1/5,000)} dilution. Zones B1, C and D were further purified by chromatography on silica gel 60 plates, using a two-dimensional solvent system with hexane:ethyl acetate (1:1) in the first dimension and toluene:acetone (9:1) in the second dimension (FIGS. 8A to 8C respectively). UV-absorbing spots with inhibitory activity towards MM96L of greater than 30% of cell numbers and with complete reversion to dendritic cell appearance at {fraction (1/500)} dilution are indicated on the figures. The strongly UV-absorbing spots 22 and 23 derived from zone D (see FIG. 8C) were excised from the gel, eluted with DME and dried by vacuum centrifugation. Mass spectroscopic analysis of fractions 22 and 23 revealed the presence of 5,8,9,10,14-pentaacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-15-hydroxypepluane, m/z 639.5 [M-AcOH]−, ie pepluane. (b) Whole crude sap was chromatographed on 10×10 cm HPTLC silica gel 60 plates with concentrating zones (Merck Cat No. 013748.1000), using toluene:acetone (9:1) as the developing solvent, as shown in FIG. 9. The UV-positive zones (1, Rf 0.14; 2, Rf 0.23; 3, Rf 0.49; 4, Rf 0.54; 5, Rf 0.57; 6, Rf 0.63; and 7, Rf 0.73) were excised from the gel and eluted with DME/diethyl ether. The fractions were tested against MM96L as described above, and fractions 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were demonstrated to possess cell inhibitory activity and cell reversion activity. These fractions were separately chromatographed on HPTLC plates using hexane:ethyl acetate (4:1) as the developing solvent, yielding UV positive bands A, Rf 0.17; B, Rf 0.24; C, Rf 0.42; D, Rf 0.48; E, Rf 0.52; F, Rt 0.58; G, Rf 0.62 (FIG. 10) and H, R 0.02 (FIG. 11). All fractions except G (iodine positive, see FIG. 10) were active against MM96L cells, in terms of cell growth inhibition and reversion to complete dendritic morphology, at 1 in 5000 dilution. Mass spectroscopic analyses of fractions A-F (B missing) and H are shown in Table 15, with a tentative assignment of compounds from the known molecular mass ions of the published constituents of E. peplus: TABLE 15 Mass spectroscopic analysis of HPTLC Fractions Fraction m/z, Relative Abundance (%) and tentative assignment A 495.2357 (100) [C27H36O7Na+ (ingenol acetate)], 433.3799 (51), 579.2916 (39) [pepluane − 2AcOH]+, 679.2754 (16), 691.4046 (16) B N.D. C 579.2846 (100) [pepluane − 2AcOH]+, 691.4073 (50), 747.47 (8) [jatrophane 3 − AcOH]+, 803.53 (11) D 579.2827 (100) [pepluane − 2AcOH]+, 691.4025 (23), 715.3686 (38) [jatrophane 2 − ketene]+ E 437.2254 (100), 619.5287 (18), [jatrophane 4, 638 − ketene + Na+], 647.5615 (18) [jatrophane 4 − 2AcOH + Na+] F 591.4996 (55), 619.5299 (100) [jatrophane 4, 638 − ketene + Na+], 647.5635 (77) [jatrophane 4 − 2AcOH + Na+], 691.4183 (49) H 830.3216 (100) [jatrophane 3 + Na+] peplune=5,8,9,10,14-pentaacetoxy-3-benzoylocy-15-hydoxypepluane jatrophane 2=2,5,7,9,14-hexaacetocy-3-benzoyloxy-15-hydroxy-jatropha-6 (17),11E-diene jatrophane 3=2,5,14-triacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15dihydroxy-7-isobutyroyloxy-9-nicotinoyloxyjaltropha-6(17),11E-diene jatrophane 4=2,5,9,14-tetraacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxy-7-isobutyroyloxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene) Thus, mass spectroscopy revealed a mixture of 20-acetyl-ingenol-3-angelpte (fraction A), pepluane (fractions and jatrophanes 2 (fraction D) 3 (fractions C&H), and 4 (fractions E & F). 1H chemical shift data for are shown in Table 16. TABLE 16 1H Chemical Shift* Data for Fraction H H ppm Multiplicity Indicative Jatrophane Ring Backbone Signals 1α 2.816 brd 1β 2.056 d 3 5.918 d 4 3.731 brd 5 5.730 brd 7 5.390 d 8(OH) 2.948 d 9 4.971 s 11 6.145 d 12 5.640 dd 13 2.840 cm 14 5.110 s 15(OH) 3.645 s 16 1.489 s 17 4.438 d 17′ 4.788 d 18 1.052 s 19 1.152 s 20 1.353 d Ester Substituent Signals Onic 9.290 brd 8.340 ddd 8.805 brdd 7.390 brd Onic 9.079 brd 8.202 ddd 8.767 brdd 7.327 brd OBz 8.040 AA′ 7.403 BB′ 7.541 C OiBu 1.972 qq 0.912 d 0.449 d 0.450 d *Chemical shifts are measured at 295 K relative to chloroform at 7.24 ppm. These assignments indicated the presence of a jatrophane ring structure as determined from DQF-COSY, NOESY and TOCSY two-dimensional spectra. The spectrum or Fraction H was consistent with the presence of Jatrophane 3 in two diastereomeric conformations (considered most likely), a mixture of two or more similarly substituted jatrophanes, or a new jatrophane with two nicotinate, one benzoate, and an iso-butyrate moiety. The likely ring confirmation was II, as per Jakupovic et al (1998a), with a J4,5 of approximately 6 Hz and strong NOE's between 5 and 8, and 4 and 7; with J7,8 and J8,9 practically zero—as evidenced by total lack of cross peaks in the DQF COSY spectrum. There were no signals consistent with the presence of any ingenol structure. The sample was retrieved from the magnet, and an aliquot demonstrated potent activity against MM96L, evidenced by complete cell death at 20 μg/ml, and complete reversion to a dendritic appearance at less than 20 pg/ml. Example 10 NMR Analysis Fraction A was further purified by chromatography on HPTLC using hexane:ethyl acetate (4:1) as the developing solvent. As an adjunct to absorbance on a UV light box, a side strip was stained by spraying the gel with 70% phosphoric acid in methanol, and development by heating the gel with a hair drier revealed an intense blue band under UV light, separable from the major UV absorbing band. The unstained region equivalent to this band was excised, eluted with ether and dried by vacuum centrifugation. Approx. 1 mg of this material was accumulated from 4 ml latex. The material was subjected to NMR analysis, and subsequently bioassayed and demonstrated to be active in terms of reversion to complete dendritic morphology at 1 in 5×106 dilution, representing a 1 ng/ml final concentration. This material was identified by NMR as C27H36O7, 20-acetyl-ingenol-3-angelate as shown in Table 17. This finding is consistent with the mass spectroscopic evidence presented in Table 15. TABLE 17 NMR data obtained on bioactive fraction A2 to support 20-acetyl-ingenol-3-angelate chemical structure: 1H NMR 13C NMR H ppm/multiplicity # C Hz [PPM] 1 6.106 1 9 25933.898 206.2210 3 5.396 s 2 26 21513.854 171.0737 5 3.875 d 3 21 21165.912 168.3070 7 6.024 d 4 23 17626.074 140.1589 8 4.076 5 2 17086.838 135.8710 11 2.4783 m 6 6 17082.062 135.8330 12 2.222 ddd 7 1 16614.730 132.1169 12′ 1.743 ddd 8 7 16301.014 129.6223 13 0.681 m 9 22 15976.620 127.0428 14 0.936 m 10 4 10668.691 84.8352 16 1.033 s 11 3 10395.504 82.6629 17 1.062 s 12 5 9411.686 74.8398 18 0.952 d 13 10 9059.148 72.0365 19 1.785 brs 14 20 8404.062 66.8274 20 4.745 d 15 8 5481.686 43.5892 20′ 4.467 d 16 11 4841.115 38.4955 23 6.153 qq 17 12 3911.906 31.1067 24 1.906 brs 18 ? 3735.577 29.7045 25 1.996 brdd 19 16 3585.756 28.5132 27 2.042 20 15 3018.427 24.0019 40H 3.4308 21 13 2924.308 23.2535 50H 3.514 d 22 14 2892.863 23.0035 23 27 2655.734 31.1179 24 24 2612.189 20.7716 25 18 2171.913 17.2706 26 25 2007.760 15.9653 27 19 1698.690 15.6546 28 17 1951.372 15.5169 However, the absence of 20-acetyl-ingenol-3-angelate from the mass soectra of the activity-guided purifications by HPLC, and in other TLC fractions apart from fraction A, indicates that this is not the only active fraction. Rather, jatrophanes 1-6 and pepluane are also implicated by deduction from the NMR and mass spectroscopic data. This is particularly true of fractions H as prepared by TLC (jatrophane 3 Na+ m/z 830; see also 1D NMR results in Table 16) and fractions 13 and 14 as prepared by HPLC (jatrophane 5, m/z 779 and 1D DLR; jatrophane 6, m/z 716; jatrophane 1 or jatrophane 6 derivative, m/z 597. Jakupovic et al (1998a) have proposed that the paraliane class of compounds are intermediates in the pathway between jatrophanes and pepluane. Since anti-cancer cell activity and dendritic cell reversal by both jatrophanes and pepluane have been demonstrated in this invention, it seems reasonable to conclude that the paralianes will also exhibit these properties. Example 11 Preparation of Material for the Mouse Experiments by Preparative Thin Layer Chromatography 15 ml crude sap in 70% ethanol was extracted with diethyl ether as described in Example 6. The extract was concentrated by vacuum centrifugation and resuspended in approx 5 ml DME. The DME extract was chromatographed on preparative TLC plates (Merck PLC, Silica gel 60, Cat no. 005745.1000) using hexane:ethyl acetate (4:1) as the developing solvent. Zones corresponding to regions “H” and “A-F” as shown in FIG. 12 were excised and combined, eluted with ether/DME, and dried by vacuum centrifugation. The extract was enriched in jatrophanes 2, 3 and 4, pepluane, and the ingenane acetate. The pellet was suspended in 95% ethanol and centrifuged at 10,000 g for 10 minutes. The supernatant (6.0 ml, 10 mg/ml) was distributed into 0.2 ml aliquots and stored at −20° C. This extract was assayed against MM96L melanoma cell line, and showed high potency, with dendritic cell morphology still evident at 1 in 5×106 dilution; this replicated the potency of the crude sap. The extract so prepared was enriched in jatrophanes 2, 3 and 4, pepluane, and the ingenane acetate. Just prior to injection, 20 μl was diluted to 1 ml with RPMI 1640 tissue culture medium containing 5% foetal calf serum for injection of 0.1-0.2 ml. The ethanol solution (10 mg/ml) was absorbed on a cotton bud (0.2-0.4 ml) and used for topical application in mice. Example 12 Inhibition of Growth of Subcutaneous Implants of Tumour Cells (a) Five 4 week old nude mice were injected s.c. at 4 different sites with 0.1 ml of tissue culture medium containing 2×106 MM96L human melanoma cells. The three treated mice were injected on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 with 0.1 ml RPMI medium containing 5% foetal calf serum and 20 μg ethanol extract. In addition, the treated mice received up to four topical applications of approx 5-10 μl of 10 mg/ml ethanol extract or crude undiluted sap. Two separate sites on each treated mouse received topical treatment with either ethanol extract or crude sap. One mouse received topical treatment on days 12, 13 and 14, and the other two treated mice received topical treatment on days 15, 19, 20 and 22. Tumour volume was measured on day 32. Prior to the topical applications, injection of extract had no apparent effect on tumour volume. Following topical application of ethanol extract there was an overnight change in tumour appearance. The tumours became greyish-black in colour, then developed a hard, lumpy black appearance followed by scab formation. Tumours treated with crude sap showed similar changes a day later. With time, the overall effects of ethanol extract and crude sap were similar, so measurements for the topically treated lesions have been combined. On the mice given injection plus topical treatment, tumour volume was reduced by 76% (p<0.2). One tumour which had been treated with the ethanol extract had completely disappeared, as shown in FIG. 13, and eight others were reduced to flat black scabs. The other three treated tumours initially showed similar colour changes and tumour regression, but had regrown following cessation of topical treatment 10 days before the measurements were taken. (b) Six 4 week old C57 Black (C57B1) mice were injected with 0.1 ml of tissue culture medium containing 105 B16 melanoma cancer cells at two sites on the underbelly. The tumours were allowed to develop for 4 days, and then were subjected to a regimen of three injections (20 μg ethanol extract in 0.1 ml RPMI medium containing 5% foetal calf serum (days 1, 2 and 4) and 1 topical treatment (5-10 μl of 10 mg/ml ethanol extract on day 4). 8 days after the first injection the areas of the tumours were measured using a ruler. Treatment reduced the size of the B16 melanoma tumours by 64% (p<0.05) on the three treated mice by comparison with the size of tumours on the three control mice. The results are summarised in Table 18. TABLE 18 Inhibition of Tumour Growth In Vivo by E. peplus Extracts Treatment No of Tumour size* Model regimen tumours control treated % inhibition MM96L human melanoma (a) 12 89.8 ± 37 21.5 ± 3.6 76 cell line, on nude (p < 0.20) mice B16 mouse melanoma (b) 6 58.5 ± 9.5 21.2 ± 10.6 64 on C57B1 Black mice (p < 0.05) *(a) volume, mm3, (b) area, mm2,. Example 13 Chances in Gene Expression Induced in a Human Melanoma Cell Line (MM96L) by Purified Extract Human melanoma cells of the MM96L cell line, cultured in 150 cm2 plates in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% foetal calf serum, were incubated with purified extract for 4 hr at 37° C. in 5% CO2/air. Cells were washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), scraped in PBS, pelleted, resuspended in 1 ml PBS, pelleted and taken up in 300 μl NP-40 lysis buffer, left on ice for 15 min, pelleted and the supernatant treated with proteinase K and SDS at 370C for 15 min, extracted with phenol chloroform and the total RNA precipitated by ammonium acetate/ethanol at −20° C. overnight. The Promega mRNA isolation kit was used to isolate mRNA, which was then reverse transcribed in the presence of 33P-labelled dCTP to generate cDNA. The latter was hybridised on a Genome Systems human Gene Discovery Array 1.2 (GDA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The array was quantitated with a Molecular Dynamics PhosphorImager, and analysed with ImageQant and Excel software. The ratio of duplicate spot volumes from treated and untreated cells was calculated, and used to define the level of gene activation (ratio >1) or inhibition (<1). Backgrounds were typically 500-1000 counts, but were not subtracted; thus the stated ratios will tend to be underestimates of the actual changes. The array contained cDNA spots from over 18,000 unique sequences, so-called expressed sequence tags (ESTs), of which approximately 3000 were from identifiable expressed genes of human cells. Many EST sequences in the human melanoma cells tested were either up- or down-regulated by the extract treatment. Only changes based on duplicates which had standard deviations <30% of the ratio were considered to be biologically significant at this stage. It should also be noted that a relatively short treatment time of 4 hr was used in order to identify the earliest and most critical targets for the agent. It is likely that further, major changes in gene expression, dependent upon the primary response, will occur after this time. Results from the changes in level of the transcripts of some relevant known genes, considered to be beneficial either directly or indirectly for the control of cancer cells, are summarized in Table 19. The changes in cell morphology observed in the Examples can be expected to result from the major down-regulation of a number of proteins that bind to actin, a major cytoskeletal protein. An increase in the retinol binding protein may also be involved here, as well as in induction of the differentiated phenotype through increasing the intracellular level of retinoids. Repair of current and future DNA damage induced by solar UV irradiation may be enhanced by the observed induction of XP repair proteins. In addition, the decrease in GADD45 and ionising radiation-resistance protein (DAP3) may be useful in sensitising tumour tissue to radiotherapy. The latter change is also notable because it is strongly upregulated in MM96L cells by UVB, the cause of skin cancer and melanoma. A number of molecules relevant to enhancing the immune response were induced, particularly G-CSF. Some of these, such as proteins of the major histocompatability complex (MHC), are considered to be useful attributes for immunotherapy, enhancing killer T-cell activity. The changes most significant for control of cell growth relate to the detected alterations of the G-protein and PKC pathways, and enhancement of proteosome activity. Intracellular signalling is critical for many cell processes, including proliferation and alterations in the normal equilibrium of pathways and pathway interactions, such as those mediated by Ras signalling are likely to have adverse consequences for the cell. The level of induction of the proteosome component LiMP7-E1 was among the highest found for any gene in the experiment, and would be expected to greatly alter the processing of many proteins via the ubiquitin pathway. On the basis of the gene expression array data, the compounds of this invention are expected to have activity: 1. In modulating gene expression in the G-protein, PKC and Ras signalling pathways, in a manner that leads to anticancer activity in vivo. 2. In ameliorating damage from solar UV and like agents, by enhancing DNA repair and the immune response, either in the target or effector cells. 3. As an adjuvant to radiotherapy or to therapy with other DNA-damaging agents, on the basis of down-regulation of protective proteins (GADD45 and DAP3). TABLE 19 Regulation Function Gene EGAD no. by Extract Reference Immune response Sialyltransferase MHC class 1 HT4978 2.16 Li et al, 1998 proteins G-CSF receptor HT3059 2.64 HT2680 1.39 HT4313 11.68 Cell growth 80H-K HT1772 2.11 Kanai et al, regulation Fibroblast growth factor 9 1997 HT2447 0.59 Differentiation Cellular retinol binding HT2520 2.69 Perozzi et al, protein 1 1998 G-protein Beta polypeptide 3 HT484 2.27 pathways G-binding protein HT3752 0.35 Small G protein TTF HT5016 0.47 PKC pathways Phospholipase D HT2473 4.04 Bosch et al, PKC zeta HT21136 0.67 1998 Tumor Wilm's tumor-related protein HT3751 1.99 suppressor genes DNA damage and XP group C p58 HT4209 2.36 repair proteins Hsp 27/28 HT2997 2.36 XP group C HHR2 HT4247 2.09 GADD45 HT3135 0.63 Ionising radiation resistance HT5168 0.46 protein (DAP3) Proteolysis LAMP7-E1 HT3850 26.91 Mimnaugh et al, 1997 Cell morphology Profilin II HT928 0.62 Djafarzadeh, Cofilin HT1657 0.56 1997 Cyclophilin B HT1953 0.36 Tubulin alpha k1 HT1813 0.61 Oncogenes TAX HT3360 0.32 Pise-Masison et al, 1998 Example 14 Treatment of a Solar Keratosis in a Human Volunteer Ethics committee approval was obtained from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research for a clinician supervised trial of use of crude sap of E. peplus for treatment of a facial solar keratosis in a human subject. Crude extract obtained from Australian-grown plants and stored in 50% glycerol for 2 weeks at −20° C. was applied with a cotton bud applicator to the surface of a clinically diagnosed solar keratosis, approximately 5 mm in diameter, on the left temple of the face of a male human volunteer. Approximately 50 μl was delivered to the surface. One day later, a second application was made to the same site. After the first application no reaction was noted for 4-5 h, whereafter an inflammation reaction occurred at the site and extended to an area of 80-100 mm in diameter. One day later, there was localised swelling, and blister formation at the site of application and on localised patches distal to the area of application, as if new premalignant sites were also targeted. After four days following the first treatment, the swelling subsided and scab formation was evident at the affected sites. After fourteen days, the scabs had sloughed off, leaving new skin underneath. After six weeks, the treated areas still had a pinkish tinge, but there was no sign of the original solar keratosis. As a control, a 1 cm2 patch of normal skin on the forearm of the same volunteer was similarly treated. There was localised mild inflammation, which disappeared 7-10 days after treatment. The strong inflammatory reaction associated with treatment of the solar keratosis could reflect recruitment and proliferation of killer-T cells, as suggested by the results for immune response obtained from the gene array screen in Example 13, and the observation of in vitro proliferation of T-cells by E. peplus crude sap in Example 15 below. Enhancement of killer-T cell activity is considered to be a key step in destruction of cancer cells by the immune system and may help to explain the recognition and attack of premalignant lesions distal to the site of original treatment. Example 15 Effect of Crude Sap and Purified Fractions “A” and “H” from TLC on Normal Melanocyte Cell Numbers 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is essential for the culture of normal melanocytes in vitro, since these cells grow very poorly without TPA. In a preliminary experiment, E. peplus fractions were added to medium without added TPA from the start of the experiment. E. peplus fractions were added to fresh medium, and the cell numbers scored compared to fresh media without E. peplus fractions or TPA. Under this regimen, higher numbers of melanocytes were obtained than with the “control” cells grown in TPA-deficient medium. Interestingly, the cells in the medium with E. peplus fractions looked healthier than those cells grown in so-called “standard” medium with TPA. Thus E. peplus-derived compounds may provide a superior alternative to the use of TPA as a tool in cell culture. In a second experiment, normal melanocytes were plated at 5000 cells per well, in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% foetal calf serum, cholera toxin, antibiotics, and TPA. After 24 hours, the medium was removed from the cells by suction, and replaced with fresh medium without added TPA, but with the additions as specified. Cells were scored after a further 10 days of incubation. The results are shown in Table 20. It is evident that even at a 1 in 5,000,000 dilution a cell proliferation effect was noted with crude and purified fractions, in contrast to cell inhibitory effects observed at these concentrations against cancer cell lines as shown in earlier examples. In a separate test, in vitro proliferation of T cells was also obtained following treatment of T cells with crude E. peplus sap. TABLE 20 Sample 1/50 1/500 1/5,000 1/50,000 1/500,000 1/5,000,000 Solvent (control) + + + + + + crude E. peplus sap − + + ++ ++ ++ Fraction “A”, + ++ ++ ++ ++ + (enriched in ingenol acetate) Fraction “H”, ± ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ (enriched in jatrophane 3) Scale: + = normal growth, ++ = approx 50% higher than normal growth Since both normal melanocytes and T-cells were induced to proliferate by fractions from E. peplus sap, this agent may have wide application as a cell proliferation agent for normal cells, either in vivo or in vitro, in any medical condition where regeneration of normal cells would be advantageous, including but not limited to a) multiplication of skin cells (keratinocytes) for rapid wound healing in trauma cases and after surgery, and in recovery from burns. b) multiplication of pancreatic islet cells for implantation c) multiplication of T-cells and other cells of the immune system. It is interesting to note that the expansion of action past the point of application in the human volunteer trial on treatment of solar keratosis may be explained by a recruitment of natural killer-T cells to the region of application. d) regeneration of aged or necrotic tissue from liver, kidney, colon, lung and eye. e) multiplication of host tissue as an alternative to organ transplantation Example 16 Effect of Betaines on Malignant Melanoma MM96L Cell Numbers Betaines of different types were solubilised in sterile MilliQ™ water to a final concentration of 1 mg/ml, and diluted into 0.1 ml tissue culture medium containing 5000 MM96L cells as described previously. Cells were scored after 4 days incubation. The results are shown in Table 21. Whereas most betaines tested had no effect on cell numbers, β-alanine betaine hydrochloride (homobetaine) depressed cell numbers at a final concentration of 20 μg/ml, and the cells had a dendritic appearance. t-4 hydroxy N,N-dimethyl proline also inhibited cell numbers at a final concentration of 20 μg/ml; however, the cell morphology changed to that of polydendritic forms, the significance of which is unknown. It is envisaged that β-alanine betaine hydrochloride (homobetaine) may be a suitable formulation agent for E. peplus crude sap or its purified active principles, including ingenol, pepluane, and jatrophanes 1-6, either separately or in combination. This could be used for topical application against premalignant skin lesions at low dilutions of E. peplus principle(s), or formulated as an anticancer-drug with higher concentrations of E. peplus principle(s). It has been suggested that betaines per se are useful as anti-cancer agents; see for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,667 by Wiersema et al. Because of their surfactant properties, betaines are widely used as formulation ingredients in cosmetics. Due to their zwitterion properties, betaines could also assist transport of other ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin. A betaine to be used in a skin cosmetic preparation along with very dilute extracts of E. peplus sap or purified fractions derived therefrom, such as jatroohanes, pepluane, paraliane, or ingenane, separately or in combination, should desirably have complementary properties of all the betaines tested, including glycine betaine, only β-alanine betaine hydrochloride (homobetaine) had a phenotype reversal effect, albeit modest, as compared to E. peplus sap and fractions. TABLE 21 Sample 1/50 1/500 1/5,000 glycine betaine +++ +++ +++ N-methyl proline, free base +++ +++ +++ t-4-hydroxy N-methyl proline, free +++ +++ +++ base stachydrine (proline betaine), +++ +++ +++ free base t-3-hydroxy N-methyl proline, free +++ +++ +++ base β-alanine betaine hydrochloride ++d +++ +++ (homobetaine) t-4 hydroxy N,N-dimethyl proline; +pd +++ +++ free base d = dendritic morphology pd = polydendritic morphology Scale: +++ = no effect, − = complete cell death It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that while the invention has been described in some detail for the purposes of clarity and understanding, various modifications and alterations to the embodiments and methods described herein may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concept disclosed in this specification. References cited herein are listed on the following pages, and are incorporated herein by this reference. REFERENCES Beljanski M and Crochet, S. Int. J. Oncol., 1996 8 1143-1148 Belkin, M. and Fitzgerald, D. B. J. Natl. Cancer Inst., 1952 13 139. Bosch, R. R., Patel, A. M., Van Emst-de Vries, S. E., Smeets, R. L., De Pont, J. J., Willems, P. H., Pont, J. J. Eur J Pharmacol 1998 346 345-351 Djafarzadeh, S. Exp Cell Res. 1997 Nov. 1; 236(2) 1997, 236 427-435 Eke, T. Eye, 1994 8 694-696 Evans, F. J. and Kinghorn, A. D. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 1977 74 23-35 Evans, I. A. and Osman, M. A. Nature, 1974 250 348 Falsone G et al, Farmaco., 1994 49 167-174 Fatope, M. O. ee al J. Med. Chem., 1996 39 1005-1008 Francis, D. B., Hart, L. V., Wilson, P. R. and Beardmore, G. L. Med J. Aust., 1989 6 541-542 Galvez, J. et al Planta Med., 1993 59 333-336 Gundidza, M. et al Cent. Afr. J. Med., 1992 38 444-447 Guo, Z. ec 21 Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih, 1995 20 744-745 Hartwell, J. L. Lloydia 1969 32 153 Hecker, “Cocarcinogens from Euphorbiaceae and Thymeleaceae’ in “Symposium on Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry”, 147-169 (Wagner et al, eds., Springer Verlag 1970). Imai, S. Anticancer Research, 1994 14 933-936 Jakupovic, J., Morgenstern, T., Bitner, M.; and Silva, M. Phytochemistry, 1998a 47 1601-1609 Jakupovic, J., Jeske, F., Morgenstern, T., Tsichritzis, F., Marco, J. A. and Berendsohn, W. Phytochemistry, 1998b 47 1583-1600 Jakupovic, J., Morgenstern, T., Marco, J. A. and Berendsohn, W. Phytochemistry, 1998c 47 1611-1619 Jurberg, P. et al Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz, 1995 90 191-194 Kanai, M., Goke, M., Tsunekawa, S. and Podolsky, D. K. J Biol Chem 1997 272 6621-6628 Leung, A. Y. and Foster, A. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used Food, Drugs and Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2nd edition, 1996 Li, M., Vemulapalli, R., Ullah, A., Izu, L., Duffey, M. E. and Lance, P. Am. J. Physiol., 1998 274 G599-G606 Liu. Y et al Chung Kuo Chung His Chieh Ho Tsa Chih, 1994 14 282-284 Marco, J. A., Sanz-Cervera, J. F., Yuste, A., Jakuoovic, J. and Jeske, F. Phytochemistry, 1998 47 1621-1630 Matsumoto, T. et al Planta Med., 1992 58 255-258 Maynard, K. and Parsons, P. G. Cancer Res, 1986 46 5009-5013 Mimnaugh, E. G., Chen, H. Y., Davie, J. R., Celis, J. E. and Neckers, L. Biochemistry 1997 36 14418-14429 Moulin, A. eC al Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1994 91 11328-11332 Oksuz, S. et al Phytochemistry, 1996 42 473-478 Pearn, J. Med. J. Aust., 1987 147 568-572 Perozzi, G., Barila, D., Plateroti, M., Sambuy, Y., Nobili, F. and Gaetani, S. Z. Ernahrungswiss, 1998 37 29-34 Pise-Masison, C. A., Radonovich, M., Sakaguchi, K., Appella, E. and Brady, J. N. J. Virol., 1998 72 6348-6355 Stavric, B. and Stoltz, D. R. Food Cosmet. Toxicol., 1976 14 141 Stirpe, F. et al Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1993 1158 33-39 Sussman, L. A. E. and Liggins, D. F. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery, 1996 66 276-278 Vijaya, K. et al J. Ethnophanmacol., 1995 49 115-118 Weedon, D. and Chick, J. Med. J. Aust., 1976 928 1-24 Yoshida, T. et al Chem. Pharm. Bull. (Tokyo), 1994 42 1803-1807 This is a continuation of copending application U.S. Ser. No. 09/888,178, filed on Jun. 21, 2001, which is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 09/486,199, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,452, filed on Feb. 22, 2000, which was filed under 35 U.S.C. 371 based on PCT/AU98/00656, filed on Aug. 19, 1998, which claims benefit of priority to Australia application No. PO-8640, filed Aug. 19, 1997. These application are explicitly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>There is a strong association between exposure of the skin to the ultraviolet light component of sunlight and the development of skin cancers, such as malignant melanoma and the non-melaroma skin cancers, mainly basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). The incidence of these cancers has been rapidly increasing world wide. In Britain, there were 4000 newly-diagnosed cases of malignant melanoma in 1994, an 80% increase over the past 10 years (Wessex Cancer Trust, 1996). In the United States, approximately 34,100 new cases were expected, an increase of 4% per year. Queensland, Australia, has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world, but early detection and widespread public health campaigns and the promotion of the use of sunscreens and reduction of ultraviolet exposure have helped to reduce the number of deaths. BCCs currently affect one in 1,000 in the U.K. population, and the incidence has more than doubled in the last 20 years (Imperial Cancer Research Fund, U.K., 1997). One million new cases of BCCs and SCCs are expected to be diagnosed in the USA in 1997, compared to 600,000 in 1990 and 400,000 in 1980 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S.A., 1997). In Australia, there is no reason to suspect that a similarly increasing incidence would not also apply, despite extensive publicising of the dancers of solar and (T1! radiation, with the Queensland population being at the greatest risk. Over 90% of all skin cancers occur on areas of the skin that have been regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation, with U.V.B. responsible for burning the skin and associated with malignant melanomas, and U.V.A. associated with premature skin aging and the development of ECCs and SCCs (Wessex Cancer Trust, 1996). Childhood sun exposure has been linked to the development of malignant melanoma in younger adults. Other risk factors include a genetic predisposition (fair complexion, many skin moles), chemical pollution, over-exposure to X-rays, and exposure to some drugs and pesticides. Depletion of the ozone layer of the stratosphere is considered to contribute to long-term increases in skin cancer. Surgical removal is by far the most common treatment for malignant melanomas, BCCs and SCCs. This can take the form of electrodesiccation and curettage, cryosurgery, simple wide excision, micrographic surgery or laser therapy. Other treatments, used when the cancers are detected at a later stage of development, are external radiation therapy, chemotherapy or to a lesser extent bio-immunotherapy or photodynamic therapy. The choice of treatment is dependent on the type and stage of the disease and the age and health of the patient (National Cancer Institute, U.S.A., 1997). All of the present treatments suffer from severe limitations. The major concern is the poor recognition of cancerous cells at the site of excision and the high likelihood of recurrence, necessitating follow-up surgery and treatment, with the risk of further disfigurement and scarring. In one publication, the reported rates for incompletely-excised BCCs was 30-67% (Sussman and Liggins, 1996). Immune suppression associated with surgery may cause any remaining cells to proliferate, and increase the risk of metastases. In melanoma patients there is a high risk that the cancer has already metastasized at the time of initial surgery, and late recurrence leading to death is common. Present alternatives to surgery, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, also carry risks of immune suppression and poor specificity. Immunotherapy and gene therapy hold the greatest promise, but the rational application of these is likely to be still decades away. When the tumour is past the stage amenable to surgery, the most common treatment for melanoma or metastatic skin cancer of all types is chemotherapy, which has been largely unsuccessful (Beljanski and Crochet, 1996) In theory, an ideal drug would be one that when applied topically to an exposed melanoma, BCC or SCC, selectively necrotises the tumour cells or induces them to undergo apoptosis, without causing damage to the surrounding healthy skin cells. In practice, this has yet to be achieved. The drugs currently available are neither selective nor penetrative. The lay public is also enamoured of the concept of topical chemotherapy. There have been many documented “home remedies” for skin cancer, which have had disastrous consequences, eg the use of boot polish (Adele Green, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, pers. Comm.) The major danger is the production of scar tissue, underneath which the tumour cells continue to grow. An extract derived from plants of the genus Solanum (kangaroo apple or devil's apple) and purportedly containing solasodine glycosides has been available in Australia as a non-prescription preparation treatment of sunspots and solar keratoses, under the name “Curaderm”. However the preparation was shown in a small clinical trial against BCCs to be ineffective, with 14/20 patients showing persisting tumour on histological examination of tissue from the treated site. In some cases, histological examination of the site of treatment revealed malignant tissue embedded in scar tissue. The authors warned against self-diagnosis and treatment, particularly with irritant substances (Francis et al, 1989). However, anecdotal reports suggest that plant sap extracts are still being used by the general public for h treatment of sunspots or solar keratoses, with some success being claimed. The sap of plants of the family Euphorbiaceae , particularly the genus Euphorbia , has been used in the folk medicine of many countries. The genus was named after an early Greek physician in deference to its purported medicinal properties (Pearn, 1987). Only recently have some of these claims been investigated scientifically. The genus is enormously diverse, ranging from stall, low-growing herbaceous plants to shrubs and trees. Nearly all reports of activity of these plants and their extracts are anecdotal or derived from traditional medicine, and the nature of the preparations used is frequently either unknown or very poorly described. Activity has been claimed against a huge variety of conditions, ranging from warts, “excrescences”, calluses, “cheloid tumours”, corns, whitlows or felons, “superfluous flesh” and the like, to a variety of cancers (see, for example, Hartwell: Lloydia 1969 32 153). As part of the screening program for anti-cancer activity carried out on 114,000 extracts from 35,000 terrestrial plant species carried out by the United States National Cancer Institute, a number of species of Euphorbia were tested. An aqueous suspension, an olive-oil suspension, an alcohol extract and an acid extract were screened for activity against the transplantable tumour cell line sarcoma 37. Four species were tested. Of these, Euphorbia peplus showed no activity in any of the extracts; Euphorbia drummondii, Euphorbia pilulifera , and Euphorbia resinifera showed weak activity of an acid extract, an alcohol extract, and an olive-oil suspension respectively (Belkin and Fitzgerald, 1953). A review of the scientific and medical literature of the past five vears revealed a diversity of powerful active principles such as di- and tetra-terpenes, flavonoids, sterols and proteins in this genus, and many bioactive effects have been reported, with both positive and adverse effects noted. These reports are summarized in Table 1. In particular the genus Euphorbia is well known to produce tumour promoters such as phorbol esters (Hecker, E.: “Cocarcinogens from Euphorbiaceae and Thymeleaceae” in “Symposium on Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry” (Wagner et al, eds., Springer Verlag 1970 147-165)). TABLE 1 Species Active principle Action Reference Euphorbia aleppica whole plant: prostatic and lung Oksuz, S. et al aleppicatines, diterpene neoplasms (1996) polyesters, cycloartene triterpenes, scopoletin, kaempferol, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid Euphorbia biglandulosa cerebrosides ? Falsone G et al Desf. (1994) Euphorbia bougheii latex skin irritant and tumour Gundidza, M. et promoting effect al (1993) Euphorbia characias latex: lipase homology (43.5%) with B Moulin, A. et chain of ricin al (1994) Euphorbia cooperei NE whole plant: phorbol skin irritant Gundidza, M. et Br ester al (1992) Euphorbia fisheriana alkaline extract treatment of epilepsy Liu Y. et al (1994) Euphorbia hirta whole plant inhibition of bacteria Vijaya, K. et of Shigella spp al (1995) Euphorbia hirta whole plant: flavonoid antidiarrhoeic activity Galvez, J. et al (1993) Euphorbia humifusa whole plant: ? Yoshida, T. et hydrolysable tannins, al (1994) polyphenol glucoside Euphorbia hylonoma root: Chinese herbal medicine Guo, Z. et al 3,3′,4-tri-O-metmethyl- ?? action (1995) ellagic acid, beta- sitosterol Euphorbia kansui whole plant: ingenols stimulation of Matsumoto, T. expression of the et al (1992) macrophage Fc receptor Euphorbia lathyris pelletised plant rodenticide Gassling and material Landis (1990) U.S. Pat. No. 4906472 Euphorbia marginata latex mitogenic lectin Stirpe, F. et al (1993) Euphorbia peplus ? quercetin, Folk remedies for warts, Weedon and Chick hyperoside, kaempferol, corns, asthma, rodent (1976) and sitosterol, alkaloids, ulcer, BCC references cited glycosides therein Euphorbia diterpenes selectively cytotoxic for Fatope, M.O. et al poisonii human kidney carcinoma (1996) cell line A-498 Euphorbia latex inhibition of mollusc Jurberg, P. et al splendens Biomphalaria glabrata (1995) (vectors of schistosomiasis) Euphorbia whole plant reduces EBV-specific Imai, S. (1994) tirucalli cellular immunity in Burkitt's lymphoma The most intensively studied species of this group is Euphorbia pilulifera L (synonyms E. hirta L.; E. capitata Lam .), whose common names include pill-bearing spurge, snake-weed, cat's hair, Queensland asthma weed and flowery-headed spurge. The plant is widely distributed in tropical countries, including India, and in Northern Australia, including Queensland. According to the “Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics” (Leung and Foster, 1996), the whole flowering or fruiting plant is used in herbal remedies, principally for cough preparations, and in traditional medicine for treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, coughs and hayfever. This reference reports the active constituents of Euphorbia pilulifera to be choline and shikimic acid, and that other compounds present include triterpenes, sterols, flavonoids, n-alkanes, phenolic acids, L-inositol, sugars and resins. Of these components, shikimic acid is an essential intermediate in the synthesis of aromatic amino acids, and has been reported to have carcinogenic activity in mice (Evans and Osman, 1974; Stavric and Stoltz, 1976). Jatrophanes, ingenanes, and a tetracyclic diterpene designated pepluane were identified in the sap of Euphorbia peplus by Jakupovic et al (1998a). The jatrophanes were stated to have a different conformation from those of previously-known jatrophanes. Jatrophanes are also stated to belong to a group of non-irritant diterpenes, which could have accounted to their being overlooked in previous studies. There is no disclosure or suggestion at all of any biological activity of the jatrophanes or of the new pepluane compound; nor is it suggested that any of these compounds might be useful for any pharmaceutical purpose. A recent report describes selective cytotoxicity of a number of tigliane diterpene esters from the latex of Euphorbia poisonii , a highly-toxic plant found in Northern Nigeria , which is used as a garden pesticide and reputed to be used in homicides. One of these compounds has a selective cytotoxicity for the human kidney carcinoma cell line A-498 more than 10,000-times greater than that of adriamycin (Fatope et al, 1996). In a series of patent applications, Tamas has claimed use of Euphorbia hirta plants and extracts thereof for a variety of purposes, including tumour therapy (EP 330094), AIDS-related complex and AIDS (HU-208790) and increasing immunity and as an anti fungoid agent for treatment of open wounds (DE-4102054). Thus, while there are isolated reports of anti-cancer activity of various Euphorbia preparations (see Fatope et al, 1996; Oksuz et al, 1996), not only are the compounds present in at least one Euphorbia species reported to be carcinogenic (Evans and Osman, 1974; Stavric and Stolz, 1976; Hecker, 1970; 1977), but at least one species has a skin-irritant and tumour-promoting effect (Gundidza et al, 1993), and another species reduces EBV-specific cellular immunity in Burkitt's lymphoma (Imai, 1994). To our knowledge, there has been no reliable or reproducible report of the use of any extract from Euphorbia species for the treatment of malignant melanoma or SCCs. An anecdotal. report of home treatment of a BCC with the latex of Euphorbia peplus (petty spurge or milk weed) was the publication of Weedon, D. and Chick, J., entitled “Home treatment of basal cell carcinoma” (1976). The authors stated that medicinal properties have been claimed for the milky juice of this plant since the time of Galen, and it was widely used as a home remedy for corns, warts, and asthma. At the turn of the century it was used by some physicians in Sydney for the treatment of rodent ulcers. The author's patient claimed to have treated himself over many years for multiple BCCs. “The patient, a 54 year old male, had been seen sporadically at the Royal Brisbane Hospital since 1971. On one visit he was noted to have a clinical basal cell carcinoma on the anterior part of his chest which was confirmed by biopsy of a tiny specimen taken from one edge Some days later when the biopsy site had healed the patient applied the sap of Euphorbia peplus every day for 5 days. The area became erythematous and then pustular, after which the lesion sloughed off. On his return 6 weeks after treatment, the patient agreed to let us surgically excise the small area of residual scarring. Multiple sections showed dermal scar tissue which contained a few chronic inflammatory cells, but showed no evidence of residual tumour.” The authors stated that “this communication should in no way be taken as a recommendation of the form of therapy”. There are a few reports cautioning on the corrosive nature of the sap, and minor eye damage that has resulted from the home treatment of warts using Euphorbia peplus (Eke, T., 1994). It appears likely that the effect reported by Weedon and Chick resulted from the irritant activity of the Euphorbia peplus sap, and that, as in the case of the Solanum extract “Curaderm” reported by Francis et al (1989), there is a high risk of residual tumour cells surviving in or under the scar tissue that results from such treatment. The inventor has now surprisingly found that sap of plants from three different Euphorbia species, Euphorbia peplus, Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia drummondii , specifically inhibits growth of three different human tumour cell lines, including malignant melanoma. Moreover, at very low concentrations, sap from Euphorbia peplus and Euphorbia hirta induced differentiation of malignant melanoma cells so that they adopted the morphological appearance of normal melanocytes. At similar or even lower concentrations an extract stimulated activation of the metallothionein gene promoter and expression of a reporter gene in MM96L malignant melanoma cells. The results were particularly striking, since the melanoma cell line which was used is refractory to inhibition by all of the conventional chemotherapeutic agents which have been test d against it (Maynard and Parsons, 1986). | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In a first aspect, the invention provides a compound or compounds present in plants of the genus Euphorbia , and in particular in sap of Euphorbia peplus, Euphorbia hirta and/or Euphorbia drummondii, which: (a) is able to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells, but does not significantly affect normal neonatal fibroblasts, or spontaneously transformed keratinocytes; (b) has activity which is not destroyed by heating at 95% for 15 minutes; (c) has activity which is not destroyed by treatment with acetone; (d) has activity which can be extracted with 95% ethanol; and (e) stimulates metallothionein gene activation. Preferably, the compound(s) is able to inhibit the growth of at least one cell line selected from the group consisting of M96L, MM229, MM220, MM237, MM2058, B16, LIM1215, HeLa, A549, MCF7, MCC16 and Colo16 as herein defined. More preferably, the compound(s) is able to inhibit growth of or to induce differentiation in MM96L cells. Even more preferably the compound is also able to induce normal melanocytes to proliferate. Preferably, the compound is present in sap of E. peplus or E. hirta. It will be clearly understood that while the invention is described in detail with reference to compounds detected in sap or sap extracts, these compounds, when present in or extracted from whole plants or parts thereof, are still within the scope of the invention. In a second aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising an active compound as described above, together with a pharmaceutically-suitable carrier dr diluent. More preferably the compound is selected from the group consisting of jatrophanes, pepluanes, paralianes and ingenanes. Where the compound is a jatrophane, it is preferably of Conformation II as defined by Jakupovic et al (1998a). It will be clearly understood that the substitutions observed in naturally-occurring jatrophane, pepluane and paraliane skeletons are within the scope of the invention. These include the following substitutions and analogues. Compounds of this type have been found in a variety of plants of the genus Euphobia (Jakupovic et al, 1998a, b, c; Marco et al, 1998). TABLE 2 Natural Substitutions Observed for the Jatrophane, Pepluane and Paraliane Skeletons. (Jakupovic et al, 1998a, b, c; Marco et al, 1998) Carbon position Jatrophane Pepluane Paraliane 1 H, OAc H 2 , OAc H & OAc, H 2 , 2 OAc & H, CH 3 & OAc, CH 3 & H CH 3 & H CH 3 & H, CH 3 & OAc 3 OH, OAc, OiBu, OCinn, OBz, OBz OBz OBzOCH 2 CO, PhCO 2 CH 2 CO 2 4 H H H 5 OAC, OiBu, Omebu, OAcOAc OAc OAc 6 exocyclic double bond CH 3 , CH 2 OAc CH 3 , CH 2 OAc 7 H 2 , OAc, OiBu, OMeBu, OPr, H 2 , H 2 , OCOiPr, OCOEt 8 H 2 , OH, OAc, OiBu, OMebu, OBz, OAc, double H, OAc OAng, bond to C12 9 OH, OAc, OCinn, ONic, ═O OAc, 9-18 ═O double bond 10 (CH3) 2 CH 3 & OAc, (CH3) 2 double bond to 11, CH 3 11 double bond to 12 H 2 , double H 2 bond to 10 & OH 12 double bond to 11 H, double H bond to 8 13 CH 3 CH 3 CH 3 14 H & OH, H & OAc, ═O OAc OAc 15 OAc, OH OH OH 18 H, H 2 . Ac = CH 3 CO, Me = CH 3 , Et = CH 3 CH 2 , iBu = (CH 3 ) 2 CHCO, Ph = C 6 H 5 , Cinn = PhCHCHCO, OBz = C 6 H 5 COO, OMebu = OCH 3 CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CO, ONic = C 5 H 4 NCO 2 , Pr = CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 , iPr = CH(CH 3 ) 2 , Ang = CH 3 CHC(CH 3 )CO Even more preferably, the compound is selected from the group consisting of: 5,8,9,10,14-pentaacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-15-hydroxypepluane (pepluane); 15-pentaacetoxy-9-nicotinoyloxy-14-oxojatropha-6(1),11E-diene (jatrophane 1); 2,5,7,9,14-hexaacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-15-hydroxy-jatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 2); 2,5,4-triacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,5-dihydroxy-7-isobutyroyloxy-9-nicotinoyloxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 3); 2,5,9,14-tetraacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxy-7-isobutyroyloxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene) (jatrophane 4); 2,5,7,14-tetraacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxy-9-nicotinoyloxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 5); 2,5,7,9,14-pentaacetoxy-3-benzoyloxy-8,15-dihydroxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene (jatrophane 6); 20-acetyl-ingenol-3-angelate; and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts or esters thereof. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition additionally comprises β-alanine betaine hydrochloride or t-4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyl proline. In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of treatment of a cancer, comprising the step of administering an anti-cancer effective amount of a compound of the invention to a mammal in need of such treatment. Preferably, the cancer is a solid tumour. More preferably, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of malignant melanoma, other skin cancers including Merkel cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer. In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of inhibiting proliferative activity of neoplastic cells, comprising the step of exposing the cells to an anti-proliferative amount of a compound of the invention. The cells may be treated either ex vivo or in vivo. In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of preventing or alleviating damage to skin, caused by ultraviolet irradiation, ionizing radiation, microwave radiation, exposure to ozone, or the like, comprising the step of topically administering an effective amount or a compound of the invention to a subject in need of such treatment. This aspect of the invention may be used in the treatment of solar keratosis, skin damage occurring during radiotherapy, and the like. In a sixth aspect the invention provides a method of stimulating proliferation of non-neoplastic cells comprising the step of exposing the cells to a proliferation-inducing amount of a compound or a composition of the invention. This is useful in inducing regeneration of tissues and, because T-lymphocytes proliferate in response to the compositions of the invention, is useful in promoting the immune response to disease states. The mammal may be a human, or may be a domestic or companion animal. While it is particularly contemplated that the compounds of the invention are suitable for use in medical treatment of humans, it is also applicable to veterinary treatment, including treatment or companion animals such as dogs and cats, and domestic animals such as horses, cattle and sheep, or zoo animals such as felids, canids, bovids, and ungulates. The compounds and compositions of the invention may be administered by any suitable route, and the person skilled in the art will readily be able to determine the most suitable route and dose for the condition to be treated. Dosage will be at the discretion of the attendant physician or veterinarian, and will depend on the nature and state of the condition to be treated, the age and general state of health of the subject to be treated, the route of administration, and any previous treatment which may have been administered. The carrier or diluent, and other excipients, will depend on the route of administration, and again the person skilled in the art will readily be able to determine the most suitable formulation for each particular case. It is contemplated that compounds of the invention may be administered orally, topically, and/or by parenteral injection, including intravenous injection. Methods and pharmaceutical carriers for preparation of pharmaceutical compositions are well known in the art, as set out in textbooks such as Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th Edition, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., USA. For the purposes of this specification it will be clearly understood that the word “comprising” means “including but not limited to”, and that the word “comprises” has a corresponding meaning. | 20040722 | 20080812 | 20050106 | 88237.0 | 2 | TATE, CHRISTOPHER ROBIN | ANTI-CANCER COMPOUNDS | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,897,149 | ACCEPTED | Modular system for customized orthodontic appliances | A set of customized orthodontic brackets are provided with slots that are arranged substantially parallel to the tooth surface. The archwire, in an as-manufactured condition, has a portion of substantial arcuate extent, which is canted relative to the occlusal plane. The brackets are designed on a computer as a combination of three-dimensional virtual objects comprising the virtual bracket bonding pad and a separate virtual bracket body retrieved from a library of virtual bracket bodies. The virtual brackets can be represented as a file containing digital shape data and exported to a rapid prototype fabrication device for fabrication of the bracket in wax or other material and casting the wax prototype in a suitable alloy. Other manufacturing techniques are also contemplated, including milling and laser sintering. | 1-78. Cancel 79. A method of designing a customized orthodontic bracket for an individual patient with the aid of a computer having access to a library of virtual descriptions of bracket features, the method comprising: determining a three-dimensional shape of a tooth-facing surface of a first orthodontic bracket design; deriving from the library at least one virtual representation of a feature for the first orthodontic bracket design; and updating the first orthodontic bracket design by adding the at least one virtual representation of the feature. 80. A method as defined in claim 79, wherein the at least one virtual feature comprises a slot adapted to receive an archwire. 81. A method as defined in claim 79, wherein the at least one virtual feature comprises a hook. 82. A method as defined in claim 79, wherein the first orthodontic bracket design comprises a bonding pad, and wherein the at least one feature comprises a slot. 83. A method as defined in claim 79, wherein the first orthodontic bracket design comprises a bonding pad having a greater thickness in medial portions than in peripheral portions thereof. 84. A method of designing a customized orthodontic bracket for an individual patient with the aid of a computer having access to a library of virtual descriptions of bracket features, the method comprising: determining a three-dimensional shape of a tooth-facing surface of a first orthodontic bracket design; deriving from the library at least one virtual representation of a feature for the first orthodontic bracket design; and updating the first orthodontic bracket design by subtracting the at least one virtual representation of the feature. 85. A method of claim 84, wherein the at least one feature comprises a slot for receiving an archwire. 86. A method of claim 85, wherein the first orthodontic bracket design comprises a bonding pad having an increased thickness adjacent the slot. 87. A method as defined in claim 84, wherein the first orthodontic bracket design comprises a bonding pad, and wherein the at least one feature comprises a slot. 88. A method as defined in claim 84, wherein the first orthodontic bracket design comprises a bonding pad having a greater thickness in medial portions than in peripheral portions thereof. 89. A method of designing and manufacturing a customized orthodontic bracket, the method comprising the steps of: a) storing a digital representation of portions of a patient's dentition in a computer; b) determining a tooth facing surface conforming substantially to corresponding three-dimensional surfaces of a tooth; c) exporting digital data representing the customized orthodontic bracket from the computer to a manufacturing system for manufacturing the customized orthodontic bracket; and d) manufacturing the customized orthodontic bracket by primary shaping. 90. A method as defined in claim 89, wherein the primary shaping includes casting, depositing, sintering, printing, molding, or curing. 91. A method of designing and manufacturing a customized orthodontic bracket, the method comprising the steps of: a) storing a digital representation of portions of a patient's dentition in a computer; b) determining a tooth facing surface conforming substantially to corresponding three-dimensional surfaces of a tooth; c) exporting digital data representing the customized orthodontic bracket from the computer to a manufacturing system for manufacturing the customized orthodontic bracket; and d) manufacturing the customized orthodontic bracket in its substantial geometry by finishing. 92. A method as defined in claim 91, wherein the finishing includes milling, turning, or grinding. 93. A method of designing a customized orthodontic bracket for an individual patient with the aid of a computer having access to a library of virtual descriptions of bracket features, the method comprising: determining a three-dimensional shape of a tooth-facing surface of a first orthodontic bracket design; deriving from the library at least one virtual representation of a feature for the first orthodontic bracket design; and modifying the first orthodontic bracket design to include the at least one virtual representation of a feature to thereby provide an updated orthodontic bracket design. 94. A method as defined in claim 91, wherein modifying includes adding the at least one virtual representation of a feature to the first orthodontic bracket design. 95. A method as defined in claim 91, wherein modifying includes subtracting the at least one virtual representation of a feature from the first orthodontic bracket design. 96. A method of claim 91, wherein the at least one feature comprises a slot for receiving an archwire. 97. A method of claim 94, wherein the first orthodontic bracket design comprises a bonding pad having an increased thickness adjacent the slot. 98. A method as defined in claim 91, wherein the first orthodontic bracket design comprises a bonding pad, and wherein the at least one feature comprises a slot. 99. A method of designing a customized orthodontic bracket for an individual patient with the aid of a computer having access to a library of virtual descriptions of bracket features, the method comprising: determining a three-dimensional shape of a tooth-facing surface of a first orthodontic bracket design, the first orthodontic bracket design including a bonding pad; deriving from the library at least one virtual representation of a feature for the first orthodontic bracket design; and modifying the first orthodontic bracket design to include the at least one virtual representation of a feature to thereby provide a second orthodontic bracket design. 100. A method as defined in claim 97, wherein the bonding pad has a greater thickness in medial portions than in peripheral portions thereof. 101. A method of designing a customized orthodontic bracket for an individual patient with the aid of a computer having access to a library of virtual descriptions of bracket features, the method comprising: determining a three-dimensional shape of a tooth-facing surface of a first orthodontic bracket design, the first orthodontic bracket design including a bonding pad having a greater thickness in medial portions than in peripheral portions thereof; deriving from the library at least one virtual representation of a feature for the first orthodontic bracket design; and modifying the first orthodontic bracket design to include the at least one virtual representation of a feature to thereby provide a second orthodontic bracket design. 102. A method as defined in claim 99, wherein modifying includes subtracting the at least one virtual representation of a feature from the first orthodontic bracket design. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to the field of orthodontics. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for designing and manufacturing brackets and archwires for purposes of straightening the teeth of a patient, and novel brackets and archwires made in accordance with the methods. The invention is useful for orthodontics generally. It can be employed with particular advantage in lingual orthodontics, that is, where the orthodontic appliance is attached to the lingual surface of the teeth for aesthetic reasons. B. Description of Related Art A widely used method to straighten or align teeth of a patient is to bond brackets onto the teeth and run elastic wires of rectangular cross-sectional shape through the bracket slots. Typically, the brackets are off-the-shelf products. In most cases, they are adapted to a certain tooth (for instance an upper canine), but not to the individual tooth of a specific patient. The adaptation of the bracket to the individual tooth is performed by filling the gap between tooth surface and bracket surface with adhesive to thereby bond the bracket to the tooth such that the bracket slot, when the teeth are moved to a finish position, lies in flat horizontal plane. The driving force for moving the teeth to the desired finish position is provided by the archwire. For lingual brackets, a system has been developed by Thomas Creekmore that has vertical bracket slots. This allows an easier insertion of the wire. The longer side of the wire is therefore oriented vertically. Unitek has marketed this bracket system under the trade name CONSEAL™. A computerized approach to orthodontics based on design and manufacture of customized brackets for an individual patient, and design and manufacture of a customized bracket placement jig and archwire, has been proposed in the art. See U.S. Pat. No. RE 35,169 to Lemchen et al. and U.S. Patents to Andreiko et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,447,432, 5,431,562 and 5,454,717. The system and method of Andreiko et al. is based on mathematical calculations of tooth finish position and desired ideal archform. The method of Andreiko et al. has not been widely adopted, and in fact has had little impact on the treatment of orthodontic patients since it was first proposed in the early 1990s. There are a variety of reasons for this, one of which is that the deterministic approach proposed by Andreiko et al. for calculating tooth finish positions does not take into account unpredictable events during the course of treatment. Furthermore, the proposed methods of Andreiko et al. essentially remove the orthodontist from the picture in terms of treatment planning, and attempt to replace his or her skill and judgment in determining tooth finish positions by empirical calculations of tooth finish positions. Typically, the wires used in orthodontic treatment today are off-the-shelf products. If they need to be individualized by the orthodontist, the goal is to get along with as few modifications as possible. Therefore, the brackets are designed in a manner that at the end of treatment, when teeth are aligned, the bracket slots are supposed to be located and oriented in a planar manner. This means that a wire that would run passively through the slots, without applying any force, would be planar (flat). This treatment regime is known as “straight wire”. It dominates orthodontics worldwide. It is efficient for both manufacturers and the orthodontist. The customized orthodontic appliances proposed by Andreiko et al. call for a flat planar wire, but with the curvature in a horizontal plane customized for the individual and dictated by the shape of the ideal desired archform for the patient. The so-called straight wire approach that continues to be used in orthodontics today has some noteworthy disadvantages in terms of patient comfort. The need to close the gap between the bracket bonding surface and the tooth surface with adhesive always leads to an increased overall thickness of the appliance. For brackets that are bonded labially, this is acceptable, as labial tooth surfaces are very uniform for different individuals, and the gap to be closed is not significant. However, lingual (inner) surfaces of teeth show a much greater variation among patients. To achieve the goal to orient the bracket in a manner such that the slot is parallel to all other slots when treatment is finished, the thickness of adhesive that is necessary often is in the range of 1 to 2 mm. It is obvious that every fraction of a mm added to appliance thickness significantly increases patient discomfort. Especially with lingual brackets (bracket bonded to the lingual surface of the teeth), articulation problems arise, and the tongue is severely irritated for several weeks after bonding. The tooth surfaces next to these adhesive pads are difficult to clean, thus serving as collecting point for bacteria and causing gingival inflammation. The further the archwire is away from the tooth surface, the more difficult it is to achieve a precise finishing position for each tooth. An error of only 10° in torque (rotation around the wire axis) may well induce a vertical error in tooth position of more than 1 mm. Another significant disadvantage of thick brackets, especially when bonding lingually, arises when the front teeth are severely crowded (which is often the cause for orthodontic treatment). Since the space is more restricted at the lingual surface due to the curvature of the jaw, not all brackets may be bonded at one session. Rather, the orthodontist has to wait until the crowding has decreased until all brackets may be placed. Crowding also creates problems for labial brackets. Geometrical considerations dictate that this constriction problem becomes worse as the thickness of the bracket/bracket bonding pad/adhesive combination increases. Another problem in orthodontics is to determine the correct bracket position. At the time of bonding, teeth may be oriented far away from the desired position. So the task to locate the brackets in a manner that a flat planar archwire drives teeth to the correct position requires a lot of experience and visual imagination. The result is that at the end of treatment a lot of time is lost to perform necessary adjustments to either bracket position or wire shape. This problem can be solved by creating an ideal set-up, either virtually using 3D scan data of the dentition or physically by separating a dental model of the dentition into single teeth and setting up the teeth in a wax bed in an ideal position. The brackets can then be placed at this ideal set-up at optimal positions, in a manner that a flat wire running through the bracket slots would drive the teeth exactly into the ideal target. This again may be done virtually in a computer or physically. After this is done, the bracket position has to be transferred on a tooth-by-tooth basis into the maloccluded (initial) situation. Basing on this maloccluded situation, a transfer tray enveloping the brackets can be manufactured, which allows bonding the brackets exactly at the location as defined at the set-up. Such as technique is taught generally in Cohen, U.S. Pat. 3,738,005. The published PCT patent application of OraMetrix, Inc., publication no. WO 01/80761, describes a wire-based approach to orthodontics based on generic brackets and a customized orthodontic archwire. The archwire can have complex twists and bends, and as such is not necessarily a flat planar wire. The entire contents of this document is incorporated by reference herein. This document also describes a scanning system for creating 3D virtual models of a dentition and an interactive, computerized treatment planning system based on the models of the scanned dentition. As part of the treatment planning, virtual brackets are placed on virtual teeth and the teeth moved to a desired position by a human operator exercising clinical judgment. The 3D virtual model of the dentition plus brackets in a malocclused condition is exported to a rapid prototyping device for manufacture of physical model of the dentition plus brackets. A bracket placement tray is molded over the model. Real brackets are placed into the transfer tray in the location of where the virtual brackets were placed. Indirect bonding of the brackets to the teeth occurs via the transfer tray. The system of WO 01/80761 overcomes many of the problems inherent in the Andreiko et al. method. During the course of treatment, brackets may come off, for instance if the patient bites on hard pieces of food. Obviously, the transfer tray used for initial bonding will not fit any more as teeth have moved. While it is possible to cut the tray (such as described in WO 01/80761) into pieces and use just the one section that is assigned to the bracket that came off, to replace the bracket the reliability of this procedure is limited, as a small piece of elastic material is not adequate to securely position a bracket. It may therefore be required to create a new transfer tray adapted to the current tooth position using a costly lab process. The methods and applicants presented herein comprise several independent inventive features providing substantial improvements to the prior art. The greatest benefits will be achieved for lingual treatments, but labial treatments will also benefit. While the following summary describes some of the highlights of the invention, the true scope of the invention is reflected in the appended claims. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, a set of brackets (one or more) is provided in which the bracket has a slot which is oriented with respect to the bracket bonding pad such that the wire runs substantially parallel to the surface of the teeth, i.e., the portion of the tooth surface adjacent to where the bracket receives the archwire, as will be explained in further detail and as shown in the drawings. In particular, the brackets have a bracket bonding pad for bonding the bracket to the tooth of the patient and a bracket body having a slot for receiving an archwire having either a flat, planar side (e.g., one side of a wire having a rectangular, square, parallelogram or wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape) or alternatively an oval shape. The slots of the brackets are oriented in approximate parallel alignment relative to its respective bracket bonding pad in a manner such that, when the bracket or set of brackets are installed on the teeth of the patient and the archwire is inserted in the slots, the archwire is canted or inclined relative to the occlusal plane (analogous to a banked curve on a high speed racing track). In embodiment in which the archwire has flat surfaces (rectangular, parallelogram, square, wedge shaped, etc), the flat planar side of the archwire is substantially parallel to the surface of the teeth at the location of where the archwire is inserted into the slots, in a canted orientation relative to the occlusal plane. In an embodiment in which the archwire is of an oval configuration, the major axis of the cross-section of the wire is oriented substantially parallel to tooth surface and at a canted orientation relative to the occlusal plane. For the front teeth, it is desirable to come up with a homogeneous inclination to avoid abrupt changes in inclination (i.e., changes in torque) from slot to slot in order to receive a smooth progression of the wire. In a wire of rectangular or square cross-sectional shape, one of the pairs of parallel opposite sides of the archwire is oriented substantially parallel to the tooth surface. Usually, this will be pair of parallel sides that has the greater width or height. This aspect of the invention enables the overall thickness of brackets to be substantially decreased as compared to prior art techniques, because it does not require a buildup of adhesive to make the slot lie in a horizontal flat plane when the bracket is attached, as found in the straight wire technique. The brackets and archwire design are particularly well suited for use in lingual orthodontics. This reduction in thickness of the bracket, bracket bonding pad and archwire leads to several significant advantages as compared to prior art systems and satisfaction of a long-felt need in the art for a more satisfactory lingual orthodontic system. These advantages include decreased articulation problems, a pronounced decrease in tongue irritation, a decreased risk of bracket loss, increased positioning control for finishing since the reduced distance between wire and tooth results in more accurate tooth movement to the desired finish position, increased patient comfort, and increased hygiene conditions. One reason why the basic design of orthodontic wires remains one in which the wires have a flat, planar shape is the ease of industrial manufacturing. To decrease the thickness of an orthodontic bracket, it is much preferable to run the wire parallel to the surface of each individual tooth as provided by this aspect of the invention. The lingual surfaces of front teeth are significantly inclined relative to a vertical axis for most patients. A wire that runs parallel from tooth to tooth in accordance with this aspect of the invention has a “canted” shape in order to take advantage of the parallel nature of the bracket slots. Using standard mass-production procedures, such a wire could not be fabricated, as every patient has a very individual tooth anatomy. Shaping a wire manually to provide the canted shape is extremely challenging. Usage of modem materials for the archwire like shape memory alloys makes this task even more challenging or even impossible by hand. However, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the required wire geometry is available in electronic format. This wire geometry can be dictated by the three-dimensional location of the bracket slots and/or the brackets, as placed on the teeth in the desired occlusion. This format can be exported to new wire bending robots that have been recently developed that are capable of bending wires in virtually any shape (including canted shapes). For example, it is possible to export digital data reflecting wire geometry to flexible wire bending production devices like the 6-axis-robot described in WO 01/80761, and have the robot bend and twist wires of the canted configuration as described herein. Thus, wires having the canted shape as dictated by the bracket invention are now able to be mass-produced. The presently preferred wire-bending robot is also described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/834,967, filed Apr. 13, 2001, the content of which is also incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Thus, in another and related aspect of the invention, a canted archwire is provided. The wire can be of any cross-sectional configuration that has at least one flat planar surface, such as rectangular, or, alternatively, it could be oval in cross-section. The archwire is bent into a configuration during manufacturing to have a shape, in a relaxed, as-manufactured condition, such that the flat planar surface of the archwire (or the major axis of the cross-section of the wire in an oval configuration) is canted relative to an occlusal plane over a substantial arcuate extent. The canting of the archwire corresponds to portions of the archwire that are to be placed in brackets and used for straightening two or more teeth. In an embodiment in which the wire is of rectangular or square cross-section, one of the first and second pairs of parallel sides is oriented substantially parallel to tooth surfaces in the vicinity of where the archwire is to be received by archwire receiving receptacles located on the two or more teeth. Another aspect of the invention is thus a method of manufacturing an archwire. The method includes the step of defining the location of a set of bracket slots for a set of brackets in three-dimensional space with the aid of a computer. The bracket slots are oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the teeth in the location of where the brackets are to be bonded to the teeth. The method continues with the step of supplying a wire bending robot with information corresponding to the location of the set of bracket slots. This information will be typically in the form of a digital file representing 3D coordinates of the bracket slots. This information can be used by a robot control program to tell a wire bending robot how to bend a wire such that the wire, in a relaxed, as manufactured state, has a shape dictated by the bracket slots. Thus, the method continues with the step of bending an archwire with the wire bending robot having a shape corresponding to the location of the bracket slots, wherein the archwire has a canted configuration such that the archwire is oriented substantially parallel to the tooth surfaces over a substantial arcuate extent. The wire can be bent continuously, or, alternatively, as series of bends separated by straight section corresponding to the bracket slots, as described in more detail in WO 01/80761 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/834,967. In still another aspect, a bracket is provided with an improved bracket bonding pad that makes the brackets essentially self positioning, that is, it may be uniquely located and positioned on the teeth in the correct location with a positive fit without the use of a jig or other bracket placement mechanism, such as the tray as proposed by Cohen, U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,005, or the jig of the Andreiko et al. patents. In particular, an improvement to a bracket having a bracket bonding pad is provided in which the bracket bonding pad has a tooth contacting surface of three-dimensional area extent conforming substantially exactly to the three-dimensional shape of the tooth where the pad is bonded to the tooth. In one possible embodiment, the three-dimensional area extent is sufficiently large, and considerably larger than all bracket bonding pads proposed in the prior art, such that the bracket can be readily and uniquely placed by hand and located on the tooth in the correct location due to the substantial area extent corresponding to the three-dimensional surface of the tooth. The bracket is able to be bonded in place on the tooth without the assistance of a bracket placement aid such as a jig. In another possible embodiment, the area extent covers a cusp or a portion of a cusp to enable the bracket to uniquely placed on the tooth. In another aspect, a bracket is provided with a bracket bonding pad that comprises a thin shell in order to reduce the overall thickness of the bracket as much as possible. The pad includes a tooth-facing surface conforming to the surface of the tooth. In this embodiment the bracket bonding pad has an opposite surface corresponding to the tooth-facing surface which has a three-dimensional surface configuration which also matches the three-dimensional surface of the tooth. In order to create a thin pad on a computer, a preferred method is to create a normal vector of each element of the bracket bonding pad's tooth-facing surface (for instance, a triangle depending on how the surface is represented in the computer). Each surface element is “shifted” in the direction of the normal vector away from the tooth using a pre-defined offset value corresponding to the thickness of the bonding pad. In this way, a thin shell is created, the outside of the shell having substantially the same area extent and three-dimensional surface corresponding to the tooth-facing surface of the bracket bonding pad. Other techniques could be used as well. For example, the bracket bonding pad could have a thinner periphery (e.g., 0.1 mm) and a thicker center portion (e.g., 0.3 mm) adjacent to where the bracket body is attached to the bonding pad. Appropriate software programs can be provided to vary the thickness over the surface of the bracket bonding pad, such as by scaling the normal vector with a variable depending on how close the normal vector is to the edge of the bracket bonding pad. In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of designing a customized orthodontic bracket for a patient with the aid of a computer is provided. The bracket has a bracket bonding pad. The computer stores a three-dimensional model of the teeth of the patient. The method comprises the steps of determining an area of a tooth at which the bracket bonding pad is to be attached to the tooth; obtaining a three-dimensional shape of a tooth-facing surface of the bracket bonding pad, wherein the three-dimensional shape conforms to the three-dimensional shape of the tooth; and obtaining a three-dimensional shape of a second, opposite surface from the tooth-facing surface of the bracket bonding pad. A library of three-dimensional virtual bracket bodies is stored in the computer or otherwise accessed by the computer. The method continues with the step of obtaining a bracket body from the library and combining the bracket body with the bracket bonding pad to form one virtual three-dimensional object representing a bracket. In a preferred embodiment, the second, opposite surface has a three-dimensional shape corresponding to the tooth-facing surface of said bracket bonding pad, for example, by performing the “shifting” technique described earlier. The method may also incorporate the optional step of modifying the virtual model of the bracket body. For example, the bracket body may have a portion thereof removed in order to place the slot of the bracket body as close as possible to the bracket bonding pad and delete the portion of the bracket body that would otherwise project into the crown of the tooth. As another example, the modification may include adding auxiliary features to the bracket body such as hooks. The addition of the bracket body to the bracket bonding pad with the aid of the computer may be performed for a group of teeth at the same time in order to take into account the proximity of adjacent teeth and brackets. Thus, the method may include the step of viewing, with the aid of the computer, a plurality of virtual teeth and virtual bracket bonding pads attached to the teeth, and shifting the location of the bracket body relative to its respective bracket bonding pad. This latter step would be performed for example in order to better position the bracket body on the bonding pad, or in order to avoid a conflict between the bracket body and an adjacent or opposing tooth such as a collision during chewing or during tooth movement. In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for designing and manufacturing a customized orthodontic bracket. The method includes the step of storing a digital representation of the relevant portion of the patient's dentition in a computer. This could be a digital representation of either the entire dentition, or alternatively only the surfaces of the teeth upon which the brackets are to be bonded. The method continues with the steps of providing access to a library of virtual three-dimensional bracket bodies, such as for example storing the library in the computer, and determining the shape and configuration of bracket bonding pads, with the bracket bonding pads having a tooth-facing surface conforming substantially exactly to corresponding three-dimensional surfaces of the teeth. The method continues with the step of combining the bracket bodies from the library of bracket bodies with the bracket bonding pads to thereby create a set of individual, customized orthodontic brackets. A file representing the customized orthodontic brackets is exported from the computer to a manufacturing system for manufacturing the customized orthodontic brackets. The method continues with the step of manufacturing the customized orthodontic brackets, either using any of a variety of techniques known in the art such as milling, or one of the techniques described in detail herein such as casting. Still other improvements are provided for manufacturing customized brackets. In one aspect, a method is provided of manufacturing an orthodontic bracket having a bracket body having a slot and a bracket bonding pad, comprising the steps of determining the three-dimensional shape of the orthodontic bracket and manufacturing the bracket from materials having at least two different hardnesses, a first relatively hard material or materials forming the bracket body and a second relatively soft material or materials forming the bracket bonding pad. The strength of the material of the bracket is always a compromise. While the section forming the slot should be as robust as possible to maintain the cross-section of the slot even when the bracket is exposed to high mechanical stress (e.g. by biting on hard objects), the section forming the pad should be softer to ease de-bonding after the treatment is finished. If the pad is soft enough, it can literally be peeled off the tooth surface, using an adequate tool. Depending on the type of the manufacturing process, it is possible to use different alloys to achieve such a configuration. Using centrifugal casting, first, a controlled amount of a hard alloy can be used to form the section that holds the slot, and afterwards a softer alloy is used to fill up the remainder of the bracket (or other way round). Controlling the amount of material needed to form a specific portion of the bracket is possible, since from the 3D models, the volume of each component of the bracket is precisely known. Other manufacturing techniques can be used, such as a laser sintering process, in which different alloy powders are used for the different layers. In still another aspect, a modular approach to designing customized brackets for an individual patient is provided using a computer. The computer stores a library of virtual bracket bodies, virtual bracket bonding pads, and optionally virtual bracket auxiliary devices such as hooks. The user species or selects a bracket bonding pad and a bracket body for a particular tooth. The two virtual objects are united to form a virtual bracket. The user may be provided with graphics software tools to specify how and where the bracket body and bonding pad are united. Data representing the virtual bracket can be exported to a rapid prototyping process for direct manufacture of the bracket or manufacture of a template or model that is used in a casting process to manufacture the bracket. In one possible embodiment, the bracket bonding pad conforms substantially exactly to the surface of the tooth. Alternatively, the bracket bonding pad could be of a standard configuration. These and still other principles of the various inventions set forth herein will be discussed in greater detail in conjunction with the appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Presently preferred embodiments of the invention are described below in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, where like reference numerals refer to like elements in the various views, and wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a canted archwire in accordance with one aspect of the invention. FIG. 2 is an illustration, partially in cross-section, showing a set of teeth, associated brackets and the archwire of FIG. 1. FIG. 2A is a cross-section of an archwire with an oval cross-section that could be used in one possible implementation of this invention. FIG. 2B is a cross-section of the archwire of FIG. 2A placed in a bracket slot with the slot of the bracket oriented substantially parallel to the tooth surface, showing the archwire major axis oriented in a canted configuration with respect to the occlusal plane. FIG. 3A is a cross section of a tooth with a bracket bonding pad and slot oriented substantially parallel to the tooth surface in accordance with one aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3B is a cross-section of the same tooth shown in FIG. 3A but with a prior art arrangement of a standard Ormco lingual bracket, showing the bracket slot orientation for a horizontal planar archwire that is not canted as shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of computer model of two teeth with a bracket bonding pad in accordance with one aspect of the invention perfectly adapted to the tooth surface and covering a substantial area extent of the tooth surface so as to render the bracket manually placeable by the orthodontist in the correct location on the tooth without the use of a jig or other bracket placement device. FIG. 5 is a view of bite plane devices that may be incorporated onto a bonding pad and bonded on the tooth in order to prevent the upper and lower jaws from closing completely. FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are standard bracket body shapes that may be used in the design of customized orthodontic brackets. These and other types of bracket bodies are stored as a library of virtual bracket body objects in a computer and used to design customized orthodontic brackets as described in further detail. FIG. 7 is a top view of three lower front teeth, showing, in a somewhat simplified manner, how the location of the bracket body on the bracket bonding pad can be adapted to take into consideration the crowding condition of the teeth. The adaptation shown in FIG. 7 is simulated on a computer workstation implementing a bracket design program and allows the user to position the bracket body on the bracket bonding pad in any arbitrary location in order to optimize the placement of the bracket body for the individual patient. The ability to place the bracket body off-set from the center of the pad can be a benefit for labial brackets, e.g., shifting the bracket body in the gingival direction for a lower second bicuspid similar to that provided by the Ormco Mini Diamond™ bracket with gingival offset. This provides a larger bonding area without moving the slot too far to the occlusal portion of the tooth. FIG. 8 is an illustration of an Ormco Spirit™ MB ceramic bracket with an inlay for the slot of the bracket. FIG. 9A is an illustration of a virtual tooth displayed on a computer workstation implementing the bracket design features of the present invention, with the user marking the boundary of a bracket bonding pad on the surface of the tooth by placing points on the surface of the tooth. FIG. 9B is an illustration of a curved boundary for the bracket bonding pad, created by joining the points in FIG. 9A with by lines that follow the contour of the tooth surface. FIG. 10 is an illustration of a set of virtual teeth displayed on a computer workstation implementing the bracket design features of the present invention, showing the pad boundaries that the user has created for a set of teeth. Note that the surface of the teeth covered by the bracket bonding pads may comprise a substantial area extent of the lingual surfaces of the teeth, in this instance approximately 60-75 percent of the lingual surface of the teeth, to assist the user in correctly placing the bracket on the tooth. The area coverage depends on the curvature of the tooth surface, with relatively flat tooth surfaces requiring greater bonding pad area coverage in order for the bracket to be able to be correctly placed without a jig. Where the bracket bonding pad covers part of a cusp of a tooth, the area coverage can be reduced. FIG. 11 is an illustration of the tooth surface that is to be covered by the bracket bonding pads. These tooth surfaces are “cut” or separated from the tooth models by performing a separating operation on the workstation, rendering these objects independent three-dimensional surfaces of zero thickness. FIG. 12 is a view of a set of teeth, partially in cross-section, showing a bracket bonding pad overlying a tooth surface and a bracket body placed on the bracket bonding pad, in an interim step in the performance of a method of designing a customized bracket. The portion of the bracket body projecting into the tooth is eventually removed from the bracket, as shown in FIG. 21. FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views of two representative bracket bodies in which the surfaces thereof are shaped according to the tooth surface, wherein the slots are oriented generally substantially parallel to the surface of the tooth adjacent to where such bracket bodies are bonded to the teeth. FIG. 14 is perspective view of a digital representation of a set of tooth objects and brackets objects designed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 15A is an illustration of a prior art lingual bracket arrangement. FIG. 15B is an illustration of the same teeth but with customized brackets in accordance with the bracket design features of this invention. A comparison of FIG. 15A and 15B shows the pronounced decrease in bracket thickness in FIG. 15B. FIG. 16 shows the combination of a virtual bracket body and virtual bracket bonding pad during an intermediate step in the design of a customized orthodontic bracket, in which the pad and bracket body are two independent three-dimensional virtual objects which can be moved relative to each other. FIG. 17 shows the screen of a computer workstation implementing the bracket design features described herein, in which the user is uniting the pad and bracket body of FIG. 16 into a single virtual object. FIG. 18A and 18B are two views of the pad and bracket body combined as a single virtual object. FIG. 19 shows the pad and bracket body of FIGS. 18A and 18B placed on a virtual tooth. FIG. 20 shows the screen of a computer workstation performing a subtraction process to subtract the tooth object represented in red on the workstation from the bracket bonding pad/bracket body object rendered in green on the workstation. This step is needed to remove the portion of the bracket body that would otherwise project inside the tooth. FIGS. 21A and 21B are two views of the bracket pad/bracket body object after the subtraction operation of FIG. 20 has been performed. By comparing FIG. 17 with FIG. 21B, it will be seen that the portion of the bracket body that would have otherwise projected within the tooth has been deleted from the bracket pad/bracket body object. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Bracket Slot Parallel to Tooth Surfaces and Canted Archwire As noted earlier, in the straight wire approach to orthodontics practiced today, the basic design of orthodontic wires in the prior art is a flat, planar shape. All the slots of the brackets, when the teeth are moved to the desired occlusion, lie in a plane. Accordingly, the archwire itself, which is of rectangular cross-section, has a flat, planar configuration. This is also the case for wires to be used with the CONSEAL™ brackets mentioned previously. While the cross-section of the wire is oriented in a vertical manner (the longer side of the wire is vertical), the archwire still forms a plane that is substantially parallel to the occlusal plane and the orientation of the cross-section is maintained along the wire. The primary reason for this phenomenon is the ease of industrial manufacturing of archwires of flat planar configuration. In a first aspect of the invention, we propose a significant departure from flat, planar archwires. In particular, we have realized that to decrease the thickness of an orthodontic bracket, it is much more preferable to construct the slots of the brackets, and manufacture the archwire, such that the archwire runs essentially parallel to the surface of each individual tooth. In one aspect of the invention, the bracket slots are oriented in a manner such that the wire runs substantially parallel to each tooth surface. What we mean by this is that when a wire, with at least one flat planar surface, is inserted into the bracket slots, the flat planar surface of the archwire is canted or tilted at an oblique angle relative to the occlusal plane. For example, with a wire of rectangular or square cross-sectional shape, one of the pairs of surfaces of the wire is oriented parallel to the tooth surface in a manner inclined relative to the occlusal plane. Similarly, if the wire has an oval cross-section, the major axis of the wire (see FIG. 2B) is oriented substantially parallel to the tooth surface and is inclined at an oblique angle relative to the occlusal plane. The lingual surfaces of front teeth are significantly inclined. A wire that runs parallel from tooth to tooth particularly in the front teeth would have to have a “canted” shape (analogous to a banked curve on a high speed racing track) relative to the occlusal plane. Using standard mass-production procedures, such a wire could not be fabricated, as every patient has a unique tooth anatomy. Shaping a wire manually is extremely challenging. Usage of preferable materials like shape memory alloy makes this task even more challenging or literally impossible. However, in a preferred embodiment of this invention, the required wire geometry is available in electronic format. It is possible to transport a file representing this wire geometry to a flexible production device like a 6-axis wire bending robot described in WO 01/80761 to bend and twist wires of such a shape. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an archwire 10 with flat sides that is “canted” as provided in this first aspect of the invention. The archwire in the illustrated embodiment is of rectangular cross-section and has two pairs of parallel sides. One of the pairs of parallel sides 12 is of greater height (perpendicular to the axis of the wire) than the other, at least for non-square cross-section wires, and in this embodiment the pair of sides 12 which have the greater height is oriented generally parallel to the tooth surfaces. This can be seen more readily in FIG. 2, which shows the archwire received by three brackets 14 on three of the front teeth 16. The brackets 14 consist of a bracket bonding pad 18 and a bracket body 20 that includes an archwire-receiving slot 22. The slots of the brackets 14 are oriented in approximate parallel alignment relative to its respective bracket bonding pad 18 and associated tooth surface. The arrangement of the bracket slots 22 is in a manner such that, when the brackets 14 are installed on the teeth 16 of the patient and the archwire 10 is inserted in the slots 22, the archwire 10 is canted or inclined relative to an occlusal plane. One of the pairs of parallel opposite sides of the archwire (12 in FIGS. 1 and 2) is oriented substantially parallel to the tooth surface. This aspect of the invention enables the overall thickness of brackets to be substantially decreased as compared to prior art techniques, making the brackets and archwire design particularly well suited for use in lingual orthodontics. The overall thickness of the bracket is also reduced by providing the bracket bonding pad with tooth facing surface and opposite surfaces which conform to the three-dimensional surface of the tooth. Thus, the pad can be constructed as a thin shell (e.g., 0.3 mm in thickness) matching the tooth anatomy. It is important to note that the canted archwire 10 shown in FIG. 1 is shown “as-manufactured.” In other words, the wire has the shape shown in FIG. 1 when the teeth are moved to the finish position and no further forces are imparted onto the teeth. When the wire of FIG. 1 is installed on the teeth in the malocclused condition, the wire will have some other shape, due to the malocclusion, but since the brackets are bonded to the teeth and the bracket slots are oriented generally parallel to the tooth surface, the archwire 10 will still be oriented such that the sides 12 of the archwire are parallel to the tooth surface, thereby providing numerous clinical benefits. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of an oval archwire 10. The archwire cross-section has an oval configuration with a long or major axis 11 and a minor axis 13. As shown in FIG. 2B, the bracket slot 22 is orientated basically parallel to the tooth 16 surface and the wire 10 is installed in the bracket slot such that the major axis 11 is oriented in a canted or inclined position relative to the occlusal plane 15. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrates the advantage of the bracket design and a canted wire: the overall thickness of the bracket can be greatly reduced. FIG. 3A shows the design of a bracket in which the slot 22 is oriented parallel to the tooth surface 16A. FIG. 3B shows a prior art bracket in which the slot 22 is oriented at a substantial angle to the tooth surface at 16A. The bracket slot is parallel to the occlusal plane. In the case of anterior teeth, this results in an inclination between the lingual tooth surface and the bracket slot of approximately 45 degrees. It should be noted here that when we speak of the orientation of the slot, we are referring to the direction of the slot from the opening of the slot 22A to the base of the slot 22B, and not the transverse direction parallel to the axis of the archwire. Thus, the slot in FIG. 3A is oriented parallel to the tooth surface 16A in FIG. 3A. The same orientation is found for all the brackets in FIG. 2. In contrast, the slot in FIG. 3B is oriented at roughly a 45 degree angle to the tooth surface 16A. The slot in the prior art arrangement of FIG. 3B is such that the wire has a flat planar surface that is perpendicular to the occlusal plane, and not canted at an oblique angle as is the case in FIG. 3A and FIG. 2B. The bracket bonding pad 18 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3A conforms exactly to the three-dimensional surface of the tooth and consists of a thin shell. These aspects of the bracket design are described in further detail below. The reduction in thickness provided by the bracket design of FIGS. 2, 2B and 3A leads to a number of significant improvements as compared to the prior art design shown in FIG. 3B, particularly for lingual orthodontics: Decreased articulation problems Decreased tongue irritation Decreased risk of bracket loss (the flatter the bracket is, the shorter the moment arm is when a patient bites onto the bracket, and the smaller the stress at the adhesive connection) Increased positioning control for finishing (the smaller the distance between wire and tooth is, the better the tooth “follows” the wire) Increased patient comfort Increased hygiene conditions The orientation of the archwire 10 at the molars may be vertical, as shown in FIG. 1, which results in minimal overall thickness at the molars, or alternatively it could be horizontal. The horizontal orientation would add more thickness (for instance 0.025 inches per side instead of 0.017 inches for a typical wire cross section of 17×25), but the addition is so small that this would certainly be acceptable, if manufacturing or clinical considerations would call for such an orientation. Since a horizontal slot orientation is acceptable for molars and premolars, it would also make sense to mix conventional brackets with brackets according to this invention. For example, the premolars and molar brackets could be conventional brackets, while a set of brackets according to this invention would be supplied for the anterior and canine teeth. Thus, in one aspect of the invention we have described a bracket, and a set of brackets 14, having slots 22 in which the slots 22 of each of the brackets 14 are oriented in approximate parallel alignment relative to its respective bracket bonding pad 18 in a manner such that, when the set of brackets are installed on the teeth 16 of the patient and the archwire 10 is inserted in the slots, the archwire 10 is canted relative to an occlusal plane to conform to the surface of the teeth at the location of where the archwire 10 is inserted into the slots 22 whereby the overall thickness of the brackets may be decreased. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pair 12 of sides of the archwire 10 are oriented substantially parallel to the bracket bonding pad 18 in the region 16A when the archwire 10 is inserted into the slots 22. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, in a preferred embodiment each bracket bonding pad has a three-dimensional tooth facing surface 24 that has a shape to conform exactly to the three-dimensional surface of its respective tooth. The invention is applicable to both labial brackets and lingual brackets. The brackets in one possible embodiment are essentially self-positioning, as described in more detail below, in that they can be positioned on the tooth in the correct location without the assistance of a bracket placement jig or tray. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the brackets 14 are lingual brackets and the bracket bonding pad for each of brackets covers a sufficient portion of the lingual surface of the respective tooth so as to be uniquely positioned on the teeth by hand. Note also in FIG. 3A that the bracket bonding pad has a second opposite surface 26 having a three-dimensional shape corresponding to the three-dimensional tooth-facing surface 24 to thereby further decrease the thickness of the bracket. In one possible embodiment the set of brackets according to this invention may comprise all the brackets for treatment of an arch of the patient. On the other hand, the set of brackets may comprise less than all the brackets for treatment of an arch of the patient and comprise at least one bracket, since the brackets can be mixed with conventional brackets. A set of brackets for placement on the lingual surface of the front teeth of the patient is one representative embodiment. Further, the set of brackets may comprise one subset of brackets for placement on the lower arch and a second subset of brackets for placement on the upper arch. As noted above, in one possible embodiment the opposite surface of the tooth-facing surface matches the three-dimensional surface of the tooth. The thickness of the bonding pad could be the same across the bonding pad (e.g., 0.3 mm), or alternatively it could vary from say 0.1 mm at the edge of the bonding pad to 0.3 mm in the center. This latter embodiment would provide the required stability on the one hand, and on the other hand promote a peeling off of the pad from the tooth when treatment is completed. Further, the thinner the pad the greater the patient comfort. Presently, casting brackets with a thickness below 0.3 mm is quite challenging, but other manufacturing technologies such as milling or laser sintering could be used instead for manufacturing the pads. Further design and manufacturing considerations for the brackets of FIGS. 2 and 3A are discussed in detail later on this document. Self-positioning Brackets The “footprint” of the surface 24 of the bracket 14 that is bonded to the tooth (“pad”) is a compromise if non-customized pads are used. The smaller it is, naturally the discrepancy between the pad surface and the tooth surface is smaller, and the need to close significant gaps is reduced. On the other hand, the larger it is, the more stable the adhesive joint is, and the smaller the risk of a bracket coming off during the course of treatment. In another aspect of the invention, we overcome this compromise by shaping the bracket bonding pads 18 (FIGS. 2 and 3A) exactly according to the associated tooth. The shape of the pad's tooth-facing surface 24 is formed as a negative of the tooth 16 surface. This ensures that no conflicts between tooth surface and bracket surface can arise, resulting in the possibility to design each bracket as flat as possible and therefore getting the wire as close to the tooth surface as possible. A very welcome result of this approach is that the bonding surface can be made very large for teeth that show no prominent curvature on the bonding surface, or where the bonding surface can follow the curvature of the cusps. This improves adhesive strength, and by covering a substantial amount of tooth anatomy, the position of the bracket is completely defined by the bracket itself. Even without performing indirect bonding, each bracket is placed exactly at the desired position. If a bracket should still come off, it can easily be repositioned without additional efforts. Because of the bracket bonding pad either covering a substantial area extent of the surface of the tooth or being perfectly adapted to prominent curvatures like cusps, it can be positioned uniquely in the correct location by hand without any jigs or other bracket placement devices. If a bracket comes off during the course of treatment, manual repositioning using the positive fit is highly desirable and indeed possible with these brackets. However, for initial bonding, the use of a tray to simultaneously position multiple brackets may be employed. The substantial area extent or coverage of the bracket bonding pad depends on the curvature of the tooth surface. In teeth that are rather flat, like the lower anteriors, the area extent may need to be as large as 50 percent or more of the tooth surface for lingual brackets and preferably 70 percent or more for labial brackets. For lingual brackets, this area coverage of the bracket boding pad 18 can be 60 to 75 percent or more. The bracket bonding pads may cover, at least in part, portions of the cusps of the teeth, preferably where such cusps do not make contact with opposing teeth during occlusion or chewing. Where the bracket bonding pad covers the cusp, the manual placement of the bracket and close and unique fit of the bracket to the tooth is further promoted. FIG. 4 shows an example of lingual brackets 14 in which the bracket bonding pad 18 covers more than 50 percent of the tooth. The bracket bonding pad has a three-dimensional tooth-facing surface 24 (FIG. 3A, not shown in FIG. 4) that is a negative of the surface of the tooth and a second surface 26 which also has the same three-dimensional tooth surface. The manner in which the surfaces 24 and 26 are designed is described in more detail below. Note that the bracket slots need not be parallel to the teeth in this embodiment. Also note that the bracket pad 18 for tooth 16B covers part of the cusp in region 30. Bracket Design Brackets according to this appliance system have to be fabricated individually for every patient. Doing this in a lab process would be time consuming and expensive. Designing the bracket slots in the optimal orientation is also challenging. The invention solves this problem by designing the brackets, including the pad geometry in a preferred embodiment, with the help of a computer using virtual three dimensional bracket bonding pads, virtual bracket bodies, and virtual auxiliary devices for brackets such as hooks. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket design is performed in a workstation that stores a three-dimensional virtual model of the patient's dentition and preferably treatment planning software for moving the teeth in the virtual model to desired finish positions. Such computers are known in the art. See, e.g., WO 01/80761 and Chisti et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,227,850 and 6,217,325, incorporated by reference herein. The design of the brackets in accordance with this invention can be done by a user at an orthodontic clinic, or could be performed at a remotely located manufacturing site. The pad 18 geometry can be derived directly from digital representations of the patient's teeth so as to produce a bracket bonding pad that conforms substantially exactly to the shape of the surface of the teeth. To achieve this, the shape and size of the bracket pad for each tooth is determined. This may be done manually by using a computer program that allows indicating the desired areas on each tooth model, for instance by drawing virtual lines onto the tooth models or coloring the respective areas. A 3D graphics software program like Magics™, that is widely used to manipulate 3D models that are defined as a set of interconnected triangles (STL-format), allows marking triangles by simply clicking at them with the mouse. Another option is to use a software algorithm that automatically or semi-automatically calculates an appropriate bracket bonding pad area by analyzing the curvature of the tooth surface and determining a surface that is large enough to cover substantial curvature features to allow for reliable manual positioning of the bracket onto the tooth surface. Such an algorithm could for instance start with a pre-defined pad size. The tooth surface covered by that pad size would form a virtual “knoll” having at least one raised portion relative to surrounding tooth anatomy, as a completely flat tooth surface would not lend itself to unique positioning of a bracket. The volume of the knoll could be calculated provided that the edges of the pad are joined by a continuous surface in any convenient manner. The less curvature the tooth surface presents, the flatter the knoll and the smaller its volume would be. If the volume of the “knoll” does not exceed a pre-defined value, the pad would automatically be enlarged by a pre-defined value, with the idea that the larger volume would be more likely to include adequate raised tooth features. Again, the volume would be calculated. This loop would be continued until a minimum volume value would be achieved for each pad. Obviously, this is just an exemplary approach for such an automated algorithm. Others could be readily developed from the principles taught herein. A presently preferred implementation of the bracket pad shape design process is described in further detail below. Once the pad 18 areas are defmed, the shape of this portion of the tooth defines exactly the required shape of tooth-facing portion of the bracket pad. There are several options how to shape the outside portion of the pad. In order to receive a thin pad, the best method is to create the normal vector of each surface element (for instance, a triangle) describing the tooth-facing surface of the pad, and to “shift” each surface element in the direction of the normal vector using a predefined offset value corresponding to the desired thickness of the bracket bonding pad. In this way a thin shell is created, the outside of the shell having the same contour (albeit shifted) as the tooth-facing side. Alternatively, the thickness of the bracket can vary over the surface of the pad with the pad thickness the least at the edges (e.g., 0.1 mm) and greatest (e.g., 0.3 mm) in the center. The other part of the bracket, the body 20, containing the slot 22 and further features that allow fastening the wire into the slot (“ligating”), may exist as a predefined virtual model in the computer, as the body does not need to be patient specific. Typically, a library of bracket bodies will be created and stored in the computer. FIGS. 6A-6C show perspective views of three-dimensional virtual bracket bodies that are stored in a library of bracket bodies 20 and used for purposes of design of a custom bracket for an individual patient. Alternatively, and equivalently, the library of bracket bodies could be stored elsewhere and accessed remotely. It would be possible to hold a variety of different bodies for different malocclusions and treatment approaches (severe/moderate crowding, extraction/non-extraction etc.). It is also possible to add virtual auxiliary features to the brackets from a library of such features. If, for instance, elastics are required to apply forces along the arch (space closure etc.), hooks may be added. If a patient has a significant overbite and it is desired to prevent him/her from completely closing the jaw, so-called bite planes can be integrated into the bracket. To illustrate this, FIG. 5 shows appliances called bite turbos 32. These appliances 32 are not brackets, but only serve the purpose of providing such a bite plane in order to prevent both jaws from closing completely. It would even be possible to modify models of bracket bodies according to the requests of an orthodontist. Another advantage is that experiences that are made on certain treatments can almost instantaneously be transformed into the design of the bracket bodies in the library. After the shape of the bracket bonding pad (including the tooth-facing surface 24 and the opposite surface 26) has been defined, and the user has selected the bracket body 20 that they wish to use for the given bracket bonding pad, the next step is to combine the bracket body 20 with the pad 22. Common Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs have several capabilities to design freeform shapes and to connect existing shapes to each other. One specific method is described in detail below in the Exemplary Embodiment section. Preferably, the user specifies how the bracket body is to be united with the bracket bonding pad to achieve a desired configuration for the customized bracket. Since the exact spatial relation of bracket body and pad can be randomly defined using state of the art 3D graphics software, it is possible to deal for instance with crowded front teeth: The bracket body can be shifted slightly to the left or to the right to avoid conflicts with adjacent teeth and/or brackets, either at the start of treatment or during the course of tooth movement during treatment. This feature is shown in FIG. 7. Note that the position of the bracket body 20A for the left tooth 16A and the bracket body 20B for the right tooth 16C are moved toward one side of the bracket bonding pad 18, so as to avoid collisions between the bracket and the teeth at the start of treatment. Similarly, the bracket body may be moved up or down to avoid a collision with the teeth on the opposing jaw. Alternatively, the user could simply enlarge the pad surface. As yet another possible embodiment, we contemplate providing the ability of a user to design, with the aid of a computer, a virtual bracket customized for a particular patient. The user is provided with a library containing a plurality of available virtual bracket bonding pads, virtual bracket bodies and optionally virtual auxiliary features. The pad's geometrical shape could be pre-defined (that is, of a given configuration) or could be defined in three dimensions to fit the three-dimensional surface of the patient's teeth exactly as described in detail herein. For example, it would be possible for an orthodontist to order a given pad (for example, pad number 0023 of a list of available pads, with pad 0023 having a predetermined shape), united with a particular bracket body (bracket body number 0011 selected from a list of available bracket body styles), and equipped with hook number 002 for the upper left canine. The user could specify how they wish to unite the bracket bonding bad to the bracket body (such as set forth herein), or they could leave that to the manufacturer. In one possible embodiment, the user specifies the bracket bonding bad, bracket body and auxiliary features, views these components as virtual objects on a workstation or computer, and unites the objects together them to arrive at a unique customized bracket. They then export data representing the bracket to a manufacturing system (such as rapid prototyping system) for direct manufacture of the bracket, or manufacture of a template or model that is used for manufacture of the bracket using a casting process. Bracket Manufacturing Once the pad and bracket body have been joined into one 3D object, data representing this object can be exported, for instance in STL format, to allow for direct manufacturing using “rapid prototyping” devices. There are already a wide variety of appropriate rapid prototyping techniques that are well known in the art. They include stereolithography apparatus (“SLA”), laminated object manufacturing, selective laser sintering, fused deposition modeling, solid ground curing, and 3-D ink jet printing. Persons skilled in the art are familiar with these techniques. In one possible technique, it is possible to use a so-called “wax printer” to fabricate wax models of the brackets. These wax models will then be used as a core in a casting process. They are embedded in cement and then melted. The brackets would be cast in gold or another applicable alloy. It would also be possible to create SLA models and use these as cores in a mold. Other processes, like high-speed milling, could also be used to directly mill the brackets. Processes like laser sintering, where a powdery substance is hardened by a digitally controlled laser beam, are applicable. The powdery substance could be plastic, thus creating cores for a mold, or it could be metal, thus directly fabricating the brackets. Most rapid prototyping devices shape the objects in layers. This typically causes steps, when a surface is to be modeled is unparallel to the layers. Depending on the thickness of the layers, these steps may hardly be noticeable. However, the surfaces forming the bracket slot 22 should be smooth. One option is to accept steps during the rapid prototyping manufacturing and to mechanically refinish the slots as a last manufacturing step. A better option is to avoid steps by orienting the 3D models inside the rapid prototyping device in a manner that the slot is parallel to the layers. In this case, the desired height of the slot must correspond to the layer thickness. In other words, the slot height must be an integer multiple of the layer thickness. Another option to receive a smooth slot surface is manufacture the slot larger than the target size and to insert a machined or molded U-shaped inlay into the slot, the inlay thus forming the slot. This is for instance often done at ceramic brackets to reduce friction between wire and slot. This is shown in FIG. 8, in which a U-shaped inlay 40 is placed into the slot 22. The strength of the material of the bracket 14 is always a compromise. While the section forming the slot 22 should be as robust as possible to maintain the cross-section of the slot even when the bracket is exposed to high mechanical stress (e.g. by biting on hard objects), the section forming the pad 18 should be softer to ease de-bonding after the treatment is finished. If the pad is soft enough, it can literally be peeled off the tooth surface, using an adequate tool. Depending on the type of the manufacturing process, it is possible to use different alloys to achieve such a configuration. Using centrifugal casting, first, a controlled amount of a hard alloy can be used to form the section that holds the slot, and afterwards a softer alloy is used to fill up the remainder of the bracket (or other way round). Controlling the amount of material needed to form a specific portion of the bracket is possible, since from the 3D models of the brackets, the volume of each bracket section is precisely known. If a laser sintering process is used, different alloy powders may be used for the different layers, assuming that the design of the device allows such a procedure. The modular design generally makes it possible to define the slot height to exactly match the wire cross section. The better the slot is adapted to the wire thickness, the less play the wire has in the slot, and the more precise the tooth location will be at the end of treatment. It would be possible to adapt the slot size of the brackets to a certain lot of wires to be inserted. The better defined the system bracket/wire is, the less problems will arise during finishing, and the less time will be consumed to deal with such problems. This results in decreased overall treatment time. Exemplary Embodiment The process described below is a process that has already been successfully tested. From the comments in the section above, it is obvious that many variations are possible. The reader is directed to FIGS. 2, 3A and 9A-15 in the following discussion. The following discussion is made by way of disclosure of the inventor's best mode known for practicing the invention and is not intended to be limiting in terms of the scope of the invention. First, a digital three-dimensional representation of the patient's dentition is created or otherwise obtained. One option would be to generate a representation of the malocclusion from a scanning of the malocclusion (either in-vivo or from scanning a model), in which case the digital models of the teeth derived from the digital representation of the dentition would be re-arranged to a desired finishing position with a computer treatment planning program. This process is described at length in WO 01/80761. Another option is to manually create such a finishing position, using a lab process where plaster models are cut into single tooth models, and these tooth models are re-arranged by placing them in a wax bed (“set-up”). A digital representation of the ideal finishing position is then created by scanning this set-up using an industrial laser scanner. This process is also known in the art, see for example the Chisti et al. patents cited earlier. Once the digital representation of the ideal finishing tooth position has been created, the size and shape of the bracket pad is determined for every tooth. This step, and subsequent steps, have been performed using an off-the-shelf 3D graphics software program known as Magics™, developed by Materialise. Other software programs are of course possible. For each tooth, the area to be covered by the pad 18 is selected by using the cutting functionality. This is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. By clicking at multiple points 50 on the surface of the tooth forming the desired boundary of the bracket bonding pad, this portion of the tooth model is selected for forming the surface at which the bracket bonding pad will be bonded to the tooth. The points 50 are connected by lines 52 automatically. The resulting 3-D polygon is smoothed and the surface enclosed by a line. This surface is turned into an independent surface object in the computer. FIG. 10 shows the process performed for a set of four teeth. The surfaces 54 of the tooth are turned into independent objects as shown in FIG. 11, and consisting of a three-dimensional shell of zero thickness. These surfaces 54 serve as the tooth-facing surfaces of the bracket bonding pad. Next, the function “Offset Part” in the Magics software is used. Option “Create Thickness” is activated, that uses the normal vectors of the triangles forming the surface 54 to offset the shell 54 and in this way to create a second shell which forms the opposite surface 26 of the bracket bonding pad 18, which is then combined to one continuous surface by closing the gap around the outer edges of the shell. In this way, the three-dimensional shape of the pad 18 is defined. Today's casting technologies will require the pad to have a thickness of typically 0.3 mm. Next, from the library of virtual bracket body models, the appropriate model of a bracket body is selected for the respective tooth. Typically, one would have different bodies for molars, premolars and front teeth. FIG. 12 shows the placement of a bracket body 20 from the library on a bracket bonding pad 18 at this interim step in the process. The portion of each bracket body 20, that needs to be merged with the pad 18, is designed to be much longer that needed, so it will stick out on the tooth-facing side of the pad when oriented properly with respect to the tooth. This is the situation shown in FIG. 12. Of course, this is undesirable and the portion projecting inwards from the bracket bonding pad needs to be eliminated. To make a bracket that is as thin as possible (e.g., for lingual treatments) the goal is obviously to position the slot 22 as close to the pad 18 as possible without creating interference between the pad itself and the slot, or the wire when it runs through the slot. To remove the portion of the body 20 that is sticking out of the pad towards the interior of the tooth, the original tooth models are re-loaded. The Magics™ software provides “Boolean” operations that include unite functions and subtraction functions. Using these functions, as described below in conjunction with FIG. 16-21, all parts of the bracket body 20 that are inside the tooth model 16 are eliminated. Thus, the bracket body 20 is also shaped precisely according to the tooth surface and is equal to the surface of the pad. FIGS. 13A and 13B show two bracket bodies that have had their surfaces 58 modified so as to conform to the surface of the tooth. Next, using again a Boolean operation, the pad 18 and the body 20 are united into one three-dimensional virtual object. An object representing the sprue is placed on the bracket (for an embodiment in which the bracket is cast) and also united with the bracket model. This process is done for each bracket. FIG. 14 shows 3D virtual models of a set of orthodontic brackets for the lingual treatment of the lower arch. A variation on the above method is as follows. First, the bracket body is retrieved from a library of bracket bodies and placed with respect to the tooth surface in the correct position. Then, the tooth is “subtracted” from the bracket body+tooth object to delete the portion of the bracket body that would otherwise project into the tooth. A bracket bonding pad is created by assigning a thickness to a surface extracted or derived from the tooth surface, using the process described above for surfaces 54. Then, the bracket body, as modified, is united to the bracket bonding pad. Another possible embodiment is to use bracket bodies that are designed and stored in the computer which are as short as possible. Basically, these virtual bracket bodies would include the slot feature and little or nothing else. The user would position the virtual bracket body adjacent to the virtual bracket bonding pad with a small gap formed between the bracket body and the bracket bonding pad. The bracket designing software includes a feature to generate a surface with a smooth transition between the bonding pad and the bracket body. Software that provides functions to generate a smooth transition between two virtual objects of arbitrary cross-section already exists, one example being a 3D design program sold under the trademark Rhino3D™. Another alternative and less preferred embodiment for manufacture of customized bracket bonding pads would be to use standard bracket bodies with standard bracket bonding pads, and then bend these pads to the desired three-dimensional configuration using a bending robot. The wire bending robot in WO 01/80761 could be provided with different gripping fingers to grip a bracket and bend the tooth-facing surface of the pad to fit the anatomy of the tooth. The opposite surface of the pad could be shaped by milling. Another embodiment would shape both tooth-facing side and the opposite side by milling. Another aspect for selecting the appropriate bracket body for a given tooth is the extent of the malorientation of the tooth. For instance, a tooth that is significantly angulated should be equipped with a wide bracket bonding pad to provide satisfactory control, whereas a tooth that does not require a change in angulation could receive a very narrow bracket bonding pad since no angulation moment needs to be incorporated into the tooth. Thus, from the foregoing discussion, it will be appreciated that a variety of methods for designing and manufacturing the brackets of the present invention are contemplated. Still others may be selected by persons skilled in the art. The process of designing brackets occurs for all the required teeth in the arch and the process is performed for the opposing arch if desired. The 3D models of the finished customized brackets in STL format are exported and fed into a wax printer. Such a wax printer is designed similar to an inkjet printer and builds up the object in a large number of thin layers. The bottom layer is “printed” first: a fine jet blows liquid wax onto a base plate. The portions that are part of the object to be fabricated are printed using a wax with a high melting temperature. The remaining portions are filled with a wax of a low melting temperature. Then, the surface of the first layer is milled to receive a planar layer of a precisely defined thickness. Afterwards, all further layers are applied in the same manner. After this is complete, the low-melting portions are removed by exposing them to a heated solvent. The wax models of all brackets are then embedded in cement, making sure that the sprue is not completely covered. After the cement is hardened, the mold is heated, so that the wax cores are removed, and cavities are created. A gold-based alloy is cast into the mold. Then the mold is destroyed, and the brackets are ready for use after removal of the sprue. The resulting customized brackets could be bonded one by one, but it is more efficient to place them onto a plaster model of the malocclusion, fixing them with a drop of liquid wax or a water soluble adhesive, and to overmold the complete set with silicone, thus creating a bracket transfer tray. Obviously, a transfer tray according to OraMetrix's method of using an SLA representation of dentition plus brackets described in WO 01/80761, could also be used. After the process of designing brackets is done for the entire arch, the position of the bracket slots for the entire arch is stored as a file and exported to a wire bending robot for bending of an archwire. To manufacture the wires, a six-axis-robot as described in WO 01/80761 is appropriate and a preferred embodiment. Since the location and orientation of each bracket is known and therefore the location and orientation of each slot, it is possible to generate robot control files, containing the spatial information on each slot, and to use these control files to bend a wire having the configuration shown in FIG. 1. The Magics™ software program allows the user to export co-ordinate systems of individual objects in a proprietary file format. These are ASCII files with the extension UCS. Such a file can be imported into conversion software and turned into the CNA format used by the robot in WO 01/80761, which holds transformation matrices in binary format. Obviously, if the complete process of virtual set-up and virtual bracket design and placement would be performed within the native software of the wire bending system, such a conversion would not be required, as CNA files would be directly generated. FIG. 15A shows prior art lingual brackets in which the straight wire approach is used. Note the large size of the brackets. This results in much discomfort for the patient, articulation problems, and other problems as discussed previously. Compare FIG. 15A to FIG. 15B, a set of brackets provided in accordance with the teachings of this invention. The brackets are of a much reduced thickness. The advantages of the bracket and wire system of FIG. 15B has been set forth above. Referring now to FIGS. 16-21, a presently preferred process of merging the bracket body 20 with the bracket bonding pad 78 in the computer will now be described. FIG. 16 shows the combination of a virtual bracket body 20 and virtual bracket bonding pad 18 during an intermediate step in the design of a customized orthodontic bracket, in which the pad 18 and bracket body 20 are two independent three-dimensional virtual objects which can be moved relative to each other. In the situation shown in FIG. 16, the slot 22 is positioned relative to the pad 18 where the user wants it, but the portion 60 of the bracket body is projecting beyond the tooth contact surface 24 of the pad, which is an undesirable result. FIG. 17 shows the screen of a computer workstation implementing the bracket design features described herein, in which the user is uniting the pad and bracket body of FIG. 16 into a single virtual object. The pad 18 is represented as a red object on the workstation user interface and the bracket body is a green object. The Magics™ software provides a unite icon, indicated at 62. When the user clicks OK at 64, the two objects 20 and 18 are united into one virtual 3D object. FIGS. 18A and 18B are two views of the pad and bracket body combined as a single virtual object. Next, the tooth object is recalled and the bracket body/pad object is superimposed on the tooth. FIG. 19 shows the pad 18 and bracket body 20 of FIGS. 18A and 18B placed on a virtual tooth 16. Now, the portion 60 (FIG. 18) needs to be removed from the bracket. FIG. 20 shows the screen of a computer workstation performing a subtraction process to subtract the tooth object 16 represented in red on the workstation from the bracket bonding pad/bracket body 18/20 object, rendered in green on the workstation. This step is needed to remove the portion of the bracket body 60 that would otherwise project inside the tooth. The user activates the icon 66 indicating subtraction of the red (tooth) from the green (bracket pad/body) and clicks OK. FIGS. 21A and 21B are two views of the bracket pad/bracket body object after the subtraction operation of FIG. 20 has been performed. By comparing FIG. 17 with FIG. 22, it will be seen that the portion 60 of the bracket body that would have otherwise projected within the tooth has been deleted from the bracket pad/bracket body object and the tooth-facing surface 24 conforms exactly to the surface of the tooth. As noted above, it would be possible to space a virtual bracket body from a virtual bracket bonding pad in a desired spatial relationship with respect to each other and fill in the volume of space between the two objects with a suitable graphics tool, such as the Rhino3D program, to thereby unite the bracket body with the bracket bonding pad. Alternatively, the bracket body could be fit exactly to the bracket bonding pad using 3D graphics software tools without requiring any portion of the bracket body to be removed. In this situation, the two virtual objects intersect in a manner that the bracket body would penetrate the pad only (e.g., a depth of intersection of the bracket body and the bracket bonding pad of say 0.1 mm). Alternatively, the two objects could be united as described above and the portion that would otherwise project inside the tooth is removed as shown in FIGS. 16-21. The archwires to be used with this invention can be of any suitable archwire material known in the art or later developed. It has been found that relatively soft, heat treatable alloys are particularly suitable. It has been discovered that such wires are also ideal for bending with a wire bending robot. One such alloy which is a preferred material for the instant inventions is a cobalt chromium alloy sold under the trademark BLUE ELGILOY™, available from Rocky Mountain Orthodontics. This particular wire material has a composition of 40% cobalt, 20% chromium, 15% nickel, 7% molybdenum, 2% manganese, 0.15% carbon, balance iron. A similar alloy is available from Ormco, sold under the trademark AZURLOY™. These materials are particularly well suited for the six-axis wire bending robot with heated gripper fingers described in WO 01/80761. The cobalt chromium alloys are rather soft, which is particularly desirable for lingual treatment. Also, significantly, they require very little overbending to achieve the desired bend in the wire, which is particularly advantageous from a wire bending point of view since overbending of wires to achieve the desired shape of the wire after bending is complete is a difficult process to control exactly. The cobalt chromium wire are preferably heat treated after bending to increase the strength of the wire. The heat treatment can be provided by the robot gripping fingers using resistive heating techniques, immediately after each section of the wire is bent, using the techniques described in WO 01/80761. Alternatively, the heat treatment can be performed after bending the entire wire by placing the wire in an oven, or, alternatively the wire can be placed in a wire heating apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,285. The temperature for heat treatment is approximately 500 degrees F. The purpose of heat treatment of the wire here, to give the wire additional strength, is different from the purpose of heat treatment of NiTi and other shape memory wires described in WO 01/80761. The heat treatment of NiTi wires is needed to have the material take on the configuration of the wire as bent by the robot, whereas here the cobalt chromium wire will take the bend even without heat treatment, as the heat treatment here is for the purpose of increasing strength of the wire. These relatively soft wires, particularly the cobalt chromium alloys, which require very little overbending, are especially suited for lingual orthodontic brackets and canted archwires as described herein. In one possible aspect of the invention we provide a method of forming an archwire with a wire bending robot in which the wire comprises a cobalt chromium alloy that is subsequently heat treated, for example by the wire gripping apparatus of the wire bending robot as described in WO 01/80761. In another aspect a method for bending and heat treating an archwire is provided, comprising the steps of supplying the archwire to a wire bending robot, bending the archwire with the wire bending robot to have a predetermined configuration for a particular orthodontic patient, and heat treating the archwire while said wire is held by the wire bending robot. Preferably, the archwire comprises a cobalt chromium wire, but other alloys that require heat treatment after bending could be used. The step of bending and heat treating could be provided by bending the archwire is bent in a series of bends and heating the wire after performing each of the bends in the series of bends. While presently preferred embodiments have been described with particularity, variation from the preferred and alternative embodiments is of course possible without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the designing of the brackets with the aid of a computer has been described using the Magics™ software program in which surface elements of the bracket bonding pad, tooth and bracket body are represented as triangles. However, there are other acceptable mathematical techniques for representing arbitrary three-dimensional shapes in a computer, including volumetric descriptions (IGES format), and Nonuniform Rational B Splines (NURB), that could be used. While representation of surface elements using triangles (SLA format) works well in this invention, software using NURBs such as QuickDraw3D™ could be used. NURB software is becoming more and more prevalent, since it offers a way of representing arbitrary shapes while maintaining a high degree of mathematical exactness and resolution independence, and it can represent complex shapes with remarkably little data. The methods and software used in the preferred embodiment for designing the brackets in accordance with the invention represent one of several possible techniques and the scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed methods. As another example, the manufacturing techniques that are used for manufacture of the brackets is not critical and can vary from the disclosed techniques. The reference herein to archwires with a rectangular, square or similar cross-section is considered to encompass archwires that basically have this cross-sectional form but have slightly rounded comers and as such are not exactly of rectangular or square cross-section. Similarly, the reference to the appended claims of an archwire having a flat planar side is intended to cover an archwire that basically has a flat planar side, notwithstanding a rounded of the comer from one face of the wire to another face. This true spirit and scope of the invention will be understood by reference to the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to the field of orthodontics. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for designing and manufacturing brackets and archwires for purposes of straightening the teeth of a patient, and novel brackets and archwires made in accordance with the methods. The invention is useful for orthodontics generally. It can be employed with particular advantage in lingual orthodontics, that is, where the orthodontic appliance is attached to the lingual surface of the teeth for aesthetic reasons. B. Description of Related Art A widely used method to straighten or align teeth of a patient is to bond brackets onto the teeth and run elastic wires of rectangular cross-sectional shape through the bracket slots. Typically, the brackets are off-the-shelf products. In most cases, they are adapted to a certain tooth (for instance an upper canine), but not to the individual tooth of a specific patient. The adaptation of the bracket to the individual tooth is performed by filling the gap between tooth surface and bracket surface with adhesive to thereby bond the bracket to the tooth such that the bracket slot, when the teeth are moved to a finish position, lies in flat horizontal plane. The driving force for moving the teeth to the desired finish position is provided by the archwire. For lingual brackets, a system has been developed by Thomas Creekmore that has vertical bracket slots. This allows an easier insertion of the wire. The longer side of the wire is therefore oriented vertically. Unitek has marketed this bracket system under the trade name CONSEAL™. A computerized approach to orthodontics based on design and manufacture of customized brackets for an individual patient, and design and manufacture of a customized bracket placement jig and archwire, has been proposed in the art. See U.S. Pat. No. RE 35,169 to Lemchen et al. and U.S. Patents to Andreiko et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,447,432, 5,431,562 and 5,454,717. The system and method of Andreiko et al. is based on mathematical calculations of tooth finish position and desired ideal archform. The method of Andreiko et al. has not been widely adopted, and in fact has had little impact on the treatment of orthodontic patients since it was first proposed in the early 1990s. There are a variety of reasons for this, one of which is that the deterministic approach proposed by Andreiko et al. for calculating tooth finish positions does not take into account unpredictable events during the course of treatment. Furthermore, the proposed methods of Andreiko et al. essentially remove the orthodontist from the picture in terms of treatment planning, and attempt to replace his or her skill and judgment in determining tooth finish positions by empirical calculations of tooth finish positions. Typically, the wires used in orthodontic treatment today are off-the-shelf products. If they need to be individualized by the orthodontist, the goal is to get along with as few modifications as possible. Therefore, the brackets are designed in a manner that at the end of treatment, when teeth are aligned, the bracket slots are supposed to be located and oriented in a planar manner. This means that a wire that would run passively through the slots, without applying any force, would be planar (flat). This treatment regime is known as “straight wire”. It dominates orthodontics worldwide. It is efficient for both manufacturers and the orthodontist. The customized orthodontic appliances proposed by Andreiko et al. call for a flat planar wire, but with the curvature in a horizontal plane customized for the individual and dictated by the shape of the ideal desired archform for the patient. The so-called straight wire approach that continues to be used in orthodontics today has some noteworthy disadvantages in terms of patient comfort. The need to close the gap between the bracket bonding surface and the tooth surface with adhesive always leads to an increased overall thickness of the appliance. For brackets that are bonded labially, this is acceptable, as labial tooth surfaces are very uniform for different individuals, and the gap to be closed is not significant. However, lingual (inner) surfaces of teeth show a much greater variation among patients. To achieve the goal to orient the bracket in a manner such that the slot is parallel to all other slots when treatment is finished, the thickness of adhesive that is necessary often is in the range of 1 to 2 mm. It is obvious that every fraction of a mm added to appliance thickness significantly increases patient discomfort. Especially with lingual brackets (bracket bonded to the lingual surface of the teeth), articulation problems arise, and the tongue is severely irritated for several weeks after bonding. The tooth surfaces next to these adhesive pads are difficult to clean, thus serving as collecting point for bacteria and causing gingival inflammation. The further the archwire is away from the tooth surface, the more difficult it is to achieve a precise finishing position for each tooth. An error of only 10° in torque (rotation around the wire axis) may well induce a vertical error in tooth position of more than 1 mm. Another significant disadvantage of thick brackets, especially when bonding lingually, arises when the front teeth are severely crowded (which is often the cause for orthodontic treatment). Since the space is more restricted at the lingual surface due to the curvature of the jaw, not all brackets may be bonded at one session. Rather, the orthodontist has to wait until the crowding has decreased until all brackets may be placed. Crowding also creates problems for labial brackets. Geometrical considerations dictate that this constriction problem becomes worse as the thickness of the bracket/bracket bonding pad/adhesive combination increases. Another problem in orthodontics is to determine the correct bracket position. At the time of bonding, teeth may be oriented far away from the desired position. So the task to locate the brackets in a manner that a flat planar archwire drives teeth to the correct position requires a lot of experience and visual imagination. The result is that at the end of treatment a lot of time is lost to perform necessary adjustments to either bracket position or wire shape. This problem can be solved by creating an ideal set-up, either virtually using 3D scan data of the dentition or physically by separating a dental model of the dentition into single teeth and setting up the teeth in a wax bed in an ideal position. The brackets can then be placed at this ideal set-up at optimal positions, in a manner that a flat wire running through the bracket slots would drive the teeth exactly into the ideal target. This again may be done virtually in a computer or physically. After this is done, the bracket position has to be transferred on a tooth-by-tooth basis into the maloccluded (initial) situation. Basing on this maloccluded situation, a transfer tray enveloping the brackets can be manufactured, which allows bonding the brackets exactly at the location as defined at the set-up. Such as technique is taught generally in Cohen, U.S. Pat. 3,738,005. The published PCT patent application of OraMetrix, Inc., publication no. WO 01/80761, describes a wire-based approach to orthodontics based on generic brackets and a customized orthodontic archwire. The archwire can have complex twists and bends, and as such is not necessarily a flat planar wire. The entire contents of this document is incorporated by reference herein. This document also describes a scanning system for creating 3D virtual models of a dentition and an interactive, computerized treatment planning system based on the models of the scanned dentition. As part of the treatment planning, virtual brackets are placed on virtual teeth and the teeth moved to a desired position by a human operator exercising clinical judgment. The 3D virtual model of the dentition plus brackets in a malocclused condition is exported to a rapid prototyping device for manufacture of physical model of the dentition plus brackets. A bracket placement tray is molded over the model. Real brackets are placed into the transfer tray in the location of where the virtual brackets were placed. Indirect bonding of the brackets to the teeth occurs via the transfer tray. The system of WO 01/80761 overcomes many of the problems inherent in the Andreiko et al. method. During the course of treatment, brackets may come off, for instance if the patient bites on hard pieces of food. Obviously, the transfer tray used for initial bonding will not fit any more as teeth have moved. While it is possible to cut the tray (such as described in WO 01/80761) into pieces and use just the one section that is assigned to the bracket that came off, to replace the bracket the reliability of this procedure is limited, as a small piece of elastic material is not adequate to securely position a bracket. It may therefore be required to create a new transfer tray adapted to the current tooth position using a costly lab process. The methods and applicants presented herein comprise several independent inventive features providing substantial improvements to the prior art. The greatest benefits will be achieved for lingual treatments, but labial treatments will also benefit. While the following summary describes some of the highlights of the invention, the true scope of the invention is reflected in the appended claims. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In a first aspect, a set of brackets (one or more) is provided in which the bracket has a slot which is oriented with respect to the bracket bonding pad such that the wire runs substantially parallel to the surface of the teeth, i.e., the portion of the tooth surface adjacent to where the bracket receives the archwire, as will be explained in further detail and as shown in the drawings. In particular, the brackets have a bracket bonding pad for bonding the bracket to the tooth of the patient and a bracket body having a slot for receiving an archwire having either a flat, planar side (e.g., one side of a wire having a rectangular, square, parallelogram or wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape) or alternatively an oval shape. The slots of the brackets are oriented in approximate parallel alignment relative to its respective bracket bonding pad in a manner such that, when the bracket or set of brackets are installed on the teeth of the patient and the archwire is inserted in the slots, the archwire is canted or inclined relative to the occlusal plane (analogous to a banked curve on a high speed racing track). In embodiment in which the archwire has flat surfaces (rectangular, parallelogram, square, wedge shaped, etc), the flat planar side of the archwire is substantially parallel to the surface of the teeth at the location of where the archwire is inserted into the slots, in a canted orientation relative to the occlusal plane. In an embodiment in which the archwire is of an oval configuration, the major axis of the cross-section of the wire is oriented substantially parallel to tooth surface and at a canted orientation relative to the occlusal plane. For the front teeth, it is desirable to come up with a homogeneous inclination to avoid abrupt changes in inclination (i.e., changes in torque) from slot to slot in order to receive a smooth progression of the wire. In a wire of rectangular or square cross-sectional shape, one of the pairs of parallel opposite sides of the archwire is oriented substantially parallel to the tooth surface. Usually, this will be pair of parallel sides that has the greater width or height. This aspect of the invention enables the overall thickness of brackets to be substantially decreased as compared to prior art techniques, because it does not require a buildup of adhesive to make the slot lie in a horizontal flat plane when the bracket is attached, as found in the straight wire technique. The brackets and archwire design are particularly well suited for use in lingual orthodontics. This reduction in thickness of the bracket, bracket bonding pad and archwire leads to several significant advantages as compared to prior art systems and satisfaction of a long-felt need in the art for a more satisfactory lingual orthodontic system. These advantages include decreased articulation problems, a pronounced decrease in tongue irritation, a decreased risk of bracket loss, increased positioning control for finishing since the reduced distance between wire and tooth results in more accurate tooth movement to the desired finish position, increased patient comfort, and increased hygiene conditions. One reason why the basic design of orthodontic wires remains one in which the wires have a flat, planar shape is the ease of industrial manufacturing. To decrease the thickness of an orthodontic bracket, it is much preferable to run the wire parallel to the surface of each individual tooth as provided by this aspect of the invention. The lingual surfaces of front teeth are significantly inclined relative to a vertical axis for most patients. A wire that runs parallel from tooth to tooth in accordance with this aspect of the invention has a “canted” shape in order to take advantage of the parallel nature of the bracket slots. Using standard mass-production procedures, such a wire could not be fabricated, as every patient has a very individual tooth anatomy. Shaping a wire manually to provide the canted shape is extremely challenging. Usage of modem materials for the archwire like shape memory alloys makes this task even more challenging or even impossible by hand. However, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the required wire geometry is available in electronic format. This wire geometry can be dictated by the three-dimensional location of the bracket slots and/or the brackets, as placed on the teeth in the desired occlusion. This format can be exported to new wire bending robots that have been recently developed that are capable of bending wires in virtually any shape (including canted shapes). For example, it is possible to export digital data reflecting wire geometry to flexible wire bending production devices like the 6 -axis-robot described in WO 01/80761, and have the robot bend and twist wires of the canted configuration as described herein. Thus, wires having the canted shape as dictated by the bracket invention are now able to be mass-produced. The presently preferred wire-bending robot is also described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/834,967, filed Apr. 13, 2001, the content of which is also incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Thus, in another and related aspect of the invention, a canted archwire is provided. The wire can be of any cross-sectional configuration that has at least one flat planar surface, such as rectangular, or, alternatively, it could be oval in cross-section. The archwire is bent into a configuration during manufacturing to have a shape, in a relaxed, as-manufactured condition, such that the flat planar surface of the archwire (or the major axis of the cross-section of the wire in an oval configuration) is canted relative to an occlusal plane over a substantial arcuate extent. The canting of the archwire corresponds to portions of the archwire that are to be placed in brackets and used for straightening two or more teeth. In an embodiment in which the wire is of rectangular or square cross-section, one of the first and second pairs of parallel sides is oriented substantially parallel to tooth surfaces in the vicinity of where the archwire is to be received by archwire receiving receptacles located on the two or more teeth. Another aspect of the invention is thus a method of manufacturing an archwire. The method includes the step of defining the location of a set of bracket slots for a set of brackets in three-dimensional space with the aid of a computer. The bracket slots are oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the teeth in the location of where the brackets are to be bonded to the teeth. The method continues with the step of supplying a wire bending robot with information corresponding to the location of the set of bracket slots. This information will be typically in the form of a digital file representing 3D coordinates of the bracket slots. This information can be used by a robot control program to tell a wire bending robot how to bend a wire such that the wire, in a relaxed, as manufactured state, has a shape dictated by the bracket slots. Thus, the method continues with the step of bending an archwire with the wire bending robot having a shape corresponding to the location of the bracket slots, wherein the archwire has a canted configuration such that the archwire is oriented substantially parallel to the tooth surfaces over a substantial arcuate extent. The wire can be bent continuously, or, alternatively, as series of bends separated by straight section corresponding to the bracket slots, as described in more detail in WO 01/80761 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/834,967. In still another aspect, a bracket is provided with an improved bracket bonding pad that makes the brackets essentially self positioning, that is, it may be uniquely located and positioned on the teeth in the correct location with a positive fit without the use of a jig or other bracket placement mechanism, such as the tray as proposed by Cohen, U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,005, or the jig of the Andreiko et al. patents. In particular, an improvement to a bracket having a bracket bonding pad is provided in which the bracket bonding pad has a tooth contacting surface of three-dimensional area extent conforming substantially exactly to the three-dimensional shape of the tooth where the pad is bonded to the tooth. In one possible embodiment, the three-dimensional area extent is sufficiently large, and considerably larger than all bracket bonding pads proposed in the prior art, such that the bracket can be readily and uniquely placed by hand and located on the tooth in the correct location due to the substantial area extent corresponding to the three-dimensional surface of the tooth. The bracket is able to be bonded in place on the tooth without the assistance of a bracket placement aid such as a jig. In another possible embodiment, the area extent covers a cusp or a portion of a cusp to enable the bracket to uniquely placed on the tooth. In another aspect, a bracket is provided with a bracket bonding pad that comprises a thin shell in order to reduce the overall thickness of the bracket as much as possible. The pad includes a tooth-facing surface conforming to the surface of the tooth. In this embodiment the bracket bonding pad has an opposite surface corresponding to the tooth-facing surface which has a three-dimensional surface configuration which also matches the three-dimensional surface of the tooth. In order to create a thin pad on a computer, a preferred method is to create a normal vector of each element of the bracket bonding pad's tooth-facing surface (for instance, a triangle depending on how the surface is represented in the computer). Each surface element is “shifted” in the direction of the normal vector away from the tooth using a pre-defined offset value corresponding to the thickness of the bonding pad. In this way, a thin shell is created, the outside of the shell having substantially the same area extent and three-dimensional surface corresponding to the tooth-facing surface of the bracket bonding pad. Other techniques could be used as well. For example, the bracket bonding pad could have a thinner periphery (e.g., 0.1 mm) and a thicker center portion (e.g., 0.3 mm) adjacent to where the bracket body is attached to the bonding pad. Appropriate software programs can be provided to vary the thickness over the surface of the bracket bonding pad, such as by scaling the normal vector with a variable depending on how close the normal vector is to the edge of the bracket bonding pad. In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of designing a customized orthodontic bracket for a patient with the aid of a computer is provided. The bracket has a bracket bonding pad. The computer stores a three-dimensional model of the teeth of the patient. The method comprises the steps of determining an area of a tooth at which the bracket bonding pad is to be attached to the tooth; obtaining a three-dimensional shape of a tooth-facing surface of the bracket bonding pad, wherein the three-dimensional shape conforms to the three-dimensional shape of the tooth; and obtaining a three-dimensional shape of a second, opposite surface from the tooth-facing surface of the bracket bonding pad. A library of three-dimensional virtual bracket bodies is stored in the computer or otherwise accessed by the computer. The method continues with the step of obtaining a bracket body from the library and combining the bracket body with the bracket bonding pad to form one virtual three-dimensional object representing a bracket. In a preferred embodiment, the second, opposite surface has a three-dimensional shape corresponding to the tooth-facing surface of said bracket bonding pad, for example, by performing the “shifting” technique described earlier. The method may also incorporate the optional step of modifying the virtual model of the bracket body. For example, the bracket body may have a portion thereof removed in order to place the slot of the bracket body as close as possible to the bracket bonding pad and delete the portion of the bracket body that would otherwise project into the crown of the tooth. As another example, the modification may include adding auxiliary features to the bracket body such as hooks. The addition of the bracket body to the bracket bonding pad with the aid of the computer may be performed for a group of teeth at the same time in order to take into account the proximity of adjacent teeth and brackets. Thus, the method may include the step of viewing, with the aid of the computer, a plurality of virtual teeth and virtual bracket bonding pads attached to the teeth, and shifting the location of the bracket body relative to its respective bracket bonding pad. This latter step would be performed for example in order to better position the bracket body on the bonding pad, or in order to avoid a conflict between the bracket body and an adjacent or opposing tooth such as a collision during chewing or during tooth movement. In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for designing and manufacturing a customized orthodontic bracket. The method includes the step of storing a digital representation of the relevant portion of the patient's dentition in a computer. This could be a digital representation of either the entire dentition, or alternatively only the surfaces of the teeth upon which the brackets are to be bonded. The method continues with the steps of providing access to a library of virtual three-dimensional bracket bodies, such as for example storing the library in the computer, and determining the shape and configuration of bracket bonding pads, with the bracket bonding pads having a tooth-facing surface conforming substantially exactly to corresponding three-dimensional surfaces of the teeth. The method continues with the step of combining the bracket bodies from the library of bracket bodies with the bracket bonding pads to thereby create a set of individual, customized orthodontic brackets. A file representing the customized orthodontic brackets is exported from the computer to a manufacturing system for manufacturing the customized orthodontic brackets. The method continues with the step of manufacturing the customized orthodontic brackets, either using any of a variety of techniques known in the art such as milling, or one of the techniques described in detail herein such as casting. Still other improvements are provided for manufacturing customized brackets. In one aspect, a method is provided of manufacturing an orthodontic bracket having a bracket body having a slot and a bracket bonding pad, comprising the steps of determining the three-dimensional shape of the orthodontic bracket and manufacturing the bracket from materials having at least two different hardnesses, a first relatively hard material or materials forming the bracket body and a second relatively soft material or materials forming the bracket bonding pad. The strength of the material of the bracket is always a compromise. While the section forming the slot should be as robust as possible to maintain the cross-section of the slot even when the bracket is exposed to high mechanical stress (e.g. by biting on hard objects), the section forming the pad should be softer to ease de-bonding after the treatment is finished. If the pad is soft enough, it can literally be peeled off the tooth surface, using an adequate tool. Depending on the type of the manufacturing process, it is possible to use different alloys to achieve such a configuration. Using centrifugal casting, first, a controlled amount of a hard alloy can be used to form the section that holds the slot, and afterwards a softer alloy is used to fill up the remainder of the bracket (or other way round). Controlling the amount of material needed to form a specific portion of the bracket is possible, since from the 3D models, the volume of each component of the bracket is precisely known. Other manufacturing techniques can be used, such as a laser sintering process, in which different alloy powders are used for the different layers. In still another aspect, a modular approach to designing customized brackets for an individual patient is provided using a computer. The computer stores a library of virtual bracket bodies, virtual bracket bonding pads, and optionally virtual bracket auxiliary devices such as hooks. The user species or selects a bracket bonding pad and a bracket body for a particular tooth. The two virtual objects are united to form a virtual bracket. The user may be provided with graphics software tools to specify how and where the bracket body and bonding pad are united. Data representing the virtual bracket can be exported to a rapid prototyping process for direct manufacture of the bracket or manufacture of a template or model that is used in a casting process to manufacture the bracket. In one possible embodiment, the bracket bonding pad conforms substantially exactly to the surface of the tooth. Alternatively, the bracket bonding pad could be of a standard configuration. These and still other principles of the various inventions set forth herein will be discussed in greater detail in conjunction with the appended drawings. | 20040722 | 20101214 | 20050106 | 82716.0 | 1 | MORAN, EDWARD JOHN | MODULAR SYSTEM FOR CUSTOMIZED ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,897,163 | ACCEPTED | Semiconductor light-emitting device | A high external quantum efficiency is stably secured in a semiconductor light emitting device. At least one recess and/or protruding portion is created on the surface portion of a substrate for scattering or diffracting light generated in a light emitting region. The recess and/or protruding portion has a shape that prevents crystal defects from occurring in semiconductor layers. | 1-27 (Canceled) 28. A semiconductor light emitting device comprising two semiconductor layers and a light emitting region made of materials different from that of a substrate and formed in a layered structure on top of the surface of the substrate so that light generated in the light emitting region is emitted from said upper side semiconductor layer or lower side substrate, wherein at least one recess and/or protruding portion for scattering or diffracting light generated in said light emitting region is created in the surface portion of said substrate and said at least one recess and/or protruding portion is in a form that prevents crystal defects from occurring in said semiconductor layers. 29. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 28, wherein said recess and/or protruding portion is in a form having, as a component side, a line that crosses a plane approximately parallel to a stably growing face of said semiconductor layers. 30. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 28, wherein said recess and/or protruding portion is a polygon having a vertex in a plane approximately parallel to a stably growing face of said semiconductor layers and having, as component sides, lines that cross planes approximately parallel to the stably growing face of said semiconductor layers. 31. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 28, wherein a polygon has component sides in a stably growing face of said semiconductor layers, and said recess and/or protruding portion is in a shape of another polygon having, as component sides, lines that are perpendicular to line segments connecting the center and vertex of the first polygon. 32. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 28, wherein said recess and/or protruding portion forms a pattern where the pattern is repeated. 33. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 28, wherein said semiconductor layers are made of III-V group elements-based semiconductors. 34. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 28, wherein said semiconductor layers are made of GaN-based semiconductors. 35. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 29, wherein said surface of the stable growing substrate of the semiconductor layers is an M plane {1-100} of a hexagonal crystal. 36. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 28, wherein said substrate is selected from the group consisting of a sapphire substrate, an SiC substrate and a spinel substrate. 37. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 28, wherein said substrate is a C plane (0001) sapphire substrate. 38. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 37, wherein a stably growing face in said semiconductor layers is a surface parallel to the A plane {11-20} of said substrate. 39. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 30, wherein the polygon of said recess and/or protruding portion is selected from the group consisting of a triangle, a parallelogram and a hexagon. 40. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 30, wherein the polygon of said recess and/or protruding portion is selected from the group consisting of an equilateral triangle, a rhomboid and a regular hexagon. 41. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 28, wherein the depth of said recess or the height of said protruding portion is not less than 50 Å and not more than the thickness of the semiconductor layers grown on said substrate. 42. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 29, wherein the length of the component side of said recess and/or protruding portion is not less than λ/4, where the wavelength of emitted light in said semiconductor is λ. 43. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 29, wherein the length of the component side of said recess and/or protruding portion is not less than λ/4n, where the wavelength of emitted light in said semiconductor is λ and the index of refraction of said semiconductor is n. 44. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 29, wherein the length of the component side of said recess and/or protruding portion is not more than 100 μm. 45. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 29, wherein the length of the component side of said recess and/or protruding portion is not more than 20 μm. 46. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claims 28, wherein the surface of said semiconductor layers is of a concave and/or convex form. 47. A semiconductor light emitting device comprising a substrate, a plurality of semiconductor layers made of materials different from that of said substrate and an ohmic electrode covering almost the entirety of a surface of a top layer of said semiconductor layers so that light generated in said semiconductor layers is emitted from said ohmic electrode, wherein at least one recess and/or protruding portion for scattering or diffracting light generated in said semiconductor layer is created in the surface of said substrate and at least one opening is created in said ohmic electrode. 48. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 47, wherein each of said openings has inside at least one step portion of said recesses or protruding portions. 49. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 47, wherein the relation ship of L/S≦0.024 μm/μm2 is satisfied, wherein L is the total length of the outer periphery of said opening or slit and S is the area of said ohmic electrode including the inside of said opening or slit. 50. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 47, wherein said ohmic electrode is an alloy or a multilayer film including at least one type selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pd, Co, Fe, Ti, Cu, Rh, Au, Ru, W, Zr, Mo, Ta, Pt, Ag, and combinations, oxides or nitrides thereof. 51. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 47, wherein said ohmic electrode is an alloy or a multilayer film including one type selected from the group consisting of rhodium (Rh), iridium (Ir), silver (Ag) and aluminum (Al). | FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a semiconductor light emitting device, in particular, to a nitride-based compound semiconductor light emitting device wherein a recess or a protruding portion is provided in a substrate so that defects do not occur in the semiconductor and thereby, the direction of guided light is changed in a semiconductor layer to increase the external quantum efficiency. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART In a semiconductor light emitting device, for example, in a light emitting diode (LED), an n-type semiconductor layer, a light emitting region and a p-type semiconductor layer are essentially made to grow on top of a substrate to form a layered structure while a structure is adopted wherein electrodes are formed on the p-type semiconductor layer and on the n-type semiconductor layer. Light, generated through recombination of holes and electrons that have been injected through the semiconductor layers to the light emitting region, is emitted through a light transmitting electrode on the p-type semiconductor layer or from the substrate. Here, the light transmitting electrode means an electrode that allows light to be transmitted through the electrode and that is made of a metal thin film or of a transparent conductive film formed on almost the entirety of the p-type semiconductor layer. In order to control the layered structure of a light emitting diode at atomic level, the substrate is processed so that the flatness thereof becomes of a level of a mirror surface. Semiconductor layers, a light emitting region and electrodes on top of a substrate form a layered structure wherein the layers are-parallel to each other. Since the index of refraction of the semiconductor layers is high, a light guide is formed between the surface of the p-type semiconductor layer and the surface of the substrate. That is to say, the light wave guide is made in a structure wherein the semiconductor layers having a high index of refraction are sandwiched between the substrate and the light transmitting electrode having a low index of refraction. Accordingly, in the case that light enters the inner-surface of the electrode or the outer-surface of the substrate at an angle larger than a critical angle, the light is layers trapped within the light guide. The light is reflected at the interface between the electrode and the p-type semiconductor layer and at the surface of the substrate to propagate laterally in the layered structure of the semiconductor. Since the light loses its energy during the propagation in the semiconductor layer, the external quantum efficiency of the device is lowered. That is to say, the light that has entered the interface at an angle larger than the critical angle repeat reflection in the light guide and finally be absorbed. Therefore, the emitted light is attenuated and cannot be effectively emitted to the outside, which lowers the external quantum efficiency of the device. A method has been proposed wherein a light emitting diode chip is processed to be of a hemispherical form or of a truncated pyramidal form so that light generated in the light emitting region is made to enter the surface at an angle smaller than the critical angle. However, it is difficult to make such a chip. Also, a method has also been proposed wherein the top surface or the side of a light emitting diode is roughened. However, with such a method, there is a risk that the p-n junction may be partially damaged and the effective light emitting region is reduced. Another method has been proposed wherein light generated in the light emitting region is scattered by creating a recess or protrusion in the surface of a substrate so that the external quantum efficiency is increased (see Japanese laid-open patent No. 11-274568 (1999)). According to this method, in a GaN-based LED wherein the sapphire substrate, n-type GaN, p-type GaN and a transparent electrode are sequentially layered, the surface of the sapphire substrate is randomly roughed by means of a mechanical polishing or etching. Thereby, light that has entered the sapphire substrate is scattered so that the external quantum efficiency is increased. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However, in the above-described conventional light emitting diode, the external quantum efficiency may be lowered by the recess or the protrusion. That is to say, in the case that the surface is roughened at random to generate recess or protrusion, the crystallinity of the grown GaN may be lowered. Therefore, the luminous efficiency, i.e. internal quantum efficiency, in the GaN semiconductor layers is lowered, and thus the external quantum efficiency is lowered rather than raised. In addition, if the light absorption within the light guide is so large, the external quantum efficiency does not reach a sufficient level only with the randomly roughed surface. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor light emitting device wherein an improved external quantum efficiency can be stably secured. According to the present invention, a semiconductor light emitting device has a light emitting layer and two semiconductor layers which are formed on the surface of the substrate made of different material from that of the semiconductor layers. The light emitting region emits light to outside through the semiconductor layer or substrate. The LED is characterized in that at least one recess and/or protrusion is formed on the surface of the substrate so that the light generated in the light-emitting region is scattered or diffracted, and that the recess and/or protrusion prevents crystal defects from occurring in the semiconductor layers. Here, “prevent crystal defect from occurring” means that the recess or protrusion causes neither an morphological problem, such as “pits”, nor increase of dislocations in the semiconductor layers. One of the characteristics of the present invention is in that the recesses and/or protrusions, having such shapes as to prevent defects from growing in a semiconductor layer on the substrate, are formed on the surface of the substrate. The recesses and/or protrusions are formed not at the interface between the semiconductor layer and the electrode, but at the interface between the semiconductor layer and the substrate. This improves the crystallinity of the light emitting region (active layer) and increase the output power of the device. In particular, in the case of a gallium nitride-based component semiconductor light emitting device, a substrate, an n-side nitride semiconductor layer, a light emitting region (active layer) and a p-side nitride semiconductor layer are layered, in this order, wherein the film thickness of the p-side nitride semiconductor layer is less than that of the n-side nitride semiconductor layer. Therefore, recesses or protruding portions are provided at the interface between the semiconductor layer and the substrate rather than at the interface between the semiconductor layer and the electrode and thereby, the effect due to unevenness is mitigated by the thick n-side nitride semiconductor layer so that the crystallinity of the light emitting region (active layer) can be maintained in an good condition. In the case of a semiconductor light emitting device having a conventional flat substrate, light propagated through the semiconductor layer in the lateral direction attenuates before emerging from the semiconductor layer because a portion thereof is absorbed by the semiconductor layer or by the electrode during propagation. On the contrary, according to the present invention, light propagated in the lateral direction in the case of a conventional flat substrate is scattered or diffracted by recesses and/or protruding portions and finally efficiency emitted from the upper semiconductor layer or the lower substrate. As a result, the external quantum efficiency can be greatly increased. That is to say, first, light flux directed upward or downward from the substrate increases through the scattering and diffracting effects of light due to the unevenness so that the frontal brightness, which is the brightness of the light observed from the front of the light emitting surface of the device, can be enhanced. Second, light propagated in the lateral direction is reduced through the scattering and diffracting effects of the unevenness so that the total amount of light emission can be enhanced by reducing the absorption loss during propagation. In addition, crystal defects do not increase in the semiconductor layer even in the case that recesses and/or protruding portions are created in the surface portion of the substrate Therefore, the above-described high external quantum efficiency can be stably secured. In the present invention, it is preferable for the inside of the recesses or the surroundings of the protruding portions to be completely filled in with a semiconductor layer. This is because, in the case that a cavity exists inside a recess or in the surroundings of a protruding portion, the scattering or diffracting effects are prevented. This lowers the efficiency of the light emission. Either recesses or protruding portions may be created in the surface portion of the substrate. Combination of recesses and protruding portions may be created. Such combination may provide similar working effects. However, protrusions are more preferable than recesses, because it is easier to completely fill the surrounding of protrusions rather than recesses. If a cavity is remained around the protrusions or recesses, the scattering or diffracting effects are prevented, which lowers the output power of the device. Shapes of recesses and/or protruding portions for preventing the growth of defects in the semiconductor layer are, concretely, shapes having, as component sides, lines that cross a plane approximately parallel to the stably growing face of the semiconductor. In other words, if the shapes are observed from the upper side of the substrate, the shapes have lines which are unparallel to the stably growing face of the semiconductor. Here, the stably growing face indicates the surface on which the growth rate of the material made to grow is slower than any other surface Generally, the stably growing surface is observed as a facet during the crystal is grown. For example, in the case of gallium nitride semiconductors, the stable growing faces are the ones parallel to the A axis (especially, M face). Therefore, the recesses or protruding portions are formed, when observed from the upper side, in polygon of which component lines are unparallel to the A axis-parallel plane. In other words, in polygon of which component lines are unparallel to A axis. In the case that the recesses and/or protruding portions have, as component sides, lines approximately parallel to the stably growing face of the semiconductor, crystal defects occur in such portions at the time of the film growth of the semiconductor layer and these defects lower the internal quantum efficiency which causes the lowering of the external quantum efficiency. More concretely, the recesses and/or protruding portions can be, for example, polygons, triangles, parallelograms or hexagons, and are preferably equilateral triangles, rhomboids or regular hexagons having a vertex in a plane approximately parallel to the stably growing face of the semiconductor and having, as component sides, lines that cross the plane approximately parallel to the stably growing face of the semiconductor. Here, in the present specification, the phrase “a recess or a protruding portion is in the form of a polygon” means that the shape of the recess or of the protruding portion in the plan view observed from above is in the form of a polygon. It is not necessary to form a complete polygon. The edge of the polygons may be rounded as a result of processing. For example, in the case that a GaN-based semiconductor is made to grow on a C plane of a sapphire substrate, the growth starts in hexagonal islands having planes parallel to A axis, which planes are the stably growing face of a GaN-based semiconductor, as a component side, and then, these islands are connected to become a uniform semiconductor layer. Therefore, a regular hexagon having an A axis as a component side, is assumed and a recess or a protruding portion is created in a polygon (for example, a triangle, a hexagon, or the like) having, as a component side, a line perpendicular to a segment that connects the center of the above hexagon and the vertex. A GaN-based semiconductor that is flat and has an excellent crystallinity can be made to grow on top of a sapphire substrate wherein unevenness is created in the above manner. In addition, though one recess and/or protruding portion may be sufficient for the invention, when a pattern is formed by repeating the shape of a recess or of a protruding portion, the efficiency of scattering or diffraction of light increases so that the external quantum efficiency can be further increased. Here, in the present invention, even in the case that recesses and/or protruding portions are provided on a substrate in a repeating pattern, the semiconductor layer is made to grow so that local crystal defects due to recesses or to protruding portions can be prevented and thereby, the entire surface of the substrate can be used as a light emitting surface. The present invention is characterized in that recesses and/or protruding portions are created in the surface portion of a substrate to scatter or diffract light. The material itself for the substrate and for the semiconductor of the light emitting device is not directly related to the invention and any material, for example, III-V group elements-based semiconductors, concretely, a GaN-based semiconductor, can be utilized for a semiconductor layer of a semiconductor light emitting device. The stably growing face of a GaN-based semiconductor layer is an M plane {1-100} of a hexagonal crystal. Here, {1-100} represents all of (1-100), (01-10) and (-1010) An M face is one of the faces parallel to A axis. In some growing conditions, the stably growing faces of GaN-based semiconductors are the faces parallel to A axis other than M faces. As for the substrate, a sapphire substrate, an SiC substrate or a spinel substrate can be used. For example, a sapphire substrate having a C plane (0001) as a main surface can be used as the above-described substrate. In this case, an M plane, which is the stably growing face of a GaN-based semiconductor layer, is a plane parallel to an A plane {11-20} of a sapphire substrate. Here, {11-20} represents all of (11-20), (1-210) and (-2110). The depths of recesses or the steps of protruding portions are 50 Å or more, and it is important for them to be equal to or less than the dimension of the thickness of the semiconductor layer made to grow on the substrate. The depths or the steps must be at least λ/4 or more when the wavelength of the emitted light (for example, 206 nm to 632 nm in the case of an AlGaInN-based light emitting layer) is λ in order to sufficiently scatter or diffract light. However, the depths of the recesses or the steps of protruding portions becomes larger than the thickness of the semiconductor layer, which is made to grow on the substrate, it becomes difficult for a current to flow in the lateral direction within the layered structure so that the efficiency of the light emission is lowered. The surface of the semiconductor layer may have recesses and/or protruding portions. Though it is preferable for the depths or the steps to be of λ/4 or more in order to sufficiently scatter or diffract light, depths or steps of λ/4n (n is the index of the refraction of the semiconductor layer) or more can gain the effects of scattering or diffraction. It is important for the size of the recesses and/or protruding portions (that is to say, the length of one side that becomes a component side of a recess and/or protruding portion) and for the intervals between the recesses and/or protruding portions to be at least the size of λ/4 or more when the wavelength in the semiconductor is λ (380 nm-460 nm). This is because, unless the size is at least λ/4 or more, light cannot be sufficiently scattered or diffracted. Though it is preferable for the size of, and the intervals between, the recesses and/or protruding portions to be of λ/4 or more in order to sufficiently scatter or diffract light, size or intervals of λ/4n (n is the index of the refraction of the semiconductor layer) or greater, can gain the effects of scattering or diffraction. The size of, and the intervals between, the recesses and/or protruding portions may be 100 μm or less from the point of view of manufacturing. Furthermore, it is preferable for the size of, and the intervals between, the recesses and/or protruding portions to be recesses 20 μm or less in order to increase the scattering surfaces. Since the total film thickness of the semiconductor layers is, in general, 30 μm or less, it is preferable for the pitch of the unevenness to be 50 μm or less from the point of view of effective reduction in the number of total reflection due to scattering or diffraction. Furthermore, it is preferable for the pitch of the unevenness to be 20 μm or less from the point of view of the crystallinity of GaN layer. More preferably, the pitch of the unevenness are less than 10 μm. This increases a scattering efficiency and an out-put power of a device. Here, the pitch of the unevenness indicates the minimum distance from among the distances between the centers of the neighboring recesses or of the neighboring protruding portions. Next, as for the shape of the unevenness in the cross section, it is preferable for a protruding portion to be a trapezoid and for a recess to be a reverse trapezoid, as shown in FIG. 9. Such a shape in the cross section enhances the efficiency of scattering and diffraction of light. It is not necessary to make the shape in the cross section completely trapezoidal or reverse trapezoidal. The edge of the trapezoid may be rounded during forming the unevenness. Here, a taper angle θ indicates, in the case of protrusions, the angle between the top and side surface, and, in the case of recesses, the angle between the bottom and side surface, as shown in FIG. 9. For example, if the angle θ is 90 degrees, the protrusions or recesses has a square cross section. If the angle θ is 180 degrees, the protrusions or recesses are flattened. In order to fill the unevenness by the semiconductor, the taper angle θ should be larger than 90 degrees. From the view point of increasing the output power by the scattering or diffraction, the taper angle θ is preferably more than 90 degrees, more preferably more than 105 degrees, much more preferably more than 115 degrees. On the other hand, too large taper angle decreases a scattering efficiency and induces pits in semiconductor layers. The taper angle is preferably not more than 160 degrees, more preferably not more than 150 degrees, much more preferably not more than 140 degrees. Here, in the case that the sides of recesses and/or protruding portions are inclined, the sides and the intervals of the unevenness is defined by the length in the top surface of the substrate (upper surface of protruding portions in the case of protruding portions and flat surface of the substrate in the case of recesses). In the present invention, it is preferable to form a metal layer with openings as an ohmic electrode. In the case an electrode entirely covering the surface of the semiconductor layer and having openings is formed on semiconductor layers, the electrode could cooperate with the unevenness on the substrate to remarkably increases the utilization efficiency of the light. Especially, it is preferable that each openings include at least one step portion of the unevenness on the substrate. The reason of this is assumed as follows: First, when the light emitting device having the unevenness on its substrate is observed from the front, step portions of the protrusions and/or recesses seems brighter than flat portions of the substrate. Accordingly, if openings are formed above the step portions of the protrusions and/or recesses, the output power of the device is remarkably improved. Second, in a device having the unevenness on the substrate, light that inherently propagates laterally or downwardly is scattered or diffracted to go upwardly. However, if a conventional transparent electrode is formed to cover the entire surface of the device, the scattered or diffracted light is partly absorbed and weakened by the electrode. Accordingly, on a semiconductor layer on a substrate with the unevenness, an electrode, which may be either transparent or opaque, with openings are preferably formed to expose a part of the semiconductor layer. This helps the scattered or diffracted light to go out of the device and improves the efficiency of the light utilization. In the case of the gallium nitride semiconductor, including a semiconductor having at least gallium and nitrogen, a portion near the peripheral of the p-side electrode, which is formed on the p-type semiconductor layer, lights brighter than other portions. By forming openings in the electrode, not only the light absorption is decreased, but also the length of the peripheral of the p-side electrode, where the light strongly emits, is increased. Therefore, the efficiency of the light utilization is improved. It is preferable for L/S≧0.024 μm/μm2 to be fulfilled wherein the total area of the ohmic electrode including the openings is S and the total sum of the length of the inner periphery of the openings is L. This improves the efficiency of the light utilization, by increasing the length of the peripheral of the electrode. As for a material favorable for the ohmic electrode with openings, an alloy or a multilayer film including at least one type selected from the group consisting of Ni,Pd, Co, Fe, Ti, Cu, Rh, Au, Ru, W, Zr, Mo, Ta, Pt, Ag and oxides of these as well as nitrides of these can be cited. Especially an alloy or a multiplayer film including one type selected from Rhodium(Rh), Iridium(Ir), Silver(Ag) and Aluminum(Al) is preferable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view showing a semiconductor light emitting device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a pattern of a recess according to the above-described embodiment; FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing relationships between a stably growing face of a nitride semiconductor and a shape of a recess; FIG. 4 represents views showing manufacturing steps of the first embodiment; FIG. 5 represents SEM photographs for observing processes of the growth of gallium nitride on a sapphire substrate wherein protruding portions are created; FIG. 6 represents diagrams showing processes of the growth of gallium nitride on a sapphire substrate wherein a protruding portion is created; FIG. 7 represents diagrams schematically showing manners of propagation of light according to the present invention in comparison with those in conventional structures; FIG. 8 represents cross sectional views additionally showing other embodiments; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the recess and/or protruding portions. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationships between the angle of inclination of a side of a recess and the output of emitted light; FIG. 11 represents examples of other patterns of a recess or of a protruding portion; FIG. 12 represents diagrams for describing other embodiments wherein a recess or a protruding portion is a regular hexagon, FIG. 13 is graph showing the relationships between L/S (ratio of inner circumference L of an opening to area S of p-side ohmic electrode) and the output of emitted light; FIG. 14 represents diagrams showing various variations of the mode of p-side ohmic electrode; FIG. 15 represents schematic diagrams showing the relationships between the forms of cross sections of edge portions of the p-side ohmic electrodes and light emissions; FIG. 16 is a view of a semiconductor light emitting device, viewed from above, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 17 is a view of a semiconductor light emitting device, viewed from above, according to still another embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following the present invention is described in detail based on the concrete examples shown in the drawings FIGS. 1 and 2 show a semiconductor light emitting device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In these figures a C plane (0001) sapphire substrate having an orientation flat in the A plane (11-20) is used as a substrate 10 while recesses 20 are created in a repeated pattern in the surface portion of this sapphire substrate 10 In FIG. 2 the substrate is etched so that the hatched portion remains. This recess 20 forms an equilateral triangle having a vertex in a plane parallel to the stably growing face (1-100), (01-10), (-1010) of the GaN-based semiconductor 11, which grows on the sapphire substrate 10, that is to say, the M plane and having, as a component side, a line that crosses a plane approximately parallel to the above-described stably growing face. That is to say, from a top view of the substrate, an equilateral triangle that forms a recess 20 has a vertex at a position wherein the M plane cross each other and each component side of the equilateral triangle crosses the M plane at an angle of 30 degrees or 90 degrees. More concretely, as shown in FIG. 3, each component side of a recess 20 is perpendicular to a line segment connecting the center of a regular hexagon having the M plane of GaN semiconductor 11 as a component side and the vertex when recess 20 is viewed from above. When observed from directly above the substrate, M faces of the GaN-based semiconductor are parallel to A axis. In addition, the depth of recess 20 is approximately 1 μm and, as for the size thereof, one side “a” is 10 μm while, as for the intervals between recess 20 and recess 20, one side corresponds to an interval is 10 μm. An n-type GaN-based semiconductor layer 11, an MQW light emitting region 12 on n-type GaN-based semiconductor layer 11 and furthermore, a p-type AlGaN/p-type GaN-based semiconductor 13 on MQW light emitting region 12 are formed on top of the above-described sapphire substrate 10. In the case that a semiconductor light emitting device according to this example is manufactured, an SiO2 film 30 that becomes an etching mask is formed sapphire substrate 10, as shown in FIG. 4A. Next, a photomask in the shape of an equilateral triangle having a side of 10 μm is utilized and the photomask is adjusted so that one side of the equilateral triangle becomes perpendicular to the orientation flat, wherein each side of the equilateral triangle becomes approximately parallel to the plane (1-100), (01-10), (-1010), that is to say, the M plane, of the sapphire so that SiO2 film 30 and sapphire substrate 10 are etched by approximately 1 μm by means of RIE, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, and after that, SiO2 film 30 is removed, as shown in FIG. 4D, so that a repeated pattern of recesses 20, as shown in FIG. 2, is formed in the surface portion of sapphire substrate 10. An n-type GaN semiconductor layer 11, an MQW light emitting region 12 on-type GaN semiconductor layer 11 and a p-type AlGaN/p-type GaN semiconductor layer 13 on MQW light emitting region 12 are made to grow on top of sapphire substrate 10 having the repeated pattern of recesses 20. Since the lattice of GaN grows with a shift of 30 degrees from a lattice of sapphire substrate 10, the repeated pattern of recesses 20 formed on sapphire substrate 10 forms a polygon having sides approximately parallel to the A plane of GaN (11-20), (1-210), (-2110), having a vertex in the stably growing face of GaN (1-100), (01-10), (-1010) and not having a line parallel to the stably growing face of GaN (1-100), (01-10), (-1010), that is to say, the M plane. These arrangements improves the crystallinity of GaN. The mechanism of improving crystallinity will now be discussed with an example of protruding portions, since the mechanism is the same as in the case of recesses. FIGS. 5A and 5B are SEM photographs of GaN during the process of growth on top of sapphire substrate 10 wherein protruding portions 20 in an equilateral triangle shape are created wherein FIG. 5A shows a view as observed from above while FIG. 5B shows a diagonal view from above. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when GaN is made to grow on the sapphire substrate 10, the growth of GaN progresses from the top surface of protruding portions 20 and from the flat surface wherein protruding portions 20 are not created so that the side surfaces and the vicinity thereof of protruding portions 20 are finally filled in with GaN. Accordingly, in the case that the stably growing face of GaN and the sides of protruding portions 20 are parallel to each other, it becomes difficult for the sides and vicinity of protruding portions 20 to become filled m with GaN so that the crystallinity of GaN is lowered. Therefore, it is preferable to form component sides of protruding portions 20 to cross (not to become parallel to) the M plane, which is the stably growing face of GaN. Furthermore, it is preferable, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, for the component sides of protruding portions 20 to be formed so as to be perpendicular to the line segment connecting the center of a hexagon having the M plane, which is the stably growing face of GaN, as component sides and the vertex. By creating protruding portions 20 in such a manner, GaN having an excellent crystallinity that fills in the inside of protruding portions 20 to provide flatness can be gained. It is assumed that this is because the growth rate of GaN becomes higher in a portion wherein GaN that has grown from the top surfaces of protruding portions 20 and GaN that has grown from the flat surface wherein protruding portions 20 are not created make a junction. As shown in FIG. 5B, GaN has grown from the top surfaces of protruding portions 20 in the shape of a hexagon having the M plane as component sides. The growth rate of GaN becomes higher in the vicinity of the side planes of protrusions, where GaN that has grown from the top surfaces of protrusions 20 and GaN that has grown from the flat surface make contact. Accordingly, the growth of GaN in the vicinity of the sides of protruding portions catches up with that in the other regions and thereby, flat GaN is gained. This is schematically described using FIGS. 6A to 6F. When, as shown in FIG. 6A, protruding portions 20 are created in sapphire substrate 10 and GaN is made to grow on top of that, GaN grows, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, from the top surfaces of protruding portions 20 and from the flat surface in which protruding portions 20 are not created, while growth slows in the vicinity of the sides of protruding portions 20. As shown in FIGS. 6D and 6E, however, when GaN 11a, which has grown from the top surfaces of protruding portions 20, and GaN 11b, which has grown from the flat surface, meet, the growth rate of GaN becomes higher there. Therefore, the growth significantly progresses in the vicinity of sides of protruding portions 20, wherein growth had been behind. Then, as shown in FIG. 6F, GaN 11 having flatness and an excellent crystallinity grows. On the contrary, in the case that the surface on which GaN stable grows and the sides of protruding portions 20 are parallel to each other, the growth rate does not increase in the vicinity of the sides of the protruding portions 20 and therefore, it becomes difficult to fill in the vicinity of the sides of recesses 20 so that the crystallinity of the GaN is lowered. After that, a device process is carried out and electrodes and the like are appropriately formed so that LED chips completed. When holes and electrons are injected from n-type GaN semiconductor layer and p-type AlGaN/p-type GaN semiconductor layer 13 to MQW light emitting region 12 so that recombination is carried out, light is generated. This light is emitted from sapphire substrate 10 or p-type AlGaN/p-type GaN semiconductor layer 13. In the case of a semiconductor light emitting device having a conventional flat substrate, as shown in FIG. 7A, when light from light emitting region 12 enters the interface between p-type semiconductor layer 13 and the electrode or the surface of substrate 10 at an angle larger than the critical angle, light is trapped within the light guide so as to propagate in the lateral direction On the contrary, in a semiconductor light emitting device of the present example, light entering the interface between p-type semiconductor layer 13 and the electrode or the surface of substrate 10 at an angle larger than the critical angle is scattered or diffracted by recess 21, as shown in FIG. 7B, to enter the interface between p-type semiconductor layer 13 and the electrode or the surface of substrate 10 at an angle less than the critical angle to be emitted. In the case that the contact electrode on p-type semiconductor layer 13 is a light transmitting electrode, the present example is effective for an FU (face up) semiconductor light emitting device and, in the case that the contact electrode is a reflecting electrode, the present example is effective for an FD (face down) semiconductor light emitting device However, if a reflecting electrode has apertures, the present example may be used with an FU type. This embodiment is especially effective. FIG. 8 shows a semiconductor light emitting device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The device is formed so that the sides of the steps of recesses 20 are inclined in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A. In addition, protruding portions 21, in place of recesses 20, are formed on the surface portion of substrate 10 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B and, in this example, protruding portions 21, of which the cross sections are of a semi-circular shape, are formed. Furthermore, an n-type semiconductor layer 11, a light emitting region 12 and a p-type semiconductor layer 13 form planes with recesses in accordance with recesses 20 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8C. FIGS. 7C and 7D show examples of light propagation in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C. It can be seen that light is efficiently emitted in both cases. In particular, surfaces (sides of recesses or of protruding portions) connected to the surfaces of protruding portions and to the surfaces of recesses having lines (also referred to as the component sides of a polygon), which cross a plane approximately parallel to the stably growing face of the semiconductor layers as interfaces, are formed so as to be inclined relative to the direction in which the semiconductor is layered, as shown in FIG. 8A and thereby, the effects of light scattering or light diffraction notably increase so that the efficiency of light emission significantly increases. It is considered that one factor contributing to this is an increase in the number of occurrences of light scattering or light diffraction due to increase in the area of the surfaces (sides of recesses or of protruding portions) connected to the surfaces of recesses and to the surfaces of protruding portions as a result of the provision of the inclination. In other words, it is preferable for the shape of the unevenness in the cross section to be a trapezoid in the case of a protruding portion and to be a reversed trapezoid in the case of a recess, as shown in FIG. 9. By providing such a shape in the cross section, the probability of occurrence of scattering and diffraction of propagated light is increased so that the absorption loss of light at the time of propagation can be reduced. Here, the taper angle of the sides of recesses and/or protrusions indicates, as shown in FIG. 9, the angle formed between the top surface and a side in the case of a protruding portion and angle formed between the bottom surface and a side in the case of a recess. For example, if the taper angle is 90 degrees, the cross section of the protrusions and/or recesses will be a square, and if the angle is 180 degrees, the protrusions and/or recesses will become flat. In order to fill the unevenness by semiconductor layers, the taper angle of the protrusions and/or recesses must not be less than 90 degrees. From the view point of improving an output power by an unevenness, the taper angle of the sides of recesses and/or protruding portions is preferably more than 90 degrees, more preferably more than 105 degrees, much more preferably more than 115 degrees. On the other hand, too large taper angle decreases a scattering efficiency and induces pits in semiconductor layers. The taper angle is preferably not more than 160 degrees, more preferably not more than 150 degrees, much more preferably not more than 140 degrees. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationships between the angle of inclination of the sides of recesses and the LED power. Here, a similar tendency as in the graph can be gained when the angle of inclination is regarded as that of the sides of the protruding portions. The longitudinal axis of the graph of FIG. 10 indicates the ratio of output in the case that the LED output when a flat substrate (=taper angle is 180 degrees) is used is set as 1 while the lateral axis of the graph indicates the angle of inclination of the sides of recesses. As shown in the graph, the output of the LED changes significantly when the angle of inclination (angle formed between the bottom surface of a recess and a side) is changed between 90 degrees and 180 degrees. FIG. 11 shows examples of other shapes of recesses 20 or protruding portions 21. In the figure, the hatched portions are the portions that are not etched. In addition, in the case that recesses 20 or protruding portions 21 are regular hexagons, the regular hexagons are placed in the direction shown in FIG. 12B, not in the direction shown in FIG. 12C, relative to orientation flat surface A of sapphire substrate 10 shown in FIG. 12A As described above, in the case that GaN is made to grow on the C face of the sapphire substrate, the A face of the sapphire substrate and the M face of GaN become parallel to each other, when observed from above the substrate. Accordingly, the regular hexagons having uneven surfaces are arranged as shown in FIG. 12B and thereby, each of the component sides of the regular hexagons becomes perpendicular to any of surface M, which is the stably growing face of GaN. In other word, the hexagonal protrusions and/or recesses have the component sides that are perpendicular to a segment that connects the center and vertex of the hexagon having the M face of GaN as its component side. In addition, according to the present invention, a conventional semiconductor layer, such as a nitride semiconductor layer, is formed on a substrate in which unevenness is provided so that defects do not occur in the semiconductor and additionally, electrodes and the like are formed in a device, wherein, though other parts of the configuration are not specifically limited, remarkable effects are additionally gained by making the other parts of the configuration be as follows. (1) Form and Material of Electrode <1> Open Electrode It is necessary to provide an electrode on top of the semiconductor layer on the surface of a semiconductor light emitting device and generally, a transparent electrode is formed on the entirety of the surface of the semiconductor layer when the semiconductor layer is a semiconductor layer having a comparatively high specific resistance wherein current dispersion hardly occurs, such as in a p-type nitride semiconductor layer. However, at the time when light propagates within the light guide formed in the structure of a light emitting electrode-semiconductor layer-substrate, emitted light is absorbed or attenuated by not only the semiconductor layer but, also, by the light transmitting electrode and by the substrate as a result of the effects of “leakage” of reflected light. In particular, a transparet electrode significantly affects the attenuation of emitted light because the general component materials thereof (Au/Ni, for example) has a high ratio of light absorption in the short wavelength range. Therefore, it is preferable to form, as an electrode, a metal film having an opening in a light emitting device according to the present invention. Especially, it is preferable that each opening has in its inside at least one step portion of the unevenness of the substrate. By forming an electrode with openings on the semiconductor layers, the openings let the light go through so that the absorption by the electrode is reduced. It is preferable that a plurality of openings is formed in the metal layer. From the view point of improving an efficiency of light utilization, it is also preferable to make the area of the openings as large as possible. On the electrode with openings, a pad electrode for connecting the device with an outer circuit is preferably formed. In addition, in the case of a nitride semiconductor light emitting device, in particular, in the case of a gallium nitride-based (at least gallium and nitrogen are included) semiconductor light emitting device, an electrode having light transmission, preferably through the entirety of the surface, is, in many cases, provided as a p electrode on the p-type nitride semiconductor layer and then, the device exhibits the property wherein the light absorption in the light emitting electrode becomes great so that the periphery and the vicinity of the periphery of the p electrode provided on the p-type nitride semiconductor layer emits light that is more intense than that emitted from other parts of the device. Therefore, openings may be provided in the light transmitting electrode. Thereby, light absorption is reduced and the peripheral portion that emits intense light is increased in area so that the efficiency of light emission is increased. In this case, it is preferable for the area of the openings to be provided as large as possible from the point of view of increase in the efficiency of the light emission and by making the length of the peripheral portion of the p electrode as long as possible, the efficiency of the light emission is further increased. It is preferable for the electrode formed on the surface of the semiconductor layer to be an electrode having an opening, as described above, because the effect of recesses and/or protruding portions on the surface of substrate is much higher with an electrode having an opening. There may exist two reasons. First, when observed from the front of the device, the brightness of edges of recesses and/or protruding portions is higher than other portions Therefore, by forming the openings above the edges of the recesses and/or protrusions, the output power is considerably increased. Second, light that has reached to upper areas through scattering or diffraction has a low intensity. Therefore, most of the light that has reached to upper areas through scattering or diffraction is absorbed by the light transmitting electrode in the configuration wherein a conventional light transmitting electrode is provided on the entirety of the surface. In the case that a semiconductor layer is formed on a substrate wherein unevenness is provided, openings are provided in the light transmitting electrode or a non-light transmitting electrode so that the semiconductor layer is partially exposed and thereby, light having a low intensity is easily emitted to the outside so as to significantly increase the efficiency of light emission. <2> Material for Open Electrode As described above, in the case of a nitride semiconductor light emitting device, in particular, in the case of a gallium nitride-based (at least gallium and nitrogen are included) semiconductor light emitting device, an electrode having light transmission almost the entirety of the surface of a p-type nitride semiconductor layer is provided as a p electrode and in a more favorable embodiment, an electrode provided with openings is formed on almost the entirety of the p-type nitride semiconductor layer so that the efficiency of the light emission is increased. At this time, a metal or an alloy made of two types of metal is used as a material used in the electrode and a single layer or a plurality of layers can be formed. A metal material of a high reflectance for at least the wavelength of the emitted light is preferably used as the material for this electrode. This reduces the components of light absorbed by the electrode so that the efficiency of the light emission to the outside can be increased. As for a material favorable for the open electrode, an alloy or a multilayer film including at least one type selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pd, Co, Fe, Ti, Cu, Rh, Au, Ru, W, Zr, Mo, Ta, Pt, Ag and oxides of these as well as nitrides of these can be cited. An external ohmic contact can be gained between the above and a p-type semiconductor layer by annealing the above at a temperature of 400° C., or higher. In particular, a multilayer film wherein Au is layered on Ni is preferable. As for the total film thickness of the open electrode, 50 Å to 10000 Å is preferable. In particular, in the case that a light transmitting electrode is used, 50 Å to 400 Å is preferable. In addition, in the case that a non-light transmitting electrode is used, 1000 Å to 5000 Å is preferable. Rhodium (Rh), iridium (Ir), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al) and the like can be cited as a metal materials of a high reflectance which are used, specifically, in a reflecting electrode in a gallium nitride-based (at least gallium and nitrogen are included) semiconductor light emitting device. It is specifically preferable to use Rh as the material of the open electrode. The electrode can be thermally stabilized and can have a low light absorption by using Rh. In addition, the contact resistance can be lowered. <3> Size and Form of Open Electrode Though the relationships concerning the size of the openings of the electrode and the size of the recesses or protruding portions on the surface of the substrate are not specifically limited, it is preferable for at least two or more edges of recesses or protruding portions to be created within one opening. Thereby, the light scattered or diffracted by the unevenness can be effectively emitted and at the same time, the uniformity of the light emission increases In addition, the open electrode is an electrode having a plurality of openings that penetrate to the surface of the p-type semiconductor layer and that are surrounded by the electrode and it is preferable for L/S>0.024 μm/μm2 to be fulfilled wherein the area of a portion surrounded by the outermost peripheral portion (total area of the electrode including the openings) is S and the total sum of the length of the inner periphery of the openings is L. Thereby, a semiconductor light emitting device can be gained wherein light can be efficiently emitted from the surface of the p-type semiconductor layer to the outside and, in addition, Vf is low. It is preferable for the respective openings of the plurality of openings to have approximately the same form and thereby, the creation of openings becomes easy and the distribution of emitted light within the surface becomes uniform. In addition, it is preferable for the respective openings to have approximately the same area and thereby, the distribution of the emitted light within the surface becomes uniform. In the case that openings are formed in a thick layer, the shape, the size and the like of these openings is controlled so that the efficiency of the light emission can be enhanced and the efficiency of light generation can be increased. In particular, the more efficient emission of light becomes possible by controlling the length L of the inner periphery of the openings. When L/S becomes small, that is to say, when the total sum L of the length of the inner periphery of the openings becomes small relative to the area S surrounded by the outermost peripheral portion of the open electrode, the output to the p-type semiconductor layer side is lowered. FIG. 13 shows the power conversion efficiency when the ratio of the openings remains the same, that is to say, when the total area of the openings remains the same while the length of the inner periphery is changed. The area of the openings remains the same and thereby, the contact area between the p-type semiconductor layer and the open electrode remains the same so that Vf and the quantum efficiency are considered to be the same. It is understood from this figure that output can be enhanced by changing the length of the inner periphery of the openings, even when the ratio of the openings remains the same. Then, according to the present invention, a semiconductor light emitting device of a high output can be gained by adjusting the length of the inner periphery of the openings in a range wherein LS≧0.024 μm/μm2 is fulfilled. Though the upper limit is not specifically set, in actuality when L/S becomes greater than 1 μm/μm2, the size of one opening becomes too small and the device becomes impractical. The reason why the output efficiency from the p-type semiconductor layer side is greatly affected by the length of the inner periphery of the openings rather than by the area of the openings as described above, is that an intense emission of light is observed at the boundary between the electrode and the p-type semiconductor layer and therefore, an enlargement of the boundary, that is to say, a lengthening of the inner periphery of the openings allows the efficient emission of light. In order to further enlarge the boundary, the outermost peripheral portion of the p-side ohmic electrode is formed in a line of a non-linear nature along the edge portion of the semiconductor layer, and thereby, the length of the boundary of the p-side ohmic electrode and the p-type semiconductor can be enlarged so that the output can be further increased. A plurality of openings as described above can be created so that the respective openings have approximately the same shape and thereby, the plurality of openings can be efficiently created. Furthermore, the distribution of the openings within the surface are easily made uniform so that stable light emission can be gained. As for the shape of openings, a variety of shapes, such as rectangular, circular, triangular and the like can be used The shape is preferably a square and a plurality of openings is created so that the openings are uniformly dispersed with constant spaces vis-à-vis the neighboring openings and thereby, it becomes easy to gain a uniform light emission. In addition, the plurality of openings is created so that the areas of the openings become approximately the same and thereby, a preferred opening shape can be selected depending on the position wherein an opening is created. FIGS. 14A to 14E show preferred shapes of the open electrode. In FIG. 14A, a p-side semiconductor layer 32 is formed on an n-side semiconductor layer 30 and an open electrode 34, which is a p-side ohmic electrode, is formed on p-side semiconductor layer 32 and a p-side pad electrode 36 is formed as a portion of open electrode 34. In addition, an n-side pad electrode 38 is formed on n-side semiconductor layer 30 that has been exposed through the etching of p-side semiconductor layer 32. A plurality of circular openings is arranged in open electrode 34. FIG. 14B show open electrode with large size openings. FIG. 14C and FIG. 14D only shows the opening electrode 34 and the pad electrode 36. As shown in FIG. 14C, openings may be formed as slits, of which ends are open. In this case, the ohmic electrode is like a combination of a plurality of line electrodes. The openings are preferably formed so that currents are not concentrated locally. FIG. 14D shows a modified example of the shape of the openings, wherein a plurality of openings, in an arc form and arranged so as to be concentric, is provided with an n-side pad electrode (not shown) placed at the center. Such an opening shape enhances the uniformity of the emitted light. In addition, though the shape of the p-side ohmic electrode in the cross section of the edge portion may be vertical, as shown in FIG. 15A, it may, preferably, be a mesa(=trapezoid), as shown in FIG. 15B. In the case, particularly, of a gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor light emitting device, the device has a property wherein the intensity of the emitted light is high at the peripheral portion of the p-side ohmic electrode and therefore, such a cross sectional edge portion form, that is to say, a mesa allows light to be efficiently emitted. In this case, it is preferable for the angle of taper θ of the cross sectional edge portion to be in the range of 30 degrees≦θ<90 degrees. In the case that the angle of taper is 30 degrees or less, the resistance value of the p-side ohmic electrode becomes great in the tapered portion and therefore, it becomes difficult to effectively utilize the property that the peripheral portion of the electrode emits intense light. (2) Form of Semiconductor Light Emitting Device According to the present invention, at least two semiconductor layers and a light emitting region, of which the materials differ from that of the substrate, are formed on the surface of the substrate in a layered structure. That is to say, the substrate and the semiconductor layers are made of different materials. Here, in the case that an insulating substrate is used as the substrate, for example, in the case that a gallium nitride-based (at least gallium and nitride are included) semiconductor layer is formed on a sapphire substrate, an electrode cannot be formed on the substrate and therefore, it is necessary to form two electrodes of an n electrode and p electrode on the same side of the device. At this time, for example, a nitride semiconductor device formed, in this order, of an n-type semiconductor layer, a light emitting region, a p-type semiconductor layer is formed. By etching a portion of the p-type semiconductor layer until the surface of the n-type semiconductor layer is exposed. A p-side electrode is formed on the surface of the p-type semiconductor layer and an n-side electrode is formed on the exposed surface of the n-type semiconductor layer so that the respective electrodes are placed at the two vertexes diagonally opposite to each other of the semiconductor device in a square form, as shown in the top surface view of the semiconductor layer of FIG. 16. In this case, light emitted to the outside from the sides of the semiconductor light emitting device is blocked by external connection terminals, such as the n-side electrode and a wire connected to the n-side electrode, formed on the sides by exposing the n-type semiconductor layer. As shown in FIG. 17, n-type semiconductor layer exposed is located inside the p-type semiconductor layer so that the light emitting region that emits light between the n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer is provided on the entirety of outer sides of the semiconductor light emitting device to increase the efficiency of light emission to the outside of the device. In the case of a device wherein a p-type semiconductor layer, a light emitting region and an n-type semiconductor layer are layered, in this order, on a substrate, the exposed surface of the p-type semiconductor layer is provided inside the n-type semiconductor layer so that the same effects can be gained. In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, in the case a inner portion of one-type semiconductor layer is taken away with etching so that another-type of semiconductor layer is exposed, a branch electrode protruding from a pad electrode for diffusing current is preferably formed on the exposed semiconductor layer. This uniformalize the current flow in the one-type semiconductor layer. In the case that the electrode with openings is formed, the branch of the pad may be formed on the electrode. More preferably, the branch is formed along the outer periphery of the semiconductor. This further improves the uniformity of the light. The external shape of the semiconductor light emitting device, as viewed from above, can be quadrangular, triangular or formed of other polygons. The exposed area of one-type semiconductor layer and the electrode formed on the exposed layer is preferably formed so that a portion thereof extends toward the vertex of the light-emitting device. This makes current flow uniformly and such a configuration is preferable because light emission in the light emitting region becomes uniform. In the case that a light emitting device of the present invention is, for example, a gallium nitride-based (at least gallium and nitride are included), mixture of fluorescent material including YAG and a resin are preferably formed on the surface of the light emitting device, in order to gain a white light emitting device having a high efficiency. A light emitting device having a variety of wavelengths of emitted light and having a high efficiency of light emission is provided by appropriately selecting the fluorescent material. The p-side electrode and the n-side electrode used in the present invention are the electrodes formed so as to contact with at least the semiconductor layers and the materials thereof are appropriately selected to provide excellent ohmic properties for the contacted semiconductor layers. Example 1 A sapphire substrate, of which a C plane (0001) is used as the main surface, having the orientation flat in an A plane (11-20), is used as the substrate. First, an SiO2 film 30 that becomes an etching mask is formed on a sapphire substrate 10, as shown in FIG. 4A. Next, a photomask of an equilateral triangle having a side of 5 μm is utilized and the photomask is arranged so that one side of the equilateral triangle becomes perpendicular to the orientation flat while the respective sides of the equilateral triangle become approximately parallel to (1-100), (01-10) and (-1010), that is to say, an M plane and then, after SiO2 film 30 and sapphire substrate 10 are etched by 3 μm to 4 μm using RIE, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, a repeating pattern of protruding portions 20 (hatched areas are unetched areas, that is to say, protruding portions), as shown in FIG. 11B, is formed in the surface portion of sapphire substrate 10 when SiO2 film 30 is removed. As for the length a of one side of a recess, a=5 μm and as for an interval b between a recess and a recess, b=2 μm. The pitch between protruding portions (distance between the centers of neighboring protruding portions) is 6.3 μm. In addition, the angle of inclination of a side of a recess is 120 degrees. Next, a buffer layer, which is made to grow at a low temperature, of ALxGa1−xN (0≦x≦1), of 100 Å, is layered as an n-type semiconductor layer on sapphire substrate 10 wherein the repeating pattern of protruding portions 20 is formed and undoped GaN of 3 μm, Si doped GaN of 4 μm and undoped GaN of 3000 Å are layered and then, six well layers and seven barrier layers, having respective film thicknesses of 60 Å and 250 Å, wherein well layers are undoped InGaN and barrier layers are Si doped GaN, are alternately layered as an active layer of a multi quantum well that becomes the light emitting region In this case, the barrier layer that is finally layered may be of undoped GaN. Here, the first layer formed on the buffer layer grown at a low temperature is made of undoped GaN and thereby, protruding portions 20 are uniformly filled in so that the crystallinity of the semiconductor layer formed on the first layer can have excellent properties. After layering the active layer of a multi quantum well, Mg doped AlGaN of 200 Å, undoped GaN of 1000 Å and Mg doped GaN of 200 Å are layered as a p-type semiconductor layer. The undoped GaN layer formed as a p-type semiconductor layer shows p-type characteristics due to diffusion of Mg from the neighboring layers. Next, starting from the Mg doped GaN, the p-type semiconductor layer, the active layer and a portion of the n-type semiconductor layer are etched in order to form an n electrode so that the Si doped GaN layer is exposed. Next, a light transmitting p-side electrode made of Ni/Au is formed on the entirety of the surface of the p-type semiconductor layer and in addition, a p pad electrode made of Au is formed at a position opposite to the exposed surface of the n-type semiconductor layer and an n electrode made of W/Al/W and an n pad electrode made of Pt/Au are formed on the exposed surface of the n-type semiconductor layer on the light transmitting p electrode. Finally, the wafer is cut into chips of quadrangular form and mounted on a lead frame with reflectors to gain a 350 μ m□ semiconductor light emitting devices. This chip is mounted on a lead frame with a reflecting mirror to form a bullet-like LED. The LED gained in such a manner have a light emission output to the outside of 9.8 mW according to a lamp measurement for a forward direction current of 20 mA (wavelength=400nm). Comparison Example 1 As a comparison example, a light emitting device is formed in the same manner as in first embodiment without the provision of unevenness on the surface of the sapphire substrate and then, the light emission output to the outside is 8.4 mW according to a lamp measurement for a forward direction current of 20 mA EXAMPLE 2 A sapphire substrate, of which a C plane (0001) is used as the main surface, having the orientation flat in an A plane (11-20) is used as the substrate. A process in the substrate and layering of an n-type semiconductor layer to a p-type semiconductor layer are carried out in the same manner as in first example. Next, a p-type semiconductor layer made of Mg doped GaN, an active layer and a portion of the n-type semiconductor layer are etched in order to form an n electrode so that the n-type semiconductor layer made of Si doped GaN is exposed. Next, a photomask having a pattern wherein equilateral triangles having a side of 5 μm, as shown in FIG. 16, are most densely filled per unit area is utilized so that a light transmitting p electrode made of Ni/Au is formed on almost the entirety of the surface of the p-type semiconductor layer. Furthermore, a p-side pad electrode made of Au is formed at a position opposite to the exposed surface of the n-type semiconductor layer on the light transmitting p electrode and an n electrode made of Ti/Al and an n pad electrode made of Pt/Au are formed on the exposed surface of the n-type semiconductor layer. Finally, the wafer is split into chips of quadrangular forms to gain semiconductor light emitting devices. This chip is mounted on a lead frame with a reflecting mirror to form a bullet-like LED. The LED gained in such a manner has properties wherein the vicinity of the periphery of the p electrode emits light that is more intense than that from other portions and therefore, the light emission output is increased in comparison with first embodiment. EXAMPLE 3 A sapphire substrate, of which a C plane (0001) is used as the main surface, having the orientation flat in an A plane (11-20) is used as the substrate. A process of the substrate and layering of an n-type semiconductor layer to a p-type semiconductor layer are carried out in the same manner as in first example. Next, starting from Mg doped GaN, the p-type semiconductor layer, an active layer and a portion of the n-type semiconductor layer are etched in order to form an n electrode so that the Si doped GaN layer is exposed. Next, a photomask of a square pattern is utilized so as to form a p electrode 104 made of Rh on almost the entirety of the surface of the p-type semiconductor layer. The shape of the openings is square, of which side is 7.7 μm. The interval of the openings is 6.3 μm. The aperture ratio of the opening is about 30%. Furthermore, a p-side pad electrode made of Pt/Au is formed at a position opposite to the exposed surface of the n-type semiconductor layer on p electrode and an n electrode made of W/Al/W and an n pad electrode made of Pt/Au are formed on the exposed surface of the n-type semiconductor layer. Finally, the wafer is split into chips to gain semiconductor light emitting devices. This chip is mounted on a lead frame with a reflecting mirror to form a bullet-like LED. The LED gained in such a manner has properties wherein the vicinity of the periphery of the p electrode emits light that is more intense than that from other portions and in addition, a material having a high reflectance of the wavelength of the emitted light is used for the electrode so as to reduce the light component absorbed by the electrode, and therefore, the light emission output is increased in comparison with first and second embodiments. The light emission output is 13.2 mW according to a lamp measurement. EXAMPLE 4 In the light emitting device of third example, p electrode is formed in a stripe form, as shown in FIGS. 14C. By adopting such a stripe electrode structure, a current supplied from a p-side pad electrode to semiconductor layer is made uniform within the surface to increase the efficiency of the light emission. The stripes of the first electrode are created as openings that expose semiconductor layer and therefore, the length of the edge of the electrode can be significantly increased and as a result, the efficiency of the light emission is increased. At this time, it is preferable to achieve L/S≧0.024 μm/μm2 wherein the value of S is gained by adding the total area Sa of openings 5 corresponding to the plurality of stripes, which exposes semiconductor layer, and area Sb of the electrode portion that does not expose semiconductor layer, and the value of L is the total sum of the length of the circumferences of openings 5. EXAMPLE 5 A sapphire substrate, of which a C plane (0001) is used as the main surface, having the orientation flat in an A plane (11-20) is used as the substrate. A process of the substrate and layering of an n-type semiconductor layer to a p-type semiconductor layer are carried out in the same manner as in first embodiment. Next, the p-type semiconductor layer is etched until the Si doped GaN layer is exposed from the inside of the p-type semiconductor layer, in particular, from the center portion of the p-type semiconductor layer. The surface exposed as a result of etching at this time is formed so that portions thereof are extended toward the three vertexes forming the shape of the semiconductor light emitting device, as shown in FIG. 17. Next, a photomask of a pattern wherein equilateral triangles having one side of 5 μm are most densely filled per unit area is utilized to form a p electrode 104 made of Rh in an equilateral triangular form on almost the entirety of the surface of the p-type semiconductor layer. Furthermore, a p pad electrode, which is also a p diffusion electrode, 106 is formed of Pt/Au on p electrode 104. This p pad electrode, which is also a p diffusion electrode 106, is provided by extending the pad electrode along the shape of the semiconductor light emitting device that becomes an equilateral triangle, as shown in FIG. 17. By providing this electrode, it becomes easy for a current to uniformly flow through the entirety of the surface of the semiconductor layer and therefore, this electrode functions as a diffusion electrode. In addition, an n electrode made of W/Al/W and an n pad electrode 103 made of Pt/Au are formed on the exposed surface of the n-type semiconductor layer. Finally, the wafer is split into chips of equilateral triangular forms to gain semiconductor light emitting devices. Such a light emitting device is shown in FIG. 17, as viewed from above. A light emitting device gained in such a manner has properties wherein the vicinity of the periphery of the p electrode emits light that is more intense than that from other portions and in addition, wherein a material having a high reflectance of the wavelength of the emitted light is used for the electrode to reduce the light component absorbed by the electrode, and furthermore, wherein the light emitting region of a multi quantum well structure is provided throughout the outer sides of the semiconductor light emitting device and therefore, the light emission output is increased in comparison with first to third embodiments. EXAMPLE 6 A light transmitting resin containing Y3Al5O12Y:Ce(YAG:Ce) having a yttrium aluminum oxide-based fluorescent substance as a base of fluorescent material is formed on the top surface and on the sides of a semiconductor light emitting device gained in fifth example. A semiconductor light emitting device gained in such a manner emits white light having a high light emission output. EXAMPLE 7 A sapphire substrate, of which a C plane (000 1) is used as the main surface, having the orientation flat in an A plane (11-20), is used as the substrate. Next, following four types of protruding portions are made on the surface of the substrate.. (i) An equilateral-triangle like protrusions as shown in FIG. 11B are formed on the sappire substrate. Each triangle is arranged so that one side thereof is perpendicular to the orientation flat surface of the sapphire substrate. The triangles are arranged so that the vertex thereof heads inverse direction to the adjacent triangle. The length of a side of the triangle is 5 μm and an interval between protruding portions is 2 μm. (ii) A diamond like protrusions as shown in FIG. 11L is formed on the surface of the substrate. The side length is 4 μm, and the interval between protruding portions is 2 μm. (iii) A hexagon like protrusion as shown in FIG. 11M is formed on the surface of the substrate. The side length is 3 μm, and the interval between. protruding portions is 2 μm. (iv) No protrusions are formed on the substrate surface. Next, a buffer layer, which is made to grow at a low temperature, of ALxGa1−xN (0≦x≦1), of 100 Å, is layered as an n-type semiconductor layer on sapphire substrate 10 wherein the repeating pattern of protruding portions 20 is formed and undoped GaN of 3 μm, Si doped GaN of 4 μm and undoped GaN of 3000 Å are layered and then, six well layers and seven barrier layers, having respective film thickness of 60 Å and 250 Å, wherein well layers are undoped InGaN and barrier layers are Si doped GaN, are alternately layered as an active layer of a multi quantum well that becomes the light emitting region. In this case, the barrier layer that is finally layered may be of undoped GaN. After layering the active layer of a multi quantum well, Mg doped AlGaN of 200 Å, and Mg doped GaN of 200 Å are layered as a p-type semiconductor layer. Next, starting from the Mg doped GaN, the p-type semiconductor layer, the active layer and a portion of the n-type semiconductor layer are etched in order to form an n electrode so that the Si doped GaN layer is exposed. Next, a light transmitting p electrode made of Ni/Au having thickness of 60Å/70 Å is formed on the entirety of the surface of the p-type semiconductor layer and in addition, a p pad electrode made of Pt/Au is formed at a position opposite to the exposed surface of the n-type semiconductor layer and an n electrode made of W/Al/W and an n pad electrode made of Pt/Au are formed on the exposed surface of the n-type semiconductor layer on the light transmitting p electrode. Light emitting power of bare chips in a wafer are measured with a prober. Results are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the relative power is shown wherein the output-power of case (iv) is 1. TABLE 1 relative power (i) triangle 1.48 (ii) diamond 1.43 (iii) hexagon 1.48 (iv) flat 1 As shown in Table 1, more than 43% improvement is achieved with an uneven substrate. The light measurement without reflection mirrors enhances the effect of the uneven substrate. Finally, the wafer is cut into chips of quadrangular form and mounted on a lead frame with reflectors to gain a bullet-like LED. The Vf and power (wavelength 460 nm) at 20 mA of the devices are as follows: TABLE 2 V f (V) power(mW) Relative power (i) triangle 3.54 10.08 1.14 (ii) diamond 3.55 10.01 1.13 (iii) hexagon 3.61 10.30 1.16 (iv) flat 3.48 8.85 1 As shown in Table 2, more than 13% improvement is achieved with an uneven substrate. The best result is achieved with hexagon protruding portions. EXAMPLE 8 In this example, Rh electrode with openings is used alternatively. Other constructions except p-electrode are the same as those in Example 7. The shape of the openings is square, of which side is 7.7 μm. The interval of the openings is 6.3 μm. The aperture ratio of the opening is about 30%. The results with bare chips are shown in Table 3. In Table 3, the relative power is shown wherein the output-power of case (iv) is 1. TABLE 3 Relative power (i) triangle 1.54 (ii) diamond 1.56 (iii) hexagon 1.65 (iv) flat 1 As shown in Table 3, more than 54% improvement is achieved with an uneven substrate. The bullet-like LEDs, which emit 460 nm light, are formed to evaluate their Vf and output power at 20 mA. The results are shown in Table 4. TABLE 4 V f (V) power (mW) Relative power (i) triangle 3.87 12.74 1.17 (ii) diamond 3.96 12.95 1.19 (iii) hexagon 4.08 13.06 1.20 (iv) flat 3.97 10.85 1 As shown in Table 4, more than 17% improvement is achieved with an uneven substrate. Especially, the best results are obtained with the hexagonal protrusions. As can be seen from Examples 7 and 8, a p-side electrode with openings can cooperate with the unevenness of the substrate, and thereby the effect of the unevenness is considerably improved. Although the invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been changed in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. | <SOH> FIELD OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to a semiconductor light emitting device, in particular, to a nitride-based compound semiconductor light emitting device wherein a recess or a protruding portion is provided in a substrate so that defects do not occur in the semiconductor and thereby, the direction of guided light is changed in a semiconductor layer to increase the external quantum efficiency. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>However, in the above-described conventional light emitting diode, the external quantum efficiency may be lowered by the recess or the protrusion. That is to say, in the case that the surface is roughened at random to generate recess or protrusion, the crystallinity of the grown GaN may be lowered. Therefore, the luminous efficiency, i.e. internal quantum efficiency, in the GaN semiconductor layers is lowered, and thus the external quantum efficiency is lowered rather than raised. In addition, if the light absorption within the light guide is so large, the external quantum efficiency does not reach a sufficient level only with the randomly roughed surface. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor light emitting device wherein an improved external quantum efficiency can be stably secured. According to the present invention, a semiconductor light emitting device has a light emitting layer and two semiconductor layers which are formed on the surface of the substrate made of different material from that of the semiconductor layers. The light emitting region emits light to outside through the semiconductor layer or substrate. The LED is characterized in that at least one recess and/or protrusion is formed on the surface of the substrate so that the light generated in the light-emitting region is scattered or diffracted, and that the recess and/or protrusion prevents crystal defects from occurring in the semiconductor layers. Here, “prevent crystal defect from occurring” means that the recess or protrusion causes neither an morphological problem, such as “pits”, nor increase of dislocations in the semiconductor layers. One of the characteristics of the present invention is in that the recesses and/or protrusions, having such shapes as to prevent defects from growing in a semiconductor layer on the substrate, are formed on the surface of the substrate. The recesses and/or protrusions are formed not at the interface between the semiconductor layer and the electrode, but at the interface between the semiconductor layer and the substrate. This improves the crystallinity of the light emitting region (active layer) and increase the output power of the device. In particular, in the case of a gallium nitride-based component semiconductor light emitting device, a substrate, an n-side nitride semiconductor layer, a light emitting region (active layer) and a p-side nitride semiconductor layer are layered, in this order, wherein the film thickness of the p-side nitride semiconductor layer is less than that of the n-side nitride semiconductor layer. Therefore, recesses or protruding portions are provided at the interface between the semiconductor layer and the substrate rather than at the interface between the semiconductor layer and the electrode and thereby, the effect due to unevenness is mitigated by the thick n-side nitride semiconductor layer so that the crystallinity of the light emitting region (active layer) can be maintained in an good condition. In the case of a semiconductor light emitting device having a conventional flat substrate, light propagated through the semiconductor layer in the lateral direction attenuates before emerging from the semiconductor layer because a portion thereof is absorbed by the semiconductor layer or by the electrode during propagation. On the contrary, according to the present invention, light propagated in the lateral direction in the case of a conventional flat substrate is scattered or diffracted by recesses and/or protruding portions and finally efficiency emitted from the upper semiconductor layer or the lower substrate. As a result, the external quantum efficiency can be greatly increased. That is to say, first, light flux directed upward or downward from the substrate increases through the scattering and diffracting effects of light due to the unevenness so that the frontal brightness, which is the brightness of the light observed from the front of the light emitting surface of the device, can be enhanced. Second, light propagated in the lateral direction is reduced through the scattering and diffracting effects of the unevenness so that the total amount of light emission can be enhanced by reducing the absorption loss during propagation. In addition, crystal defects do not increase in the semiconductor layer even in the case that recesses and/or protruding portions are created in the surface portion of the substrate Therefore, the above-described high external quantum efficiency can be stably secured. In the present invention, it is preferable for the inside of the recesses or the surroundings of the protruding portions to be completely filled in with a semiconductor layer. This is because, in the case that a cavity exists inside a recess or in the surroundings of a protruding portion, the scattering or diffracting effects are prevented. This lowers the efficiency of the light emission. Either recesses or protruding portions may be created in the surface portion of the substrate. Combination of recesses and protruding portions may be created. Such combination may provide similar working effects. However, protrusions are more preferable than recesses, because it is easier to completely fill the surrounding of protrusions rather than recesses. If a cavity is remained around the protrusions or recesses, the scattering or diffracting effects are prevented, which lowers the output power of the device. Shapes of recesses and/or protruding portions for preventing the growth of defects in the semiconductor layer are, concretely, shapes having, as component sides, lines that cross a plane approximately parallel to the stably growing face of the semiconductor. In other words, if the shapes are observed from the upper side of the substrate, the shapes have lines which are unparallel to the stably growing face of the semiconductor. Here, the stably growing face indicates the surface on which the growth rate of the material made to grow is slower than any other surface Generally, the stably growing surface is observed as a facet during the crystal is grown. For example, in the case of gallium nitride semiconductors, the stable growing faces are the ones parallel to the A axis (especially, M face). Therefore, the recesses or protruding portions are formed, when observed from the upper side, in polygon of which component lines are unparallel to the A axis-parallel plane. In other words, in polygon of which component lines are unparallel to A axis. In the case that the recesses and/or protruding portions have, as component sides, lines approximately parallel to the stably growing face of the semiconductor, crystal defects occur in such portions at the time of the film growth of the semiconductor layer and these defects lower the internal quantum efficiency which causes the lowering of the external quantum efficiency. More concretely, the recesses and/or protruding portions can be, for example, polygons, triangles, parallelograms or hexagons, and are preferably equilateral triangles, rhomboids or regular hexagons having a vertex in a plane approximately parallel to the stably growing face of the semiconductor and having, as component sides, lines that cross the plane approximately parallel to the stably growing face of the semiconductor. Here, in the present specification, the phrase “a recess or a protruding portion is in the form of a polygon” means that the shape of the recess or of the protruding portion in the plan view observed from above is in the form of a polygon. It is not necessary to form a complete polygon. The edge of the polygons may be rounded as a result of processing. For example, in the case that a GaN-based semiconductor is made to grow on a C plane of a sapphire substrate, the growth starts in hexagonal islands having planes parallel to A axis, which planes are the stably growing face of a GaN-based semiconductor, as a component side, and then, these islands are connected to become a uniform semiconductor layer. Therefore, a regular hexagon having an A axis as a component side, is assumed and a recess or a protruding portion is created in a polygon (for example, a triangle, a hexagon, or the like) having, as a component side, a line perpendicular to a segment that connects the center of the above hexagon and the vertex. A GaN-based semiconductor that is flat and has an excellent crystallinity can be made to grow on top of a sapphire substrate wherein unevenness is created in the above manner. In addition, though one recess and/or protruding portion may be sufficient for the invention, when a pattern is formed by repeating the shape of a recess or of a protruding portion, the efficiency of scattering or diffraction of light increases so that the external quantum efficiency can be further increased. Here, in the present invention, even in the case that recesses and/or protruding portions are provided on a substrate in a repeating pattern, the semiconductor layer is made to grow so that local crystal defects due to recesses or to protruding portions can be prevented and thereby, the entire surface of the substrate can be used as a light emitting surface. The present invention is characterized in that recesses and/or protruding portions are created in the surface portion of a substrate to scatter or diffract light. The material itself for the substrate and for the semiconductor of the light emitting device is not directly related to the invention and any material, for example, III-V group elements-based semiconductors, concretely, a GaN-based semiconductor, can be utilized for a semiconductor layer of a semiconductor light emitting device. The stably growing face of a GaN-based semiconductor layer is an M plane {1-100} of a hexagonal crystal. Here, {1-100} represents all of (1-100), (01-10) and (-1010) An M face is one of the faces parallel to A axis. In some growing conditions, the stably growing faces of GaN-based semiconductors are the faces parallel to A axis other than M faces. As for the substrate, a sapphire substrate, an SiC substrate or a spinel substrate can be used. For example, a sapphire substrate having a C plane (0001) as a main surface can be used as the above-described substrate. In this case, an M plane, which is the stably growing face of a GaN-based semiconductor layer, is a plane parallel to an A plane {11-20} of a sapphire substrate. Here, {11-20} represents all of (11-20), (1-210) and (-2110). The depths of recesses or the steps of protruding portions are 50 Å or more, and it is important for them to be equal to or less than the dimension of the thickness of the semiconductor layer made to grow on the substrate. The depths or the steps must be at least λ/4 or more when the wavelength of the emitted light (for example, 206 nm to 632 nm in the case of an AlGaInN-based light emitting layer) is λ in order to sufficiently scatter or diffract light. However, the depths of the recesses or the steps of protruding portions becomes larger than the thickness of the semiconductor layer, which is made to grow on the substrate, it becomes difficult for a current to flow in the lateral direction within the layered structure so that the efficiency of the light emission is lowered. The surface of the semiconductor layer may have recesses and/or protruding portions. Though it is preferable for the depths or the steps to be of λ/4 or more in order to sufficiently scatter or diffract light, depths or steps of λ/4n (n is the index of the refraction of the semiconductor layer) or more can gain the effects of scattering or diffraction. It is important for the size of the recesses and/or protruding portions (that is to say, the length of one side that becomes a component side of a recess and/or protruding portion) and for the intervals between the recesses and/or protruding portions to be at least the size of λ/4 or more when the wavelength in the semiconductor is λ (380 nm-460 nm). This is because, unless the size is at least λ/4 or more, light cannot be sufficiently scattered or diffracted. Though it is preferable for the size of, and the intervals between, the recesses and/or protruding portions to be of λ/4 or more in order to sufficiently scatter or diffract light, size or intervals of λ/4n (n is the index of the refraction of the semiconductor layer) or greater, can gain the effects of scattering or diffraction. The size of, and the intervals between, the recesses and/or protruding portions may be 100 μm or less from the point of view of manufacturing. Furthermore, it is preferable for the size of, and the intervals between, the recesses and/or protruding portions to be recesses 20 μm or less in order to increase the scattering surfaces. Since the total film thickness of the semiconductor layers is, in general, 30 μm or less, it is preferable for the pitch of the unevenness to be 50 μm or less from the point of view of effective reduction in the number of total reflection due to scattering or diffraction. Furthermore, it is preferable for the pitch of the unevenness to be 20 μm or less from the point of view of the crystallinity of GaN layer. More preferably, the pitch of the unevenness are less than 10 μm. This increases a scattering efficiency and an out-put power of a device. Here, the pitch of the unevenness indicates the minimum distance from among the distances between the centers of the neighboring recesses or of the neighboring protruding portions. Next, as for the shape of the unevenness in the cross section, it is preferable for a protruding portion to be a trapezoid and for a recess to be a reverse trapezoid, as shown in FIG. 9 . Such a shape in the cross section enhances the efficiency of scattering and diffraction of light. It is not necessary to make the shape in the cross section completely trapezoidal or reverse trapezoidal. The edge of the trapezoid may be rounded during forming the unevenness. Here, a taper angle θ indicates, in the case of protrusions, the angle between the top and side surface, and, in the case of recesses, the angle between the bottom and side surface, as shown in FIG. 9 . For example, if the angle θ is 90 degrees, the protrusions or recesses has a square cross section. If the angle θ is 180 degrees, the protrusions or recesses are flattened. In order to fill the unevenness by the semiconductor, the taper angle θ should be larger than 90 degrees. From the view point of increasing the output power by the scattering or diffraction, the taper angle θ is preferably more than 90 degrees, more preferably more than 105 degrees, much more preferably more than 115 degrees. On the other hand, too large taper angle decreases a scattering efficiency and induces pits in semiconductor layers. The taper angle is preferably not more than 160 degrees, more preferably not more than 150 degrees, much more preferably not more than 140 degrees. Here, in the case that the sides of recesses and/or protruding portions are inclined, the sides and the intervals of the unevenness is defined by the length in the top surface of the substrate (upper surface of protruding portions in the case of protruding portions and flat surface of the substrate in the case of recesses). In the present invention, it is preferable to form a metal layer with openings as an ohmic electrode. In the case an electrode entirely covering the surface of the semiconductor layer and having openings is formed on semiconductor layers, the electrode could cooperate with the unevenness on the substrate to remarkably increases the utilization efficiency of the light. Especially, it is preferable that each openings include at least one step portion of the unevenness on the substrate. The reason of this is assumed as follows: First, when the light emitting device having the unevenness on its substrate is observed from the front, step portions of the protrusions and/or recesses seems brighter than flat portions of the substrate. Accordingly, if openings are formed above the step portions of the protrusions and/or recesses, the output power of the device is remarkably improved. Second, in a device having the unevenness on the substrate, light that inherently propagates laterally or downwardly is scattered or diffracted to go upwardly. However, if a conventional transparent electrode is formed to cover the entire surface of the device, the scattered or diffracted light is partly absorbed and weakened by the electrode. Accordingly, on a semiconductor layer on a substrate with the unevenness, an electrode, which may be either transparent or opaque, with openings are preferably formed to expose a part of the semiconductor layer. This helps the scattered or diffracted light to go out of the device and improves the efficiency of the light utilization. In the case of the gallium nitride semiconductor, including a semiconductor having at least gallium and nitrogen, a portion near the peripheral of the p-side electrode, which is formed on the p-type semiconductor layer, lights brighter than other portions. By forming openings in the electrode, not only the light absorption is decreased, but also the length of the peripheral of the p-side electrode, where the light strongly emits, is increased. Therefore, the efficiency of the light utilization is improved. It is preferable for L/S≧0.024 μm/μm 2 to be fulfilled wherein the total area of the ohmic electrode including the openings is S and the total sum of the length of the inner periphery of the openings is L. This improves the efficiency of the light utilization, by increasing the length of the peripheral of the electrode. As for a material favorable for the ohmic electrode with openings, an alloy or a multilayer film including at least one type selected from the group consisting of Ni,Pd, Co, Fe, Ti, Cu, Rh, Au, Ru, W, Zr, Mo, Ta, Pt, Ag and oxides of these as well as nitrides of these can be cited. Especially an alloy or a multiplayer film including one type selected from Rhodium(Rh), Iridium(Ir), Silver(Ag) and Aluminum(Al) is preferable. | 20040723 | 20100928 | 20050106 | 72153.0 | 1 | SEFER, AHMED N | SEMICONDUCTOR LIGHT-EMITTING DEVICE | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,897,257 | ACCEPTED | Methods and apparatus for generating high-density plasma | An apparatus for generating a strongly-ionized plasma according to the present invention includes an anode and a cathode that is positioned adjacent to the anode to form a gap there between. An ionization source generates a weakly-ionized plasma proximate to the cathode. A power supply produces an electric field in the gap between the anode and the cathode. The electric field generates excited atoms in the weakly-ionized plasma and generates secondary electrons from the cathode. The secondary electrons ionize the excited atoms, thereby creating the strongly-ionized plasma. | 1-44. (Cancelled). 45. An apparatus for generating a strongly-ionized plasma, the apparatus comprising: a) an ionization source that generates a weakly-ionized plasma from a feed gas contained in a chamber, the weakly-ionized plasma reducing the probability of developing an electrical breakdown condition in the chamber; and b) a power supply that supplies power to the weakly-ionized plasma though an electrical pulse that is applied across the weakly-ionized plasma, the electrical pulse having at least one of a magnitude and a rise-time that is sufficient to transform the weakly-ionized plasma to a strongly-ionized plasma. 46. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the pulsed power supply is a component in the ionization source. 47. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the ionization source is chosen from the group comprising an electrode coupled to a DC power supply, an electrode coupled to an AC power supply, a UV source, an X-ray source, an electron beam source, an ion beam source, an inductively coupled plasma source, a capacitively coupled plasma source, and a microwave plasma source. 48. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the power supply generates a constant power. 49. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the power supply generates a constant voltage. 50. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the power supply supplies power to the weakly ionized plasma at a time that is between about fifty microsecond and five second after the ionization source generates the weakly-ionized plasma. 51. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the power supply supplies power to the weakly ionized plasma for a duration that is sufficient to generate a quasi-static electric field across the weakly-ionized plasma. 52. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the cathode is generally formed in the shape of at least one circular disk. 53. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the ionization source generates the weakly-ionized plasma from a reactive feed gas contained in a chamber. 54. The apparatus of claim 45 further comprising a magnet that is positioned to generate a magnetic field proximate to the weakly-ionized plasma, the magnetic field trapping electrons in the weakly-ionized plasma. 55. The apparatus of claim 54 wherein the magnet generates a magnetic field that is shaped to trap secondary electrons that are produced by ion bombardment. 56. The apparatus of claim 45 further comprising a gas line that is coupled to the chamber, the gas line supplying feed gas to the strongly-ionized plasma that transports the strongly-ionized plasma by a rapid volume exchange. 57. The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the gas volume exchange permits additional power to be absorbed by the strongly-ionized plasma. 58. A method for generating a strongly-ionized plasma, the method comprising: a) ionizing a feed gas in a chamber to form a weakly-ionized plasma that reduces the probability of developing an electrical breakdown condition in the chamber; and b) supplying an electrical pulse across the weakly-ionized plasma that excites atoms in the weakly-ionized plasma, thereby generating a strongly-ionized plasma. 59. The method of claim 58 wherein the ionizing the feed gas comprises exposing the feed gas to one of a static electric field, an pulsed electric field, UV radiation, X-ray radiation, electron beam radiation, and an ion beam. 60. The method of claim 58 wherein at least one of a rise time and magnitude of the electrical pulse supplied across the weakly-ionized plasma is selected to increase a density of the weakly-ionized plasma. 61. The method of claim 58 wherein at least one of a rise time and magnitude of the electrical pulse supplied across the weakly-ionized plasma is selected to excite atoms in the weakly-ionized plasma to generate secondary electrons that increase an ionization rate of the weakly-ionized plasma. 62. The method of claim 58 wherein at least one of a rise time and magnitude of the electrical pulse supplied across the weakly-ionized plasma is selected to improve uniformity of the strongly-ionized plasma. 63. The method of claim 58 further comprising supplying feed gas to the strongly-ionized plasma to transport the strongly-ionized plasma by a rapid volume exchange. 64. The method of claim 63 wherein the transport of the strongly-ionized plasma by the rapid volume exchange permits additional power to be absorbed by the strongly-ionized plasma. 65. The method of claim 58 wherein the supplying the electrical pulse comprises applying a quasi-static electric field across the weakly-ionized plasma. 66. The method of claim 58 wherein the electrical pulse comprises a rise time that is between about 0.1 microsecond and 10 seconds. 67. The method of claim 58 wherein a peak plasma density of the weakly-ionized plasma is less than about 1012 cm−3. 68. The method of claim 58 wherein the peak plasma density of the strongly-ionized plasma is greater than about 1012 cm−3. 69. The method of claim 58 further comprising generating a magnetic field proximate to the weakly-ionized plasma, the magnetic field trapping electrons in the weakly-ionized plasma. 70. An apparatus for generating a strongly-ionized plasma, the apparatus comprising: a) an anode; b) a cathode that is positioned adjacent to the anode; c) an ionization source that generates a weakly-ionized plasma proximate to the cathode, the weakly-ionized plasma reducing the probability of developing an electrical breakdown condition between the anode and the cathode; and d) a power supply that is electrically coupled to the anode and to the cathode, the power supply generating an electric field that excites atoms in the weakly-ionized plasma, thereby forming a strongly-ionized plasma. 71. The apparatus of claim 70 wherein the ionization source is chosen from the group comprising an electrode coupled to a DC power supply, an electrode coupled to an AC power supply, a UV source, an X-ray source, an electron beam source, an ion beam source, an inductively coupled plasma source, a capacitively coupled plasma source, and a microwave plasma source. 72. The apparatus of claim 70 wherein the anode and the cathode form a gap there between. 73. The apparatus of claim 72 wherein a dimension of the gap between the anode and the cathode is chosen to increase an ionization rate of the excited atoms in the weakly-ionized plasma. 74. The apparatus of claim 70 wherein at least one of a rise time and an amplitude of the electric field is chosen to increase an ionization rate of the excited atoms in the weakly-ionized plasma. 75. The apparatus of claim 70 wherein at least one of a rise time and an amplitude of the electric field is chosen to increase uniformity of the strongly-ionized plasma proximate to the cathode. 76. The apparatus of claim 70 further comprising a magnet that is positioned to generate a magnetic field proximate to the weakly-ionized plasma, the magnetic field trapping electrons in the weakly-ionized plasma proximate to the cathode. 77. An apparatus for generating a strongly-ionized plasma, the apparatus comprising: a) means for ionizing a feed gas in a chamber to form a weakly-ionized plasma that reduces the probability of developing an electrical breakdown condition in the chamber; and b) means for supplying an electrical pulse across the weakly-ionized plasma to transform the weakly-ionized plasma to a strongly-ionized plasma. | BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Plasma is considered the fourth state of matter. A plasma is a collection of charged particles moving in random directions. A plasma is, on average, electrically neutral. One method of generating a plasma is to drive a current through a low-pressure gas between two parallel conducting electrodes. Once certain parameters are met, the gas “breaks down” to form the plasma. For example, a plasma can be generated by applying a potential of several kilovolts between two parallel conducting electrodes in an inert gas atmosphere (e.g., argon) at a pressure that is between about 10−1 and 10−2 Torr. Plasma processes are widely used in many industries, such as the semiconductor manufacturing industry. For example, plasma etching is commonly used to etch substrate material and films deposited on substrates in the electronics industry. There are four basic types of plasma etching processes that are used to remove material from surfaces: sputter etching, pure chemical etching, ion energy driven etching, and ion inhibitor etching. Plasma sputtering is a technique that is widely used for depositing films on substrates. Sputtering is the physical ejection of atoms from a target surface and is sometimes referred to as physical vapor deposition (PVD). Ions, such as argon ions, are generated and then are drawn out of the plasma, and are accelerated across a cathode dark space. The target has a lower potential than the region in which the plasma is formed. Therefore, the target attracts positive ions. Positive ions move towards the target with a high velocity. Positive ions impact the target and cause atoms to physically dislodge or sputter from the target. The sputtered atoms then propagate to a substrate where they deposit a film of sputtered target material. The plasma is replenished by electron-ion pairs formed by the collision of neutral molecules with secondary electrons generated at the target surface. Magnetron sputtering systems use magnetic fields that are shaped to trap and to concentrate secondary electrons, which are produced by ion bombardment of the target surface. The plasma discharge generated by a magnetron sputtering system is located proximate to the surface of the target and has a high density of electrons. The high density of electrons causes ionization of the sputtering gas in a region that is close to the target surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS This invention is described with particularity in the detailed description. The above and further advantages of this invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a known plasma generating apparatus having a radio-frequency (RF) power supply. FIG. 2A through FIG. 2D illustrate cross-sectional views of a plasma generating apparatus having a pulsed power supply according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a graphical representation of the pulse power as a function of time for periodic pulses applied to the plasma in the plasma generating apparatus of FIG. 2A. FIG. 4 illustrates graphical representations of the applied voltage, current, and power as a function of time for periodic pulses applied to the plasma in the plasma generating apparatus of FIG. 2A. FIG. 5A through FIG. 5D illustrate various simulated magnetic field distributions proximate to the cathode for various electron ExB drift currents according to the present invention. FIG. 6A through FIG. 6D illustrate cross-sectional views of various embodiments of plasma generating systems according to the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates a graphical representation of the pulse power as a function of time for periodic pulses applied to the plasma in the plasma generating system of FIG. 6A. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an illustrative method of generating a high-density plasma according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a known plasma generating apparatus 100 having a radio-frequency (RF) power supply 102. The known plasma generating apparatus 100 includes a vacuum chamber 104 where the plasma 105 is generated. The vacuum chamber 104 is positioned in fluid communication with a vacuum pump 106 via a conduit 108. The vacuum pump 106 is adapted to evacuate the vacuum chamber 104 to high vacuum. The pressure inside the vacuum chamber 104 is generally less than 10−1 Torr. A feed gas from a feed gas source 109, such as an argon gas source, is introduced into the vacuum chamber 104 through a gas inlet 110. The gas flow is controlled by a valve 112. The plasma generating apparatus 100 also includes a cathode 114. The cathode 114 is generally in the shape of a circular disk. The cathode 114 is electrically connected to a first terminal 118 of a blocking capacitor 120 with an electrical transmission line 122. A second terminal 124 of the blocking capacitor 120 is coupled to a first output 126 of the RF power supply 102. An insulator 128 can be used to pass the electrical transmission line 122 through a wall of the vacuum chamber 104 in order to electrically isolate the cathode 114 from the vacuum chamber 104. An anode 130 is positioned in the vacuum chamber 104 proximate to the cathode 114. The anode 130 is typically coupled to ground using an electrical transmission line 132. A second output 134 of the RF power supply 102 is also typically coupled to ground. In order to isolate the anode 130 from the vacuum chamber 104, an insulator 136 can be used to pass the electrical transmission line 132 through a wall of the vacuum chamber 104. The vacuum chamber 104 can also be coupled to ground. In operation, the RF power supply 102 applies a RF voltage pulse between the cathode 114 and the anode 130 that has a sufficient amplitude to ionize the argon feed gas in the vacuum chamber 104. A typical RF driving voltage is between 100V and 1000V, and the distance 138 between the cathode 114 and the anode is between about 2 cm and 10 cm. Typical pressures are in the range of 10 mTorr to 100 mTorr. Typical power densities are in the range of 0.1W/cm2 to 1W/cm2. The driving frequency is typically 13.56 MHz. Typical plasma densities are in the range of 109 cm−3 to 1011 cm−3, and the electron temperature is on the order of 3 eV. This typical ionization process is referred to as direct ionization or atomic ionization by electron impact and can be described as follows: Ar+e−→Ar++2e− where Ar represents a neutral argon atom in the feed gas and e− represents an ionizing electron generated in response to the voltage applied between the cathode 114 and the anode 130. The collision between the neutral argon atom and the ionizing electron results in an argon ion (Ar+) and two electrons. The plasma discharge is maintained, at least in part, by secondary electron emission from the cathode. However, typical operating pressures must be relatively high so that the secondary electrons are not lost to the anode 130 or the walls of the chamber 104. These pressures are not optimal for most plasma processes. It is desirable to operate a plasma discharge at higher current densities, lower voltages, and lower pressures than can be obtained in a conventional glow discharge. This has led to the use of a DC magnetic field near the cathode 114 to confine the secondary electrons. Confining the secondary electrons substantially confines the plasma at a location (not shown) in the chamber 104 thereby increasing the plasma density at that location for a given input power, while reducing the overall loss area. The magnetic confinement primarily occurs in a confinement region (not shown) where there is a relatively low magnetic field intensity. The shape and location of the confinement region depends on the design of the magnets. Generally, a higher concentration of positively charged ions in the plasma is present in the confinement region than elsewhere in the chamber 104. Consequently, the uniformity of the plasma can be severely diminished in magnetically enhanced systems. The non-uniformity of the plasma in magnetron sputtering systems can result in undesirable non-uniform erosion of target material and thus relatively poor target utilization. The non-uniformity of the plasma in magnetron etching systems can result in non-uniform etching of a substrate. Dramatically increasing the RF power applied to the plasma alone will not result in the formation of a more uniform and denser plasma. Furthermore, the amount of applied power necessary to achieve even an incremental increase in uniformity and density can increase the probability of generating an electrical breakdown condition leading to an undesirable electrical discharge (an electrical arc) in the chamber 104. Pulsing direct current (DC) power applied to the plasma can be advantageous since the average discharge power can remain relatively low while relatively large power pulses are periodically applied. Additionally, the duration of these large voltage pulses can be preset so as to reduce the probability of establishing an electrical breakdown condition leading to an undesirable electrical discharge. An undesirable electrical discharge will corrupt the plasma process and can cause contamination in the vacuum chamber 104. However, very large power pulses can still result in undesirable electrical discharges regardless of their duration. FIG. 2A through FIG. 2D illustrate cross-sectional views of a plasma generating apparatus 200 having a pulsed power supply 202 according to one embodiment of the invention. For example, FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plasma generating apparatus 200 having a pulsed power supply 202 at a time before the pulsed power supply 202 is activated. In one embodiment, the plasma generating apparatus 200 includes a chamber (not shown), such as a vacuum chamber that supports the plasma. The chamber can be coupled to a vacuum system (not shown). The plasma generating apparatus 200 also includes a cathode 204. In one embodiment, the cathode 204 can be composed of a metal material such as stainless steel or any other material that does not chemically react with reactive gases. In another embodiment, the cathode 204 includes a target that can be used for sputtering. The cathode 204 is coupled to an output 206 of a matching unit 208. An input 210 of the matching unit 208 is coupled to a first output 212 of the pulsed power supply 202. A second output 214 of the pulsed power supply 202 is coupled to an anode 216. An insulator 218 isolates the anode 216 from the cathode 204. In one embodiment, the first output 212 of the pulsed power supply 202 is directly coupled to the cathode 204 (not shown). In one embodiment (not shown), the second output 214 of the pulsed power supply 202 is coupled to ground. In this embodiment, the anode 216 is also coupled to ground. In one embodiment (not shown), the first output 212 of the pulsed power supply 202 couples a negative voltage impulse to the cathode 204. In another embodiment (not shown), the second output 214 of the pulsed power supply 202 couples a positive voltage impulse to the anode 216. In one embodiment, the pulsed power supply 202 generates peak voltage levels of up to about 30,000V. Typical operating voltages are generally between about 50V and 30 kV. In one embodiment, the pulsed power supply 202 generates peak current levels of less than 1A to about 5,000A or more depending on the volume of the plasma. Typical operating currents varying from less than one hundred amperes to more than a few thousand amperes depending on the volume of the plasma. In one embodiment, the pulses generated by the pulsed power supply 202 have a repetition rate that is below 1 kHz. In one embodiment, the pulse width of the pulses generated by the pulsed power supply 202 is substantially between about one microsecond and several seconds. The anode 216 is positioned so as to form a gap 220 between the anode 216 and the cathode 204 that is sufficient to allow current to flow through a region 222 between the anode 216 and the cathode 204. In one embodiment, the width of the gap 220 is between approximately 0.3 cm and 10 cm. The surface area of the cathode 204 determines the volume of the region 222. The gap 220 and the total volume of the region 222 are parameters in the ionization process as described herein. In one embodiment, the plasma generating apparatus 200 includes a chamber (not shown), such as a vacuum chamber. The chamber is coupled in fluid communication to a vacuum pump (not shown) through a vacuum valve (not shown). In one embodiment, the chamber (not shown) is electrically coupled to ground potential. One or more gas lines 224 provide feed gas 226 from a feed gas source (not shown) to the chamber. In one embodiment, the gas lines 224 are isolated from the chamber and other components by insulators 228. In other embodiments, the gas lines 224 can be isolated from the feed gas source using in-line insulating couplers (not shown). The gas source can be any feed gas 226 including but not limited to argon. In some embodiments, the feed gas 226 can include a mixture of different gases, reactive gases, or pure reactive gas gases. In some embodiments, the feed gas 226 includes a noble gas or a mixture of gases. In operation, the feed gas 226 from the gas source is supplied to the chamber by a gas flow control system (not shown). Preferably, the feed gas 226 is supplied between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. Directly injecting the feed gas 226 between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 can increase the flow rate of the feed gas 226. This causes a rapid volume exchange in the region 222 between the cathode 204 and the anode 216, which permits a high-power pulse having a longer duration to be applied across the gap 220. The longer duration high-power pulse results in the formation of a higher density plasma. This volume exchange is described herein in more detail. In one embodiment, the pulsed power supply 202 is a component in an ionization source that generates a weakly-ionized plasma 232. Referring to FIG. 2B, after the feed gas is supplied between the cathode 204 and the anode 216, the pulsed power supply 202 applies a voltage pulse between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. In one embodiment, the pulsed power supply 202 applies a negative voltage pulse to the cathode 204. The size and shape of the voltage pulse are chosen such that an electric field 230 develops between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. The amplitude and shape of the electric field 230 are chosen such that a weakly-ionized plasma 232 is generated in the region 222 between the anode 216 and the cathode 204. The weakly-ionized plasma 232 is also referred to as a pre-ionized plasma. In one embodiment, the peak plasma density of the pre-ionized plasma is between about 106 and 1012 cm−3 for argon feed gas. The pressure in the chamber can vary from about 10−3 to 10 Torr or higher. The pressure can vary depending on various system parameters, such as the presence of a magnetic field proximate to the cathode 204. The peak plasma density of the weakly-ionized plasma 232 depends on the properties of the specific plasma generating system and is a function of the location of the measurement in the weakly-ionized plasma 232. In one embodiment, to generate the weakly-ionized plasma 232, the pulsed power supply 202 generates a low power pulse having an initial voltage of between about 100V and 5 kV with a discharge current of between about 0.1A and 100A. In some embodiments, the width of the pulse can be in on the order of 0.1 microseconds up to one hundred seconds. Specific parameters of the pulse are discussed herein in more detail. In one embodiment, prior to the generation of the weakly-ionized plasma 232, the pulsed power supply 202 generates a potential difference between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 before the feed gas 226 is supplied between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. In another embodiment, the pulsed power supply 202 generates a current through the gap 220 after the feed gas 226 is supplied between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. In another embodiment, a direct current (DC) power supply (not shown) is used in an ionization source to generate and maintain the weakly-ionized or pre-ionized plasma 232. In this embodiment, the DC power supply is adapted to generate a voltage that is large enough to ignite the weakly-ionized plasma 232. In one embodiment, the DC power supply generates an initial voltage of several kilovolts that creates a plasma discharge voltage on the order of between about 100V and 1 kV with a discharge current in the range of about 0.1A and 100A between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 in order to generate and maintain the weakly-ionized plasma 232. The value of the discharge current depends on the power level of the power supply and is a function of the volume of the weakly-ionized plasma 232. Furthermore, the presence of a magnetic field (not shown) in the region 222 can have a dramatic effect on the value of the applied voltage and current required to generate the weakly-ionized plasma 232. In some embodiments (not shown), the DC power supply generates a current that is between about 1 mA and 100A depending on the size of the plasma generating system and the strength of a magnetic field in a region 234. In one embodiment, before generating the weakly-ionized plasma 232, the DC power supply is adapted to generate and maintain an initial peak voltage between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 before the introduction of the feed gas 226. In another embodiment, an alternating current (AC) power supply (not shown) is used to generate and maintain the weakly-ionized or pre-ionized plasma 232. For example, the weakly-ionized or pre-ionized plasma 232 can be generated and maintained using electron cyclotron resonance (ECR), capacitively coupled plasma discharge (CCP), or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) discharge. AC power supplies can require less power to generate and maintain a weakly-ionized plasma than a DC power supply. In addition, the pre-ionized or weakly-ionized plasma 232 can be generated by numerous other techniques, such as UV radiation techniques, X-ray techniques, electron beam techniques, ion beam techniques, or ionizing filament techniques. These techniques include components used in ionization sources according to the invention. In some embodiments, the weakly-ionized plasma is formed outside of the region 222 and then diffuses into the region 222. Forming the weakly-ionized or pre-ionized plasma 232 substantially eliminates the probability of establishing a breakdown condition in the chamber when high-power pulses are applied between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. The probability of establishing a breakdown condition is substantially eliminated because the weakly-ionized plasma 232 has a low-level of ionization that provides electrical conductivity through the plasma. This conductivity substantially prevents the setup of a breakdown condition, even when high power is applied to the plasma. In one embodiment, as the feed gas 226 is pushed through the region 222, the weakly-ionized plasma 232 diffuses somewhat homogeneously through the region 234. This homogeneous diffusion tends to facilitate the creation of a highly uniform strongly-ionized plasma in the region 234. In one embodiment (not shown), the weakly-ionized plasma 232 can be trapped proximate to the cathode 204 by a magnetic field. Specifically, electrons in the weakly-ionized plasma 232 can be trapped by a magnetic field generated proximate to the cathode 204. In one embodiment, the strength of the magnetic field is between about fifty and two thousand gauss. In one embodiment, a magnet assembly (not shown) generates the magnet field located proximate to the cathode 204. The magnet assembly can include permanent magnets (not shown), or alternatively, electro-magnets (not shown). The configuration of the magnet assembly can be varied depending on the desired shape and strength of the magnetic field. In alternate embodiments, the magnet assembly can have either a balanced or unbalanced configuration. In one embodiment, the magnet assembly includes switching electro-magnets, which generate a pulsed magnetic field proximate to the cathode 204. In some embodiments, additional magnet assemblies (not shown) can be placed at various locations around and throughout the chamber (not shown). Referring to FIG. 2C, once the weakly-ionized plasma 232 is formed, the pulsed power supply 202 generates high-power pulses between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 (FIG. 2C). The desired power level of the high-power pulses depends on several factors including the density of the weakly-ionized plasma 232, and the volume of the plasma, for example. In one embodiment, the power level of the high-power pulse is in the range of about 1 kW to about 10 MW or higher. Each of the high-power pulses is maintained for a predetermined time that, in some embodiments, is approximately one microsecond to ten seconds. The repetition frequency or repetition rate of the high-power pulses, in some embodiments, is in the range of between about 0.1 Hz to 1 kHz. The average power generated by the pulsed power supply 202 can be less than one megawatt depending on the volume of the plasma. In one embodiment, the thermal energy in the cathode 204 and/or the anode 216 is conducted away or dissipated by liquid or gas cooling such as helium cooling (not shown). The high-power pulses generate a strong electric field 236 between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. The strong electric field 236 is substantially located in the region 222 between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. In one embodiment, the electric field 236 is a pulsed electric field. In another embodiment, the electric field 236 is a quasi-static electric field. By quasi-static electric field we mean an electric field that has a characteristic time of electric field variation that is much greater than the collision time for electrons with neutral gas particles. Such a time of electric field variation can be on the order of ten seconds. The strength and the position of the strong electric field 236 will be discussed in more detail herein. Referring to FIG. 2D, the high-power pulses generate a highly-ionized or a strongly-ionized plasma 238 from the weakly-ionized plasma 232 (FIG. 2C). The strongly-ionized plasma 238 is also referred to as a high-density plasma. The discharge current that is formed from the strongly-ionized plasma 238 can be on the order of about 5 kA or more with a discharge voltage in the range of between about 50V and 500V for a pressure that is on the order of between about 100 mTorr and 10 Torr. In one embodiment, the strongly-ionized plasma 238 tends to diffuse homogenously in the region 234. The homogenous diffusion creates a more homogeneous plasma volume. Homogenous diffusion is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5A through FIG. 5D. Homogeneous diffusion is advantageous for many plasma processes. For example, plasma etching processes having homogenous diffusion accelerate ions in the strongly-ionized plasma 238 towards the surface of the substrate (not shown) being etched in a more uniform manner than with conventional plasma etching. Consequently, the surface of the substrate is etched more uniformly. Plasma processes having homogeneous diffusion can achieve high uniformity without the necessity of rotating the substrate. Also, magnetron sputtering systems having homogenous diffusion accelerate ions in the strongly-ionized plasma 238 towards the surface of the sputtering target in a more uniform manner than with conventional magnetron sputtering. Consequently, the target material is deposited more uniformly on a substrate without the necessity of rotating the substrate and/or the magnetron. Also, the surface of the sputtering target is eroded more evenly and, thus higher target utilization is achieved. In one embodiment, the plasma generating apparatus 200 of the present invention generates a relatively high electron temperature plasma and a relatively high-density plasma. One application for the strongly-ionized plasma 238 of the present invention is ionized physical vapor deposition (IPVD) (not shown), which is a technique that converts neutral sputtered atoms into positive ions to enhance a sputtering process. Referring again to FIG. 2D, the strong electric field 236 facilitates a multi-step ionization process of the feed gas 226 that substantially increases the rate at which the strongly-ionized plasma 238 is formed. In one embodiment, the feed gas is a molecular gas and the strong electric field 236 enhances the formation of ions in the plasma. The multi-step or stepwise ionization process is described as follows. A pre-ionizing voltage is applied between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 across the feed gas 226 to form the weakly-ionized plasma 232. The weakly-ionized plasma 232 is generally formed in the region 222 and diffuses to the region 234 as the feed gas 226 continues to flow. In one embodiment (not shown) a magnetic field is generated in the region 222 and extends to the center of the cathode 204. This magnetic field tends to assist in diffusing electrons from the region 222 to the region 234. The electrons in the weakly-ionized plasma 232 are substantially trapped in the region 234 by the magnetic field. In one embodiment, the volume of weakly-ionized plasma in the region 222 is rapidly exchanged with a new volume of feed gas 226. After the formation of the weakly-ionized plasma 232 (FIG. 2C), the pulsed power supply 202 applies a high-power pulse between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. This high-power pulse generates the strong electric field 236 in the region 222 between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. The strong electric field 236 results in collisions occurring between neutral atoms 240, electrons (not shown), and ions 242 in the weakly-ionized plasma 232. These collisions generate numerous excited atoms 244 in the weakly-ionized plasma 232. The accumulation of excited atoms 244 in the weakly-ionized plasma 232 alters the ionization process. In one embodiment, the strong electric field 236 facilitates a multi-step ionization process of an atomic feed gas that significantly increases the rate at which the strongly-ionized plasma 238 is formed. The multi-step ionization process has an efficiency that increases as the density of excited atoms 244 in the weakly-ionized plasma 232 increases. The strong electric field 236 enhances the formation of ions of a molecular or atomic feed gas. In one embodiment, the distance or gap 220 between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 is chosen so as to maximize the rate of excitation of the atoms. The value of the electric field 236 in the region 222 depends on the voltage level applied by the pulsed power supply 202 and the size of the gap 220 between the anode 216 and the cathode 204. In some embodiments, the strength of the electric field 236 can vary between about 2V/cm and 105 V/cm depending on various system parameters and operating conditions of the plasma system. In some embodiments, the gap 220 can be between about 0.30 cm and about 10 cm depending on various parameters of the desired plasma. In one embodiment, the electric field 236 in the region 222 is rapidly applied to the pre-ionized or weakly-ionized plasma 232. In some embodiments, the rapidly applied electric field 236 is generated by applying a voltage pulse having a rise time that is between about 0.1 microsecond and ten seconds. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the gap 220 and the parameters of the applied electric field 236 are varied in order to determine the optimum condition for a relatively high rate of excitation of the atoms 240 in the region 222. For example, an argon atom requires an energy of about 11.55 eV to become excited. Thus, as the feed gas 226 flows through the region 222, the weakly-ionized plasma 232 is formed and the atoms 240 in the weakly-ionized plasma 232 experience a stepwise ionization process. The excited atoms 244 in the weakly-ionized plasma 232 then encounter the electrons (not shown) that are in the region 234. The excited atoms 244 only require about 4 eV of energy to ionize while neutral atoms 240 require about 15.76 eV of energy to ionize. Therefore, the excited atoms 244 will ionize at a much higher rate than the neutral atoms 240. In one embodiment, ions 242 in the strongly-ionized plasma 238 strike the cathode 204 causing secondary electron emission from the cathode 204. These secondary electrons interact with neutral 240 or excited atoms 244 in the strongly-ionized plasma 238. This process further increases the density of ions 242 in the strongly-ionized plasma 238 as the feed gas 226 is exchanged. The multi-step ionization process corresponding to the rapid application of the electric field 236 can be described as follows: Ar+e−→Ar*+e− Ar*+e−→Ar++2e− where Ar represents a neutral argon atom 240 in the feed gas 226 and e− represents an ionizing electron generated in response to a pre-ionized plasma 232, when sufficient voltage is applied between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. Additionally, Ar* represents an excited argon atom 244 in the weakly-ionized plasma 232. The collision between the excited argon atom 244 and the ionizing electron results in an argon ion (Ar+) and two electrons. The excited argon atoms 244 generally require less energy to become ionized than neutral argon atoms 240. Thus, the excited atoms 244 tend to more rapidly ionize near the surface of the cathode 204 than the neutral argon atoms 240. As the density of the excited atoms 244 in the plasma increases, the efficiency of the ionization process rapidly increases. This increased efficiency eventually results in an avalanche-like increase in the density of the strongly-ionized plasma 238. Under appropriate excitation conditions, the proportion of the energy applied to the weakly-ionized plasma 232, which is transformed to the excited atoms 244, is very high for a pulsed discharge in the feed gas 226. Thus, in one aspect of the invention, high-power pulses are applied to a weakly-ionized plasma 232 across the gap 220 to generate the strong electric field 236 between the anode 216 and the cathode 204. This strong electric field 236 generates excited atoms 244 in the weakly-ionized plasma 232. The excited atoms 244 are rapidly ionized by interactions with the secondary electrons that are emitted by the cathode 204. The rapid ionization results in a strongly-ionized plasma 238 having a large ion density being formed in the area 234 proximate to the cathode 204. The strongly-ionized plasma 238 is also referred to as a high-density plasma. In one embodiment of the invention, a higher density plasma is generated by controlling the flow of the feed gas 226 in the region 222. In this embodiment, a first volume of feed gas 226 is supplied to the region 222. The first volume of feed gas 226 is then ionized to form a weakly-ionized plasma 232 in the region 222. Next, the pulsed power supply 202 applies a high-power electrical pulse across the weakly-ionized plasma 232. The high-power electrical pulse generates a strongly-ionized plasma 238 from the weakly-ionized plasma 232. The level and duration of the high-power electrical pulse is limited by the level and duration of the power that the strongly-ionized plasma 238 can absorb before the high-power discharge contracts and terminates. In one embodiment, the strength and the duration of the high-power electrical pulse are increased and thus the density of the strongly-ionized plasma 238 is increased by increasing the flow rate of the feed gas 226. In one embodiment, the strongly-ionized plasma 238 is transported through the region 222 by a rapid volume exchange of feed gas 226. As the feed gas 226 moves through the region 222, it interacts with the moving strongly-ionized plasma 238 and also becomes strongly-ionized from the applied high-power electrical pulse. The ionization process can be a combination of direct ionization and/or stepwise ionization as described herein. Transporting the strongly-ionized plasma 238 through the region 222 by a rapid volume exchange of the feed gas 226 increases the level and the duration of the power that can be applied to the strongly-ionized plasma 238 and, thus, generates a higher density strongly-ionized plasma in the region 234. The efficiency of the ionization process can be increased by applying a magnetic. field (not shown) proximate to the cathode 204, as described herein. The magnetic field tends to trap electrons in the weakly-ionized plasma 232 and also tends to trap secondary the electrons proximate to the cathode 204. The trapped electrons ionize the excited atoms 244 generating the strongly-ionized plasma 238. In one embodiment, the magnetic field is generated in the region 222 to substantially trap electrons in the area where the weakly-ionized plasma 232 is ignited. In one embodiment, the plasma generating system 200 can be configured for plasma etching. In another embodiment, the plasma generating system 200 can be configured for plasma sputtering. In particular, the plasma generating system 200 can be used for sputtering magnetic materials. Known magnetron sputtering systems generally are not suitable for sputtering magnetic materials because the magnetic field generated by the magnetron can be absorbed by the magnetic target material. RF diode sputtering is sometimes used to sputter magnetic materials. However, RF diode sputtering generally has poor film thickness uniformity and relatively low deposition rates. The plasma generating system 200 can be adapted to sputter magnetic materials by including a target assembly having a magnetic target material and by driving that target assembly with an RF power supply (not shown). For example, an RF power supply can provide an RF power that is on order of about 10 kW. A substantially uniform weakly-ionized plasma can be generated by applying RF power across a feed gas that is located proximate to the target assembly. The strongly-ionized plasma is generated by applying a strong electric field across the weakly-ionized plasma as described herein. The RF power supply applies a negative voltage bias to the target assembly. Ions in the strongly-ionized plasma bombard the target material thereby causing sputtering. The plasma generating system 200 can also be adapted to sputter dielectric materials. Dielectric materials can be sputtered by driving a target assembly including a dielectric target material with an RF power supply (not shown). For example, an RF power supply can provide an RF power that is on order of about 10 kW. A substantially uniform weakly-ionized plasma can be generated by applying RF power across a feed gas that is located proximate to the target assembly. In another embodiment, a DC power supply (not shown) is used to create a weakly-ionized plasma 232 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the dielectric target material is positioned relative to the cathode 204 such that an area of the cathode 204 can conduct a direct current between the anode 216 and the cathode 204. In one embodiment, a magnetic field is generated proximate to the target assembly in order to trap electrons in the weakly-ionized plasma. The strongly-ionized plasma is generated by applying a strong electric field across the weakly-ionized plasma as described herein. The RF power supply applies a negative voltage bias to the target assembly. Ions in the strongly-ionized plasma bombard the target material thereby causing sputtering. In one embodiment, a strongly-ionized plasma 238 according to the present invention is used to generate an ion beam. An ion beam source according to the present invention includes the plasma generating apparatus described herein and an additional electrode (not shown) that is used to accelerate ions in the plasma. In one embodiment, the external electrode is a grid. The ion beam source according to the present invention can generate a very high-density ion flux. For example, the ion beam source can generate ozone flux. Ozone is a highly reactive oxidizing agent that can be used for many applications such as cleaning process chambers, deodorizing air, purifying water, and treating industrial wastes. FIG. 3 illustrates a graphical representation 300 of the applied power of a pulse as a function of time for periodic pulses applied to the plasma in the plasma generating apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A. At time t0, the feed gas 226 flows between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 before the pulsed power supply 202 is activated. The time required for a sufficient quantity of gas 226 to flow between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 depends on several factors including the flow rate of the gas 226 and the desired pressure in the region 222. In one embodiment (not shown), the pulsed power supply 202 is activated before the feed gas 226 flows into the region 222. In this embodiment, the feed gas 226 is injected between the anode 216 and the cathode 204 where it is ignited by the pulsed power supply 202 to generate the weakly-ionized plasma 232. In one embodiment, the feed gas 226 flows between the anode 216 and the cathode 204 between time t0 and time t1. At time t1, the pulsed power supply 202 generates a pulse 302 between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 that has a power between about 0.01 kW and 100 kW depending on the volume of the plasma. The pulse 302 is sufficient to ignite the feed gas 226 to generate the weakly-ionized plasma 232. In one embodiment (not shown), the pulsed power supply 202 applies a potential between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 before the feed gas 226 is delivered into the region 222. In this embodiment, the feed gas 226 is ignited as it flows between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. In other embodiments, the pulsed power supply 202 generates the pulse 302 between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 during or after the feed gas 226 is delivered into the region 222. The power generated by the pulsed power supply 202 partially ionizes the feed gas 226 that is located in the region 222 between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. The partially ionized gas is also referred to as a weakly-ionized plasma or a pre-ionized plasma 232 (FIG. 2B). The formation of the weakly-ionized plasma 232 substantially eliminates the possibility of creating a breakdown condition when high-power pulses are applied to the weakly-ionized plasma 232 as described herein. In one embodiment, the power is continuously applied for between about one microsecond and one hundred seconds to allow the pre-ionized plasma 232 to form and to be maintained at a sufficient plasma density. In one embodiment, the power from the pulsed power supply 202 is continuously applied after the weakly-ionized plasma 232 is ignited in order to maintain the weakly-ionized plasma 232. The pulsed power supply 202 can be designed so as to output a continuous nominal power in order to generate and sustain the weakly-ionized plasma 232 until a high-power pulse is delivered by the pulsed power supply 202. At time t2, the pulsed power supply 202 delivers a high-power pulse 304 across the weakly-ionized plasma 232. In some embodiments, the high-power pulse 304 has a power that is in the range of between about 1 kW and 10 MW depending on parameters of the plasma generating apparatus 200. The high-power pulse has a leading edge 306 having a rise time of between about 0.1 microseconds and ten seconds. The high-power pulse 304 has a power and a pulse width that is sufficient to transform the weakly-ionized plasma 232 to a strongly-ionized plasma 238 (FIG. 2D). The strongly-ionized plasma 238 is also referred to as a high-density plasma. In one embodiment, the high-power pulse 304 is applied for a time that is in the range of between about ten microseconds and ten seconds. At time t 4, the high-power pulse 304 is terminated. The power supply 202 maintains the weakly-ionized plasma 232 after the delivery of the high-power pulse 304 by applying background power that, in one embodiment, is between about 0.01 kW and 100 kW. The background power can be a pulsed or continuously applied power that maintains the pre-ionization condition in the plasma, while the pulsed power supply 202 prepares to deliver another high-power pulse 308. At time t5, the pulsed power supply 202 delivers another high-power pulse 308. The repetition rate between the high-power pulses 304, 308 is, in one embodiment, between about 0.1 Hz and 1 kHz. The particular size, shape, width, and frequency of the high-power pulses 304, 308 depend on various factors including process parameters, the design of the pulsed power supply 202, the design of the plasma generating apparatus 200, the volume of the plasma, and the pressure in the chamber. The shape and duration of the leading edge 306 and the trailing edge 310 of the high-power pulse 304 is chosen to sustain the weakly-ionized plasma 232 while controlling the rate of ionization of the strongly-ionized plasma 238. In one embodiment, the particular size, shape, width, and frequency of the high-power pulse 304 is chosen to control the density of the strongly-ionized plasma 238. In one embodiment, the particular size, shape, width, and frequency of the high-power pulse 304 is chosen to control the etch rate of a substrate (not shown). In one embodiment, the particular size, shape, width, and frequency of the high-power pulse 304 is chosen to control the rate of sputtering of a sputtering target (not shown). FIG. 4 illustrates graphical representations 320, 322, and 324 of the absolute value of applied voltage, current, and power, respectively, as a function of time for periodic pulses applied to the plasma in the plasma generating apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A. In one embodiment, at time t0 (not shown), the feed gas 226 flows proximate to the cathode 204 before the pulsed power supply 202 is activated. The time required for a sufficient quantity of feed gas 226 to flow proximate to the cathode 204 depends on several factors including the flow rate of the feed gas 226 and the desired pressure in the region 222. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the power supply 202 generates a constant power. At time t1, the pulsed power supply 202 generates a voltage 326 across the anode 216 and the cathode 204. In one embodiment, the voltage 326 is approximately between 100V and 5 kV. The period between time t0 and time t1 (not shown) can be on the order of several microseconds up to several milliseconds. At time t1, the current 328 and the power 330 have constant value. Between time t1 and time t2,the voltage 326, the current 328, and the power 330 remain constant as the weakly-ionized plasma 232 (FIG. 2B) is generated. The voltage 332 at time t2 is between about 100V and 5 kV. The current 334 at time t2 is between about 0.1A and 10A. The power 336 delivered at time t2 is between about 0.01 kW and 100 kW. The power 336 generated by the pulsed power supply 202 partially ionizes the gas 226 that is located in the region 222 between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. The partially ionized gas is also referred to as a weakly-ionized plasma or a pre-ionized plasma 232. As described herein, the formation of weakly-ionized plasma 232 substantially eliminates the possibility of creating a breakdown condition when high-power pulses are applied to the weakly-ionized plasma 232. The suppression of this breakdown condition substantially eliminates the occurrence of undesirable arcing between the anode 216 and the cathode 204. In one embodiment, the period between time t1 and time t2 is between about one microsecond and one hundred seconds to allow the pre-ionized plasma 232 to form and be maintained at a sufficient plasma density. In one embodiment, the power 336 from the pulsed power supply 202 is continuously applied to maintain the weakly-ionized plasma 232. The pulsed power supply 202 can be designed so as to output a continuous nominal power into order to sustain the weakly-ionized plasma 232. Between time t2 and time t3, the pulsed power supply 202 delivers a large voltage pulse 338 across the weakly-ionized plasma 232. In some embodiments, the large voltage pulse 338 has a voltage that is in the range of 200V to 30 kV. In some embodiments, the period between time t2 and time t3 is between about 0.1 microseconds and ten seconds. The large voltage pulse 338 is applied between time t3 and time t4, before the current across the weakly-ionized plasma 232 begins to increase. In one embodiment, the period between time t3 and time t4 can be between about ten nanoseconds and one microsecond. Between time t4 and time t5, the voltage 340 drops as the current 342 increases. The power 344 also increases between time t4 and time t5, until a quasi-stationary state exists between the voltage 346 and the current 348. The period between time t4 and time t5 can be on the order of hundreds of nanoseconds. In one embodiment, at time t5, the voltage 346 is between about 50V and 30 kV thousand volts, the current 348 is between about 10A and 5 kA and the power 350 is between about 1 kW and 10 MW. The power 350 is continuously applied to the plasma until time t6. In one embodiment, the period between time t5 and time t6 is approximately between one microsecond and ten seconds. The pulsed power supply 202 delivers a high-power pulse having a maximum power 350 and a pulse width that is sufficient to transform the weakly-ionized plasma 232 to a strongly-ionized plasma 238 (FIG. 2D). At time t6, the maximum power 350 is terminated. In one embodiment, the pulsed power supply 202 continues to supply a background power that is sufficient to maintain the plasma after time t6. In one embodiment, the power supply 202 maintains the plasma after the delivery of the high-power pulse by continuing to apply a power 352 that can be between about 0.01 kW and 100 kW to the plasma. The continuously generated power maintains the pre-ionization condition in the plasma, while the pulsed power supply 202 prepares to deliver the next high-power pulse. At time t7, the pulsed power supply 202 delivers the next high-power pulse (not shown). In one embodiment, the repetition rate between the high-power pulses is between about 0.1 Hz and 1 kHz. The particular size, shape, width, and frequency of the high-power pulses depend on various factors including process parameters, the design of the pulsed power supply 202, the design of the plasma generating system 200, the volume of plasma, the density of the strongly-ionized plasma 238, and the pressure in the region 222. In another embodiment (not shown), the power supply 202 generates a constant voltage. In this embodiment, the applied voltage 320 is continuously applied from time t2 until time t6. The current 322 and the power 324 rise until time t6 in order to maintain a constant voltage level, and then the voltage 320 is terminated. The parameters of the current, power and voltage are optimized for generating exited atoms. In one embodiment of the invention, the efficiency of the ionization process is increased by generating a magnetic field proximate to the cathode 204. The magnetic field tends to trap electrons in the weakly-ionized plasma 232 proximate to the cathode 204. The trapped electrons ionize the excited atoms 244 thereby generating the strongly-ionized plasma 238. In this embodiment, magnetically enhanced plasma has strong diamagnetic properties. The term “strong diamagnetic properties” means that the magnetically enhanced high-density plasma discharge tends to exclude external magnetic fields from the plasma volume. FIG. 5A through FIG. 5D illustrate various simulated magnetic field distributions 400, 402, 404, and 406 proximate to the cathode 204 for various electron ExB drift currents in a magnetically enhanced plasma generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention. The magnetically enhanced plasma generating apparatus includes a magnet assembly 407 that is positioned proximate to the cathode 204. The magnet assembly 407 generates a magnetic field proximate to the cathode 204. In one embodiment, the strength of the magnetic field is between about fifty and two thousand gauss. The simulated magnetic fields distributions 400, 402, 404, and 406 indicate that high-power plasmas having high current density tend to diffuse homogeneously in an area 234′ of the magnetically enhanced plasma generating apparatus. The high-power pulses between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 generate secondary electrons from the cathode 204 that move in a substantially circular motion proximate to the cathode 204 according to crossed electric and magnetic fields. The substantially circular motion of the electrons generates an electron ExB drift current. The magnitude of the electron ExB drift current is proportional to the magnitude of the discharge current in the plasma and, in one embodiment, is approximately in the range of between about three and ten times the magnitude of the discharge current. In one embodiment, the substantially circular electron ExB drift current generates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 407. In one embodiment, the magnetic field generated by the electron ExB drift current has a direction that is substantially opposite to the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 407. The magnitude of the magnetic field generated by the electron ExB drift current increases with increased electron ExB drift current. The homogeneous diffusion of the strongly-ionized plasma in the region 234′ is caused, at least in part, by the interaction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 407 and the magnetic field generated by the electron ExB drift current. In one embodiment, the electron ExB drift current defines a substantially circular shape for low current density plasma. However, as the current density of the plasma increases, the substantially circular electron ExB drift current tends to have a more complex shape as the interaction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 407, the electric field generated by the high-power pulse, and the magnetic field generated by the electron ExB drift current becomes more acute. For example, in one embodiment, the electron ExB drift current has a substantially cycloidal shape. The exact shape of the electron ExB drift current can be quite elaborate and depends on various factors. For example, FIG. 5A illustrates the magnetic field lines 408 produced from the interaction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 407 and the magnetic field generated by an electron ExB drift current 410 illustrated by a substantially circularly shaped ring. The electron ExB drift current 410 is generated proximate to the cathode 204. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the electron ExB drift current 410 is approximately 100A. In one embodiment of the invention, the electron ExB drift current 410 is between approximately three and ten times as great as the discharge current. Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 5A, the discharge current is approximately between 10A and 30A. The magnetic field lines 408 shown in FIG. 5A indicate that the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 407 is substantially undisturbed by the relatively small magnetic field that is generated by the relatively small electron ExB drift current 410. FIG. 5B illustrates the magnetic field lines 412 produced from the interaction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 407 and the magnetic field generated by an electron ExB drift current 414. The electron ExB drift current 414 is generated proximate to the cathode 204. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the electron ExB drift current 414 is approximately 300A. Since the electron ExB drift current 414 is typically between about three and ten times as great as the discharge current, the discharge current in this example is approximately between 30A and 100A. The magnetic field lines 412 that are generated by the magnet assembly 407 are substantially undisturbed by the relatively small magnetic field generated by the relatively small electron ExB drift current 414. However, the magnetic field lines 416 that are closest to the electron ExB drift current 414 are somewhat distorted by the magnetic field generated by the electron ExB drift current 414. The distortion suggests that a larger electron ExB drift current should generate a stronger magnetic field that will interact more strongly with the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 407. FIG. 5C illustrates the magnetic field lines 418 that are produced from the interaction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 407 and the magnetic field generated by an electron ExB drift current 420. The electron ExB drift current 420 is generated proximate to the cathode 204. In the example shown in FIG. 5C, the electron ExB drift current 420 is approximately 1,000A. Since the electron ExB drift current 420 is typically between about three and ten times as great as the discharge current, the discharge current in this example is approximately between 100A and 300A. The magnetic field lines 418 that are generated by the magnet assembly 407 exhibit substantial distortion that is caused by the relatively strong magnetic field generated by the relatively large electron ExB drift current 420. Thus, the larger electron ExB drift current 420 generates a stronger magnetic field that strongly interacts with and can begin to dominate the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 407. The interaction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 407 and the magnetic field generated by the electron ExB drift current 420 generates magnetic field lines 422 that are somewhat more parallel to the surface of the cathode 204 than the magnetic field lines 408, 412, and 416 in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. The magnetic field lines 422 allow the strongly-ionized plasma 238 to more uniformly distribute itself in the area 234′. Thus, the strongly-ionized plasma 238 is substantially uniformly diffused in the area 234′. FIG. 5D illustrates the magnetic field lines 424 produced from the interaction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 407 and the magnetic field generated by an electron ExB drift current 426. The electron ExB drift current 426 is generated proximate to the cathode 204. In the example shown in FIG. 5D, the electron ExB drift current 426 is approximately 5 kA. The discharge current in this example is approximately between 500A and 1,700A. The magnetic field lines 424 generated by the magnet assembly 407 are relatively distorted due to their interaction with the relatively strong magnetic field generated by the relatively large electron ExB drift current 426. Thus, in this embodiment, the relatively large electron ExB drift current 426 generates a very strong magnetic field that is stronger than the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 407. FIG. 6A through FIG. 6D illustrate cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of plasma generating systems 200′, 200″, 200′″ and 200″″, according to the present invention. The plasma generating system 200′ of FIG. 6A includes an electrode 452 that generates a weakly-ionized or pre-ionized plasma. The electrode 452 is also referred to as a pre-ionizing filament electrode and is a component in an ionization source that generates the weakly-ionized plasma. In one embodiment, the electrode 452 is coupled to an output 454 of a power supply 456. The power supply 456 can be a DC power supply or an AC power supply. An insulator 458 isolates the electrode 452 from the anode 216. In one embodiment, the electrode 452 is substantially shaped in the form of a ring electrode. In other embodiments, the electrode 452 is substantially shaped in a linear form or any other shape that is suitable for pre-ionizing the plasma. In one embodiment, a second output 460 of the power supply 456 is coupled to the cathode 204. The insulator 218 isolates the cathode 204 from the anode 216. In one embodiment, the power supply 456 generates an average output power that is in the range of between about 0.01 kW and 100 kW. Such an output power is sufficient to generate a suitable current between the electrode 452 and the cathode 204 to pre-ionize feed gas 226 that is located proximate to the electrode 452. In operation, the plasma generating apparatus 200′ functions in a similar manner to the plasma generating apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A, but with some operational differences. In one embodiment (not shown) a magnetic field is generated proximate to the cathode 204. In one embodiment, the strength of the magnetic field is between about fifty and two thousand gauss. The feed gas 226 is supplied proximate to the electrode 452 and the cathode 204. The power supply 456 applies a suitable current between the cathode 204 and the electrode 452. The parameters of the current are chosen to establish a weakly-ionized plasma in the region 234 proximate to the electrode 452. In one embodiment, the power supply 456 generates a voltage of between about 100V and 5 kV with a discharge current that is between about 0.1A and 100A depending on the size of the system. An example of specific parameters of the voltage will be discussed herein in more detail in connection with FIG. 7. In one embodiment, the resulting pre-ionized plasma density is in the range between approximately 106 and 1012 cm−3 for argon sputtering gas. In one embodiment, the pressure in the region 234 is in the range of approximately 10−3 to 10 Torr or higher. The pressure can vary depending on various system parameters, such as the presence of a magnetic field proximate to the cathode 204. As previously discussed, the weakly-ionized or pre-ionized plasma substantially eliminates the possibility of establishing a breakdown condition between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 when high-power pulses are applied to the plasma. The pulsed power supply 202 then generates a high-power pulse between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. The high-power pulse generates a strongly-ionized plasma from the weakly-ionized plasma. The parameters of the high-power pulse depend on various parameters including the volume of the plasma, the desired plasma density, and the pressure in the region 234. In one embodiment, the high-power pulse between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 is in the range of about 1 kW to about 10 MW. In one embodiment, the discharge current density that can be generated from the strongly-ionized plasma is greater than about 1A/cm2 for a pressure of approximately 10 mTorr. In one embodiment, the high-power pulse has a pulse width that is in the range of approximately one microsecond to several seconds. In one embodiment, the repetition rate of the high-power discharge is in the range of between about 0.1 Hz to 10 kHz. In one embodiment, the average power generated by the pulsed power supply is less than 1 MW depending on the size of the system. In one embodiment, the thermal energy in the cathode 204 and/or the anode 216 can be conducted away or dissipated by liquid or gas cooling (not shown). In one embodiment (not shown), a magnetic field is generated proximate to the cathode 204. The strongly-ionized plasma tends to diffuse homogenously in the area 234 due to the interaction of generated magnetic fields, as described herein in connection with FIG. 5A though FIG. 5D. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a plasma generating apparatus 200″ according to the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the plasma generating apparatus 200′ of FIG. 6A. However, in this embodiment, the electrode 452′, which is a component of the ionization source, substantially surrounds the cathode 204. The position of the electrode 452′ relative to the cathode 204 is chosen to achieve particular electrical conditions in the gap 220 between the anode 216 and the cathode 204. For example, a distance 462 between the electrode 452′ and the cathode 204 can be varied by changing the diameter of the electrode 452′. In one embodiment, the distance 462 can be varied from about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm. The distance 462 can be optimized to generate a sustainable weakly-ionized plasma in the region 234. The vertical position of the electrode 452′ relative to the cathode 204 can also be varied. The pre-ionizing electrode 452′ is not physically located in the region 222 between the anode 216 and the cathode 204. Therefore, the pre-ionizing electrode 452′ does not interfere with the strong electric field that results when a high-power pulse from the pulsed power supply 202 is applied between the anode 216 and the cathode 204. Additionally, the location of the pre-ionizing electrode 452′ results in a more uniformly distributed weakly-ionized plasma in the region 234. In operation, the power supply 456 applies a voltage between the cathode 204 and the electrode 452′. The voltage generates a weakly-ionized or pre-ionized plasma proximate to the electrode 452′ and the cathode 204. The pre-ionized plasma substantially eliminates the possibility of establishing a breakdown condition when high-power pulses from the pulsed power supply 202 are applied to the plasma. In one embodiment, the power supply 456 is a DC power supply that generates a DC voltage that is in the range of between about 100V and 5 kV with a discharge current that is in the range of between about 0.1A and 100A. In another embodiment, the power supply 456 is an AC power supply that generates voltage pulses between the cathode 204 and the electrode 452′. FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a plasma generating apparatus 200′″ according to the present invention. The configuration of the electrode 452 and the cathode 204′ can affect the parameters of the electric field generated between the electrode 452 and the cathode 204′. The parameters of the electric field can influence the ignition of the pre-ionized plasma as well as the pre-ionization process generally. This embodiment creates the necessary conditions for breakdown of the feed gas and ignition of the weakly-ionized plasma in the region 222 between the anode 216 and the cathode 204′. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 6C, the electric field lines (not shown) generated between the cathode 204′ and the electrode 452 are substantially perpendicular to the cathode 204′ at the point 470 on the cathode 204′. The electric field in the gap 472 between the electrode 452 and the cathode 204′ is adapted to ignite the plasma from the feed gas 226 flowing through the gap 472. The efficiency of the pre-ionization process can be increased using this embodiment depending upon parameters, such as the magnetic field strength and the pressure in the area proximate to the cathode 204′. FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a plasma generating apparatus 200″″ according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the electric field lines (not shown) generated between the cathode 204″ and the electrode 452 are substantially perpendicular to the cathode 204″ at the point 474. The electric field in the gap 476 between the electrode 452 and the cathode 204″ is adapted to ignite the plasma from the feed gas 226 flowing through the gap 476. The efficiency of the pre-ionization process can be increased using this embodiment depending upon parameters, such as the magnetic field strength and the pressure in the area proximate to the cathode 204″. FIG. 7 illustrates a graphical representation 500 of the pulse power as a function of time for periodic pulses applied to the plasma in the plasma generating system 200′ of FIG. 6A. In one embodiment, the feed gas 226 flows in the region 222 proximate to the electrode 452 at time t0, before either the power supply 456 or the pulsed power supply 202 are activated. In another embodiment, the power supply 456 and/or the pulsed power supply 202 are activated at time t0 before the gas 226 flows in the region 222 proximate to the electrode 452. In this embodiment, the feed gas 226 is injected between the electrode 452 and the cathode 204 where it is ignited by the power supply 456 to generate the weakly-ionized plasma. The time required for a sufficient quantity of gas 226 to flow into the region 222 depends on several factors including the flow rate of the gas 226 and the desired operating pressure. At time t1, the power supply 456 generates a power 502 that is in the range of between about 0.01 kW to about 100 kW between the electrode 452 and the cathode 204. The power 502 causes the gas 226 proximate to the electrode 452 to become partially ionized, thereby generating a weakly-ionized plasma or a pre-ionized plasma. At time t2, the pulsed power supply 202 delivers a high-power pulse 504 to the weakly-ionized plasma that is on the order of less than 1 kW to about 10 MW depending on the volume of the plasma and the operating pressure. The high-power pulse 504 is sufficient to transform the weakly-ionized plasma to a strongly-ionized plasma. The high-power pulse has a leading edge 506 having a rise time that is between about 0.1 microseconds and ten seconds. In one embodiment, the pulse width of the high-power pulse 504 is in the range of between about one microsecond and ten seconds. The high-power pulse 504 is terminated at time t4. Even after the delivery of the high-power pulse 504, the power 502 from the power supply 456 is continuously applied to sustain the pre-ionized plasma, while the pulsed power supply 202 prepares to deliver another high-power pulse 508. In another embodiment (not shown), the power supply 456 is an AC power supply and delivers suitable power pulses to ignite and sustain the weakly-ionized plasma. At time t5, the pulsed power supply 202 delivers another high-power pulse 508. In one embodiment, the repetition rate of the high-power pulses can be between about 0.1 Hz and 10 kHz. The particular size, shape, width, and frequency of the high-power pulse depend on the process parameters, such as the operating pressure, the design of the pulsed power supply 202, the presence of a magnetic field proximate to the cathode 204, and the volume of the plasma. The shape and duration of the leading edge 506 and the trailing edge 510 of the high-power pulse 504 is chosen to control the rate of ionization of the strongly-ionized plasma. FIG. 8 is a flowchart 600 of an illustrative process of generating a high-density or strongly-ionized plasma according to the present invention. The process is initiated (step 602) by activating various systems in the plasma generating apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A. For example, a chamber (not shown) is initially pumped down to a specific pressure (step 604). Next, the pressure in the chamber is evaluated (step 606). In one embodiment, feed gas 226 is then pumped into the chamber (step 608). The gas pressure is evaluated (step 610). If the gas pressure is correct, the pressure in the chamber is again evaluated (step 612). An appropriate magnetic field is generated proximate to the feed gas 226 (not shown) when the pressure in the chamber is correct. In one embodiment, a magnet assembly (not shown) can include at least one permanent magnet, and thus the magnetic field is generated constantly, even before the process is initiated. In another embodiment, a magnetic assembly (not shown) includes at least one electromagnet, and thus the magnetic field is generated only when the electromagnet is operating. The feed gas 226 is ionized to generate a weakly-ionized plasma 232 (step 614). In one embodiment, the weakly-ionized plasma 232 can be generated by creating a relatively low current discharge in the gap 220 between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 of FIG. 2A. In another embodiment, the weakly-ionized plasma 232 can be generated by creating a relatively low current discharge between the electrode 452 and the cathode 204 of FIG. 6A. In yet another embodiment (not shown), an electrode is heated to emit electrons proximate to the cathode 204. In this embodiment, a relatively low current discharge is created between the anode 216 and the electrode in order to generate the weakly-ionized plasma 232. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the weakly-ionized plasma 232 is generated by applying a potential across the gap 220 between the cathode 204 and the anode 216 before the introduction of the feed gas 226. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the weakly-ionized plasma 232 is generated by applying a potential difference between the electrode 452 and the cathode 204 before the introduction of the feed gas 226 to generate the weakly-ionized plasma 232. After the gas is weakly-ionized (step 616), a strongly-ionized plasma 238 (FIG. 2D) is generated from the weakly-ionized plasma 232 (step 618). In one embodiment, the strongly-ionized plasma 238 is generated by applying a high-power pulse between the cathode 204 and the anode 216. The high-power pulse results in a strong electric field 236 being generated in the gap 220 between the anode 216 and the cathode 204 as described herein. The strong electric field 236 results in a stepwise ionization process of the feed gas 226. In one embodiment, molecular gases are used for the feed gas 226. In this embodiment, the strong electric field 236 increases the formation of ions, which enhances the strongly-ionized plasma 238. In one embodiment, the strongly-ionized plasma 238 is substantially homogeneous in the area 234 of FIG. 2D. After the strongly-ionized plasma 238 is formed (step 620), it is maintained as required by the plasma process (step 622). Once the plasma process is completed (step 624), the plasma process is ended (step 626). Equivalents While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined herein. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF INVENTION <EOH>Plasma is considered the fourth state of matter. A plasma is a collection of charged particles moving in random directions. A plasma is, on average, electrically neutral. One method of generating a plasma is to drive a current through a low-pressure gas between two parallel conducting electrodes. Once certain parameters are met, the gas “breaks down” to form the plasma. For example, a plasma can be generated by applying a potential of several kilovolts between two parallel conducting electrodes in an inert gas atmosphere (e.g., argon) at a pressure that is between about 10 −1 and 10 −2 Torr. Plasma processes are widely used in many industries, such as the semiconductor manufacturing industry. For example, plasma etching is commonly used to etch substrate material and films deposited on substrates in the electronics industry. There are four basic types of plasma etching processes that are used to remove material from surfaces: sputter etching, pure chemical etching, ion energy driven etching, and ion inhibitor etching. Plasma sputtering is a technique that is widely used for depositing films on substrates. Sputtering is the physical ejection of atoms from a target surface and is sometimes referred to as physical vapor deposition (PVD). Ions, such as argon ions, are generated and then are drawn out of the plasma, and are accelerated across a cathode dark space. The target has a lower potential than the region in which the plasma is formed. Therefore, the target attracts positive ions. Positive ions move towards the target with a high velocity. Positive ions impact the target and cause atoms to physically dislodge or sputter from the target. The sputtered atoms then propagate to a substrate where they deposit a film of sputtered target material. The plasma is replenished by electron-ion pairs formed by the collision of neutral molecules with secondary electrons generated at the target surface. Magnetron sputtering systems use magnetic fields that are shaped to trap and to concentrate secondary electrons, which are produced by ion bombardment of the target surface. The plasma discharge generated by a magnetron sputtering system is located proximate to the surface of the target and has a high density of electrons. The high density of electrons causes ionization of the sputtering gas in a region that is close to the target surface. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS <EOH>This invention is described with particularity in the detailed description. The above and further advantages of this invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a known plasma generating apparatus having a radio-frequency (RF) power supply. FIG. 2A through FIG. 2D illustrate cross-sectional views of a plasma generating apparatus having a pulsed power supply according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a graphical representation of the pulse power as a function of time for periodic pulses applied to the plasma in the plasma generating apparatus of FIG. 2A . FIG. 4 illustrates graphical representations of the applied voltage, current, and power as a function of time for periodic pulses applied to the plasma in the plasma generating apparatus of FIG. 2A . FIG. 5A through FIG. 5D illustrate various simulated magnetic field distributions proximate to the cathode for various electron ExB drift currents according to the present invention. FIG. 6A through FIG. 6D illustrate cross-sectional views of various embodiments of plasma generating systems according to the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates a graphical representation of the pulse power as a function of time for periodic pulses applied to the plasma in the plasma generating system of FIG. 6A . FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an illustrative method of generating a high-density plasma according to the present invention. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? | 20040722 | 20091020 | 20050113 | 61555.0 | 7 | MCDONALD, RODNEY GLENN | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HIGH-DENSITY PLASMA | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,897,297 | ACCEPTED | Light source using light emitting diodes and an improved method of collecting the energy radiating from them | An LED or incandescent light source is positioned in a reflector arranged to reflect light from the LED or incandescent light source which is radiated from the LED or incandescent light source in a peripheral forward solid angle as defined by the reflector. A lens is disposed longitudinally forward of the LED or incandescent light source for focusing light into a predetermined pattern which is radiated from the LED or incandescent light source in a central forward solid angle as defined by the lens. The apparatus comprised of the combination projects a beam of light comprised of the light radiated in the central forward solid angle and peripheral forward solid angles. | 1. An apparatus comprising: a light source; a reflector positioned to reflect light from the light source which is radiated from the light source in a peripheral forward solid angle as defined by the reflector defined about an optical axis; and a first lens disposed longitudinally forward of the light source for focusing light into a predetermined pattern which is radiated from the light source in a central forward solid angle as defined by the lens, so that the apparatus projects a composite beam of light comprised of the light radiated in the central forward solid angle and peripheral forward solid angle. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 where the light source has an optical axis and where the central forward solid angle and the peripheral forward solid angle are demarcated from each other at approximately a π steradian solid angle centered on the optical axis. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 where the light source comprises an LED emitter and a package in which the LED emitter is disposed, the package comprising a second lens for minimizing the net degree of the refraction of light radiated from the LED emitter by the package and second lens in combination. 4. The apparatus of claim 3 where first lens is disposed longitudinally forward of the second lens. 5. The apparatus of claim 4 where first lens is suspended in front of the second lens. 6. The apparatus of claim 5 where the first lens is suspended by a spider. 7. The apparatus of claim 1 where the first lens approximately collimates light radiated by the light source into the central forward solid angle. 8. The apparatus of claim 1 where the reflector approximately collimates light radiated by the light source into the peripheral forward solid angle. 9. The apparatus of claim 7 where the reflector approximately collimates light radiated by the light source into the peripheral forward solid angle. 10. The apparatus of claim 3 where the first lens is disposed on the second lens. 11. The apparatus of claim 10 where the first lens is comprised of a peripheral annular portion having a first radius, r1, of curvature and a central portion having a second radius of curvature, r2, in which r1>r2. 12. The apparatus of claim 11 where the peripheral annular portion minimally refracts light radiated from the light source, if at all, and where the central portion refracts light radiated from the light source to form a predetermined pattern of light. 13. The apparatus of claim 1 where the reflector has a focus and where the focus of the reflector is centered on the light source. 14. The apparatus of claim 1 where the light source has an optical axis and where the first lens is arranged and configured relative to the light source so that the central forward solid angle extends to a solid angle of approximately π steradians centered on the optical axis. 15. The apparatus of claim 1 where the light source has an optical axis and where the reflector is arranged and configured relative to the light source so that the peripheral forward solid angle extends to a solid angle of approximately 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. 16. The apparatus of claim 15 where the reflector is arranged and configured relative to the light source so that the peripheral forward solid angle extends from a solid angle of approximately π steradians centered on the optical axis to a solid angle of approximately 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. 17. The apparatus of claim 1 where the light source has an optical axis and where the first lens is arranged and configured relative to the light source so that the central forward solid angle extends to a solid angle of more than π steradians centered on the optical axis and where the reflector is arranged and configured relative to the light source so that the peripheral forward solid angle extends from central forward solid angle to a solid angle of more than 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. 18. The apparatus of claim 1 where at least one of the reflector, first lens and light source are movable along the optical axis to provide zoom focusing. 19. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising motorized means and where at least one of the reflector, first lens and light source are movable by the motorized means. 20. The apparatus of claim 18 where the reflector, first lens and light source are each independently movable from each other. 21. The apparatus of claim 1 where the first lens comprises a plurality of lenses forming a lens assembly. 22. The apparatus of claim 1 where the light source comprises an array of separate light sources. 23. The apparatus of claim 22 where the array of separate light sources comprises light sources, each with an optical axis and each having its optical axis oriented in an individually determined direction. 24. The apparatus of claim 22 where the array of separate light sources comprises light sources, each with an individually determined focus. 25. The apparatus of claim 22 where the array of separate light sources comprises light sources, each with an individually determined beam pattern. 26. The apparatus of claim 1 in further combination with a flashlight, head torch, bike light, tactical flashlight, medical and dental head light, vehicular headlight, aircraft light or motorcycle light. 27. A method comprising: radiating light from a light source; reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion, which light is radiated from the light source in a peripheral forward solid angle; and focusing light into a second predetermined beam portion, which light is radiated from the light source in a central forward solid angle. 28. The method of claim 27 where the light source has an optical axis and where the central forward solid angle and the peripheral forward solid angle are demarcated from each other at an approximately π steradian solid angle centered on the optical axis. 29. The method of claim 27 where the light source comprises an LED emitter and a package in which the LED emitter is disposed, further comprising minimizing refraction of light radiated from the LED emitter through the package in the peripheral forward solid angle. 30. The method of claim 27 where focusing light into the second predetermined beam portion comprises approximately collimating the light radiated by the light source into the central forward solid angle. 31. The method of claim 27 where reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion comprises approximately collimating light radiated by the light source into the peripheral forward solid angle. 32. The method of claim 30 where reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion comprises approximately collimating light radiated by the light source into the peripheral forward solid angle. 33. The method of claim 27 where focusing light into a second predetermined beam portion comprises disposing a lens disposed on the light source, transmitting the light radiated from the light source through a peripheral annular portion of the lens having a first radius, r1, of curvature into the peripheral forward solid angle, and transmitting the light radiated from the light source through a central portion of the lens having a second radius of curvature, r2, into the central forward solid angle in which r1>r2. 34. The method of claim 33 where transmitting the light radiated from the light source through a peripheral annular portion of the lens minimally refracts light radiated from the light source, if at all, and where transmitting the light radiated from the light source through a central portion of the lens refracts light radiated from the light source to form a predetermined pattern of light. 35. The method of claim 27 where the reflector is has a focus and where reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion comprises centering the focus of the reflector on the light source. 36. The method of claim 27 where the light source has an optical axis and where focusing light into a second predetermined beam portion comprises generating the central forward solid angle to extend to a solid angle of approximately π steradians centered on the optical axis of the light source. 37. The method of claim 27 where the light source has an optical axis and where reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion comprises generating reflected light into the peripheral forward solid angle extending to a solid angle of approximately 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. 38. The method of claim 37 where generating reflected light into the peripheral forward solid angle comprises reflecting the light from the light source into the peripheral forward solid angle extending from a solid angle of approximately π steradians centered on the optical axis to a solid angle of approximately 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. 39. The method of claim 27 where the light source has an optical axis and where focusing light into a second predetermined beam portion comprises generating a focused beam portion into the central forward solid angle extending to a solid angle of more than π steradians centered on the optical axis and where reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion comprises generating a reflected beam portion into the peripheral forward solid angle extending from central forward solid angle to a solid angle of more than 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. 40. The method of claim 27 further comprising moving at least one of the reflector, first lens or light source on the optical axis to provide zoom focusing. 41. The method of claim 40 where moving at least one of the reflector, first lens or light source comprising moving the at least one of the reflector, first lens and light source by a motorized means. 42. The method of claim 40 where moving at least one of the reflector, first lens or light source comprises moving the reflector, first lens or light source independently from each other. 43. The method of claim 27 where radiating light from a light source comprises orienting an array of separate light sources, each in an individually determined direction, and radiating light from the array. 44. The method of claim 27 where radiating light from a light source comprises focusing an array of separate light sources, each with an individually determined focus, and radiating light from the array. 45. The method of claim 27 where radiating light from a light source comprises forming a collective beam pattern from an array of separate light sources, each with an individually determined beam pattern, and radiating light from the array. 46. The method of claim 27 further comprising combining the apparatus in a combination with a flashlight, head torch, bike light, tactical flashlight, medical and dental head light, vehicular headlight, aircraft light or motorcycle light. 47. An improvement in a flashlight having a body, a power source, a light source electrically connected to the power source, and a reflector with reflective surfaces for reflecting light from the light source, the improvement comprising: a configuration of the reflector to reflect the light in a peripheral forward solid angle; and a lens disposed longitudinally forward of the light source for focusing light into a predetermined pattern which is radiated from the light source in a central forward solid angle as defined by the lens so that a composite beam of light is projected which beam is comprised of the light radiated in the central forward solid angle and peripheral forward solid angle. 48. The improvement of claim 47 further comprising means for adjusting the relative positions of the lens, reflector and/or light source for focus or defocus of the composite beam. 49. The improvement of claim 47 where the light source comprises an array of light sources, each with individually oriented directions, individually adjusted focus, and/or individually shaped beam patterns. 50. The method of claim 40 further comprising shifting energy from a reflected collimated portion of a narrow beam to a refracted diverging portion of a wide beam when zoom focusing from the narrow beam to the wide beam. | RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/508,996, filed on Oct. 6, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference and to which priority is claimed pursuant to 35 USC 119. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates the field of light sources using light emitting diodes (LEDs) and in particular to an apparatus and a method of collecting the energy radiating from them. The device could be used in general lighting, decorative and architectural lighting, portable and nonportable lighting, emergency lighting, fiber optic illumination and many other applications. 2. Description of the Prior Art Typically in the prior art LED light source either a lens or a reflector is used to collect most of the 2π steradians front solid angle or forward hemispherical wavefront of light radiating from an LED. Recall that the solid angle Ω subtended by a surface S is defined as the surface area Ω of a unit sphere covered by the surface's projection onto the sphere. This can be written as: Ω ≡ ∫ ∫ S n ^ · ⅆ a r 2 , ( 1 ) where {circumflex over (n)} is a unit vector from the origin, da is the differential area of a surface patch, and r is the distance from the origin to the patch. Written in spherical coordinates with φ the colatitude (polar angle) and θ for the longitude (azimuth), this becomes Ω≡∫∫Ssin φdθdφ. (2) A solid angle is measured in steradians, and the solid angle corresponding to all of space being subtended is 4π steradians. Total internal reflection (TIR) is also used where the energy from the LED is collected both by an internal shaped reflector-like surface of a first lens and a second lens formed on either the outside or inside surface of the first lens. Typically devices using a reflector alone generate a beam with two parts, one portion of the beam is reflected and controlled by the reflector and the other portion of the beam is direct radiation from the LED and is not controlled, i.e. not reflected or refracted by any other element. On a surface onto which this two-part beam is directed, the direct light appears as a large halo around the reflected beam. In the conventional LED package a ball lens is situated in front of a cylindrical rod, and the side emitted energy from the LED is substantially uncontrolled or radiated substantially as it is generated out of the emitter junction in the chip. In TIR systems, some portion of the energy radiated from the LED junction is leaked through the walls of the package and remains uncontrolled. Additionally, there are bulk and form losses as well. In systems with LEDs turned around to point back into a concave reflector, the center energy from the LED is shadowed by the LED package itself, so this energy is typically lost or not collected into a useful beam. What is needed is some type of design whereby efficient collection of almost all of an LED's radiated energy can be obtained and projected into a directed beam with an illumination distribution needed to be useful. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is defined as an apparatus comprising an LED light source, a reflector positioned to reflect light from the LED light source which is radiated from the LED light source in a peripheral forward solid angle as defined by the reflector, and a lens disposed longitudinally forward of the LED light source for focusing light into a predetermined pattern which is radiated from the LED light source in a central forward solid angle as defined by the lens, so that the apparatus projects a beam of light comprised of the light radiated in the central forward solid angle and peripheral forward solid angles. Whereas the light source is described in the illustrated embodiment as an LED, it must be expressly understood that an incandescent or other light source can be substituted with full equivalency. Hence, wherever in the specification, “light source” is used, it must be understood to include an LED, incandescent, arc, fluorescent or plasma arc light or any equivalent light source now known or later devised, whether in the visible spectrum or not. Further, the light source may collectively comprise a plurality of such LEDs, incandescent, arc, fluorescent or plasma light sources or any other light sources now known or later devised organized in an array. The central forward solid angle and the peripheral forward solid angle are demarcated from each other at approximately rr steradian solid angle centered on the optical axis of the light source. The light source comprises an LED emitter and a package in which the LED emitter is disposed. The package comprises a package lens for minimizing refraction of light radiated from the LED emitter by the package. The lens is disposed longitudinally forward of the package lens. In one embodiment the lens is suspended in front of the package lens by means of a spider. The lens approximately collimates light radiated by the LED source into the central forward solid angle and the reflector approximately collimates light radiated by the LED source into the peripheral forward solid angle. In one embodiment of the invention the two separately formed beams will appear as if they were one. The designer has control over the individual beams, however, and may tailor the beam output individually or together to generate the desired result. In another preferred embodiment the beam or beams would be variable and the adjustment of one or both would provide a desired beam effect such as zoom or magnification. In another embodiment the lens is disposed on the package lens. The lens is comprised of a peripheral annular portion having a first radius, r1, of curvature and a central portion having a second radius of curvature, r2, in which r1>r2. The peripheral annular portion minimally refracts light radiated from the LED light source, if at all, and where the central portion refracts light radiated from the LED light source to form a predetermined pattern of light. The reflector has a focus and where the focus of the reflector is centered on the LED light source. In the illustrated embodiment the lens is arranged and configured relative to the LED light source so that the central forward solid angle extends to a solid angle of approximately π steradians centered on the optical axis. The reflector is arranged and configured relative to the LED light source so that the peripheral forward solid angle extends to a solid angle of approximately 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. More specifically, the reflector is arranged and configured relative to the LED light source so that the peripheral forward solid angle extends from a solid angle of approximately π steradians centered on the optical axis to a solid angle of approximately 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. In one implemented embodiment the lens is arranged and configured relative to the LED light source so that the central forward solid angle extends to a solid angle of more than π steradians centered on the optical axis, and the reflector is arranged and configured relative to the LED light source so that the peripheral forward solid angle extends from central forward solid angle to a solid angle of more than 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. The invention is also defined as a method comprising the steps of radiating light from an LED light source, reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion, which light is radiated from the LED light source in a peripheral forward solid angle, and focusing light into a second predetermined beam portion, which light is radiated from the LED light source in a central forward solid angle. The central forward solid angle and the peripheral forward solid angle are demarcated from each other at approximately π steradian solid angle centered on the optical axis. Where the light source comprises an LED emitter and a package in which the LED emitter is disposed, the method further comprises the step of minimizing refraction of light radiated from the LED emitter through the package in the peripheral forward solid angle. Focusing the light into the second predetermined beam portion comprises approximately collimating the light radiated by the LED source into the central forward solid angle. Reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion comprises approximately collimating light radiated by the LED source into the peripheral forward solid angle. In the embodiment where the lens is disposed on the LED package, the step of focusing light into a second predetermined beam portion comprises disposing a lens disposed on the LED light source, transmitting the light radiated from the LED light source through a peripheral annular portion of the lens having a first radius, r1, of curvature into the peripheral forward solid angle, and transmitting the light radiated from the LED light source through a central portion of the lens having a second radius of curvature, r2, into the central forward solid angle in which r1>r2. Transmitting the light radiated from the LED light source through a peripheral annular portion of the lens minimally refracts light radiated from the LED light source, if at all. Transmitting the light radiated from the LED light source through a central portion of the lens refracts light radiated from the LED light source to form a predetermined pattern of light. The step of reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion comprises centering the focus of the reflector on the LED light source. The step of focusing light into a second predetermined beam portion comprises generating the central forward solid angle to extend to a solid angle of approximately π steradians centered on the optical axis of the light source. The step of reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion comprises generating reflected light into the peripheral forward solid angle extending to a solid angle of approximately 2π steradians centered on the optical axis, or more specifically reflecting the light from the LED light source into the peripheral forward solid angle extending from a solid angle of approximately π steradians centered on the optical axis to a solid angle of approximately 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. In one embodiment, the step of focusing light into a second predetermined beam portion comprises generating a focused beam portion into the central forward solid angle extending to a solid angle of more than π steradians centered on the optical axis, and reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion comprises generating a reflected beam portion into the peripheral forward solid angle extending from central forward solid angle to a solid angle of more than 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the LED device of the invention. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention where zoom control by relative movement of various elements in the device is provided and a wide angle beam is formed. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 where a narrow angle beam is formed. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 showing a motor and gear train for remote control or automatic zoom control. The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are presented as illustrated examples of the invention defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the invention as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In FIGS. 1-4 a device incorporating the invention is generally denoted by reference numeral 24. LED source 1 is shown as packaged in a conventional package, which is comprised of a substrate in which the light emitting junction is defined encapsulated in a transparent epoxy or plastic housing formed to provide a front hemispherical front dome or lens(es) over the light emitting junction or chip. Many different types and shapes of packages could be employed by an LED manufacturer and all types and shapes are included within the scope of the invention. Hereinafter in the specification the term, “LED source 1” and in another embodiment as “LED source 18”, shall be understood to include the passivating package in which the light emitting junction or chip is housed. FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention in which a second lens 2 is suspended over an LED source 1 by arms 9 which are attached to notches 26 in the reflector 3. It must be expressly understood that lens 2 is meant to also include a plurality of lenses, such as a compound lens or an optical assembly of lenses. The surface of reflector 3 may be specially treated or prepared to provide a highly specular or reflective surface for the wavelengths of light emitted by LED source 1. In the illustrated embodiment lens 2 is shown in FIGS. 1-4 as having a hemispherical front surface 20 and in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 a rear planar surface 22 or in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 a rear curved surface 23. Again, it is to be expressly understood that lens 2 need not be restricted to one having a hemispherical front surface 20, but may be replaced with a combination of multiple lenses of various configurations. Reflector 3 may include or be connected to an exterior housing 28, which provides support and connection to the apparatus (not shown) in which device 24 may be mounted. LED source 1 is disposed in the center of reflector 3 by housing 28 or other means (not shown) on the common optical axis of LED source 1, reflector 3 and lens 2. The lens 2 is suspended over the reflector 3 and the LED source 1 by means of spider 9 in such manner as to interfere as little as possible with the light radiating from or to the reflector 3. The embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 show a three legged spider 9, however, many other means may be employed as fully equivalent. In FIG. 2, the LED source 1 is positioned substantially at the focus of a concave reflector 3 in such a manner as to collect essentially all the energy from the LED source 1 that is radiating into a region between about the forward π steradian solid angle (45 degrees half angle in side cross-sectional view) on the centerline or optical axis of the LED source 1 and about the forward 2.12 π steradian solid angle on the centerline or optical axis (95 degrees half angle in side cross-sectional view). The energy in this region, represented by ray 7 in the ray tracing diagram of FIG. 2, is reflected as illustrated by ray 5. The light directly radiating from the LED source 1 that is illustrated by a ray 4 at approximately 45 degrees off the on the centerline or optical axis will either be reflected by the reflector 3 or collected by lens 2, but will not continue outward as described by the line in FIG. 2 tracing ray 4. The rays of light radiating from the LED source 1 that are contained within the angles of about 45 degrees and 0 degrees as illustrated by ray 8 will be collected by the lens 2 and controlled by the optical properties of lens 2 as illustrated in FIG. 2 by ray 6. The arms 9 may be as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or provided in many other configurations to suspend the lens 2 over the LED source 1. The only constraint on arms 9 is to support lens 2 in position on the optical axis at the desired longitudinal position consistent with the teachings of the invention while providing a minimum interference with the light propagation. Any configuration of arms 9 consistent with this object is contemplated as being within the contemplation of the invention. It can thus be understood that the invention is adapted to a zoom or variable focus of the beam. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, as better depicted in FIG. 5, a motorized means 30, 31 is coupled to spider 9 and hence to lens 2 to move lens 2 longitudinally along the optical axis of reflector 3 to zoom or modify the divergence or convergence of the beam produced. FIG. 7 shows a motor 30 coupled to a gear train 31 to provide the motive force for zoom control. Means 30, 31 may assume any type of motive mechanism now known or later devised, and may, for example, comprise a plurality of inclined cams or ramps on a rotatable ring (not shown), which cams urge a spring loaded spider 8 forward along the longitudinal axis when rotated in one sense, and allow spring loaded spider 8 to be pulled back by a spring (not shown) along the longitudinal axis when the ring is rotated in the opposite sense. The ring can be manually rotated or preferably by an electric motor or solenoid, which is controlled by a switch (not shown) mounted on the flashlight body, permitting one-handed manipulation of the zoom focus with the same hand holding the flashlight. Manual or motorized zoom subject to manual control is illustrated, but it is also included within the scope of the invention that an optical or radiofrequency circuit may be coupled to motor 30 to provide for remote control. The variability of zoom focus can be realized in the invention by relative movement of lens 2, reflector 3 and/or LED source 1 in any combination. Hence, the lens 2 and reflector 3 as a unit can be longitudinally displaced with respect to a fixed LED source 1 or vice versa, namely lens 2 and reflector 3 are fixed as a unit and LED source 1 is moved. Similarly, lens 2 can be longitudinally displaced with respect to fixed LED source 1 and reflector 3 as a unit as described above or vice versa, namely lens 2 is fixed as LED source 1 and reflector 3 are moved as a unit. Still further, it is within the scope of the invention that the movement of lens 2, reflector 3 and LED source 1 can each be made incrementally and independently from the other. The means for permitting such relative movements of these elements and for providing motive power for making the movement within the context of the invention is obtained by the application of conventional design principles. Ray 5 is defined as that ray which is reflected from reflector 3 and just misses lens 2. In the wide angle beam in FIG. 5 ray 5 is shown in a first position which is assumed by ray 29 in the narrow beam configuration of FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, ray 5 moves radially outward. Hence, energy is taken from the reflected collimated narrow portion of the beam in FIG. 6 and put into the diverging refracted portion of the beam in the wide beam configuration of FIG. 5. By this means the intensity of the wide angle beam is kept more uniform than would otherwise be the case, if energy shifting did not occur during the zoom transition from narrow to wide beam configurations between FIGS. 6 and 5 respectively. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the invention. The LED source 18 and second lens 10 are positioned within a concave reflector 17 best shown in the side cross-sectional view of FIG. 3. In the embodiment of FIG. 3 lens 10 is a separate component from LED source 18 itself. In the embodiment of FIG. 3 lens 10 is shown as having a rear surface 23 which conforms to the front surface of the packaging of LED source 18. The front surface of lens 10 has a compound curvature, namely a spherical peripheral or azimuthal ring which a surface 27 having a first radius of curvature, r1, centered of approximately on emitter 12 and a central hemispherical surface portion 25 extending from surface 27 with a surface of a second smaller radius of curvature r2, where r2<r1. The lens 10 could be incorporated instead as the lens of the packaging of LED source 18. Essentially all the radiated light energy which is not absorbed by the LED chip from the LED emitter 12 are represented by rays 11, 16 or 14 in the ray diagram of FIG. 3. The light energy radiating from the LED emitter 12 that is represented by ray 16 is shown to be approximately 45 degrees off the central or optical axis of the LED source 18, i.e. within the front π steradian solid angle. Ray 14 represents rays that radiate outside the front π steradian solid angle demarcated by ray 16 to more than 90 degrees off the central or optical axis, namely to outside the front 2π steradian solid angle. The portion of lens 10 through which ray 14 passes is essentially spherical about the LED emitter 12 so that it does not affect or refract the direction of ray 14 to any significant extent. Ray 15 represents the rays that are reflected from the reflector 17. Ray 11 represents the rays that lie in the solid cone centered on an LED emitter 12 from the central optical axis of the LED source 18 to ray 16, i.e. the front π steradian solid angle. Ray 13 represents the rays that are refracted by surface 25 of lens 10. The portion 25 of lens 10 through which ray 13 passes refracts or alters the direction of ray 13. Ray 16 as shown in FIG. 3 and ray 4 as shown in FIG. 2 is shown as directly radiated from source 18 or 1 respectively, but in fact the geometry is selected such that rays 4 and 16 either are reflected as rays 5 and 15 respectively, or are refracted as rays 6 and 13 respectively. The invention provides almost complete or 100% collection efficiency of the light energy radiated from an LED source 1 or 18 for purposes of illumination, and distribution of the collected energy into a controlled and definable beam pattern. Be reminded that an LED is a light emitting region mounted on the surface of a chip or substrate. Light from the radiating junction is primarily forward directed out of the surface of the chip with a very small amount directed to the sides and slightly below the substrate's horizon. Light radiating from the junction into the substrate is partially reflected, refracted and absorbed as heat. The invention collects substantially all the light, or energy radiated from an LED source 1 or 18 which is not absorbed in the substrate on or in which it sits and redirects it into two distinct beams of light as described below. By design, these beams could be aimed primarily into a single direction, but need not be where in an application a different distribution of the beams is desired. The invention collects all of the LED energy in the two regions or beams. The first region is approximately the forward 2π steradian solid angle (45 degree half angle in a side cross-sectional view) and the second region is the energy that is radiated from the LED source 1 or 18 approximately between, for example, the forward 1.04 π steradian and 2.12 π steradian solid angles (47 degree half angle and 95 degree half angle in a side cross-sectional view respectively). The exact angular dividing line between the two beams can be varied according to the application at hand. The invention thus controls substantially all of the energy radiating from the LED source 1 or 18 with only surface, small figure losses and a small loss due to the suspension means 9 for the hemispherical ball lens 2. Figure losses include light loss due to imperfections in some aspect of the optical system arising from the fact that seams, edges, fillets and other mechanical disruptions in the light paths are not perfectly defined with mathematical sharpness, but are made from three-dimensional material objects having microscopic roughness or physical tolerances of the order of a wavelength or greater. Losses due to the edges of the Fresnel lens not being infinitely sharp or at least having a lack of sharpness at least in part at a scale of more than a wavelength of light is an example of such figure losses. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 for example, the energy in the first region is collected via lens 2 that is suspended over the LED 1. The energy in the second region is collected via a reflector 3. The slight overlap in collection angle is to insure no energy from the emitter is leaked between the two regions due to the LED emitter being larger than a point source. The resultant beam can be designed to match system requirements by altering either or both of the primary elements, the lens 2 or the reflector 3. The invention allows for either of these surfaces 20 and 22 to be modified to control the resultant beam. The reflector 3 may be designed to provide a collimated, convergent or divergent beam. The reflector 3 may be a common conic or not and may be faceted, dimpled or otherwise modified to provide a desired beam pattern. The device 24 may optionally have at least one additional lens and/or surface(s) formed as part of the LED packaging that further control or modify the light radiating from the reflector 3 and lens 2. Thus, it can now be understood that the optical design of lens 2 and 10 including its longitudinal positioning relative to emitter 12 can be changed according to the teachings of the invention to obtain the objectives of the invention. For example, the nature of the illumination in the central solid angle of the two-part beam can be manipulated by the optical design of lens 2 and 10, e.g. the degree of collimation. Further, the dividing line and transition between the two parts of the beam, namely the central and peripheral solid angles of the beam, can be manipulated by the longitudinal positioning and radial size or extent of lens 2 and 10 relative to emitter 12. Multiple numbers of devices 24 may be arrayed to provide additional functionality. These arrays could include two or more instances of the invention that may be individually optimized by having a unique set of lenses 2 and reflectors 3. For example, an array of devices described above could be used to provide more light than a single cell or unit. The various light sources according to the invention in such an array could be pointed in selected directions, which vary according to design for each element depending on the lighting application at hand. The elements may each have a different focus or beam pattern, or may comprise at least more than one class of elements having a different focus or beam pattern for each class. For example, the invention when used in a street light may be designed in an array to have a broadly spread beam directly under the lamp array, and a closer or more specifically focused spot or ring sending light out to the peripheral edges of the illumination pattern. Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the illustrated embodiment of the invention has been described in the context of a portable flashlight, it must be understood that the potential range of application is broader and specifically includes, but is not limited to, head torches, bike lights, tactical flashlights, medical head lights, automotive headlights or taillights, motorcycles, aircraft lighting, marine applications both surface and submarine, nonportable lights and any other application where an LED light source might be desired. Still further the invention when implemented as a flashlight may have a plurality of switching and focusing options or combinations. For example, a tail cap switch may be combined with a focusing or zoom means that is manually manipulated by twisting a flashlight head or other part. The tail cap switch could be realized as a twist on-off switch, a slide switch, a rocker switch, or a push-button switch and combined with an electronic switch for focusing. The nature, form and position of the switch and its activated control may assume any form now known or later devised and be combined with a focusing means which is manual, motorized, automated and may also take any form now known or later devised. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself. The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The invention relates the field of light sources using light emitting diodes (LEDs) and in particular to an apparatus and a method of collecting the energy radiating from them. The device could be used in general lighting, decorative and architectural lighting, portable and nonportable lighting, emergency lighting, fiber optic illumination and many other applications. 2. Description of the Prior Art Typically in the prior art LED light source either a lens or a reflector is used to collect most of the 2π steradians front solid angle or forward hemispherical wavefront of light radiating from an LED. Recall that the solid angle Ω subtended by a surface S is defined as the surface area Ω of a unit sphere covered by the surface's projection onto the sphere. This can be written as: Ω ≡ ∫ ∫ S n ^ · ⅆ a r 2 , ( 1 ) where {circumflex over (n)} is a unit vector from the origin, da is the differential area of a surface patch, and r is the distance from the origin to the patch. Written in spherical coordinates with φ the colatitude (polar angle) and θ for the longitude (azimuth), this becomes in-line-formulae description="In-line Formulae" end="lead"? Ω≡∫∫ S sin φdθdφ. (2) in-line-formulae description="In-line Formulae" end="tail"? A solid angle is measured in steradians, and the solid angle corresponding to all of space being subtended is 4π steradians. Total internal reflection (TIR) is also used where the energy from the LED is collected both by an internal shaped reflector-like surface of a first lens and a second lens formed on either the outside or inside surface of the first lens. Typically devices using a reflector alone generate a beam with two parts, one portion of the beam is reflected and controlled by the reflector and the other portion of the beam is direct radiation from the LED and is not controlled, i.e. not reflected or refracted by any other element. On a surface onto which this two-part beam is directed, the direct light appears as a large halo around the reflected beam. In the conventional LED package a ball lens is situated in front of a cylindrical rod, and the side emitted energy from the LED is substantially uncontrolled or radiated substantially as it is generated out of the emitter junction in the chip. In TIR systems, some portion of the energy radiated from the LED junction is leaked through the walls of the package and remains uncontrolled. Additionally, there are bulk and form losses as well. In systems with LEDs turned around to point back into a concave reflector, the center energy from the LED is shadowed by the LED package itself, so this energy is typically lost or not collected into a useful beam. What is needed is some type of design whereby efficient collection of almost all of an LED's radiated energy can be obtained and projected into a directed beam with an illumination distribution needed to be useful. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention is defined as an apparatus comprising an LED light source, a reflector positioned to reflect light from the LED light source which is radiated from the LED light source in a peripheral forward solid angle as defined by the reflector, and a lens disposed longitudinally forward of the LED light source for focusing light into a predetermined pattern which is radiated from the LED light source in a central forward solid angle as defined by the lens, so that the apparatus projects a beam of light comprised of the light radiated in the central forward solid angle and peripheral forward solid angles. Whereas the light source is described in the illustrated embodiment as an LED, it must be expressly understood that an incandescent or other light source can be substituted with full equivalency. Hence, wherever in the specification, “light source” is used, it must be understood to include an LED, incandescent, arc, fluorescent or plasma arc light or any equivalent light source now known or later devised, whether in the visible spectrum or not. Further, the light source may collectively comprise a plurality of such LEDs, incandescent, arc, fluorescent or plasma light sources or any other light sources now known or later devised organized in an array. The central forward solid angle and the peripheral forward solid angle are demarcated from each other at approximately rr steradian solid angle centered on the optical axis of the light source. The light source comprises an LED emitter and a package in which the LED emitter is disposed. The package comprises a package lens for minimizing refraction of light radiated from the LED emitter by the package. The lens is disposed longitudinally forward of the package lens. In one embodiment the lens is suspended in front of the package lens by means of a spider. The lens approximately collimates light radiated by the LED source into the central forward solid angle and the reflector approximately collimates light radiated by the LED source into the peripheral forward solid angle. In one embodiment of the invention the two separately formed beams will appear as if they were one. The designer has control over the individual beams, however, and may tailor the beam output individually or together to generate the desired result. In another preferred embodiment the beam or beams would be variable and the adjustment of one or both would provide a desired beam effect such as zoom or magnification. In another embodiment the lens is disposed on the package lens. The lens is comprised of a peripheral annular portion having a first radius, r 1 , of curvature and a central portion having a second radius of curvature, r 2 , in which r 1 >r 2 . The peripheral annular portion minimally refracts light radiated from the LED light source, if at all, and where the central portion refracts light radiated from the LED light source to form a predetermined pattern of light. The reflector has a focus and where the focus of the reflector is centered on the LED light source. In the illustrated embodiment the lens is arranged and configured relative to the LED light source so that the central forward solid angle extends to a solid angle of approximately π steradians centered on the optical axis. The reflector is arranged and configured relative to the LED light source so that the peripheral forward solid angle extends to a solid angle of approximately 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. More specifically, the reflector is arranged and configured relative to the LED light source so that the peripheral forward solid angle extends from a solid angle of approximately π steradians centered on the optical axis to a solid angle of approximately 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. In one implemented embodiment the lens is arranged and configured relative to the LED light source so that the central forward solid angle extends to a solid angle of more than π steradians centered on the optical axis, and the reflector is arranged and configured relative to the LED light source so that the peripheral forward solid angle extends from central forward solid angle to a solid angle of more than 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. The invention is also defined as a method comprising the steps of radiating light from an LED light source, reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion, which light is radiated from the LED light source in a peripheral forward solid angle, and focusing light into a second predetermined beam portion, which light is radiated from the LED light source in a central forward solid angle. The central forward solid angle and the peripheral forward solid angle are demarcated from each other at approximately π steradian solid angle centered on the optical axis. Where the light source comprises an LED emitter and a package in which the LED emitter is disposed, the method further comprises the step of minimizing refraction of light radiated from the LED emitter through the package in the peripheral forward solid angle. Focusing the light into the second predetermined beam portion comprises approximately collimating the light radiated by the LED source into the central forward solid angle. Reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion comprises approximately collimating light radiated by the LED source into the peripheral forward solid angle. In the embodiment where the lens is disposed on the LED package, the step of focusing light into a second predetermined beam portion comprises disposing a lens disposed on the LED light source, transmitting the light radiated from the LED light source through a peripheral annular portion of the lens having a first radius, r 1 , of curvature into the peripheral forward solid angle, and transmitting the light radiated from the LED light source through a central portion of the lens having a second radius of curvature, r 2 , into the central forward solid angle in which r 1 >r 2 . Transmitting the light radiated from the LED light source through a peripheral annular portion of the lens minimally refracts light radiated from the LED light source, if at all. Transmitting the light radiated from the LED light source through a central portion of the lens refracts light radiated from the LED light source to form a predetermined pattern of light. The step of reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion comprises centering the focus of the reflector on the LED light source. The step of focusing light into a second predetermined beam portion comprises generating the central forward solid angle to extend to a solid angle of approximately π steradians centered on the optical axis of the light source. The step of reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion comprises generating reflected light into the peripheral forward solid angle extending to a solid angle of approximately 2π steradians centered on the optical axis, or more specifically reflecting the light from the LED light source into the peripheral forward solid angle extending from a solid angle of approximately π steradians centered on the optical axis to a solid angle of approximately 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. In one embodiment, the step of focusing light into a second predetermined beam portion comprises generating a focused beam portion into the central forward solid angle extending to a solid angle of more than π steradians centered on the optical axis, and reflecting light into a first predetermined beam portion comprises generating a reflected beam portion into the peripheral forward solid angle extending from central forward solid angle to a solid angle of more than 2π steradians centered on the optical axis. While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. | 20040721 | 20060117 | 20050407 | 99877.0 | 1 | HAN, JASON | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LIGHT COLLECTION, DISTRIBUTION AND ZOOM | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,897,333 | ACCEPTED | Method and system for providing aggregate data access | A method and apparatus for defining and processing aggregate data is disclosed. Using database abstraction techniques, a set of logical fields may be used to compose queries of a set of underlying physical data sources. In one embodiment, a logical field may represent an aggregate data value calculated from the elements appearing in a column of a relational table in an underlying physical data source. The elements may be divided into to subsets to calculate multiple aggregate values. An abstract derived entity is a data object present in a database abstraction model that may be accessed as though it were a relational table contained in an underlying physical data source. In one embodiment, columns of the table defined by the abstract derived entity may be populated with aggregate data values joined to other data as specified by a composition rule included in the definition of the abstract derived entity. | 1. A method for providing access to aggregate data values, comprising: providing an abstract data layer comprising a set of logical fields for composing an abstract query, wherein each logical field provides an access method that specifies at least a method for accessing data corresponding to the logical field, and wherein the method for accessing data specified by at least one logical field comprises an aggregate access method that specifies a set of input data and an expression for determining an aggregate data value from the set of input data; receiving, from a requesting entity, an abstract query composed from the set of logical fields that includes the at least one logical field specifying an aggregate access method; retrieving the set of input data specified by the aggregate access method; calculating at least one aggregate data value from the set of input data according to the expression specified by the aggregate access method. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of input data comprises data elements retrieved from a column of a relational table stored in a relational database. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the aggregate access method further specifies a grouping condition used to divide the set of input data into subsets, wherein each subset of input data is used to determine an aggregate data value. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transforming the logical fields included in the abstract query that do not specify an aggregate access method into a query contribution that is consistent with the data source specified by the access method for the logical fields; accessing the data source corresponding to the logical fields using the query contribution and retrieving a set of query results data; and returning, to the requesting entity, the at least one aggregate data value and the set of query results data. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the abstract data layer further provides at least one abstract derived entity, wherein the abstract derived entity defines: (i) sets of data elements selected from at least one of: (a) data defined by other abstract derived entities; (b) data stored in the multiple data sources; and (c) data accessed using logical fields appearing in the data abstraction layer; and (ii) a composition rule used to join the sets of data elements into a derived relational table wherein each set of data elements comprises a column of the derived relational table. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein at least one of the sets of data comprises aggregate data values obtained using the at least one logical field that specifies an aggregate access method. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein at least one access method references the abstract derived entity as the location of the data corresponding to the logical field. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one access method is a filtered access method that uses a filtering condition that constrains the data used to select the sets of data elements to data that satisfies the filtering condition. 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the abstract derived entity further defines at least one parametric condition applied to the derived relational table to restrict the rows included in the query results data to rows wherein at least the data element for one column satisfies the parametric condition. 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising, prompting the requesting entity for a value used to apply the parametric condition to the query results. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein prompting the requesting entity for a value used to apply the parametric condition to the query results comprises, presenting a user interacting with a computer connected to a network with one or more graphical user interface screens used to obtain the value. 12. The method of claim 5, further comprising: transforming each other logical field included in the abstract query into a query contribution that is consistent with the data source specified by the access method for each logical field; accessing the data source corresponding to each of the other logical fields using the query contribution and retrieving a set of query results data; and returning, to the requesting entity, the at least one aggregate data value and the set of query results data. 13. The method of claim 6, wherein the query contribution for the at least one access method that references the abstract derived entity comprises an SQL query of the derived table defined by the abstract derived entity. 14. A system for generating aggregate data values from data stored in a data source, comprising: a database service available in a network environment, the database service comprising (a) a data source, (b) an abstract data layer, wherein the abstract data layer comprises a plurality of logical fields used to compose an abstract query to query the data source, and for each logical field, providing an access method specifying at least a method for accessing the data, wherein at least one logical field specifies an aggregate access method; and (c) a runtime component configured to process an abstract query that includes the at least one logical field by (i) retrieving a definition for the aggregate access method, (ii) determining aggregate data values according to the definition, (iii) merging the aggregate data values with query results obtained for other logical fields included in the abstract query, and (iv) returning the results to the requesting entity. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the aggregate access method specifies a set of input data and an expression, wherein the expression defines an operation for determining an aggregate data value from the set of input data, and optionally defines a grouping condition used to divide the set of input of data into multiple subsets, wherein each subset is used to determine an aggregate data value according to the expression specified by the aggregate access method. 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the data source comprises a relational database and the set of input data comprises a column from a relational table stored in the database. 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the data source for at least one access method comprises an abstract derived entity that defines a derived relational table. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the derived relational table is composed from sets of data elements selected from at least one of: (i) data defined by other abstract derived entities; (ii) data stored in the multiple data sources; and (iii) data accessed using logical fields appearing in the data abstraction layer. 19. The system of claim 17, wherein at least one set of data included in the relational table comprises the aggregate data values generated from the at least at least one logical field that specifies an aggregate access method. 20. A computer-readable medium, that when executed by a processor performs operations comprising: providing, for a requesting entity, an abstract data layer comprising a plurality of logical fields for composing an abstract query, and for each logical field: defining an access method that specifies at least a method for accessing the data corresponding to the logical field, wherein at least one logical field specifies an aggregate access method for accessing the data corresponding to the at least one logical field; receiving, from the requesting entity, an abstract query that includes the at least one logical field specifying an aggregate access method; retrieving a set of input data defined by the aggregate access method; determining at least an aggregate data value from the set of input data; transforming each other logical field included in the abstract query into a query contribution that is consistent with the data source specified by the access method for each logical field; accessing the data source corresponding to each of the other logical fields using the query contribution and retrieving a set of query results data; and returning, to the requesting entity, the at least one aggregate data value and the set of query results data. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to a commonly owned co-pending application filed concurrently herewith entitled “Method and System for Processing Abstract Derived Entities Defined in a Data Abstraction Model” (Attorney Docket No. ROC920040086US1). This application is also related to a commonly owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/094,531, entitled “Graphical User Interface To Build Event-Based Dynamic Searches Or Queries Using Event Profiles”, filed Mar. 8, 2002” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to data processing and more particularly to a system and method for performing complex data queries. 2. Description of the Related Art Databases are computerized information storage and retrieval systems. A relational database management system is a computer database management system (DBMS) that uses relational techniques for storing and retrieving data. The most prevalent type of database is the relational database, a tabular database in which data is defined so that it can be reorganized and accessed in a number of different ways. Regardless of the particular architecture, in a DBMS, a requesting entity (e.g., an application, the operating system or a user) demands access to a specified database by issuing a database access request. Such requests may include, for instance, simple catalog lookup requests or transactions and combinations of transactions that operate to read, change and add specified records in the database. These requests are made using high-level query languages such as the Structured Query Language (SQL). SQL is a standardized language for manipulating data in a relational database. Illustratively, SQL is used to compose queries that retrieve information from a database and to update information in a database. Commercial databases include products such as International Business Machines' (IBM) DB2, Microsoft's SQL Server, and database products from Oracle, Sybase, and Computer Associates. The term “query” denotes a set of commands used to retrieve or update data by specifying columns, tables and the various relationships between them relevant to the query. Queries take the form of a command language allowing programmers and application programs to select, insert, update, add, modify, and locate data in a relational database. One issue faced by data mining and database query applications, in general, is their close relationship with a given database schema (e.g., a relational database schema). This relationship makes it difficult to support an application as changes are made to the corresponding underlying database schema. Further, the migration of the application to alternative underlying data representations is inhibited. In today's environment, the foregoing disadvantages are largely due to the reliance applications have on SQL, which presumes that a relational model is used to represent information being queried. Furthermore, a given SQL query is dependent upon a particular relational schema since specific database tables, columns and relationships are referenced within the SQL query representation. As a result of these limitations, a number of difficulties arise. One difficulty is that changes in the underlying relational data model require changes to the SQL foundation that the corresponding application is built upon. Therefore, an application designer must either forgo changing the underlying data model to avoid application maintenance or must change the application to reflect changes in the underlying relational model. Another difficulty is that extending an application to work with multiple relational data models requires separate versions of the application to reflect the unique SQL requirements driven by each relational schema. Yet another difficulty is evolution of the application to work with alternate data representations because SQL is designed for use with relational systems. Extending the application to support alternative data representations, such as XML, requires rewriting the application's data management layer to use additional data access methods. A typical approach used to address the foregoing problems is software encapsulation. Software encapsulation involves using a software interface or component to encapsulate access methods to a particular underlying data representation. An example is found in the Enterprise JavaBean (EJB) specification that is a component of the Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) suite of technologies. In the case of EJB, entity beans serve to encapsulate a given set of data, exposing a set of Application Program Interfaces (APIs) that can be used to access this information. This is a highly specialized approach requiring the software to be written (in the form of new entity EJBs) whenever a new set of data is to be accessed or when a new pattern of data access is desired. The EJB model also requires a code update, application build and deployment cycle to react to reorganization of the underlying physical data model or to support alternative data representations. EJB programming also requires specialized skills; since more advanced Java programming techniques are involved. Accordingly, the EJB approach and other similar approaches are both inflexible and costly to maintain for general-purpose query applications that access an evolving physical data model. Another approach used to address the foregoing problems is creating a data abstraction layer. A data abstraction layer sits between an application and the underlying physical data. The data abstraction layer defines a collection of logical fields that are loosely coupled to the underlying physical mechanisms storing the data. The logical fields are available to compose queries to search, retrieve, add, and modify data stored in the underlying database. One difficulty encountered constructing an abstraction layer is representing data derived from multiple rows of data stored in an SQL table (i.e., columnar data). An aggregate data value is calculated from the rows of a query result (or a grouping of these rows). For example, an aggregate may be calculated from multiple rows returned by a query such as an average, a sum, or a slope (used to detect trends within data). One approach to solve this limitation is to have a database administrator create individual SQL views that perform aggregation calculations and then specify these as a data source that the abstract model may query and join with other results. This solution, however, requires that a database administrator become involved in the creation of these views, and thus can become a bottleneck in having queries created. Also, because a static view performs the aggregation function, a database administrator must create a static view for each different aggregation. Stated another way, users cannot dynamically change the rows included in the aggregation. For example, one static view may provide an aggregate value defined by the average age of adult males living in a particular city. If a user wanted to perform a similar query substituting females, a new static view would have to be created. Finally, as the underlying data sources change, particularly in a distributed environment, statically created views may reference underlying data that is no longer available to respond to query request. Accordingly, it would be useful to view aggregate values for related groupings of rows joined to non-aggregate data without the requirement of maintaining a static view for each aggregation. Further, it would be useful to allow users to apply conditions that restrict the rows included in a particular aggregation (e.g., only include columnar data in an aggregation when a contemporaneous condition is true). Also, users should be able to apply conditions to the results generated for an aggregation (e.g., return only results where an aggregate value from a group of aggregate values crosses a dynamically selected threshold value). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods to access generate and view aggregate data determined from a set of data elements obtained from a physical data source. One embodiment of the present invention provides method for providing access to data stored in multiple data sources. The method generally includes providing, for a requesting entity, an abstract data layer comprising a plurality of logical fields for composing an abstract query, and for each logical field, defining an access method that specifies at least a method for accessing the data corresponding to the logical field and a location of the data, and wherein at least one logical field specifies an aggregate access method for accessing the data corresponding to the at least one logical field. One embodiment provides a method for providing access to aggregate data values. The method generally comprises providing an abstract data layer that comprises a set of logical fields for composing an abstract query, wherein each logical field provides an access method that specifies at least a method for accessing data corresponding to the logical field, and wherein the method for accessing data specified by at least one logical field comprises an aggregate access method that specifies a set of input data and an expression for determining an aggregate data value from the set of input data. The method generally further includes, receiving, from a requesting entity, an abstract query composed from the set of logical fields that includes the at least one logical field specifying an aggregate access method, retrieving the set of input data specified by the aggregate access method, calculating at least one aggregate data value from the set of input data according to the expression specified by the aggregate access method. Another embodiment provides a system for generating aggregate data values from data stored in a data source. The system generally includes a database service available in a network environment, the database service includes a data source, an abstract data layer, wherein the abstract data layer comprises a plurality of logical fields used to compose an abstract query, and for each logical field, providing an access method specifying at least a method for accessing the data, wherein at least one logical field specifies an aggregate access method. The system generally further includes a runtime component configured to process an abstract query that includes the at least one logical field by retrieving a definition for the aggregate access method, determining aggregate data values according to the definition, merging the aggregate data values with query results obtained for other logical fields included in the abstract query, and returning the results to the requesting entity. Another embodiment provides a computer-readable medium containing instructions that when executed by a processor performs operations. The operations generally include providing, for a requesting entity, an abstract data layer comprising a plurality of logical fields for composing an abstract query, and for each logical field, defining an access method that specifies at least a method for accessing the data corresponding to the logical field, wherein at least one logical field specifies an aggregate access method for accessing the data corresponding to the at least one logical field. The operations generally further include receiving, from the requesting entity, an abstract query that includes the at least one logical field specifying an aggregate access method, retrieving a set of input data defined by the aggregate access method, determining at least an aggregate data value from the set of input data. And still further generally include, transforming each other logical field included in the abstract query into a query contribution that is consistent with the data source specified by the access method for each logical field, accessing the data source corresponding to each of the other logical fields using the query contribution and retrieving a set of query results data; and returning, to the requesting entity, the at least one aggregate data value and the set of query results data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of the present invention are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. FIG. 1 is a computer system illustratively used, according to one embodiment of the intention. FIG. 2A is an illustrative relational view of software components. FIG. 2B is one embodiment of an abstract query and a data repository abstraction for accessing relational data. FIG. 2C illustrates another embodiment of an abstract query and a data repository abstraction for accessing relational data. FIG. 3 is illustrates three exemplary relational database tables manipulated by embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 4-8 are flow charts illustrating the operation of a runtime component processing an abstract query, according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 is one embodiment of an abstract query and a data abstraction layer for accessing data stored in a relational data source. FIGS. 9-10 illustrate exemplary graphical user interface screens from which a user may construct the abstract query described in FIG. 2C processed according to one embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In one embodiment, the present invention provides a data abstraction layer defined by a data abstraction model. One embodiment of a data abstraction model defines fields (sometimes referred to herein as logical fields) and access methods that map the fields to an underlying physical data source. The logical fields present a user with an intuitive representation of data objects stored in a physical data source. This simplified interface allows users to compose queries (based on conditions, patterns, and other pram raters) without having to understand the underlying physical structure. Each logical field may specify an access method to map from the logical view presented to the user and the data as stored in an underlying physical data source. Accordingly, logical fields may map to SQL tables (or other underlying physical data stores) via an access method. In one embodiment, access methods may describe the actual mapping to a table as either a simple, filtered, or composed mapping. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide an aggregate access method defining an expression that evaluates an aggregate value (e.g., a sum, average, minimum, maximum, and the like) calculated from the underlying data source. For example, an average blood pressure logical field might reference an aggregate access method that returns an average blood pressure aggregate value calculated from a relational database column storing multiple blood pressure readings. An aggregate access method may also return multiple aggregate values (e.g., the average blood pressure of many patients) and provide a grouping of non-aggregate data (e.g., by patient name) to join with the multiple aggregate values. Embodiments of the present invention may further provide an abstract derived entity (sometimes referenced by the acronym ADE). An ADE is a data object present in the data abstraction layer that is referenced by an access method as though it were a table. Rather than mapping to a physical database object or static SQL view, however, the ADE is defined in the data abstraction layer in terms of other entities, including other ADEs, tables, and any conditions or aggregates on named attributes (i.e., columns) of those entities. When a query specifies a selection or a result for a field defined over an ADE, the ADE is converted to a derived table at the time the abstract query is converted to an SQL query. The derived table may then be joined with other tables referenced in the SQL query. In one embodiment of the present invention, query conditions may be qualified with one or more event profiles. An event profile is a persistent entity within the data abstraction model which may include one or more selection conditions and one or more logical connectors (e.g., AND, OR, XOR, etc). Binding the event profile to other conditions characterizes that portion of the query as event-based. Event-based queries are queries that associate search criteria with an event defined by other search criteria. As used herein, an event profile is an entity that is bound to a logical condition (e.g., ((AGE>30) AND (AGE<40))) and restricts the results that are returned in response to a query to only those that satisfy both the search criteria and the event profile. Stated differently, the event profile is only applied when the condition occurred (also referred to the “event” in this context). Logically, one may view an event profile as connected to the condition/event by a WHEN clause. The following is an example of an event-based search expression: FIND all customers who lived in Minnesota WHEN they were between the ages of 30 and 40 years. In this example, the “event” is living in Minnesota. Thus, the selection condition “between the ages of 30 and 40 years” is only applied for the time during which customers lived in Minnesota. Event profiles are described in detail in the commonly owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/094,531, entitled “Graphical User Interface To Build Event-Based Dynamic Searches Or Queries Using Event Profiles”, filed Mar. 8, 2002, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Note, however, that the event qualified by an event profile need not to correspond directly to time. An event may also be defined by a range of a parameter. An event profile may then be bound (i.e., applied) to the range such that only those results are returned which also fall within the range boundaries defined by the event profile. One embodiment of the invention is implemented as a program product for use with a computer system such as, for example, the one illustrated in FIG. 1 and described below. The program(s) of the program product defines functions of the embodiments (including the methods described herein) and can be contained on a variety of signal-bearing media. Illustrative signal-bearing media include, but are not limited to: (i) information permanently stored on non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM disks readable by a CD-ROM drive); (ii) alterable information stored on writable storage media (e.g., floppy disks within a diskette drive or hard-disk drive); and (iii) information conveyed to a computer by a communications medium, such as through a computer or telephone network, including wireless communications. The latter embodiment specifically includes information downloaded from the Internet and other networks. Such signal-bearing media, when carrying computer-readable instructions that direct the functions of the present invention, represent embodiments of the present invention. In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of the invention, may be part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, module, object, or sequence of instructions. The computer program of the present invention typically is comprised of a multitude of instructions that will be translated by the native computer into a machine-readable format and hence executable instructions. Also, programs are comprised of variables and data structures that either reside locally to the program or are found in memory or on storage devices. In addition, various programs described hereinafter may be identified based upon the application for which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of the invention. It should be appreciated, however, that any particular program nomenclature that follows is used merely for convenience, and thus the invention should not be limited to use solely in any specific application identified and/or implied by such nomenclature. Physical View of Environment FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a networked system 100 in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. In general, the networked system 100 includes a client (e.g., user's) computer 102 (three such client computers 102 are shown) and at least one server 104 (one such server 104). The client computer 102 and the server computer 104 are connected via a network 126. In general, the network 126 may be a local area network (LAN) and/or a wide area network (WAN). In a particular embodiment, the network 126 is the Internet. The client computer 102 includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 110 connected via a bus 130 to a memory 112, storage 114, an input device 116, an output device 119, and a network interface device 118. The input device 116 can be any device to give input to the client computer 102. For example, a keyboard, keypad, light-pen, touch-screen, track-ball, or speech recognition unit, audio/video player, and the like could be used. The output device 119 can be any device to give output to the user, e.g., any conventional display screen. Although shown separately from the input device 116, the output device 119 and input device 116 could be combined. For example, a display screen with an integrated touch-screen, a display with an integrated keyboard, or a speech recognition unit combined with a text speech converter could be used. The network interface device 118 may be any entry/exit device configured to allow network communications between the client computer 102 and the server computer 104 via the network 126. For example, the network interface device 118 may be a network adapter or other network interface card. Storage 114 is preferably a direct access storage device. Although shown as a single unit, it may be a combination of fixed and/or removable storage devices, such as fixed disc drives, floppy disc drives, tape drives, removable memory cards, or optical storage. The memory 112 and storage 114 may be part of one virtual address space spanning multiple primary and secondary storage devices. The memory 112 is preferably a random access memory sufficiently large to hold the necessary programming and data structures of the invention. While the memory 112 is shown as a single entity, it should be understood that the memory 112 may in fact comprise a plurality of modules, and that the memory 112 may exist at multiple levels, from high speed registers and caches to lower speed but larger DRAM chips. The memory 112 contains an operating system 124. Illustrative operating systems, which may be used to advantage, include Linux® and Microsoft's Windows®. More generally, any operating system supporting the functions disclosed herein may be used. The memory 112 is also shown containing a browser program 122 that, when executed on CPU 110, provides support for navigating between the various servers 104 and locating network addresses at one or more of the servers 104. In one embodiment, the browser program 122 includes a web-based Graphical User Interface (GUI), which allows the user to display Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) information. More generally, however, the browser program 122 may be any GUI-based program capable of rendering the information transmitted from the server computer 104. The server computer 104 may be physically arranged in a manner similar to the client computer 102. Accordingly, the server computer 104 is shown generally comprising a CPU 130, a memory 132, and a storage device 134, coupled to one another by a bus 136. Memory 132 may be a random access memory sufficiently large to hold the necessary programming and data structures that are located on the server computer 104. The server computer 104 is generally under the control of an operating system 138 shown residing in memory 132. Examples of the operating system 138 include IBM OS/400®, UNIX, Microsoft Windows®, and the like. More generally, any operating system capable of supporting the functions described herein may be used. The memory 132 further includes one or more applications 140 and an abstract query interface 146. The applications 140 and the abstract query interface 146 are software products comprising a plurality of instructions that are resident at various times in various memory and storage devices in the computer system 100. When read and executed by one or more processors 130 in the server 104, the applications 140 and the abstract query interface 146 cause the computer system 100 to perform the steps necessary to execute steps or elements embodying the various aspects of the invention. The applications 140 (and more generally, any requesting entity, including the operating system 138 and, at the highest level, users) issue queries against a database. Illustrative against which queries may be issued include local databases 1561 . . . 156N, and remote databases 1571 . . . 157N, collectively referred to as database(s) 156-157). Illustratively, the databases 156 are shown as part of a database management system (DBMS) 154 in storage 134. More generally, as used herein, the term “databases” refers to any collection of data regardless of the particular physical representation. By way of illustration, the databases 156-157 may be organized according to a relational schema (accessible by SQL queries) or according to an XML schema (accessible by XML queries). However, the invention is not limited to a particular schema and contemplates extension to schemas presently unknown. As used herein, the term “schema” generically refers to a particular arrangement of data. In one embodiment, the queries issued by the applications 140 are defined according to an application query specification 142 included with each application 140. The queries issued by the applications 140 may be predefined (i.e., hard coded as part of the applications 140) or may be generated in response to input (e.g., user input). In either case, the queries (referred to herein as “abstract queries”) are composed using logical fields defined by the abstract query interface 146. In particular, the logical fields used in the abstract queries are defined by a data repository abstraction component 148 of the abstract query interface 146. The abstract queries are executed by a runtime component 150 which transforms the abstract queries into a form consistent with the physical representation of the data contained in one or more of the databases 156-157. The application query specification 142 and the abstract query interface 146 are further described with reference to FIGS. 2A-B. In one embodiment, elements of a query are specified by a user through a graphical user interface (GUI). The content of the GUIs is generated by the application(s) 140. In a particular embodiment, the GUI content is hypertext markup language (HTML) content which may be rendered on the client computer systems 102 with the browser program 122. Accordingly, the memory 132 includes a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (http) server process 138 (e.g., a web server) adapted to service requests from the client computer 102. For example, the process 152 may respond to requests to access a database(s) 156, which illustratively resides on the server 104. Incoming client requests for data from a database 156-157 invoke an application 140. When executed by the processor 130, the application 140 causes the server computer 104 to perform the steps or elements embodying the various aspects of the invention, including accessing the database(s) 156-157. In one embodiment, the application 140 comprises a plurality of software components configured to generate GUI elements, which are then rendered by the browser program 122. Where the remote databases 157 are accessed via the application 140, the data repository abstraction component 148 is configured with a location specification identifying the database containing the data to be retrieved. This latter embodiment will be described in more detail below. FIG. 1 is merely one hardware/software configuration for the networked client computer 102 and server computer 104. Embodiments of the present invention can apply to any comparable hardware configuration, regardless of whether the computer systems are complicated, multi-user computing apparatus, single-user workstations, or network appliances that do not have non-volatile storage of their own. Further, it is understood that while reference is made to particular markup languages, including HTML, the invention is not limited to a particular language, standard or version. Accordingly, persons skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is adaptable to other markup languages as well as non-markup languages and that the invention is also adaptable future changes in a particular markup language as well as to other languages presently unknown. Likewise, the http server process 152 shown in FIG. 1 is merely illustrative and other embodiments adapted to support any known and unknown protocols are contemplated. Logical/Runtime View of Environment FIGS. 2A-B show a plurality of interrelated components according to one embodiment of the invention. The requesting entity (e.g., one of the applications 140) issues a query 202 as defined by the respective application query specification 142 of the requesting entity. The resulting query 202 is generally referred to herein as an “abstract query” because the query is composed according to abstract (i.e., logical) fields rather than by direct reference to the underlying physical data entities in the databases 156-157. As a result, abstract queries may be defined that are independent of the particular underlying data representation used. In one embodiment, the application query specification 142 may include both criteria used for data selection (selection criteria 204) and an explicit specification of the fields to be returned (return data specification 206) based on the selection criteria 204. The logical fields specified by the application query specification 142 and used to compose the abstract query 202, are defined by the data repository abstraction component 148. In general, the data repository abstraction component 148 exposes information as a set of logical fields that may be used within a query (e.g., the abstract query 202) issued by the application 140 to specify criteria for data selection and specify the form of result data returned from a query operation. The logical fields are defined independently of the underlying data representation being used in the databases 156-157, thereby allowing queries to be formed that are loosely coupled to the underlying data representation. In general, the data repository abstraction component 148 comprises a plurality of field specifications 2081, 2082, 2083, 2084 and 2085 (five shown by way of example), collectively referred to as the field specifications 208. Specifically, a field specification is provided for each logical field available for composition of an abstract query. Each field specification comprises a logical field name 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105 (collectively, field name 210) and an associated access method 2121, 2142, 2123, 2124, 2125 (collectively, access method 212). The access methods associate (i.e., map) the logical field names to a particular physical data representation 2141, 2142 . . . 214N in a database (e.g., one of the databases 156). By way of illustration, two data representations are shown, an XML data representation 2141 and a relational data representation 2142. The physical data representation 214N indicates that any other data representation, known or unknown, is contemplated. Any number of access methods are contemplated depending upon the number of different types of logical fields to be supported. In one embodiment, access methods for simple fields, filtered fields, composed fields, and aggregate fields are provided. The field specifications 2081, 2082 and 2085 exemplify simple field access methods 2121, 2122, and 2125, respectively. Simple fields are mapped directly to a particular entity in the underlying physical data representation (e.g., a field mapped to a given database table and column). By way of illustration, the simple field access method 212, shown in FIG. 2B maps the logical field name 2101 (“FirstName”) to a column named “f_name” in a table named “contact”. The field specification 2083 exemplifies a filtered field access method 2123. Filtered fields identify an associated physical entity and provide rules used to define a particular subset of items within the physical data representation. An example is provided in FIG. 2B in which the filtered field access method 2123 maps the logical field name 2103 (“AnytownLastName”) to a physical entity in a column named “I_name” in a table named “contact” and defines a filter for individuals in the city of Anytown. Another example of a filtered field is a New York ZIP code field that maps to the physical representation of ZIP codes and restricts the data only to those ZIP codes defined for the state of New York. The field specification 2084 exemplifies a composed field access method 2124. Composed access methods compute a logical field from one or more physical fields by using an expression that is supplied as part of the access method definition. In this way, information which does not exist in the underlying data representation may be computed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2B the composed field access method 2123 maps the logical field name 2103 “AgeInDecades” to “AgeInYears/10”. Another example is a sales tax field that is composed by multiplying a sales price field by a sales tax rate. In addition to simple, filtered and composed access methods, an aggregate access method may be used to calculate an aggregate value. Aggregate access methods are described below in conjunction with FIG. 2C. Note, however, that the data repository abstraction component 148 shown in FIG. 2B is merely illustrative of selected logical field specifications and is not intended to be comprehensive. As such, the abstract query 2021 shown in FIG. 2B includes some logical fields for which specifications are not shown in the data repository abstraction component 148, such as “State” and “Street”. It is contemplated that the formats of the underlying data, e.g., dates, decimal numbers, currency, and the like, may vary. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the field specifications 208 include a type attribute reflecting the format of the underlying data. In another embodiment, however, the data format of the field specifications 208 is different from the associated underlying physical data, in which case an access method is responsible for returning data in the proper format assumed by the requesting entity. Thus, the access method needs to know what format of data is assumed (i.e., according to the logical field) as well as the actual format of the underlying physical data. With this information, the access method can then convert the underlying physical data into the format expected by the logical field. By way of example, field specifications 208 of the data repository abstraction component 148 shown in FIG. 2B are representative of logical fields mapped to data represented in the relational data representation 2142. However, other instances of the data repository abstraction component 148 map logical fields to other physical data representations, such as XML. Further, in one embodiment, a data repository abstraction component 148 is configured with access methods for procedural data representations, i.e., an access method may invoke a remote procedure call requesting web services that returns the data requested by the call. Additionally, as further described below, an aggregate access method may map logical fields to aggregate values derived from the columns of a table or from an abstract derived entity. An illustrative abstract query corresponding to the abstract query 2021 shown in FIG. 2 is shown in Table I below. By way of illustration, the data repository abstraction 148 is defined using XML. Other languages, however, may be used to advantage. TABLE I QUERY EXAMPLE 001 <?xml version=“1.0”?> 002 <!--Query string representation: (FirstName = “Mary” AND LastName = 003 “McGoon”) OR State = “NC”--> 004 <QueryAbstraction> 005 <Selection> 006 <Condition internalID=“4”> 007 <Condition field=“FirstName” operator=“EQ” value=“Mary” 008 internalID=“1”/> 009 <Condition field=“LastName” operator=“EQ” value=“McGoon” 010 internalID=“3” relOperator=“AND”></Condition> 011 </Condition> 012 <Condition field=“State” operator=“EQ” value=“NC” internalID=“2” 013 relOperator=“OR”></Condition> 014 </Selection> 015 <Results> 016 <Field name=“FirstName”/> 017 <Field name=“LastName”/> 018 <Field name=“Street”/> 019 </Results> 020 </QueryAbstraction> Illustratively, the abstract query shown in Table I includes a selection specification (lines 005-014) containing selection criteria and a results specification (lines 015-019). In one embodiment, each selection criterion consists of a field name (for a logical field), a comparison operator (=, >, <, etc) and a value expression (what is the field being compared to). In one embodiment, result specification is a list of abstract fields that are to be returned as a result of query execution. A result specification in the abstract query may consist of a field name and sort criteria. An illustrative instance of a data repository abstraction component 148 corresponding to the abstract query in Table I is shown in Table II below. By way of illustration, the data repository abstraction component 148 is defined using XML. Other languages, however, may be used to advantage. TABLE II DATA REPOSITORY ABSTRACTION EXAMPLE 001 <?xml version=“1.0”?> 002 <DataRepository> 003 <Category name=“Demographic”> 004 <Field queryable=“Yes” name=“FirstName” displayable=“Yes”> 005 <AccessMethod> 006 <Simple columnName=“f_name” tableName=“contact”></Simple> 007 </AccessMethod> 008 <Type baseType=“char”></Type> 009 </Field> 010 <Field queryable=“Yes” name=“LastName” displayable=“Yes”> 011 <AccessMethod> 012 <Simple columnName=“l_name” tableName=“contact”></Simple> 013 </AccessMethod> 014 <Type baseType=“char”></Type> 015 </Field> 016 <Field queryable=“Yes” name=“State” displayable=“Yes”> 017 <AccessMethod> 018 <Simple columnName=“state” tableName=“contact”></Simple> 019 </AccessMethod> 020 <Type baseType=“char”></Type> 021 </Field> 022 </Category> 023 </DataRepository> FIG. 3 illustrates three relational databases used herein to describe abstract derived entities and aggregate access methods, according to one embodiment of the invention. The tables in FIG. 3 are provided to facilitate an understanding of embodiments of the invention. As illustrated, tables 300 include a drugs table 310, a demographics table 320 and a lab tests table 330. Each of the tables 300 share a Patient ID column (namely, 312, 322 and 332). The Lab Tests a patient includes a glucose column 334 that stores the value of a glucose test given to a patient and a test date column 336 storing the date the test was administered. The drugs table 310 also includes columns indicating when a patient began (column 314) and stopped (column 316) taking a particular drug. The demographics table 320 includes columns to store demographic information related to an individual patient. In describing abstract derived entities and aggregate access methods, use is made of the data illustrated by relational tables 300. The medical nature of this data appearing in tables 300 is meant to be illustrative and is used to describe components and methods of the present invention. Accordingly, the tables illustrated in FIG. 3 do not exclude embodiments of the present invention implemented to process non-medical data or otherwise limit the present invention. FIG. 2C illustrates a second abstract query 2022 and further illustrates an embodiment of data repository abstraction component 148. By way of example, abstract query 2022, includes the selection criterion 204 of “Drug Name”=“MK-767” and event profile 216 of [Glucose Trend >0]. Event profile 216 is applied to the “Drugs” logical field and limits the results returned by the query to individuals whose glucose levels showed a rising trend when taking the drug named in the abstract query. Thus, the abstract query 2022 returns demographic information for patients exhibiting a rising glucose level while they were taking the drug MK-767. Specifically, result fields 206 include Name, City, State, and glucose trend fields. Additional field specifications 2086-11 illustrate access methods mapping the logical fields of abstract query 2022 to an underlying physical representation (i.e., tables 300) or to abstract derived entities (e.g., the ADE illustrated in field specification 20812) defined in the data repository abstraction component 148. Similar to field specifications 2081, 2082 and 2085, from FIG. 2B, field specifications 2086-8 illustrate simple access methods that map the logical fields from the abstract query 2022 directly to the underlying data stored in tables 300. Field specification 2089 also maps to the underlying data using a simple access method. When composing a query that includes this logical field, a user may apply an event profile such as “(glucose trend >0)” to limit the rows returned from the “Drugs” table (310 from FIG. 3) to those where the condition specified by the event profile is true. Field specification 20811 is an example of a logical field that maps to data using an aggregate access method. The logical field “glucose trend” maps to an aggregate value calculated from the “glucose” and “testdate” columns of the Lab Tests table 330. As described above, aggregate access methods return an aggregate value calculated from the row values of a relational table. An aggregate access method includes an expression for used to calculate the aggregate value returned by the logical field. Illustratively, field specification 20811 includes the expression “REGR_SLOPE (glucose, testdate).” The parameters included with the expression are the named columns of a physical table (or an ADE derived table) used to calculate the aggregate value. In this example, the expression uses parameters taken from the Lab Tests table 330. In addition to the expression, an aggregate access method may provide grouping conditions used to join aggregate vaules to non aggregate data. As illustrated, field specification 20811 includes the grouping condition of “patient ID.” Thus, an aggregate vaule is calculated from the rows of the Lab Tests tab 330 for each patient ID. The grouping condition may link to other data available to the data abstraction layer. For example, a grouping expression of “gender” found by joining the patient ID column of the Lab Tests table 330 with the Demographics table 320 would create two groups of data used to calculate two aggregate values; namely, one aggregate value for men and another for women. If no grouping conditions are specified, then all of the data appearing in the expression is used to calculate a single aggregate value. For example, by removing the grouping element from field specification 20811, then the expression, “REGR_SLOPE (labtests.glucose, labtests.testdate)”, returns the regression slope calculated from all values in the glucose column of lab results table 330, regardless of the patient involved. The aggregate access method illustrated in 20811 determines a glucose trend from the slope of the line generated from a regression function applied to a set of data points. Each data point provided to the regression function is composed as (Test Date, Glucose Level)). A user may then include this logical field in an event profile such as “(glucose trend >0).” Applying this event profile to other conditions in an abstract query may be used to uncover trends from the underlying data. A positive value for a glucose trend indicates that glucose levels are rising. When this event profile is applied to a condition such as “Drugs Taken=MK-767” the effect is to identify patients whose glucose levels exhibited a rising trend when the patient was taking drug MK-767. Illustratively, the abstract derived entity 20812 defines a derived table containing rows with the columns Glucose trend aggregate value (i.e., the regression slope) and a corresponding patient ID. Although the ADE derived table is generated during query execution time, it may be referenced by logical fields in the data repository abstraction component 148, as though it were a physical data source. Further, because the ADE is generated at query execution, the data used to compose the ADE may very depending on the conditions present in an abstract query. By combining logical fields that use aggregate access methods with an ADE, users may create complex queries that examine or discover trends in existing data. The abstract derived entity is used to dynamically generate a derived table during query execution that does not exist in the underlying physical data sources. An aggregate access method may be used to generate aggregate values from a set of data that is joined with other data values retrieved from the underlying physical data sources. The combined data is stored by the ADE table and may be referenced by other logical fields just like any other physical data source. Doing so allows users to construct abstract queries that alter the data used in the aggregation calculation based on, for example, the filtering expression of a filtered field. Aggregate values stored in an ADE may also be used as a condition criterion for selection fields in the manner described above. For example, a “glucose trend” field may appear in the list of fields a user may add to a query output or use in query conditions. Combing a patient's glucose trend value with other conditions, e.g., the test subject was taking a particular test medication or the test subject was over a particular age, may reveal correlations that are not readily apparent from the test data alone. Using the “glucose trend” illustration, an example of a data repository abstraction layer that includes an aggregate access method and ADE is now described. The Field specification 20810 illustrated in FIG. 2C depicts a “glucose trend at drug” field. The “glucose trend at drug” field references a filtered access method that adds a filter to retrieve glucose trend data only for the time that the patient was taking the specified drug. Similar to the filtered field 2083, field 20810 identifies a table and column mapped to by the field. The table and column referenced by logical field 20810, however, is the abstract derived entity “glucose trend data.” The derived table generated by this abstract derived entity comprises aggregate values (e.g., glucose trend) for each patient with glucose test data within the time limitations of the filtering expression. The “glucose trend at drug” field 20810 is used as an attribute of the event profile “(glucose trend >0)” applied to the drug field 2089. Illustratively, the example of a data repository abstraction component set forth in Table II may be extended to include field specification 20810. TABLE II DATA REPOSITORY ABSTRACTION EXAMPLE (contd.) 025 <Field queryable=“Yes” name=“glucose trend at drug” displayable=“Yes”> 026 <AccessMethod foreignKey = “No” primaryKey = “No”> 027 <Filtered> 028 <simple attrName = “glucosetrend” entityName=”glucose trend data”/> 029 <Where> 030 <Condition field = “data://drug/began” operator=”LE”> 031 <Value> 032 <FieldRef name=”data://lab tests/testdate” /> 033 </Value> 034 </Condition> 035 <Condition field=”data://drug/stopped” operator=”GE” relOperator=”AND”> 036 <Value> 037 <FieldRef name=”data//lab tests/testdate” /> 038 </Value> 039 </Condition> 040 </Where> 041 </Filtered> 042 </Access Method> 043 </Field> The results returned for this field are specified in line 28 wherein a simple access method is used to retrieve all of the “glucosetrend” aggregate data values from the abstract derived entity “glucose trend data.” Note, the “glucosetrend” data is derived as an aggregate data value using the glucosetrend logical field 20811. Field specification 20810 includes a condition criterion corresponding to a filtered access method (lines 20-40) that constrains the data provided to the ADE “glucose trend data” to data points falling with the range specified by the filter expression “Drug began<Test date <Drug stopped.” The filter restricts the rows to those where the test date falls within the time that a patient was taking the specified drug. Note that the filtering of rows is performed prior to building the abstract derived entity “glucose trend data.” That is, the rows used to calculate the aggregate data values are determined before the aggregate data values are calculated. Changing the filter, therefore, will change the data used to calculate an aggregate value. Lines 27-29 of field specification 20810 references the abstract derived entity “glucose trend data” illustrated in 20812. As described above, an abstract derived entity is a used to generate a derived table within the data abstraction model at the time the abstract query is converted to a physical query of the underlying storage mechanisms. The abstract derived entity itself references other entities appearing in the data abstraction layer or fields appearing in the data repository abstraction component. Thus, an abstract derived entity may be used to generate new combinations of data previously unavailable to the abstract data model and store them in the derived table. Abstract derived entity (ADE) 20812 includes the name attribute “glucose trend data.” The ADE name element 220 may be referenced by field specifications 208 in the data repository abstraction component 148 (e.g., field specification 20810) and by other ADE's. In addition to the name element 220, an ADE is specified by a set of attributes 222 and relations 224. The attributes 222 specify the columns that appear in the derived table generated from the ADE definition 20812 and may be composed from fields appearing in the data repository abstraction component 148. Additionally, as described above, an access method that references an ADE may restrict the data values used to compose the ADE. As illustrated, ADE specification 20812 includes two column attributes, “patient ID” and “glucose trend.” Accordingly, the derived table generated from ADE specification 20812 includes two columns where each row specifies a patient (using the patient ID value) and a glucose trend value for that patient. The relations 224 specify how to join the columns together to compose the derived table. In this example, the relation joins on the “patient ID” column appearing in both the drug table 310 and lab tests table 330. An illustrative abstract derived entity (ADE) based on ADE specification 20812 shown in FIG. 2C is shown in Table III below. By way of illustration, the abstract derived entity (ADE) is defined using XML. Other languages, however, may be used to advantage. TABLE III ABSTRACT DERIVED ENTITY EXAMPLE 000<?xml version=“1.0”?> 001 <Abstract_Derived_Entity entityName = “Glucose Trend Data”> 002 <Attribute attrName = “patientID”> 003 <AccessMethod foreignKey = “No” primaryKey = “No”> 004 <Simple attrName = “patientID” entityName = “LABTESTS” /> 005 </AccessMethod> 006 </Attribute> 007 <Attribute attrName = “glucosetrend”> 008 <AccessMethod foreignKey = “No” primaryKey = “No”> 009 <Aggregate> 010 <Composition> 011 REGR_SLOPE ( 012 <FieldRef name=”data://Lab Tests/Glucose” /> 013 , 014 <FieldRef name=”data://Lab Tests/Test Date” /> 015 ) 016 </Composition> 017 <Groups> 018 <Group> 019 <FieldRef name=”data://Lab Tests/Patient ID” /> 020 </Group> 021 </Groups> 022 </Aggregate> 023 </AccessMethod> 024 </Attribute> 025 <Relations> 026 <Link id=“ ” source=“demographics” sourcCardinality=“one” sourceType=“SQL” 027 target=“drugs” targetCardinality=“many” 028 targetType=“SQL” type=“LEFT”> 029 <LinkPoint source=“patientID” target=“patientID”> 030 <Link id=“ ” source=“demographics” sourcCardinality=“one” 031 sourceType=“SQL” target=“labtests” targetCardinality=“many” 032 targetType=“SQL” type=“LEFT”> 033 <LinkPoint source=“patientID” target=“patientID”> 034 <Link id=“ ” source=“demographics” sourcCardinality=“one” 035 sourceType=“SQL” target=“gluclosetrenddata” targetCardinality=“one” 036 targetType=“SQL” type=“LEFT”> 037 <LinkPoint source=“patientID” target=“patientID”> 038 </Relations> 039 </Abstract_Derived_Entity> The two <attribute>elements appearing on lines 2-5 and 6-23, “patientID” and “glucosetrend,” respectively, specify the columns included in the table. The first attribute references the patient ID column of lab tests table using a simple access method. The second attribute references the “glucose trend” field described above in conjunction with field specification 20810. The <Relations> elements on lines 25-39 specify that these two columns should be joined by matching the “patient ID” value from the lab tests table with the “patient ID” from the drugs table. The glucose trend attribute references an aggregate access method, and lines 10-16 specify the expression used to calculate the aggregate value (i.e., regression slope). The grouping element “patient ID” is listed in lines 17-21. Operational Methods Embodiments of the present invention allow the data repository abstraction component 148 to include fields that reference aggregate access methods and allow access methods to reference abstract derived entities. Methods of processing abstract queries that include these elements are now described. Using the example illustrated in FIG. 2C and FIG. 3, assume that a user wishes to build the abstract query 2022 illustrated in FIG. 6. One description of building such a query includes the following steps: (i) creating an event profile that is applied to the drug field of the Drugs table 310 (from FIG. 3) and has a single condition of (Glucose Trend >0); (ii) creating a selection criterion of Drug=“MK-767” using the drugs field and apply the (Glucose Trend >0) event profile to the condition; and (iii) selecting the result fields of name, city, state and glucose trend. After processing the completed abstract query, the runtime component 150 generates an SQL query such as: select name, city, state glucose trend, from Demographics t1, ((select t2.patientid, regr_slope (days(testdate), glucose)) as “glucose Trend” from Lab Tests t2, Drugs t3 where t2.patientid-t3.patientid and began <testdate and stopped >testdate and drug=‘MK-767’ group by t2.patientid having regr_slope(days,(testdate, glucose))>0) as t4 where t4.patientid=t1.patientid Using the methods described below in connection with FIGS. 4-8, embodiments of the present invention may be used to process abstract queries that include event profiles, abstract derived entities, and aggregate access methods into a physical query such as the one recited above. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary runtime method 400 of one embodiment of the operation of runtime component 150. The method 400 begins at step 402 when the runtime component 150 receives as input an instance of an abstract query (such as the abstract query 2022 shown in FIG. 2C). At step 404, the runtime component 150 reads and parses the instance of the abstract query and locates individual selection criteria and desired result fields. At step 406, the runtime component 150 enters a loop (comprising steps 406, 408, and 410) for processing each query selection criteria statement present in the abstract query, thereby building a data selection portion of a concrete query. In one embodiment, a selection criterion consists of a field name (for a logical field), a comparison operator (=, >, <, etc) and a value expression (what is the field being compared to). At step 408, the runtime component 150 uses the field name from a selection criterion of the abstract query to retrieve the definition of the field from the data repository abstraction component 148. As noted above, the field specification 208 associated with a field being processed by runtime component 150 includes a definition of the access method used to access the physical data associated with the field. The runtime component 150 then determines (step 410) a concrete query contribution for the logical field being processed. As defined herein, a concrete query contribution is a portion of a concrete query that is used to perform data selection based on the current logical field. A concrete query is a query represented in languages like SQL and XML Query and is consistent with the data of a given physical data repository (e.g., a relational database or XML repository). Accordingly, the concrete query is used to locate and retrieve (or modify, add, etc.) data from a physical data repository, represented by the databases 156-157 shown in FIG. 1. The concrete query contribution generated for the current field is then added to a concrete query statement. The method 400 then returns to step 406 to begin processing for the next field of the abstract query. Accordingly, the process entered at step 406 is iterated for each data selection field in the abstract query, thereby contributing additional content to the eventual query to be performed. After building the data selection portion of the concrete query, the runtime component 150 identifies the information to be returned as a result of query execution. As described above, in one embodiment, the abstract query defines a list of abstract fields that are to be returned as a result of query execution, referred to herein as a result specification. A result specification in the abstract query may consist of a field name and sort criteria. Accordingly, the method 400 enters a loop at step 412 (defined by steps 412, 416, and 418) to add result field definitions to the concrete query being generated. At step 414, the runtime component 150 looks up a result field name (from the result specification of the abstract query) in the data repository abstraction 148 and then retrieves a result field definition from the data repository abstraction 148 to identify the physical location of data to be returned for the current logical result field. The runtime component 150 then determines (as step 416) a query contribution of the query that identifies physical location of data to be returned for the logical result field. At step 418, all of the subcomponents generated in steps 406, 408 and 410 and output fields generated in steps 412, 414, and 416 are assembled into one or more queries that the runtime component 150 executes against the underlying physical data sources. This process is further described below in reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method 500 for determining a query contribution for a logical field included in steps 410 and 416 from method steps 400. Steps 410 and 416 of the method described in FIG. 4 each involve determining a query contribution for the selection criteria and result fields appearing in an abstract query. First, at steps 504 and 508 the runtime component 150 determines whether the field includes references to either an abstract derived entity or an event profile. If not, (i.e., the method follows the path 502→504→508→516) processing then continues at step 516 and 518 wherein the field is processed using the access method for each field defined in the data repository abstraction component 148. Otherwise, the field references an abstract derived entity, is restricted by an event profile, or both. When the method 500 determines (at step 504) that the field is from an abstract derived entity, the runtime component 150 determines (at step 506), the derived table contributions for the field as described below in conjunction with FIG. 6. At step 508, (i.e., for fields that are not from an abstract derived entity), the method determines if an event profile condition needs to be applied to the field being processed. When an event profile appears in the logical field, then the runtime component 150 retrieves the definition corresponding to the event profile (step 510) from the data repository abstraction component 148. The runtime component 150 then determines whether the event profile definition retrieved in step 510 is itself from an abstract derived entity (at step 512). If so, the runtime component determines (at step 514) the derived table contributions for the event profile as described below in conjunction with FIG. 6. Steps 508 through 512 iterate for each event profile associated with the field being processed by the runtime component 150. That is, for each event profile, the runtime component 150 retrieves the event profile's field definition from the data repository abstraction 140 component and determines whether the field is from an abstract derived entity. For fields that are from an abstract derived entity, derived table contributions for the field are generated. After processing the event profile conditions (steps 508 and 510) and determining derived table contributions for any logical fields from abstract derived entities (steps (504 and 506) and (512 and 514)), processing continues in steps 516 and 518 wherein the runtime component 150 builds the selection contribution and results contribution for each field appearing in the abstract query. FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 to determine the derived table contributions for logical fields included in an abstract query that map to an abstract derived entity. In one embodiment, the method begins in step 604, by creating (or by adding to) a derived table list and initializing a new SQL query statement including a FROM clause, HAVING predicates and a GROUP BY clause, according to the definition of the abstract derived entity in the data repository abstraction component 148. The derived table list is a list of the derived tables and list of the subcomponents of the derived table including a FROM clause list, the local predicate list, the HAVING predicates, the GROUP BY, and an output constructor list. In the build query routine (illustrated in relation to FIG. 8), the list of derived table is used, first, to build the derived tables, and then to construct the complete query combining the derived tables with other parts of the query. Each derived table sub-query may be constructed according to the method illustrated in relation to FIG. 7. That is, for each derived table needed to complete query processing, a derived table sub-query may be independently generated and stored in the derived table list. In step 606, the runtime component 150 builds the derived table condition contribution to the query for the fields included in the derived table. Similar to the conditions of abstract query 202, described above regarding selection criteria for a logical field, each condition may consist of a field name (for a logical field), a comparison operator (=, >, <, etc) and a value expression (what is the field being compared to). At steps 608, 610, and 612 of method 600, the runtime component 150 process any event profile conditions associated with the derived table conditions. If there is an event profile applied to a field condition then at step 610, the runtime component 150 retrieves the definition for the field included in the event profile from the data repository abstraction component 148 and the event profile is applied to the condition field. In step 612, the runtime component 150 builds the derived table contributions for the field conditions as restricted by the event profile. Steps 608, 610, and 612 repeat until the all event profiles associated with the field being processed have been applied. After processing the event profile conditions, the method moves to step 614 and translates each of the fields in the abstract derived entity by retrieving the field definition from the data repository abstraction component in step 614 and building the derived table output contribution to the query in 618. After all of the fields in the abstract derived entity have been retrieved and the derived table condition contributions and output contributions have been built, processing of the query continues at step 618. FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a method 700 for building concrete query contributions for a logical field according to steps 516 and 518 from FIG. 5 and steps 612 and 618 from FIG. 6. At step 702, operations 700 determine whether the access method associated with the current logical field is a simple access method. If so, the concrete query contribution is built (step 704) based on physical data location information. Otherwise, processing continues to step 706 to query whether the access method associated with the current logical field is a filtered access method. If so, the concrete query contribution is built (step 708) based on physical data location information for some physical data entity. At step 710, the concrete query contribution is extended with additional logic (filter selection) used to filter the data retuned by the physical data entity. If the access method is not a filtered access method, processing proceeds from step 706 to step 712 where the method 700 queries whether the access method is a composed access method. If the access method is a composed access method, the physical data location for each sub-field reference in the composed field expression is located and retrieved at step 714. At step 716, the physical field location information of the composed field expression is substituted for the logical field references of the composed field expression, whereby the concrete query contribution is generated. If the access method is not a composed access method, processing proceeds to step 718 where the method 700 queries whether the access method is an aggregate access method. If the logical field being processed specifies an aggregate access method, then the expression used to generate the aggregate value is retrieved from the logical field speciation along with any grouping conditions at step 720. The expression specifies the data and an operation on the data used to calculate an aggregate value that is returned by the aggregate access method. As described above, the grouping conditions define how to segment the aggregate data into groups to calculate multiple aggregate values. For example, using the values from the Lab Tests table shown in FIG. 3, with no grouping condition a logical field “average glucose” would return the aggregate value of “21.25” (the mathematical average of all the values in the glucose column). Alternatively, a grouping condition of “patient ID” would break the data used for aggregating into separate groups, one for each “Patient ID.” This would change the results for the “average glucose” field to return two aggregate values, “15.5” for the “patient ID” of 4002, and “27” for the “patient ID” of 5001. At step, 722 after retrieving the expression parameters, the runtime component 150 generates a query contribution for the aggregate access method. Optionally, if the logical field includes a parametric condition, at step 724, the entity that issued the abstract query is prompted to provide a value for the parametric condition. Parametric conditions are described in greater detail below. If the access method is not an aggregate access method, processing proceeds from step 718 to step 726. Step 726 is representative of any other access methods types contemplated as embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that embodiments are contemplated in which less then all the available access methods are implemented. For example, in a particular embodiment only simple access methods are used. In another embodiment, only simple access methods and filtered access methods are used. Once all the query contributions from the logical fields appearing in the abstract query have been processed, the completed query may be assembled. Retuning to the operations 400 of FIG. 4, the completed query is built and executed in steps 418 and 420, respectively. FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a method to build the completed concrete query from the query contributions generated according to the methods illustrated by FIGS. 4-7. In one embodiment, operations 800 begin in step 804 where the method determines whether any abstract derived tables appear in the abstract derived table list generated during step 604 of FIG. 6, according to steps 506 and 514 of FIG. 5. In step 806, the completed query is optimized by removing any duplicate query contributions that occur due to the discrete processing of each abstract derived entity and logical field. At step 808, a sub-query is constructed using the query contributions generated while processing the abstract derived entity fields according to operations 600. It is this step where the derived table (or a query representation of the table) is generated. In step 810, the derived table is added to the table sub-query list. Operations 800 continue iterating through steps 804, 806, 808, and 810 and generate a derived table sub-query for each abstract derived table. For example, the sub-query portion of the SQL query recited above includes the following sub-query for the “glucose trend data” abstract derived entity: ((select t2.patientid, regr_slope (days(testdate), glucose)) as “glucose Trend” from Lab Tests t2, Drugs t3 where t2.patientid=t3.patientid and ((began <testdate) and (stopped >testdate)) and drug=‘MK-767’ group by t2.patientid having regr_slope (days,(testdate, glucose))>0). As recited, this sub-query includes the event profile “(glucose trend >0)” and the filter of field specification 20810 as part of the sub-query. The filter expression dictates the data supplied to the “glucose trend data” ADE, and the event profile (“glucose trend >0)” applied to the “drug=‘MK-767’ condition. In step 812, a completed query is constructed from each derived table sub-query and other query contributions. The sub-query components are merged with the query contributions generated from steps 516 and 518 of FIG. 5, according to the operations of FIG. 7, into the completed query. Once the completed query is merged from all the query contributions, the runtime component 150 may execute the query against the underlying physical data sources 156-157 and transmit query results to the user. Parametric Conditions Applied to Abstract Derived Entities For some embodiments of the invention, an abstract derived entity may be used as a template for a series of abstract derived entities. ADE templates are completed via the use of parametric conditions that filter the set of data contained in the derived table when it is created at query execution time. Parametric conditions are added to the definition of the abstract derived entity. Each parametric condition indicates that the rows for the abstract derived entity should be restricted to those associated with a specified state or property. When a user submits an abstract query for execution, the runtime 150 component may inspect the logical fields to identify whether it includes any abstract derived entities that include parametric conditions. If found, then the system prompts the user to specify one or more state values according to the conditions appearing in the definition of the ADE The state values may be used to filter the data generated for the derived entity. Doing so allows the same abstract derived entity definition to be reused for a variety of data subsets. Illustrative examples of parametric conditions may filter by age, gender, location, dates, but any logical condition may be used to advantage. Illustratively, adding to the XML provided in Table III, parametric conditions might be defined as follows. TABLE III ABSTRACT DERIVED ENTITY EXAMPLE (contd.) 029 <Condition field=”data://demographics/state” operator=”EQ”?> 030 <value parm=”YES”/> 031 </Condition> 032 <Condition> field=”data://demographics/gender” operator=”EQ”> 033 <Value parm=”YES/> 034 </Condition> Lines 29-34 add two parametric conditions to the “glucose trend data” abstract derived entity. Specifically, these lines add “state” and “gender” parametric conditions to the ADE. When an ADE specification includes condition elements, a user is prompted to select a value condition prior to generating the derived table. In one embodiment, a user may compose abstract queries by interacting with a graphical user interface (GUI). FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary GUI screen 900 displayed to a user engaged in building an abstract query that includes an abstract derived entity template. GUI screen 900 includes a query composition area 902 used to compose an abstract query from the available fields in the data repository abstraction component 148. As illustrated, the editing area displays the abstract query 2022 from FIG. 2C. Below the editing area 902 is a current query summary area 904 that displays the currently composed query executed by using the “Execute Search” button 912. When a user does so, the runtime component 150 may cause the dialog box show in FIG. 10 to be displayed to the user. As illustrated, FIG. 10 shows a dialog box with radio buttons allowing a user to select the gender restriction and a drop down box to select a U.S. State restriction applied to the results generated for the query. Note that these conditions are applied to exclude rows that would otherwise appear in the derived table (an output restriction). Compare this result with the aggregate access method event profile “(glucose trend >0)” wherein the rows included in the aggregate calculation are limited to those that have the contemporaneous condition specified by the event profile (an input restriction). Extending the access methods available to a data repository abstraction component to include aggregate access methods enables logical fields that return aggregate data calculated from the columns of an underlying relational data source or other groupings of data. An expression included in a field specification of an aggregate access method expresses how to compose the aggregate values from the underlying data elements. Further, aggregate values may be combined with an abstract derived entity to create a derived table composed of aggregate values joined with other non-aggregate data. Combining aggregate access methods with an abstract derived entity allows a user to construct complex queries to uncover attributes of the underlying data, such as trends that occur over time. Parametric conditions may also be applied to an abstract derived entity to limit a particular query to a dynamically specified sub-set of data. While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to data processing and more particularly to a system and method for performing complex data queries. 2. Description of the Related Art Databases are computerized information storage and retrieval systems. A relational database management system is a computer database management system (DBMS) that uses relational techniques for storing and retrieving data. The most prevalent type of database is the relational database, a tabular database in which data is defined so that it can be reorganized and accessed in a number of different ways. Regardless of the particular architecture, in a DBMS, a requesting entity (e.g., an application, the operating system or a user) demands access to a specified database by issuing a database access request. Such requests may include, for instance, simple catalog lookup requests or transactions and combinations of transactions that operate to read, change and add specified records in the database. These requests are made using high-level query languages such as the Structured Query Language (SQL). SQL is a standardized language for manipulating data in a relational database. Illustratively, SQL is used to compose queries that retrieve information from a database and to update information in a database. Commercial databases include products such as International Business Machines' (IBM) DB2, Microsoft's SQL Server, and database products from Oracle, Sybase, and Computer Associates. The term “query” denotes a set of commands used to retrieve or update data by specifying columns, tables and the various relationships between them relevant to the query. Queries take the form of a command language allowing programmers and application programs to select, insert, update, add, modify, and locate data in a relational database. One issue faced by data mining and database query applications, in general, is their close relationship with a given database schema (e.g., a relational database schema). This relationship makes it difficult to support an application as changes are made to the corresponding underlying database schema. Further, the migration of the application to alternative underlying data representations is inhibited. In today's environment, the foregoing disadvantages are largely due to the reliance applications have on SQL, which presumes that a relational model is used to represent information being queried. Furthermore, a given SQL query is dependent upon a particular relational schema since specific database tables, columns and relationships are referenced within the SQL query representation. As a result of these limitations, a number of difficulties arise. One difficulty is that changes in the underlying relational data model require changes to the SQL foundation that the corresponding application is built upon. Therefore, an application designer must either forgo changing the underlying data model to avoid application maintenance or must change the application to reflect changes in the underlying relational model. Another difficulty is that extending an application to work with multiple relational data models requires separate versions of the application to reflect the unique SQL requirements driven by each relational schema. Yet another difficulty is evolution of the application to work with alternate data representations because SQL is designed for use with relational systems. Extending the application to support alternative data representations, such as XML, requires rewriting the application's data management layer to use additional data access methods. A typical approach used to address the foregoing problems is software encapsulation. Software encapsulation involves using a software interface or component to encapsulate access methods to a particular underlying data representation. An example is found in the Enterprise JavaBean (EJB) specification that is a component of the Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) suite of technologies. In the case of EJB, entity beans serve to encapsulate a given set of data, exposing a set of Application Program Interfaces (APIs) that can be used to access this information. This is a highly specialized approach requiring the software to be written (in the form of new entity EJBs) whenever a new set of data is to be accessed or when a new pattern of data access is desired. The EJB model also requires a code update, application build and deployment cycle to react to reorganization of the underlying physical data model or to support alternative data representations. EJB programming also requires specialized skills; since more advanced Java programming techniques are involved. Accordingly, the EJB approach and other similar approaches are both inflexible and costly to maintain for general-purpose query applications that access an evolving physical data model. Another approach used to address the foregoing problems is creating a data abstraction layer. A data abstraction layer sits between an application and the underlying physical data. The data abstraction layer defines a collection of logical fields that are loosely coupled to the underlying physical mechanisms storing the data. The logical fields are available to compose queries to search, retrieve, add, and modify data stored in the underlying database. One difficulty encountered constructing an abstraction layer is representing data derived from multiple rows of data stored in an SQL table (i.e., columnar data). An aggregate data value is calculated from the rows of a query result (or a grouping of these rows). For example, an aggregate may be calculated from multiple rows returned by a query such as an average, a sum, or a slope (used to detect trends within data). One approach to solve this limitation is to have a database administrator create individual SQL views that perform aggregation calculations and then specify these as a data source that the abstract model may query and join with other results. This solution, however, requires that a database administrator become involved in the creation of these views, and thus can become a bottleneck in having queries created. Also, because a static view performs the aggregation function, a database administrator must create a static view for each different aggregation. Stated another way, users cannot dynamically change the rows included in the aggregation. For example, one static view may provide an aggregate value defined by the average age of adult males living in a particular city. If a user wanted to perform a similar query substituting females, a new static view would have to be created. Finally, as the underlying data sources change, particularly in a distributed environment, statically created views may reference underlying data that is no longer available to respond to query request. Accordingly, it would be useful to view aggregate values for related groupings of rows joined to non-aggregate data without the requirement of maintaining a static view for each aggregation. Further, it would be useful to allow users to apply conditions that restrict the rows included in a particular aggregation (e.g., only include columnar data in an aggregation when a contemporaneous condition is true). Also, users should be able to apply conditions to the results generated for an aggregation (e.g., return only results where an aggregate value from a group of aggregate values crosses a dynamically selected threshold value). | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods to access generate and view aggregate data determined from a set of data elements obtained from a physical data source. One embodiment of the present invention provides method for providing access to data stored in multiple data sources. The method generally includes providing, for a requesting entity, an abstract data layer comprising a plurality of logical fields for composing an abstract query, and for each logical field, defining an access method that specifies at least a method for accessing the data corresponding to the logical field and a location of the data, and wherein at least one logical field specifies an aggregate access method for accessing the data corresponding to the at least one logical field. One embodiment provides a method for providing access to aggregate data values. The method generally comprises providing an abstract data layer that comprises a set of logical fields for composing an abstract query, wherein each logical field provides an access method that specifies at least a method for accessing data corresponding to the logical field, and wherein the method for accessing data specified by at least one logical field comprises an aggregate access method that specifies a set of input data and an expression for determining an aggregate data value from the set of input data. The method generally further includes, receiving, from a requesting entity, an abstract query composed from the set of logical fields that includes the at least one logical field specifying an aggregate access method, retrieving the set of input data specified by the aggregate access method, calculating at least one aggregate data value from the set of input data according to the expression specified by the aggregate access method. Another embodiment provides a system for generating aggregate data values from data stored in a data source. The system generally includes a database service available in a network environment, the database service includes a data source, an abstract data layer, wherein the abstract data layer comprises a plurality of logical fields used to compose an abstract query, and for each logical field, providing an access method specifying at least a method for accessing the data, wherein at least one logical field specifies an aggregate access method. The system generally further includes a runtime component configured to process an abstract query that includes the at least one logical field by retrieving a definition for the aggregate access method, determining aggregate data values according to the definition, merging the aggregate data values with query results obtained for other logical fields included in the abstract query, and returning the results to the requesting entity. Another embodiment provides a computer-readable medium containing instructions that when executed by a processor performs operations. The operations generally include providing, for a requesting entity, an abstract data layer comprising a plurality of logical fields for composing an abstract query, and for each logical field, defining an access method that specifies at least a method for accessing the data corresponding to the logical field, wherein at least one logical field specifies an aggregate access method for accessing the data corresponding to the at least one logical field. The operations generally further include receiving, from the requesting entity, an abstract query that includes the at least one logical field specifying an aggregate access method, retrieving a set of input data defined by the aggregate access method, determining at least an aggregate data value from the set of input data. And still further generally include, transforming each other logical field included in the abstract query into a query contribution that is consistent with the data source specified by the access method for each logical field, accessing the data source corresponding to each of the other logical fields using the query contribution and retrieving a set of query results data; and returning, to the requesting entity, the at least one aggregate data value and the set of query results data. | 20040722 | 20121225 | 20060126 | 63096.0 | G06F1730 | 2 | TANG, JIEYING | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING AGGREGATE DATA ACCESS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
|
10,897,348 | ACCEPTED | Method of updating cache state information where stores only read the cache state information upon entering the queue | The present invention provides a method of updating the cache state information for store transactions in an system in which store transactions only read the cache state information upon entering the unit pipe or store portion of the store/load queue. In this invention, store transactions in the unit pipe and queue are checked whenever a cache line is modified, and their cache state information updated as necessary. When the modification is an invalidate, the check tests that the two share the same physical addressable location. When the modification is a validate, the check tests that the two involve the same data cache line. | 1. A system to update the cache state information for transactions in the unit pipe or load and store queue without using a cache access cycle, comprising: a cache; a unit pipe coupled to the cache; and a store and load queue connected to the unit pipe, the system configured to transmit updated cache state information through the unit pipe and the load and store queue when a cache line is modified, and configured to update the cache state information of a least one transaction in the unit pipe or load and store queue. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the cache comprises a single read/write access point. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the store and load queue further comprises a store queue and a load queue. 4. The system of claim 1, further configured to check and update only the store transactions in the unit pipe and the store and load queue. 5. A method of updating cache state information for transactions in the unit pipe and in the load and store queue, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting updated cache state information through the unit pipe and the load and store queue when a cache line is modified; and updating the cache state information of at least one transaction. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the updating of transactions is limited to the store transactions in the unit pipe and in the store portion of the load and store queue. 7. The method of claim 5, further comprising the steps of: checking the transactions in the unit pipe and in the load and store queue to determine whether their cache state information needs to be modified; and updating the cache state information of the transactions in the unit pipe and in the load and store queue that need to be modified. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein checking a store transaction in case of an invalidate comprises testing whether the cache line of the store transaction shares the same physical addressable location as the cache line being modified. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein checking a store transaction makes use of congruence class information. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein checking a store transaction makes use of aliased location. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein updating the cache state information of the store transaction in case of an invalidate comprises indicating that the data cache line used by the store transaction has been removed from the cache. 12. The method of claim 7, wherein checking a store transaction in case of a validate comprises testing whether the store transaction involves the same cache line as the cache line being validated. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein updating the cache state information of the store transaction in case of a validate comprises updating aliased location. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein updating the cache state information of the store transaction in case of a validate comprises updating congruence class. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein updating the cache state information of the store transaction in case of a validate comprises updating hit/miss information. 16. A computer program product for updating cache state information for transactions in the unit pipe and in the load and store queue, the computer program product having a medium with a computer program embodied thereon, the computer program comprising: computer code for transmitting updated cache state information through the unit pipe and the load and store queue when a cache line is modified; and computer code for updating the cache state information of at least one transaction. 17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the computer code for updating the cache state information of transactions is limited to computer code for updating the store transactions in the unit pipe and in the store portion of the load and store queue. 18. The computer program product of claim 16, further comprising: computer code for checking the transactions in the unit pipe and in the load and store queue to determine whether their cache state information needs to be modified; and computer code for updating the cache state information of the transactions in the unit pipe and in the load and store queue that need to be modified. 19. The computer program product of claim 18, wherein the computer code for checking a store transaction in case of an invalidate comprises computer code for testing whether the cache line of the store transaction shares the same physical addressable location as the cache line being modified. 20. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein the computer code for checking a store transaction makes use of congruence class information. 21. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein the computer code for checking a store transaction makes use of aliased location. 22. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein the computer code for updating the cache state information of the store transaction in case of an invalidate comprises computer code for indicating that the data cache line used by the store transaction has been removed from the cache. 23. The computer program product of claim 18, wherein the computer code for checking a store transaction in case of a validate comprises computer code for testing whether the store transaction involves the same cache line as the cache line being validated. 24. The computer program product of claim 23, wherein the computer code for updating the cache state information of the store transaction in case of a validate comprises computer code for updating aliased location. 25. The computer program product of claim 23, wherein the computer code for updating the cache state information of the store transaction in case of a validate comprises computer code for updating congruence class. 26. The computer program product of claim 25, wherein the computer code for updating the cache state information of the store transaction in case of a validate comprises computer code for updating hit/miss information. | TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to memory management and, more particularly, to a method of handling reload-hit-store in a high frequency system where stores only read the cache state information upon entering the queue. BACKGROUND The state of a cache may change between the placing of an operation storing data from the cache into the unit pipe or into the store portion of the store and load queue and the completion of the store operation. Store operations are queued to allow the program code to move forward. Because of the nature of store ordering requirements on cache coherency, older operations may modify the validity or location of the cache line within the data cache. These modifications may cause the cache state information which the store operations received upon issue to become old or outdated. Maintaining data integrity requires some mechanism to allow the cache state information for the store operations to be updated. One way to update transactions is to read the cache state information. It may, however, be desirable to limit access to the cache. For example, a cache may be designed with a single read/write access point, or port. The design may afford simplicity, or be suitable for a smaller or low-power cache. With such a design, to read the cache state information, it is necessary to recycle operations through the unit pipe. Repeated recycling to update the store transaction requires many cycles and blocks other accesses to the cache. Therefore, there is a need for a method of updating the cache state information for store transactions without reading the cache state information in a manner that addresses at least some of the issues associated with conventional updating of store transactions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method of updating the cache state information for store transactions in an system in which store transactions only read the cache state information upon entering the unit pipe or store portion of the store and load queue. Store transactions in the unit pipe and queue are checked whenever a cache line is modified, and their cache state information updated as necessary. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a unit pipe and load and store queue configured to update cache state information for the store transactions without using a cache access cycle; FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram illustrating the updating of cache state information for store transactions after a modification of the data cache; FIG. 3A shows a block diagram of the organization of a data cache; and FIG. 3B shows a block diagram of the segments of a cacheable memory address. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. It is further noted that, unless indicated otherwise, all functions described herein may be performed in either hardware or software, or some combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, however, the functions are performed by a processor such as a computer or an electronic data processor in accordance with code such as computer program code, software, and/or integrated circuits that are coded to perform such functions, unless indicated otherwise. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a unit pipe and load and store queue configured to update cache state information for the store transactions without using a cache access cycle. Transactions enter the unit pipe 110 and proceed in stages, pipe stage 112, pipe stage 114, and pipe stage 116. The ellipsis indicates the possible presence of other stages. The transactions entering the unit pipe 110 can be any type of operation, including but not limited to load, store, and snoop. From the unit pipe 110, transactions can pass to the load queue 120 or the store queue 130. A number of load transactions have passed to the load queue 120, load transactions 122, 124, and 126. The ellipsis indicates the possible presence of other transactions. A number of store transactions have passed to the store queue 130, store transactions 132, 134, and 136. The ellipsis indicates the possible presence of other transactions. When the cache is modified, the store transactions are examined to determine if they are affected by the modification to the cache. The address for the cache line being modified is compared to the address for the cache line of the storage transaction. In FIG. 1, the store transactions are the store transactions located in the unit pipe 110 and the store transactions located in the store queue 130, store transactions 132, 134 and 136. The address comparisons are performed on the store transaction in the unit pipe 110 in comparisons 152 and 154 and on the transactions in the store queue 130 in comparisons 156, 158, 160 and 162. Load transactions 122, 124, and 126 are not store transactions, and the address comparison is not performed on them. Depending upon the result of the comparisons, and the nature of the modification to the cache, the store queue collision logic 140 updates the cache state information for those store transactions affected by the modification to the data cache. FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram illustrating the updating of cache status information for store transactions after a modification of the data cache. In step 202, the type of the modification to the cache is checked. When a cache line is invalidated, in step 204 the store queue collision logic 140 checks the store transactions to see if they used data from the same physical addressable location in the data cache as the invalidated cache line. If the comparison is a match, in step 206 the cache status information of the store is updated to indicate that its line has been removed from the cache. If the comparison does not produce a match, in step 208 there is no change to the cache status information for the store transaction. When a cache line is validated, in step 210 the store queue collision logic 140 checks the store transaction to see if the store involves data from the same cache line. If so, in step 212, the store transaction will be updated with the information about the validated cache line. In an embodiment with set-association and aliasing, the updated information includes the aliased location, congruence class and hit/miss information. In an embodiment of the invention which does not support aliasing, the aliased location information is not maintained and not updated. In an embodiment of the invention which does not have a set-associative cache, the congruence class information is not maintained and updated. If the store is not to the same cache line as the validated cache line, then in step 214 there is no change to the status information. The nature of the comparison in steps 204 and 210 depend upon the method of organization of the cache and the method of assignment of data blocks to locations within the cache. FIG. 3A shows a block diagram of the organization of a cache. The cache 300 contains 32 addressable locations. Shown are addressable location 0 and addressable location 31. Each addressable location contains a block of eight cache lines. Addressable location 0 contains the block of eight cache lines 302. An aliasing feature narrows the block down to four cache lines. These remaining four lines are set-associative. The location of a cache line in the cache 300 can be specified by specifying the addressable location and the location within the block. Other embodiments of a cache do not support aliasing or set associativity. FIG. 3B shows a block diagram of the segments of a cacheable memory address. The defined address ranges from bit 22 to 63. Bits 22:51 indicate the real page number. Bits 52:56 are used to address one of the 32 addressable locations of the cache. Bits 57:63 are the offset, the location of addressed data within the cache line. Whenever a store gets issued, a cache lookup is performed to determine whether the cache line is in the data cache or not. In an embodiment, the lookup returns an 8-bit vector to the store queue collection logic 140 identifying the location of the cache line within the block of eight cache lines contained at an addressable location. The 8-bit vector identifies a set and an aliased location. Returning to the address comparison in Step 204, in an embodiment with the cache organized as in FIG. 3A and the correspondence between the real address and the cache location as in FIG. 3B, the comparison proceeds in stages. First, bits 52:56 of the real address of the cache line being invalidated are compared with bits 52:56 of the real address of the data contained within the store transaction to check that addressable locations in the data cache match. If so, the 8-bit vector kept by the store queue collection logic 140 is used to determine if the cache line being invalidated is at the same location within the block of eight at the addressable location as the cache line for the data. If the location within the eight cache lines also matches, then the store queue collection logic updates the 8-bit vector for the store transaction to indicate that the line is no longer valid. If either comparison is not a match, then the cache state information of the store transaction is not changed. In other embodiments, the address comparison in Step 204 operates differently. For example, in a direct-mapped cache, the address comparison can simply be of the bits in the real address that determines the location of the cache line in the data cache. There is no need to store additional information about the location of the cache line within the data cache. The comparison in step 210 is performed when a new cache line is allocated to the data cache. In this comparison, the full cache line of the new allocate is compared to the full cache line of the store operation. Bits 22:51 and bits 52:56 of each are compared. If there is a match, the store and the new allocate are actually the same cache line. The store transaction is updated by updating its 8-bit vector to describe the location to which the new cache line will be allocated. In other embodiments, the comparison may involve a different bit range. This method of updating the cache status information of the store transactions updates the information without using a cache access cycle. Instead, information about changes in the cache flows through the unit pipe and the store portion of the store and load queue, and the store transactions there are updated. This method of updating thereby avoids a potential bottleneck in some designs. In a design with a single read/write access point, or port, this method avoids recycling operations through the unit pipe, the only way to read the cache state information. Repeated recycling to update the store transaction requires many cycles and blocks other accesses to the cache. Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The state of a cache may change between the placing of an operation storing data from the cache into the unit pipe or into the store portion of the store and load queue and the completion of the store operation. Store operations are queued to allow the program code to move forward. Because of the nature of store ordering requirements on cache coherency, older operations may modify the validity or location of the cache line within the data cache. These modifications may cause the cache state information which the store operations received upon issue to become old or outdated. Maintaining data integrity requires some mechanism to allow the cache state information for the store operations to be updated. One way to update transactions is to read the cache state information. It may, however, be desirable to limit access to the cache. For example, a cache may be designed with a single read/write access point, or port. The design may afford simplicity, or be suitable for a smaller or low-power cache. With such a design, to read the cache state information, it is necessary to recycle operations through the unit pipe. Repeated recycling to update the store transaction requires many cycles and blocks other accesses to the cache. Therefore, there is a need for a method of updating the cache state information for store transactions without reading the cache state information in a manner that addresses at least some of the issues associated with conventional updating of store transactions. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides a method of updating the cache state information for store transactions in an system in which store transactions only read the cache state information upon entering the unit pipe or store portion of the store and load queue. Store transactions in the unit pipe and queue are checked whenever a cache line is modified, and their cache state information updated as necessary. | 20040722 | 20071127 | 20060126 | 65903.0 | G06F1200 | 0 | ELLIS, KEVIN L | METHOD OF UPDATING CACHE STATE INFORMATION WHERE STORES ONLY READ THE CACHE STATE INFORMATION UPON ENTERING THE QUEUE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
|
10,897,519 | ACCEPTED | Electronic flash memory external storage method and device | An electronic flash memory external storage method and device for data processing system, includes firmware which directly controls the access of electronic storage media and implements standard interface functions, adopts particular reading and writing formats of the external storage media, receives power via USB, externally stores date by flash memory and access control circuit 2 with the cooperation of the firmware, driver and operating system, and has write-protection so that the data can be safely transferred. The method according to present invention is highly efficient and all parts involved are assembled as a monolithic piece so that it has large-capacity with small size and high speed. The device operates in statistic state and is driven by software. It is plug-and-play and adapted to data processing system. | 1. An electronic flash memory external storage device comprising: a storage media and a DC power supply; all components and PCB (printed circuit board) of said external storage device being assembled as a monolithic piece; said external storage device using software to implement external storage functions; and said external storage device and its every part being physically at a standstill during the process of access. 2. The external storage device according to claim 1, wherein further with the following characteristics; said PCB includes an access control circuit, the access control circuit includes a microprocessor, a USB interface controller, a USB connector and a suspend/resume circuit; said storage media is flash memory; the microprocessor is connected with the USB interface controller, the suspend/resume circuit and the flash memory respectively; the USB interface controller is connected with the USB connector suspend/resume circuit, the flash memory and the microprocessor respectively; the USB connector is connected with the data processing host computer through USB cable; and said external storage device is driven by driver and firmware, wherein the firmware is resided in the microprocessor and the driver is loaded between upper layer and bottom layer operating system of the host computer. | RELATED APPLICATION This application is a divisional application of U.S. application serial No. 09687,869 filed on Oct. 13, 2000. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is related to storage device for data processing system, especially related to external storage method and its device for micro, handheld and portable data processing systems. BACKGROUD OF THE INVENTION Since the invention of computer, people have been paying close attention to the improvement of computer external storage device, from magnetic drum, magnetic tape to floppy disk and hard disk to exchange, save and backup data and file. For more than a decade, personal computer technology has been improved quickly, but the technology of floppy disk as a removable external storage has no substantial improvement. The only improvement of floppy disk is that the size was reduced from 8 inches, to 5.25 inches, and to 3.5 inches, and the capacity was increased to 1.44 MB. Other than the above improvements, the floppy disk technology stays as what it was ten years ago and there is no further improvement. As we all know, floppy disk has the following disadvantages: small capacity, low speed, easy to be damaged, low reliability. Especially, floppy disk drive is big and heavy. All these disadvantages have caused great inconvenience to users. In the past few years, there are some other storage devices in the market, such as high-capacity ZIP disk, removable optic disc MO etc. These devices have some advantages that floppy disk does not have, such as larger capacity, better reliability than floppy disk, etc. But they still have such disadvantages: big, heavy, requiring physical drive, difficult to carry, complicated to use, requiring external power supply, hard to popularize, high price and so on. Only very small number of computers are equipped with physical drives for such storage devices. In addition, in order to install such an internal drive, you must turn off the computer, open computer casing and find a place in the computer to mount it. Then you need to close the casing, power on your computer and install software driver for the device. You can not use the device until all the above steps have been finished. Obviously, ordinary computer users, even computer specialists may find such storage devices too troublesome to use, not to mention those users who are not familiar with computers. To sum up, a new kind of computer storage device is urgently needed to replace or complement floppy disk and other external storage device using existing technology. The need is especially urgent for those increasingly popular notebooks and handheld devices. Floppy disk drive and other physical drives, due to their big size and heavy weight, are not suitable for notebooks and handheld devices which must be light, convenient, small and portable. In fact, more and more notebooks don't have build-in floppy disk drive or CDROM drive for the purposes of compactness and convenience. Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a new computer technology in recent years. Its standard is defined by some international big companies such as Intel, Microsoft and Compaq etc. The purposes of USB are to make the use of personal computers simpler, easier and faster, and to replace existing serial port, parallel port and keyboard port etc. Today, all Pentium II or above computers (including compatible computers) are equipped with USB. USB has become a new industry standard for personal computer. There may be some other high-speed universal bus standards in the future. At the time when USB is widely available today, users can no longer tolerate the situation that micro or portable data processing devices can not install built-in floppy disk or other similar storage devices. Users also can hardly tolerate low-capacity, low-speed and vulnerable storage devices like floppy disk, especially can not tolerate the defects that drives for such devices are big and hard to install. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an electronic flash memory external storage method to overcome the shortages of current storage technology. The method uses electronic flash memory, standard universal bus and plug-and-play technology to provide a new external storage device to computer users. All parts and PCB of the external storage device are assembled as a monolithic piece. The high-capacity and high-speed device is simple, light, convenient, portable, easy to use and highly reliable. The invention only uses software to implement external storage functions and can be implemented on different operating system. It is applicable to various data processing systems supporting standard universal bus. The objects of the present invention are accomplished by the following technical scheme: The scheme adopts an electronic flash memory external storage method that includes the use of DC power supply and storage media, and has the following characteristics: said storage media is flash memory, and: all components and PCB (printed circuit board) used are assembled as a monolithic piece, said storage method uses software to implement external storage functions (to replace physical drive), every part is physically at a standstill during the process of access. Said external storage method involves flash memory and the connecting universal bus interface controller, microprocessor and suspend/resume circuit. The external storage device is connected with data processing system through universal bus interface. The firmware of the external storage device is designed inside the microprocessor. After initialization, the firmware can process standard interface operation requests and special operation requests to the external storage device. After processing the requests, the firmware sends the results back to the requesters. Meanwhile, the driver of the external storage device is implemented and installed in the operating system. The driver is initialized when the external storage device is plugged into host computer. During initialization, the driver instructs upper layer of the operating system to generate a removable drive for the external storage device and assign a corresponding device symbol for it. Afterwards, in response to conventional magnetic disk operation requests, the driver converts these requests into special instructions for the external storage device. The driver then sends the converted instructions to the firmware of the external storage device through bottom layer operating system and universal bus interface control circuit. The firmware executes the instructions and sends results and status back to the driver through the operating system. There are two categories of instructions for the external storage device: read and write. Due to the characteristic that valid data of the flash memory can not be overwritten, a write command is therefore converted into three steps: read, internal erasing, data merge and writing back. An electronic flash memory external storage device, which comprises storage media and DC power supply, is designed and implemented. All parts and PCB (printed circuit board) used for the external storage device are assembled as a monolithic piece. It uses software to implement external storage functions. The external storage device, including all of its parts, is physically at a standstill during the process of access. There is an access control circuit on said PCB, which comprises microprocessor, USB interface controller, USB connector and suspend/resume circuit. Said storage media is flash memory. Said microprocessor is connected with USB interface controller, suspend/resume circuit and flash memory respectively. The USB interface controller is connected with USB connector, suspend/resume circuit, flash memory and microprocessor respectively. The USB connector is connected with data processing host machine through USB cable. Said external storage device is driven by the driver and the firmware. The firmware resides in the microprocessor and the driver is loaded between upper layer operating system and lower layer operating system of the host computer. An application example of the external storage device is to utilize it in data processing system. The device is connected with the system through universal bus interface. Driver for the external storage device is installed in the operating system of the data processing system. Under the management of the operating system, users can operate the external storage device the same way operating a classical disk. The driver receives standard disk operation requests from operating system and converts the requests into special instructions for the external storage device. The driver then sends the converted instructions to the firmware through bottom layer operating system and universal bus interface control circuit. The firmware executes the instructions and sends results and status back to the driver through the operating system. Up to this point, the data exchange procedure between the external storage device and data processing system is completed. The recognition procedure of the external device when it is plugged into the host machine includes device plug-in, device registration and allocation of device symbol. The external storage device is plug-and-play without shutting down the host machine when plugging in or pulling out the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows the general hardware block diagram of the electronic flash memory external storage device of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a hardware section diagram of the electronic flash memory external storage device. FIG. 3 shows the hardware block diagram of the electronic flash memory external storage device implemented with USB interface. FIG. 4 shows the hardware block diagram of the electronic flash memory external storage device implemented with IEEE1394 interface. FIG. 5 shows the software block diagram of the electronic flash memory external storage device. FIG. 6 shows circuit schematics of the electronic flash memory external storage device implemented with USB interface. FIG. 7 shows the driver flowchart. FIG. 8 shows the firmware flowchart. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Following is the description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which description should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. An electronic flash memory external storage method, which includes the use of DC power supply and storage media, wherein with the following characteristics: said storage media is flash memory: all components and PCB (printed circuit board) used are assembled as a monolithic piece; said storage method uses software to implement external storage functions (to replace physical drive); and every part is physically at a standstill during the process of access. Said storage method includes: the establishment of data exchange channel between data processing host computer and external storage device; connecting method of the power supply source; method of setting up physical storage media of the external storage device and its internal data structure; method of reading and writing the external storage media; method of interpreting and executing read and write commands; method of transferring data between the host computer and the external storage device; installation procedures of driver of the external storage device; and method of data exchange between the host machine operating system and said driver. Said storage method also includes a firmware that resides in the electronic flash memory external device and directly controls the access of flash memory and implements standard interface functions. The firmware resides in the microprocessor and works according to the firmware flowchart as shown in FIG. 8. When the external storage device is plugged into the data processing a host computer, the firmware coordinates with the driver in the operating system to accomplish the initialization of the device (step 1), then waits for the operation request (step 2). According to the requirements of operating system and the driver, if the request is a interface standard operation, the firmware executes standard interface operation instructions and returns back the processing result or status information etc. (steps 3, 4, 5); If not but a special operation for the external storage device, the firmware executes the special operation instructions and returns back the processing result or status information etc. (steps 3, 6, 7, 8); or else the firmware ignores the operation request and returns back to step 2. Said driver works according to the software flowchart for the driver as shown in FIG. 7. When the external storage device is plugged into the data processing host machine, the driver coordinates with the firmware to accomplish the initialization of the device and notify the operating system to assign and display a device symbol for the external storage device. The driver also needs to process the operation requests sent from the operating system to the external storage device. At present, the operation request is mainly in magnetic disk operation format. It needs to be converted by the driver into special operation instruction for the external storage device, packaged in the format defined by the universal bus standards and sent to the firmware for execution. In addition, the driver needs to accomplish plug-and-play and coordinates with the operating system. Once the external storage device is pulled out, the driver will immediately notify the operating system to remove the corresponding device symbol of the external storage device. Said storage method, which can be applied to all data processing systems supporting universal bus, includes the following contents: The data exchange channel between said data processing system host machine and the external storage device is universal bus. It does not need extra interface card, big physical drive or mechanical moving parts. It is light in weight, quick to start up and plug and play. The working power for the device is supplied from the universal bus. No extra external power supply is needed. It is convenient and easy to use. At present, the universal bus adopted is USB (Universal Serial Bus). USB is a new international standard for computer peripheral devices, which can replace the legacy parallel ports, serial ports, keyboard interface and mouse interface etc. The purpose of USB is to provide unified interface for computer peripheral devices, to improve transferring speed, to increase number of connectable devices, to increase transferring distance and to facilitate computer users. Today many computer peripheral devices such as scanner, printer, digital camera, keyboard and mouse have adopted USB interface. The storage media of said external storage device is flash memory. This flash memory is a kind of large-capacity electronic memory chip with small size and high speed. Data of the flash memory can be randomly or sequentially read and written. Data can also be erased. Erasing operation is in unit of data block, which can be erased for up to 1 million times. Flash memory is an excellent data storage media with the capability to store data for more than 10 years without power supply. This kind of flash memory has another feature that if the target memory area of a write operation contains valid data, the valid data in this memory area must be read out first before the memory area will be erased and then the new data can be successfully written in, wherein said valid data is the useful data that should be saved an can not be erased. This feature is perfect to protect the valid data in the flash memory though it makes the write operation more complicated. The capacity of an external storage device using flash memory is normally five to six times larger than a floppy disk. The data inside the flash memory is organized in a uniform block model. At present, one data block of the flash memory provides 8K bytes, 16K bytes or 32 k bytes or even 128K bytes available storage capacity. With the advancement of technology, flash memory with even bigger capacity in a single block will probably be available for external storage device. Said read command for the external storage device comprises the following steps: upper layer operating system receives the read command from user, wherein the command format is the familiar format used by legacy magnetic disk; operating system sends said read command to the driver; the driver converts the read command used by magnetic disk operation into special read instruction which can be understood and executed by the firmware and transfers said converted read instruction to bottom layer operating system; bottom layer operating system transfers said converted read instruction to the firmware through control circuit of the universal bus; the firmware executes said converted read instruction, and transfers results and status back to the driver through operating system. Said write command of the external storage device comprises the following steps: operating system receives the write command from user, wherein the command format is the familiar format used by legacy magnetic disk; operating system sends said write command to the driver; the driver checks whether the external storage device has write protection or not, if no write protection status or not, the driver continues to execute the following steps; the driver converts the write command used by magnetic disk operation into several special instructions which can be understood and executed by the firmware, and transfers said converted instructions one by one to bottom layer operating system; bottom layer operating system transfers said converted instructions to the firmware through control circuit of the universal bus; the firmware executes a read instruction to the target memory area of the write command and transfers data read out back to the driver through operating system; the firmware executes an erase instruction to said target memory area and transfers erase result back to the driver through operating system; the driver merges the data read out and the data to be written to said target memory area, and sends the merged data and a write instruction to the firmware, then the firmware writes the merged data back to said target memory area, the firmware transfers write operation results and status back to the driver through the operating system. The data exchange method between the data processing system and the external storage device is the standard method defined by the universal bus specifications, not the specifically self-defined internal method for the external storage device. Driver or firmware packages data according to the standard communication protocol before the data is transferred from driver to firmware or from firmware to driver. Said working power of the external storage device is supplied from USB instead of special power supply from the system. This power supply scheme eliminates power adapter and maximizes the convenience of plug-and-play. In other examples of implementation, the standard IEEE1394 bus can be adopted as the data exchange channel between the data processing host machine and the external storage device. In this case, working power of the external storage device can be provided from IEEE1394 bus and the data exchange method between the data processing host machine and the external storage device is the standard method defined by IEEE1394. The present invention uniquely designs a toggle switch that is connected to the write protection pin WP of flash memory. The status of the write protection pin is either pending or connected to ground by the switch. Write protection function of the external storage device is jointly implemented by the WP pin and the firmware detection of the WP pin status. The write protection pin WP has hardware write protection function, that is, it can physically protect the contents of the flash memory from being modified or erased. On the other hand, driver and firmware provide software write protection function for the external storage device. When the WP pin is at the write protection status (WP pin is connected to ground), the firmware notifies this status to the driver and the driver in turn notifies this status to the operating system. As a result, the contents in the flash memory can not be modified or erased and the data saved by the users can be protected. Especially in this case, the external storage device is impossible to be infected by virus. The general hardware block diagram of the external storage device of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the hardware section diagram of the external storage device using USB interface 231. Said storage device is completely contained inside a single casing 5. All components are mounted on a PCB 51 that is contained in the casing 5. The device uses software to implement data storage access functions. The external storage device and its every part are physically at a standstill when the device is at working state. A flash memory 1, a DC-DC voltage regulator 3 and an access control circuit 2 are mounted on the PCB 51 of the external storage device. Because the flash memory 1 and the access control circuit 2 only comprise electronic components without any mechanical moving parts, the external storage device can be very small, almost the same size of a thumb, and it is very convenient in using and carrying. FIG. 3 shows the hardware block diagram of the external storage device of the present preferred embodiment implemented with USB interface 231. The access control circuit 2 includes a microprocessor 21, a USB interface controller 221, a USB interface 231 and a suspend/resume circuit 24. The storage media is the flash memory 1. The microprocessor 21 is connected with the USB interface controller 221, the suspend/resume circuit 24 and the flash memory 1, with signal flowing in uni-direction or bi-direction. The USB interface controller 22 is respectively connected with the USB connector 23, the suspend/resume circuit 24 and the flash memory 1, with signal flowing in uni-direction or bi-direction. The USB interface 231 is connected with the data processing system through USB cable. A write protection switch 4 is connected with the flash memory 1 and the microprocessor 21, with signal flowing in uni-direction. The power supply of the DC-DC voltage regulator 3 is provided from the USB interface 231, and is connected with the microprocessor 21, the USB interface controller 221 and the suspend/resume circuit 24. The output pin of the DC-DC voltage regulator 3 is connected with the power supply pin of the flash memory 1. Today almost all Pentium II or above computers (including compatible computers) are equipped with USB interface. USB has become the new industry standard of personal computer. Therefore, many computers can support the electronic flash memory external storage device of the present invention. Like floppy disk and CDROM, the external storage device will probably become a standard computer peripheral and will eventually replace floppy disk and floppy drive. FIG. 4 shows the hardware block diagram of the external storage device of the present preferred embodiment implemented with IEEE1394 interface, wherein the universal bus interface is IEEE1394 interface 232, and the universal bus interface controller is IEEE1394 interface controller 222. FIG. 6, the corresponding figure of FIG. 3, shows the circuit schematics of the external storage device of the present preferred embodiment. The microprocessor 21 is used to control the USB interface controller 221, the flash memory 1 and the suspend/resume circuit 24. The microprocessor 21 comprises a microprocessing chip D4 and two 4053 analog multiplexer/de-multiplexer chips D5 and D6. Pin 12, 1 and 3 of the chip D5 and pin 12 of the chip D6 are connected together and then to pin 12 of the chip D4. Pin 13, 2, 5 of the chip D5 and pin 13 of the chip D6 are connected together and then to pin 13 of the chip D4. Pin 11, 10, 9 of the chip D5 and pin 11 of the chip D6 are respectively connected to pin 44, 1, 2 and 3 of the chip D4. DATA0 to DATA7 of the chip D4 are respectively connected to the corresponding data bus of chip D2 of the USB interface controller 221 and chip D1 of the flash memory 1. Pin 4 of the chip D5 is connected to pin 4 of the flash memory chip D1. Pin 14 of the chip D6 is connected to pin 42 of the flash memory chip D1. Pin 14 and 15 of the chip D5 are respectively connected to pin 15 and 16 of the chip D2. Said USB interface controller 22 comprises a chip D2 with part number PDIUSBD12, a crystal oscillator Y1, capacitors C1-C2 and C7-C8, resistors R1-R3 and R10, and a LED V3. The crystal oscillator Y1 and the capacitors C1 and C2 are serially connected as a closed circuit. The two pins of the crystal oscillator Y1 are respectively connected to pin 22 and 23 of the chip D2. Pin 25 and 26 of the chip D2 are respectively connected to pin 2 and pin 3 of the USB connector 23 through the resistors R2 and R1. The USB interface controller 221 is responsible for USB data input, data output and data flow control. It is compliant to USB Specifications 1.0 and 1.1. The USB interface controller 22 has an 8-bit high-speed and yet simple parallel bus interface capable of interfacing with most microprocessor, and also supports DMA function. The flash memory 1 is used for data storage. The part numbers of the flash memory chip D1 can be TC58V64FT/128FT/256FT/512FT or KM29V64000T/128T/256T/512T. Pin 5 of the chip D1 is connected to pin 5 of the write protection switch 4. The purpose of the suspend/resume circuit 24 is to reduce power consumption. It can switch the external storage device from working state to suspend state, or can wake up the external storage device from suspend state to normal working state. It comprises a transistor V1, a capacitor C4, a diode V2 and resistors R5-R9. The base of the transistor V1 is connected to pin 12 of the chip D2 of the USB interface controller 22 through the resistor R9, the capacitor C4 and the resistor R8. The emitter of the transistor V1 is connected to pin 4 of the microprocessor chip D4. The electronic flash memory external storage device of the present invention does not need physical drive and extra external power supply. It is completely driven by software, that is, driven by the driver and the firmware. The firmware resides in the microprocessor 21 and interacts with bottom layer operating system. The driver is loaded between bottom layer operating system, and interacts with bottom layer operating system and upper layer operating system. The software block diagram of the driver is shown in FIG. 5. The software block diagram of FIG. 5 includes an upper layer operating system 5.1, a flash electronic memory external storage device driver 5.2, a bottom layer operating system 5.3, and a flash electronic memory external firmware 5.4. The software flowcharts of the driver and the firmware are shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 respectively. FIG. 7 shows an initialization block 7.1, notify the operating system to assign an external storage driver block 7.2, a waiting for operation request block 7.3, an operation of the magnetic disk block 7.4, a plug-and-play or other supportable operation block 7.5, a processing operation block 7.6, a return process inform of result or state etc. block 7.7, a specifical operation for converting magnetic disc operation into electronic flash memory external storage device block 7.8, a specifically operate electronic flash memory external storage device to package it in the format defined by USB block 7.9, a send the packaged operation to the firmware via the operation system and wait for operation return block 7.10, a return process information of result or state etc. block 7.11, and a notify the operating system to remove the movable storage device block 7.12. FIG. 8 shows an initialization block 8.1, a waiting for operation request block 8.2, a standard USB operation block 8.3, a special operation for the flash electronic external storage device block 8.4, a process the special operation request for the flash electronic external storage device block 8.5, a return process information of result or state etc. block 8.6, a process standard USB operation request 8.7, and a return process information of result or state etc. 8.8. The inventors of the present invention are preparing to apply to China Software Registration Center for the copyright protection of the driver and the firmware. When the user plugs the external storage device into the USB port of the computer, the microprocessor 21 immediately starts the execution of the firmware resided in the microprocessor 21. The firmware firstly executes initialization operations. After the initialization, the firmware enters into waiting state to wait for further operation requests. All initialization code of the firmware is stored in the microprocessor chip D4. When the external storage device is powered up, the operating system inquiries the USB interface chip D2. In response to the inquiry, the chip D2 generates interrupt requests to the microprocessor chip D4. The chip D4 establishes the connection with the operating system by responding to the interrupt requests of D2. Basing on the feedback of various device status and flags from the chips D2 and D4 of the external storage device, the operating system in turn notifies the chips D2 and D4 to finish the initialization and to be prepared for normal data exchange at the next stage. Through the USB interface, the operating system is able to automatically detect the existence of any new external storage device whenever it is plugged in. In this case, upper layer operating system immediately activates the driver. When the driver is activated, it executes initialization operations and instructs the operating system to create a removable storage device (or movable storage device) for the external storage device. After the operating system receives the instruction, it generates a removable storage device and assigns a corresponding drive symbol for each external storage device plugged in. During the above operating process, the firmware receives and processes operation requests from the driver and the operating system. When the driver finishes the processing of the plug-in operation, it enters into waiting state to wait for further operation requests. When the user pulls out an external storage device from the USB port of the computer, the firmware terminates its execution immediately. In this case, the operating system can automatically detect that the device has been pulled out from the computer, and immediately notifies the driver of this event. After the driver receives the notification, it immediately executes the relevant operations and instructs the operating system to remove the removable storage device corresponding to the external storage device that has been pulled out. After the operating system receives the instruction, it removes the corresponding removable storage device and drive symbol immediately. When the upper layer of the operating system receives a read command, it passes the read command to the driver. Because the format of the read command is the standard magnetic disk operation format which is different from the operation format of USB and flash memory, the driver converts the read command into the special instruction for the electronic flash memory external storage device. After the conversion, the driver again packages the converted instruction into USB packets, and sends the packaged read instruction to bottom layer operating system. Bottom layer operating system in turn sends the read instruction through the USB interface to the firmware running in the microprocessor of the electronic flash memory external storage device. The firmware executes the read instruction and sends the read data and status back to the driver through bottom layer operating system. Then the driver sends the read data and status to upper layer operating system. Up to this point, the process of the read command is finished. When the data processing system requests to read data, the USB interface controller chip D2 notifies the microprocessor chip D4. According to the request of the operation system, the microprocessor chip D4 reads the requested data from the flash memory D1, and sends the data back to the chip D2. The chip D2 in turn sends the requested data back to the data processing system. When upper layer operating system receives a write command, it passes the write command to the driver. Because the format of the write command is the standard magnetic disk operation format which is different from the operation format of USB and flash memory, the driver converts the write command into special instructions for the electronic flash memory external storage device. The new data of the write command can not be successfully written into the flash memory if the target memory area of the flash memory contains valid data. In this case, the target memory area must be erased before any new data can be successfully written into the same memory area. Because of this characteristic of the flash memory, the driver converts the write command into three different internal instructions: read, erase and write. Firstly the driver executes the internal read instruction to read out the valid data already contained in the target memory area of the write command, and stores the read data into an internal buffer of the driver. Then the driver executes the internal erase command to erase all data contained in the said target memory area. Finally, the driver merges the new data need to write into the target memory area with the data saved in the internal buffer of the driver, and executes the internal write instruction to write the merged data into the said target memory area of the flash memory. After the above three internal instructions have been completed, the driver sends the operation status to upper layer operating system. Up to this point, the process of the write command is finished. When the data processing system requests to write data into the flash memory 1 i.e. D1, the USB interface controller chip D2 notifies the microprocessor chip D4. According to the request of the operation system, the microprocessor chip D4 reads corresponding data from the chip D2 and writes the data into the flash memory D1. When the operating system requests the external storage device to erase the flash memory, the USB interface controller chip D2 notifies the microprocessor chip D4. Upon receiving the notification, the microprocessor chip D4 sends a sequence of instructions to the flash memory D1 to erase the contents of the target memory area in flash memory D1. In this preferred embodiment, the driver packages the above said three internal instructions into USB packets and respectively sends each USB packet to bottom layer operating system. Bottom layer operating system in turn sends the USB packets through USB interface to the firmware resided in the microprocessor. The firmware executes the instructions and sends the data and status back to bottom layer operating system through the USB interface. Then bottom layer operating system sends the data and status to the driver. Furthermore, said firmware also implements the special operation of the external storage device. The electronic flash memory external storage device of the present invention includes universal bus interface controller and interface connector, electronic flash memory, suspend/resume circuit, the power supply obtained from the universal bus, and microprocessor. The microprocessor directly controls the access to the storage media of the device and includes a firmware that implements standard functions. The external storage device is supported by the driver installed in the operating system and is supported by system hardware, and has the following characteristics: Said external storage device of the present invention is used as the external storage device of data processing system. Said external storage device of the present invention can also be used as the external storage device of digital micro-computer. Today USB is the standard configuration of Pentium 11 and compatible computers. The wide acceptance of electronic flash memory external storage device of the present invention can be expected soon. Said external storage device of the present invention can also be used as the external storage device of handheld device. This kind of product has been expected for a long time by the users of the popular PDA (personal digital assistant) and other handheld devices. In addition, said external storage device of the present invention can also be used as the external storage device of portable data processing system. Users of portable data processing system such as notebook/sub-notebook computers have been working without effective external storage device for many years due to the big size of floppy disk drive. Now their long expectation to have a good external storage device can be satisfied by our external storage device of the present invention. Compared with current technologies, the electronic flash memory external storage method and device of the present invention used in data processing system has the following advantages: It uses flash memory as storage media and uses universal bus. The device is a removable external storage device that does not need any physical drive and extra external power supply. It is plug-and-play without shutting down the host machine. The speed of the device is fast and its capacity is several times, tens of times, hundreds of times, thousands of times or even higher, of the capacity of floppy disk. It is small, very easy to carry and hard to be damaged. Data retention of the device can be 10 years or even longer. It can be erased for 1 million times or more. More than 20 such devices can be simultaneously connected to the computer. The method and the device of the present invention are applicable to any data processing system that supports universal bus. The part numbers and specifications of the main components used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention are listed as follows: Symbol Name Part Number Supplier D1 flash memory TC58V64FT/128FT/256FT/512FT TOSHIBA or SAM- KM29U64000T/128T/256T/512T SUNG D2 USB interface PDIUSBD12 controller D3 DC—DC X62FP3302 voltage regulator D4 microprocess 8051/series INTEL or D5, D6 analog CD4053 multiplexer/ de-multiplexer Y1 crystal 6 MHz oscillator J1 USB connector C1-C8 capacitor R1-R10 resistor V1 transistor V2 LED V3 diode | <SOH> FIELD OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention is related to storage device for data processing system, especially related to external storage method and its device for micro, handheld and portable data processing systems. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides an electronic flash memory external storage method to overcome the shortages of current storage technology. The method uses electronic flash memory, standard universal bus and plug-and-play technology to provide a new external storage device to computer users. All parts and PCB of the external storage device are assembled as a monolithic piece. The high-capacity and high-speed device is simple, light, convenient, portable, easy to use and highly reliable. The invention only uses software to implement external storage functions and can be implemented on different operating system. It is applicable to various data processing systems supporting standard universal bus. The objects of the present invention are accomplished by the following technical scheme: The scheme adopts an electronic flash memory external storage method that includes the use of DC power supply and storage media, and has the following characteristics: said storage media is flash memory, and: all components and PCB (printed circuit board) used are assembled as a monolithic piece, said storage method uses software to implement external storage functions (to replace physical drive), every part is physically at a standstill during the process of access. Said external storage method involves flash memory and the connecting universal bus interface controller, microprocessor and suspend/resume circuit. The external storage device is connected with data processing system through universal bus interface. The firmware of the external storage device is designed inside the microprocessor. After initialization, the firmware can process standard interface operation requests and special operation requests to the external storage device. After processing the requests, the firmware sends the results back to the requesters. Meanwhile, the driver of the external storage device is implemented and installed in the operating system. The driver is initialized when the external storage device is plugged into host computer. During initialization, the driver instructs upper layer of the operating system to generate a removable drive for the external storage device and assign a corresponding device symbol for it. Afterwards, in response to conventional magnetic disk operation requests, the driver converts these requests into special instructions for the external storage device. The driver then sends the converted instructions to the firmware of the external storage device through bottom layer operating system and universal bus interface control circuit. The firmware executes the instructions and sends results and status back to the driver through the operating system. There are two categories of instructions for the external storage device: read and write. Due to the characteristic that valid data of the flash memory can not be overwritten, a write command is therefore converted into three steps: read, internal erasing, data merge and writing back. An electronic flash memory external storage device, which comprises storage media and DC power supply, is designed and implemented. All parts and PCB (printed circuit board) used for the external storage device are assembled as a monolithic piece. It uses software to implement external storage functions. The external storage device, including all of its parts, is physically at a standstill during the process of access. There is an access control circuit on said PCB, which comprises microprocessor, USB interface controller, USB connector and suspend/resume circuit. Said storage media is flash memory. Said microprocessor is connected with USB interface controller, suspend/resume circuit and flash memory respectively. The USB interface controller is connected with USB connector, suspend/resume circuit, flash memory and microprocessor respectively. The USB connector is connected with data processing host machine through USB cable. Said external storage device is driven by the driver and the firmware. The firmware resides in the microprocessor and the driver is loaded between upper layer operating system and lower layer operating system of the host computer. An application example of the external storage device is to utilize it in data processing system. The device is connected with the system through universal bus interface. Driver for the external storage device is installed in the operating system of the data processing system. Under the management of the operating system, users can operate the external storage device the same way operating a classical disk. The driver receives standard disk operation requests from operating system and converts the requests into special instructions for the external storage device. The driver then sends the converted instructions to the firmware through bottom layer operating system and universal bus interface control circuit. The firmware executes the instructions and sends results and status back to the driver through the operating system. Up to this point, the data exchange procedure between the external storage device and data processing system is completed. The recognition procedure of the external device when it is plugged into the host machine includes device plug-in, device registration and allocation of device symbol. The external storage device is plug-and-play without shutting down the host machine when plugging in or pulling out the device. | 20040724 | 20100831 | 20050217 | 61494.0 | 2 | LI, ZHUO H | ELECTRONIC FLASH MEMORY EXTERNAL STORAGE METHOD AND DEVICE | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,897,550 | ACCEPTED | System and method for determining recommended departure time | The present invention provides a system and method for determining the necessary departure time to allow for an on-time or desired arrival time at a particular location over a particular route based on the evaluation of historic, present, and predicted road conditions. | 1. A system comprising: a data aggregation server configured to manage a plurality of data sets; a road speed prediction engine configured to generate a prediction of average speed based on the plurality of data sets; and a routing engine configured to calculate a departure time based on at least the prediction of average speed. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of data sets comprises at least delayed batch traffic data. 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the delayed batch traffic data comprises at least traffic data pertaining to historically observed road speeds. 4. The system of claim 2 wherein the delayed batch traffic data comprises at least traffic data pertaining to special events. 5. The system of claim 4 wherein the at least traffic data pertaining to special events comprises manual-entry data. 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of data sets comprises at least real-time traffic data. 7. The system of claim 6 wherein the real-time traffic data comprises manual-entry data. 8. The system of claim 6 wherein the real-time traffic data comprises automated-entry data. 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the prediction of average speed is generated by the road speed prediction engine through recognition of repeating traffic patterns. 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the prediction of average speed is generated by the road speed prediction engine through extrapolation from real-time traffic patterns. 11. The system of claim 1 wherein the prediction of average speed represents a long-term prediction of average speed. 12. The system of claim 1 wherein the prediction of average speed represents a short-term prediction of average speed. 13. A method comprising: aggregating a plurality of data sets; generating a prediction of average speed for a segment of roadway based on the plurality of data sets; and calculating a departure time based on at least the prediction of average speed for the segment of roadway. 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the plurality of data sets comprises at least delayed batch traffic data. 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the plurality of data sets comprises at least real-time traffic data. 16. The method of claim 14 wherein the delayed batch traffic data comprises at least traffic data pertaining to historically observed road speeds. 17. The method of claim 13 wherein the delayed batch traffic data comprises at least traffic data pertaining to special events. 18. The method of claim 14 wherein the real-time traffic data is manual-entry data. 19. The method of claim 14 wherein the real-time traffic data is automated-entry data. 20. The method of claim 12 wherein the prediction of average speed is generated by a road speed prediction engine through recognition of repeating traffic patterns. 21. The method of claim 12 wherein the prediction of average speed is generated by a road speed prediction engine through extrapolation from real-time traffic patterns. 22. The method of claim 12 wherein the prediction of average speed represents a long-term prediction of average speed. 23. The method of claim 12 wherein the prediction of average speed represents a short-term prediction of average speed. 24. A machine readable medium having embodied thereon a program being executable by a machine to perform a method comprising: aggregating a plurality of data sets; generating a prediction of average speed for a segment of roadway based on the plurality of data sets; and calculating a departure time based on at least the prediction of average speed for the segment of roadway. 25. The machine readable medium of claim 24 wherein the prediction of average speed is generated through recognition of repeating traffic patterns. 26. The machine readable medium of claim 24 wherein the prediction of average speed is generated through extrapolation from real-time traffic patterns. 27. A departure time prediction system comprising: means for managing a plurality of data sets; means for generating a prediction of average speed based on the plurality of data sets; and means to calculate a departure time based on at least the prediction of average speed. 28. The departure time prediction system of claim 27 wherein the prediction of average speed is generated through recognition of repeating traffic patterns. 29. The departure time prediction system of claim 27 wherein the prediction of average speed is generated through extrapolation from real-time traffic patterns. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/490,199 filed Jul. 25, 2003 and entitled “System and Method for Determining and Sending Recommended Departure Times Based on Predicted Traffic Conditions to Road Travelers.” This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/471,021 filed May 15, 2003 and entitled “Method and System for Evaluating Performance of a Vehicle and/or Operator” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/845,630 filed May 13, 2004 and entitled “System and Method for Evaluating Vehicle and Operator Performance.” The disclosures of the above-referenced and commonly owned applications are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of time-management for road travelers and vehicles, and more particularly, to determining departure times to allow for on-time arrivals at particular locations based on evaluation of historic, present, and predicted road conditions. 2. Description of Related Art Recent studies have found that road travelers can spend almost 50% of their commute time ‘stuck’ in traffic, that is, not making significant progress on traversing a total distance to their final destination. This unfortunate phenomenon is sometimes referred to as ‘grid lock.’ Grid lock is often exacerbated, if not caused by, road construction, high traffic volume related to ‘rush hour,’ or otherwise resulting from special events such as concerts and holiday traffic or, as is most often the case, accidents on a roadway resulting in road or lane closures. Further studies have demonstrated that daily commuters account for over 75% of all car trips. With increasing urban-sprawl, most road travelers are commuters with increasingly significant distances to travel. Combined with the fact that almost 90% of daily commuters in the United States, for example, use private vehicles and therein represent millions of people wanting to move at the same time, road systems in the United States and around the world simply do not have the capacity to handle peak loads of traffic. Traffic congestion has become, unfortunately, a way of life. Road travelers are, as a result, often vulnerable when making travel plans in that they do not know what to expect in terms of traffic conditions or commute time on any given day. Poor and inconsistent traffic information combined with the road traveler's general inability to process multiple feeds of incoming real time and historical data as it relates to weather, incident reports, time of year, construction road closures, and special events further complicate these problems. Road travelers are reduced to making inaccurate predictions as to required travel time necessary to traverse from a point of departure to a desired point of arrival. Furthermore, road travelers, due in part to constantly changing weather and traffic conditions, are often unaware that more optimal travel routes might exist both prior to departure and while en route to the desired point of arrival. Present systems inform the road traveler of actual conditions on a variety of routes, but leave determination of an ultimate travel route and necessary departure time to the road traveler, which inevitably results in the aforementioned inaccurate predictions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,594,576 to Fan et al. provides a traffic data compilation computer that determines present traffic conditions and a fastest route to a particular location under the aforementioned traffic conditions. Fan et al. also provides estimated travel time based on current traffic conditions. Fan et al. fails, however, to provide a necessary departure time to the road traveler so that they may achieve an on-time arrival. Fan et al. also fails to consider historical traffic data in that present conditions may allow for a given travel time but fails to predict a change in that travel time due to a known forthcoming event such as rush hour or a concert. Furthermore, Fan et al. requires the presence of a collection of data from mobile units-vehicles. Absent large scale cooperation of road travelers to equip their vehicles with such data collection equipment, the data collection network of Fan et al. might also produce inaccurate or, at least, incomplete information. U.S. Pat. No. 6,236,933 to Lang is also representative of the lack of a means to inform road travelers of both evolving road conditions, travel routes, and the necessary departure time on any one of those routes in order to achieve on-time arrival. Lang, too, is dependent upon widespread installation of monitoring electronic devices in each road traveler's vehicle. There is the need for a system that aggregates multiple sources of traffic data and interprets that traffic data to express it as a predictive road speed and not a static route devoid of considerations of constantly evolving traffic conditions. By overlaying predictive road speeds with a road traveler's starting locating, destination, desired arrival time and other optional attributes, a road traveler is offered a much needed system that determines an optimal route and recommended departure time. Such a system would then deliver the information via a desired message delivery method. Such a system should also remain sensitive of privacy concerns of road travelers in that the presence of a monitoring device might be considered invasive and otherwise outweighs any benefits it might offer in providing predictive road speed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed towards a system and method for aggregating and interpreting multiple sources of traffic data. The present invention expresses that data as a predictive road speed for particular sections of road. By determining predictive road speed, the present invention determines the optimal travel route and recommended departure time based on, among other things, destination, and arrival time and changing traffic conditions. The present invention also provides for communication of the optimal departure time to the traveler. In one embodiment, the road traveler inputs a starting location, a destination, a desired arrival time, and other optional attributes such as maximum desired speed and vehicle type, which may be used by a routing application to calculate a route. The road traveler also inputs information regarding a desired message delivery method such as electronic mail, SMS, telephone, instant message or other message delivery protocol. Using a database of predictive road speeds and a routing engine, the system determines the optimal route and recommended departure time for the road traveler's pre-selected arrival time. The system then delivers this information to the road traveler through the desired message delivery protocol. Prior to departure, the system continues to re-evaluate the suggested route and estimated travel time using constantly updating road speed forecasts, and delivers alerts to the road traveler when there is a significant change in the recommended route or forecast. A departure and route alert is also sent when the recommended departure time is reached. Updates may also be sent after the departure time to update the road traveler as to changes in the predicted arrival time or recommended route. By aggregating multiple sources of data, that data can then be interpreted as a predictive road speed. When the predictive speed is overlaid with a road traveler's attributes, the optimal route and departure time along with real-time updates can be delivered to a road traveler. The availability of such information can significantly reduce commute time, especially time spent in traffic, thereby resulting in increased on-time arrival and an overall reduction of stress on transportation infrastructure. The benefits of the present system include availability of scheduled and, as necessary, up-to-the-minute/emergency departure notifications. The present system is also beneficial in that it provides data for a desired route, as opposed to a variety of routes which forces the user to make inaccurate and often erroneous calculations by combining disparate data. The present system provides further benefits in that incident reports, weather and time of year are used in backward-looking algorithms to determine new variables that perturb otherwise stable traffic patterns. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a system for generation of a departure alert; FIG. 2 shows the input and aggregation of traffic data by the system and its processing by a road speed prediction engine that interacts with the routing engine; FIG. 3 shows the interaction between the data processed by the road speed prediction engine and the user information of the alert manager by the routing engine; FIG. 4 shows a flowchart methodology for generating a departure alert; FIG. 5 shows a flowchart methodology for calculating a departure time FIG. 6 shows a flowchart methodology for delivering an alert notification; FIG. 7 shows an exemplary departure alert interface for generating a departure alert; FIG. 8 shows an exemplary representation of the entire system, according to one embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system sends departure notifications to road travelers as to an optimal departure time for a pre-selected travel path to allow for an on-time arrival. This notification takes into account road speed forecasts for the pre-selected travel path and provides updated departure recommendations based on changing traffic conditions. The system aggregates road and other travel data in various forms and formats and expresses it in an average speed for a section or sections of roadway. By overlaying predictive road speeds, for, example with a road traveler's starting location, destination, desired speed, and arrival time, the system evaluates a suggested route and delivers notification to the road traveler as to recommended departure time and route. FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of an exemplary system (FIG. 8) for calculating departure notices whereby a road traveler or a user logs in to the system through, at least, a user registration server 110. The term “user,” as used throughout the specification, should be understood to cover a person actually using or interfacing the system (a user, in the truest sense) in addition to a person who might be receiving information from the system while traveling in a vehicle (a road traveler). In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates with greater particularity that part of a larger system for generating a departure alert 130 whereby a user logs in to the system through, at least, a user registration server 110. The user registration server 110 manages, at least, user identification and authentication but can also manage related processes such as subscriptions and billing. User registration server 110 may contain a database for maintaining, for example, user identification information. At the very least, however, user registration server 110 has means to access, for example, a separate database storing this type of information. The user registration server 110 may also manage commonly used information about a particular user including regularly traveled routes, a preferred notification method, credit card information, and so forth. The user registration server 110 may also be integrated with architecture of third-party service providers (not shown) such as Internet portals, cellular telephone services, and wireless handheld devices. Such integration allows the present system to deliver departure alerts 130 and notifications 320 through third-party proprietary networks or communication systems, such as instant messaging networks operated AOL®, Yahoo!® and Microsoft®, in addition to providing a value-added resale benefit to be offered by such third-party providers. Departure alerts 130 and departure notifications 320 generated by the present system and integrated with architecture of a third-party can also be charged to a user's third-party service bill (e.g., a wireless telephone bill), and the operator of the present system shares a portion of the third-party service provider's revenue. Departure alerts 130 and departure notifications 320 generated by the present system can also be charged and/or billed to the user directly by the operator of the system instead of through or by a third-party. For example, a credit card registered and saved to an account by the user can be charged every time a departure alert 130 or a departure notification 320 is generated. Various alternative means of payment and billing exist including pre-purchasing a specific number of departure alerts 130 or departure notifications 320. The user registration server 110, in some embodiments of the present invention, may be optional. In embodiments omitting the user registration server 110, anonymous users can access the system but risk the loss of certain functionalities. Examples of such a loss of functionality are evidenced in there being no extended retention of personal driving or travel preferences or account information as is explained in detail below. The user registration server 110 accepts information from a user, which may include a ‘user name’ or other means of identifying the user, in addition to a ‘password’ or some other form of security verification information whereby the user registration server 110 may verify if the user is who they contend to be. For example, a user might provide a user name and password combination of ‘johndoe’ and ‘abc123.’ The user registration server 110 will then access the database or other means of storing this information to verify if a user identifying him self as ‘johndoe’ is, in fact, authorized to access the present system via a prior account registration or generation. If so, ‘johndoe’ is authorized, the user registration server 110 further verifies whether the present user is, in fact, ‘johndoe’ by verifying whether the password immediately provided (e.g., ‘abc123’) is the same password as that provided during a registration or initial account generation process as evidencing a right or permission to access the present system account. Access to the user registration server 110 to verify account access permissions or to otherwise provide, edit, or delete certain information may occur via any number of different interfaces. For example, if the user registration server 110 is integrated with third-party architecture such as Yahoo!®, interface with the user registration server 110 may occur through a third-party web-based user interface specifically generated and designed by Yahoo!®. Similarly, a party directly implementing the present system can generate their own user interface for accessing the user registration server 110. This interface may offer opportunities for co-branding, strategically placed advertisements, or basic account access (e.g., a simple request for a user name and password). The user interface for the user registration server 110 is limited only in that it need be capable of accessing the user registration server 110 and directing the request, storage, or manipulation of information managed by the user registration server 110. After authenticating the account with the user registration server 110, the user, through a departure alert interface 120, which may include a web site or other form of interface for interacting with an alert manager module 140, creates the departure alert 130. An exemplary embodiment of the departure alert interface 120 is shown in FIG. 7. The departure alert 130 is created by providing certain attributes, such as information concerning starting point, destination, desired arrival time, routing restrictions, preferred notification method and format, and departure buffer time whereby the user may compensate for such time consuming tasks as packing a briefcase, leaving a parking garage or finding a parking spot and the user's destination. The attributes may also include any other information available to the user that might otherwise aid in calculation of a desired route, such as avoidance of construction zones or directing travel in areas offering a variety of hotels, rest stops, or restaurants. In one embodiment, the attributes and information may be entered in response to specific enumerated queries made through the departure alert interface 120 (e.g., ‘What time do you wish to arrive?’ or ‘What is your maximum desired speed limit?’). In an alternative embodiment, attributes may be generated in response to a graphic query whereby a map is provided and the user ‘clicks’ on a desired starting or departure point and ‘checks off’ certain travel attributes (e.g., ‘ avoid construction zones,’ ‘ avoid highways with carpool lanes’ or ‘ map route near hotels’). Some embodiments of the present invention might offer specific queries that are combined with advertising and branding opportunities. For example, instead of a query to the user that merely asks whether or not the user wishes to travel near hotels or restaurants, a query could be generated whereby the user is asked if they wish to travel near a particular brand of hotels or restaurants. The attributes and information provided in the departure alert 130 are then processed by an alert manager module 140 which manages all departure alerts 130 in the system (FIG. 8) and prioritizes the departure alerts 130 for a routing engine 150 (FIG. 2). The alert manager module 140 may be embodied in software (e.g., a computer program) or hardware (e.g., an ASIC), and can be integrated into other elements of the present system. For example, the alert manager module 140 and the routing engine 150 can both be embodied in a single server. Alternatively, and again by way of example, the alert manager module 140 and the routing engine 150—and various other elements of the present system-can be embodied in independent operating structures such as a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) or on different points in a Local Area Network (LAN). So long as various elements of the present system are able to interact with one another and exchange data as is necessary, a singular housing should not be imposed as a limitation on the system. Referring now to FIG. 2, when the departure alert 130 (FIG. 1) is generated through the departure alert interface 120 (FIG. 1), a preliminary route is created by the routing engine 150 that shows a quickest route between the departure location and destination based on current conditions as determined by a road speed prediction engine 230. A graphic representation of the preliminary route, turn-by-turn driving instructions, estimated drive time, and initial recommended departure time—that is, the date and time (e.g., hour and minute) at which a user should depart their starting destination in order to arrive ‘on-time’ at their final destination—are presented to the user through the departure alert interface 120 for approval. The graphic representation, driving instructions, drive time, and departure time are generated by the routing engine 150 as derived from information provided by the road speed prediction engine 230. From the time of approval of the preliminary route by the user through the departure alert interface 120 and until the destination is reached, the alert manager module 140 regularly queries the routing engine 150 to reassess viability of the preliminary route approved by the user to allow for an on-time arrival using updated data and information processed by the road speed prediction engine 230. For example, the road speed prediction engine 230 may process new real-time traffic data in conjunction with historically observed road speeds or the occurrence of a special event or incident to generate new short-term and long-term predictions of average road speed (collectively referred to as a prediction of average speed 240, that is, a prediction of speed for a particular segment or segments of roadway for a particular date and/or time based on available and predicted or extrapolated data). The routing engine 150, either independently or in response to a prompt by, for example, the alert manager module 140 or the user directly, will make a similar query in a form of a request 250 for an updated prediction of average speed 240. The road speed prediction engine 230 will determine if there has been a material change—which can be a default or defined as an attribute in generating departure alert 130 (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour)—in the estimated total travel time for the previously approved preliminary route based on the most recent prediction of average speed 240. Referring now to FIG. 3, if there is a material change in travel time or routing as reflected by the most recent prediction of average speed 240 as generated by the road speed prediction engine 230, a departure notification 320 may be generated by the alert manager module 140, having received the updated prediction of average speed 240 via the routing engine 150, and sent to the user via a departure notification module 330. The routing engine 150 can, through use of the most recently updated prediction of average speed 240 provided by the road speed prediction engine 230, determine a new optimal route between the departure and starting point or, if necessary, a new departure time using that same route. This new route or departure time can be included as a part of the departure notification 320 or generated in response to a subsequent query by the routing engine 150. For example, if a user will depart from San Jose, Calif., and wishes to travel to San Francisco, Calif., on Highway 101 North and arrive at 10.00 AM, the user accesses the system through an interface providing access to the user registration server 110 (FIG. 1) and, having been authenticated as a registered user or otherwise approved to access a particular account, through the departure alert interface 120 (FIG. 1) creates a departure alert 130 (FIG. 1). The alert manager module 140 relays the departure alert 130, along with all other alerts in the system, via the routing engine 150. The alert manager module 130 can relay departure alerts 130 individually (i.e., on an alert-by-alert basis), by user (i.e., all alerts for a particular account), or by any other means that may provide for optimal or predetermined operation of the overall system (e.g., as created, at regularly scheduled intervals, or based on particular attributes in the departure alert 130 such as longest routes, earliest arrival times, and so forth). The routing engine 150, based on the prediction of average speed 240 provided by the road speed prediction engine 230, determines a necessary departure time from San Jose to allow for a 10:00 AM arrival in San Francisco to be 9:11 AM. This information can be conveyed to the user via the departure alert interface 120 or, dependent upon the embodiment, through any other variety of communication mediums or protocols (e.g., instant messenger, electronic mail, SMS and so forth). Prior to departure, the routing engine 150 will continue to query the road speed prediction engine 230 in the form of the request 250 for an updated prediction of average speed 240. For example, should a major accident occur, the routing engine 150 will, in response to the request 250, be given a new and updated prediction of average speed 240 from the road speed prediction engine 230. The road speed prediction engine 230 will have been provided with this new data (i.e., the existence of the accident) and its effect on traffic patterns (e.g., closure of a lane of traffic). This information can be provided, for example, through direct real-time traffic data (e.g., information provided by a driver at the scene of the accident via cellular phone to a traffic hotline) or extrapolation of existing data or historically observed road speed (e.g., the closure of one lane of traffic on Highway 101 for a particular 9 mile segment of roadway at 8:00 AM is generally known to reduce traffic flow by 12 miles per hour for that particular 9 mile segment of roadway). In response to this new data, the road speed prediction engine 230 will notify the routing engine 150 of this change whereby the routing engine 150 can calculate a new route to allow for a 10:00 AM arrival in San Francisco based on a 8:15 AM departure time from San Jose (e.g., traveling on a different highway or traversing service roads for particular parts of the journey), or generate an earlier departure time (e.g., a 10:00 AM arrival will now require departure from San Jose at 8:01 AM). FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart 400 for generating the departure alert 130 (FIG. 1). A user will first log in 410 to the user registration server 110 (FIG. 1). If this represents a first time a user attempts to log in to the server, the user will be required to create an account 420 whereby the user registration server 110 will recognize the particular user for future interactions. If the user needs to create an account, the user will provide requisite account information 425 such as a user name, a password, and contact information such as phone, email address, or SMS address. Other information may also be provided during account information entry 425 such as credit card or billing information or particular travel information such as regular departure points or destinations. Following the generation of an account or, if an account already exists, the user will be authenticated 430 with regard to verifying if a user is who they purport to be (e.g., by cross-referencing or validating a user name with a private password), or that the user even has a right to access the system (e.g., do they currently possess an account recognized by the system). Following authentication 430, the user will be able to generate the departure alert 130 or to otherwise interact with the system by accessing 440 the departure alert interface 120 (FIG. 1). Through the departure alert interface 120, the user can provider certain alert attributes 450 such as origination and arrival point, desired arrival time, intricacies concerning a desired route of travel, and so forth. In response to the provided alert attributes 450, the system will generate a preliminary route 460 and recommended departure time for traversing between the origination and arrival points. The user will then have an ability to approve or reject the route 470 based on, for example, the departure time required for traversing the route and arriving ‘on-time’ at the user's destination. If the route proves to be unsatisfactory, the system will generate a ‘second-best’ or otherwise alternative route 490 based on known travel attributes. If the route is satisfactory, regular queries will be made of the routing engine 150 (FIG. 1) and, in turn, the road speed prediction engine 230 (FIG. 2) in order to continually reassess 480 the approved route and determine if the previously provided departure time in conjunction with the present route will still allow for an on-time arrival. If a material change in the previously approved route is identified 485 during one of these reassessment queries 480—a traffic incident, road closure or other event otherwise causing a material change in departure time as it relates to speed and an on-time arrival—the system will notify the user of the change and generate an alternative route and/or alternative departure time 490. The user, having been informed of the change in route and/or an alternative departure time will then have an ability to approve 470 of the new travel parameters. If the route proves to be unsatisfactory, the system will generate a ‘second-best’ or otherwise alternative route based on known travel attributes. If the alternative route or departure time is satisfactory, regular queries will again be made of the routing engine 150 and, in turn, the road speed prediction engine 230 in order to reassess 480 the approved route and determine if the previously provided departure time in conjunction with the present route will still allow for an on-time arrival. Material changes in the alternative route will be identified 485 as they are with respect to the original route and addressed as set forth above. If there is no material change—concerning either the original route or an alternative route or departure time—then the departure notification 320 (FIG. 3) will be generated and delivered 495 to the user at a time defined by the user or through a default setting of the system via the appropriate communications medium or protocol. Reassessment of the route 480, generation of alternative routes 490, and delivery 495 of such reassessments can occur even after the initial departure time has passed. For example, if the user is traveling a particular segment of roadway as identified by the system as being the most expedient route of travel to a desired destination and an incident occurs (e.g., a major traffic accident) whereby the particular route is no longer the most efficient route of travel or arrival time will be significantly impacted, the system can reassess the route 480 and if the incident does, in fact, represent a material change, that fact will be identified 485 whereby alternative route will be generated 490. The user can then approve or disapprove 470 of these alternative routes. Future assessments 480 can, in turn, be made of these alternative routes and any further changes in travel time can be identified 485 resulting in a similar process of alternative travel route generation 490 and delivery 495. Referring back to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of an exemplary system for generating departure notifications 320 (FIG. 3) whereby a data aggregation server 220 receives both real-time traffic and delayed batch traffic data sets 210 from various sources (not shown). The data aggregation server 220 manages the multiple incoming feeds of data sets 210, both real-time and delayed, and delivers these managed data sets to the road speed prediction engine 230 so that it may develop Predictions of Average Speed 240. Data sets 210 can include what is referred to as delayed batch traffic data. This particular type of data is, generally, data that is not in real-time. While this data reflects traffic conditions on average, the data has been generated as a historical reference and may not reflect the instantaneous realities and chaos that occur in day-to-day traffic. Data sets 210 of delayed batch traffic data can include historically observed road speeds—the average speed for a particular segment of road at a particular day and time under particular conditions—as observed by sensor loops, traffic cameras, or other means of reporting such as traffic helicopters, highway patrol reports, or drivers in traffic with cellular phones. Delayed batch traffic data sets 210 can also include weather information, incident reports (e.g., occurrence of traffic accidents and resulting road closures), information concerning traffic at particular times of year (e.g., the main access road to the beach on Labor Day), planned road construction, planned road closures, and special events such as baseball games or concerts that might otherwise affect traffic flow. Data sets 210 can also include real-time traffic data. Real-time traffic data is data that is, generally, in real-time or generated relatively close in time after the occurrence of an incident or development of a traffic condition that the data reflects the status of traffic ‘right now’ or in ‘real-time.’ Real-time traffic data provides that information which delayed batch traffic data cannot or does not in that the data reflects the instantaneous changes that can result in a traffic commute and the chaotic intricacies that can result from, for example, ‘rubber-necking’ at a traffic accident or closing down three lanes on a four line highway to allow for a HAZMAT crew to arrive and clean up a chemical spill from a jackknifed tanker truck. Real-time traffic data sets 210 can also include reports from real-time traffic sensors, helicopter traffic reports, highway patrol reports, live-news feeds, satellite data, and cellular phone calls from drivers at scene. While means for generating real-time traffic data may, in some instances, mirror those for generating delayed batch traffic data, the difference between the two types of data sets 210 lies in the historical average versus the real-time information offered by such data. Real-time traffic data sets 210 can also be generated by any number of other available manual-entry (e.g., introduction of particular traffic data into the system by a human operator at a keyboard) or automated-entry (e.g., introduction of particular traffic data into the system by another computer reviewing traffic sensors to prepare traffic reports) means. While, in some instances, the road speed prediction engine 230 will be able to prepare a prediction of average speed 240 using only one type of data set 210—real-time traffic or delayed batch traffic data—the road speed prediction engine 230 will generally utilize both types of data sets 210 in order to generate an accurate and useful prediction of average speed 240. That is, one type of data set 210 is no more valuable, as a whole, than another and generation of the most accurate prediction of average speed 240 often requires a combination of varying data sets 210—both real-time traffic and delayed batch traffic data. Incoming data sets 210 are collected, managed, and archived by the data aggregation server 220. The data aggregation server 220 is, largely, a database of data sets 210. Data aggregation server 220 can organize data sets 210 into various broad categories such as real-time traffic data and delayed batch traffic data. Data aggregation server 220 can also organize data sets 210 into smaller sub-categories such as sensor loop data, traffic helicopter data, or on-scene driver data. The data aggregation server 220 organizes this data in a way that allows for ease of input by the sources of various data sets 210 and ease of access by the road speed prediction engine 230. Ease of input/access can mean processing efficiency (i.e., extended searches for data need not be performed as the road speed prediction engine 230 will know exactly what part of the database to access for specific data sets 210) as well as compatibility (e.g., shared application programming interfaces (APIs) or data delivery/retrieval protocols). The road speed prediction engine 230 will access data sets 210 managed by the data aggregation server 220 in response to a pre-programmed schedule (e.g., access the data aggregation server 220 every 5 minutes), in response to a direct request by a user or in response to a request or query by another part of the system (e.g., in response to the request 250 by routing engine 150). The road speed prediction engine 230, through delayed batch traffic data, recognizes historical, repeating and random traffic patterns and the observable effects of those patterns as an expression of average speed for a particular segment of roadway, that is, the prediction of average speed 240. The road speed prediction engine 230 can also take data sets 210 comprising real-time traffic data and overlay real-time traffic information with historical, repeating, and random traffic patterns and extrapolate real-time, present effects on traffic patterns, and further express average speeds for a particular segment of roadway—the prediction of average speed 240—thereby further increasing the accuracy and value of such a prediction. For example, the road speed prediction engine 230 requests data sets 210 comprising historically observed road speed data (delayed batch traffic data) for Highway 101 North between San Jose and Palo Alto, Calif. on Monday mornings between 5:30 AM and 9:00 AM (generally peak commute and traffic time). The road speed prediction engine 230 then analyzes this data over a period of, for example, three weeks and interprets that data as an expression of average speed for that segment of roadway—the prediction of average speed 240—for future Mondays between 5:30 AM and 9:00 AM. Thus, the data aggregation server 220 collects data sets 210 concerning road speed for the segment of roadway—Highway 101 North between San Jose and Palo Alto, Calif.—over a three-week period. The road speed prediction engine 230 accesses that data, which may be 56 mph in week one, 54 mph in week two, and 62 mph in week three. The road speed prediction engine 230, through the execution of any number of mathematical algorithms formulated to predict short-term or long-term average speeds, will recognize the average speed for that segment of roadway—the prediction of average speed 240—to be 57.3 mph on Mondays between 5:30 AM and 9:00 AM. The road speed prediction engine 230 modifies long-term (e.g., likely average speed over the next three months) and short-term predictions (e.g., likely average speed for the next hour) of average speed for particular segments of roadways. These long- and short-term predictions are based on the aggregated data sets 210 managed by the data aggregation server 220. These predictions may change in the long-term because of, for example, road construction and known road closures. These predictions may change in the short-term because of, for example, random events such as accidents. These modifications, too, are expressed as a part of the prediction of average speed 240. By taking into account short-term and long-term predictions, the prediction of average speed 240 for a journey in three weeks (an example of a long-term prediction) will not be skewed by the fact that a major car accident with multiple fatalities has occurred on that same segment of roadway, today, thereby resulting in multiple lane closures and an increase in travel time for the next several hours (a short-term prediction). For example, taking the segment of roadway—Highway 101 North between San Jose and Palo Alto, Calif.—we know, from delayed batch traffic data, the average speed for that segment of roadway is 57.3 mph on Mondays between 5:30 AM and 9:00 AM. Should, for example, a traffic accident resulting in one lane closure for a distance of two miles occur at 6:00 AM, this occurrence (a part of the data set 210) will be collected by the data aggregation server 220 and eventually shared with the road speed prediction engine 230. The road speed prediction engine 230 can overlay this real-time accident and lane-closure data with the historical road speed and extrapolate the effect of the lane-closure and a new prediction of average speed 240—an average increase of 7 minutes based on the time, distance, and location of the lane-closure. This incident, however, will not affect the prediction of average speed 240 for a trip scheduled three-weeks from now in that the road speed prediction engine 230 recognizes that the change in average speed for the next several hours is a short-term prediction. In contrast, the trip scheduled for several weeks from now is a long-term prediction wherein the traffic accident will have since been resolved and traffic patterns will return to normal. The road speed prediction engine 230 delivers these predictions of average speed 240 to the routing engine 150. The routing engine 150 that then determines the optimal departure time and/or departure route based on information provided by the user in creating the departure alert 130 (FIG. 1). The routing engine 150 makes a determination of departure time by evaluating the long-term and/short-term Predictions of Average Speed 240 for a particular segment or segments of roadway that comprise the route of travel between a user's point of origin and ultimate destination. After identifying the prediction of average speed 240 for a particular segment or segments of roadway, the routing engine 150, through mathematical calculation, determines the time necessary to traverse the particular road segments at that average speed. The routing engine 150, in light of the desired arrival time, then determines what time it will be necessary to depart the user's point of origin in order to arrive at the destination at the given time while traveling the known number of miles at the average prediction of speed. For example, if the prediction of average speed 240 for a segment of roadway between the point of origin and the user's destination is 60 miles per hour and that road segment if 120 miles in length, it will take two hours traveling at the average speed to arrive at the destination from the point of origin. If the user desires to arrive at 3:00 PM, it will be necessary to depart at 1:00 PM (in order to travel the 120 mile distance at 60 miles per hour in 2 hours). Additionally, the routing engine 150 can take into account certain attributes provided by the user during the generation of their departure alert 130 as these attributes pertain to the user's particular driving style, tendencies, or other desires and requirements. For example, if the user still wishes to traverse the aforementioned 120 mile segment of roadway but refuses to drive at a speed above 30 miles per hour, this will obviously impact travel and arrival time despite the prediction of average speed 240. Taking into account the aforementioned prediction of average speed 240 and the user attribute limitation (i.e., a refusal to drive at more than 30 miles per hour), the routing engine 150 will now determine the travel time for that same segment of roadway to be 4 hours. If the user still wishes to arrive at 3:00 PM, it will now be necessary to departure at 11:00 AM resulting in a changed departure time to be delivered to the user. The routing engine 150 may use a similar process to generate and, if necessary, elect an alternative route of travel to achieve an on-time arrival at the desired destination. If it becomes evident that the initial route chosen by the user will take longer to travel because of incidents or user imposed limitations (e.g., user attributes), then the routing engine 150 will recognize the imposition of an increasingly earlier departure time and seek out an alternative route of travel that, for example, is better suited to the user's driving attributes or provides a similar route of travel but with less traffic delays. FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart 500 for generating the prediction of average speed 240 (FIG. 2) wherein data sets 210 (FIG. 2) are initially generated 510 from a variety of sources such as traffic sensor loops, highway patrol traffic reports, or preexisting traffic information databases. Information can be generated automatically (e.g., by a computer) or entered manually (e.g., by a person). Data sets 210 are then aggregated 520 by the data aggregation server 220 (FIG. 2). Aggregation of data sets 210 can occur on a regularly scheduled basis or in response to certain stimuli such as queries from other elements of the system. Aggregation 520 can also include collection of data from a database of information that is integrated into the system (e.g., memory containing traffic records and other information for particular segments of roadway for the past year). Aggregation 520 can be a result of data being ‘pushed’ to the data aggregation server 220 from outside sources, that is, the outside sources deliver data sets 210 to the data aggregation server 220. Aggregation 520 can also be a result of data being ‘pulled’ from outside sources, that is, the data aggregation server 220 specifically requests or accesses the data from the outside source. Once data has been aggregated 520, the data aggregation server 220 will manage 530 the aggregated data sets 210. Management 530 may include categorizing certain data sets 210 as being real-time traffic data or delayed batch traffic data, or into even more specific categories such as data as it pertains to particular segments of roadway. Management 530 of traffic data can also comprise storage of specific datum to particular areas of memory to allow for quicker access and faster processing times. Once data has been managed 530 by the data aggregation server 220, the data is then delivered 540 to the road speed prediction engine 230 (FIG. 2). Data can be delivered 540 as part of a specific request by the road speed prediction engine 230 or as a result of a routinely scheduled transfer of data. Once data has been delivered 540 to the road speed prediction engine 230, various algorithms, prediction models, or other means to generate 560 a prediction of average speed 240 (FIG. 2) are executed as a part of the analysis 550 of the received data sets 210. Data is analyzed 550 in order to calculate and generate predictions of average speed 240 for particular segments of roadway. Analysis 550 of data sets can occur through the use of publicly known algorithms and models or through proprietary formulas and models. Any means that helps generate 560 a prediction of average speed 240 may also be used. Once the prediction of average speed 240 has been generated 560, that prediction 240 is further considered 570 in light of certain attributes provided by the user. That is, if the user has imposed certain attributes concerning desired conditions of, or limitations to, travel over a particular route, the prediction of average speed 240 may not accurately allow for calculation 580 of a departure time. For example, if the prediction of average speed 240 for a particular sixty-mile segment of roadway is sixty miles per hour, the travel time for the segment would be one hour causing an initial calculation 580 of departure time to be one hour prior to the desired arrival time. If, for example, the user has indicated the necessity to travel no faster than thirty miles per hour due to a vehicle towing a heavy load, then travel time—regardless of the prediction of average speed 240—would increase to two hours. This increase in actual travel time would affect the calculation 580 of departure time wherein departure must now occur two hours prior to the desired arrival time due to the additional user attribute limitation. Once all known (e.g., user attribute limitations) or expected factors (e.g., predicted road speed) have been considered, however, a departure time as it relates to desired arrival time can be calculated 580 and ultimately delivered to the user. Referring back to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the exemplary system for generating and delivering departure notifications 320 wherein the routing engine 150 uses the latest available prediction of average speed 240 from the road speed prediction engine 230 to determine the optimal departure time and/or route between a point of origin and a point of destination according to information and attributes received from the alert manager module 140. Delivery of departure notifications 320 can comprise the initial reporting of optimal departure time or subsequent changes in departure time due to incidents (e.g., accidents) occurring on a particular segment of roadway or, if conditions warrant, the need for a change in travel route are relayed by the routing engine 150 to the alert manager module 140. Upon receiving information from the routing engine 150 as it pertains to route or departure time, the alert manager module 140, dependent on delivery settings and various limitations (e.g., attributes) provided by the user, will relay the departure and travel information to the departure notification module 330. The departure notification module 330 generates, manages, and provides for the delivery of departure notifications 320 to a user via a desired notification delivery protocol 340. For example, a user can, through the departure alert interface 120 (FIG. 1), generate settings to provide for the delivery of the departure notification 320 through the desired notification delivery protocol 340. Examples of various protocols include SMS to a cellular phone, electronic mail to an electronic mail address, or via a proprietary data network to a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) such as a Blackberry®. In addition to delivering the departure notification 320 to a user as to the initial departure time, the departure notification module 330 can be instructed to deliver a subsequent departure notification 320 if a pre-scheduled departure time changes in excess of, for example, 10 minutes as determined by the routing engine 150 in response to predictions of average speed 240 generated by the road speed prediction engine 230. By means of another example, the user can also create a setting whereby the user is provided with the most up-to-date departure time regardless of change, if any, 24-hours before an initially scheduled departure time. This information is delivered to the user via the departure notification 320 through the desired notification delivery protocol 340 as generated, managed, and sent by the departure notification module 330. These examples are simply illustrative and by no means limiting as to the scope of setting possibilities by the user. For example, a user originates in San Jose, Calif. and wishes to travel to San Francisco, Calif., on Highway 101 North and arrive at 10:00 AM. The system, utilizing the various elements and processes set forth above, determines the optimal departure time to be 8:15 AM to allow for a 10:00 AM arrival. The alert manager module 140 will relay this information to the departure notification module 330. Using the desired notification time (e.g., 24 hours prior to departure) and protocol (e.g., electronic mail), the departure notification module 330 will create and deliver the departure notification 320 to the user at a pre-specified electronic mail address twenty-four hours prior to the optimal departure time. Continuing the example, prior to departure, a major accident occurs on Highway 101 at 4:00 AM on the day of departure requiring the highway to be closed for six hours for hazardous material cleanup. Subject to data sets 210 reflecting the occurrence of this incident and as collected by the data aggregation server 220, the road speed prediction engine 230 generates a new prediction of average speed 240 reflecting slower speed and, therefore, longer travel time along this particular segment of roadway. The routing engine 150, following the request 250, recognizes the new prediction of average speed 240 to reflect a substantial change in average speed and travel time. The routing engine 150 then determines 8:15 AM to no longer be the optimal departure time for the 10:00 AM arrival in San Francisco. The routing engine 150 recognizes that travel on Highway 101 is, in fact, impossible for the next several hours and that travel on Highway 880 North is now the optimal route with a 7:45 AM departure time due to increased traffic diverted from Highway 101 North. The routing engine 150 relays this information to the alert manager module 140 and, the alert manager module 140, recognizing the user must arrive in San Francisco by 10:00 AM, instructs the departure notification module 330 to create and deliver the departure notification 320 to the user via the predetermined notification delivery protocol 340. FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart 600 for generating and delivering the departure notification 320 (FIG. 3) whereby, in accordance with user defined attributes managed by the alert manager module 140 (FIG. 1), a departure notification module 330 (FIG. 3) will generate and deliver, over a desired notification delivery protocol 340 (FIG. 3), departure notifications 320 that reflect initial or changed optimal departure times in addition to reminders of departure time and new routes of travel as current travel conditions may warrant or require. The prediction of average speed 240 (FIG. 2) is generated 610 by the system and the routing engine 150 (FIG. 1) then makes a determination 620 of the necessary departure time in order to achieve an on-time arrival at the user's destination as identified by the user. This initial departure time and other travel information and data is then relayed 630 to the departure notification module 330. The departure notification module 330 will also take into account 640 attributes as provided by the user such as limitations on speed or types of roads to be travel (e.g., highway v. city streets). The departure notification module 330 will then determine 650 the necessity of generating and delivering the departure notification 320. If the departure notification 320 is the initial departure notification 320 to be delivered to the user indicating the necessary departure time, this determination 650 will be in the affirmative. If the departure notification 320 is not the initial notification, determination 650 will be based on whether or not a change in travel route or travel time requires delivery of a subsequent departure notification 320. This determination 650 will, in part, be based on other attributes provided by the user such as how much of a change in travel time will warrant the delivery of the subsequent departure notification 320. If an initial or subsequent departure notification 320 is required, the protocol to be utilized in delivering the departure notification 320 will be identified 660 (also from user identified attributes). After having determined the necessity of departure notification 320 and identification 660 of the requisite delivery protocol, the departure notification 320 will be delivered 670 to the user. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the actual route embarked upon by the user can be delivered to the user in real-time whereby driving directions and/or instructions are sent to the user in a modified departure notification 320. The user receives these driving directions and/or instructions a few minutes ahead of time as to when and where the directions and/or instructions are actually needed (e.g., turn right at Fourth and Main). The modified departure notification 320 would be generated by the departure notification module 330 and based, in part, upon the prediction of average speed 240 whereby the system predicts where a user should be on the actual route based on known departure time and other known conditions affecting the prediction of average speed 240 as reflected in data sets 210. FIG. 7 is an example of an interface 700 for generating a departure alert 130 (FIG. 1). A user may select a point of origin and destination on map 710 by positioning a cursor over the point of origin and point of destination and ‘clicking’ a mouse. In alternative embodiments, the point of origin and point of destination may be typed in using, for example, a keyboard. The desired arrival time may be entered through a scroll-down entry 720. In alternative embodiments, this information may also be typed in using a keyboard. Finally, a method of delivering the departure notification 320 may be indicated at e-mail entry 730. In alternative embodiments, the method of delivering the departure notification 320 could also include SMS, instant message, facsimile, telephone, and so forth. FIG. 8 shows an exemplary integration of the various elements of the system (FIGS. 1-3). The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. Notwithstanding the providing of detailed descriptions of exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, method, process, or manner. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of time-management for road travelers and vehicles, and more particularly, to determining departure times to allow for on-time arrivals at particular locations based on evaluation of historic, present, and predicted road conditions. 2. Description of Related Art Recent studies have found that road travelers can spend almost 50% of their commute time ‘stuck’ in traffic, that is, not making significant progress on traversing a total distance to their final destination. This unfortunate phenomenon is sometimes referred to as ‘grid lock.’ Grid lock is often exacerbated, if not caused by, road construction, high traffic volume related to ‘rush hour,’ or otherwise resulting from special events such as concerts and holiday traffic or, as is most often the case, accidents on a roadway resulting in road or lane closures. Further studies have demonstrated that daily commuters account for over 75% of all car trips. With increasing urban-sprawl, most road travelers are commuters with increasingly significant distances to travel. Combined with the fact that almost 90% of daily commuters in the United States, for example, use private vehicles and therein represent millions of people wanting to move at the same time, road systems in the United States and around the world simply do not have the capacity to handle peak loads of traffic. Traffic congestion has become, unfortunately, a way of life. Road travelers are, as a result, often vulnerable when making travel plans in that they do not know what to expect in terms of traffic conditions or commute time on any given day. Poor and inconsistent traffic information combined with the road traveler's general inability to process multiple feeds of incoming real time and historical data as it relates to weather, incident reports, time of year, construction road closures, and special events further complicate these problems. Road travelers are reduced to making inaccurate predictions as to required travel time necessary to traverse from a point of departure to a desired point of arrival. Furthermore, road travelers, due in part to constantly changing weather and traffic conditions, are often unaware that more optimal travel routes might exist both prior to departure and while en route to the desired point of arrival. Present systems inform the road traveler of actual conditions on a variety of routes, but leave determination of an ultimate travel route and necessary departure time to the road traveler, which inevitably results in the aforementioned inaccurate predictions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,594,576 to Fan et al. provides a traffic data compilation computer that determines present traffic conditions and a fastest route to a particular location under the aforementioned traffic conditions. Fan et al. also provides estimated travel time based on current traffic conditions. Fan et al. fails, however, to provide a necessary departure time to the road traveler so that they may achieve an on-time arrival. Fan et al. also fails to consider historical traffic data in that present conditions may allow for a given travel time but fails to predict a change in that travel time due to a known forthcoming event such as rush hour or a concert. Furthermore, Fan et al. requires the presence of a collection of data from mobile units-vehicles. Absent large scale cooperation of road travelers to equip their vehicles with such data collection equipment, the data collection network of Fan et al. might also produce inaccurate or, at least, incomplete information. U.S. Pat. No. 6,236,933 to Lang is also representative of the lack of a means to inform road travelers of both evolving road conditions, travel routes, and the necessary departure time on any one of those routes in order to achieve on-time arrival. Lang, too, is dependent upon widespread installation of monitoring electronic devices in each road traveler's vehicle. There is the need for a system that aggregates multiple sources of traffic data and interprets that traffic data to express it as a predictive road speed and not a static route devoid of considerations of constantly evolving traffic conditions. By overlaying predictive road speeds with a road traveler's starting locating, destination, desired arrival time and other optional attributes, a road traveler is offered a much needed system that determines an optimal route and recommended departure time. Such a system would then deliver the information via a desired message delivery method. Such a system should also remain sensitive of privacy concerns of road travelers in that the presence of a monitoring device might be considered invasive and otherwise outweighs any benefits it might offer in providing predictive road speed. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is directed towards a system and method for aggregating and interpreting multiple sources of traffic data. The present invention expresses that data as a predictive road speed for particular sections of road. By determining predictive road speed, the present invention determines the optimal travel route and recommended departure time based on, among other things, destination, and arrival time and changing traffic conditions. The present invention also provides for communication of the optimal departure time to the traveler. In one embodiment, the road traveler inputs a starting location, a destination, a desired arrival time, and other optional attributes such as maximum desired speed and vehicle type, which may be used by a routing application to calculate a route. The road traveler also inputs information regarding a desired message delivery method such as electronic mail, SMS, telephone, instant message or other message delivery protocol. Using a database of predictive road speeds and a routing engine, the system determines the optimal route and recommended departure time for the road traveler's pre-selected arrival time. The system then delivers this information to the road traveler through the desired message delivery protocol. Prior to departure, the system continues to re-evaluate the suggested route and estimated travel time using constantly updating road speed forecasts, and delivers alerts to the road traveler when there is a significant change in the recommended route or forecast. A departure and route alert is also sent when the recommended departure time is reached. Updates may also be sent after the departure time to update the road traveler as to changes in the predicted arrival time or recommended route. By aggregating multiple sources of data, that data can then be interpreted as a predictive road speed. When the predictive speed is overlaid with a road traveler's attributes, the optimal route and departure time along with real-time updates can be delivered to a road traveler. The availability of such information can significantly reduce commute time, especially time spent in traffic, thereby resulting in increased on-time arrival and an overall reduction of stress on transportation infrastructure. The benefits of the present system include availability of scheduled and, as necessary, up-to-the-minute/emergency departure notifications. The present system is also beneficial in that it provides data for a desired route, as opposed to a variety of routes which forces the user to make inaccurate and often erroneous calculations by combining disparate data. The present system provides further benefits in that incident reports, weather and time of year are used in backward-looking algorithms to determine new variables that perturb otherwise stable traffic patterns. | 20040723 | 20091027 | 20050127 | 67987.0 | 1 | BEAULIEU, YONEL | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING RECOMMENDED DEPARTURE TIME | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,897,573 | ACCEPTED | Method and system for providing key programming tokens to a multiple vehicle programming device | A method and system of providing tokens to allow a multiple vehicle programmer to program vehicle transponder keys. A token server collects payment for the number of tokens purchased and creates a token update file. The token update file loads the purchased tokens into the multiple vehicle programmer. To program a vehicle transponder key the multiple vehicle programmer checks for an unused token, if available, the unused token authorizes the programming of the vehicle programmer key. The multiple vehicle programmer marks the token as used after successfully programming the transponder key. | 1. A method of authorizing the programming of keys in a multiple vehicle programming device, comprising: receiving at least one permissive token; storing the received permissive token in a token repository on the multiple vehicle programming device; receiving a request to program a key, requesting authorization to program a key in response to the received request; determining whether there is at least one unused permissive token in the token repository; and in the event there is at least one unused token in the token repository, authorizing the programming of a key. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the authorization to program a key is limited to the programming of one key. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising deleting one permissive token after programming a key. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the deleting is performed after receiving confirmation that the key was successfully programmed. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the key is a transponder key for an automobile. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the key is a key fob for an automobile. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the permissive token is an electronic key value, the electronic key value subject to authentication prior to granting authorization to program a key. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the permissive token is a single use token. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the permissive token is an integer value representing the number of keys which may be authorized for programming. 10. A token server for dispensing permissive tokens, the permissive tokens corresponding to the programming of vehicle transponder keys, comprising: a customer database for storing customer information, the customer information including an account representing the number of permissive tokens the accountholder is allowed to receive from the token server; a token request engine, the token request engine responding to requests for tokens from the token server, the token server authenticating an accountholder prior to receiving tokens from the token server. 11. The token server of claim 10, wherein the request for tokens comes from an MVP, the MVP authenticated prior to receiving tokens from the token server. 12. The token server of claim 10, wherein the permissive token is an electronic key value, the electronic key value subject to authentication prior to granting authorization to program a key. 13. The token server of claim 10, wherein the permissive token is a single use token. 14. The token server of claim 10, wherein the permissive token is an integer value representing the number of keys which may be authorized for programming. 15. The token server of claim 10, further comprising: a payment verification system, the payment verification system receiving customer payment information, verifying customer payment information, and crediting the account of an authorized customer to receive tokens. 16. A multiple vehicle programmer for programming vehicle keys, the multiple vehicle programmer comprising: a central processing unit for processing instructions; an interface for communicatively coupling with a vehicle key; a memory for storing information and instructions used by the central processing unit, the memory carrying one or more sequences of instructions which, when executed by the central processing unit, cause the central processing unit to perform the steps of: receiving at least one permissive token; storing the received permissive token in a token repository on the multiple vehicle programming device; receiving a request to program a key, requesting authorization to program a key in response to the received request; determining whether there is at least one unused permissive token in the token repository; and in the event there is at least one unused token in the token repository, authorizing the programming of a key. 17. The multiple vehicle programmer of claim 16, wherein the key is a transponder key for an automobile. 18. The multiple vehicle programmer of claim 16, wherein the permissive token is an integer value representing the number of keys which may be authorized for programming. 19. The multiple vehicle programmer of claim 16, further comprising deleting one permissive token after programming a key. 20. A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of instructions for authorizing the programming of a vehicle key using permissive tokens, wherein execution of the one or more sequences of instructions by one or more processors causes the one or more processors to perform the steps of: receiving at least one permissive token; storing the received permissive token in a token repository requesting authorization to program a key; determining whether there is at least one unused permissive token in the token repository; and in the event there is at least one unused token in the token repository, authorizing the programming of a key. | BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates, generally, to the programming of keys. More particularly, the present invention relates to the programming of keys for automobiles. 2. Related Background Automotive security systems have evolved to include electronically programmed transponder keys on many models of automobiles. To start a car with an electronic transponder key system a key having the proper code must be inserted into the ignition. If the electronic transponder key does not provide the appropriate signal, based upon the electronic code programmed into the key, the automobile's security system will not authorize starting the automobile, and the ignition will not work. As keys can be lost, destroyed or stolen, or may become inoperable, car dealerships and specialized locksmiths provide a service of programming a new transponder key to work with a given vehicle. Programming of transponder keys is typically done with a multiple vehicle programmer (MVP), which is typically a handheld electronic device capable of interfacing with the vehicle's security system, reading electronic values from the car's computer system, and programming an electronic key based upon the values read out from the vehicle's computer. An example of a conventional MVP is the AD100 sold by Advanced Diagnostics U.K. MvPs like the AD100 allow a locksmith to program keys for a variety of vehicles. As is typical of MVPs, the AD100 includes a keypad and display screen, as well as connection ports for connecting to either a car's computer or a PC or other computer. The AD100 also includes and RF antenna to be able to communicate with transponder keys. A locksmith can connect the MVP to the serial port of an automobiles computer security system. The locksmith can use the MVP to read fault codes, clear fault codes, display data received from the automobile's computer, read mechanical key codes, read electronic transponder key codes, identify the automobile's electronic control using (ECU), clear key memories, and program new keys. Many MVPs provide for software updates to be downloaded to the MVP. In addition to bug fixes or similar patches or updates, updates also can provide enhanced functionality. For example, if a new model of car or a new transponder system is introduced into the market updates are made available which, once downloaded and installed, allows the MVP to program transponder keys to work with the new model of car or a new transponder system. Additional updates, which allow a greater range of types of keys or greater range of types of vehicles or transponder systems, are provided at an additional cost. While the updates are provided at an additional cost, this merely expands the types of systems the MVP may program, but does not change the unlimited number of keys which may be programmed with conventional MVPs. While MVPs allow locksmiths to program keys, they are expensive to the point where many locksmiths find them prohibitively expensive. As the MVP can program an unlimited number of keys, it is sold with a high cost, often in the form of a high license for the software to program keys. Some MVPs are also capable of programming other automotive security systems other than transponder keys. For example, the programming of remote fobs—used to open or unlock cars without using the key, or other functions, may also be performed with an MVP. Similarly, the programming of door keypads, as found on some models of Ford vehicles, may also be performed with an MVP. Accordingly, the present invention seeks to overcome these and other disadvantages and limitations in conventional key programming systems and devices. SUMMARY The present invention provides a system and method for programming keys and other security devices. A MVP for programming keys uses a permissive token system to authorize the programming of a key, such as a transponder key. To program a transponder key the MVP checks to see if there are unused tokens stored within the memory of the MVP. If an unused token is stored in the memory of the MVP, the MVP will authorize the programming of a transponder key. When the MVP receives confirmation that the transponder key has been successfully programmed (or reprogrammed) the MVP erases one token from the MVP's memory. The tokens are stored in a secure area of the MVP's memory, such that only the MVP's token management software may load or erase tokens. To allow additional keys to be programmed, additional tokens may be purchased and downloaded to the MVP. The MVP may be communicatively coupled to a token server. The token server establishes a secure handshake with the MVP, authenticating the MVP and preparing the MVP to receive additional tokens. Once the secure handshake is established tokens may be downloaded into the secure memory of the MVP. Once the MVP is decoupled from the token server, and the secure handshake is interrupted, the MVP reverts back to its previous secure state where tokens may no longer be downloaded to it. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is generalized block diagram of a vehicle programming and computer system that may be used to implement the present invention. FIG. 2 is a generalized block diagram of a server computer that may be used to implement the present invention. FIG. 3 is a generalized block diagram of the software components of the token server, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 is a generalized flow diagram illustrating the process of receiving tokens from the token server, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 5 is a generalized flow diagram illustrating the process of downloading tokens to an MVP, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6 is a generalized block diagram of a multiple vehicle programmer that may be used to implement the present invention. FIG. 7 is a generalized block diagram of the software components of the multiple vehicle programmer, in accordance with the present invention FIG. 8 is a generalized flow diagram illustrating the process of updating the token repository on an MVP, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 9 is a generalized flow diagram illustrating the process of utilizing a token to authorize programming a transponder key, in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is described in the context of a specific embodiment. This is done to facilitate the understanding of the features and principles of the present invention and the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In particular, the present invention is described in the context of programming transponder keys for motor vehicles. The terms car, automobile, vehicle and motor vehicle are, unless specifically noted to the contrary, used interchangeably within the present application. In the following figures like objects are provided with the same identifying number as an aid in understanding the present invention. Multiple Vehicle Programmer and Token System FIG. 1 illustrates a generalized system used to implement the present invention. A multiple vehicle programmer (MVP) 101 is used to program electronic keys, specifically electronic transponder keys. The MVP communicatively couples to a computer 102. In the presently preferred embodiment, the MVP communicatively couples to the computer by a standard wired connection, such as USB, serial or parallel port connection. Alternatively, the MVP could communicatively couple to the computer by a wireless system such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or any other such wireless protocol or wired connection. In the presently preferred embodiment, the computer 102 is a standard desktop computer, such as a PC, but other types of computers including server, laptop, MAC, handhelds or mobile phones could be used in alternate embodiments. The computer 102 connects to a communication network 103. In the presently preferred embodiment the communications network is the Internet. A token server 104 is communicatively connected to the communications network 103. While the presently preferred embodiment has the MVP communicatively coupling to the token server through a computer, alternate embodiments could have the MVP communicatively couple with the token server either directly or through other electronic or communication devices. FIG. 2 is a generalized block diagram of a server computer 200 including a central processing unit (CPU) 201, main memory (typically RAM) 202, read-only memory (ROM) 203, a storage device (typically a hard drive) 204, and a network device (typically a network interface card, a.k.a. NIC) 205. The server includes a bus 206 or other communication mechanism for communicating information between the CPU 201 coupled with bus 206 and other components of the server computer. The CPU 201 is used for processing instructions and data. The main memory 202, ROM 203 and storage device 204 are coupled to bus 206 and store information and instructions to be executed by processor 201. Main memory 202 also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 201. The network device 205 connects the server computer to a communications network 207. Server 200 may be coupled via bus 208 to a display 209, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or flat panel monitor, for displaying information to a computer user. An input device 210, such as a keyboard, is coupled to bus 208 for entering information and instructions to the server 200. Additionally, a user input device 211 such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor 201 and for controlling cursor movement on the display 209 may be used with the server 200. The token server is similar in general architecture to the database server and personal computer. The server 200 is designed to run programs implementing methods, such as the methods of the present invention. Typically such programs are stored on the hard drive of the server, and instructions and data of the program are loaded into the RAM during operation of the program. Alternate embodiments of the present invention could have the program loaded into ROM memory, loaded exclusively into RAM memory, or could be hard wired as part of the design of the server. Accordingly, programs implementing the methods of the present invention could be stored on any computer readable medium coupled to the server. The present invention is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, and embodiments of the present invention may be implemented on many different combinations of hardware and software. As used within the present application, the term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to CPU 201 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Examples of non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 204. Examples of volatile media include dynamic memory, such as main memory 202. Additional examples of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, hard drive disks, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punchcards or any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip, stick or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 206 and 208. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic, electromagnetic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications. The computer 102 of FIG. 1 used by a locksmith to update an MVP is similar in general architecture to the server computer described above in connection with FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a generalized block diagram of the architecture of one example embodiment of the token dispensing system on the token server. The token server 300 includes a web server 301, a payment verification module 302, a token request engine 303, a customer database 304, a token repository 305, and a secure handshake module 306. The web server provides a web interface to the token server such that a locksmith may use a standard browser to perform the token update. The payment verification module verifies payment, for example by verifying credit card information to obtain authorization that the charge will go through and be honored. Other forms of authorization could include electronic check, PayPal™, or other payment systems. The token request engine manages the handling of requests for tokens as well as downloading of tokens. The token request engine creates the token update file, described below. The customer database includes the information on customers necessary to manage the token update system, including tokens previously paid for yet not downloaded to the MVP. The token repository includes the tokens to be used by the MVP to program keys. In one embodiment of the invention the tokens are key values which must be authenticated prior to allowing the MVP to program a transponder key. In such an embodiment the tokes would preferably be single use electronic key values, capable of being used only once by the MVP to authorize programming a vehicle transponder key. Alternatively, the tokens could be multiple use electronic key values. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, tokens are a stored value, preferably an integer value representing the number of vehicle transponder keys the MVP may program. While the presently preferred embodiment has the token repository as separate from the customer database, alternate embodiment could store the tokens (either as electronic key values or as integer values representing the number of automobile keys the MVP may program) in the customer database or another database. The secure handshake module establishes authenticates the MVP and establishes a secure condition where the token count on the MVP can be increased (or decreased). Multiple Vehicle Programmer and Token System FIG. 4 is a generalized flow diagram illustrating the process 400 of receiving tokens from the token server. A locksmith wishing to obtain the ability to program additional keys connects his MVP to a computer, much they way he would to receive software updates for the MVP. In the presently preferred embodiment, the MVP must be connected to the computer to receive tokens from the token server. A secure connection between the MVP and the token server is established. In the presently preferred embodiment, the locksmith opens a browser and navigates to a web site for receiving tokens (in the preferred embodiment, the locksmith must authenticate himself to access his account). The locksmith can check if there are any unused tokens in his account (tokens not yet downloaded from the token server). A locksmith could have previously purchased tokens, online or offline (for example, purchased additional tokens offline and the tokens were credited to the locksmith's account). The locksmith may also inquire about group or individual pricing of tokens, check for updates to software, etc. at the web site. In the presently preferred embodiment, the locksmith has the option of purchasing additional tokens online. Alternate embodiments of the present invention could only provide offline purchasing of tokens. At step 401 the token server receives the request to purchase additional tokens to allow programming additional keys. At step 402 the token server collects payment and identifying information. Payment can be in the form of credit card information, PayPal™ information, electronic funds transfer, information identifying prior payment, or any other form of transferring payment. After collecting payment information at step 402, the system proceeds to step 403 where a determination is made whether the payment has been properly authorized or received. If payment was denied or not approved at step 403 the system proceeds to step 404 where an error is returned. The system could make an additional request to re-enter payment information, enter alternate payment information, or other instructions. If the payment was approved at step 403 the system proceeds to step 405. If payment has been approved at step 403, or if the locksmith has unused tokens in their account, at step 405 the system retrieves the tokens from the token database. The number of tokens retrieved corresponds to the number of tokens purchased and approved at steps 401 through 403 (or purchased and approved offline). Additionally, at step 405 the system updates the customer database indicating the purchase of tokens and payment approval. At step 406 the system creates a token update file, which includes the purchased tokens. Additionally, the token update file may include any updates or other information or software necessary to update the MVP to utilize the purchased tokens. After step 406 the token update file is downloaded from the token server to the MVP at step 407. Downloading Token Update File to Multiple Vehicle Programmer FIG. 5 is a generalized flow diagram illustrating the process 500 of downloading tokens to an MVP. A locksmith wishing to add tokens to an MVP communicatively connects the MVP to the token server where the update token file is downloaded to the MVP. In the preferred embodiment, the MVP is communicatively coupled to the token server through a PC or other computer. At step 501 process 500 starts. Preferably, the locksmith initiates the token update process on the MVP. The Token server receives the request for tokens from the MVP. The request may include the serial number and password of the MVP, or the token server may request the serial number and password in response to the received token request. In the presently preferred embodiment, the locksmith must enter a password to allow the MVP to operate. At step 504 the computer checks whether the serial number and password are correct. In the presently preferred embodiment the serial number and password are included in the token update file, ensuring that the tokens can only be used with the locksmith's MVP and not with another MVP (in the event another person is able intercept the token file or a copy is made of the token file). If at step 504 the serial number and password are not confirmed, then the computer proceeds to step 505 where an error is declared. If at step 504 the system determines the serial number and password are correct, then the token server proceeds to step 506 where a token update file is downloaded to the MVP. After downloading the token update file, at step 507 the token server receives a confirmation from the MVP that the token update file was successfully downloaded by the MVP. At step 508 the token server checks whether download conformation has been received from the MVP. If the download confirmation is not received from the MVP, or if the download confirmation indicates the download was not successful, the token server returns to step 506 where token update file is downloaded to the MVP. If at step 508 the computer determines the download was successful, then the computer proceeds to step 508 where the successful download of the token update file is entered in the customer database of the token server. In the presently preferred embodiment, once the customer database includes an entry specifying that the purchased tokens have been successfully downloaded, the token server will not allow that MVP to download additional tokens until the locksmith purchases additional tokens, which can then subsequently be downloaded according to process 500. While the presently preferred embodiment includes the password and serial number of the intended MVP in the token update file, alternate embodiments could have the confirming serial number and password stored elsewhere to authenticate the MVP. Multiple Vehicle Programmer Token Update FIG. 6 is a generalized block diagram of an MVP 600 including a central processing unit (CPU) 601, main memory (typically RAM) 602, read-only memory (ROM) 603, a storage device (typically either flash memory or other non volatile memory) 604, and a network device (typically a network interface card, a.k.a. NIC) 605. Within main memory 604 is a secure memory 607 which is protected from tampering without the permission of the token server. The network device 605 connects the server computer to a communications network 612. The MVP includes a bus 606 or other communication mechanism for communicating information between the CPU 601 and other components of the MVP coupled with bus 606. The CPU 601 is used for processing instructions and data. The main memory 602, ROM 603 and storage device 604 are coupled to bus 606 and store information and instructions to be executed by processor 601. Main memory 602 also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 601. MVP 600 includes a display 609, such as a flat panel display or LED (light emitting diode) display, for displaying information to a user of the MVP. The MVP includes an input device 610, such as a keyboard, is coupled to bus 608 for entering information and instructions to the server 600. The keyboard 610 can be either an alphanumeric pad, a complete keyboard, or any combination of special purpose and general keys. Additionally, a user input device 611 such as touchpad, a trackball, cursor direction keys, or the like for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor 601 and for controlling cursor movement on the display 609 may be used with the MVP 600. The MVP 600 is designed to run programs implementing methods, such as the methods of the present invention. Typically such programs are stored in the storage device of the MVP, and instructions and data of the program are loaded into the RAM during operation of the program. Alternate embodiments of the present invention could have the program loaded into ROM memory, loaded exclusively into RAM memory, or could be hard wired as part of the design of the server. Accordingly, programs implementing the methods of the present invention could be stored on any computer readable medium coupled to the MVP. The present invention is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, and embodiments of the present invention may be implemented on many different combinations of hardware and software. FIG. 7 is a generalized block diagram of the architecture of the token system on the MVP. A programming module 701 handles the typical functions of an MVP such as programming keys, reading and changing values from the vehicle's computer, receiving and sending information and/or software with a PC, displaying information on the MVP display, receiving information from the MVP keyboard and/or touchpad, and changing and storing values in the memory or storage device of the MVP. The communication and handshake module 702 allows the MVP to connect to an external computer to receive software and information updates, request token updates, and receive token updates. Additionally, the communication and handshake module allows the MVP to establish a secure communication between the MVP and an external computer, preferably the token server through a PC, to allow the tokens to be securely downloaded to the MVP. A token repository 704 stores tokens for future use. A token manager 703 interacts with the token repository and the programming module to retrieve tokens, approve the programming of keys based upon the availability of an unused token, and reduces the token count based upon the programming of a key. The token manager removes the tokens from the update file and loads the tokens in the token repository. FIG. 8 is a generalized flow diagram illustrating the process 800 of updating the token repository on an MVP. At step 801 the token update file is received. At step 802 the token manager determines how many tokens are in the token update file. At step 803 the token manager establishes a secure condition for tokens to be loaded into the protected memory of the MVP. Depending upon the form and protocol of the protected memory, the token manager provides the proper signal to allow tokens to be stored in the protected memory. At step 804 the token manager loads the tokens into the token repository, and increments the total token count. The total token count is the total number of unused tokens in the token repository. After the tokens have successfully been stored in the token repository, at step 805 the token manger secures the token repository in the protected memory, to prevent unauthorized tampering with the tokens. Step 805 secures the protected memory to prevent additional unauthorized tokens to be put into the token repository. In the presently preferred embodiment, the process of adding the new tokens to the token repository and incrementing the token count may only be performed while the secure handshake connection with the token server is maintained. Alternate embodiments could allow the token repository update process to occur after the secure communication with the token server is terminated. In the presently preferred embodiment, the token manager also uses the display of the MVP to show the locksmith the total token count prior to receiving the token update file, the number of tokens downloaded, and the total token count after the new tokens have been added to the repository. In embodiments where a token allows more than one key to be programmed, the MVP could also display the number of programmable keys in addition to, or in place of, the token counts. In the presently preferred embodiment, the incrementing of the token count is displayed on the MVP display during the process of updating the token repository, thereby allowing the locksmith to view the progress of the token update process. FIG. 9 is a generalized flow diagram illustrating the process 900 of utilizing a token to authorize programming a transponder key. At step 901 the MVP receives a command from the locksmith to program a key. At step 902 the programming module sends a request to the token manager to authorize programming a key. After receiving the request, at step 903 the token manager checks the token repository to determine if there is an unused token to authorize programming a key. (In the presently preferred embodiment the token manger checks the total token count, which may or may not be stored in the token repository. Alternate embodiment of the present invention could have the token manager query the token repository to determine the number of unused tokens, rather than relying on the total token count.) If at step 903 the token manager determines there are no unused permissive tokens, then the system proceeds to step 904 and the token manager sends a fault signal to the programming module. At step 905 the programming module receives the fault signal and in response causes the display of the MVP to indicate that the key may not be programmed as there are no unused tokens. The MVP may also display an instruction to the locksmith to purchase additional tokens. If at step 903 the token manger determines there is at least one unused token, then the system would proceed to step 906 to authorize the programming of the key. At step 906 the token manager removes one token from the token repository and holds it in a temporary store within the protected memory of the MVP (additionally, in an alternate presently preferred embodiment, as a precaution against loss of tokens, the token manager copies the token count to a secure area of memory, and in the event of a problems such as power loss during key programming, the token manager will restore the token count to the value copied to the secure area of memory, the secure area of memory cleared after successful programming of the vehicle's transponder key). At step 907 the token manager authorizes the programming module to program a specific number of keys. In the presently preferred embodiment, one token allows one key to be programmed. However, alternate embodiments could allow multiple keys to be programmed with one token. If the programming of the key does not work on the first attempt, the program manager may try again until the key is successfully programmed. Once the programming module successfully programs the key the programming module sends a program complete signal to the token manager at step 908. Once the token manager receives the programming complete signal, at step 909 the token manager removes the token held in the temporary store from as an available token for future use in authorizing the programming of keys. In the presently preferred embodiment, the token in the temporary store is deleted from the memory of the MVP. Alternate embodiments could have the token marked as used, or a record could be kept of which tokens are used, thereby preventing its re-use. Additionally, the order of the steps of deleting the token, for example prior to, after, and during the programming of the vehicle's transponder key, could be varied in different embodiments of the invention depending on the level of security and fault tolerance desired. While the presently preferred embodiment only allows the programming of one transponder key per token, alternate embodiments could allow two, three, or any number of transponder keys to be programmed per token. The invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that it is possible to embody the invention in specific forms other than those of the preferred embodiments described above. This may be done without departing from the spirit of the invention. Thus, the preferred embodiment is merely illustrative and should not be considered restrictive in any way. The scope of the invention is given by the appended claims, rather than the preceding description, and all variations and equivalents which fall within the range of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates, generally, to the programming of keys. More particularly, the present invention relates to the programming of keys for automobiles. 2. Related Background Automotive security systems have evolved to include electronically programmed transponder keys on many models of automobiles. To start a car with an electronic transponder key system a key having the proper code must be inserted into the ignition. If the electronic transponder key does not provide the appropriate signal, based upon the electronic code programmed into the key, the automobile's security system will not authorize starting the automobile, and the ignition will not work. As keys can be lost, destroyed or stolen, or may become inoperable, car dealerships and specialized locksmiths provide a service of programming a new transponder key to work with a given vehicle. Programming of transponder keys is typically done with a multiple vehicle programmer (MVP), which is typically a handheld electronic device capable of interfacing with the vehicle's security system, reading electronic values from the car's computer system, and programming an electronic key based upon the values read out from the vehicle's computer. An example of a conventional MVP is the AD100 sold by Advanced Diagnostics U.K. MvPs like the AD100 allow a locksmith to program keys for a variety of vehicles. As is typical of MVPs, the AD100 includes a keypad and display screen, as well as connection ports for connecting to either a car's computer or a PC or other computer. The AD100 also includes and RF antenna to be able to communicate with transponder keys. A locksmith can connect the MVP to the serial port of an automobiles computer security system. The locksmith can use the MVP to read fault codes, clear fault codes, display data received from the automobile's computer, read mechanical key codes, read electronic transponder key codes, identify the automobile's electronic control using (ECU), clear key memories, and program new keys. Many MVPs provide for software updates to be downloaded to the MVP. In addition to bug fixes or similar patches or updates, updates also can provide enhanced functionality. For example, if a new model of car or a new transponder system is introduced into the market updates are made available which, once downloaded and installed, allows the MVP to program transponder keys to work with the new model of car or a new transponder system. Additional updates, which allow a greater range of types of keys or greater range of types of vehicles or transponder systems, are provided at an additional cost. While the updates are provided at an additional cost, this merely expands the types of systems the MVP may program, but does not change the unlimited number of keys which may be programmed with conventional MVPs. While MVPs allow locksmiths to program keys, they are expensive to the point where many locksmiths find them prohibitively expensive. As the MVP can program an unlimited number of keys, it is sold with a high cost, often in the form of a high license for the software to program keys. Some MVPs are also capable of programming other automotive security systems other than transponder keys. For example, the programming of remote fobs—used to open or unlock cars without using the key, or other functions, may also be performed with an MVP. Similarly, the programming of door keypads, as found on some models of Ford vehicles, may also be performed with an MVP. Accordingly, the present invention seeks to overcome these and other disadvantages and limitations in conventional key programming systems and devices. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present invention provides a system and method for programming keys and other security devices. A MVP for programming keys uses a permissive token system to authorize the programming of a key, such as a transponder key. To program a transponder key the MVP checks to see if there are unused tokens stored within the memory of the MVP. If an unused token is stored in the memory of the MVP, the MVP will authorize the programming of a transponder key. When the MVP receives confirmation that the transponder key has been successfully programmed (or reprogrammed) the MVP erases one token from the MVP's memory. The tokens are stored in a secure area of the MVP's memory, such that only the MVP's token management software may load or erase tokens. To allow additional keys to be programmed, additional tokens may be purchased and downloaded to the MVP. The MVP may be communicatively coupled to a token server. The token server establishes a secure handshake with the MVP, authenticating the MVP and preparing the MVP to receive additional tokens. Once the secure handshake is established tokens may be downloaded into the secure memory of the MVP. Once the MVP is decoupled from the token server, and the secure handshake is interrupted, the MVP reverts back to its previous secure state where tokens may no longer be downloaded to it. | 20040722 | 20080101 | 20060126 | 63726.0 | H04L932 | 2 | POPE, DARYL C | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING KEY PROGRAMMING TOKENS TO A MULTIPLE VEHICLE PROGRAMMING DEVICE | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | H04L | 2,004 |
|
10,897,676 | ACCEPTED | Training bag apparatus | The present invention is directed to a training bag apparatus. A preferred embodiment of the training bag apparatus includes: (a) a base including (1) a bottom part having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the lower surface has a rounded edge extending around the lower surface and (2) a top part attached to the upper surface of the bottom part of the base; and (b) a column supported on the top part of the base and extending substantially vertically upward from the top part of the base. The column and the base are an integral one-piece unit and move in the same direction when the column is struck. | 1. A training bag apparatus comprising: (a) a base comprising: (1) a bottom part having an upper surface and a lower surface, said lower surface having a rounded edge extending around said lower surface; and (2) a top part attached to said upper surface of said bottom part of said base; and (b) a column supported on said top part of said base and extending substantially vertically upward from said top part of said base; wherein said column and said base are an integral one-piece unit and move in the same direction when said column is struck. 2. The training bag apparatus of claim 1, wherein said upper surface of said bottom part is spaced above said lower surface and said upper surface has a greater surface area than said lower surface. 3. The training bag apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base is encased within a rubber mold. 4. The training bag apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bottom part of said base comprises concrete. 5. The training bag apparatus of claim 1, wherein said top part of said base comprises wood. 6. The training bag apparatus of claim 1, wherein said column comprises foam encased within a sleeve. 7. The training bag apparatus of claim 6, wherein said sleeve has a length extending beyond the column whereby the column is supported on said top part by attaching the sleeve to said top part. 8. The training bag apparatus of claim 1, wherein said column is cylindrical-shaped, hexagonal-shaped or octagonal-shaped. 9. The training bag apparatus of claim 1, wherein said top part has a perimeter covering at least the perimeter of said upper surface of said bottom part. 10. A training bag apparatus comprising: (a) a base having an upper surface and a lower surface, said lower surface having a rounded edge extending around said lower surface; (b) a column having a top end and a bottom end, said bottom end of said column supported at a central location on said upper surface of said base and said column extending substantially vertically upward from said upper surface of said base; and (c) a sleeve sized and shaped to cover a significant portion of said column and extend onto said upper surface of said base, said sleeve having an edge portion attached to said upper surface of said base to thereby hold said column on said upper surface of said base; wherein said column and said base are an integral one-piece unit and move in the same direction when said sleeve is struck. 11. The training bag apparatus of claim 10, wherein said upper surface of said base is spaced above said lower surface and said upper surface has a greater surface area than said lower surface. 12. The training bag apparatus of claim 10, wherein said base is generally hollow. 13. A training bag apparatus comprising: (a) a base comprising a lower surface and an upper surface, said lower surface having a rounded edge extending around said lower surface, said upper surface having a central receiving region, (b) a column having a bottom end and a top end, said bottom end received in said central receiving region such that said column extends substantially vertically upward from said base; (c) a sleeve sized and shaped to cover a significant portion of said column and extend onto said upper surface of said base; and (d) a lid with a central opening wherein said lid is sized and shaped to fit over said sleeve and attach to said base such that said lid holds said sleeve and thereby said column in said central receiving region of said upper surface of said base; wherein said column and said base are an integral one-piece unit and move in the same direction when said sleeve is struck. 14. The training bag apparatus of claim 13, wherein said upper surface of said base is spaced above said lower surface and said upper surface has a greater perimeter than said lower surface. 15. The training bag apparatus of claim 13, wherein said column is supported in said central receiving region at a point below said upper surface of said base. 16. The training bag apparatus of claim 13, wherein said base is generally hollow. 17. The training bag apparatus of claim 16, wherein said base is filled with concrete to increase the weight of said base. 18. The training bag apparatus of claim 13, wherein said lower surface is flat and substantially circular. 19. The training bag apparatus of claim 13, wherein said base has a side surface extending around said base and said lid is attached to said side surface of said base. 20. The training bag apparatus of claim 13, wherein said base has a side surface and a pair of wheels connected to an axle extending through said base on said side surface so that said training bag apparatus can be moved. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to fitness equipment and more particularly to training bags for use in boxing, kickboxing and other martial arts. 2. Description of the Prior Art Several training bags and/or apparatuses are known for use in boxing and the martial arts. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,435 issued to Nadorf (hereinafter “the '435 patent”) discloses a freestanding training bag including a pedestal, a vertical post and a striking pad surrounding the post for being struck by a user. The pedestal of the '435 patent is generally hollow and forms a sealed container for any fluid or liquid material such as water. The training bag of the '435 patent is designed so that when the striking pad is struck, the post is angularly deflected away from its substantially vertical orientation while the pedestal does not move. However, as the pedestal is filled with a fluid, it becomes fatigued over time and is prone to leaks. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,358 issued to Hestilow (hereinafter “the '358 patent”) discloses a training bag including a fluid-filled pedestal, a colum and a striking pad assembly supported by the column. The training bag of the '358 patent is designed so that when the striking pad assembly is struck, the column moves in a direction away from its substantially vertical orientation and the pedestal does not move. The column, though, rebounds and comes right back at the user and if the user is not ready, he or she may be struck by the column. In addition, the design of the training bag apparatus is such that the energy-absorbing element is the flat deck or upper wall of the pedestal of the training bag apparatus. The deck is constantly inwardly and outwardly deformed. Also, the design may cause the upper wall to undergo fatigue and ultimate failure. Further, as the pedestal is filled with a fluid, it becomes fatigued over time and is prone to leaks. Several other U.S. patents also disclose training bags and/or apparatuses for use in boxing and the martial arts, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,489 issued to Nicholson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,079 issued to Luedke et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,089 issued to Nicholson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,898 issued to Wang, U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,561 issued to Gonzalez and U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,451 issued to Hautamaki. One of the common problems with these training bags and/or apparatuses is that they do not give the desired resistance to punches, jabs and kicks required for a novice. Accordingly, it is one of the purposes of this invention to provide a training bag apparatus which when struck, will not rebound and hit the user. Another purpose of this invention is to provide a training bag apparatus that is easy to move. Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a training bag apparatus that is simple in construction and inexpensive to manufacture. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has now been discovered that these and other purposes can be achieved by the present invention, which provides for a training bag apparatus including a base and a column. The base includes a bottom part and a top part. The bottom part has an upper surface and a lower surface which has a rounded edge extending all the way around it. The bottom part of the base is preferably hollow and is filled with a material having a weight that would allow the base to tilt away from the user when the apparatus is struck by the user, then tilt back towards the user and then tilt back and forth until the apparatus returns to its normal vertical position. The weight of the material should also be sufficient enough to prevent the apparatus from having moved substantially away from the user when the apparatus returns to its normal vertical position. The upper surface preferably has an opening through which the bottom part of the base can be filled with such material. The top part is attached to the upper surface of the bottom part of the base and is done so preferably after the bottom part is filled with such material. The column is supported on the top part of the base and extends substantially vertically upward from the top part of the base. The column preferably includes foam encased within a sleeve and the sleeve has an end portion extending beyond the column whereby the column is supported on the top part of the base by attaching the end portion of the sleeve to the top part. The column and the base are an integral one-piece unit and move in the same direction when the column is struck. The present invention also provides for a preferred embodiment which includes a training bag apparatus having a base, a column and a sleeve wherein the column and the base are an integral one-piece unit and move in the same direction when the sleeve is struck. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface which has a rounded edge extending all the way around it. The column has a top end and a bottom end and the bottom end is supported at a central location on the upper surface of the base. Further, the column extends substantially vertically upward from the upper surface of the base. The sleeve is sized and shaped to cover a significant portion of the column and extend onto the upper surface of the base. Also, the sleeve has an edge attached to the upper surface of the base to thereby hold the column on the upper surface of the base. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a training bag apparatus having a base, a column, a sleeve and a lid wherein the column and the base are an integral one-piece unit and move in the same direction when the sleeve is struck. The base includes a lower surface and an upper surface wherein the lower surface has a rounded edge extending all the way around it and the upper surface has a central receiving region. The column has a bottom end and a top end and the bottom end is received in the central receiving region of the upper surface of the base such that the column extends substantially vertically upward from the base. The sleeve is sized and shaped to cover a significant portion of the column and extend onto the upper surface of the base. The lid has a central opening wherein the lid is sized and shaped to fit over the sleeve and attach to the base such that the lid holds the sleeve and thereby the column in the central receiving region of the upper surface of the base. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description, but are not intended in any way to restrict the scope of the invention. The preferred embodiments of certain aspects of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred training bag apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the training bag apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the training bag apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional view of the training bag apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 shows a training bag apparatus of the present invention wherein the column has just been struck. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another preferred training bag apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another preferred training bag apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a training bag apparatus including a base and a column wherein the column and the base are an integral one-piece unit and move in the same direction when the column is struck. The base includes a bottom part and a top part. The bottom part has an upper surface and a lower surface which has a rounded edge extending all the way around it. The bottom part of the base of the training bag apparatus is preferably hollow and is filled with a material having a weight that would allow the base to tilt away from the user on a portion of the rounded edge of its lower surface when the apparatus is struck by the user, then tilt back towards the user on an opposite portion of the rounded edge and then tilt back and forth until the apparatus returns to its normal vertical position. The weight of the material should also be sufficient enough to prevent the apparatus from having moved substantially away from the user when the apparatus returns to its normal vertical position. The upper surface of the bottom part preferably has an opening through which the bottom part of the base can be filled with such material. The bottom part of the base is preferably filled with concrete and/or sand. Concrete and sand can be obtained at several retailers or commercial construction companies. It should be appreciated that conventional training bags weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This training bag apparatus of the present invention filled with concrete weighs from about 70 to about 110 pounds and preferably from about 90 to about 100 pounds, but provides better conditioning benefits than heavier or lighter conventional training bags. At this weight, the training bag apparatus, when struck by a user, will tilt away from the user, then tilt back towards the user and then tilt back and forth until returning to its normal vertical position. This weight should also be sufficient enough to prevent the apparatus from having moved substantially away from the user when the apparatus returns to its normal vertical position. The base is preferably a molded plastic that is hollow. It can be made by several conventional methods including injection fusion molding and blow molding. The plastic preferably has a thickness of from about 0.0625 to about 0.50 inches and more preferably a thickness of about 0.125 inches. Most conventional plastics can be used to make the base as they are not rigid enough to injure a user who inadvertently kicks the base. A preferred plastic for use with the present invention is high density polyethylene which is commercially available from many companies such as Injectron Corporation in Plainfield, N.J. The base can alternatively be made from wood shaped to have an upper surface and a lower surface with the dimensions set forth herein. In such case, the base should be encased within a rubber mold or other casing which would prevent a user who inadvertently kicks the base from being injured. The base has a side surface extending all the way around the base. An axle connecting a pair of wheels can extend through a portion of the base on the side surface so that the user can move the training bag apparatus. Preferably, the upper surface of the bottom part of the base is spaced above the lower surface. It is also preferable that the upper surface has a greater surface area than the lower surface. Further, the upper surface and lower surface can be constructed in a variety of geometric shapes such as square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, circular-shaped, triangular-shaped, hexagonal-shaped and octagonal-shaped. Regardless of the shape, the lower surface is preferably flat and has a rounded edge extending all the way around it. It is preferable though that both the upper surface and lower surface have the same shape and that both are flat. More preferably, the upper surface and lower surface are both circular-shaped and flat. When circular-shaped, the upper surface has a diameter of from about 20 to about 30 inches and preferably a diameter of about 24 inches. Also, when circular-shaped, the lower surface has a diameter of from about 11 to about 17 inches and preferably a diameter of about 13 inches. The top part of the base is attached to the upper surface of the bottom part of the base by bolts, screws and/or plugs. It is preferred that the top part of the base has the same shape as the upper surface of the bottom part of the base. Also, the top part preferably has a perimeter covering at least the perimeter of the upper surface of the bottom part. Preferably, the top part is circular-shaped and has a diameter of from about 20 to about 30 inches. More preferably, the top part has a diameter of about 24 inches. Also, the top part has a thickness of from about 0.25 to about 1.0 inches. The top part of the base can be made of wood and/or fiberglass. Preferably, the top part of the base is made of wood and more preferably plywood. In use, the base is preferably encased within a rubber mold. The base has a height of from about 5 to about 14 inches. Preferably, the base has a height of about 8 inches. The column is supported on the top part of the base and extends substantially vertically upward from the top part of the base. Preferably, the column is supported on the top part of the base at a central location. The column can be attached to the top part of the base by any commercial grade glue. The column is preferably comprised of very heavy dense foam. The material the column is comprised of should provide resistance to a hit by the user but also should not be too rigid to hurt the user. The material should also be of a density sufficient to cause the force of a hit by the user to be exerted on the top part of the base. Commercially available foam suitable for use with this invention preferably has a density of about 1.3 pounds and a firmness (I.L.D.) of about 40 pounds. One such commercially available foam can be obtained from Foam Rubber Fabracators in Belleville, N.J. (Part Number 1340). Also, the column can be constructed in a variety of geometric shapes such as cylindrical-shaped, hexagonal-shaped, octagonal-shaped, etc., without departing from the scope and purpose of the present invention. The column has a length of from about 4 to about 7 feet. Preferably, the column has a length of about 5 feet. The column has a width of about 10 to about 16 inches. Preferably, the column has a width of about 12 inches. Further, the column can have straps attached on its sides near the top end of it so that the user can balance when doing leg raises, kicks or squats. Suitable straps that can be used with the present invention can be obtained from Trimline, Inc. in New York, N.Y. The column preferably includes foam encased within a sleeve and the sleeve has an edge portion extending beyond the column whereby the column is supported on the top part of the base by attaching the end portion of the sleeve to the top part. The edge portion of the sleeve can be attached to the top part by heat-sealing it to the top part and/or by staples, nails, plugs and/or screws. The sleeve is preferably made of a vinyl or a nylon-coated vinyl. The sleeve preferably has a thickness of from about 0.1 cm to about 0.3 cm and more preferably a thickness of about 0.2 cm. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a training bag apparatus having a base, a column and a sleeve wherein the column and the base are an integral one-piece unit and move in the same direction when the sleeve is struck. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is preferably flat and has a rounded edge extending all the way around it. Preferably, the upper surface of the base is spaced above the lower surface and the upper surface has a greater surface area than the lower surface. Further, the upper surface and lower surface can be of a variety of geometric shapes such as square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, circular-shaped, triangular-shaped, hexagonal-shaped and octagonal-shaped. It is preferable that both the upper surface and lower surface have the same shape and that both are flat. More preferably, the upper surface and lower surface are both circular-shaped and flat. When circular-shaped, the upper surface has a diameter of from about 20 to about 30 inches and preferably a diameter of about 24 inches. Also, when circular-shaped, the lower surface has a diameter of from about 11 to about 17 inches and preferably a diameter of about 13 inches. The base of this embodiment is preferably hollow and is filled with a material having a weight that would allow the base to tilt away from the user on a portion of the rounded edge of its lower surface when the apparatus is struck by the user, then tilt back towards the user on an opposite portion of the rounded edge and then tilt back and forth until the apparatus returns to its normal vertical position. The weight of the material should also be sufficient enough to prevent the apparatus from having moved substantially away from the user when the apparatus returns to its normal vertical position. Preferably, the upper surface of the base has an opening through which the base can be filled with such material. The base preferably can be filled with concrete and/or sand. Concrete and sand can be obtained at several retailers or commercial construction companies. The base is preferably a molded plastic that is hollow. It can be made by several conventional methods including injection fusion molding and blow molding. The plastic preferably has a thickness of from about 0.0625 to about 0.50 inches and more preferably a thickness of about 0.125 inches. Most conventional plastics can be used to make the base as they are not rigid enough to injure a user who inadvertently kicks the base. A preferred plastic for use with the present invention is high density polyethylene which is commercially available from many companies such as Injectron Corporation in Plainfield, N.J. The base can alternatively be made from wood shaped to have an upper surface and a lower surface with the dimensions set forth herein. In such case, the base should be encased within a rubber mold or other casing which would prevent a user who inadvertently kicks the base from being injured. The base has a side surface extending all the way around the base. An axle connecting a pair of wheels can extend through a portion of the base on the side surface so that the user can move the training bag apparatus. The base has a height of from about 5 to about 14 inches. Preferably, the base has a height of about 8 inches. The column has a top end and a bottom end and the bottom end is supported at a central location on the upper surface of the base. The column extends substantially vertically upward from the upper surface of the base. The column is preferably comprised of very heavy dense foam. The material the column is comprised of should provide resistance to a hit by the user but also should not be too rigid to hurt the user. The material should also be of a density sufficient to cause the force of a hit by the user to be exerted on the top part of the base. Commercially available foam suitable for use with this embodiment preferably has a density of about 1.3 pounds and a firmness (I.L.D.) of about 40 pounds. One such commercially available foam can be obtained from Foam Rubber Fabracators in Belleville, N.J. (Part Number 1340). Further, the column can have straps attached on its sides near the top end of it so that the user can balance when doing leg raises, kicks or squats. Also, the column can be constructed in a variety of geometric shapes such as cylindrical-shaped, hexagonal-shaped, octagonal-shaped, etc., without departing from the scope and purpose of the present invention. The column has a length of from about 4 to about 7 feet. Preferably, the column has a length of about 5 feet. The column has a width of about 10 to about 16 inches. Preferably, the column has a width of about 12 inches. The sleeve is sized and shaped to cover a significant portion of the column and extend onto the upper surface of the base. The portion of the sleeve extending onto the upper surface of the base is the edge portion which is attached to the upper surface of the base to thereby hold the column on the upper surface of the base. The edge portion of the sleeve can be attached to the upper surface of the base by heat-sealing it to the upper surface and/or by staples, nails, plugs and/or screws. Preferably, the sleeve is sized and shaped to fit tightly over the top end and sides of the column so as to maintain the shape of the column. The sleeve is preferably made of a vinyl or a nylon-coated vinyl. The sleeve preferably has a thickness of from about 0.1 cm to about 0.3 cm and more preferably a thickness of about 0.2 cm. Vinyl or a nylon-coated vinyl for making the sleeve can be obtained from Kaltex Corporation in New York, N.Y. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a training bag apparatus having a base, a column, a sleeve and a lid wherein the column and the base are an integral one-piece unit and move in the same direction when the sleeve is struck. The base includes a lower surface and an upper surface wherein the lower surface has a rounded edge extending all the way around it and the upper surface has a central receiving region. The lower surface is preferably flat and substantially circular. Further, the lower surface can be constructed in a variety of geometric shapes such as square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, circular-shaped, triangular-shaped, hexagonal-shaped and octagonal-shaped. When circular-shaped, the lower surface has a diameter of from about 11 to about 17 inches and more preferably a diameter of about 13 inches. Preferably, the upper surface of the base is spaced above the lower surface and the edge of the upper surface has a greater perimeter than the edge of the lower surface. Further, the upper surface can be constructed in a variety of geometric shapes such as square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, circular-shaped, triangular-shaped, hexagonal-shaped and octagonal-shaped. When circular-shaped, the upper surface has a circumference of from about 62 to about 94 inches and more preferably a circumference of about 75 inches. It is preferable that both the upper surface and lower surface have the same shape and that both are flat. The central receiving region has a width of from about 10 to about 16 inches and a height of about 4 to about 16 inches. Preferably, the central receiving region has a width of about 12 inches and a height of about 8 inches. The base of this embodiment is preferably hollow and is filled with a material having a weight that would allow the base to tilt away from the user on a portion of the rounded edge of its lower surface when the apparatus is struck by the user, then tilt back towards the user on an opposite portion of the rounded edge and then tilt back and forth until the apparatus returns to its normal vertical position. The weight of the material should also be sufficient enough to prevent the apparatus from having moved substantially away from the user when the apparatus returns to its normal vertical position. Preferably, the base is filled with concrete and/or sand. Concrete and sand can be obtained at several retailers or commercial construction companies. It should be appreciated that conventional training bags weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. The training bag apparatus of the present invention filled with concrete weighs from about 70 to 110 pounds and preferably from about 90 to about 100 pounds, but provides better conditioning benefits than heavier or lighter conventional training bags. At this weight, the training bag apparatus, when struck by a user, will tilt away from the user, then tilt back towards the user and then tilt back and forth until returning to its normal vertical position. This weight should also be sufficient enough to prevent the apparatus from having moved substantially away from the user when the apparatus returns to its normal vertical position. The base is preferably a molded plastic that is hollow. It can be made by several conventional methods including injection fusion molding and blow molding. The plastic preferably has a thickness of from about 0.0625 to about 0.50 inches and more preferably a thickness of about 0.125 inches. Most conventional plastics can be used to make the base as they are not rigid enough to injure a user who inadvertently kicks the base. A preferred plastic for use with the present invention is high density polyethylene which is commercially available from several companies such as Injectron Corporation in Plainfield, N.J. Further, the base preferably has a side surface extending around the base. The lid can be attached to the upper part of the side surface of the base. Also, an axle connecting a pair of wheels can extend through a portion of the base on the side surface so that the user can move the training bag apparatus. The base has a height of from about 5 to about 14 inches. Preferably, the base has a height of about 8 inches. The column has a bottom end and a top end and the bottom end is received in the central receiving region of the upper surface of the base such that the column extends substantially vertically upward from the base. The column of this embodiment is preferably supported in the central receiving region at a point below the upper surface of the base. Further, the column can have straps attached on its sides near the top end of it so that the user can balance when doing leg raises, kicks or squats. The material the column is comprised of should provide resistance to a hit by the user but also should not be too rigid to hurt the user. The material should also be of a density sufficient to cause the force of a hit by the user to be exerted on the top part of the base. The column is preferably comprised of very heavy dense foam. Commercially available foam suitable for use with this embodiment preferably has a density of about 1.3 pounds and a firmness (I.L.D.) of about 40 pounds. One such commercially available foam can be obtained from Foam Rubber Fabracators in Belleville, N.J. (Part Number 1340). The column has a length of from about 4 to about 7 feet. Preferably, the column has a length of about 5 feet. The column has a width of about 10 to about 16 inches. Preferably, the column has a width of slightly less than about 12 inches. Further, about 4 to about 16 inches of the bottom end of the column is supported in the central receiving region of the base. Preferably, about 8 inches of the bottom end of the column is supported in the central receiving region of the base. The sleeve is sized and shaped to cover a significant portion of the column and extend onto the upper surface of the base. The portion of the sleeve extending onto the upper surface of the base is the edge portion. Preferably, the sleeve is sized and shaped to fit tightly over the top end and sides of the column so as to maintain the shape of the column. The sleeve is preferably made of a vinyl or a nylon-coated vinyl. The sleeve preferably has a thickness of from about 0.1 cm to about 0.3 cm and more preferably a thickness of about 0.2 cm. Vinyl or a nylon-coated vinyl for making the sleeve can be obtained from Kaltex Corporation in New York, N.Y. The lid has a central opening wherein the lid is sized and shaped to fit over the sleeve and attach to the base such that the lid holds the edge portion of the sleeve and thereby the column in the central receiving region of the upper surface of the base. For additional strength in holding the edge portion of the sleeve in place, the edge portion of the sleeve can be attached to the upper surface of the base by heat-sealing it to the upper surface and/or by staples, nails, plugs and/or screws. The lid is shaped to correspond to the upper surface of the base and it is sized so that it will fit snugly over the upper surface of the base. The central opening has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the column. The central opening will generally have a width in the range of from about 10 to about 16 inches. Preferably, the lid is attached to the base via a snap and lock engagement in which the lid has a plurality of rivets extending all the way around a side surface of it which snap into apertures which extend all the way around the upper part of the side surface of the base. The rivets preferably have a width of about 0.125 to about 0.50 inches and a depth of about 0.25 to about 2 inches and the apertures preferably have a width of about 0.125 to about 0.50 inches and a depth of about 0.25 to about 2 inches. The lid can alternatively be attached to the base by heat-sealing the inner part of the side surface of the lid to the upper part of the side surface of the base and/or by using bolts, screws and/or plugs. The lid has a width or diameter of from about 20 to about 30 inches. Preferably, the lid has a width or diameter of about 24 inches. The lid has a thickness of from about 0.0625 to about 0.250 inches. Preferably, the lid has a thickness of about 0.125 inches. The lid is preferably made of a molded plastic. It can be made by several conventional methods including injection fusion molding and blow molding. Most conventional plastics can be used to make the lid as they are not rigid enough to injure a user who inadvertently kicks the lid. A preferred plastic for use with the present invention is high density polyethylene. It is preferred that the training bag apparatuses of the present invention have a pair of wheels extending through a portion of the base. The pair of wheels should be connected by an axle and can located be on the side surface of the base such that the pair of wheels are elevated off of the ground and will not touch the ground during normal usage of the training bag apparatus. The wheels are preferably 3.75 inches in height and 2.16 inches in width. A pair of wheels having these dimensions is available at Exxex Caster & Rubber Corp. in Perth Amboy, N.J. (Item Number 8862). With the pair of wheels, a training bag apparatus can be moved by pulling the column back such that the pair of wheels are on the ground or floor and then moving the apparatus. Referring now more specifically to the Figures, in which identical or similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout, and first referring to the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the training bag apparatus of the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The training bag apparatus 10 includes a base 12 which is generally hollow and a sleeve 16 which includes a column 14 (not shown in FIG. 1). The base 12 is preferably filled with concrete prior to inserting the column 14 into the central receiving region 20 (not shown in FIG. 1) of the base 12, but can also be filled with sand. The column 14 is not shown in FIG. 1, but can be seen in FIGS. 2-4. The sleeve 16 and column 14 are octagonal-shaped in FIG. 1, but can be constructed in a variety of geometric shapes such as cylindrical-shaped and hexagonal-shaped. The specific shape of the sleeve 16 and column 14 is not critical for purposes of the invention as long as the sleeve 16, column 14 and central receiving region 20 of the base 12 (see FIG. 2) are provided with the same shape. The column 14 of the training bag apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is received in the central receiving region 20 of the base 12 (see FIG. 2) and is held in place by a lid 18 which fits over the sleeve 16. The lid 18 is attached to the base 12 by a plurality of rivets 64 on its side surface 66 which lock into the apertures 32 (see FIG. 2) in the upper part 33 of the side surface 34 of the base 12. A plurality of the apertures 32 extend all the way around the upper part 33 of the side surface 34 of the base 12. The training bag apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 also has a pair of wheels 26 which are connected by an axle 24. The axle 24 extends through a portion of the base 12. The pair of wheels 26 are located on the side surface 34 of the base 12 such that the pair of wheels 26 are elevated off of the ground and will not touch the ground during normal usage of the training bag apparatus 10. The training bag apparatus can be moved by pulling the sleeve 16 and column 14 back such that the pair of wheels 26 are on the ground or floor and the training bag apparatus 10 can then be moved using the pair of wheels 26. FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the training bag apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The base 12 includes a lower surface 27, an upper surface 30 and a side surface 34 extending all the way around the base 12. The lower surface 27 is flat and has a rounded edge extending all the way around it. The base 12 also has a central receiving region 20 for receiving the column 14, and a pair of wheels 26 connected by an axle 24 which extends through a portion of the base 12 on its side surface 34. The base 12 also has an upper part 33 of the side surface 34 having a plurality of apertures 32 extending all the way around the upper part 33. The apertures 32 receive the rivets 64 of the lid 18. The column 14 has a top end 40 and a bottom end 42 which is sized and shaped to be tightly received within the inner surface 22 of the central receiving region 20 of the base 12. The column 14 is supported in the central receiving region 20 at a point below the upper surface 30 of the base 12. Preferably, the base is filled with cement and the column 14 is supported in the central receiving region 20 on the cement. The column 14 receives the sleeve 16 such that the lower end 50 of the sleeve 16 fits over the outer surface 21 of the central receiving region 20. Further, the sleeve 16 has an end portion 46 which extends onto the upper surface 30 of the base 12. The sleeve 16 should be sized and shaped to tightly fit over the column 14 and the lower end 50 of the sleeve 16 should be sized to tightly fit over the outer surface 21 of the central receiving region 20 of the base 12. The sleeve 16 has side surfaces 44 and a top end 48 which tightly fit over the side surfaces 38 and top end 40 of the column 14. The lid 18 has a central opening 60 which is sized and shaped to fit tightly over the sleeve 16. The lid 18 also has a top surface 62 and a side surface 66 extending all the way around it and the side surface 66 has a plurality of rivets 64. The top surface 62 and the side surface 66 of the lid 18 are sized and shaped so that the lid 18 tightly fits over the upper surface 30 of the base 12 and the rivets 64 of the lid 18 snap and lock into the apertures 32 on the upper part 33 of the side surface 34 of the base 12. When the training bag 10 shown in FIG. 2 is assembled, it is preferable that the base 12 is filled with concrete prior to inserting the column 14 into the central receiving region 20 of the base 12. After the concrete is dried in the base 12, the column 14 is inserted into the central receiving region 20 such that its side surfaces 38 align with the inner surface 22 of the central receiving region 20. The column 14 is supported on top of the concrete at a point below the upper surface 30 of the base 12. The column 14 should be tightly secured in the central receiving region 20. The column 14 then receives the sleeve 16 such that the lower end 50 of the sleeve 16 fits over the outer surface 21 of the central receiving region 20. The top end 48 of the sleeve 16 should fit tightly over the top end 40 of the column 14 and the sleeve 16 has an end portion 46 which extends onto the upper surface 30 of the base 12. The lid 18 is then inserted onto the sleeve 16 and the upper surface 30 of the base 12. It is important that when the lid 18 is inserted onto the top end 48 of the sleeve 16, the central opening 60 of the lid 18 is aligned such that it will fit properly over the side surfaces 44 of the sleeve 16 which fit tightly over the side surfaces 38 of the column 14. The plurality of rivets 64 of the lid 18 are then snapped and locked into the apertures 32 of the upper part 33 of the side surface 34 of the base 12. The lid 18 can alternatively be attached to the base 12 by heat-sealing the inner part of the side surface 66 of the lid 18 to the upper part 33 of the side surface 34 of the base 12 and/or by using bolts, screws and/or plugs. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the training bag apparatus shown in FIG. 1 which more clearly shows an assembled training bag apparatus 10 of the present invention. The base 12 is filled with concrete 31 and the bottom end 42 of the column 14 is supported on the concrete 31 at a point below the upper surface 30 of the base 12. The lower part of the column 14 is tightly fit into the central receiving region 20 of the base 12. The sleeve 16 is tightly fit over the column 14 such that there are no spaces or bubbles between the column 14 and the sleeve 16. It can be clearly seen in FIG. 3 that the top end 48 of the sleeve 16 fits tightly over the top end 40 of the column 14 and that there are no spaces or bubbles between the top end 48 of the sleeve 16 and the top end 40 of the column 14. The lid 18 is attached over the end portion 46 of the sleeve 16 onto the upper surface 30 of the base 12. The base 12 of the training bag apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 3 also has a pair of wheels 26, one of which is shown, on its side surface 34. The pair of wheels 26 are elevated off of the ground or floor such that they do not interfere with normal operation of the training bag apparatus 10. FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional view of the training bag apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1. The view in FIG. 4 is from a different angle than that in FIG. 3. The only difference between FIGS. 3 and 4 is that in FIG. 4, the pair of wheels 26 cannot be seen because the view is from the side of the training bag apparatus 10 which is opposite of the side with the pair of wheels 26. FIG. 5 shows how a preferred training bag apparatus 10 of the present invention moves after the sleeve 16 has been struck. In FIG. 5, the pair of wheels 26 is clearly shown in the base 12 as well as the axle 24 which connects and holds the pair of wheels 26. Dashed lines show the axle 24 as it extends through a portion of the base 12 on its side surface 34. It is readily apparent from FIG. 5 that when the training bag 10 is struck by a user, the base 12 and sleeve 16 move as an integral one-piece unit. In particular, when the sleeve 16 is struck with a significant force, the base 12 will tilt on the rounded edge 28 of its lower surface opposite from the side struck by the user. The base 12 will then tilt back on the rounded edge 29 of its lower surface on the side struck by the user and then continue to tilt back and forth on the rounded edges 28 and 29 until the training bag 10 returns to its normal vertical position. As a result, the sleeve 16 will not rebound significantly and strike the user. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another preferred training bag apparatus 60 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The base 62 includes a bottom part 63 and a top part 68. The bottom part 63 has an upper surface (not shown) with a large opening (not shown) and a lower surface 65 which has a rounded edge extending all the way around it. The bottom part 63 of the base 62 is generally hollow and is filled through the large opening on the upper surface of the bottom part 63 with a material that would allow the base 62 to tilt away from the user when the apparatus 60 is struck by the user, then tilt back towards the user and then tilt back and forth until the apparatus 60 returns to its normal vertical position. The material should have a weight sufficient enough to prevent the apparatus 60 from having moved substantially away from the user when the apparatus 60 returns to its normal vertical position. Preferably, the bottom part 63 is filled with concrete and/or sand. The bottom part 63 also has a pair of wheels 64 which allow the user to move the training bag apparatus 66 as needed. The top part 68 is attached to the upper surface of the bottom part 63 of the base 62 by bolts (not shown), but can alternatively be attached by screws and/or plugs. The top part 68 of the base 62 is made of wood, but can alternatively be made of fiberglass. Preferably, the top part 68 is attached to the bottom part 63 after the bottom part 63 is filled with a material as discussed above. The cylindrical-shaped column 66 is supported on the top part 68 of the base 62 and extends substantially vertically upward from the top part 68 of the base 62. The column 66 and the base 62 are an integral one-piece unit and move in the same direction when the column is struck. The column 66 includes foam encased within a sleeve 86 and the sleeve 86 has an end portion 96 which extends beyond the column 66 whereby the column 66 is supported on the top part 68 of the base 62 by attaching the end portion 96 of the sleeve 86 to the top part 68. In FIG. 6, the end portion 96 of the sleeve 86 is attached to the top part 68 of the base 62 by staples 76, but can alternatively be attached by heat-sealing the end portion 96 to the top part 68 and/or by using bolts, screws and/or plugs. FIG. 7 shows another preferred training bag apparatus 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The training bag apparatus 10 is the same as the training bag apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, except that the sleeve 16a and column (not shown) in FIG. 7 are cylindrical rather than octagonal-shaped. As with the training bag apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the training bag apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 7 includes a base 12 which is generally hollow and a sleeve 16a which includes a column (not shown). Also, the training bag apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 7 has a pair of wheels 26 which are connected by an axle 24 which extends through a portion of the base 12. The training bag 10 can be moved by pulling the sleeve 16a (and thereby the column) back such that the pair of wheels 26 are on the ground or floor and the training bag apparatus 10 can then be moved using the pair of wheels 26. Thus, while there have been described what are presently believed to be the preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that other and further embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to include all such further modifications and changes as come within the true scope of the claims set forth herein. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to fitness equipment and more particularly to training bags for use in boxing, kickboxing and other martial arts. 2. Description of the Prior Art Several training bags and/or apparatuses are known for use in boxing and the martial arts. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,435 issued to Nadorf (hereinafter “the '435 patent”) discloses a freestanding training bag including a pedestal, a vertical post and a striking pad surrounding the post for being struck by a user. The pedestal of the '435 patent is generally hollow and forms a sealed container for any fluid or liquid material such as water. The training bag of the '435 patent is designed so that when the striking pad is struck, the post is angularly deflected away from its substantially vertical orientation while the pedestal does not move. However, as the pedestal is filled with a fluid, it becomes fatigued over time and is prone to leaks. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,358 issued to Hestilow (hereinafter “the '358 patent”) discloses a training bag including a fluid-filled pedestal, a colum and a striking pad assembly supported by the column. The training bag of the '358 patent is designed so that when the striking pad assembly is struck, the column moves in a direction away from its substantially vertical orientation and the pedestal does not move. The column, though, rebounds and comes right back at the user and if the user is not ready, he or she may be struck by the column. In addition, the design of the training bag apparatus is such that the energy-absorbing element is the flat deck or upper wall of the pedestal of the training bag apparatus. The deck is constantly inwardly and outwardly deformed. Also, the design may cause the upper wall to undergo fatigue and ultimate failure. Further, as the pedestal is filled with a fluid, it becomes fatigued over time and is prone to leaks. Several other U.S. patents also disclose training bags and/or apparatuses for use in boxing and the martial arts, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,489 issued to Nicholson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,079 issued to Luedke et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,089 issued to Nicholson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,898 issued to Wang, U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,561 issued to Gonzalez and U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,451 issued to Hautamaki. One of the common problems with these training bags and/or apparatuses is that they do not give the desired resistance to punches, jabs and kicks required for a novice. Accordingly, it is one of the purposes of this invention to provide a training bag apparatus which when struck, will not rebound and hit the user. Another purpose of this invention is to provide a training bag apparatus that is easy to move. Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a training bag apparatus that is simple in construction and inexpensive to manufacture. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>It has now been discovered that these and other purposes can be achieved by the present invention, which provides for a training bag apparatus including a base and a column. The base includes a bottom part and a top part. The bottom part has an upper surface and a lower surface which has a rounded edge extending all the way around it. The bottom part of the base is preferably hollow and is filled with a material having a weight that would allow the base to tilt away from the user when the apparatus is struck by the user, then tilt back towards the user and then tilt back and forth until the apparatus returns to its normal vertical position. The weight of the material should also be sufficient enough to prevent the apparatus from having moved substantially away from the user when the apparatus returns to its normal vertical position. The upper surface preferably has an opening through which the bottom part of the base can be filled with such material. The top part is attached to the upper surface of the bottom part of the base and is done so preferably after the bottom part is filled with such material. The column is supported on the top part of the base and extends substantially vertically upward from the top part of the base. The column preferably includes foam encased within a sleeve and the sleeve has an end portion extending beyond the column whereby the column is supported on the top part of the base by attaching the end portion of the sleeve to the top part. The column and the base are an integral one-piece unit and move in the same direction when the column is struck. The present invention also provides for a preferred embodiment which includes a training bag apparatus having a base, a column and a sleeve wherein the column and the base are an integral one-piece unit and move in the same direction when the sleeve is struck. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface which has a rounded edge extending all the way around it. The column has a top end and a bottom end and the bottom end is supported at a central location on the upper surface of the base. Further, the column extends substantially vertically upward from the upper surface of the base. The sleeve is sized and shaped to cover a significant portion of the column and extend onto the upper surface of the base. Also, the sleeve has an edge attached to the upper surface of the base to thereby hold the column on the upper surface of the base. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a training bag apparatus having a base, a column, a sleeve and a lid wherein the column and the base are an integral one-piece unit and move in the same direction when the sleeve is struck. The base includes a lower surface and an upper surface wherein the lower surface has a rounded edge extending all the way around it and the upper surface has a central receiving region. The column has a bottom end and a top end and the bottom end is received in the central receiving region of the upper surface of the base such that the column extends substantially vertically upward from the base. The sleeve is sized and shaped to cover a significant portion of the column and extend onto the upper surface of the base. The lid has a central opening wherein the lid is sized and shaped to fit over the sleeve and attach to the base such that the lid holds the sleeve and thereby the column in the central receiving region of the upper surface of the base. | 20040723 | 20080624 | 20060126 | 83698.0 | A63B6934 | 0 | HWANG, VICTOR KENNY | TRAINING BAG APPARATUS | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | A63B | 2,004 |
|
10,898,011 | ACCEPTED | Dynamic creation, selection, and scheduling of radio frequency communications | A method of developing a visual/audio campaign for delivery to a device having a radio wave receiver is disclosed. The method includes a managing node receiving broadcast specific information from a plurality of radio stations, the managing node receiving broadcast non-specific information, the managing node creating the visual/audio campaign at least partly by matching an item of broadcast non-specific information with an item of broadcast specific information, and delivering the visual/audio campaign to the device via radio waves. | 1. A method of developing a visual/audio campaign for delivery to a device having a radio wave receiver, comprising: a managing node receiving broadcast specific information from a plurality of radio stations; the managing node receiving broadcast non-specific information; the managing node creating the visual/audio campaign at least partly by matching an item of broadcast non-specific information with an item of broadcast specific information; and delivering the visual/audio campaign to the device via radio waves. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the broadcast specific information comprises a title of a song and an artist. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the broadcast non-specific information comprises a concert date for the artist. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the broadcast specific information comprises a financial segment. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the broadcast non-specific information comprises a stock quote. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of matching is performed automatically. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the visual/audio campaign comprises an advertisement that is motivated by at least one of the broadcast specific information and the broadcast non-specific information. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the visual/audio campaign further includes graphics. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of delivering the visual/audio campaign to a plurality of RF transmitters. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of delivering the visual/audio campaign further comprises targeting a specific vehicle. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein at least part of the visual/audio campaign comprises traffic information and the traffic information is delivered to a navigation system. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of saving at least a portion of the visual/audio campaign on a permanent storage medium. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a telematics device. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the devise comprises an RDS enabled receiver. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the device comprises an RBDS enabled receiver. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a DARC enabled receiver. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the radio waves have a frequency of an FM sub-carrier band. 18. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying at least a portion of the visual/audio campaign on the device. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of displaying further comprises scrolling the portion of the visual/audio campaign. 20. A system for developing and delivering a visual/audio campaign to a device having a radio wave receiver, comprising a managing node programmed to: receive broadcast specific information from a plurality of radio stations; automatically develop the visual/audio campaign as a function of the broadcast specific information and broadcast non-specific information; and deliver the visual/audio campaign to the device using radio waves having a sub-carrier frequency. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the broadcast specific information comprises a geographic footprint associated with the radio station's coverage. 22. The system of claim 20, wherein the broadcast specific information comprises an available bandwidth. 23. The system of claim 20, wherein the broadcast non-specific information comprises an advertisement. 24. A system comprising: a remote device having a display area within line of sight of an information user that requests a visual/audio campaign from the remote device; a plurality of radio stations responsive to a request for broadcast specific information; and a managing node responsive to a request for the visual/audio campaign based on at least one of an item of the broadcast specific information and an item of broadcast non-specific information, whereby said visual/audio campaign is broadcast to the remote device via a sub-carrier frequency. 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the user requests visual/audio campaign as part of a cognitive process. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the cognitive process includes a decision to enable RDS. 27. The system of claim 24, wherein the user requests the visual/audio campaign by touching the display area. 28. The system of claim 24, wherein the broadcast specific information comprises the sub-carrier frequency. | CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/351,935 and PCT application PCT/US02/04769 incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The field of the invention is radio frequency communications. 2. Description of the Background Transmission of data via radio signals is an effective means of communication to a variety of devices located within range of the signal. An advertiser or other provider of the data (including content) may pre-select a radio frequency carrier type (e.g. FM sub-carrier, AM sub-carrier, Cellular etc . . . ), a broadcasting station (e.g. KIIS FM), and/or a frequency over which the data will be broadcast (e.g. 102.7 MHz @ 57 kHz RBDS) based on the geographic location of the target audience. The particular frequency may be chosen because of its popularity with the target audience, its spectrum availability, the type or device that will receive the signals, and importantly because it's signals will cover (i.e. reach) the targeted audience. Covering the target audience is deemed essential, and since many applications of radio frequency (RF) communication target an audience existing within a relatively small geographic area, often coverage is not a problem. For example, it is common to broadcast music or news over a pre-selected frequency to all areas of an office building. Pre-selection of the frequency and pre-tuning of the receivers to that frequency is a relatively easy process. Another example of an RF communication within a relatively small area is a radio controlled car that is set to receive signals broadcast over a pre-selected frequency. Yet another example is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,218 to Lowe et al. (October 2001). The '218 patent targets audiences within a few feet of the transmitting device. This is exemplified by an athletic club environment in which a user device receives different broadcasts on different frequencies depending on his proximity to specific pieces of gym equipment having transmitters. Thus, those applications that target audiences over a relatively small area typically work well with pre-selection of the frequency and the station. Coverage becomes an issue and complications arise, however, when the target audience is spread over an area that encompasses more than one frequency, station, and/or band. These complications are due in part to the necessity to pre-select many, perhaps hundreds or thousands, of frequencies and stations in order to cover the entire target audience. Thus, pre-selection of frequencies becomes extremely burdensome when a wide spread audience has been targeted. The need to employ several stations simultaneously is addressed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,562 to Martinez (May 1985), however the '562 patent still does not solve or even recognize problems related to the difficulty of scheduling and coordinating communications over a wide spread area. These problems are exacerbated by competition for available RF spectrum and perhaps the distance between a data provider and a data recipient. There is a need for systems and methods which facilitate use of radio signals to communicate to devices that may be spread over a relatively large area. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes systems and methods of developing and delivering visual/audio radio frequency campaigns. A managing node receives broadcast specific information and broadcast non-specific information, and the managing node matches at least one item of broadcast non-specific information with an item of broadcast specific information as part of the development of a visual/audio campaign that is delivered to a remote device preferably via a sub-carrier frequency. Another aspect includes a system for developing and delivering a visual/audio campaign to a device having a radio wave receiver in which a managing node is programmed to: receive broadcast specific information from a plurality of radio stations; automatically develop the visual/audio campaign as a function of the broadcast specific information and broadcast non-specific information; and deliver the visual/audio campaign to the device using radio waves having a sub-carrier frequency. A further aspect includes a system comprising a remote device having a display area that is within line of sight of an information user that requests a visual/audio campaign from the remote device. A plurality of radio stations are responsive to a request for broadcast specific information, and a managing node is responsive to a request for visual/audio information, the response based on either or both of the broadcast specific information and broadcast non-specific information. The visual/audio campaign is broadcast to the remote device via a sub-carrier frequency. It should be appreciated that the inventive subject matter is especially useful for providing a visual campaign to a car stereo system. Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic a prior art system of delivering visual data to a radio. FIG. 2 is a schematic of an embodiment in which broadcast specific and broadcast non-specific information is received by a managing node. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring first to FIG. 1, a prior art system 100 includes a broadcasting station 110, various types of information 120-160, and radios 170. It is known for a radio station to deliver visual information in the form of stock quotes 120, headline news 130, traffic reports 140, sports scores 150, and weather reports 160 to radios 170. In FIG. 2, a system 200 generally includes a plurality of radio stations 210 that deliver broadcast specific information 215 to a managing node 220. A managing node 220 also may receive broadcast non-specific information such as stock quotes 230, headline news 240, traffic reports 250, advertisements 260, sports scores 270, and weather reports 280. Broadcast specific information and broadcast non-specific information are typically part of a visual campaign (not shown) that is delivered to an RF transmitter 290 for subsequent broadcast to a device 295 such as a car radio or mobile telematics device. As defined herein, a visual/audio campaign is comprised of information (i.e. data) that can either be optically (visually) sensed by the human eye or audibly sensed by the human ear. A visual/audio campaign may include graphics, audio, text, symbols, pictures, and images that are stored electronically, and therefore visual/audio information may be temporarily not susceptible to being optically or audibly sensed. Thus, data traveling by radio waves may be part of a visual/audio campaign even though the data may not be viewable or audibly discernable in its present state. A visual/audio campaign typically comprises content data and schedule related data such as delivery times, broadcast frequencies, RF transmitter locations. Additionally, a visual/audio campaign may be formatted to comply with known technologies such as RDS (radio data service), RBDS (radio broadcast data service), and DARC (Data Radio Channel), and thus a visual campaign may include the data associated to the following fields: Program Identification (PI); Program Service (PS) name; Automatic Frequency Switch (AF) list; Traffic Programme (TP) identification; Traffic Announcement (TA) signal; Program Type Name (PTYN); Radio Text (RT); Traffic Message Channel (TMC); and Programme Type (PTY). While a visual/audio campaign may include at least one item of broadcast specific information and/or broadcast non-specific information, it 20 should be pointed out that this is not a requirement. Thus, the subject of visual/audio campaign may be an advertisement that does not comprise any broadcast specific information. Radio stations 210 are generally entities that transmit information to common radios and other devices by radio waves (e.g. KIIS FM, KBIG, WNEW and so on). It should be appreciated, however, that the concept of a radio station should not be limited except to the extent that a station can send broadcast specific information 215 to a managing node 220. Broadcast specific information 215 is information related to a broadcast of radio wave information. For example, broadcast specific information includes a play list (e.g. names or content of songs and associated times and dates that the songs will be played), program information (e.g. a names or content of programs, segments, or spots and associated times and dates of broadcast), available spectrum (e.g. available frequency for delivery of a visual campaign), advertisement times slots, content of advertisements, physical location of radio station transmitter, and the coverage area of a radio station broadcast. Preferably broadcast specific information 215 is sent to a managing node 220 via the Internet, but other paths and modes of transportation may be appropriate including non-electronic modes such as US mail. Broadcast non-specific information 230-280 is defined in the negative as information received by the managing node that is not broadcast specific information. Broadcast nonspecific information advantageously enters a system as a result of a communication between a source (not shown) and a managing node 220, and this communication is likely an asynchronous communication of digital data over the Internet. It is contemplated that much of the broadcast non-specific information will come from news services such as AP and UPI, however the source of broadcast non-specific information is not a limitation to the overall inventive concept. A managing node 220 generally consists of a plurality of servers that are preferably Web-based (L. e. coupled to the Internet) and centralized, but may even be distributed. Servers, including RAID drives, may be geographically distributed and mirrored. Whether a device classifies as a managing node 220 generally depends upon functionality. Among the functions of a managing node 220 are scheduling delivery of visual campaigns, selecting frequencies, selecting RF transmitters, encoding data to comply with appropriate protocols and technologies, targeting devices (e.g. by serial number, lot number, location, demographic information, psychographic information, meta data parameter), confirmation and audit (including 3rd party audit) of actual RF delivery through a feedback loop, providing detailed reporting, dynamically pricing based on availability or other criteria (e.g. Auctions); interfacing applications for 3Td party software integration, and maintaining a subscriber (source) and consumer (remote device user) web interface. A managing node 220 is also responsible for partnering with market leaders (e.g. in the sale of electronics and broadcast of RF signals) and receiving, maintaining; and matching broadcast specific and broadcast non-specific information from radio stations. Since scheduling of broadcasts and selecting of frequencies are functions of a managing node 220, a device scheduling broadcasts or selecting frequencies is by definition a managing node regardless of other factors such as location. For example, a device that selects a frequency at a regional broadcast station is a managing node 220. RF transmitters 290 are preferably operated by the radio stations 210 that have transmitted broadcast specific information 215 to the managing node 220. In other less preferred embodiments, RF transmitters may be independent from radio stations and may be employed simply to transmit and optionally encode visual campaigns. A visual/audio campaign may be encoded for radio broadcast by the managing node 220 or some other entity including the RF transmitters. It is contemplated that such transmitters are those capable of broadcasting radio signals within AM, FM, TV (NTSC, DTV in N. America, PAL and DVB in some other countries), Cellular/PCS, and Satellite bands, and it is anticipated that both primary and sub-carrier channels will be utilized to transmit data. A preferred device 295 is a car stereo that is RDBS, RDS, and/or DARC enabled. The device may also be enabled with other appropriate technology that allows receipt of a visual/audio campaign broadcast over radio waves. In addition to a car stereo, the following is a non-inclusive list of contemplated devices: mobile telematics device, PDA, cell phone, GPS device, mass transit displays, mall displays (e.g. kiosks), airport displays, entertainment venue displays, sporting event displays, street furniture (e.g. benches at a bus stop), video games, TVs, and mobile audio devices (e.g. a walkman, an MP3 player, and so on). With respect to a device 295, it is generally contemplated that a display (not shown) will be coupled to the device 295. An example of a display is an LCD on the front of a radio. The size of the display is not to be construed as a limitation herein, however, a preferred display is only about a half inch high by 2 inches long. As such, information that is displayed on the display (i.e. the visual/audio campaign) may be scrolled or paged over the display area. It is further contemplated that a visual/audio campaign may be used to feed a GPS or other supplemental system. Consider a visual/audio campaign that includes traffic information. The traffic information may optionally be used to feed a GPS system that will consider the traffic information and plan a detour. An expansion on this concept includes transportation department information related to road closures. In a preferred class of embodiments, a user has the option to store visual/audio campaigns and or portions of the campaigns. The option to store may be actuated by pressing a button on the steering wheel or by other appropriate means such as a voice command of “store”. This capability is especially useful for a driver of an automobile that wants to retain campaign information. A device 295 may have a button or some other means of enable/disabling receipt of a visual/audio campaign. Additionally, a visual/audio campaign may be the subject of a subscription requiring advance payment, and as such an access parameter (not shown) may be used to control whether a device 295 receives a broadcast communication. In embodiments that utilize an access parameter, a user may submit a request to set the access parameter, which generally resides on a remote device. Such a request is typically submitted to a managing node 220. Thus, a broadcast communication may include a unique identifier (e.g. serial number, VIN) of a remote device 295, and the remote device 295 may receive the communication as a function of a value of the access parameter. While this example targets a single remote device, no requirement should be inferred that access parameters operate with only a single remote device, and in fact communications may target multiple serial numbers or lot numbers. Another aspect includes broadcasts that may be overlapped to increase the probability of a successful communication. For example, a single device may be within range of more 25 than one RF transmitter 295, and therefore, each transmitter within range may issue a “duplicate” transmission. This may be especially helpful should a transmitter 295 go down or have problems with interference. Information confirming an RF communication may be tracked by a confirmation server 298 and may include an acknowledgement of receipt, a date and time received, as well as other useful information in response to the device's receipt of RF data. Failure of a communication may indicate that a remote device is inoperable or no longer within the 5 geographical range of an RF transmitter. FIG. 2 may be readily understood by reference to a specific example. KIIS, a southern California radio station, sends a play list to a managing node. Included in the play list is a song by Brittany Spears. The managing node compares the string “Brittany Spears” with broadcast non-specific information. Perhaps a match occurs with an item in a file containing concert dates. The managing node takes the matching information and creates a visual/audio campaign comprising a message of “See Brittany Spears at Staples on June 22”. This message becomes part of the visual campaign that is scheduled by the managing node and delivered to a plurality of RF transmitters in accordance with delivery schedules developed by the managing node. The RF transmitters deliver the campaign via a subcarrier frequency to devices. In another embodiment, the visual/audio campaign may comprise audible data that says, “Hi, this is Brittany. Thanks for listening to my song”. In another example, a driver in his car has enabled RBDS on his in-dash stereo. Radio stations, responding to requests by for broadcast specific information send such information to a managing node. In this example, radio station A may send the following broadcast specific information “stock report 10:30 am”, and radio station B may send the following broadcast specific information “stock report 11 am”. Using the broadcast specific information, the managing node may match broadcast non-specific information of “Microsoft up 6 points.” The managing node may then develop a visual/audio campaign in which the message “Microsoft up 6” is displayed at 10:30 am for devices tuned to station A, and at 11 25 am for devices tuned to station B. Transmission of the visual/audio campaign may utilize a sub-carrier frequency and will preferably occur while information is being broadcast on the primary frequency. Thus, specific embodiments and applications of dynamic creation, selection, and scheduling of radio frequency communications have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The field of the invention is radio frequency communications. 2. Description of the Background Transmission of data via radio signals is an effective means of communication to a variety of devices located within range of the signal. An advertiser or other provider of the data (including content) may pre-select a radio frequency carrier type (e.g. FM sub-carrier, AM sub-carrier, Cellular etc . . . ), a broadcasting station (e.g. KIIS FM), and/or a frequency over which the data will be broadcast (e.g. 102.7 MHz @ 57 kHz RBDS) based on the geographic location of the target audience. The particular frequency may be chosen because of its popularity with the target audience, its spectrum availability, the type or device that will receive the signals, and importantly because it's signals will cover (i.e. reach) the targeted audience. Covering the target audience is deemed essential, and since many applications of radio frequency (RF) communication target an audience existing within a relatively small geographic area, often coverage is not a problem. For example, it is common to broadcast music or news over a pre-selected frequency to all areas of an office building. Pre-selection of the frequency and pre-tuning of the receivers to that frequency is a relatively easy process. Another example of an RF communication within a relatively small area is a radio controlled car that is set to receive signals broadcast over a pre-selected frequency. Yet another example is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,218 to Lowe et al. (October 2001). The '218 patent targets audiences within a few feet of the transmitting device. This is exemplified by an athletic club environment in which a user device receives different broadcasts on different frequencies depending on his proximity to specific pieces of gym equipment having transmitters. Thus, those applications that target audiences over a relatively small area typically work well with pre-selection of the frequency and the station. Coverage becomes an issue and complications arise, however, when the target audience is spread over an area that encompasses more than one frequency, station, and/or band. These complications are due in part to the necessity to pre-select many, perhaps hundreds or thousands, of frequencies and stations in order to cover the entire target audience. Thus, pre-selection of frequencies becomes extremely burdensome when a wide spread audience has been targeted. The need to employ several stations simultaneously is addressed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,562 to Martinez (May 1985), however the '562 patent still does not solve or even recognize problems related to the difficulty of scheduling and coordinating communications over a wide spread area. These problems are exacerbated by competition for available RF spectrum and perhaps the distance between a data provider and a data recipient. There is a need for systems and methods which facilitate use of radio signals to communicate to devices that may be spread over a relatively large area. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention includes systems and methods of developing and delivering visual/audio radio frequency campaigns. A managing node receives broadcast specific information and broadcast non-specific information, and the managing node matches at least one item of broadcast non-specific information with an item of broadcast specific information as part of the development of a visual/audio campaign that is delivered to a remote device preferably via a sub-carrier frequency. Another aspect includes a system for developing and delivering a visual/audio campaign to a device having a radio wave receiver in which a managing node is programmed to: receive broadcast specific information from a plurality of radio stations; automatically develop the visual/audio campaign as a function of the broadcast specific information and broadcast non-specific information; and deliver the visual/audio campaign to the device using radio waves having a sub-carrier frequency. A further aspect includes a system comprising a remote device having a display area that is within line of sight of an information user that requests a visual/audio campaign from the remote device. A plurality of radio stations are responsive to a request for broadcast specific information, and a managing node is responsive to a request for visual/audio information, the response based on either or both of the broadcast specific information and broadcast non-specific information. The visual/audio campaign is broadcast to the remote device via a sub-carrier frequency. It should be appreciated that the inventive subject matter is especially useful for providing a visual campaign to a car stereo system. Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. | 20040723 | 20100706 | 20060126 | 90148.0 | H04B100 | 0 | PEREZ, JULIO R | DYNAMIC CREATION, SELECTION, AND SCHEDULING OF RADIO FREQUENCY COMMUNICATIONS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H04B | 2,004 |
|
10,898,052 | ACCEPTED | Thermoplastic fencing construction and method of assembly thereof | A fencing construction made of thermoplastic materials which can be easily assembled utilizing ultrasonic welding and which can include a unique configuration for the ultrasonic welding surfaces which prevents the flow of melted thermoplastic materials outwardly onto the decorative outer surfaces of the various fencing parts. Any excess thermoplastic material is designed to pass inwardly toward the longitudinally extending bore defined in the various fencing construction parts. This concept is particularly useful for attaching capping fence members which are injection molded onto structural fence members which are extruded. | 1. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof comprising: A. a structural fence member of thermoplastic material including: (1) a hollow body member of thermoplastic material defining a bore means extending longitudinally therethrough, said hollow body member also defining at least one bore opening means therein in fluid flow communication with respect to said bore means; (2) an inner wall surface defining said bore means within said hollow body member; (3) an outer wall surface positioned oppositely from said inner wall surface and facing outwardly from said hollow body member; (4) a structural securement zone defined extending about said hollow body member and around said bore opening means; (5) a structural securement zone outer boundary line defined extending along said structural securement zone adjacent said outer wall surface; and (6) a structural securement zone inner boundary line defined extending along said structural securement zone and positioned spatially disposed from said structural securement zone outer boundary line to define said structural securement zone therebetween; B. a capping fence member of thermoplastic material selectively positionable in abutment with respect to said structural fence member to facilitate securement with respect thereto by ultrasonic welding for extending over said bore opening means for capping thereof, said capping fence member comprising: (1) a capping body member of thermoplastic material; (2) a capping securement zone defined extending around said capping body member and positionable adjacent to and in registration with respect to said structural securement zone of said structural fence member to facilitate securement with respect thereto by ultrasonic welding; (3) a capping securement zone outer boundary line defined extending along said capping securement zone and registrable with respect to said structural securement zone outer boundary line responsive to positioning of said capping securement zone adjacent to said structural securement zone for facilitating securement together by ultrasonic welding; and (4) a capping securement zone inner boundary line defined extending along said capping securement zone and positioned spatially disposed from said capping securement zone outer boundary line to define said capping securement zone therebetween, said capping securement zone inner boundary line being registrable with respect to said structural securement zone inner boundary line responsive to positioning of said capping securement zone of said capping fence member adjacent to said structural securement zone of said structural fence member for facilitating securement together by ultrasonic welding; and (5) a plurality of welding rib means of thermoplastic material mounted on said capping fence member within said capping securement zone thereof and extending outwardly therefrom, said welding rib means adapted to melt responsive to ultrasonic welding thereof to facilitate securement with respect to said structural securement zone of said structural fence member for capping thereof. 2. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 1 wherein said capping securement zone is angularly oriented with respect to said structural securement zone in order to urge melted thermoplastic material to travel toward said structural securement zone inner boundary line and said capping securement zone inner boundary line during ultrasonic welding thereof and to discourage movement thereof outwardly toward said structural securement zone outer boundary line and toward said capping securement zone outer boundary line. 3. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 1 wherein said structural securement zone is angularly oriented with respect to said capping securement zone with the distance between said capping securement zone outer boundary line and said structural securement zone outer boundary line being less than the distance between said capping securement zone inner boundary line and said structural securement zone inner boundary line prior to ultrasonic welding thereof to encourage flow of thermoplastic material inwardly toward said bore means of said structural fence member during ultrasonically welding thereof. 4. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 3 wherein said structural securement zone is angularly oriented with respect to said capping securement zone at an acute angle. 5. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 3 wherein said structural securement zone is angularly oriented with respect to said capping securement zone at an acute angle of approximately five to 15 degrees. 6. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 1 wherein said capping fence member includes an alignment pin means extending outwardly therefrom and adapted to extend through said bore opening means into said bore means to facilitate alignment of said capping fence means with respect to said structural fence member during ultrasonic welding thereof, said alignment pin means including a crush rib means of thermoplastic material extending outwardly therefrom and adapted to be positioned in abutment with said structural fence member during attachment of said capping fence member thereto, said crush rib means being capable of deforming to facilitate attachment therebetween. 7. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 1 wherein said structural fence member is formed by injection molding and wherein said capping fence member is formed by extruding. 8. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 1 wherein said welding rib means are positioned on said capping securement zone of said capping fence member closer to said capping securement zone inner boundary line than to said capping securement zone outer boundary line to discourage flow of ultrasonically melted thermoplastic material thereover and onto said outer wall surface of said structural fence member. 9. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 1 wherein said welding rib means are positioned spatially separated from said capping securement zone outer boundary line to discourage flow of ultrasonically melted thermoplastic material thereover and onto said outer wall surface of said structural fence member. 10. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 9 wherein said welding rib means are positioned spatially distant from said capping securement zone outer boundary line by at least 0.010 inches to discourage flow of ultrasonically melted thermoplastic material thereover and onto said outer wall surface of said structural fence member. 11. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 1 wherein said welding rib means are oriented perpendicularly with respect to said capping securement zone outer boundary line. 12. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 1 wherein said welding rib means are oriented parallel with respect to said capping securement zone outer boundary line. 13. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 1 wherein said welding rib means are located on said capping fence member within said capping securement zone thereof immediately adjacent to said capping securement zone inner boundary line. 14. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 1 wherein said structural fence member is extruded from polyvinyl chloride thermoplastic material and wherein said capping fence member is injection molded from polyvinyl chloride thermoplastic material. 15. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 1 wherein said structural securement zone is defined extending across and around said outer wall surface of said structural fence member. 16. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof as defined in claim 1 wherein said structural securement zone is defined extending around said bore opening means of said hollow body member between said outer wall surface and said inner wall surface thereof. 17. A thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof comprising: A. a structural fence member extruded from thermoplastic material and including: (1) a hollow body member of thermoplastic material and defining a bore means extending longitudinally therethrough, said hollow body member also defining at least one bore opening means therein in fluid flow communication with respect to said bore means; (2) an inner wall surface defining said bore means within said hollow body member; (3) an outer wall surface positioned oppositely from said inner wall surface and facing outwardly from said hollow body member; (4) a structural securement zone defined extending about said hollow body member and around said bore opening means; (5) a structural securement zone outer boundary line defined extending along said structural securement zone adjacent said outer wall surface; and (6) a structural securement zone inner boundary line defined extending along said structural securement zone and positioned spatially disposed from said structural securement zone outer boundary line to define said structural securement zone therebetween; B. a capping fence member formed by injection molding of thermoplastic material and being selectively positionable in abutment with respect to said structural fence member to facilitate securement with respect thereto by ultrasonic welding for extending over said bore opening means for capping thereof, said capping fence member comprising: (1) a capping body member of thermoplastic material; (2) a capping securement zone defined extending around said capping body member and positionable adjacent to and in registration with respect to said structural securement zone of said structural fence member to facilitate securement with respect thereto by ultrasonic welding; (3) a capping securement zone outer boundary line defined extending along said capping securement zone and registrable with respect to said structural securement zone outer boundary line responsive to positioning of said capping securement zone adjacent to said structural securement zone for facilitating securement together by ultrasonic welding; and (4) a capping securement zone inner boundary line defined extending along said capping securement zone and positioned spatially disposed from said capping securement zone outer boundary line to define said capping securement zone therebetween, said capping securement zone inner boundary line being registrable with respect to said structural securement zone inner boundary line responsive to positioning of said capping securement zone of said capping fence member adjacent to said structural securement zone of said structural fence member for facilitating securement together by ultrasonic welding; (5) a plurality of welding rib means of thermoplastic material mounted on said capping fence member within said capping securement zone thereof and extending outwardly therefrom, said welding rib means being oriented perpendicularly with respect to said capping securement zone outer boundary line, said welding rib means adapted to melt responsive to ultrasonic welding thereof to facilitate securement with respect to said structural securement zone of said structural fence member for capping thereof, said welding rib means being positioned spatially separated from said capping securement zone outer boundary line by at least 0.010 inches to discourage flow of ultrasonically melted thermoplastic material thereover and onto said outer wall surface of said structural fence member, said structural securement zone being angularly oriented with respect to said capping securement zone at an acute angle of approximately ten degrees and with the distance between said capping securement zone outer boundary line and said structural securement zone outer boundary line being less than the distance between said capping securement zone inner boundary line and said structural securement zone inner boundary line prior to ultrasonic welding thereof to encourage flow of thermoplastic material inwardly toward said bore means of said structural fence member during ultrasonically welding thereof; and (6) an alignment pin means extending outwardly from said capping body member and adapted to extend through said bore opening means into said bore means of said structural fence member to facilitate alignment of said capping fence means with respect to said structural fence member during ultrasonic welding thereof. 18. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction comprising: A. providing a structural fence member of thermoplastic material with a bore extending longitudinally therethrough and defining a structural securement zone adapted to be securable with respect thereto; B. providing a capping fence member of thermoplastic material with a plurality of welding ribs extending outwardly therefrom to facilitate ultrasonic welding thereof and defining a capping securement zone for placement adjacent to the structural securement zone for mutual securement by ultrasonic welding together; C. positioning of the capping fence member extending over the bore defined in the structural fence member with the welding ribs in abutment with the structural member and with the capping securement zone in registration with respect to the structural securement zone; and D. securing of the capping fence member to the structural fence member by ultrasonically melting of the welding ribs positioned therebetween to affix the capping securement zone with respect to the structural securement zone. 19. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 18 wherein said providing a structural fence member includes extruding of a structural fence member from thermoplastic material. 20. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 19 wherein the thermoplastic material is polyvinyl chloride. 21. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 18 wherein said providing a capping fence member includes injection molding of a capping fence member from thermoplastic material. 22. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 21 wherein the thermoplastic material is polyvinyl chloride. 23. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 18 wherein said providing of a capping fence member includes defining of a plurality of welding ribs thereon formed of thermoplastic material. 24. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 23 wherein the thermoplastic material is polyvinyl chloride. 25. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 18 wherein said positioning of the capping fence member is performed with the capping securement zone defined thereon oriented angularly with respect to a structural securement zone defined on the structural fence member to urge thermoplastic material during ultrasonic welding to flow toward the bore defined in the structural fence member. 26. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 25 wherein said positioning of the capping fence member is performed with the plane of the capping securement zone oriented at an acute angle with respect to the plane of the structural securement zone. 27. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 25 wherein said positioning of the capping fence member is performed with the capping welding zone oriented at an angle of approximately five to fifteen degrees with respect to the structural welding zone. 28. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 18 wherein the outermost boundary lines of the capping securement zone on the capping fence member and the structural securement zone on the structural fence member are urged into abutment with respect to one another during ultrasonic welding of the capping fence member to the structural fence member into order to urge excess thermoplastic material to flow toward the bore defined in the structural fence member. 29. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 28 wherein the innermost boundary lines of the capping securement zone on the capping fence member and the structural securement zone on the structural fence member are maintained spaced apart from one another at all times during ultrasonic welding thereof together as the capping fence member is secured to the structural fence member into order to urge excess thermoplastic material to flow toward the bore defined in the structural fence member. 30. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 18 wherein said capping fence member is provided with alignment pins means extending outwardly therefrom to facilitate aligning of the capping fence member with the structural fence member during securing thereof together by ultrasonic welding. 31. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 18 wherein the capping fence member is provided with the welding ribs positioned spatially distant from the outer surface thereof to minimize flow of thermoplastic material onto the exposed portion of the outer surface of the capping fence member and the structural fence member during ultrasonic welding thereof. 32. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 31 wherein the capping fence member is provided with welding ribs positioned greater than 0.010 inches from the outermost boundary line of the capping securement zone of the capping fence member. 33. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 18 wherein said providing of the capping fence member is performed with the welding ribs oriented approximately perpendicularly with respect to the outer wall thereof. 34. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 18 wherein the capping fence member is secured by ultrasonic welding thereof to an edge of the structural fence member defined between the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface. 35. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 18 wherein the capping fence member is secured by ultrasonic welding thereof to the outer wall surface of the structural fence member. 36. A method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as defined in claim 35 wherein the capping fence member is secured by ultrasonic welding thereof extending across at least a portion of the outer wall surface of the structural fence member. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention deals with respect to the field of fencing constructions and various methods of assembly thereof particularly adapted for use with thermoplastic fencing materials such as polyvinyl chloride. Normally such fencing parts are secured with respect to one another by the application of a glue to the securement surfaces. This glue tends to dissolve or melt the surface of the thermoplastic material such that it can firmly bond with other thermoplastic material with which it is brought into abutment. The present invention provides a unique construction which allows ultrasonic welding which greatly decreases the assembly time and increases the efficiency of the overall fencing construction method and of the construction of the fencing itself. 2. Description of the Prior Art Various constructions are used for thermoplastic fencing such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,301,343 patented Nov. 17, 1981 to J. A. Jonelis and assigned to Western Electric Company, Incorporated on “Methods And Assemblies For Mounting Parts”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,425 patented Oct. 1, 1985 to D. J. Provolo and assigned to Stewart-Warner Corporation on a “Method For Attaching Wheels To Dual Wheel Casters, Including Ultrasonic Welding”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,438 patented Feb. 11, 1986 to R. J. Sheffler and assigned to Revlon, Inc. on a “Container Having Fluid-Tight Seal”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,516 patented Oct. 21, 1986 to T. B. Sager and assigned to Branson Ultrasonics Corporation on an “Ultrasonic Welding Of Thermoplastic Workpieces”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,685 patented Dec. 23, 1986 to D. A. Peter and assigned to General Motors Corporation on a “Method And Apparatus For Ultrasonic Plastic Forming And Joining”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,095 patented Sep. 6, 1988 to T. B. Sager and assigned to Branson Ultrasonics Corporation on a “Method Of Closing An Open Ended Thermoplastic Body”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,555 patented Apr. 30, 1991 to T. B. Sager and assigned to Branson Ultrasonics Corporation on a “Method Of Ultrasonically Cutting And Sealing Thermoplastic Workpieces Particularly A Filter”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,837 patented Apr. 6, 1993 to D. Goss and assigned to Textron Inc. on an “Ultrasonic Insert Stud And Method Of Assembly”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,717 patented Aug. 24, 1993 to M. A. Boylan and assigned to Pall Corporation on “End Caps For Filter Elements”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,900 patented Apr. 19, 1994 to J. E. Zulick, III et al on a “Plastic Security Handrail System And Connectors Therefor”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,499 patented Nov. 1, 1994 to N. M. Savovic et al and assigned to Motorola, Inc. on a “Method For Positioning An Object Relative To A Structural Member”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,342 patented Mar. 28, 1995 to D. E. Vincent et al and assigned to DEKA Products Limited Partnership on a “Process And Energy Director For Ultrasonic Welding And Joint Produced Thereby”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,616 patented May 2, 1995 to V. D. Desai et al and assigned to Motorola, Inc. on a “Method For Ultrasonically Welding Thin-Walled Components”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,775 patented May 28, 1996 to S. R. Fischl et al and assigned to Motorola, Inc. on an “Energy Director For Ultrasonic Weld Joint”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,808 patented Jul. 30, 1996 to D. E. Vincent et al and assigned to DEKA Products Limited Partnership on an “Energy Director For Ultrasonic Welding And Joint Produced Thereby”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,575 patented Jul. 21, 1998 to D. E. Vincent et al and assigned to DEKA Products Limited Partnership on an “Ultrasonically Welded Joint”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,300 patented Nov. 3, 1998 to K. Suzuki et al and assigned to Star Micronics Co., Ltd. on a “Method Of Ultrasonic Welding For A Resin Case”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,706 patented Jan. 5, 1999 to D. A. Grewell and assigned to Branson Ultrasonics Corporation on “Simultaneous Amplitude And Force Profiling During Ultrasonic Welding Of Thermoplastic Workpieces”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,239 patented May 4, 1999 to M, L. Coulis and assigned to Associated Materials, Incorporated on a “Tubular Fencing Components Formed From Plastic Sheet Material”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,584 patented Jul. 20, 1999 to S. P. Hellstrom et al and assigned to Abbott Laboratories on a “Container Closure With A Frangible Seal And A Connector For A Fluid Transfer Device”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,201 patented Dec. 14, 1999 to D. E. Vincent et al and assigned to Deka Products Limited Partnership on a “Process And Energy Director For Welding And Joint Produced Thereby”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,216 patented May 23, 2000 to E. F. Ruppel, Jr. and assigned to Biometric Imaging, Inc. on a “Mesa Forming Weld Depth Limitation Feature For Use With Energy Director In Ultrasonic Welding”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,901 patented May 30, 2000 to J. Medal and assigned to Unimation, Inc. on an “Ultrasonic Energy Directing Attachment Of Plastic Parts To One Another”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,953 patented Jan. 23, 2001 to B. D. Landreth et al and assigned to Motorola, Inc. on an “Ultrasonic Welding Process”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,777 patented Apr. 24, 2001 to J. E. Clarke et al and assigned to Lucent Technologies Inc. on “Methods And Apparatus For Producing Ultrasonic Weld Joints For Injection Molded Plastic Parts”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,508 patented May 8, 2001 to R. Kassanits et al and assigned to Spraying Systems Co. on a “Process For Preparing A Metal Body Having A Hermetic Seal”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,551 patented Sep. 18, 2001 to T. M. Nguyen and assigned to FCI USA, Inc. on an “Electrical Connector Having Ultrasonically Welded Housing Pieces”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,866 patented Sep. 10, 2002 to V. A. Kagan et al and assigned to Honeywell International Inc. on “Frictionally Welded Thermoplastic Articles Having Improved Strength”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,763 patented Oct. 8, 2002 to J. D. Witzigreuter et al and assigned to The Gillette Company on a “Battery Cartridge”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,765 patented Oct. 8, 2002 to J. D. Witzigreuter and assigned to Aer Energy Resources Inc. on a “Metal-Air Cell Housing With Improved Peripheral Seal Design”. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a unique thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof. The fencing construction includes a basic structural fence member of thermoplastic material. Normally such a structural fence member is extruded from thermoplastic material and will comprise a fence post, a fence rail or a fence picket. Also included is a capping fence member which is normally formed by injection molding of thermoplastic material and is selectively positionable in abutment with respect to the structural fence member to facilitate securement with respect thereto by the ultrasonic welding process. When so positioned the capping fence member will extend over the bore opening normally longitudinally defined in the structural fence member. In detail the structural fence member will comprise a hollow body member of thermoplastic material such as polyvinyl chloride which defines a bore extending longitudinally therealong. This hollow body member will also define at least one bore opening therein which is in fluid flow communication with respect to the bore itself. An inner wall surface will be included within the hollow body member which defines the bore therewithin. An outer wall surface will be positioned oppositely from the inner wall surface and will face outwardly from the hollow body member. A structural securement zone will be defined extending about the hollow body member and about the bore opening. This structural securement zone will be defined between a structural securement zone outer boundary line and a structural securement zone inner boundary line. The outer boundary line will be defined extending along the structural securement zone adjacent the outer wall surface and the inner boundary line will be defined extending along the structural securement zone and be positioned spatially disposed from the structural securement zone outer boundary line in order to define the structural securement zone itself therebetween. The capping fence member is preferably formed by injection molding and is selectively positionable in abutment with respect to the structural fence member to facilitate securement with respect thereto by ultrasonic welding for the purpose of extending over the bore opening for capping this opening and effectively closing thereof. The capping fence member also adds a decorative end element to the hollow body member with a longitudinally extending bore therethrough which is formed by extrusion. The capping fence member includes a capping body member of thermoplastic material. A capping securement zone is defined extending around the capping body member and is positionable adjacent to and in registration with respect to the structural securement zone of the structural fence member for the purpose of facilitating securement of these two surfaces by ultrasonic welding. A capping securement zone outer boundary line is defined extending along the capping securement zone and is registrable with respect to the structural securement zone outer boundary line responsive to positioning of the capping securement zone adjacent to the structural securement zone for facilitating securement together by ultrasonic welding. A capping securement zone inner boundary line is also defined extending along the capping securement zone and positioned spatially disposed distant from the capping securement zone outer boundary to define the capping securement zone itself therebetween. This capping securement zone inner boundary line is preferably registrable with respect to the structural securement zone inner boundary line responsive to positioning of the capping securement zone of the capping fence member adjacent to the structural securement zone of the structural fence member for facilitating securement together by ultrasonic welding. In order to facilitate ultrasonic welding a plurality of welding ribs which act as energy concentrators will be positioned on the capping fence member within the capping securement zone thereof and extending outwardly therefrom. Preferably these welding ribs will be of thermoplastic material and will be formed during the injection molding process for forming the capping fence member itself. The welding ribs can be oriented at any angular orientation with respect to the capping securement zone outer boundary line. This angular orientation can be parallel, perpendicular or any angle therebetween. The welding ribs are adapted to melt responsive to the application of ultrasonic energy thereto to facilitate securement between the structural securement zone and the capping securement zone to facilitate capping thereof. In a preferred configuration the welding rib is positioned spatially separated from the capping securement zone outer boundary line by at least 0.010 inches in order to discourage the flow of ultrasonic melted thermoplastic material from the ribs thereover and onto the outer wall surface of the structural fence member where such flashing would be visible on the completed fence structure and, as such, is undesirable. Also in a preferred configuration the structural securement zone is angularly oriented with respect to the capping securement zone at an angle of approximately ten degrees and with a distance between the capping securement zone outer boundary line and the structural securement zone outer boundary line being less than the distance between the capping securement zone inner boundary line and the structural securement zone inner boundary line in order to further facilitate and encourage the flow of thermoplastic material inwardly toward the bore of the structural fence member during ultrasonic welding thereof to prevent this excess material or flashing from being visible on the outer surface of the finalized fencing construction. In the preferred configuration the structural securement zone is angularly oriented with respect to the capping securement zone at an acute angle. This angle can vary widely but is usually chosen to be between five and fifteen degrees or at approximately ten degrees. The configuration of the welding ribs and positioning is important in order to carefully guide the flow of melted thermoplastic material during ultrasonic welding and prevent same from moving onto the exposed outer decorative surface. This unwanted flashing can be somewhat controlled by careful positioning of the welding ribs on the capping securement zone of the capping fence member at a location closer to the capping securement zone inner boundary line than to the capping securement zone outer boundary line. As such, any excess melted thermoplastic material during ultrasonic welding will be encouraged to flow inwardly into the bore of the extruded structural fence member. The configuration of the welding rib can be oriented at any angle with respect to the inner and outer walls of the structural member. In some configurations the orientation will be perpendicular and in others it will be parallel or at any angle therebetween. Generally, if the structural member has a thinner wall thickness then the welding ribs will be oriented perpendicularly with respect to the inner and outer walls thereof. In some configurations the welding rib is mounted on the capping fence member within the capping securement zone immediately adjacent to the capping securement zone inner boundary line to provide a quick and easy path for the flow of excess melted material during ultrasonic welding thereof to flow into the bore of the extruded structural member. The construction and method for assembly of the construction for fencing of the present invention provides for capping two main means. One is a cap which will abut the end of the extruded structural member and in this manner extend over the bore opening thereof. In an alternative configuration the cap can overlap the outer surface of the structural member to some extent and form the mating securement surfaces beneath the overlapping lip which can be secured to the outer surface of the structural member. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein assembly utilizing ultrasonic welding is significantly facilitated. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein assembly is performed much more quickly. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein many different types of decorative caps can be injection molded for securement to extruded structural fencing members. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein excess material during ultrasonic welding will be urged toward the bore of the structural member. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein visible splash out or flash is minimized. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein speed of assembly of the construction is significantly enhanced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein the overall construction if fairly simple and easily assembled. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein the structural members can comprise fencing posts, rails, pickets or other structural members. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein the capping members can comprise fencing post caps, fencing rail caps or fencing picket caps or other similar designs or constructions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portions herein, a preferred embodiment is set forth in the following detailed description which may be best understood when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a front plan view of an embodiment of the thermoplastic fencing construction of the present invention being assembled; FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of a capping fence member made in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the capping fence member of the present invention shown in abutment with respect to structural fencing member of the present invention immediately prior to ultrasonic welding thereof; FIG. 4 is a final assembled view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an alternative configuration of the present invention showing the mating surfaces to be welded with respect to one another with a welding rib depicted extending parallel with respect to the inner and outer walls of the structural member and positioned adjacent to the structural securement zone inner boundary line to minimize flashing; FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of a capping fence member utilizing the welding rib design of shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is an alternative configuration of the present invention showing a capping fence member overlapping the outer wall surface of the structural fence member therebeneath; FIG. 8 is a closeup of the intersection between the structural securement zone of the structural fence member and the capping securement zone of the capping fence member of the FIG. 7 configuration; FIG. 9A is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of a generic structural fence member made in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the structural fence member shown in FIG. 9A; FIG. 10 is a generic fence diagram showing the conventional positioning of the fence posts and fence post caps as well as the upper and lower main cross members and showing the fence rail and fence rail caps and the fencing pickets and fencing picket caps; and FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the capping member of the present invention illustrating the alignment pin configured with a crush rib extending outwardly therefrom. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention provides a unique method for assembly of a thermoplastic fencing construction as well as an enhanced construction which facilitates the use of ultrasonic welding for the assembly of capping fence members 30 onto structural fencing members 10. Thermoplastic fences include various different generic construction layouts but utilize basically a plurality of individual fence posts 62. The fence post 62 is one of the structural fence members 10 which are secured to the substrate upon which the fence is placed which is normally the earth at regular locations. These fence posts are connected normally by an upper main cross member 66 and a lower main cross member 68 as shown best in FIG. 10. The fence posts 62 comprise one of the generic categories of structural fence members 10. However, also fence rails 70 will extend between the fence posts 62 between the upper and lower main cross members 66 and 68 and thereabove as well as therebelow. Finally the other structural fence member 10 will normally comprise fence pickets 74 which are attached to the upper and lower main cross members 66 and 68 and extend vertically between the fence posts 62. The upper main cross member 66 and the lower main cross member 68 normally terminate in a bracket or within the fence post 62 to which they extend. However the fence rails 70 normally terminate short of the fence post 62 and thereby need to be capped. For this purpose fence rail caps 72 are provided for positioning over the open ends of the fence rails 70. Similarly the fence pickets 74 need to have the upper opening normally closed and this is performed by a fence picket cap 76 being positioned across the upwardly facing opening of the individual fence pickets 74. Finally the fence posts 62 which are secured at one end in the ground expose at the opposite end an opening which is normally capped by a fence post cap 64. These caps 64, 72 and 76 are designed to close the open end of the structural fencing member 10 which is usually extruded while at the same time providing a decorative ending of the otherwise linear or longitudinally extending extruded part. Most of the structural fencing members 10 which include the fence posts as well as the rails and pickets are formed in an extruded process. On the other hand the configuration of the caps 64, 72 and 76 are such a design that they are formed by injection molding. Thus the injected molding caps are formed separately from the extruded structural members and need to be secured thereto in some manner. The present invention provides a unique improvement in the manner of securement or assembly of such a fencing construction by providing an overall design which greatly facilitates the use of ultrasonic welding as a means for capping the various extruded structural fencing members 10. Each structural fencing member 10 will generically normally include a hollow body member 12 which defines a longitudinally extending bore 14 extending axially therethrough. This bore 14 will define at least one bore opening 16 at one end thereof that needs to be capped. The other end will also define another bore opening. However in certain applications this bore opening is otherwise covered such as being underground or extendable within an adjacent structural member or other similar construction which-would avoid the necessity for capping of that end opening. However most of the posts, rails and pickets as described in the present invention all usually require the positioning of a capping fence member 30 upon at one end thereof over the bore opening 16. These structural fencing members 10 are normally extruded and define an inner wall surface 18 which extends around and defines the longitudinally extending bore 14 therethrough. Similarly and oppositely positioned an outer wall surface 20 is defined by each structural fencing member 10. This outer wall surface 20 is on the opposite outer side of the hollow body member 12 from the inner wall surface 18. The outer wall surface 20 is the surface which is viewed after the fencing construction and, as such, needs to be maintained in a clean and decorative manner. Each structural fence member 10 will preferably include a structural securement zone 22 to facilitate ultrasonic welding with respect thereto. This ultrasonic securement zone 22 will be defined between a structural securement zone outer boundary line 24 and a structural securement zone inner boundary line 26. The capping fence member 30 can comprise various constructions however each of which will include a capping body member 32. The capping fence member 30 can be designed to be positioned in abutment with the end of the extruded structural fence member 10 as shown in the cap end mounted configuration 60 of FIG. 1. Alternatively the capping body member 32 can comprise the cap side mounted or overlapping configuration 58 shown best in FIG. 7. These configurations will alter slightly the positioning of the securement zones on the structural fence member and the capping fence member however the basic theory of assembly and theory of design is similar. The capping body member 32 of each capping fence member 30 will define a capping securement zone 34. This capping securement zone 34 is designed to be positioned adjacent to the structural securement zone 22 of the structural fence member 10 for facilitating securement of the capping fence member 30 with respect to the structural fencing member 10 particularly by ultrasonic welding thereof. The capping securement zone 34 includes an inner and outer boundary designated as the capping securement zone outer boundary line 36 and the capping securement zone inner boundary line 38. Boundary lines 36 and 38 provide the inner and outer limits of the capping securement zone 34. A plurality of welding ribs 40 are preferably defined and positioned within the capping securement zone 34. These welding ribs 40 are preferably of thermoplastic material and provide the energy concentrators such that melting of these ribs is facilitated during ultrasonic welding for achieving firm securement between the capping securement zone 34 and the structural securement zone 22. The energy concentrators or welding ribs 40 will melt when ultrasonic energy is applied to the fencing construction of the present invention. This melted thermoplastic material will provide the means of securement between the securement zone of the structural fence member and the securement zone of the capping fence member. However often excess material is melted more than is needed for the purpose of securing these two surfaces with respect to one another. The present invention provides a unique construction which facilitates the guiding of this excess material as desired. This material often will squirt outwardly through openings or inwardly through openings in various directions to form flashing or other waste material. It is undesirable for this material to extend outwardly past the structural securement zone outer boundary line 24 past the capping securement zone outer boundary line 36 because this unsightly material would then be visible in the finalized fence construction. As such the present invention includes several construction details which would include various constructions to encourage this excess melted material to flow inwardly toward the bore 14 defined in the structural fence member 10. In one configuration of the structural securement zone 22 and the capping securement zone 34 they are oriented angularly with respect to one another. That is, the plane 42 of the structural securement zone 22 is oriented at an angle with respect to the plane 44 of the capping securement zone 34. The angle 46 between these two planes is any acute angle but is usually chosen to be between five and fifteen degrees. This angle is formed such that it is widening as it extends inwardly. That is, the angle is formed in such a manner that the end is formed such as shown in FIG. 3 wherein the distance between the capping securement zone outer boundary line 36 and the structural securement zone outer boundary line 24 is less than the distance between the capping securement zone inner boundary line 38 and the structural securement zone inner boundary line 26. This orientation is best shown in FIG. 3. The angle 46 of ten degrees between the planes of these two securement zones 34 and 22 is chosen such that as the material of the perpendicularly oriented welding rib 52 melts the capping fence member 30 will move toward the structural fence member 10 and the first point of abutment therebetween will be at the point of intersection between the structural securement zone outer boundary line 24 and the capping securement zone outer boundary line 36. This will seal the external surface and prevent the movement of any melting thermoplastic material therepast that might form flashing visible from the exterior of the fencing construction. Instead any excess thermoplastic material will be caused to urge inwardly toward the bore 14 because the spacing between the capping securement zone inner boundary line 38 and the structural securement zone inner boundary line 26 will be maintained even after ultrasonic welding has been completed because they are spaced apart farther than the spacing between the boundary lines 24 and 36. This angular relationship is an important advantage to this alternative construction of the present invention in order to control the movement of thermoplastic waste material resulting from the ultrasonic welding process. It should be appreciated that another advantage of the construction of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5 where the welding rib 40 is shown extending in the parallel direction 54 with respect to the inner and outer wall surfaces 18 and 20 of the structural fence member 10. Also in this configuration shown in FIG. 5 the rib is shown in position 56 which is immediately adjacent to the capping securement zone inner boundary line 38 which also has the primary purpose of urging any waste material to travel into the bore 14. It should be appreciated that the construction of the welding ribs 40 of the present invention can assume the parallel orientation 54 shown in FIG. 6 or can assume the perpendicular orientation 52 as shown in FIG. 2. Both of those are operable while maintaining the important advantages and improvements of the present invention. The spatial positioning of the welding rib 40 is an important consideration. Normally this rib is formed in the capping securement zone 34 during the injection molding process which forms the capping fence member 30. In most configurations the capping fence member 30 will be formed as a single integral member of thermoplastic material by injection molding which will result in the welding rib 40 being formed integrally with the capping fence member 30 and simultaneously therewith out of thermoplastic material. Ultrasonic welding normally causes smaller defined portions of thermoplastic material to melt more quickly and these are the energy concentrators or welding ribs 40 of the present invention. Positioning of the welding ribs 40 is an important characteristic. A rib set back space 50 is preferably defined which provides some spatial set back of the welding rib 40 from the capping securement zone outer boundary line 36. This is also clearly for the purpose of minimizing any flow of thermoplastic material outwardly past the outer boundary lines 24 and 36 and onto the outer wall surface 20 of the structural fence member 10 or onto the outer wall surface of the capping fencing member 30. Such flashing would then be visible and would need to be removed resulting in additional labor and time and effort as well as providing a less well refined overall fencing construction design. An important rib set back configuration is also shown in FIG. 3. Here the rib set back 50 which is at least 0.010 inches and preferably is in the range of 0.010 to 0.050 inches further minimizes flashing exiting the mating area of the securement zone 22 and 34 during ultrasonic welding of the caps to the structural members. Preferably, the set back distance is chosen to be greater than between 50% to 100% of the vertical height of the welding rib. For polyvinyl chloride thermoplastic material this set back is usually 0.010 to 0.050 inches. This is because the welding rib 40 is positioned immediately adjacent to the capping securement zone inner boundary line 38 while being positioned spatially distant from and set back from the capping securement zone outer boundary line 36. Thus movement of the excess melted material during ultrasonic welding toward the bore 14 will be enhanced. This is also an important consideration in the overlapping or external cap side mounted configuration 58 shown in FIG. 8. Here again we see the rib set back space 50 between the welding rib 40 and the capping securement zone outer boundary line 36. On the other hand the welding rib 40 extends all the way to the capping securement inner boundary line 38. In this configuration since it is overlapping configuration the capping securement zone inner boundary line 38 is not immediately adjacent to the bore 14 of structural fence member 10. However, the set back of the welding rib 40 and the angular relationship between the plane 42 of the structural securement zone 22 and the plane 44 of the capping securement zone 34 will significantly encourage the movement of any excess melted material upwardly in a direction toward the bore 14 and will minimize the flow of such material downwardly where it could be used immediately below the lowermost edge of the overlapping cap member of the finalized fencing construction. To further facilitate alignment between the capping fence member 30 and the structural fence member 10 during ultrasonic welding therebetween a plurality of alignment pins 48 are preferably oriented extending outwardly from the capping fence member 10. These pins are adapted to extend through the bore opening 16 into the bore 14 of the structural fence member 10 to maintain the position of the capping fence member 30 with respect thereto during the securement therebetween by ultrasonic welding. An important characteristic of the present invention is in the configuration of the welding ribs 40 otherwise known as sonic energy directors. The present invention has been found useful wherein these ribs are oriented parallel to the walls of the structural fence member 10 or whether they extend perpendicular thereto. Preferably the welding ribs are positioned closer to the inner portion of the structural fence member 10 for the purpose of minimizing the movement of flashing outwardly therefrom. It is also important to appreciate that the present invention is useful with capping fence members and structural fence members of various different wall thicknesses. Furthermore the wall thickness of the capping member and wall thickness of the structural member need not be the same as one another. These can vary significantly. Another important consideration of the present invention is that the formation of the hermetic seal between the capping member and the structural fence member is not required. Often a hermetic seal is achieved and such seals do have more aesthetic appeal however they are not an absolute requirement with the process of the construction of the present invention. In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, each of said alignment pins 48 will sometimes optionally includes a crush rib 28 positioned on the outer surface thereof as shown best in FIGS. 11, 1 and 2. These crush ribs 28 are preferably of a thermoplastic material to facilitate deformation thereof. Crush ribs 28 are designed to abut the inner wall surface 18 of the structural fence member 10 in order to initially facilitate alignment therebetween. These crush ribs 28 are further designed to be deformable as the capping fence member 30 is attached with respect to the structural fence member to further facilitate engagement therebetween. While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown in the drawings and described above, it will be apparent, that many changes may be made in the form, arrangement and positioning of the various elements of the combination. In consideration thereof it should be understood that preferred embodiments of this invention disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention deals with respect to the field of fencing constructions and various methods of assembly thereof particularly adapted for use with thermoplastic fencing materials such as polyvinyl chloride. Normally such fencing parts are secured with respect to one another by the application of a glue to the securement surfaces. This glue tends to dissolve or melt the surface of the thermoplastic material such that it can firmly bond with other thermoplastic material with which it is brought into abutment. The present invention provides a unique construction which allows ultrasonic welding which greatly decreases the assembly time and increases the efficiency of the overall fencing construction method and of the construction of the fencing itself. 2. Description of the Prior Art Various constructions are used for thermoplastic fencing such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,301,343 patented Nov. 17, 1981 to J. A. Jonelis and assigned to Western Electric Company, Incorporated on “Methods And Assemblies For Mounting Parts”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,425 patented Oct. 1, 1985 to D. J. Provolo and assigned to Stewart-Warner Corporation on a “Method For Attaching Wheels To Dual Wheel Casters, Including Ultrasonic Welding”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,438 patented Feb. 11, 1986 to R. J. Sheffler and assigned to Revlon, Inc. on a “Container Having Fluid-Tight Seal”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,516 patented Oct. 21, 1986 to T. B. Sager and assigned to Branson Ultrasonics Corporation on an “Ultrasonic Welding Of Thermoplastic Workpieces”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,685 patented Dec. 23, 1986 to D. A. Peter and assigned to General Motors Corporation on a “Method And Apparatus For Ultrasonic Plastic Forming And Joining”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,095 patented Sep. 6, 1988 to T. B. Sager and assigned to Branson Ultrasonics Corporation on a “Method Of Closing An Open Ended Thermoplastic Body”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,555 patented Apr. 30, 1991 to T. B. Sager and assigned to Branson Ultrasonics Corporation on a “Method Of Ultrasonically Cutting And Sealing Thermoplastic Workpieces Particularly A Filter”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,837 patented Apr. 6, 1993 to D. Goss and assigned to Textron Inc. on an “Ultrasonic Insert Stud And Method Of Assembly”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,717 patented Aug. 24, 1993 to M. A. Boylan and assigned to Pall Corporation on “End Caps For Filter Elements”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,900 patented Apr. 19, 1994 to J. E. Zulick, III et al on a “Plastic Security Handrail System And Connectors Therefor”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,499 patented Nov. 1, 1994 to N. M. Savovic et al and assigned to Motorola, Inc. on a “Method For Positioning An Object Relative To A Structural Member”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,342 patented Mar. 28, 1995 to D. E. Vincent et al and assigned to DEKA Products Limited Partnership on a “Process And Energy Director For Ultrasonic Welding And Joint Produced Thereby”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,616 patented May 2, 1995 to V. D. Desai et al and assigned to Motorola, Inc. on a “Method For Ultrasonically Welding Thin-Walled Components”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,775 patented May 28, 1996 to S. R. Fischl et al and assigned to Motorola, Inc. on an “Energy Director For Ultrasonic Weld Joint”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,808 patented Jul. 30, 1996 to D. E. Vincent et al and assigned to DEKA Products Limited Partnership on an “Energy Director For Ultrasonic Welding And Joint Produced Thereby”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,575 patented Jul. 21, 1998 to D. E. Vincent et al and assigned to DEKA Products Limited Partnership on an “Ultrasonically Welded Joint”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,300 patented Nov. 3, 1998 to K. Suzuki et al and assigned to Star Micronics Co., Ltd. on a “Method Of Ultrasonic Welding For A Resin Case”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,706 patented Jan. 5, 1999 to D. A. Grewell and assigned to Branson Ultrasonics Corporation on “Simultaneous Amplitude And Force Profiling During Ultrasonic Welding Of Thermoplastic Workpieces”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,239 patented May 4, 1999 to M, L. Coulis and assigned to Associated Materials, Incorporated on a “Tubular Fencing Components Formed From Plastic Sheet Material”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,584 patented Jul. 20, 1999 to S. P. Hellstrom et al and assigned to Abbott Laboratories on a “Container Closure With A Frangible Seal And A Connector For A Fluid Transfer Device”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,201 patented Dec. 14, 1999 to D. E. Vincent et al and assigned to Deka Products Limited Partnership on a “Process And Energy Director For Welding And Joint Produced Thereby”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,216 patented May 23, 2000 to E. F. Ruppel, Jr. and assigned to Biometric Imaging, Inc. on a “Mesa Forming Weld Depth Limitation Feature For Use With Energy Director In Ultrasonic Welding”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,901 patented May 30, 2000 to J. Medal and assigned to Unimation, Inc. on an “Ultrasonic Energy Directing Attachment Of Plastic Parts To One Another”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,953 patented Jan. 23, 2001 to B. D. Landreth et al and assigned to Motorola, Inc. on an “Ultrasonic Welding Process”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,777 patented Apr. 24, 2001 to J. E. Clarke et al and assigned to Lucent Technologies Inc. on “Methods And Apparatus For Producing Ultrasonic Weld Joints For Injection Molded Plastic Parts”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,508 patented May 8, 2001 to R. Kassanits et al and assigned to Spraying Systems Co. on a “Process For Preparing A Metal Body Having A Hermetic Seal”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,551 patented Sep. 18, 2001 to T. M. Nguyen and assigned to FCI USA, Inc. on an “Electrical Connector Having Ultrasonically Welded Housing Pieces”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,866 patented Sep. 10, 2002 to V. A. Kagan et al and assigned to Honeywell International Inc. on “Frictionally Welded Thermoplastic Articles Having Improved Strength”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,763 patented Oct. 8, 2002 to J. D. Witzigreuter et al and assigned to The Gillette Company on a “Battery Cartridge”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,765 patented Oct. 8, 2002 to J. D. Witzigreuter and assigned to Aer Energy Resources Inc. on a “Metal-Air Cell Housing With Improved Peripheral Seal Design”. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides a unique thermoplastic fencing construction which facilitates assembly by ultrasonic welding thereof. The fencing construction includes a basic structural fence member of thermoplastic material. Normally such a structural fence member is extruded from thermoplastic material and will comprise a fence post, a fence rail or a fence picket. Also included is a capping fence member which is normally formed by injection molding of thermoplastic material and is selectively positionable in abutment with respect to the structural fence member to facilitate securement with respect thereto by the ultrasonic welding process. When so positioned the capping fence member will extend over the bore opening normally longitudinally defined in the structural fence member. In detail the structural fence member will comprise a hollow body member of thermoplastic material such as polyvinyl chloride which defines a bore extending longitudinally therealong. This hollow body member will also define at least one bore opening therein which is in fluid flow communication with respect to the bore itself. An inner wall surface will be included within the hollow body member which defines the bore therewithin. An outer wall surface will be positioned oppositely from the inner wall surface and will face outwardly from the hollow body member. A structural securement zone will be defined extending about the hollow body member and about the bore opening. This structural securement zone will be defined between a structural securement zone outer boundary line and a structural securement zone inner boundary line. The outer boundary line will be defined extending along the structural securement zone adjacent the outer wall surface and the inner boundary line will be defined extending along the structural securement zone and be positioned spatially disposed from the structural securement zone outer boundary line in order to define the structural securement zone itself therebetween. The capping fence member is preferably formed by injection molding and is selectively positionable in abutment with respect to the structural fence member to facilitate securement with respect thereto by ultrasonic welding for the purpose of extending over the bore opening for capping this opening and effectively closing thereof. The capping fence member also adds a decorative end element to the hollow body member with a longitudinally extending bore therethrough which is formed by extrusion. The capping fence member includes a capping body member of thermoplastic material. A capping securement zone is defined extending around the capping body member and is positionable adjacent to and in registration with respect to the structural securement zone of the structural fence member for the purpose of facilitating securement of these two surfaces by ultrasonic welding. A capping securement zone outer boundary line is defined extending along the capping securement zone and is registrable with respect to the structural securement zone outer boundary line responsive to positioning of the capping securement zone adjacent to the structural securement zone for facilitating securement together by ultrasonic welding. A capping securement zone inner boundary line is also defined extending along the capping securement zone and positioned spatially disposed distant from the capping securement zone outer boundary to define the capping securement zone itself therebetween. This capping securement zone inner boundary line is preferably registrable with respect to the structural securement zone inner boundary line responsive to positioning of the capping securement zone of the capping fence member adjacent to the structural securement zone of the structural fence member for facilitating securement together by ultrasonic welding. In order to facilitate ultrasonic welding a plurality of welding ribs which act as energy concentrators will be positioned on the capping fence member within the capping securement zone thereof and extending outwardly therefrom. Preferably these welding ribs will be of thermoplastic material and will be formed during the injection molding process for forming the capping fence member itself. The welding ribs can be oriented at any angular orientation with respect to the capping securement zone outer boundary line. This angular orientation can be parallel, perpendicular or any angle therebetween. The welding ribs are adapted to melt responsive to the application of ultrasonic energy thereto to facilitate securement between the structural securement zone and the capping securement zone to facilitate capping thereof. In a preferred configuration the welding rib is positioned spatially separated from the capping securement zone outer boundary line by at least 0.010 inches in order to discourage the flow of ultrasonic melted thermoplastic material from the ribs thereover and onto the outer wall surface of the structural fence member where such flashing would be visible on the completed fence structure and, as such, is undesirable. Also in a preferred configuration the structural securement zone is angularly oriented with respect to the capping securement zone at an angle of approximately ten degrees and with a distance between the capping securement zone outer boundary line and the structural securement zone outer boundary line being less than the distance between the capping securement zone inner boundary line and the structural securement zone inner boundary line in order to further facilitate and encourage the flow of thermoplastic material inwardly toward the bore of the structural fence member during ultrasonic welding thereof to prevent this excess material or flashing from being visible on the outer surface of the finalized fencing construction. In the preferred configuration the structural securement zone is angularly oriented with respect to the capping securement zone at an acute angle. This angle can vary widely but is usually chosen to be between five and fifteen degrees or at approximately ten degrees. The configuration of the welding ribs and positioning is important in order to carefully guide the flow of melted thermoplastic material during ultrasonic welding and prevent same from moving onto the exposed outer decorative surface. This unwanted flashing can be somewhat controlled by careful positioning of the welding ribs on the capping securement zone of the capping fence member at a location closer to the capping securement zone inner boundary line than to the capping securement zone outer boundary line. As such, any excess melted thermoplastic material during ultrasonic welding will be encouraged to flow inwardly into the bore of the extruded structural fence member. The configuration of the welding rib can be oriented at any angle with respect to the inner and outer walls of the structural member. In some configurations the orientation will be perpendicular and in others it will be parallel or at any angle therebetween. Generally, if the structural member has a thinner wall thickness then the welding ribs will be oriented perpendicularly with respect to the inner and outer walls thereof. In some configurations the welding rib is mounted on the capping fence member within the capping securement zone immediately adjacent to the capping securement zone inner boundary line to provide a quick and easy path for the flow of excess melted material during ultrasonic welding thereof to flow into the bore of the extruded structural member. The construction and method for assembly of the construction for fencing of the present invention provides for capping two main means. One is a cap which will abut the end of the extruded structural member and in this manner extend over the bore opening thereof. In an alternative configuration the cap can overlap the outer surface of the structural member to some extent and form the mating securement surfaces beneath the overlapping lip which can be secured to the outer surface of the structural member. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein assembly utilizing ultrasonic welding is significantly facilitated. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein assembly is performed much more quickly. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein many different types of decorative caps can be injection molded for securement to extruded structural fencing members. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein excess material during ultrasonic welding will be urged toward the bore of the structural member. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein visible splash out or flash is minimized. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein speed of assembly of the construction is significantly enhanced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein the overall construction if fairly simple and easily assembled. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein the structural members can comprise fencing posts, rails, pickets or other structural members. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly and a thermoplastic fencing construction wherein the capping members can comprise fencing post caps, fencing rail caps or fencing picket caps or other similar designs or constructions. | 20040723 | 20070417 | 20060216 | 96765.0 | E04H1714 | 1 | SELLS, JAMES D | THERMOPLASTIC FENCING CONSTRUCTION AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY THEREOF | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | E04H | 2,004 |
|
10,898,098 | ACCEPTED | Golf putter head with a visual alignment aid and an increased moment of inertia | A golf putter head includes a face member with a front surface arranged for impacting a golf ball. A first arm extends substantially rearwardly from a heel end of the face member, a second arm extends substantially rearwardly from a toe end of the face member, and a central member extends rearwardly from the face member intermediate the heel and toe ends thereof. The central member is connected to and extends rearwardly from a back surface of the face member. The central member includes a pair of wing portions connecting the central member to the first and second arms rearwardly of the face member. An end portion of the central member extends rearwardly of the wing portions. | 1. A golf putter head comprising: a face member having a heel end, a toe end, a top rail extending between the heel and toe ends, a front surface arranged for impacting a golf ball, and a back surface; a first arm extending substantially rearwardly from the back surface of said face member at the heel end thereof; a second arm extending substantially rearwardly from the back surface of said face member at the toe end thereof; a central member having an inner end connected to the back surface of said face member intermediate the heel and toe ends thereof, said central member extending rearwardly from said face member and including a pair of opposed side walls at said inner end, said central member also including a pair of wing portions connecting said central member to said first and second anus rearwardly of said face member; said central member and said first arm defining a first opening therebetween adjacent the heel end of said face member; said central member and said second arm defining a second opening therebetween adjacent the toe end of said face member; and said central member having an outer end thereof extending rearwardly of said wing portions. 2. The golf putter head of claim 1, wherein said central member further comprises a first cavity in its upper surface located between said pair of opposed side walls. 3. The golf putter head of claim 2, wherein said central member further comprises a second cavity in its upper surface located rearwardly of said first cavity between said wing portions. 4. The golf putter bead of claim 1, wherein said first and second arms have top surfaces that slope downwardly as said first and second arms extend away from said face member. 5. The golf putter head of claim 1, wherein said opposed side walls at said inner end of said central member have upper surfaces that slope downwardly as said central member extends away from said face member. 6. The golf putter head of claim 1, wherein: said first and second arms have top surfaces that slope downwardly as said first and second arms extend away from said face member; and said opposed side walls at said inner end of said central member have upper surfaces that slope downwardly as said central member extends away from said face member. 7. The golf putter head of claim 1, wherein the outer end of said central member is thickened. 8. The golf putter head of claim 1, wherein said first and second arms are curved and wherein said central member is straight. 9. The golf putter of claim 1, further comprising a face plate disposed in the front surface of said face member. 10. The golf putter bead of claim 1, further comprising a hosel disposed adjacent the heel end of said face member for receiving a shaft. 11. The golf putter head of claim 1, wherein the front and back surfaces of said face member are substantially parallel to each other. | This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/758,654 filed Jan. 15, 2004. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to golf equipment and, in particular, to a golf putter head with a visual alignment aid and an increased moment of inertia. Recent developments in golf equipment have resulted in golf putter heads with high moments of inertia. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,281 to D. W. Anderson discloses a putter head sold under the name DANSER. The Anderson putter head has heel and toe weights mounted on a lower plate-like member. The heel and toe weights and the lower plate-like member are preferably made of heavyweight material such as bronze or steel. An upper shell-like member, preferably made of lightweight material such as plastic or aluminum, is secured to the lower plate-like material to enclose the heel and toe weights. U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,935 to M. J. Nelson discloses a putter head sold under the name NELLI. The Nelson putter head has a horseshoe shaped body formed of high density material such as steel with thickened heel and toe portions. The horseshoe shaped body includes a cavity which receives an insert formed of low density material such as polyurethane. The insert preferably constitutes about 15% of the total weight of the putter head while constituting more than 50% of the total volume of the putter head. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a golf putter head including a face member having a heel end, a toe end, a top rail, a front surface arranged for impacting a golf ball, and a back surface. A first arm extends substantially rearwardly from the heel end of the face member, and a second arm extends substantially rearwardly from the toe end of the face member. A central member is connected to and extends rearwardly from the back surface of the face member intermediate the heel and toe ends thereof. The central member includes a pair of wing portions connecting the central member to the first and second arms rearwardly of the face member. The central member and the first arm define a first opening therebetween adjacent the heel end of the face member while the central member and the second arm define a second opening therebetween adjacent the toe end of the face member. An end portion of the central member extends rearwardly of the wing portions. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf putter head according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the golf putter head shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the golf putter head shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a toe end view of the golf putter head shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a heel end view of the golf putter head shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the golf putter head shown in FIG. 1; and FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the golf putter head shown in FIG. 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a golf putter head 10 includes a face member 12 with a heel end 14, a toe end 16, a front surface 18 arranged for impacting a golf ball, a back surface 20 and a top rail 22. A hosel 24 is disposed near the heel end 14 of the face member 12. A shaft 26 has its lower end received in the hosel 24 and fixed therein by a suitable adhesive. As disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/632,580 filed Jul. 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference, the front surface 18 of the face member 12 has a recess 28 formed therein, and a face plate 30, preferably made of an elastomeric material such as polyurethane, is disposed in the recess 28. As also shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a first arm 32 extends substantially rearwardly from the heel end 14 of the face member 12 while a second arm 34 extends substantially rearwardly from the toe end 16 of the face member 12. A central member 36 extends rearwardly from the face member 12 intermediate the heel and toe ends 14, 16 thereof. The face member 12, the first and second arms 32, 34 and the central member 36 are preferably formed of a first material such as steel. The central member 36 includes a pair of wing portions 38, 40 connecting the central member 36 to the first and second arms 32, 34 rearwardly of the face member 12. A first opening 42 is defined between the central member 36 and the first arm 32 adjacent the heel end 14 of the face member 12, and a second opening 44 is defined between the central member 36 and the second arm 34 adjacent the toe end 16 of the face member 12. These openings 42, 44 cause more weight to be located near end portions 10a, 10b and back portion 10c of the putter head 10 which increases the moment of inertia of the putter head 10. The central member 36 includes a thickened portion 37 adjacent putter head back portion 10c. This thickened portion 37 also causes more weight to be located near the back portion 10c of the putter head 10 further increasing the putter head moment of inertia. A first cavity 46 having a depth of approximately 0.089 inch is formed in an upper surface 36a of the central member 36 between the openings 42, 44. A second cavity 48 having a depth of approximately 0.149 inch is formed in the upper surface 36a of the central member 36 rearwardly of the first cavity 46 and rearwardly of the openings 42, 44. First and second inserts 50 and 52 having respective thicknesses of approximately 0.074 and 0.134 inch are disposed, respectively, in the first and second cavities 46 and 48. Double sided adhesive tape (not shown) having a thickness of approximately 0.015 inch is used to secure the first and second inserts 50, 52 in the first and second cavities 46, 48. The first and second inserts 50, 52 are preferably formed of a second material, such as urethane, that is less dense than the first material from which the face member 12, the arms 32, 34 and the central member 36 are formed. The first cavity 46 and the first insert 50 each have a generally elongated crescent shape with a concave end while the second cavity 48 and the second insert 52 each have a generally semicircular shape with a convex side. In order to provide a visual alignment aid, the convex sides of the second recess 48 and the second insert 52 are aligned with and complement the concave ends of the first recess 46 and the first insert 50. Since the first and second inserts 50, 52 are aligned in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the front surface 18 of the face member 12, the visual alignment aid is lengthened. The first and second inserts 50, 52 have a color which contrasts with the face member 12, the first and second arms 32, 34 and the central member 36 to enhance the visual alignment aid. The central member 36 has a substantially U-shaped wall 54 at one end thereof that merges with the back surface 20 of the face member 12. Formed at the other end of the central member 36 opposite the wall 54 is the thickened portion 37. The wall 54 has a top edge 56. A middle portion 58 of the wall top edge 56 is curved and protrudes slightly above the top rail 22 of the face member 12. As an alternative, the middle portion 58 of the top wall edge 56 may be recessed slightly below the top rail 22. Opposed side portions 60, 62 of the wall top edge 56 slope downwardly from the middle portion 58 as the wall 54 extends away from the face member 12. The arms 32, 34 have top surfaces 33, 35 that slope downwardly as the arms 32, 34 extend away from the face member 12. Alternatively, the hosel 24 could be eliminated and a hole (not shown) could be formed in the arm 32 for receiving the lower end of the shaft 26. Also, the recess 28 and the face plate 30 could be eliminated from the front surface 18 of the face member 12. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates generally to golf equipment and, in particular, to a golf putter head with a visual alignment aid and an increased moment of inertia. Recent developments in golf equipment have resulted in golf putter heads with high moments of inertia. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,281 to D. W. Anderson discloses a putter head sold under the name DANSER. The Anderson putter head has heel and toe weights mounted on a lower plate-like member. The heel and toe weights and the lower plate-like member are preferably made of heavyweight material such as bronze or steel. An upper shell-like member, preferably made of lightweight material such as plastic or aluminum, is secured to the lower plate-like material to enclose the heel and toe weights. U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,935 to M. J. Nelson discloses a putter head sold under the name NELLI. The Nelson putter head has a horseshoe shaped body formed of high density material such as steel with thickened heel and toe portions. The horseshoe shaped body includes a cavity which receives an insert formed of low density material such as polyurethane. The insert preferably constitutes about 15% of the total weight of the putter head while constituting more than 50% of the total volume of the putter head. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides a golf putter head including a face member having a heel end, a toe end, a top rail, a front surface arranged for impacting a golf ball, and a back surface. A first arm extends substantially rearwardly from the heel end of the face member, and a second arm extends substantially rearwardly from the toe end of the face member. A central member is connected to and extends rearwardly from the back surface of the face member intermediate the heel and toe ends thereof. The central member includes a pair of wing portions connecting the central member to the first and second arms rearwardly of the face member. The central member and the first arm define a first opening therebetween adjacent the heel end of the face member while the central member and the second arm define a second opening therebetween adjacent the toe end of the face member. An end portion of the central member extends rearwardly of the wing portions. | 20040722 | 20051122 | 20050721 | 58813.0 | 1 | PASSANITI, SEBASTIANO | GOLF PUTTER HEAD WITH A VISUAL ALIGNMENT AID AND AN INCREASED MOMENT OF INERTIA | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,898,109 | ACCEPTED | Synchronization of application documentation across database instances | A method and system for synchronizing M application documentations across N database instances. Each database instance has a same structural design. N and M are each at least 2. A documentation synchronization agent is executed which updates N1 database instances with the M application documentations and does not update a remaining N-N1 database instances with the M application documentations if N1 is equal to N. N1 is at least 1. If N1 is less than N, then each of the remaining N-N1 database instances include a first and/or second characteristic. The first characteristic is that the remaining database instances include the M application documentations upon initiation of the executing. The second characteristic is that the agent is unable to access the remaining database instance during the executing. | 1. A method for synchronizing M application documentations across N database instances, said method comprising: providing the N database instances, wherein N is at least 2, and wherein each database instance of the N database instances comprise a same structural design, providing the M application documentations, wherein M is at least 2; and executing a documentation synchronization agent, wherein said executing comprises updating N1 database instances of the N database instances with the M application documentations and not updating the remaining N-N1 database instances that remains if N1 is less than N, wherein N1 is at least 1, wherein if N1 is less than N then each of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprise at least one characteristic of a first characteristic and a second characteristic, wherein the first characteristic is that the remaining database instances comprise the M application documentations upon initiation of said executing, and wherein the second characteristic is that the documentation synchronization agent is unable to access the remaining N-N1 database instances during said executing. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein N2 database instances of the N1 database instances comprises the M application documentations upon initiation of said executing, and wherein N2 is at least 1. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein N1 is equal to N. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein N1 is less than N. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein at least one database instance of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprises the first characteristic. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein at least one database instance of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprises the second characteristic. 7. The method of claim 4, wherein at least one database instance of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprises the first characteristic and the second characteristic. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the M application documentations are distributed among a plurality of databases. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the M application documentations are all contained within a documentation synchronizing manager such that the documentation synchronizing manager is a single data structure. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the documentation synchronizing manager comprises the documentation synchronization agent. 11. A computer system comprising a processor and a computer readable memory unit coupled to the processor, said memory unit comprising computer readable program code that when executed by the processor implements a method for synchronizing M application documentations across N database instances, N being at least 2, M being at least 2, said method comprising executing a documentation synchronization agent, wherein said executing comprises updating N1 database instances of the N database instances with the M application documentations and not updating the remaining N-N1 database instances that remains if N1 is less than N, wherein N1 is at least 1, wherein if N1 is less than N then each of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprise at least one characteristic of a first characteristic and a second characteristic, wherein the first characteristic is that the remaining database instances comprise the M application documentations upon initiation of said executing, and wherein the second characteristic is that the documentation synchronization agent is unable to access the remaining N-N1 database instances during said executing. 12. The computer system of claim 11, wherein N2 database instances of the N1 database instances comprises the M application documentations upon initiation of said executing, and wherein N2 is at least 1. 13. The computer system of claim 11, wherein N1 is equal to N. 14. The computer system of claim 11, wherein N1 is less than N. 15. The computer system of claim 14, wherein at least one database instance of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprises the first characteristic. 16. The computer system of claim 14, wherein at least one database instance of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprises the second characteristic. 17. The computer system of claim 14, wherein at least one database instance of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprises the first characteristic and the second characteristic. 18. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the M application documentations are distributed among a plurality of databases. 19. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the M application documentations are all contained within a documentation synchronizing manager such that the documentation synchronizing manager is a single data structure. 20. The computer system of claim 19, wherein the documentation synchronizing manager comprises the documentation synchronization agent. 21. A computer program product, comprising a computer usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein, said computer readable program code adapted to implement a method for synchronizing M application documentations across N database instances, N being at least 2, M being at least 2, said method comprising executing a documentation synchronization agent, wherein said executing comprises updating N1 database instances of the N database instances with the M application documentations and not updating the remaining N-N1 database instances that remains if N1 is less than N, wherein N1 is at least 1, wherein if N1 is less than N then each of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprise at least one characteristic of a first characteristic and a second characteristic, wherein the first characteristic is that the remaining database instances comprise the M application documentations upon initiation of said executing, and wherein the second characteristic is that the documentation synchronization agent is unable to access the remaining N-N1 database instances during said executing. 22. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein N2 database instances of the N1 database instances comprises the M application documentations upon initiation of said executing, and wherein N2 is at least 1. 23. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein N1 is equal to N. 24. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein N1 is less than N. 25. The computer program product of claim 24, wherein at least one database instance of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprises the first characteristic. 26. The computer program product of claim 24, wherein at least one database instance of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprises the second characteristic. 27. The computer program product of claim 24, wherein at least one database instance of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprises the first characteristic and the second characteristic. 28. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein the M application documentations are distributed among a plurality of databases. 29. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein the M application documentations are all contained within a documentation synchronizing manager such that the documentation synchronizing manager is a single data structure. 30. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein the documentation synchronizing manager comprises the documentation synchronization agent. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field The present invention relates to a method and system for synchronizing application documentations across database instances. 2. Related Art The updating of application documentation in database instances is inefficient in the related art. Accordingly, there is a need for a more efficient method and system for updating application documentation in database instances than currently exists in the related art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method for synchronizing M application documentations across N database instances, said method comprising: providing the N database instances, wherein N is at least 2, and wherein each database instance of the N database instances comprise a same structural design, providing the M application documentations, wherein M is at least 2; and executing a documentation synchronization agent, wherein said executing comprises updating N1 database instances of the N database instances with the M application documentations and not updating the remaining N-N1 database instances that remains if N1 is less than N, wherein N1 is at least 1, wherein if N1 is less than N then each of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprise at least one characteristic of a first characteristic and a second characteristic, wherein the first characteristic is that the remaining database instances comprise the M application documentations upon initiation of said executing, and wherein the second characteristic is that the documentation synchronization agent is unable to access the remaining N-N1 database instances during said executing. The present invention provides a computer system comprising a processor and a computer readable memory unit coupled to the processor, said memory unit comprising computer readable program code that when executed by the processor implements a method for synchronizing M application documentations across N database instances, N being at least 2, M being at least 2, said method comprising executing a documentation synchronization agent, wherein said executing comprises updating N1 database instances of the N database instances with the M application documentations and not updating the remaining N-N1 database instances that remains if N1 is less than N, wherein N1 is at least 1, wherein if N1 is less than N then each of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprise at least one characteristic of a first characteristic and a second characteristic, wherein the first characteristic is that the remaining database instances comprise the M application documentations upon initiation of said executing, and wherein the second characteristic is that the documentation synchronization agent is unable to access the remaining N-N1 database instances during said executing. The present invention provides a computer program product, comprising a computer usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein, said computer readable program code adapted to implement a method for synchronizing M application documentations across N database instances, N being at least 2, M being at least 2, said method comprising executing a documentation synchronization agent, wherein said executing comprises updating N1 database instances of the N database instances with the M application documentations and not updating the remaining N-N1 database instances that remains if N1 is less than N, wherein N1 is at least 1, wherein if N1 is less than N then each of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprise at least one characteristic of a first characteristic and a second characteristic, wherein the first characteristic is that the remaining database instances comprise the M application documentations upon initiation of said executing, and wherein the second characteristic is that the agent is unable to access the remaining N-N1 database instances during said executing. The present invention advantageously provides a more efficient method and system for updating application documentation in database instances than currently exists in the related art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 depicts a system for managing an updating of database instances with application documentations, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2A depicts a documentations hierarchy and view, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2B depicts an application documentation, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 depicts an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the documentations hierarchy and view of FIG. 2A and the application documentation of FIG. 2B are combined. FIG. 4 is a high-level flow chart depicting creating/editing of application documentations and updating of the application documentations across the database instances of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting in greater detail the creation/editing of the application documentations of FIG. 4, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting in greater detail the updating of the application documentations in the database instances of FIG. 4, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7 depicts a computer system for managing and updating database instances having application documentations, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 depicts a system 10 with for managing an updating of N database instances with application documentations, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The system 10 includes a documentation synchronization manager 12, a documentation synchronization agent 14, and the N database instances. N is at least 2. The N database instances comprise database instance 1, database instance 2, database instance 3, . . . , database instance N. See FIG. 7, described infra, for a computer system that includes the system 10 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the documentation synchronization manager 12 is a data structure that includes a database for storing or accessing “application documentations” which are intended to each be placed and stored in each database instance of the N database instances. A “documentation” in relation to a “subject” is defined as a document that comprises that documents (i.e., describes) an aspect of the subject. An “application documentation” is defined as a documentation in relation to software application (i.e., computer code or program). Thus, the “subject” of an application documentation is a software application (i.e., computer code or program). “Documentations” is defined as the plural form of “documentation”. Thus, M application documentations consist of application doumentations A(1), A(2), . . . , A(M). An application documentation may relate to the software application in any manner. For example, the application documentation may pertain to hardware and/or software supporting execution of the application. Application documentations will be illustrated infra in conjunction with FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3. The application documentations may be comprised by the data structure of the documentation synchronization manager 12, or may alternatively exist outside of the documentation synchronization manager 12. If existing outside of the documentation synchronization manager 12, the application documentations may reside in a single location (e.g., within a single database) or alternatively may be distributed within a plurality of locations (e.g., within a plurality of databases). The documentation synchronization agent 14 may be comprised by the data structure of the documentation synchronization manager 12, or may alternatively exist outside of the documentation synchronization manager 12. A database is defined as a repository in which data is stored in a structured format. Thus, a database includes data storage structures such as, inter alia, tables, files, etc. Each data storage structure has a characteristic structure in a structured format. For example, a table is organized into columns and rows. A column is also called a “field”. The structured format of a table defines the fields, including the definition of each field, the data type of each field (e.g., integer, floating point, character, binary, etc.), and the maximum length or fixed length of each field (e.g., number of characters or bits, highest and lowest permitted integer values, etc.). As another example, a file may be organized into records. The structured format of a file defines the fields within the record, wherein the records may be fixed-length records or variable-length records. The N database instances have a same structural design. The structural design that is the same for the N database instances is characterized by a defined set of data storage structures within each database instance. For example, the structural design may comprise a defined set of tables which includes a specification of the structured format of each table. Although the N database instances have a same structural design, the N database instances may comprise different data values within the framework of the same structural design. As a first example of multiple database instances, the N database instances may each represent an organization and its members and/or employees in different geographic locations. For this first example, the database instance 1 may be a “Boston” database instance, the database instance 2 may be a “Chicago” database instance, the database instance 13 may be a “Denver” database instance, etc. As a second example of multiple database instances, the N database instances may each represent a functional component of an organization. For this second example, the database instance 1 may be a “engineering design” database instance, the database instance 2 may be an “administration” database instance, the database instance 3 may be a “sales” database instance, etc. As a third example of multiple database instances, the N database instances may each represent a project of an organization such as a medical research organization. For this third example for the case of a medical research organization, the database instance 1 may be an “coronary implant” database instance, the database instance 2 may be a “tumor growth tracker” database instance, the database instance may be a “blood lipid analyzer” database instance, etc. The documentation synchronization agent 14 is an “agent” adapted to update the N database instances which are stored in the documentation synchronization manager 12. An “agent” is defined as a computer executable program or software that functions as a background process within the operating system environment. The agent can function concurrent with, and independent of, other software execution that is occurring within the operating system environment. Although the description herein describes the documentation synchronization agent 14 as a single agent, all of the functionality described herein for the documentation synchronization agent 14 may alternatively be performed, in general, by two or more of such documentation synchronization agents working cooperatively with one another. The documentation synchronization agent 14 communicates with database instances 1, 2, 3, . . . , N over communication links 16, 17, 18, . . . , 19, respectively. FIG. 2A depicts a view 22 of documentation identifiers associated with a documentations hierarchy 21, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. A “view” is a “virtual data structure” in which the data structure is represented in a visual form (such as the list of items visually appearing in the view 22), but is physically stored in a database. FIG. 2A also comprises toolbars 25 and status bars 26. The toolbars 25 display selectable options under such categories as such as “File”, “Edit”, Tools”, etc. The status bars 26 display status information such as the location of a cursor appearing in FIG. 2A. The documentations hierarchy 21 in FIG. 2A is a two-level hierarchy. The first level of the two-level documentations hierarchy 21 has classification of: 10.0 Help Topics, 11.0 Administration, and 12.0 Configuration. The second level of the 11.0 Administration has classifications of: 11.01 Field level help, 11.02 Form level help, 11.03 View level help, 11.04 Action help, 11.05 Procedural help, and 11.06 Image resources. The lowest level classifications of the documentations hierarchy (e.g., the classifications 11.01-11.06 in FIG. 2A) are called “documentations categories.” Although the documentations hierarchy 21 in FIG. 2 is a two-level hierarchy, the documentations hierarchy of the present invention generally comprises one or more levels. As seen in FIG. 2A, the highlighting of “11.05 Procedural Help” in the documentations hierarchy 21 triggers a view 22 of a display of the set of application documentation identifiers associated with the documentations category of 11.05 Procedural help. These application documentation identifiers identify various types of procedures for which a help documentation may be displayed, namely: installation procedure, input procedure, save results procedure, edit procedure, etc. FIG. 2B depicts an application documentation associated with the “save results procedure” in the view 22 of FIG. 2A, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the highlighting of “Save Results Procedure” in the view 22 triggers a display of the application documentation associated with the “save results procedure” as shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 3 depicts an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the two-level documentations hierarchy 21 and the view 22 of FIG. 2A are combined to form a three-level documentations hierarchy 121 in FIG. 3. The documentations categories in the view 22 of FIG. 2A constitute the lowest level classification of the documentations hierarchy 121 in FIG. 3. The view 122 in FIG. 3 includes the application documentation of FIG. 2B. Thus in FIG. 3, the highlighting of “11.053 Save Results Procedure” in the documentations hierarchy 121 triggers a display of the application documentation associated with the “save results procedure” in the view 122. FIG. 3 also comprises toolbars 125 and status bars 126 which are respectively analogous to toolbars 25 and status bars 26 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 4 is a high-level flow chart depicting steps 30, 40, and 50 for the creation/editing of application documentations and updating of the application documentations across the N database instances of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step 30, application documentations intended to be stored in the N database instances of FIG. 1 are identified. The application documentations identified in step 30 may be initial application documentations to be stored in the N database instances, new application documentations to be added to application documentations already in existence, or modifications of application documentations already in existence. In step 40 which is executed after step 30, the application documentations identified in step 30 are encoded into the documentation synchronization manager 12 of FIG. 1, by creation for newly identified documentations or by updating for modified versions of application documentations already in existence. Step 40 is described in greater detail in the flow chart of FIG. 4, discussed infra. In step 50 which is executed after step 40, the documentation synchronization agent 14 of FIG. 1 updates the N database instances in accordance with the application documentations in the documentation synchronization manager 12 of FIG. 1. Step 50 is described in greater detail in the flow chart of FIG. 6, discussed infra. FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting steps 41-45 which show step 40 of FIG. 3 in greater detail for the creation/editing of the application documentations, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Step 41 sets a documentation index D to 1, so as to initialize processing the first documentation to be processed. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the documentation index D indexes the documentation identifiers (e.g., Installation Procedure, Input Procedure, etc.) in view 22. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the documentation index D indexes the lowest level classifications (e.g., 11.051 Installation Procedure, 11.052 Input Procedure, etc.) of the documentations hierarchy 121. Step 42 displays a window or view for a documentation associated with documentation index D. If the documentation for document index D is a new documentation to be created and subsequently saved, then step 42 may display a blank window into which the new documentation may be entered. If the documentation for document index D is an existing documentation to be edited and subsequently saved, then in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B step 42 displays a window or view of the documentation shown in FIG. 2B. If the documentation for document index D is an existing documentation to be edited and subsequently saved, then in the embodiment of FIG. 3, step 42 displays a window or view of the documentation shown the view 122 in FIG. 3. Step 43 is a create/edit step which may be performed either manually by an operator or in an automated fashion by software. Step 43 enters and subsequently saves the documentation in the window displayed of step 42 if the documentation is a new documentation. Step 43 edits and subsequently saves the documentation displayed in the window of step 42 if the documentation already exists and is being modified. Step 44 determines whether there are any more documentations to edit/save. If there are no more documentations to edit/save, then the process of the flow chart of FIG. 5 is EXITed. If there are one or more documentations categories yet to edit/save, then the documentation index D is incremented by 1 in step 45 to step to the next documentations be edit/save, and steps 42-45 are iteratively repeated until all documentations categories have been processed. FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting steps 51-57 which show step 50 of FIG. 4 in greater detail for executing the documentation synchronization agent 14 of FIG. 1 to update application documentations across the N database instances of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Step 51 identifies the latest (i.e., most recent) application documentations in the documentations synchronization manager 12 of FIG. 1. Assume that there are M such application documentations, wherein M is at least 2. Step 52 accesses a list of the N database instances. Step 53 sets a database instance index I to 1, so as to initialize processing the first database instance of the N database instances to be potentially updated. Step 54 determines whether to update database instance I with the M application documentations. In an embodiment, the documentation synchronization agent 14 of FIG. 1 always updates all database instance with the M application documentations if it is possible to do so. However, it may be impossible to update database instance I with the M application documentations. For example, the agent 14 may be unable to access the database instance I such as when the communication link to database instance I (e.g., one of the communication links 16-19 of FIG. 1) is disabled or when the database instance I is disabled. In another embodiment, database instance I will not be updated with the M application documentations if the agent 14 determines that the database instance I already comprises the M application documentations in the documentations synchronization manager 12 of FIG. 1. For example, at a recent previous time when less than N database instances existed (e.g., N-K database instances existed such that K is at least 1), a comprehensive updating of all existing database instances was successfully accomplished including the updating of database instance I. For times following the recent previous time in this example, the application documentations have not changed but K new database instances have been added, so that the current updating of the N database instances need update only the K new database instances with the M application documentations. Thus in this example, it would be determined in step 54 not to update the database instance I with the M application documentations if database instance I is one of the N-K database instances referred to supra. If it is determined in step 54 to update database instance I with the M application documentations, then database instance I is updated in step 55 with the M application documentations identified in step 51, followed by execution of step 56. In an embodiment, step 55 may be implemented by deleting all existing application documentations in database instance I and adding the M application documentations identified in step 51 to database instance I. In another embodiment, step 56 may be implemented by keeping track of the status (i.e., version) of all existing application documentations in database instance I and adding/changing only those application documentations which do not already exist in the database instance I. If it is determined in step 54 not to update database instance I with the M application documentations, then step 56 is next executed. Step 56 determines whether there are more database instances to process (i.e., whether I is less than N). If it is determined in step 56 that there are no more database instances to process, then the process of the flow chart of FIG. 6 is EXITed. If it is determined in step 56 that there are more database instances to process (i.e., I is less than N), then the database index I is incremented by 1 in step 57 to step to the next database instance to process, and steps 54-57 are iteratively repeated until all database instances have been processed. Based on the preceding description of the flow chart of FIG. 6, the execution of the documentation synchronization agent 14 of FIG. 1 generally comprises updating N1 database instances of the N database instances with the M application documentations and not updating the remaining N-N1 database instance that remains if N1 is less than N. N1 is at least 1. If N1 is less than N then each of the remaining N-N1 database instances may comprise at least one characteristic of a first characteristic and a second characteristic. The first characteristic is that the remaining N-N1 database instances comprise the M application documentations upon initiation of the execution of the documentation synchronization agent 14 in step 51. The second characteristic is that the documentation synchronization agent 14 is unable to access the remaining N-N1 database instances while the agent 14 is being executed. FIG. 7 depicts a computer system for managing and updating database instances having application documentations, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The computer system 90 comprises a processor 91, an input device 92 coupled to the processor 91, an output device 93 coupled to the processor 91, and memory devices 94 and 95 each coupled to the processor 91. The input device 92 may be, inter alia, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The output device 93 may be, inter alia, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, a removable hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. The memory devices 94 and 95 may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory device 95 comprises a computer code which includes the documentation synchronization agent 14 of FIG. 1 for managing and updating database instances having application documentations. The memory device 95 further comprises the documentation synchronization manager 12 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments as stated supra, the documentation synchronization agent 14 may be comprised by the data structure of the documentation synchronization manager 12. The processor 91 executes the documentation synchronization agent 14. The memory device 94 includes input data 96. The input data 96 includes input required by the documentation synchronization agent 14. The output device 93 displays output from the documentation synchronization agent 14. Either or both memory devices 94 and 95 (or one or more additional memory devices not shown in FIG. 7) may be used as a computer usable medium (or a computer readable medium or a program storage device) having a computer readable program code embodied therein and/or having other data stored therein, wherein the computer readable program code comprises the computer code and the documentation synchronization agent 14 therein. Generally, a computer program product (or, alternatively, an article of manufacture) of the computer system 90 may comprise said computer usable medium (or said program storage device). While FIG. 7 shows the computer system 90 as a particular configuration of hardware and software, any configuration of hardware and software, as would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilized for the purposes stated supra in conjunction with the particular computer system 90 of FIG. 7. For example, the memory devices 94 and 95 may be portions of a single memory device rather than separate memory devices. While embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Technical Field The present invention relates to a method and system for synchronizing application documentations across database instances. 2. Related Art The updating of application documentation in database instances is inefficient in the related art. Accordingly, there is a need for a more efficient method and system for updating application documentation in database instances than currently exists in the related art. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides a method for synchronizing M application documentations across N database instances, said method comprising: providing the N database instances, wherein N is at least 2, and wherein each database instance of the N database instances comprise a same structural design, providing the M application documentations, wherein M is at least 2; and executing a documentation synchronization agent, wherein said executing comprises updating N1 database instances of the N database instances with the M application documentations and not updating the remaining N-N1 database instances that remains if N1 is less than N, wherein N1 is at least 1, wherein if N1 is less than N then each of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprise at least one characteristic of a first characteristic and a second characteristic, wherein the first characteristic is that the remaining database instances comprise the M application documentations upon initiation of said executing, and wherein the second characteristic is that the documentation synchronization agent is unable to access the remaining N-N1 database instances during said executing. The present invention provides a computer system comprising a processor and a computer readable memory unit coupled to the processor, said memory unit comprising computer readable program code that when executed by the processor implements a method for synchronizing M application documentations across N database instances, N being at least 2, M being at least 2, said method comprising executing a documentation synchronization agent, wherein said executing comprises updating N1 database instances of the N database instances with the M application documentations and not updating the remaining N-N1 database instances that remains if N1 is less than N, wherein N1 is at least 1, wherein if N1 is less than N then each of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprise at least one characteristic of a first characteristic and a second characteristic, wherein the first characteristic is that the remaining database instances comprise the M application documentations upon initiation of said executing, and wherein the second characteristic is that the documentation synchronization agent is unable to access the remaining N-N1 database instances during said executing. The present invention provides a computer program product, comprising a computer usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein, said computer readable program code adapted to implement a method for synchronizing M application documentations across N database instances, N being at least 2, M being at least 2, said method comprising executing a documentation synchronization agent, wherein said executing comprises updating N1 database instances of the N database instances with the M application documentations and not updating the remaining N-N1 database instances that remains if N1 is less than N, wherein N1 is at least 1, wherein if N1 is less than N then each of the remaining N-N1 database instances comprise at least one characteristic of a first characteristic and a second characteristic, wherein the first characteristic is that the remaining database instances comprise the M application documentations upon initiation of said executing, and wherein the second characteristic is that the agent is unable to access the remaining N-N1 database instances during said executing. The present invention advantageously provides a more efficient method and system for updating application documentation in database instances than currently exists in the related art. | 20040722 | 20080108 | 20060126 | 59881.0 | G06F1730 | 0 | AL HASHEMI, SANA A | SYNCHRONIZATION OF APPLICATION DOCUMENTATION ACROSS DATABASE INSTANCES | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
|
10,898,131 | ACCEPTED | Web-based groupware system | The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a communication network. The system comprises a ‘network-connected server having input and access capabilities, a site builder, a transmitter, a communicator, and memory. The site-builder receives instructions input from a first user and creates a dedicated network site based on the received instructions. The transmitter communicates the existence of the dedicated network site to a nominated second user. The communicator provides accesses to the contents of the dedicated network site by the first and second users. The memory stores information input by the first and the second user in the dedicated network site. | 1. A system for providing a collaborative workspace, comprising: a computer that is configured to create a dedicated network site on a network-connected server in response to instructions received from a primary user, said dedicated network site defining said collaborative workspace; memory associated with the computer that stores i) a list of secondary users nominated by said primary user that have one or more levels of access to said collaborative workspace, and ii) access control choices selectable by said primary user and defining the one or more levels of access afforded said secondary users of said collaborative workspace; wherein access to said levels of access include access via a web browser. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said computer is further configured to provide a workgroup creation template via a web page that is displayed to the primary user. 3. The system of claim 2 wherein said computer is configured to provide a series of logically related workgroup creation templates to the primary user. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said collaborative workspace is configured to include a plurality of user applications selectable by one of the users to be included in that collaborative workspace. 5. The system of claim 4 wherein said collaborative workspace is configured to include a plurality of distinct user applications. 6. The system of claim 4 wherein one of the user applications is a project collaboration application. 7. The system of claim 4 wherein one of the user applications is a scheduling application. 8. The system of claim 4 wherein one of the user applications is a document manager that controls check-in and check-out of documents. 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the computer is configured to allow the primary user to assign the primary user's administrative rights to one or more of the secondary users. 10. A method for providing a collaborative workspace, comprising: configuring a computer to create a dedicated network site on a network-connected server in response to instructions received from a primary user, said dedicated network site defining said collaborative workspace; and storing in memory associated with the computer i) a list of secondary users nominated by said primary user that have one or more levels of access to said collaborative workspace, and ii) access control choices selectable by said primary user and defining the one or more levels of access afforded said secondary users of said collaborative workspace; wherein access to said levels of access include access via a web browser. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the configuring further comprises configuring the computer to provide a workgroup creation template via a web page displayed to the primary user. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the configuring comprises configuring said computer to provide a series of logically related workgroup creation templates to the primary user. 13. The method of claim 10 further comprising configuring said collaborative workspace to include a plurality of user applications selectable by one of the users to be included in that collaborative workspace. 14. The method of claim 13 wherein said collaborative workspace is configured to include a plurality of distinct user applications. 15. The method of claim 13 wherein one of the user applications is a project collaboration application. 16. The method of claim 13 wherein one of the user applications is a scheduling application. 17. The method of claim 13 wherein one of the user applications is a document manager that controls check-in and check-out of documents. 18. The method of claim 10 further comprising configuring the computer to allow the primary user to assign the primary user's administrative rights to one or more of the secondary users. 19. A computer readable medium having instructions thereon for performing steps for providing a collaborative workspace, the steps comprising: configuring a computer to create a dedicated network site on a network-connected server in response to instructions received from a primary user, said dedicated network site defining said collaborative workspace; and storing in memory associated with the computer i) a list of secondary users nominated by said primary user that have one or more levels of access to said collaborative workspace, and ii) access control choices selectable by said primary user and defining the one or more levels of access afforded said secondary users of said collaborative workspace; wherein access to said levels of access includes access via a web browser. 20. The computer readable medium of claim 19 wherein the configuring further comprises configuring the computer to provide a workgroup creation template via a web page displayed to the primary user. 21. The computer readable medium of claim 20 wherein the configuring further comprises configuring said computer to provide a series of logically related workgroup creation templates to the primary user. 22. The computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein the steps further comprising configuring said collaborative workspace to include a plurality of user applications selected by one of the users to be included in that collaborative workspace. 23. The computer readable medium of claim 22 wherein said collaborative workspace is configured to include a plurality of distinct user applications. 24. The computer readable medium of claim 22 wherein one of the user applications is a project collaboration application. 25. The computer readable medium of claim 22 wherein one of the user applications is a scheduling application. 26. The computer readable medium of claim 22 wherein one of the user applications is a document manager that controls check-in and check-out of documents. 27. The computer readable medium of claim 19, the steps further comprising configuring the computer to allow the primary user to assign the primary user's administrative rights to one or more of the secondary users. | REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/590,099 filed Jun. 9, 2000, pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/195,905 filed Nov. 19, 1998 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,177, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/955,569 filed Oct. 22, 1997 and which claims priority to Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,221,790 filed on Nov. 19, 1997. The contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/590,099 are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of collaborative software systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for providing network-based groupware functionality. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Recently, the need for collaborative computing environments has been receiving increasing attention. People are finding that it is more and more important to share information and work together to meet common goals. With increasing specialization in the marketplace, there is frequent need to work together with people from different offices, different organizations and even different countries to satisfy the requirements of a particular project or goal. Managing collaborative initiatives of this type is not a simple matter. Electronic network based, project management server systems are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,506 [Srinivasan] discloses an automated, electronic network based, project management server system for managing multiple work groups. The system comprises a core piece of software which runs on a host server computer system and interacts with a messaging system such as E-mail or facsimile. The system compiles multi-project plans into a multi-project database and tracks the ownership of projects, tasks and resources within the plans. The system automatically checks all resource requests and if resource availability limits are exceeded then resources are allocated on projects based on priorities and project plans are changed accordingly. The system is also programmed to send out reminders and follow-ups and the databases are continuously updated based on status changes reported by work group members. One of the disadvantages of known electronic network-based, collaborative server systems is that they depend on Information Technology specialists or a system administrator to administer control of the system, i.e., if a user wishes to add functionality to a system, they must have access to the program itself. Further, many collaborative systems require each user to have specialized software installed on their computer. It is an object of the present invention to obviate and mitigate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides a system for providing a communication system, the system comprising: (i) a network-connected server having input and access capabilities; (ii) a site-builder for receiving instructions input from a first user and for creating a dedicated network site based on said received instructions; (iii) a transmitter for communicating existence of said dedicated network site to a nominated second user; (iv) a communicator for accessing contents of said dedicated network site by said first and said second users; and (v) memory for storing information input by said first and said second user at said dedicated network site. In another aspect the present invention provides a system to provide a team of users with intranet-based groupware functionality, comprising: (i) a network-connected server capable of receiving an initiate instruction from a primary user; (ii) a site builder for creating a dedicated site on said server in response to said initiate instruction; (iii) a transmitter for sending information about the existence of said dedicated site to at least one secondary user nominated by said primary user; (iv) a communicator for transmitting information between said dedicated site, said primary user and said at least one secondary user; (v) memory for storing information at said dedicated site, said information from said primary and said at least one secondary user; (vi) a processor for processing said information stored at said dedicated site said processed information being transmitted by said communicator to said primary user and said at least one secondary user. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing a communication network, comprising: (i) providing an network-connected server having upload and download capabilities; (ii) receiving instructions uploaded from a first user and for creating a dedicated network site on said server, said dedicated network site having a unique name based on instructions received; (iii) communicating the existence of said dedicated intranet site to a nominated second user; (iv) downloading contents of said dedicated network site to said first and second users; (v) storing information in the dedicated web-site. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a computer configured to operate a groupware application program, the computer comprising: (i) a network for connecting to at least a primary and a secondary user; (ii) a site builder for receiving instructions input from said primary user and for creating a dedicated site within the computer based on said instructions; (iii) a mailer for looking up an address of said secondary user from an address database; (iv) a communicator for communicating the existence of said dedicated site to said secondary user; (v) memory for storing information at said dedicated site at the request of the primary and the secondary user; and (vi) a processor for processing said stored information at the request of the primary and the secondary user. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a data carrier having thereon a computer program for performing the steps of: (1) facilitating communication between a server, a primary user and a secondary user; (ii) creating a dedicated site within the server based on instructions input from the primary user; (iii) looking up address of the secondary user from an address database; (iv) communicating the existence of the dedicated site to the secondary user; (v) storing information at the dedicated site at the request of the primary and the secondary user; and (vi) processing the stored information at the request of the primary and the secondary user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a flowchart outlining the operation of the system; FIGS. 3a-3e are reproductions of user screens from a communication network created in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the system according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an advisor graphical user interface; FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an client graphical user interface; FIGS. 7-13 are flow charts illustration the functionality of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A system to provide a team of users with intranet-based groupware functionality in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically in FIG. 1. The system generally comprises at least one server computer as an intranet connected server 10 which supports a TCP/IP protocol and which has input and access capabilities via two-way communication lines, such as communication lines 15 and 20. The computer is configured as a web server. Server 10 has a unique resource locator (URL) address and comprises a means to create a dedicated intranet site 25 (e.g. Site #4) on the server in response to an initiate request received from a primary user 30. Dedicated site 25 has a unique address which identifies it with the primary user 30 (e.g., #4) within server 10. Server 10 further comprises a means to send information, including its URL address and the unique address of the dedicated site, to at least one secondary user 40, nominated by the primary user 30. Both primary user 30 and secondary user 40 can communicate with server 10 by means of an HTML compliant client supporting a graphical user interface and internet browser, such as Netscape Navigator™ or Microsoft Explorer™, i.e., there is no requirement that either primary user 30 or secondary user 40 have access to specialized software applications in order to utilize the system of the present invention. Information on the site 25 is credited as a hypertext document and is thus displayed as a web page on the GVI of the user's web browser, with a link to this hypertext document. Once connected to dedicated site 25 created on server 10, primary user 30 and secondary user 40 both have access to at least some of the information stored at the site, the ability to access and process at least some of the information and the ability to input and store processed and/or new information. All the specialized software which provides the functional requirements to give primary user 30 and secondary user 40 these abilities is provided by server 10 via dedicated site 25. Once again, primary user 30 and secondary user 40 do not require any specialized software applications other than a standard internet browser. Server 10 may be provided a number of general sites (e.g., Sites #1, #2, #3) which are automatically accessible to primary user 30 and secondary user 40; other sites (e.g., Site #6) which are accessible to only one of the users; and some sites (e.g., Site #7) which can only be accessed by a system administrator (not shown). The nature and purpose of these different sites will be described in more detail below. It will be apparent that although the system of the present invention is primarily intranet-based, the nature of communication lines, such as line 15 between server 10 and primary user 30, is not particularly limited. An intranet is simply defined by its security parameters for the connected users. Suitable intranet-adaptable communication lines include dedicated lines, public telephone networks, private telephone networks, satellite links, Ethernet links, etc. These communication lines are already in place if primary user 30 and secondary user 40 have existing intranet access. It is envisioned that server 10 may be connected to the internet as well as an intranet. A suitable firewall (not shown) may be provided between the intranet and external or intranet users. As will also be apparent in this embodiment, the geographic locations of primary user 30, secondary user 40 and server 10 are only limited by internet accessibility, i.e., all three need not be in the same city, county or even continent. The dedicated site created in response to the initiate request can be thought of as being a private office suite within the semi-public intranet. The private office suite may be created on the server for a period of time desired by the primary user, after which time the private suite can be erased to free-up system resources. The private office suite comes complete with all the application software required to permit group activity within the office. The primary user can construct a private office suite to include the specific applications desired. Thus, an advantage of the present system is that the user is provided with a customizable, secure office suite in which the user and his/her team members can access applications software without the need for each team member to have individual copies of each applications software. The system of the present invention is “end-user friendly”, i.e., neither primary user 30 nor secondary user 40 need specialist computer knowledge to make use of the system. There is no requirement for the primary user to have an in-house Information Technology specialist. The system of the present invention is further understood when described by its mode of operation and with reference to FIG. 2. In order to create a private office suite, a primary user uses his/her web browser 110 to contact the intranet connected server. The server confirms the identity 120 of the primary user and directs the primary user to the system homepage 130. From the system homepage, the primary user can access his/her personal workspace 140. Among other options which will be discussed below, the primary user has the option to enter an existing workgroup with a pre-defined dedicated site or to create a new workgroup with a new, unique dedicated site (150). If the primary user wishes to enter an existing workgroup the server permits access to the pre-defined site (160). If the primary user wishes to create new workgroup, he/she is provided with a workgroup creation template (170) which permits the primary user to define parameters of the workgroup, such as the name of the workgroup and the site to be created, the scope of the project being undertaken, the number of team members, etc. During completion of the template, the primary user is prompted to identify the number and contact addresses of the group members, the types of user applications which are to be utilized during the project and to provide a name for the dedicated site to be created. Once this template has been completed, the server creates a dedicated site (180) having the name chosen by primary user. The administration sub-system checks to see whether all the prospective group members identified by the primary user are listed on the existing intranet-user database (190). If a prospective group member is an existing intranet user, the server then sends details of the newly created dedicated site to that member of the group (secondary user) (200). in a presently preferred embodiment, the server automatically creates a link between each secondary user's personal workspace and the newly created dedicated site. Alternatively, the details of the web-site may be sent in the form of an E-mail message which provides each secondary user with the address of the dedicated site, an invitation to join the workgroup and, if applicable, the password required for gaining access to the site (see later). If a prospective group member is not an existing intranet user, the administration sub-system determines whether the primary user has the authority to add external users (210). If the primary user does have authority to add external users, the server creates a personal workspace for that user (220) and notifies the external user of the existence of the workgroup (230). Preferably, the notification is done by means of E-mail, although other means, such as facsimile or pager, may also be used. Once authorized, an external user can contact the server via the internet and the external user has access to the same operational functionality as an intranet-connected user. If the primary user does not have authority to add external users, a request is sent to a designated system administrator who makes the determination whether the external user can be added to the new workgroup (240). If approval is given, the system creates a personal workspace for the external user as before (220), if the addition of the external user is not approved, the primary user (requester) is advised (250). Once the approved secondary users have been notified of the existence of the dedicated site, the workgroup remains operational until all workgroup activities have been completed (260). When the primary user decides that there is no longer a requirement for the workgroup, the workgroup is closed (270) and the dedicated site may be deleted from the server. Prior to closure and deletion of the dedicated site, primary user may be given the option of downloading and storing all the data from the site for archive purposes. During the creation of a dedicated site, secondary user nomination, workgroup activity, closure of the workgroup and eventual deletion of the site, all the administrative details of the workgroup activity are automatically fed into the administrative sub-system for processing. The administration sub-system controls all the day to day management of the system. It contains all the code and script required for workgroup size monitoring and database size monitoring. Further, the administration sub-system is responsible for monitoring server traffic and hit counts and the control of the offering of additional subscriber applications, Security is an important feature of most business activity and the system of the present invention provides many levels of security which can be selected by the primary user and/or system administrator to suit his/her individual needs. For example, a basic form of security is to provide the dedicated site created with a password which must be entered by both the primary user and the secondary users to gain access to the workgroup. This password maybe the same for the primary user and all the secondary users or every secondary user may be provided with a unique password. Providing each secondary user with a unique password also permits primary user to set up different levels of information which can be accessed within the workgroup by each secondary user, i.e., the workgroup can be created on a “need to know” basis. Examples of other security features include the ability of the primary user to decide: who has the authority to add new secondary users to and/or delete existing secondary users from the group after its creation; who has access to the administrative records of the workgroup; and when and if passwords and/or security levels are to be changed. As will be apparent, there are many different types of workgroup activities which can be performed on a system in accordance with the present invention. In fact, it is envisioned that the present system could be adapted to perform many of the tasks of conventional LAN- or WAN-based group collaboration systems. Preferred workgroup activity applications of the present system include bulletin board, chat room, calendar, contact database, change control, event planner, group discussion, issue management, project collaboration, presentation library, decision survey in a box, NGS proposal development, document manager, and Your Own Custom Application. A bulletin board is a common place for team members to post anything that might be of interest to the team. Discussion, file attachments, and broadcast mail are available. Additionally, a number of views may be utilized to gain access to the information, including by date, by author, by type, etc. A chat room is a real-time chat function for teams to schedule discussions on the fly. A calendar is a central calendar dedicated to the team, where individuals may add entries to keep track of milestones, issues and events. It is presented in a dynamic view, i.e. 2 day, one week, two weeks or one month. A contact database is an application that allows groups to track specific contracts in a central place. The views allow sorting by name, company type, etc. A change control is a workflow application that allows teams to request and manage project changes. An event planner is an application that is targeted at managing the deliverables for an upcoming event. Team members can assign tasks and milestones, broadcast mail to the stakeholders, and view a calendar in a number of formats. The group discussion is a complete collaborative application that offers groups a central meeting place for the exchange of ideas. Issue management is a workflow application that allows project teams to report issues, notify the owners, and track the resolution. Project collaboration is a complete project management tool that provides managers and team members a Web sit environment for creating, implementing and managing projects. Involv Project Collaboration also imports and exports Microsoft Project Plans. Presentation Library is an application similar to document management but specific to storing presentation files for sales and marketing use. File attachments, descriptions and a variety of views make accessing information easier. The Decision Survey in a Box is a survey application created by Emerging Technology Solutions for Involv Intranet, Decision Survey allows for instant creation of surveys for publishing and gathering data from groups on the Intranet or extranet. NGS Proposal Development is a workflow application created by Nexgen Solutions for Involv Intranet. This application allows all stakeholders in the proposal development process to come together with content quickly and effectively. Document Manager is a central depository for posting and managing files and documents of all types. Check in/Check out and decision history makes this a powerful team tool. Your Own Custom Application is a Domino application that can be offered through the Involv Intranet Desktop for self-service. An embodiment of the system of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3a-3e. All the display screens of the system exemplified in FIGS. 3a-3e have the appearance of a personal organizer, with an index “page” (300) on the left-hand side and a details “page” (310) on the right-hand side. The index page is tabbed (320a-320d) for convenient organization and ease of use. As will be apparent, the style of screen display is not limited to this personal organizer style of display. Screen displays can be customized to a user's preference. FIG. 3a shows a system homepage (130) as would be seen by a user upon accessing the system. The system homepage may be used to provide links to general access features such as news, library resources, phone directories, office procedure manuals, etc. From the system homepage, a user can also tab to their own personal workspace (320b). FIG. 3b shows a typical personal workspace as seen by the owner. The index page provides links to the dedicated sites to which the owner has access and also to some generic’ applications such a personal messaging, chat groups and E-mail. FIG. 3c shows a typical personal workspace as seen by a visitor. This level of a personal workspace may be accessed to any intranet user or authorized external user via the users directory (Tab 320c). In this instance, index page 300 provides links to other users, not to the person's personal dedicated sites. The details page provides information on, for example, contacting the users, the users specialty and the users present availability. FIG. 3d shows an application menu (Tab 320d) which can be utilized by a user to create dedicated sites and add users to a workgroup. Different styles of sites can be created, depending on the function of the site, e.g., Project Collaboration, Event Planning, Document Managing, etc. The details page can be used to give a user an overview of each type of workgroup and provide a link to a template for creating the group. If a user creates a workgroup having a dedicated site, a link to that site is automatically created on the index page 300 of a nominated secondary user's personal workspace (FIG. 3b). A further embodiment of the system described above is detailed below. The application relates to communication between a financial advisor (advisor) and a client, or group of clients. There are currently many trading web sites on the Internet (such as E*Trade™, Ameritrade™ and the like) where an individual, or client, can trade without going through an intermediary such as an advisor. Trading through these web sites is significantly less expensive than trading though the advisor. It is argued that the expertise of the advisor is beneficial to the client and will provide the client with a larger profit despite the higher commissions. Advisors are trained to provide investment advice and have more experience and easier access to a larger volume of resources than does a typical client. Furthermore, since most clients do not have the time or tools to watch the securities markets all day, it is possible that they may miss the best opportunity to make changes in their financial position. An advisor is typically in a better position to make decisions as events happen. However, since conditions on the securities markets can change very rapidly, the advisor currently needs to make a decision about which clients should learn of the new conditions. Most likely, the advisor will first inform the relevant high net-worth clients by telephone. Lower net-worth clients are normally not notified as quickly, if at all, although they represent the greater number of clients. It is typically these lower net-worth clients who are gravitating towards to the low commission trading web sites in order to save money for effectively the same amount of service. Accordingly, the advisor is provided with a system for consolidating information and for providing relevant information to a client or group of clients. FIG. 4 illustrates such a system, which is represented generally by the numeral 400. The system includes is a three-tiered hierarchy including a brokerage 402, a plurality of advisors 404 associated with the brokerage 402, and a plurality of clients 406 associated with each advisor 404. Each of the members of the hierarchy can communicate with each other in a manner that is determined by the business relationship between them. For example, the brokerage 402 can communicate with any of the advisors 404 and any of the clients 406. The advisors 404 can communicate with the brokerage 402 and their associated clients 406. The clients 406 can communicate with the brokerage 402 and their advisor 404, but not other clients 406. Alternately, it is possible for an advisor 404 to communicate with any client 406 (not shown), and for an advisor 404 to communicate with other advisors 404 (not shown). A person skilled in the art will appreciate various relationships between members of the hierarchy. The brokerage 402 typically includes a research department 408 and a marketing department 410. The marketing department 410 is typically responsible for providing to the clients and advisors brokerage-related information such as recommendations, upcoming events, RRSP calculators, and the like. The research department 408 is responsible for providing information that might benefit the clients 406 such as investment trends, mergers and acquisitions, mineral deposit discoveries, and the like. Generally this information is forwarded to the advisors 404, who in turn selectively forward it to the clients 406. Furthermore, data streams 412 providing headline news, stock quotes, and other external data sources are provided for the advisors 404 and clients 406. In some cases, the advisors 404 may also selectively forward such information to their clients 406. The advisor 404 selectively forwards information to associated clients 406, by either sending to client groups or by choosing clients directly as recipients. The groups are previously created using predetermined criteria such as areas of interest and the like. When the advisor receives a piece of information relating to a specific industry, the advisor forwards it to the corresponding client or client group. The network used to facilitate the above mentioned hierarchy is described as follows. The system is stored and run from a computer server that is coupled to the World Wide Web (WWW). The server is provided with security measures, which are well known in the art, to prevent intruders from gaining access to client information. Each of the brokerage, advisors, and clients can access the system using a web-browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer™. If the server is located at a remote location, then the brokerage, advisors, and clients can each access the system via the Internet using a personal computer, personal digital assistant, mobile telephone, and the like. Alternately, if the server is located at the brokerage, the brokerage and the advisor may be connected via an Intranet as well as having Internet access. Such network access is known and modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. The advisor navigates to a web site provided by the system and logs in. Upon logging in, the advisor is presented with a web page. Referring to FIG. 5, a block drawing representing the web page is illustrated generally by the numeral 500. The web page is displayed in a frames format, wherein different portions of a screen contain different web pages. The screen is divided into a menu frame 502, an options frame 504, a main frame 506, and a logo frame 508. The menu frame 502 provides the advisor with a plurality of different information screens. The options frame provides the advisor with further options and provides space for advertising, a stock ticker, and the like. The main frame is used to present information to the user. The logo frame 508 typically includes the logo of the brokerage for which the advisor works. The menu frame is divided into subsections, each of which corresponds to the type of information it contains. A first section 502a relates to information between the advisor and the clients. A second section 502b relates to information between the brokerage and the clients. A third section 502c relates to information between the advisor and the brokerage. A fourth section 502d relates to information for the advisor only. An example of the type of information provided in each section is described as follows. The first section 502a includes information about the advisor, newsletters, market trends, investment tips, and the like. The second section 502b includes general information such as information about the brokerage, available products and services, market updates, new issues, economic indicators, currency exchange rates, investment calculators, mutual fund guides, newsletters, and the like. The third section 502c includes information for the advisor such as daily updates, investment tips, upgrades and downgrades, new issues, recommended lists, restricted lists, economic indicators, research, mutual fund guides and the like. The fourth section 502d includes personal information for the advisor such as portfolio tracking, stock watches, favorite stocks, client statistics and sales reports, and the advisor's preferences including type of alert, research and news interests and the like. Two of the options available to the advisor in the options frame 504 are a “what's new” option and a “create” option. The “what's new” option presents to the advisor any new or unread items. Typically the “what's new” option will be presented as a default to the advisor upon logging in. The “create” option provides the advisor with a submenu. Referring to FIG. 5, the submenu is represented generally by the numeral 506. The submenu has several options including creating new clients, organizing clients in groups, selecting top stock or mutual fund choices, organizing date-related events, initiating discussions, creating bulletins, adding reminders, recommending web sites to clients, creating content for the first section 502a of the web page, and the like. Similar to the advisor, the client navigates to a web site provided by the system and logs in. Upon logging in, the client is presented with a web page. Referring to FIG. 6, a block drawing representing the web page is illustrated generally by the numeral 600. The web page is displayed in a frames format, wherein different portions of a screen contain different web pages. The screen is divided into a menu frame 602, an options frame 604, a main frame 606, and a logo frame 608. The menu frame 602 provides the client with a plurality of different information screens. The options frame provides the client with further options and provides space for advertising, a stock ticker, and the like. The main frame is used to present information to the client. The logo frame 508 typically includes the logo of the brokerage providing the service to the client. The menu frame is divided into subsections, each of which corresponds to the type of information it contains. A first section 602a relates to information between the advisor and the clients. A second section 602b relates to information between the brokerage and the clients. A third section 602c relates to information for the client only. Sections 602a and 602b contain the same as information as sections 502a and 502b described above. Section 602c includes information regarding the setting of alerts, determining which stocks to watch, customizing services provided by the advisor (including areas of interest), customizing research, editing favorite links, managing a personal financial portfolio (including funds held outside of the brokerage) and the like. The client is also provided with the “what's new” and “create” options as described above. Furthermore, the client is provided with an “execute trade” option and a “customize services” option. Typically, the “What's New” option will be presented as a default to the client upon logging in. The “customize services” option allows the client to customize the services provided by the system and the advisor. The client selects how quickly he or she is to be alerted once his or her advisor or the firm. Alternately, the advisor can set up the system such that the data feeds 412 are provided to the client. The client may select to be alerted either immediately, after a certain amount of delay, or at certain time intervals. The client also has the option of determining how the alerts will be sent. The alerts may be sent either via a pop-up box (or window), email, facsimile, telephone, or other wireless devices. Furthermore, the client is able to subscribe to a particular industry of interest by selecting an industry group. The “execute trade” option allows the client to trade on-line. This option provides an interface with an on-line trading engine. The details of the trade will depend on the particular on-line trading engine used and is known in the art. The functionality of the system will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7 through 13. Referring to FIG. 7, a flowchart illustrating the process by which an advisor creates a client group is shown. The advisor selects the “create” option from the options frame and the “create” submenu is presented to the advisor. The advisor selects a “Client Group” option and is presented with a form for entering group information. The advisor enters information such as a name of the group and a name to appear as a folder on the client desktop. The folder name and group name may be the same. The advisor selects the desired clients from a list of client names and the clients are added to the group. Further, the advisor may select an existing group to add to the group that is being created, in which case all the clients in the existing group are added to the new group. If the advisor does not already have a group with the selected group name, then the group is created and saved by the system. Otherwise, the advisor will be prompted to enter a different name and the group will be created accordingly by the system. Referring to FIG. 8, the process with which an advisor can create a dynamic group is illustrated. A dynamic group differs from the typical group in that rather than associating specific clients to a group, the advisor can associate client characteristics to a group. These characteristics include the client's net worth, the client's age, the client's investment status, the client's cash on hand, and the like. The advisor selects the “create” option from the options frame, which presents the “create” submenu. The advisor selects a “Dynamic Group” option from the submenu and is provided with a form for entering the group information. The group information includes the group name and the specific criteria for forming the group and this information is saved. The advisor can then select this group in the same manner as any group having fixed clients. When the advisor selects the group, the system searches through all of the advisor's current clients and adds each of the clients meeting the criteria to the list of recipients. Therefore, the group changes dynamically for each message sent by the advisor. The advisor can view information and forward it to specific clients as desired. The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9 illustrates the steps taken by an advisor in order to forward information to a client. In this particular example the information is a news item. After logging in, the advisor is presented with the advisor interface. The advisor selects a “headline news” option. The “headline news” options presents the advisor with a list of current news headlines. The advisor selects a particular headline and the corresponding news article is presented in the main frame. The advisor determines whether or not the news is relevant or important to any clients. If the news is irrelevant to any of the advisor's clients, the advisor has the option of reading more news or performing another function. If the advisor wishes to read more news, the advisor reselects “headline news” and begins the review process again. If the advisor believes that some clients will find the news relevant or important, the advisor can send the news item to these clients. The advisor clicks a button associated with the news item entitled “Send to Clients” which enables the advisor to forward the news item to selected clients. The advisor selects the appropriate client group or groups to receive the news item. Further, the advisor can also select individuals who are not part of the aforementioned groups and who the advisor believes are interested in reading the news item. If an individual recipient is selected that is already part of a group that was selected, the system will only send the information once to that intended recipient. The advisor forwards the news item to the selected clients by selecting a “send” option. Referring now to FIG. 10, a flowchart illustrating a typical process that a client undertakes in order to review an information item forwarded by the advisor is shown. Once again, the information item in this example is a news item. Upon logging in, the client is presented with the client interface, which includes any new or unread items. The client selects a particular item to read by clicking on its headline. The corresponding article is presented to the client to read. Once the client has read the news item, the item is automatically organized and saved in a folder for the client. The name of the folder where the news item is stored for the client is determined by the folder name selected by the advisor while setting up the group. Typically, the folder name will correspond to the type of information in the news item, which is determined by the user group to which the news item is forwarded by the advisor. For example, if the news item relates to an increase in oil prices, the advisor would typically forward such information to a group that the advisor created called “Oil and Gas”. The Oil and Gas group contains all the clients interested in events related to oil and gas. Once those clients review the news item it is stored in a folder called “Oil and Gas” and can be retrieved at a later time. The client can then decide whether or not it is beneficial, based on the news item, to contact the advisor. If the client does not feel it is beneficial to contact the advisor, the client can read other unread or new news items by selecting the “What's New” option. This option returns the client to the screen that displays any new or unread news items. If, however, the client does not want to read more new or unread news items, the client can log out of the system or select another menu button as desired. If the client does indeed feel it is beneficial to contact the advisor, the client may do so using a telephone or by sending or responding to an on-line message. Referring to FIG. 11, a flowchart illustrating the process for sending an on-line message is shown. The client selects the “create” option on the menu. This action provides the client with the “create” submenu. The client creates a new message by selecting the “discussion” option from the submenu. The client is provided with a form for inputting information such as the subject matter of the message, the message itself a list of possible attachments, and the like. Once the message is complete, the client clicks “Send” to send it to the advisor. Referring to FIG. 12, the flowchart is shown illustrating the process the advisor follows in ˜responding to a client's on-line message. When the advisor views any new information, either by logging on or by selecting the “what's new” option from the options frame, the advisor is presented with a list of unread items. Among these items is the unread message from the client. The advisor selects the unread message and reads the client's comments regarding the news story. The advisor may choose to respond to the client either, using the telephone or responding on-line, or to create a reminder item to remind himself or herself to contact that particular client at a later time. Referring once again to FIG. 11, the advisor responds to the client's message by clicking the respond button on the message. The advisor provides the message content in response to the client's concern or comment, and then sends the message. The above mentioned messaging functionality is similar to the functionality provided by typical e-mail systems. However, the messaging system is integrated into the overall system and neither the client nor the advisor needs to use an additional piece of software. Further, the client does not need to remember any e-mail addresses since whenever a new message is created it is automatically sent to the advisor since the client is not aware of the existence of any other clients. Unlike email, all communication is facilitated through the secure servers and not the public internet, maintaining confidentiality. The distribution of email by the advisor is similar to the distribution of news. The advisor is presented with a list of groups that has been created by the advisor or the brokerage. The list further includes the advisor's client names. The client's names may be associated with a corresponding client e-mail, or they with the client's address in the system. The advisor determines the recipients of the e-mail by selecting client or groups of clients from the list. This messaging system is particularly useful for allowing the clients to select one or more of a plurality of different ways to be contacted by the advisor. The client may be contacted either by e-mail, telephone, facsimile, pop-up window, or wireless device. Further, the system automatically organizes and stores the on-line messages in appropriate focus. For example, all the messages from a client to an advisor will be automatically stored for the advisor in a corresponding client file. Therefore, if an advisor would like to review an on-line message previously received from a client that the advisor had already read, the advisor would go to the folder associated with that particular client. The associated folder would be named in such a manner that it can uniquely identify the particular client. Such identifiers include the client's name, a file number, a telephone number, and the like. If a communication contains multiple discussion items sent back-and-forth between the advisor and the client, each item will be listed in a thread underneath the initial discussion item. At the client side, all on-line messages sent to the client from the advisor are stored in a folder associated with the advisor. Typically the folder will have a title such as “Messages from My Advisor”. Referring to FIG. 13, the advisor has the further option to create a menu button that will be located in the first section of the menu frame that is dedicated to information transfer between the advisor and the client. The advisor selects the “create” option selects a “button” option from the “create” submenu. The advisor is provided with a form for entering the button information. The button information includes a name for the button, a content type to be associated with the button, and specific content of a predetermined type. The content type includes Internet addresses such as unique resource locator (URL) links, as well as files or text. The advisor saves the created button. If the button name does not already exist then the system creates the button and the new button is displayed to the client in the menu upon log-in. If the button name does exist then the user is prompted to either to change the name of the button or to overwrite the existing button. If the advisor changes the name of the button to another name, which does not exist, then the new button is created and will appear on the client's desktop upon log-in. If the new name does exist, the advisor will again be prompted to either rename the button or to replace the existing button. This will continue until the button is created or the user aborts the process. If a URL link is selected as the content type, the advisor enters the URL link as the content of the predetermined type. When the client clicks on the button associated with the URL link, the web page associated with the particular URL link is presented to the user in the main frame. If the content type is a file, the name and location of the file is entered into the content of predetermined type. When the client selects the button, the associated file, such as an Adobe™ PDF file, will be presented to the client in the main frame. If the content type is text, then the actual text that the advisor wishes the client to view is entered into the content of the predetermined type section. When the client selects the button, the text entered by the advisor will be displayed to the client in the main frame. Other content types will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. In alternate embodiments, the hierarchical system is greater than the three-tier system described in the previous embodiment. An additional level can be added between the advisors and the brokerage. This level can be assigned to managers who are responsible for a plurality of advisors. Alternately, an additional level could be added on top of the brokerage. A large investment group can provide its services to a plurality of brokerages. In such an embodiment, the investment group provides its information to the brokerages that, in turn, provides the information to the advisors and clients. Alternately, an additional step could be inserted into the process of sending an item from an advisor to a client, in which a designated third user may read the item before it reaches the client and may release it to the client after acknowledging it as acceptable communication. The third user is typically a Compliance Officer of the firm. Referring to FIG. 14, a flowchart illustrating a sample compliance procedure is shown. Before the firm or the advisor (referred to as the sender) sends information to the clients, the information is passed through a firm maintained filter. The filter is typically maintained by the firm's compliance department and is used to automatically search for keywords that might present a problem. If the filter detects no problem, the information is passed to a switch for determining if it is to be reviewed. The switch is defined for the sender based on the required compliance mode. If the compliance mode does not require information to be reviewed, it is marked as such and sent to the desired destination, which is typically the client. If the compliance mode does require the information to be reviewed, a reviewer is alerted. The reviewer examines the information to ensure it is approved before sending it to the client. If the examiner approves the information, it is marked as such and released to the client. If the examiner does not approve the information, comments as to why the information has been disapproved are added, and it the information is returned to the sender. Further, once information has been either approved or disapproved, a message indicating the status of the information is sent to the sender. If, however, the information does match the criteria established by the filter, the filter uses the matching criteria to determine whether the information is to be sent to a compliance officer or the reviewer. If the information is sent to a reviewer, it follows the same procedure as described above. If the information is sent to a compliance officer, the compliance officer follows the same procedure as the reviewer. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between a company president and the company's stakeholders (such as employees, suppliers and shareholders). The president groups, and communicates with, stakeholders according to their role and the type of information that would be relevant to each of them. The stakeholders benefit from being able to easily manage issues such as product direction as communicated by the president, as well as news, research, quotes, policies and procedures, and company news from both the company and external sources. The information provided by the president is maintained in a portfolio, which benefits shareholders and suppliers by indicating their stake or accounts with the company. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between a holding company such as an incubator, the holding company's account representatives, and subsidiaries of the company, as overseen by the representatives. The account representatives group and communicate with subsidiaries according to various criteria. The subsidiary benefits by having a method of staying in constant contact with their account representative. They benefit greatly by being able to go to one place for specific business advice and information about market issues, further financing options, possible partnering opportunities and events like technology tradeshows, as distributed by the account representative and the holding company's marketing department. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between an electricity company, its advisors/account representatives and large consumers of electricity. The consumers are looking for advice about how to keep energy costs as low as possible, so electricity companies are employing advisors to advise the consumers on keeping low costs and similar issues. The electricity company benefits from increased customer loyalty since the advisors are able to group and communicate with customers to disseminate information that is relevant to each customer, such as specific advice on how to decrease electricity usage in certain situations. Research and News are incorporated for allowing customers to learn of new developments in energy technology, and for further maintaining customer loyalty to the electricity company. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between members of a trade organization, a facilitator/chair, and employees of the trade organization. The facilitator communicates with members according to status or geography, and relays information such as meeting minutes and agendas, policy agreements, new ideas, and copies of presentations. The organization employees and members communicate directly about issues such as membership dues, extracurricular activities and the like. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between an insurance firm, its agents, and its clients. The clients seek advice as to how to best manage their insurance policies. The insurance agent communicates with clients individually, or via topic groups targeting information about new laws, policy changes, and costs. The firm communicates with clients about claims, billing, special offers and surveys. Therefore, it is shown that the system and methods described herein have application in a plurality of circumstances. In general, the system can be implemented for a situation where there is need for a communication system between an organization, the organization's experts or facilitators, and a number of clients, customers or colleagues. The organization typically seeks to achieve customer loyalty by providing the expert/facilitators' expertise and effort to maintain or better the client's business, financial or personal situation. The terms and expressions which have been employed in the specification are used as terms of description and not of limitations, there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims to the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Recently, the need for collaborative computing environments has been receiving increasing attention. People are finding that it is more and more important to share information and work together to meet common goals. With increasing specialization in the marketplace, there is frequent need to work together with people from different offices, different organizations and even different countries to satisfy the requirements of a particular project or goal. Managing collaborative initiatives of this type is not a simple matter. Electronic network based, project management server systems are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,506 [Srinivasan] discloses an automated, electronic network based, project management server system for managing multiple work groups. The system comprises a core piece of software which runs on a host server computer system and interacts with a messaging system such as E-mail or facsimile. The system compiles multi-project plans into a multi-project database and tracks the ownership of projects, tasks and resources within the plans. The system automatically checks all resource requests and if resource availability limits are exceeded then resources are allocated on projects based on priorities and project plans are changed accordingly. The system is also programmed to send out reminders and follow-ups and the databases are continuously updated based on status changes reported by work group members. One of the disadvantages of known electronic network-based, collaborative server systems is that they depend on Information Technology specialists or a system administrator to administer control of the system, i.e., if a user wishes to add functionality to a system, they must have access to the program itself. Further, many collaborative systems require each user to have specialized software installed on their computer. It is an object of the present invention to obviate and mitigate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides a system for providing a communication system, the system comprising: (i) a network-connected server having input and access capabilities; (ii) a site-builder for receiving instructions input from a first user and for creating a dedicated network site based on said received instructions; (iii) a transmitter for communicating existence of said dedicated network site to a nominated second user; (iv) a communicator for accessing contents of said dedicated network site by said first and said second users; and (v) memory for storing information input by said first and said second user at said dedicated network site. In another aspect the present invention provides a system to provide a team of users with intranet-based groupware functionality, comprising: (i) a network-connected server capable of receiving an initiate instruction from a primary user; (ii) a site builder for creating a dedicated site on said server in response to said initiate instruction; (iii) a transmitter for sending information about the existence of said dedicated site to at least one secondary user nominated by said primary user; (iv) a communicator for transmitting information between said dedicated site, said primary user and said at least one secondary user; (v) memory for storing information at said dedicated site, said information from said primary and said at least one secondary user; (vi) a processor for processing said information stored at said dedicated site said processed information being transmitted by said communicator to said primary user and said at least one secondary user. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing a communication network, comprising: (i) providing an network-connected server having upload and download capabilities; (ii) receiving instructions uploaded from a first user and for creating a dedicated network site on said server, said dedicated network site having a unique name based on instructions received; (iii) communicating the existence of said dedicated intranet site to a nominated second user; (iv) downloading contents of said dedicated network site to said first and second users; (v) storing information in the dedicated web-site. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a computer configured to operate a groupware application program, the computer comprising: (i) a network for connecting to at least a primary and a secondary user; (ii) a site builder for receiving instructions input from said primary user and for creating a dedicated site within the computer based on said instructions; (iii) a mailer for looking up an address of said secondary user from an address database; (iv) a communicator for communicating the existence of said dedicated site to said secondary user; (v) memory for storing information at said dedicated site at the request of the primary and the secondary user; and (vi) a processor for processing said stored information at the request of the primary and the secondary user. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a data carrier having thereon a computer program for performing the steps of: (1) facilitating communication between a server, a primary user and a secondary user; (ii) creating a dedicated site within the server based on instructions input from the primary user; (iii) looking up address of the secondary user from an address database; (iv) communicating the existence of the dedicated site to the secondary user; (v) storing information at the dedicated site at the request of the primary and the secondary user; and (vi) processing the stored information at the request of the primary and the secondary user. | 20040722 | 20071023 | 20050127 | 86936.0 | 4 | MEKY, MOUSTAFA M | WEB-BASED GROUPWARE SYSTEM | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,898,132 | ACCEPTED | Web-based groupware system | The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a communication network. The system comprises a network-connected server having input and access capabilities, a site builder, a transmitter, a communicator, and memory. The site-builder receives instructions input from a first user and creates a dedicated network site based on the received instructions. The transmitter communicates the existence of the dedicated network site to a nominated second user. The communicator provides accesses to the contents of the dedicated network site by the first and second users. The memory stores information input by the first and the second user in the dedicated network site. | 1. A system for creating a collaborative workspace, comprising: a computer that is configured to: receive information from a primary user via the primary user's web browser that specifies a number of secondary users and access levels for the secondary users; create a collaborative workspace that limits access to the collaborative workspace to the primary and secondary users; and provide a plurality of user applications selected to be included in the collaborative workspace with which the users can interact via a web browser based on their access level. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the computer is configured to create a dedicated network site on a network-connected server in response to instructions received from the primary user, said dedicated network site defining said collaborative workspace. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said computer is further configured to provide a workgroup creation template to the primary user. 4. The system of claim 3 wherein said computer is configured to provide a series of logically related workgroup creation templates to the primary user. 5. The system of claim 3 wherein said collaborative workspace is configured to include a plurality of distinct user applications. 6. The system of claim 3 wherein one of the user applications in said collaborative workspace is a project collaboration application. 7. The system of claim 3 wherein one of the user applications in said collaborative workspace is a scheduling application. 8. The system of claim 3 wherein one of the user applications is a document manager that controls check-in and check-out of documents in the collaborative workspace. 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the computer is configured to allow the primary user to assign the primary user's administrative rights to one or more of the secondary users. 10. A method for creating a collaborative workspace, comprising: receiving information from a primary user via the primary user's web browser that specifies a number of secondary users and access levels for the secondary users; creating a collaborative workspace that limits access to the collaborative workspace to the primary and secondary users; and providing a plurality of user applications selected to be included in the collaborative workspace with which the users can interact via a web browser based on their access level. 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising configuring a computer to create a dedicated network site on a network-connected server in response to instructions received from the primary user, said dedicated network site defining said collaborative workspace. 12. The method of claim 10 further comprising providing a workgroup creation template to the primary user. 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the providing comprises providing a series of logically related workgroup creation templates to the primary user. 14. The method of claim 10 wherein said collaborative workspace is configured to include a plurality of distinct user applications. 15. The method of claim 10 wherein one of the user applications in said collaborative workspace is a project collaboration application. 16. The method of claim 10 wherein one of the user applications in said collaborative workspace is a scheduling application. 17. The method of claim 10 wherein one of the user applications is a document manager that controls check in and check out of documents in the collaborative workspace. 18. The method of claim 10 further comprising allowing the primary user to assign the primary user's administrative rights to one or more of the secondary users. 19. A computer readable medium having instructions thereon for performing steps for creating a collaborative workspace, the steps comprising: receiving information from a primary user via the primary user's web browser that specifies a number of secondary users and access levels for the secondary users; creating a collaborative workspace that limits access to the collaborative workspace to the primary and secondary users; and providing a plurality of user applications selected to be included in the collaborative workspace with which the users can interact via a web browser based on their access level. 20. The computer readable medium of claim 19, the steps further comprising configuring a computer to create a dedicated network site on a network-connected server in response to instructions received from the primary user, said dedicated network site defining said collaborative workspace. 21. The computer readable medium of claim 19, the steps further comprising providing a workgroup creation template to the primary user. 22. The computer readable medium of claim 21 wherein the providing comprises providing a series of logically related workgroup creation templates to the primary user. 23. The computer readable medium of claim 19 wherein said collaborative workspace is configured to include a plurality of distinct user applications. 24. The computer readable medium of claim 19 wherein one of the user applications in said collaborative workspace is a project collaboration application. 25. The computer readable medium of claim 19 wherein one of the user applications in said collaborative workspace is a scheduling application. 26. The computer readable medium of claim 19 wherein one of the user applications is a document manager that controls check in and check out of documents in the collaborative workspace. 27. The computer readable medium of claim 19, the steps further comprising allowing the primary user to assign the primary user's administrative rights to one or more of the secondary users. | REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/590,099 filed Jun. 9, 2000, pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/195,905 filed Nov. 19, 1998 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,177, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/955,569 filed Oct. 22, 1997 and which claims priority to Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,221,790 filed on Nov. 19, 1997. The contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/590,099 are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of collaborative software systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for providing network-based groupware functionality. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Recently, the need for collaborative computing environments has been receiving increasing attention. People are finding that it is more and more important to share information and work together to meet common goals. With increasing specialization in the marketplace, there is frequent need to work together with people from different offices, different organizations and even different countries to satisfy the requirements of a particular project or goal. Managing collaborative initiatives of this type is not a simple matter. Electronic network based, project management server systems are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,506 [Srinivasan] discloses an automated, electronic network based, project management server system for managing multiple work groups. The system comprises a core piece of software which runs on a host server computer system and interacts with a messaging system such as E-mail or facsimile. The system compiles multi-project plans into a multi-project database and tracks the ownership of projects, tasks and resources within the plans. The system automatically checks all resource requests and if resource availability limits are exceeded then resources are allocated on projects based on priorities and project plans are changed accordingly. The system is also programmed to send out reminders and follow-ups and the databases are continuously updated based on status changes reported by work group members. One of the disadvantages of known electronic network-based, collaborative server systems is that they depend on Information Technology specialists or a system administrator to administer control of the system, i.e., if a user wishes to add functionality to a system, they must have access to the program itself. Further, many collaborative systems require each user to have specialized software installed on their computer. It is an object of the present invention to obviate and mitigate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides a system for providing a communication system, the system comprising: (i) a network-connected server having input and access capabilities; (ii) a site-builder for receiving instructions input from a first user and for creating a dedicated network site based on said received instructions; (iii) a transmitter for communicating existence of said dedicated network site to a nominated second user; (iv) a communicator for accessing contents of said dedicated network site by said first and said second users; and (v) memory for storing information input by said first and said second user at said dedicated network site. In another aspect the present invention provides a system to provide a team of users with intranet-based groupware functionality, comprising: (i) a network-connected server capable of receiving an initiate instruction from a primary user; (ii) a site builder for creating a dedicated site on said server in response to said initiate instruction; (iii) a transmitter for sending information about the existence of said dedicated site to at least one secondary user nominated by said primary user; (iv) a communicator for transmitting information between said dedicated site, said primary user and said at least one secondary user; (v) memory for storing information at said dedicated site, said information from said primary and said at least one secondary user; (vi) a processor for processing said information stored at said dedicated site said processed information being transmitted by said communicator to said primary user and said at least one secondary user. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing a communication network, comprising: (i) providing an network-connected server having upload and download capabilities; (ii) receiving instructions uploaded from a first user and for creating a dedicated network site on said server, said dedicated network site having a unique name based on instructions received; (iii) communicating the existence of said dedicated intranet site to a nominated second user; (iv) downloading contents of said dedicated network site to said first and second users; (v) storing information in the dedicated web-site. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a computer configured to operate a groupware application program, the computer comprising: (i) a network for connecting to at least a primary and a secondary user; (ii) a site builder for receiving instructions input from said primary user and for creating a dedicated site within the computer based on said instructions; (iii) a mailer for looking up an address of said secondary user from an address database; (iv) a communicator for communicating the existence of said dedicated site to said secondary user; (v) memory for storing information at said dedicated site at the request of the primary and the secondary user; and (vi) a processor for processing said stored information at the request of the primary and the secondary user. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a data carrier having thereon a computer program for performing the steps of: (1) facilitating communication between a server, a primary user and a secondary user; (ii) creating a dedicated site within the server based on instructions input from the primary user; (iii) looking up address of the secondary user from an address database; (iv) communicating the existence of the dedicated site to the secondary user; (v) storing information at the dedicated site at the request of the primary and the secondary user; and (vi) processing the stored information at the request of the primary and the secondary user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a flowchart outlining the operation of the system; FIGS. 3a-3e are reproductions of user screens from a communication network created in accordance with the present invention; FIGS. 4 is a block diagram of the system according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an advisor graphical user interface; FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an client graphical user interface; FIGS. 7-13 are flow charts illustration the functionality of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A system to provide a team of users with intranet-based groupware functionality in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically in FIG. 1. The system generally comprises at least one server computer as an intranet connected server 10 which supports a TCP/IP protocol and which has input and access capabilities via two-way communication lines, such as communication lines 15 and 20. The computer is configured as a web server. Server 10 has a unique resource locator (URL) address and comprises a means to create a dedicated intranet site 25 (e.g. Site #4) on the server in response to an initiate request received from a primary user 30. Dedicated site 25 has a unique address which identifies it with the primary user 30 (e.g., #4) within server 10. Server 10 further comprises a means to send information, including its URL address and the unique address of the dedicated site, to at least one secondary user 40, nominated by the primary user 30. Both primary user 30 and secondary user 40 can communicate with server 10 by means of an HTML compliant client supporting a graphical user interface and internet browser, such as Netscape Navigator™ or Microsoft Explorer™, i.e., there is no requirement that either primary user 30 or secondary user 40 have access to specialized software applications in order to utilize the system of the present invention. Information on the site 25 is credited as a hypertext document and is thus displayed as a web page on the GVI of the user's web browser, with a link to this hypertext document. Once connected to dedicated site 25 created on server 10, primary user 30 and secondary user 40 both have access to at least some of the information stored at the site, the ability to access and process at least some of the information and the ability to input and store processed and/or new information. All the specialized software which provides the functional requirements to give primary user 30 and secondary user 40 these abilities is provided by server 10 via dedicated site 25. Once again, primary user 30 and secondary user 40 do not require any specialized-software applications other than a standard internet browser. Server 10 may be provided a number of general sites (e.g., Sites #1, #2, #3) which are automatically accessible to primary user 30 and secondary user 40; other sites (e.g., Site #6) which are accessible to only one of the users; and some sites (e.g., Site #7) which can only be accessed by a system administrator (not shown). The nature and purpose of these different sites will be described in more detail below. It will be apparent that although the system of the present invention is primarily intranet-based, the nature of communication lines, such as line 15 between server 10 and primary user 30, is not particularly limited. An intranet is simply defined by its security parameters for the connected users. Suitable intranet-adaptable communication lines include dedicated lines, public telephone networks, private telephone networks, satellite links, Ethernet links, etc. These communication lines are already in place if primary user 30 and secondary user 40 have existing intranet access. It is envisioned that server 10 may be connected to the internet as well as an intranet. A suitable firewall (not shown) may be provided between the intranet and external or intranet users. As will also be apparent in this embodiment, the geographic locations of primary user 30, secondary user 40 and server 10 are only limited by internet accessibility, i.e., all three need not be in the same city, county or even continent. The dedicated site created in response to the initiate request can be thought of as being a private office suite within the semi-public intranet. The private office suite may be created on the server for a period of time desired by the primary user, after which time the private suite can be erased to free-up system resources. The private office suite comes complete with all the application software required to permit group activity within the office. The primary user can construct a private office suite to include the specific applications desired. Thus, an advantage of the present system is that the user is provided with a customizable, secure office suite in which the user and his/her team members can access applications software without the need for each team member to have individual copies of each applications software. The system of the present invention is “end-user friendly”, i.e., neither primary user 30 nor secondary user 40 need specialist computer knowledge to make use of the system. There is no requirement for the primary user to have an in-house Information Technology specialist. The system of the present invention is further understood when described by its mode of operation and with reference to FIG. 2. In order to create a private office suite, a primary user uses his/her web browser 110 to contact the intranet connected server. The server confirms the identity 120 of the primary user and directs the primary user to the system homepage 130. From the system homepage, the primary user can access his/her personal workspace 140. Among other options which will be discussed below, the primary user has the option to enter an existing workgroup with a pre-defined dedicated site or to create a new workgroup with a new, unique dedicated site (150). If the primary user wishes to enter an existing workgroup the server permits access to the pre-defined site (160). If the primary user wishes to create new workgroup, he/she is provided with a workgroup creation template (170) which permits the primary user to define parameters of the workgroup, such as the name of the workgroup and the site to be created, the scope of the project being undertaken, the number of team members, etc. During completion of the template, the primary user is prompted to identify the number and contact addresses of the group members, the types of user applications which are to be utilized during the project and to provide a name for the dedicated site to be created. Once this template has been completed, the server creates a dedicated site (180) having the name chosen by primary user. The administration sub-system checks to see whether all the prospective group members identified by the primary user are listed on the existing intranet-user database (190). If a prospective group member is an existing intranet user, the server then sends details of the newly created dedicated site to that member of the group (secondary user) (200). in a presently preferred embodiment, the server automatically creates a link between each secondary user's personal workspace and the newly created dedicated site. Alternatively, the details of the web-site may be sent in the form of an E-mail message which provides each secondary user with the address of the dedicated site, an invitation to join the workgroup and, if applicable, the password required for gaining access to the site (see later). If a prospective group member is not an existing intranet user, the administration sub-system determines whether the primary user has the authority to add external users (210). If the primary user does have authority to add external users, the server creates a personal workspace for that user (220) and notifies the external user of the existence of the workgroup (230). Preferably, the notification is done by means of E-mail, although other means, such as facsimile or pager, may also be used. Once authorized, an external user can contact the server via the internet and the external user has access to the same operational functionality as an intranet-connected user. If the primary user does not have authority to add external users, a request is sent to a designated system administrator who makes the determination whether the external user can be added to the new workgroup (240). If approval is given, the system creates a personal workspace for the external user as before (220), if the addition of the external user is not approved, the primary user (requester) is advised (250). Once the approved secondary users have been notified of the existence of the dedicated site, the workgroup remains operational until all workgroup activities have been completed (260). When the primary user decides that there is no longer a requirement for the workgroup, the workgroup is closed (270) and the dedicated site may be deleted from the server. Prior to closure and deletion of the dedicated site, primary user may be given the option of downloading and storing all the data from the site for archive purposes. During the creation of a dedicated site, secondary user nomination, workgroup activity, closure of the workgroup and eventual deletion of the site, all the administrative details of the workgroup activity are automatically fed into the administrative sub-system for processing. The administration sub-system controls all the day to day management of the system. It contains all the code and script required for workgroup size monitoring and database size monitoring. Further, the administration sub-system is responsible for monitoring server traffic and hit counts and the control of the offering of additional subscriber applications, Security is an important feature of most business activity and the system of the present invention provides many levels of security which can be selected by the primary user and/or system administrator to suit his/her individual needs. For example, a basic form of security is to provide the dedicated site created with a password which must be entered by both the primary user and the secondary users to gain access to the workgroup. This password maybe the same for the primary user and all the secondary users or every secondary user may be provided with a unique password. Providing each secondary user with a unique password also permits primary user to set up different levels of information which can be accessed within the workgroup by each secondary user, i.e., the workgroup can be created on a “need to know” basis. Examples of other security features include the ability of the primary user to decide: who has the authority to add new secondary users to and/or delete existing secondary users from the group after its creation; who has access to the administrative records of the workgroup; and when and if passwords and/or security levels are to be changed. As will be apparent, there are many different types of workgroup activities which can be performed on a system in accordance with the present invention. In fact, it is envisioned that the present system could be adapted to perform many of the tasks of conventional LAN- or WAN-based group collaboration systems. Preferred workgroup activity applications of the present system include bulletin board, chat room, calendar, contact database, change control, event planner, group discussion, issue management, project collaboration, presentation library, decision survey in a box, NGS proposal development, document manager, and Your Own Custom Application. A bulletin board is a common place for team members to post anything that might be of interest to the team. Discussion, file attachments, and broadcast mail are available. Additionally, a number of views may be utilized to gain access to the information, including by date, by author, by type, etc. A chat room is a real-time chat function for teams to schedule discussions on the fly. A calendar is a central calendar dedicated to the team, where individuals may add entries to keep track of milestones, issues and events. It is presented in a dynamic view, i.e. 2 day, one week, two weeks or one month. A contact database is an application that allows groups to track specific contracts in a central place. The views allow sorting by name, company type, etc. A change control is a workflow application that allows teams to request and manage project changes. An event planner is an application that is targeted at managing the deliverables for an upcoming event. Team members can assign tasks and milestones, broadcast mail to the stakeholders, and view a calendar in a number of formats. The group discussion is a complete collaborative application that offers groups a central meeting place for the exchange of ideas. Issue management is a workflow application that allows project teams to report issues, notify the owners, and track the resolution. Project collaboration is a complete project management tool that provides managers and team members a Web sit environment for creating, implementing and managing projects. Involv Project Collaboration also imports and exports Microsoft Project Plans. Presentation Library is an application similar to document management but specific to storing presentation files for sales and marketing use. File attachments, descriptions and a variety of views make accessing information easier. The Decision Survey in a Box is a survey application created by Emerging Technology Solutions for Involv Intranet, Decision Survey allows for instant creation of surveys for publishing and gathering data from groups on the Intranet or extranet. NGS Proposal Development is a workflow application created by Nexgen Solutions for Involv Intranet. This application allows all stakeholders in the proposal development process to come together with content quickly and effectively. Document Manager is a central depository for posting and managing files and documents of all types. Check in/Check out and decision history makes this a powerful team tool. Your Own Custom Application is a Domino application that can be offered through the Involv Intranet Desktop for self-service. An embodiment of the system of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3a-3e. All the display screens of the system exemplified in FIGS. 3a-3e have the appearance of a personal organizer, with an index “page” (300) on the left-hand side and a details “page” (310) on the right-hand side. The index page is tabbed (320a-320d) for convenient organization and ease of use. As will be apparent, the style of screen display is not limited to this personal organizer style of display. Screen displays can be customized to a user's preference. FIG. 3a shows a system homepage (130) as would be seen by a user upon accessing the system. The system homepage may be used to provide links to general access features such as news, library resources, phone directories, office procedure manuals, etc. From the system homepage, a user can also tab to their own personal workspace (320b). FIG. 3b shows a typical personal workspace as seen by the owner. The index page provides links to the dedicated sites to which the owner has access and also to some generic applications such a personal messaging, chat groups and E-mail. FIG. 3c shows a typical personal workspace as seen by a visitor. This level of a personal workspace may be accessed to any intranet user or authorized external user via the users directory (Tab 320c). In this instance, index page 300 provides links to other users, not to the person's personal dedicated sites. The details page provides information on, for example, contacting the users, the users specialty and the users present availability. FIG. 3d shows an application menu (Tab 320d) which can be utilized by a user to create dedicated sites and add users to a workgroup. Different styles of sites can be created, depending on the function of the site, e.g., Project Collaboration, Event Planning, Document Managing, etc. The details page can be used to give a user an overview of each type of workgroup and provide a link to a template for creating the group. If a user creates a workgroup having a dedicated site, a link to that site is automatically created on the index page 300 of a nominated secondary user's personal workspace (FIG. 3b). A further embodiment of the system described above is detailed below. The application relates to communication between a financial advisor (advisor) and a client, or group of clients. There are currently many trading web sites on the Internet (such as E*Trade™, Ameritrade™ and the like) where an individual, or client, can trade without going through an intermediary such as an advisor. Trading through these web sites is significantly less expensive than trading though the advisor. It is argued that the expertise of the advisor is beneficial to the client and will provide the client with a larger profit despite the higher commissions. Advisors are trained to provide investment advice and have more experience and easier access to a larger volume of resources than does a typical client. Furthermore, since most clients do not have the time or tools to watch the securities markets all day, it is possible that they may miss the best opportunity to make changes in their financial position. An advisor is typically in a better position to make decisions as events happen. However, since conditions on the securities markets can change very rapidly, the advisor currently needs to make a decision about which clients should learn of the new conditions. Most likely, the advisor will first inform the relevant high net-worth clients by telephone. Lower net-worth clients are normally not notified as quickly, if at all, although they represent the greater number of clients. It is typically these lower net-worth clients who are gravitating towards to the low commission trading web sites in order to save money for effectively the same amount of service. Accordingly, the advisor is provided with a system for consolidating information and for providing relevant information to a client or group of clients. FIG. 4 illustrates such a system, which is represented generally by the numeral 400. The system includes is a three-tiered hierarchy including a brokerage 402, a plurality of advisors 404 associated with the brokerage 402, and a plurality of clients 406 associated with each advisor 404. Each of the members of the hierarchy can communicate with each other in a manner that is determined by the business relationship between them. For example, the brokerage 402 can communicate with any of the advisors 404 and any of the clients 406. The advisors 404 can communicate with the brokerage 402 and their associated clients 406. The clients 406 can communicate with the brokerage 402 and their advisor 404, but not other clients 406. Alternately, it is possible for an advisor 404 to communicate with any client 406 (not shown), and for an advisor 404 to communicate with other advisors 404 (not shown). A person skilled in the art will appreciate various relationships between members of the hierarchy. The brokerage 402 typically includes a research department 408 and a marketing department 410. The marketing department 410 is typically responsible for providing to the clients and advisors brokerage-related information such as recommendations, upcoming events, RRSP calculators, and the like. The research department 408 is responsible for providing information that might benefit the clients 406 such as investment trends, mergers and acquisitions, mineral deposit discoveries, and the like. Generally this information is forwarded to the advisors 404, who in turn selectively forward it to the clients 406. Furthermore, data streams 412 providing headline news, stock quotes, and other external data sources are provided for the advisors 404 and clients 406. In some cases, the advisors 404 may also selectively forward such information to their clients 406. The advisor 404 selectively forwards information to associated clients 406, by either sending to client groups or by choosing clients directly as recipients. The groups are previously created using predetermined criteria such as areas of interest and the like. When the advisor receives a piece of information relating to a specific industry, the advisor forwards it to the corresponding client or client group. The network used to facilitate the above mentioned hierarchy is described as follows. The system is stored and run from a computer server that is coupled to the World Wide Web (WWW). The server is provided with security measures, which are well known in the art, to prevent intruders from gaining access to client information. Each of the brokerage, advisors, and clients can access the system using a web-browser such as Netscape™ or Internet Explorer™. If the server is located at a remote location, then the brokerage, advisors, and clients can each access the system via the Internet using a personal computer, personal digital assistant, mobile telephone, and the like. Alternately, if the server is located at the brokerage, the brokerage and the advisor may be connected via an Intranet as well as having Internet access. Such network access is known and modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. The advisor navigates to a web site provided by the system and logs in. Upon logging in, the advisor is presented with a web page. Referring to FIG. 5, a block drawing representing the web page is illustrated generally by the numeral 500. The web page is displayed in a frames format, wherein different portions of a screen contain different web pages. The screen is divided into a menu frame 502, an options frame 504, a main frame 506, and a logo frame 508. The menu frame 502 provides the advisor with a plurality of different information screens. The options frame provides the advisor with further options and provides space for advertising, a stock ticker, and the like. The main frame is used to present information to the user. The logo frame 508 typically includes the logo of the brokerage for which the advisor works. The menu frame is divided into subsections, each of which corresponds to the type of information it contains. A first section 502a relates to information between the advisor and the clients. A second section 502b relates to information between the brokerage and the clients. A third section 502c relates to information between the advisor and the brokerage. A fourth section 502d relates to information for the advisor only. An example of the type of information provided in each section is described as follows. The first section 502a includes information about the advisor, newsletters, market trends, investment tips, and the like. The second section 502b includes general information such as information about the brokerage, available products and services, market updates, new issues, economic indicators, currency exchange rates, investment calculators, mutual fund guides, newsletters, and the like. The third section 502c includes information for the advisor such as daily updates, investment tips, upgrades and downgrades, new issues, recommended lists, restricted lists, economic indicators, research, mutual fund guides and the like. The fourth section 502d includes personal information for the advisor such as portfolio tracking, stock watches, favorite stocks, client statistics and sales reports, and the advisor's preferences including type of alert, research and news interests and the like. Two of the options available to the advisor in the options frame 504 are a “what's new” option and a “create” option. The “what's new” option presents to the advisor any new or unread items. Typically the “what's new” option will be presented as a default to the advisor upon logging in. The “create” option provides the advisor with a submenu. Referring to FIG. 5, the submenu is represented generally by the numeral 506. The submenu has several options including creating new clients, organizing clients in groups, selecting top stock or mutual fund choices, organizing date-related events, initiating discussions, creating bulletins, adding reminders, recommending web sites to clients, creating content for the first section 502a of the web page, and the like. Similar to the advisor, the client navigates to a web site provided by the system and logs in. Upon logging in, the client is presented with a web page. Referring to FIG. 6, a block drawing representing the web page is illustrated generally by the numeral 600. The web page is displayed in a frames format, wherein different portions of a screen contain different web pages. The screen is divided into a menu frame 602, an options frame 604, a main frame 606, and a logo frame 608. The menu frame 602 provides the client with a plurality of different information screens. The options frame provides the client with further options and provides space for advertising, a stock ticker, and the like. The main frame is used to present information to the client. The logo frame 508 typically includes the logo of the brokerage providing the service to the client. The menu frame is divided into subsections, each of which corresponds to the type of information it contains. A first section 602a relates to information between the advisor and the clients. A second section 602b relates to information between the brokerage and the clients. A third section 602c relates to information for the client only. Sections 602a and 602b contain the same as information as sections 502a and 502b described above. Section 602c includes information regarding the setting of alerts, determining which stocks to watch, customizing services provided by the advisor (including areas of interest), customizing research, editing favorite links, managing a personal financial portfolio (including funds held outside of the brokerage) and the like. The client is also provided with the “what's new” and “create” options as described above. Furthermore, the client is provided with an “execute trade” option and a “customize services” option. Typically, the “What's New” option will be presented as a default to the client upon logging in. The “customize services” option allows the client to customize the services provided by the system and the advisor. The client selects how quickly he or she is to be alerted once his or her advisor or the firm. Alternately, the advisor can set up the system such that the data feeds 412 are provided to the client. The client may select to be alerted either immediately, after a certain amount of delay, or at certain time intervals. The client also has the option of determining how the alerts will be sent. The alerts may be sent either via a pop-up box (or window), email, facsimile, telephone, or other wireless devices. Furthermore, the client is able to subscribe to a particular industry of interest by selecting an industry group. The “execute trade” option allows the client to trade on-line. This option provides an interface with an on-line trading engine. The details of the trade will depend on the particular on-line trading engine used and is known in the art. The functionality of the system will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7 through 13. Referring to FIG. 7, a flowchart illustrating the process by which an advisor creates a client group is shown. The advisor selects the “create” option from the options frame and the “create” submenu is presented to the advisor. The advisor selects a “Client Group” option and is presented with a form for entering group information. The advisor enters information such as a name of the group and a name to appear as a folder on the client desktop. The folder name and group name may be the same. The advisor selects the desired clients from a list of client names and the clients are added to the group. Further, the advisor may select an existing group to add to the group that is being created, in which case all the clients in the existing group are added to the new group. If the advisor does not already have a group with the selected group name, then the group is created and saved by the system. Otherwise, the advisor will be prompted to enter a different name and the group will be created accordingly by the system. Referring to FIG. 8, the process with which an advisor can create a dynamic group is illustrated. A dynamic group differs from the typical group in that rather than associating specific clients to a group, the advisor can associate client characteristics to a group. These characteristics include the client's net worth, the client's age, the client's investment status, the client's cash on hand, and the like. The advisor selects the “create” option from the options frame, which presents the “create” submenu. The advisor selects a “Dynamic Group” option from the submenu and is provided with a form for entering the group information. The group information includes the group name and the specific criteria for forming the group and this information is saved. The advisor can then select this group in the same manner as any group having fixed clients. When the advisor selects the group, the system searches through all of the advisor's current clients and adds each of the clients meeting the criteria to the list of recipients. Therefore, the group changes dynamically for each message sent by the advisor. The advisor can view information and forward it to specific clients as desired. The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9 illustrates the steps taken by an advisor in order to forward information to a client. In this particular example the information is a news item. After logging in, the advisor is presented with the advisor interface. The advisor selects a “headline news” option. The “headline news” options presents the advisor with a list of current news headlines. The advisor selects a particular headline and the corresponding news article is presented in the main frame. The advisor determines whether or not the news is relevant or important to any clients. If the news is irrelevant to any of the advisor's clients, the advisor has the option of reading more news or performing another function. If the advisor wishes to read more news, the advisor reselects “headline news” and begins the review process again. If the advisor believes that some clients will find the news relevant or important, the advisor can send the news item to these clients. The advisor clicks a button associated with the news item entitled “Send to Clients” which enables the advisor to forward the news item to selected clients. The advisor selects the appropriate client group or groups to receive the news item. Further, the advisor can also select individuals who are not part of the aforementioned groups and who the advisor believes are interested in reading the news item. If an individual recipient is selected that is already part of a group that was selected, the system, will only send the information once to that intended recipient. The advisor forwards the news item to the selected clients by selecting a “send” option. Referring now to FIG. 10, a flowchart illustrating a typical process that a client undertakes in order to review an information item forwarded by the advisor is shown. Once again, the information item in this example is a news item. Upon logging in, the client is presented with the client interface, which includes any new or unread items. The client selects a particular item to read by clicking on its headline. The corresponding article is presented to the client to read. Once the client has read the news item, the item is automatically organized and saved in a folder for the client. The name of the folder where the news item is stored for the client is determined by the folder name selected by the advisor while setting up the group. Typically, the folder name will correspond to the type of information in the news item, which is determined by the user group to which the news item is forwarded by the advisor. For example, if the news item relates to an increase in oil prices, the advisor would typically forward such information to a group that the advisor created called “Oil and Gas”. The Oil and Gas group contains all the clients interested in events related to oil and gas. Once those clients review the news item it is stored in a folder called “Oil and Gas” and can be retrieved at a later time. The client can then decide whether or not it is beneficial, based on the news item, to contact the advisor. If the client does not feel it is beneficial to contact the advisor, the client can read other unread or new news items by selecting the “What's New” option. This option returns the client to the screen that displays any new or unread news items. If, however, the client does not want to read more new or unread news items, the client can log out of the system or select another menu button as desired. If the client does indeed feel it is beneficial to contact the advisor, the client may do so using a telephone or by sending or responding to an on-line message. Referring to FIG. 11, a flowchart illustrating the process for sending an on-line message is shown. The client selects the “create” option on the menu. This action provides the client with the “create” submenu. The client creates a new message by selecting the “discussion” option from the submenu. The client is provided with a form for inputting information such as the subject matter of the message, the message itself a list of possible attachments, and the like. Once the message is complete, the client clicks “Send” to send it to the advisor. Referring to FIG. 12, the flowchart is shown illustrating the process the advisor follows in responding to a client's on-line message. When the advisor views any new information, either by logging on or by selecting the “what's new” option from the options frame, the advisor is presented with a list of unread items. Among these items is the unread message from the client. The advisor selects the unread message and reads the client's comments regarding the news story. The advisor may choose to respond to the client either, using the telephone or responding on-line, or to create a reminder item to remind himself or herself to contact that particular client at a later time. Referring once again to FIG. 11, the advisor responds to the client's message by clicking the respond button on the message. The advisor provides the message content in response to the client's concern or comment, and then sends the message. The above mentioned messaging functionality is similar to the functionality provided by typical e-mail systems. However, the messaging system is integrated into the overall system and neither the client nor the advisor needs to use an additional piece of software. Further, the client does not need to remember any e-mail addresses since whenever a new message is created it is automatically sent to the advisor since the client is not aware of the existence of any other clients. Unlike email, all communication is facilitated through the secure servers and not the public internet, maintaining confidentiality. The distribution of email by the advisor is similar to the distribution of news. The advisor is presented with a list of groups that has been created by the advisor or the brokerage. The list further includes the advisor's client names. The client's names may be associated with a corresponding client e-mail, or they with the client's address in the system. The advisor determines the recipients of the e-mail by selecting client or groups of clients from the list. This messaging system is particularly useful for allowing the clients to select one or more of a plurality of different ways to be contacted by the advisor. The client may be contacted either by e-mail, telephone, facsimile, pop-up window, or wireless device. Further, the system automatically organizes and stores the on-line messages in appropriate focus. For example, all the messages from a client to an advisor will be automatically stored for the advisor in a corresponding client file. Therefore, if an advisor would like to review an on-line message previously received from a client that the advisor had already read, the advisor would go to the folder associated with that particular client. The associated folder would be named in such a manner that it can uniquely identify the particular client. Such identifiers include the client's name, a file number, a telephone number, and the like. If a communication contains multiple discussion items sent back-and-forth between the advisor and the client, each item will be listed in a thread underneath the initial discussion item. At the client side, all on-line messages sent to the client from the advisor are stored in a folder associated with the advisor. Typically the folder will have a title such as “Messages from My Advisor”. Referring to FIG. 13, the advisor has the further option to create a menu button that will be located in the first section of the menu frame that is dedicated to information transfer between the advisor and the client. The advisor selects the “create” option selects a “button” option from the “create” submenu. The advisor is provided with a form for entering the button information. The button information includes a name for the button, a content type to be associated with the button, and specific content of a predetermined type. The content type includes Internet addresses such as unique resource locator (URL) links, as well as files or text. The advisor saves the created button. If the button name does not already exist then the system creates the button and the new button is displayed to the client in the menu upon log-in. If the button name does exist then the user is prompted to either to change the name of the button or to overwrite the existing button. If the advisor changes the name of the button to another name, which does not exist, then the new button is created and will appear on the client's desktop upon log-in. If the new name does exist, the advisor will again be prompted to either rename the button or to replace the existing button. This will continue until the button is created or the user aborts the process. If a URL link is selected as the content type, the advisor enters the URL link as the content of the predetermined type. When the client clicks on the button associated with the URL link, the web page associated with the particular URL link is presented to the user in the main frame. If the content type is a file, the name and location of the file is entered into the content of predetermined type. When the client selects the button, the associated file, such as an Adobe™ PDF file, will be presented to the client in the main frame. If the content type is text, then the actual text that the advisor wishes the client to view is entered into the content of the predetermined type section. When the client selects the button, the text entered by the advisor will be displayed to the client in the main frame. Other content types will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. In alternate embodiments, the hierarchical system is greater than the three-tier system described in the previous embodiment. An additional level can be added between the advisors and the brokerage. This level can be assigned to managers who are responsible for a plurality of advisors. Alternately, an additional level could be added on top of the brokerage. A large investment group can provide its services to a plurality of brokerages. In such an embodiment, the investment group provides its information to the brokerages that, in turn, provides the information to the advisors and clients. Alternately, an additional step could be inserted into the process of sending an item from an advisor to a client, in which a designated third user may read the item before it reaches the client and may release it to the client after acknowledging it as acceptable communication. The third user is typically a Compliance Officer of the firm. Referring to FIG. 14, a flowchart illustrating a sample compliance procedure is shown. Before the firm or the advisor (referred to as the sender) sends information to the clients, the information is passed through a firm maintained filter. The filter is typically maintained by the firm's compliance department and is used to automatically search for keywords that might present a problem. If the filter detects no problem, the information is passed to a switch for determining if it is to be reviewed. The switch is defined for the sender based on the required compliance mode. If the compliance mode does not require information to be reviewed, it is marked as such and sent to the desired destination, which is typically the client. If the compliance mode does require the information to be reviewed, a reviewer is alerted. The reviewer examines the information to ensure it is approved before sending it to the client. If the examiner approves the information, it is marked as such and released to the client. If the examiner does not approve the information, comments as to why the information has been disapproved are added, and it the information is returned to the sender. Further, once information has been either approved or disapproved, a message indicating the status of the information is sent to the sender. If, however, the information does match the criteria established by the filter, the filter uses the matching criteria to determine whether the information is to be sent to a compliance officer or the reviewer. If the information is sent to a reviewer, it follows the same procedure as described above. If the information is sent to a compliance officer, the compliance officer follows the same procedure as the reviewer. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between a company president and the company's stakeholders (such as employees, suppliers and shareholders). The president groups, and communicates with, stakeholders according to their role and the type of information that would be relevant to each of them. The stakeholders benefit from being able to easily manage issues such as product direction as communicated by the president, as well as news, research, quotes, policies and procedures, and company news from both the company and external sources. The information provided by the president is maintained in a portfolio, which benefits shareholders and suppliers by indicating their stake or accounts with the company. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between a holding company such as an incubator, the holding company's account representatives, and subsidiaries of the company, as overseen by the representatives. The account representatives group and communicate with subsidiaries according to various criteria. The subsidiary benefits by having a method of staying in constant contact with their account representative. They benefit greatly by being able to go to one place for specific business advice and information about market issues, further financing options, possible partnering opportunities and events like technology tradeshows, as distributed by the account representative and the holding company's marketing department. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between an electricity company, its advisors/account representatives and large consumers of electricity. The consumers are looking for advice about how to keep energy costs as low as possible, so electricity companies are employing advisors to advise the consumers on keeping low costs and similar issues. The electricity company benefits from increased customer loyalty since the advisors are able to group and communicate with customers to disseminate information that is relevant to each customer, such as specific advice on how to decrease electricity usage in certain situations. Research and News are incorporated for allowing customers to learn of new developments in energy technology, and for further maintaining customer loyalty to the electricity company. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between members of a trade organization, a facilitator/chair, and employees of the trade organization. The facilitator communicates with members according to status or geography, and relays information such as meeting minutes and agendas, policy agreements, new ideas, and copies of presentations. The organization employees and members communicate directly about issues such as membership dues, extracurricular activities and the like. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between an insurance firm, its agents, and its clients. The clients seek advice as to how to best manage their insurance policies. The insurance agent communicates with clients individually, or via topic groups targeting information about new laws, policy changes, and costs. The firm communicates with clients about claims, billing, special offers and surveys. Therefore, it is shown that the system and methods described herein have application in a plurality of circumstances. In general, the system can be implemented for a situation where there is need for a communication system between an organization, the organization's experts or facilitators, and a number of clients, customers or colleagues. The organization typically seeks to achieve customer loyalty by providing the expert/facilitators' expertise and effort to maintain or better the client's business, financial or personal situation. The terms and expressions which have been employed in the specification are used as terms of description and not of limitations, there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims to the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Recently, the need for collaborative computing environments has been receiving increasing attention. People are finding that it is more and more important to share information and work together to meet common goals. With increasing specialization in the marketplace, there is frequent need to work together with people from different offices, different organizations and even different countries to satisfy the requirements of a particular project or goal. Managing collaborative initiatives of this type is not a simple matter. Electronic network based, project management server systems are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,506 [Srinivasan] discloses an automated, electronic network based, project management server system for managing multiple work groups. The system comprises a core piece of software which runs on a host server computer system and interacts with a messaging system such as E-mail or facsimile. The system compiles multi-project plans into a multi-project database and tracks the ownership of projects, tasks and resources within the plans. The system automatically checks all resource requests and if resource availability limits are exceeded then resources are allocated on projects based on priorities and project plans are changed accordingly. The system is also programmed to send out reminders and follow-ups and the databases are continuously updated based on status changes reported by work group members. One of the disadvantages of known electronic network-based, collaborative server systems is that they depend on Information Technology specialists or a system administrator to administer control of the system, i.e., if a user wishes to add functionality to a system, they must have access to the program itself. Further, many collaborative systems require each user to have specialized software installed on their computer. It is an object of the present invention to obviate and mitigate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides a system for providing a communication system, the system comprising: (i) a network-connected server having input and access capabilities; (ii) a site-builder for receiving instructions input from a first user and for creating a dedicated network site based on said received instructions; (iii) a transmitter for communicating existence of said dedicated network site to a nominated second user; (iv) a communicator for accessing contents of said dedicated network site by said first and said second users; and (v) memory for storing information input by said first and said second user at said dedicated network site. In another aspect the present invention provides a system to provide a team of users with intranet-based groupware functionality, comprising: (i) a network-connected server capable of receiving an initiate instruction from a primary user; (ii) a site builder for creating a dedicated site on said server in response to said initiate instruction; (iii) a transmitter for sending information about the existence of said dedicated site to at least one secondary user nominated by said primary user; (iv) a communicator for transmitting information between said dedicated site, said primary user and said at least one secondary user; (v) memory for storing information at said dedicated site, said information from said primary and said at least one secondary user; (vi) a processor for processing said information stored at said dedicated site said processed information being transmitted by said communicator to said primary user and said at least one secondary user. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing a communication network, comprising: (i) providing an network-connected server having upload and download capabilities; (ii) receiving instructions uploaded from a first user and for creating a dedicated network site on said server, said dedicated network site having a unique name based on instructions received; (iii) communicating the existence of said dedicated intranet site to a nominated second user; (iv) downloading contents of said dedicated network site to said first and second users; (v) storing information in the dedicated web-site. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a computer configured to operate a groupware application program, the computer comprising: (i) a network for connecting to at least a primary and a secondary user; (ii) a site builder for receiving instructions input from said primary user and for creating a dedicated site within the computer based on said instructions; (iii) a mailer for looking up an address of said secondary user from an address database; (iv) a communicator for communicating the existence of said dedicated site to said secondary user; (v) memory for storing information at said dedicated site at the request of the primary and the secondary user; and (vi) a processor for processing said stored information at the request of the primary and the secondary user. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a data carrier having thereon a computer program for performing the steps of: (1) facilitating communication between a server, a primary user and a secondary user; (ii) creating a dedicated site within the server based on instructions input from the primary user; (iii) looking up address of the secondary user from an address database; (iv) communicating the existence of the dedicated site to the secondary user; (v) storing information at the dedicated site at the request of the primary and the secondary user; and (vi) processing the stored information at the request of the primary and the secondary user. | 20040722 | 20071120 | 20050127 | 86936.0 | 4 | MEKY, MOUSTAFA M | WEB-BASED GROUPWARE SYSTEM | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,898,133 | ACCEPTED | Web-based groupware system | The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a communication network. The system comprises a ‘network-connected server having input and access capabilities, a site builder, a transmitter, a communicator, and memory. The site-builder receives instructions input from a first user and creates a dedicated network site based on the received instructions. The transmitter communicates the existence of the dedicated network site to a nominated second user. The communicator provides accesses to the contents of the dedicated network site by the first and second users. The memory stores information input by the first and the second user in the dedicated network site. | 1. A system for creating a collaborative workspace, comprising: a computer configured to: display a workgroup creation template with which users can interact to create collaborative workspaces; store a list of secondary users nominated by the primary user and a corresponding access level to the collaborative workspace for each secondary user; create said collaborative workspace in accordance with user interaction with said collaborative workspace template and the stored access levels; and provide access to the created collaborative workspace via a web browser. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the computer is configured to create a dedicated network site on a network-connected server in response to instructions received from the primary user, said dedicated network site defining said created collaborative workspace. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said computer is configured to provide a series of logically related workgroup creation templates to the primary user. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said created collaborative workspace is configured to include a plurality of user applications selected by one of the users to be included in that collaborative workspace. 5. The system of claim 4 wherein said created collaborative workspace is configured to include a plurality of distinct user applications. 6. The system of claim 4 wherein one of the user applications is a project collaboration application. 7. The system of claim 4 wherein one of the user applications is a scheduling application. 8. The system of claim 4 wherein one of the user applications is a document manager that controls check in and check out of documents. 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the computer is configured to allow the primary user to assign the primary user's administrative rights to one or more of the secondary users. 10. A method for creating a collaborative workspace, comprising: displaying a workgroup creation template via with which users can interact to create collaborative workspaces; storing a list of secondary users nominated by the primary user and a corresponding access level to the collaborative workspace for each secondary user; creating said collaborative workspace in accordance with user interaction with said collaborative workspace template and the stored access levels; and accessing the created collaborative workspace via a web browser. 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising configuring a computer to create a dedicated network site on a network-connected server in response to instructions received from the primary user, said dedicated network site defining said created collaborative workspace. 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the displaying comprises configuring said computer to display a series of logically related workgroup creation templates via to the primary user. 13. The method of claim 10 further comprising configuring said created collaborative workspace to include a plurality of user applications selected by one of the users to be included in that collaborative workspace. 14. The method of claim 13 wherein said created collaborative workspace is configured to include a plurality of distinct user applications. 15. The method of claim 13 wherein one of the user applications is a project collaboration application. 16. The method of claim 13 wherein one of the user applications is a scheduling application. 17. The method of claim 13 wherein one of the user applications is a document manager that controls check-in and check-out of documents. 18. The method of claim 10 further comprising configuring the computer to allow the primary user to assign the primary user's administrative rights to one or more of the secondary users. 19. A computer readable medium having instructions thereon for performing steps for creating a collaborative workspace, the steps comprising: displaying a workgroup creation template via with which users can interact to create collaborative workspaces; storing a list of secondary users nominated by the primary user and a corresponding access level to the collaborative workspace for each secondary user; creating said collaborative workspace in accordance with user interaction with said collaborative workspace template and the stored access levels; and accessing the created collaborative workspace via a web browser. 20. The computer readable medium of claim 19, the steps further comprising configuring a computer to create a dedicated network site on a network-connected server in response to instructions received from the primary user, said dedicated network site defining said created collaborative workspace. 21. The computer readable medium of claim 19 wherein the displaying comprises configuring said computer to display a series of logically related workgroup creation templates via a web browser to the primary user. 22. The computer readable medium of claim 19, the steps further comprising configuring said created collaborative workspace to include a plurality of user applications selected by one of the users to be included in that collaborative workspace. 23. The computer readable medium of claim 22 wherein said created collaborative workspace is configured to include a plurality of distinct user applications. 24. The computer readable medium of claim 22 wherein one of the user applications in is a project collaboration application. 25. The computer readable medium of claim 22 wherein one of the user applications is a scheduling application. 26. The computer readable medium of claim 22 wherein one of the user applications is a document manager that controls check-in and check-out of documents. 27. The computer readable medium of claim 19, the steps further comprising configuring the computer to allow the primary user to assign the primary user's administrative rights to one or more of the secondary users. | REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/590,099 filed Jun. 9, 2000, pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/195,905 filed Nov. 19, 1998 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,177, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/955,569 filed Oct. 22, 1997 and which claims priority to Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,221,790 filed on Nov. 19, 1997. The contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/590,099 are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of collaborative software systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for providing network-based groupware functionality. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Recently, the need for collaborative computing environments has been receiving increasing attention. People are finding that it is more and more important to share information and work together to meet common goals. With increasing specialization in the marketplace, there is frequent need to work together with people from different offices, different organizations and even different countries to satisfy the requirements of a particular project or goal. Managing collaborative initiatives of this type is not a simple matter. Electronic network based, project management server systems are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,506 [Srinivasan] discloses an automated, electronic network based, project management server system for managing multiple work groups. The system comprises a core piece of software which runs on a host server computer system and interacts with a messaging system such as E-mail or facsimile. The system compiles multi-project plans into a multi-project database and tracks the ownership of projects, tasks and resources within the plans. The system automatically checks all resource requests and if resource availability limits are exceeded then resources are allocated on projects based on priorities and project plans are changed accordingly. The system is also programmed to send out reminders and follow-ups and the databases are continuously updated based on status changes reported by work group members. One of the disadvantages of known electronic network-based, collaborative server systems is that they depend on Information Technology specialists or a system administrator to administer control of the system, i.e., if a user wishes to add functionality to a system, they must have access to the program itself. Further, many collaborative systems require each user to have specialized software installed on their computer. It is an object of the present invention to obviate and mitigate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides a system for providing a communication system, the system comprising: (i) a network-connected server having input and access capabilities; (ii) a site-builder for receiving instructions input from a first user and for creating a dedicated network site based on said received instructions; (iii) a transmitter for communicating existence of said dedicated network site to a nominated second user; (iv) a communicator for accessing contents of said dedicated network site by said first and said second users; and (v) memory for storing information input by said first and said second user at said dedicated network site. In another aspect the present invention provides a system to provide a team of users with intranet-based groupware functionality, comprising: (i) a network-connected server capable of receiving an initiate instruction from a primary user; (ii) a site builder for creating a dedicated site on said server in response to said initiate instruction; (iii) a transmitter for sending information about the existence of said dedicated site to at least one secondary user nominated by said primary user; (iv) a communicator for transmitting information between said dedicated site, said primary user and said at least one secondary user; (v) memory for storing information at said dedicated site, said information from said primary and said at least one secondary user; (vi) a processor for processing said information stored at said dedicated site said processed information being transmitted by said communicator to said primary user and said at least one secondary user. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing a communication network, comprising: (i) providing an network-connected server having upload and download capabilities; (ii) receiving instructions uploaded from a first user and for creating a dedicated network site on said server, said dedicated network site having a unique name based on instructions received; (iii) communicating the existence of said dedicated intranet site to a nominated second user; (iv) downloading contents of said dedicated network site to said first and second users; (v) storing information in the dedicated web-site. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a computer configured to operate a groupware application program, the computer comprising: (i) a network for connecting to at least a primary and a secondary user; (ii) a site builder for receiving instructions input from said primary user and for creating a dedicated site within the computer based on said instructions; (iii) a mailer for looking up an address of said secondary user from an address database; (iv) a communicator for communicating the existence of said dedicated site to said secondary user; (v) memory for storing information at said dedicated site at the request of the primary and the secondary user; and (vi) a processor for processing said stored information at the request of the primary and the secondary user. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a data carrier having thereon a computer program for performing the steps of: (1) facilitating communication between a server, a primary user and a secondary user; (ii) creating a dedicated site within the server based on instructions input from the primary user; (iii) looking up address of the secondary user from an address database; (iv) communicating the existence of the dedicated site to the secondary user; (v) storing information at the dedicated site at the request of the primary and the secondary user; and (vi) processing the stored information at the request of the primary and the secondary user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a flowchart outlining the operation of the system; FIGS. 3a-3e are reproductions of user screens from a communication network created in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the system according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an advisor graphical user interface; FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an client graphical user interface; FIGS. 7-13 are flow charts illustration the functionality of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A system to provide a team of users with intranet-based groupware functionality in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically in FIG. 1. The system generally comprises at least one server computer as an intranet connected server 10 which supports a TCP/IP protocol and which has input and access capabilities via two-way communication lines, such as communication lines 15 and 20. The computer is configured as a web server. Server 10 has a unique resource locator (URL) address and comprises a means to create a dedicated intranet site 25 (e.g. Site #4) on the server in response to an initiate request received from a primary user 30. Dedicated site 25 has a unique address which identifies it with the primary user 30 (e.g., #4) within server 10. Server 10 further comprises a means to send information, including its URL address and the unique address of the dedicated site, to at least one secondary user 40, nominated by the primary user 30. Both primary user 30 and secondary user 40 can communicate with server 10 by means of an HTML compliant client supporting a graphical user interface and internet browser, such as Netscape Navigator™ or Microsoft Explorer™, i.e., there is no requirement that either primary user 30 or secondary user 40 have access to specialized software applications in order to utilize the system of the present invention. Information on the site 25 is credited as a hypertext document and is thus displayed as a web page on the GVI of the user's web browser, with a link to this hypertext document. Once connected to dedicated site 25 created on server 10, primary user 30 and secondary user 40 both have access to at least some of the information stored at the site, the ability to access and process at least some of the information and the ability to input and store processed and/or new information. All the specialized software which provides the functional requirements to give primary user 30 and secondary user 40 these abilities is provided by server 10 via dedicated site 25. Once again, primary user 30 and secondary user 40 do not require any specialized software applications other than a standard internet browser. Server 10 may be provided a number of general sites (e.g., Sites #1, #2, #3) which are automatically accessible to primary user 30 and secondary user 40; other sites (e.g., Site #6) which are accessible to only one of the users; and some sites (e.g., Site #7) which can only be accessed by a system administrator (not shown). The nature and purpose of these different sites will be described in more detail below. It will be apparent that although the system of the present invention is primarily intranet-based, the nature of communication lines, such as line 15 between server 10 and primary user 30, is not particularly limited. An intranet is simply defined by its security parameters for the connected users. Suitable intranet-adaptable communication lines include dedicated lines, public telephone networks, private telephone networks, satellite links, Ethernet links, etc. These communication lines are already in place if primary user 30 and secondary user 40 have existing intranet access. It is envisioned that server 10 may be connected to the internet as well as an intranet. A suitable firewall (not shown) may be provided between the intranet and external or intranet users. As will also be apparent in this embodiment, the geographic locations of primary user 30, secondary user 40 and server 10 are only limited by internet accessibility, i.e., all three need not be in the same city, county or even continent. The dedicated site created in response to the initiate request can be thought of as being a private office suite within the semi-public intranet. The private office suite may be created on the server for a period of time desired by the primary user, after which time the private suite can be erased to free-up system resources. The private office suite comes complete with all the application software required to permit group activity within the office. The primary user can construct a private office suite to include the specific applications desired. Thus, an advantage of the present system is that the user is provided with a customizable, secure office suite in which the user and his/her team members can access applications software without the need for each team member to have individual copies of each applications software. The system of the present invention is “end-user friendly”, i.e., neither primary user 30 nor secondary user 40 need specialist computer knowledge to make use of the system. There is no requirement for the primary user to have an in-house Information Technology specialist. The system of the present invention is further understood when described by its mode ˜f operation and with reference to FIG. 2. In order to create a private office suite, a primary user uses his/her web browser 110 to contact the intranet connected server. The server confirms the identity 120 of the primary user and directs the primary user to the system homepage 130. From the system homepage, the primary user can access his/her personal workspace 140. Among other options which will be discussed below, the primary user has the option to enter an existing workgroup with a pre-defined dedicated site or to create a new workgroup with a new, unique dedicated site (150). If the primary user wishes to enter an existing workgroup the server permits access to the pre-defined site (160). If the primary user wishes to create new workgroup, he/she is provided with a workgroup creation template (170) which permits the primary user to define parameters of the workgroup, such as the name of the workgroup and the site to be created, the scope of the project being undertaken, the number of team members, etc. During completion of the template, the primary user is prompted to identify the number and contact addresses of the group members, the types of user applications which are to be utilized during the project and to provide a name for the dedicated site to be created. Once this template has been completed, the server creates a dedicated site (180) having the name chosen by primary user. The administration sub-system checks to see whether all the prospective group members identified by the primary user are listed on the existing intranet-user database (190). If a prospective group member is an existing intranet user, the server then sends details of the newly created dedicated site to that member of the group (secondary user) (200). in a presently preferred embodiment, the server automatically creates a link between each secondary user's personal workspace and the newly created dedicated site. Alternatively, the details of the web-site may be sent in the form of an E-mail message which provides each secondary user with the address of the dedicated site, an invitation to join the workgroup and, if applicable, the password required for gaining access to the site (see later). If a prospective group member is not an existing intranet user, the administration sub-system determines whether the primary user has the authority to add external users (210). If the primary user does have authority to add external users, the server creates a personal workspace for that user (220) and notifies the external user of the existence of the workgroup (230). Preferably, the notification is done by means of E-mail, although other means, such as facsimile or pager, may also be used. Once authorized, an external user can contact the server via the internet and the external user has access to the same operational functionality as an intranet-connected user. If the primary user does not have authority to add external users, a request is sent to a designated system administrator who makes the determination whether the external user can be added to the new workgroup (240). If approval is given, the system creates a personal workspace for the external user as before (220), if the addition of the external user is not approved, the primary user (requester) is advised (250). Once the approved secondary users have been notified of the existence of the dedicated site, the workgroup remains operational until all workgroup activities have been completed (260). When the primary user decides that there is no longer a requirement for the workgroup, the workgroup is closed (270) and the dedicated site may be deleted from the server. Prior to closure and deletion of the dedicated site, primary user may be given the option of downloading and storing all the data from the site for archive purposes. During the creation of a dedicated site, secondary user nomination, workgroup activity, closure of the workgroup and eventual deletion of the site, all the administrative details of the workgroup activity are automatically fed into the administrative sub-system for processing. The administration sub-system controls all the day to day management of the system. It contains all the code and script required for workgroup size monitoring and database size monitoring. Further, the administration sub-system is responsible for monitoring server traffic and hit counts and the control of the offering of additional subscriber applications, Security is an important feature of most business activity and the system of the present invention provides many levels of security which can be selected by the primary user and/or system administrator to suit his/her individual needs. For example, a basic form of security is to provide the dedicated site created with a password which must be entered by both the primary user and the secondary users to gain access to the workgroup. This password maybe the same for the primary user and all the secondary users or every secondary user may be provided with a unique password. Providing each secondary user with a unique password also permits primary user to set up different levels of information which can be accessed within the workgroup by each secondary user, i.e., the workgroup can be created on a “need to know” basis. Examples of other security features include the ability of the primary user to decide: who has the authority to add new secondary users to and/or delete existing secondary users from the group after its creation; who has access to the administrative records of the workgroup; and when and if passwords and/or security levels are to be changed. As will be apparent, there are many different types of workgroup activities which can be performed on a system in accordance with the present invention. In fact, it is envisioned that the present system could be adapted to perform many of the tasks of conventional LAN- or WAN-based group collaboration systems. Preferred workgroup activity applications of the present system include bulletin board, chat room, calendar, contact database, change control, event planner, group discussion, issue management, project collaboration, presentation library, decision survey in a box, NGS proposal development, document manager, and Your Own Custom Application. A bulletin board is a common place for team members to post anything that might be of interest to the team. Discussion, file attachments, and broadcast mail are available. Additionally, a number of views may be utilized to gain access to the information, including by date, by author, by type, etc. A chat room is a real-time chat function for teams to schedule discussions on the fly. A calendar is a central calendar dedicated to the team, where individuals may add entries to keep track of milestones, issues and events. It is presented in a dynamic view, i.e. 2 day, one week, two weeks or one month. A contact database is an application that allows groups to track specific contracts in a central place. The views allow sorting by name, company type, etc. A change control is a workflow application that allows teams to request and manage project changes. An event planner is an application that is targeted at managing the deliverables for an upcoming event. Team members can assign tasks and milestones, broadcast mail to the stakeholders, and view a calendar in a number of formats. The group discussion is a complete collaborative application that offers groups a central meeting place for the exchange of ideas. Issue management is a workflow application that allows project teams to report issues, notify the owners, and track the resolution. Project collaboration is a complete project management tool that provides managers and team members a Web sit environment for creating, implementing and managing projects. Involv Project Collaboration also imports and exports Microsoft Project Plans. Presentation Library is an application similar to document management but specific to storing presentation files for sales and marketing use. File attachments, descriptions and a variety of views make accessing information easier. The Decision Survey in a Box is a survey application created by Emerging Technology Solutions for Involv Intranet, Decision Survey allows for instant creation of surveys for publishing and gathering data from groups on the Intranet or extranet. NGS Proposal Development is a workflow application created by Nexgen Solutions for Involv Intranet. This application allows all stakeholders in the proposal development process to come together with content quickly and effectively. Document Manager is a central depository for posting and managing files and documents of all types. Check in/Check out and decision history makes this a powerful team tool. Your Own Custom Application is a Domino application that can be offered through the Involv Intranet Desktop for self-service. An embodiment of the system of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3a-3e. All the display screens of the system exemplified in FIGS. 3a-3e have the appearance of a personal organizer, with an index “page” (300) on the left-hand side and a details “page” (310) on the right-hand side. The index page is tabbed (320a-320d) for convenient organization and ease of use. As will be apparent, the style of screen display is not limited to this personal organizer style of display. Screen displays can be customized to a user's preference. FIG. 3a shows a system homepage (130) as would be seen by a user upon accessing the system. The system homepage may be used to provide links to general access features such as news, library resources, phone directories, office procedure manuals, etc. From the system homepage, a user can also tab to their own personal workspace (320b). FIG. 3b shows a typical personal workspace as seen by the owner. The index page provides links to the dedicated sites to which the owner has access and also to some generic' applications such a personal messaging, chat groups and E-mail. FIG. 3c shows a typical personal workspace as seen by a visitor. This level of a personal workspace may be accessed to any intranet user or authorized external user via the users directory (Tab 320c). In this instance, index page 300 provides links to other users, not to the person's personal dedicated sites. The details page provides information on, for example, contacting the users, the users specialty and the users present availability. FIG. 3d shows an application menu (Tab 320d) which can be utilized by a user to create dedicated sites and add users to a workgroup. Different styles of sites can be created, depending on the function of the site, e.g., Project Collaboration, Event Planning, Document Managing, etc. The details page can be used to give a user an overview of each type of workgroup and provide a link to a template for creating the group. If a user creates a workgroup having a dedicated site, a link to that site is automatically created on the index page 300 of a nominated secondary user's personal workspace (FIG. 3b). A further embodiment of the system described above is detailed below. The application relates to communication between a financial advisor (advisor) and a client, or group of clients. There are currently many trading web sites on the Internet (such as E*Trade™, Ameritrade™ and the like) where an individual, or client, can trade without going through an intermediary such as an advisor. Trading through these web sites is significantly less expensive than trading though the advisor. It is argued that the expertise of the advisor is beneficial to the client and will provide the client with a larger profit despite the higher commissions. Advisors are trained to provide investment advice and have more experience and easier access to a larger volume of resources than does a typical client. Furthermore, since most clients do not have the time or tools to watch the securities markets all day, it is possible that they may miss the best opportunity to make changes in their financial position. An advisor is typically in a better position to make decisions as events happen. However, since conditions on the securities markets can change very rapidly, the advisor currently needs to make a decision about which clients should learn of the new conditions. Most likely, the advisor will first inform the relevant high net-worth clients by telephone. Lower net-worth clients are normally not notified as quickly, if at all, although they represent the greater number of clients. It is typically these lower net-worth clients who are gravitating towards to the low commission trading web sites in order to save money for effectively the same amount of service. Accordingly, the advisor is provided with a system for consolidating information and for providing relevant information to a client or group of clients. FIG. 4 illustrates such a system, which is represented generally by the numeral 400. The system includes is a three-tiered hierarchy including a brokerage 402, a plurality of advisors 404 associated with the brokerage 402, and a plurality of clients 406 associated with each advisor 404. Each of the members of the hierarchy can communicate with each other in a manner that is determined by the business relationship between them. For example, the brokerage 402 can communicate with any of the advisors 404 and any of the clients 406. The advisors 404 can communicate with the brokerage 402 and their associated clients 406. The clients 406 can communicate with the brokerage 402 and their advisor 404, but not other clients 406. Alternately, it is possible for an advisor 404 to communicate with any client 406 (not shown), and for an advisor 404 to communicate with other advisors 404 (not shown). A person skilled in the art will appreciate various relationships between members of the hierarchy. The brokerage 402 typically includes a research department 408 and a marketing department 410. The marketing department 410 is typically responsible for providing to the clients and advisors brokerage-related information such as recommendations, upcoming events, RRSP calculators, and the like. The research department 408 is responsible for providing information that might benefit the clients 406 such as investment trends, mergers and acquisitions, mineral deposit discoveries, and the like. Generally this information is forwarded to the advisors 404, who in turn selectively forward it to the clients 406. Furthermore, data streams 412 providing headline news, stock quotes, and other external data sources are provided for the advisors 404 and clients 406. In some cases, the advisors 404 may also selectively forward such information to their clients 406. The advisor 404 selectively forwards information to associated clients 406, by either sending to client groups or by choosing clients directly as recipients. The groups are previously created using predetermined criteria such as areas of interest and the like. When the advisor receives a piece of information relating to a specific industry, the advisor forwards it to the corresponding client or client group. The network used to facilitate the above mentioned hierarchy is described as follows. The system is stored and run from a computer server that is coupled to the World Wide Web (WWW). The server is provided with security measures, which are well known in the art, to prevent intruders from gaining access to client information. Each of the brokerage, advisors, and clients can access the system using a web-browser such as Netscape™ or Internet Explorer™. If the server is located at a remote location, then the brokerage, advisors, and clients can each access the system via the Internet using a personal computer, personal digital assistant, mobile telephone, and the like. Alternately, if the server is located at the brokerage, the brokerage and the advisor may be connected via an Intranet as well as having Internet access. Such network access is known and modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. The advisor navigates to a web site provided by the system and logs in. Upon logging in, the advisor is presented with a web page. Referring to FIG. 5, a block drawing representing the web page is illustrated generally by the numeral 500. The web page is displayed in a frames format, wherein different portions of a screen contain different web pages. The screen is divided into a menu frame 502, an options frame 504, a main frame 506, and a logo frame 508. The menu frame 502 provides the advisor with a plurality of different information screens. The options frame provides the advisor with further options and provides space for advertising, a stock ticker, and the like. The main frame is used to present information to the user. The logo frame 508 typically includes the logo of the brokerage for which the advisor works. The menu frame is divided into subsections, each of which corresponds to the type of information it contains. A first section 502a relates to information between the advisor and the clients. A second section 502b relates to information between the brokerage and the clients. A third section 502c relates to information between the advisor and the brokerage. A fourth section 502d relates to information for the advisor only. An example of the type of information provided in each section is described as follows. The first section 502a includes information about the advisor, newsletters, market trends, investment tips, and the like. The second section 502b includes general information such as information about the brokerage, available products and services, market updates, new issues, economic indicators, currency exchange rates, investment calculators, mutual fund guides, newsletters, and the like. The third section 502c includes information for the advisor such as daily updates, investment tips, upgrades and downgrades, new issues, recommended lists, restricted lists, economic indicators, research, mutual fund guides and the like. The fourth section 502d includes personal information for the advisor such as portfolio tracking, stock watches, favorite stocks, client statistics and sales reports, and the advisor's preferences including type of alert, research and news interests and the like. Two of the options available to the advisor in the options frame 504 are a “what's new” option and a “create” option. The “what's new” option presents to the advisor any new or unread items. Typically the “what's new” option will be presented as a default to the advisor upon logging in. The “create” option provides the advisor with a submenu. Referring to FIG. 5, the submenu is represented generally by the numeral 506. The submenu has several options including creating new clients, organizing clients in groups, selecting top stock or mutual fund choices, organizing date-related events, initiating discussions, creating bulletins, adding reminders, recommending web sites to clients, creating content for the first section 502a of the web page, and the like. Similar to the advisor, the client navigates to a web site provided by the system and logs in. Upon logging in, the client is presented with a web page. Referring to FIG. 6, a block drawing representing the web page is illustrated generally by the numeral 600. The web page is displayed in a frames format, wherein different portions of a screen contain different web pages. The screen is divided into a menu frame 602, an options frame 604, a main frame 606, and a logo frame 608. The menu frame 602 provides the client with a plurality of different information screens. The options frame provides the client with further options and provides space for advertising, a stock ticker, and the like. The main frame is used to present information to the client. The logo frame 508 typically includes the logo of the brokerage providing the service to the client. The menu frame is divided into subsections, each of which corresponds to the type of information it contains. A first section 602a relates to information between the advisor and the clients. A second section 602b relates to information between the brokerage and the clients. A third section 602c relates to information for the client only. Sections 602a and 602b contain the same as information as sections 502a and 502b described above. Section 602c includes information regarding the setting of alerts, determining which stocks to watch, customizing services provided by the advisor (including areas of interest), customizing research, editing favorite links, managing a personal financial portfolio (including funds held outside of the brokerage) and the like. The client is also provided with the “what's new” and “create” options as described above. Furthermore, the client is provided with an “execute trade” option and a “customize services” option. Typically, the “What's New” option will be presented as a default to the client upon logging in. The “customize services” option allows the client to customize the services provided by the system and the advisor. The client selects how quickly he or she is to be alerted once his or her advisor or the firm. Alternately, the advisor can set up the system such that the data feeds 412 are provided to the client. The client may select to be alerted either immediately, after a certain amount of delay, or at certain time intervals. The client also has the option of determining how the alerts will be sent. The alerts may be sent either via a pop-up box (or window), email, facsimile, telephone, or other wireless devices. Furthermore, the client is able to subscribe to a particular industry of interest by selecting an industry group. The “execute trade” option allows the client to trade on-line. This option provides an interface with an on-line trading engine. The details of the trade will depend on the particular on-line trading engine used and is known in the art. The functionality of the system will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7 through 13. Referring to FIG. 7, a flowchart illustrating the process by which an advisor creates a client group is shown. The advisor selects the “create” option from the options frame and the “create” submenu is presented to the advisor. The advisor selects a “Client Group” option and is presented with a form for entering group information. The advisor enters information such as a name of the group and a name to appear as a folder on the client desktop. The folder name and group name may be the same. The advisor selects the desired clients from a list of client names and the clients are added to the group. Further, the advisor may select an existing group to add to the group that is being created, in which case all the clients in the existing group are added to the new group. If the advisor does not already have a group with the selected group name, then the group is created and saved by the system. Otherwise, the advisor will be prompted to enter a different name and the group will be created accordingly by the system. Referring to FIG. 8, the process with which an advisor can create a dynamic group is illustrated. A dynamic group differs from the typical group in that rather than associating specific clients to a group, the advisor can associate client characteristics to a group. These characteristics include the client's net worth, the client's age, the client's investment status, the client's cash on hand, and the like. The advisor selects the “create” option from the options frame, which presents the “create” submenu. The advisor selects a “Dynamic Group” option from the submenu and is provided with a form for entering the group information. The group information includes the group name and the specific criteria for forming the group and this information is saved. The advisor can then select this group in the same manner as any group having fixed clients. When the advisor selects the group, the system searches through all of the advisor's current clients and adds each of the clients meeting the criteria to the list of recipients. Therefore, the group changes dynamically for each message sent by the advisor. The advisor can view information and forward it to specific clients as desired. The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9 illustrates the steps taken by an advisor in order to forward information to a client. In this particular example the information is a news item. After logging in, the advisor is presented with the advisor interface. The advisor selects a “headline news” option. The “headline news” options presents the advisor with a list of current news headlines. The advisor selects a particular headline and the corresponding news article is presented in the main frame. The advisor determines whether or not the news is relevant or important to any clients. If the news is irrelevant to any of the advisor's clients, the advisor has the option of reading more news or performing another function. If the advisor wishes to read more news, the advisor reselects “headline news” and begins the review process again. If the advisor believes that some clients will find the news relevant or important, the advisor can send the news item to these clients. The advisor clicks a button associated with the news item entitled “Send to Clients” which enables the advisor to forward the news item to selected clients. The advisor selects the appropriate client group or groups to receive the news item. Further, the advisor can also select individuals who are not part of the aforementioned groups and who the advisor believes are interested in reading the news item. If an individual recipient is selected that is already part of a group that was selected, the system, will only send the information once to that intended recipient. The advisor forwards the news item to the selected clients by selecting a “send” option. Referring now to FIG. 10, a flowchart illustrating a typical process that a client undertakes in order to review an information item forwarded by the advisor is shown. Once again, the information item in this example is a news item. Upon logging in, the client is presented with the client interface, which includes any new or unread items. The client selects a particular item to read by clicking on its headline. The corresponding article is presented to the client to read. Once the client has read the news item, the item is automatically organized and saved in a folder for the client. The name of the folder where the news item is stored for the client is determined by the folder name selected by the advisor while setting up the group. Typically, the folder name will correspond to the type of information in the news item, which is determined by the user group to which the news item is forwarded by the advisor. For example, if the news item relates to an increase in oil prices, the advisor would typically forward such information to a group that the advisor created called “Oil and Gas”. The Oil and Gas group contains all the clients interested in events related to oil and gas. Once those clients review the news item it is stored in a folder called “Oil and Gas” and can be retrieved at a later time. The client can then decide whether or not it is beneficial, based on the news item, to contact the advisor. If the client does not feel it is beneficial to contact the advisor, the client can read other unread or new news items by selecting the “What's New” option. This option returns the client to the screen that displays any new or unread news items. If, however, the client does not want to read more new or unread news items, the client can log out of the system or select another menu button as desired. If the client does indeed feel it is beneficial to contact the advisor, the client may do so using a telephone or by sending or responding to an on-line message. Referring to FIG. 11, a flowchart illustrating the process for sending an on-line message is shown. The client selects the “create” option on the menu. This action provides the client with the “create” submenu. The client creates a new message by selecting the “discussion” option from the submenu. The client is provided with a form for inputting information such as the subject matter of the message, the message itself a list of possible attachments, and the like. Once the message is complete, the client clicks “Send” to send it to the advisor. Referring to FIG. 12, the flowchart is shown illustrating the process the advisor follows in responding to a client's on-line message. When the advisor views any new information, either by logging on or by selecting the “what's new” option from the options frame, the advisor is presented with a list of unread items. Among these items is the unread message from the client. The advisor selects the unread message and reads the client's comments regarding the news story. The advisor may choose to respond to the client either, using the telephone or responding on-line, or to create a reminder item to remind himself or herself to contact that particular client at a later time. Referring once again to FIG. 11, the advisor responds to the client's message by clicking the respond button on the message. The advisor provides the message content in response to the client's concern or comment, and then sends the message. The above mentioned messaging functionality is similar to the functionality provided by typical e-mail systems. However, the messaging system is integrated into the overall system and neither the client nor the advisor needs to use an additional piece of software. Further, the client does not need to remember any e-mail addresses since whenever a new message is created it is automatically sent to the advisor since the client is not aware of the existence of any other clients. Unlike email, all communication is facilitated through the secure servers and not the public internet, maintaining confidentiality. The distribution of email by the advisor is similar to the distribution of news. The advisor is presented with a list of groups that has been created by the advisor or the brokerage. The list further includes the advisor's client names. The client's names may be associated with a corresponding client e-mail, or they with the client's address in the system. The advisor determines the recipients of the e-mail by selecting client or groups of clients from the list. This messaging system is particularly useful for allowing the clients to select one or more of a plurality of different ways to be contacted by the advisor. The client may be contacted either by e-mail, telephone, facsimile, pop-up window, or wireless device. Further, the system automatically organizes and stores the on-line messages in appropriate focus. For example, all the messages from a client to an advisor will be automatically stored for the advisor in a corresponding client file. Therefore, if an advisor would like to review an on-line message previously received from a client that the advisor had already read, the advisor would go to the folder associated with that particular client. The associated folder would be named in such a manner that it can uniquely identify the particular client. Such identifiers include the client's name, a file number, a telephone number, and the like. If a communication contains multiple discussion items sent back-and-forth between the advisor and the client, each item will be listed in a thread underneath the initial discussion item. At the client side, all on-line messages sent to the client from the advisor are stored in a folder associated with the advisor. Typically the folder will have a title such as “Messages from My Advisor”. Referring to FIG. 13, the advisor has the further option to create a menu button that will be located in the first section of the menu frame that is dedicated to information transfer between the advisor and the client. The advisor selects the “create” option selects a “button” option from the “create” submenu. The advisor is provided with a form for entering the button information. The button information includes a name for the button, a content type to be associated with the button, and specific content of a predetermined type. The content type includes Internet addresses such as unique resource locator (URL) links, as well as files or text. The advisor saves the created button. If the button name does not already exist then the system creates the button and the new button is displayed to the client in the menu upon log-in. If the button name does exist then the user is prompted to either to change the name of the button or to overwrite the existing button. If the advisor changes the name of the button to another name, which does not exist, then the new button is created and will appear on the client's desktop upon log-in. If the new name does exist, the advisor will again be prompted to either rename the button or to replace the existing button. This will continue until the button is created or the user aborts the process. If a URL link is selected as the content type, the advisor enters the URL link as the content of the predetermined type. When the client clicks on the button associated with the URL link, the web page associated with the particular URL link is presented to the user in the main frame. If the content type is a file, the name and location of the file is entered into the content of predetermined type. When the client selects the button, the associated file, such as an Adobe™ PDF file, will be presented to the client in the main frame. If the content type is text, then the actual text that the advisor wishes the client to view is entered into the content of the predetermined type section. When the client selects the button, the text entered by the advisor will be displayed to the client in the main frame. Other content types will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. In alternate embodiments, the hierarchical system is greater than the three-tier system described in the previous embodiment. An additional level can be added between the advisors and the brokerage. This level can be assigned to managers who are responsible for a plurality of advisors. Alternately, an additional level could be added on top of the brokerage. A large investment group can provide its services to a plurality of brokerages. In such an embodiment, the investment group provides its information to the brokerages that, in turn, provides the information to the advisors and clients. Alternately, an additional step could be inserted into the process of sending an item from an advisor to a client, in which a designated third user may read the item before it reaches the client and may release it to the client after acknowledging it as acceptable communication. The third user is typically a Compliance Officer of the firm. Referring to FIG. 14, a flowchart illustrating a sample compliance procedure is shown. Before the firm or the advisor (referred to as the sender) sends information to the clients, the information is passed through a firm maintained filter. The filter is typically maintained by the firm's compliance department and is used to automatically search for keywords that might present a problem. If the filter detects no problem, the information is passed to a switch for determining if it is to be reviewed. The switch is defined for the sender based on the required compliance mode. If the compliance mode does not require information to be reviewed, it is marked as such and sent to the desired destination, which is typically the client. If the compliance mode does require the information to be reviewed, a reviewer is alerted. The reviewer examines the information to ensure it is approved before sending it to the client. If the examiner approves the information, it is marked as such and released to the client. If the examiner does not approve the information, comments as to why the information has been disapproved are added, and it the information is returned to the sender.˜Further, once information has been either approved or disapproved, a message indicating the status of the information is sent to the sender. If, however, the information does match the criteria established by the filter, the filter uses the matching criteria to determine whether the information is to be sent to a compliance officer or the reviewer. If the information is sent to a reviewer, it follows the same procedure as described above. If the information is sent to a compliance officer, the compliance officer follows the same procedure as the reviewer. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between a company president and the company's stakeholders (such as employees, suppliers and shareholders). The president groups, and communicates with, stakeholders according to their role and the type of information that would be relevant to each of them. The stakeholders benefit from being able to easily manage issues such as product direction as communicated by the president, as well as news, research, quotes, policies and procedures, and company news from both the company and external sources. The information provided by the president is maintained in a portfolio, which benefits shareholders and suppliers by indicating their stake or accounts with the company. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between a holding company such as an incubator, the holding company's account representatives, and subsidiaries of the company, as overseen by the representatives. The account representatives group and communicate with subsidiaries according to various criteria. The subsidiary benefits by having a method of staying in constant contact with their account representative. They benefit greatly by being able to go to one place for specific business advice and information about market issues, further financing options, possible partnering opportunities and events like technology tradeshows, as distributed by the account representative and the holding company's marketing department. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between an electricity company, its advisors/account representatives and large consumers of electricity. The consumers are looking for advice about how to keep energy costs as low as possible, so electricity companies are employing advisors to advise the consumers on keeping low costs and similar issues. The electricity company benefits from increased customer loyalty since the advisors are able to group and communicate with customers to disseminate information that is relevant to each customer, such as specific advice on how to decrease electricity usage in certain situations. Research and News are incorporated for allowing customers to learn of new developments in energy technology, and for further maintaining customer loyalty to the electricity company. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between members of a trade organization, a facilitator/chair, and employees of the trade organization. The facilitator communicates with members according to status or geography, and relays information such as meeting minutes and agendas, policy agreements, new ideas, and copies of presentations. The organization employees and members communicate directly about issues such as membership dues, extracurricular activities and the like. In yet an alternate embodiment, the invention is applied to communication between an insurance firm, its agents, and its clients. The clients seek advice as to how to best manage their insurance policies. The insurance agent communicates with clients individually, or via topic groups targeting information about new laws, policy changes, and costs. The firm communicates with clients about claims, billing, special offers and surveys. Therefore, it is shown that the system and methods described herein have application in a plurality of circumstances. In general, the system can be implemented for a situation where there is need for a communication system between an organization, the organization's experts or facilitators, and a number of clients, customers or colleagues. The organization typically seeks to achieve customer loyalty by providing the expert/facilitators' expertise and effort to maintain or better the client's business, financial or personal situation. The terms and expressions which have been employed in the specification are used as terms of description and not of limitations, there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims to the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Recently, the need for collaborative computing environments has been receiving increasing attention. People are finding that it is more and more important to share information and work together to meet common goals. With increasing specialization in the marketplace, there is frequent need to work together with people from different offices, different organizations and even different countries to satisfy the requirements of a particular project or goal. Managing collaborative initiatives of this type is not a simple matter. Electronic network based, project management server systems are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,506 [Srinivasan] discloses an automated, electronic network based, project management server system for managing multiple work groups. The system comprises a core piece of software which runs on a host server computer system and interacts with a messaging system such as E-mail or facsimile. The system compiles multi-project plans into a multi-project database and tracks the ownership of projects, tasks and resources within the plans. The system automatically checks all resource requests and if resource availability limits are exceeded then resources are allocated on projects based on priorities and project plans are changed accordingly. The system is also programmed to send out reminders and follow-ups and the databases are continuously updated based on status changes reported by work group members. One of the disadvantages of known electronic network-based, collaborative server systems is that they depend on Information Technology specialists or a system administrator to administer control of the system, i.e., if a user wishes to add functionality to a system, they must have access to the program itself. Further, many collaborative systems require each user to have specialized software installed on their computer. It is an object of the present invention to obviate and mitigate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides a system for providing a communication system, the system comprising: (i) a network-connected server having input and access capabilities; (ii) a site-builder for receiving instructions input from a first user and for creating a dedicated network site based on said received instructions; (iii) a transmitter for communicating existence of said dedicated network site to a nominated second user; (iv) a communicator for accessing contents of said dedicated network site by said first and said second users; and (v) memory for storing information input by said first and said second user at said dedicated network site. In another aspect the present invention provides a system to provide a team of users with intranet-based groupware functionality, comprising: (i) a network-connected server capable of receiving an initiate instruction from a primary user; (ii) a site builder for creating a dedicated site on said server in response to said initiate instruction; (iii) a transmitter for sending information about the existence of said dedicated site to at least one secondary user nominated by said primary user; (iv) a communicator for transmitting information between said dedicated site, said primary user and said at least one secondary user; (v) memory for storing information at said dedicated site, said information from said primary and said at least one secondary user; (vi) a processor for processing said information stored at said dedicated site said processed information being transmitted by said communicator to said primary user and said at least one secondary user. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing a communication network, comprising: (i) providing an network-connected server having upload and download capabilities; (ii) receiving instructions uploaded from a first user and for creating a dedicated network site on said server, said dedicated network site having a unique name based on instructions received; (iii) communicating the existence of said dedicated intranet site to a nominated second user; (iv) downloading contents of said dedicated network site to said first and second users; (v) storing information in the dedicated web-site. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a computer configured to operate a groupware application program, the computer comprising: (i) a network for connecting to at least a primary and a secondary user; (ii) a site builder for receiving instructions input from said primary user and for creating a dedicated site within the computer based on said instructions; (iii) a mailer for looking up an address of said secondary user from an address database; (iv) a communicator for communicating the existence of said dedicated site to said secondary user; (v) memory for storing information at said dedicated site at the request of the primary and the secondary user; and (vi) a processor for processing said stored information at the request of the primary and the secondary user. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a data carrier having thereon a computer program for performing the steps of: (1) facilitating communication between a server, a primary user and a secondary user; (ii) creating a dedicated site within the server based on instructions input from the primary user; (iii) looking up address of the secondary user from an address database; (iv) communicating the existence of the dedicated site to the secondary user; (v) storing information at the dedicated site at the request of the primary and the secondary user; and (vi) processing the stored information at the request of the primary and the secondary user. | 20040722 | 20080115 | 20050113 | 86936.0 | 4 | MEKY, MOUSTAFA M | WEB-BASED GROUPWARE SYSTEM | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,898,494 | ACCEPTED | Modular floor tile system with transition edge | The present invention provides a modular flooring system including a ramp to facilitate entry and exit from the flooring system. The ramp may be modular and interconnect with all or parts of a perimeter of the flooring system, and the ramp may also interconnect with adjacent ramp members. | 1. A modular floor edge system, comprising: a first ramp, the first ramp comprising: a leading edge; a major axis and a minor axis; a substantially vertical back substantially parallel to the major axis and comprising a plurality of connecting members removably attachable to a modular floor tile. 2. A modular floor edge system according to claim 1 wherein the first ramp further comprises: a tapered surface; an open webbed structure supporting the tapered surface; wherein the ramp comprises plastic. 3. A modular floor edge system according to claim 1 wherein the leading edge comprises a substantially straight portion and a rounded corner. 4. A modular floor edge system according to claim 1 wherein the ramp further comprises a substantially vertical side surface adjacent to and perpendicular with the substantially vertical back, the side surface comprising a connecting member attachable to another ramp. 5. A modular floor edge system according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of connecting members attachable to a modular floor tile comprises male tabs comprising a generally vertical component and generally horizontal component, and wherein the substantially vertical back further comprises a female connecting member at one end thereof connectable to another ramp. 6. A modular floor edge system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of connecting members each comprise a semi-circular tab protruding laterally from the substantially vertical back; wherein a curved portion of the semi-circular tab faces a floor. 7. A modular floor edge system according to claim 1, further comprising a second ramp removably attached longitudinally to the first ramp at an interface substantially parallel with the minor axis. 8. A modular floor edge system according to claim 1, further comprising a second ramp having a major axis and minor axis, the second ramp removably attached perpendicularly to the first ramp at an interface substantially parallel to the minor axis of the first ramp and substantially parallel to the major axis of the second ramp. 9. A modular flooring system, comprising: a first modular floor panel comprising a top surface and a plurality of lateral edge connecting members; a first modular ramp comprising a plurality of connecting members removably attached to one lateral edge of the first modular floor panel, the ramp comprising a tapered surface extending from a leading edge adjacent to a floor to a trailing edge substantially flush with the top surface. 10. A modular flooring system according to claim 9, further comprising: a plurality of modular floor panels removably connected with the first modular floor panel to create a polygonal shape having a perimeter; a plurality of modular ramps attached to one another and extending around the perimeter of the polygonal shape. 11. A modular flooring system according to claim 9, further comprising: a plurality of interconnected modular floor panels, at least two of which are removably connected with the first modular floor panel to create a polygonal shape having a perimeter; a plurality of modular ramps, at least two of which are removably connected to the first modular ramp, the plurality of modular ramps and the first modular ramp cooperating to extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the polygonal shape. 12. A modular flooring system according to claim 9 wherein the first modular ramp comprises an angle ranging between approximately 20-60 degrees with respect to a floor. 13. A modular flooring system according to claim 9 wherein the first modular ramp further comprises: a top tapered surface; an open webbed structure supporting the top tapered surface; wherein the ramp comprises injection molded plastic. 14. A modular flooring system according to claim 9 wherein the leading edge comprises a substantially straight portion and a rounded corner portion. 15. A modular flooring system according to claim 9 wherein the first modular ramp further comprises a substantially vertical back comprising a plurality of connecting members for connecting with the lateral edge connecting members of the first modular floor panel. 16. A method of making a modular flooring edge, comprising: providing an injection mold; injection molding a modular ramp comprising a back having one or more connecting members attachable to a modular floor tile. 17. A method of making a modular flooring edge according to claim 16, further comprising injection molding a side having one or more connecting members attachable to another modular ramp. 18. A method of making a modular flooring edge according to claim 16 wherein the injection molding a modular ramp further comprises creating an upper ramp surface and a lower webbed support structure. 19. A method of making a modular flooring edge according to claim 16 wherein the injection molding a modular ramp further comprises creating a leading edge for placement adjacent to a floor, the leading edge comprising a generally straight portion and a rounded corner portion. 20. A method of building a modular floor, comprising: providing a plurality of modular floor panels of generally rectangular shape comprising lateral edge connectors; providing a plurality of modular ramps comprising back and side connectors. 21. A method of building a modular floor according to claim 20, further comprising: connecting the plurality of modular floor panels to one another via the lateral edge connectors to form a polygonal shape; connecting the plurality of modular ramps to the modular floor panels around a perimeter of the polygonal shape. 22. A method of building a modular floor according to claim 20, further comprising: connecting the plurality of modular floor panels to one another via the lateral edge connectors to form a polygonal shape; connecting the plurality of modular ramps to the modular floor panels around a perimeter of the polygonal shape; connecting each of the plurality of modular ramps to an adjacent one of the plurality of modular ramps. | TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to floor tiles, and more particularly to modular floor systems with a transition edge. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Floor tiles have traditionally been used for many different purposes, including both aesthetic and utilitarian purposes. For example, floor tiles of a particular color may be used to accentuate an object displayed on top of the tiles. Alternatively, floor tiles may be used to simply protect the surface beneath the tiles from various forms of damage. Floor tiles typically comprise individual panels that are placed on the ground either permanently or temporarily depending on the application. A permanent application may involve adhering the tiles to the floor in some way, whereas a temporary application would simply involve setting the tiles on the floor. Some floor tiles can be interconnected to one another to cover large floor areas such as a garage, an office, or a show floor. Various interconnection systems have been utilized to connect floor tiles horizontally with one another to maintain structural integrity and provide a desirable, unified appearance. In addition, floor tiles can be manufactured in many shapes, colors, and patterns. Some floor tiles contain holes such that fluid and small debris is able to pass through the floor tiles and onto a surface below. Tiles can also be equipped with special surface patterns or structures to provide various superficial or useful characteristics. For example, a diamond steel pattern may be used to provide increased surface traction on the tiles and to provide a desirable aesthetic appearance. One method of making plastic floor tiles utilizes an injection molding process. Injection molding involves injecting heated liquid plastic into a mold. The mold is shaped to provide an enclosed space to form the desired shaped floor tile. The liquid plastic is allowed to cool and solidify, and the plastic floor tile is removed from the mold. The perimeter of typical floor tiles generally comprises an abrupt step or edge. The size of the step is usually equal to the thickness of the floor tile. The thickness of typical floor tiles is generally ¼-¾ of an inch. For many purposes, however, the abrupt step presents a number of problems. For example, a step of ¼ to ¾ of an inch is enough to cause tripping. In addition, it can be difficult to move objects on rollers across the step and onto the floor tiles. The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effect of, one or more of the problems presented above. SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION In one of many possible embodiments, the present invention provides a modular floor edge system. The modular floor edge system comprises a first ramp, the first ramp comprising a leading edge, a major axis and a minor axis, and a substantially vertical back substantially parallel to the major axis. The substantially vertical back comprises a plurality of connecting members removably attachable to a modular floor tile. The first ramp may include a tapered surface, an open webbed structure supporting the tapered surface, and the ramp may be made of plastic. According to some embodiments, the leading edge may comprise a substantially straight portion and a rounded corner. The ramp may include a substantially vertical side surface adjacent to and perpendicular with the substantially vertical back, the side surface comprising a connecting member attachable to another ramp. The plurality of connecting members may include male tabs comprising a generally vertical component and generally horizontal component. The substantially vertical back may also include a female connecting member at one end that is connectable to another ramp. The plurality of connecting members may each comprise a semi-circular tab protruding laterally from the substantially vertical back, such that a curved portion of the semi-circular tab faces a floor. The modular floor edge system may include a second ramp removably attached longitudinally to the first ramp at an interface substantially parallel with the minor axis. The modular floor edge system may also include a second ramp having a major axis and minor axis, the second ramp removably attached perpendicularly to the first ramp at an interface substantially parallel to the minor axis of the first ramp and substantially parallel to the major axis of the second ramp. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a modular flooring system. The modular floor system comprises a first modular floor panel having a top surface and a plurality of lateral edge connecting members, and a first modular ramp comprising a plurality of connecting members removably attached to one lateral edge of the first modular floor panel. The first modular ramp comprises a tapered surface extending from a leading edge adjacent to a floor to a trailing edge substantially flush with the top surface. The flooring system may comprise a plurality of modular floor panels removably connected with the first modular floor panel to create a polygonal shape having a perimeter. A plurality of modular ramps may be attached to one another and extend around or partially around the perimeter of the polygonal shape. The first modular ramp may comprise an angle ranging between approximately 20-60 degrees with respect to a floor or other support surface. According to some embodiments, the first modular ramp further comprises a top tapered surface and an open webbed structure supporting the top tapered surface. The first modular ramp may comprise injection molded plastic. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of making a modular flooring edge. The method may include providing an injection mold and injection molding a modular ramp comprising a back having one or more connecting members attachable to a modular floor tile. The method may further include injection molding a side having one or more connecting members attachable to another modular ramp. The injection molding of the modular ramp may include creating an upper ramp surface and a lower webbed support structure. The injection molding of the modular ramp may further include creating a leading edge for placement adjacent to a floor, the leading edge comprising a generally straight portion and a rounded corner portion. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of building a modular floor. The method may include providing a plurality of modular floor panels of generally rectangular shape comprising lateral edge connectors, and providing a plurality of modular ramps comprising back and side connectors. The method may further include connecting the plurality of modular floor panels to one another via the lateral edge connectors to form a polygonal shape, and connecting the plurality of modular ramps to the modular floor panels around a perimeter of the polygonal shape. Each of the plurality of modular ramps may also be connected to an adjacent one of the plurality of modular ramps. The foregoing features and advantages, together with other features and advantages of the present invention, will become more apparent when referred to the following specification, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present invention and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention: FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a modular floor edge ramp according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the modular floor edge ramp of FIG. 1A; FIG. 1C is a top perspective view of a modular floor edge ramp without a rounded corner according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of two modular floor edge ramps being attached to a modular floor panel according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of two modular floor edge ramps being attached to a modular floor panel according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3B is a detailed inset of a corner of the modular floor panel shown in FIG. 3A; FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the two modular floor edge ramps attached to the modular floor panel according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a top view of two interconnected modular floor tiles according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5A is a partial perspective view of a plurality of interconnected modular floor tiles with modular edge ramps attached to and extending around a perimeter of the modular floor tiles according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a side view of a portion of the tiles and ramps shown in FIG. 5A. Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As mentioned above, modular flooring typically includes a top surface that sets above a support surface or floor. It is often difficult to move certain objects onto and off of the top surface of the modular flooring as a result of the step between the floor and the top surface. The sharp step around the perimeter of the modular floor can also result in tripping or other safety concerns. The present invention describes methods and apparatus that provide an edge around at least a portion of a modular floor perimeter. Consequently, ingress and egress to the modular floor is simplified and safer than prior flooring systems. While the edge and flooring systems shown and described below include embodiments, the application of principles described herein to are not limited to the specific devices shown. The principles described herein may be used with any flooring system. Therefore, while the description below is directed primarily to interlocking plastic modular floors, the methods and apparatus are only limited by the appended claims. As used throughout the claims and specification the term “rectangle” or “rectangular” refers to a four-sided object with four right angles. “Modular” means designed with regular or standardized units or dimensions, as to provide multiple components for assembly of flexible arrangements and uses. The words “including” and “having,” as used in the specification, including the claims, have the same meaning as the word “comprising.” Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1A-1B, one component of a modular floor edge system according to principles of the present invention is shown. FIGS. 1A-1B illustrates a ramp, for example a first elongate ramp 100. The first elongate ramp 100 comprises a major axis 102 and a minor axis 104. The first elongate ramp 100 also includes a leading edge 106 arranged adjacent to a support surface such as the ground or a floor. Opposite of the leading edge 106 is a trailing edge 108. The trailing edge 108 is spaced from the support surface. A top surface 110 extends between the leading edge 106 and the trailing edge 108. Accordingly, the top surface 110 tapers from a first height above the support surface at the trailing edge 108, to the second height adjacent to the support surface at the leading edge 106 as shown in FIG. 1A. The top surface 110 includes both an angled portion 111 and a substantially horizontal portion 113. The ramp 100 includes a first end 112 and a second end 114. According to the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the leading edge 106 comprises a substantially straight portion 116, and a rounded corner portion 118 at the second end 114. Alternatively, according to some embodiments such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, there is no rounded corner portion 118 at the second end 114 and the leading edge 106 is substantially identical at both the first and second ends 112, 114. As shown in FIG. 1A, the straight portion 116 is parallel to the major axis 102. The ramp 100 also includes a substantially vertical back 120 shown more clearly in FIG. 1B. FIG. 1B illustrates the ramp 100 from a bottom perspective view. The substantially vertical back 120 is generally parallel to the major axis 102 and comprises at least one connecting member, for example a plurality of male tabs 122 and a female tab 123, protruding therefrom. The male and female tabs 122, 123 are shown and described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C. The female tab 123 is shown adjacent to, but opposite of, the rounded corner 118. The male tabs 122 are removably attachable to a modular floor tile, such as the modular floor tile 124 shown in FIG. 2. The female tab 123 is connectable to another ramp. Continuing to refer to FIG. 1B, the ramp 100 includes an open webbed structure 126 that supports the top surface 110 (FIG. 1A). The ramp 100 may comprise plastic or other material and is preferably injection molded. Accordingly, the ramp 100 is strong, lightweight, and inexpensive to manufacture. Adjacent to the substantially vertical back 120 is a substantially vertical side surface 128. The substantially vertical side surface 128 is generally perpendicular to the vertical back 120. The substantially vertical side surface 128 includes one or more connecting members, such as male tab 130, for attachment with another ramp similar or identical to the ramp 100 shown in FIG. 1B. The male tab 130 may be replaced with a mating female tab (e.g. 123), if desired, to provide for attachment to a ramp with a connecting member of the opposite type. Further, embodiments that do not include the rounded corner portion 118 (such as the embodiment of FIG. 1C) may include either a male or female tab 122, 123 opposite of the tab 130 shown protruding from the side surface 128. Referring next to FIG. 2, two ramps 100, 200 are shown in relation to the modular floor panel 124. The modular floor panel 124 comprises a top surface 132 and a plurality of lateral edge connecting members. According to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the plurality lateral edge connecting members comprise a plurality of female tabs 134 arranged on two adjacent sides 136, 138 of the rectangular modular floor panel 124, and a plurality of male tabs 140 arranged on another two adjacent sides 142, 144 of the modular floor panel 124. The first ramp 100 is shown connected to the modular floor panel 124 at the first lateral side 136. Accordingly, female tabs 134 (not shown) extending from the first lateral side 136 are receptive of the male tabs 122 (FIG. 1B) of the first ramp 100. Likewise, the female tabs 134 of the second lateral side 138 are receptive of the male tabs 222 of the second ramp 200. The attachment of the ramps 100, 200 to the modular floor panel 124 provides a convenient, tapered interface between the lateral sides 136, 138 and the top surface 132. Moreover, other ramps may also be added to the periphery of the modular floor panel 124. The connection of the first and second ramps 100, 200 to the modular floor panel 124 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 3A-3C. The male tabs 122,222 include a generally vertical component which, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C, comprises semi-circular posts 146, 246 (FIG. 3B). The male tabs 122, 222 also comprise generally horizontal components which, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C, comprise semi circular discs 148,248 (FIG. 3B). A curved portion 150 of the semi-circular discs 148, 248 faces the floor or ground. The semi-circular discs 148, 248 are received through the looping female tabs 134, and extend at least partially under the modular floor panel 124 to removably secure the ramps 100, 200 to the modular floor panel 124 as shown in FIG. 3C. The looping female tabs 134 each comprise a rigid hoop structure that is completely receptive of the semi-circular discs 148, 248 (FIG. 3B). The semi-circular posts 146,246 (FIG. 3B) and the semi-circular disc 148, 248 (FIG. 3B) are also rigid but compressible toward one another. When inserted into the female tabs 134, the semi-circular posts 146, 246 (FIG. 3B) and the semi-circular discs 148, 248 (FIG. 3B) maintain a constant pressure against the female tabs 134, thereby securing a connection between desired components (e.g. between two or more modular floor panels 124, between a modular floor panel 124 and a ramp 100, between two or more adjacent ramps 100, 200, etc.). The connection members engage one another such that the different components are joined tightly to one another and provide a consistent upper surface. According to the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C, a male tab 148 of the first ramp 100 is received by and engages the female tab 223 of the second ramp 200 to secure the first and second ramps 100, 200 together. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the second ramp 200 is removably attached perpendicularly to the first ramp 100. Consequently, an interface 152 of the first ramp 100 with the second ramp 200 is substantially parallel to the minor axis 104 (FIG. 1) of the first ramp 100, and an interface 254 of the second ramp is substantially parallel to the major axis 102 (FIG. 1) of the second ramp 200. However, the first and second ramps 100, 200 may be attached longitudinally as well. FIG. 5A illustrates a combination of ramps 100 arranged longitudinally and perpendicularly to one another around a modular floor 160. The skilled artisan having the benefit of this disclosure will understand that the placement of the connecting members such as the male and female tabs 122, 134 shown in FIG. 3B may be reversed between components. Referring to FIG. 4, two or more modular floor panels 124 may be interconnected to form any polygonal shape. Ramps such as the ramps 100, 200 shown in FIGS. 3A-3B may then be attached at least partially around the perimeter of the polygonal shape as shown in FIG. 5A. The tapered surface 110 of the ramp 100 extends from the leading edge 106 adjacent to the support surface or floor to the trailing edge 108 that is preferably flush with the top surface 132 of the modular floor panels 124. An angle α between the floor and the ramp 100 may range between approximately 20 and 60 degrees, preferably between approximately 30 and 50 degrees, more preferably about 45 degrees. The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe exemplary embodiments of invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Floor tiles have traditionally been used for many different purposes, including both aesthetic and utilitarian purposes. For example, floor tiles of a particular color may be used to accentuate an object displayed on top of the tiles. Alternatively, floor tiles may be used to simply protect the surface beneath the tiles from various forms of damage. Floor tiles typically comprise individual panels that are placed on the ground either permanently or temporarily depending on the application. A permanent application may involve adhering the tiles to the floor in some way, whereas a temporary application would simply involve setting the tiles on the floor. Some floor tiles can be interconnected to one another to cover large floor areas such as a garage, an office, or a show floor. Various interconnection systems have been utilized to connect floor tiles horizontally with one another to maintain structural integrity and provide a desirable, unified appearance. In addition, floor tiles can be manufactured in many shapes, colors, and patterns. Some floor tiles contain holes such that fluid and small debris is able to pass through the floor tiles and onto a surface below. Tiles can also be equipped with special surface patterns or structures to provide various superficial or useful characteristics. For example, a diamond steel pattern may be used to provide increased surface traction on the tiles and to provide a desirable aesthetic appearance. One method of making plastic floor tiles utilizes an injection molding process. Injection molding involves injecting heated liquid plastic into a mold. The mold is shaped to provide an enclosed space to form the desired shaped floor tile. The liquid plastic is allowed to cool and solidify, and the plastic floor tile is removed from the mold. The perimeter of typical floor tiles generally comprises an abrupt step or edge. The size of the step is usually equal to the thickness of the floor tile. The thickness of typical floor tiles is generally ¼-¾ of an inch. For many purposes, however, the abrupt step presents a number of problems. For example, a step of ¼ to ¾ of an inch is enough to cause tripping. In addition, it can be difficult to move objects on rollers across the step and onto the floor tiles. The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effect of, one or more of the problems presented above. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In one of many possible embodiments, the present invention provides a modular floor edge system. The modular floor edge system comprises a first ramp, the first ramp comprising a leading edge, a major axis and a minor axis, and a substantially vertical back substantially parallel to the major axis. The substantially vertical back comprises a plurality of connecting members removably attachable to a modular floor tile. The first ramp may include a tapered surface, an open webbed structure supporting the tapered surface, and the ramp may be made of plastic. According to some embodiments, the leading edge may comprise a substantially straight portion and a rounded corner. The ramp may include a substantially vertical side surface adjacent to and perpendicular with the substantially vertical back, the side surface comprising a connecting member attachable to another ramp. The plurality of connecting members may include male tabs comprising a generally vertical component and generally horizontal component. The substantially vertical back may also include a female connecting member at one end that is connectable to another ramp. The plurality of connecting members may each comprise a semi-circular tab protruding laterally from the substantially vertical back, such that a curved portion of the semi-circular tab faces a floor. The modular floor edge system may include a second ramp removably attached longitudinally to the first ramp at an interface substantially parallel with the minor axis. The modular floor edge system may also include a second ramp having a major axis and minor axis, the second ramp removably attached perpendicularly to the first ramp at an interface substantially parallel to the minor axis of the first ramp and substantially parallel to the major axis of the second ramp. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a modular flooring system. The modular floor system comprises a first modular floor panel having a top surface and a plurality of lateral edge connecting members, and a first modular ramp comprising a plurality of connecting members removably attached to one lateral edge of the first modular floor panel. The first modular ramp comprises a tapered surface extending from a leading edge adjacent to a floor to a trailing edge substantially flush with the top surface. The flooring system may comprise a plurality of modular floor panels removably connected with the first modular floor panel to create a polygonal shape having a perimeter. A plurality of modular ramps may be attached to one another and extend around or partially around the perimeter of the polygonal shape. The first modular ramp may comprise an angle ranging between approximately 20-60 degrees with respect to a floor or other support surface. According to some embodiments, the first modular ramp further comprises a top tapered surface and an open webbed structure supporting the top tapered surface. The first modular ramp may comprise injection molded plastic. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of making a modular flooring edge. The method may include providing an injection mold and injection molding a modular ramp comprising a back having one or more connecting members attachable to a modular floor tile. The method may further include injection molding a side having one or more connecting members attachable to another modular ramp. The injection molding of the modular ramp may include creating an upper ramp surface and a lower webbed support structure. The injection molding of the modular ramp may further include creating a leading edge for placement adjacent to a floor, the leading edge comprising a generally straight portion and a rounded corner portion. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of building a modular floor. The method may include providing a plurality of modular floor panels of generally rectangular shape comprising lateral edge connectors, and providing a plurality of modular ramps comprising back and side connectors. The method may further include connecting the plurality of modular floor panels to one another via the lateral edge connectors to form a polygonal shape, and connecting the plurality of modular ramps to the modular floor panels around a perimeter of the polygonal shape. Each of the plurality of modular ramps may also be connected to an adjacent one of the plurality of modular ramps. The foregoing features and advantages, together with other features and advantages of the present invention, will become more apparent when referred to the following specification, claims and accompanying drawings. | 20040723 | 20100406 | 20060126 | 92861.0 | E04F1500 | 1 | CHAPMAN, JEANETTE E | MODULAR FLOOR TILE SYSTEM WITH TRANSITION EDGE | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | E04F | 2,004 |
|
10,898,727 | ACCEPTED | Indexed feed dispensing mechanism | An improved livestock feeder provided with an adjustable feed dispensing mechanism including control levers which are operatively connected to the feed metering gates to control the flow of feed to livestock. The dispensing mechanism features a plurality of adjustable control levers which engage an array of indexing holes formed in the feeder to set the vertical height adjustment of the feed gates. The dispensing mechanism includes a graduated scale corresponding to each of the index holes to provide a standard setting for the feeder which can be utilized by an animal producer to supply of feed flow at a given stage in the animal's life cycle to obtain a desired growth rate. | 1. An animal feeder comprising: a feeder having a feed trough, a feed storage volume adjacent said feed trough and a feed discharge opening between said feed trough and said feed storage volume; and an indexing mechanism coupled to said feed storage volume to selectively adjust said feed discharge opening between a minimum opening and a maximum opening in a series of incremental steps, said indexing mechanism including a pivot plate having a set of recesses formed therein, an arm coupled to said pivot plate at a pivot, and a pin extending between said arm and said pivot plate; wherein said arm is pivotally positionable with respect to said pivot plate to locate said pin in one of said set of recesses to adjust said feed discharge opening. 2. The animal feeder of claim 1 wherein said set of recesses are radially disposed at regular intervals along an arc concentric with an axis defined by said pivot. 3. The animal feeder of claim 1 wherein a pivot axis defined by said pivot is generally parallel to a pin axis defined by said pin. 4. The animal feeder of claim 1 wherein said arm is relatively positionable away from said pivot plate such that said pin disengages said one of said set of recesses. 5. The animal feeder of claim 4 wherein said indexing mechanism further comprises a pivot bolt extending from said pivot plate, a nut disposed on an end of said pivot bolt and a spring interposed between said arm and said bolt. 6. The animal feeder of claim 1 further comprising a scale adjacent said arm having a set of indicia representative of said feed discharge opening. 7. The animal feeder of claim 6 wherein said set of indicia is a set of numerical indicia. 8. The animal feeder of claim 6 wherein said arm has a pointer formed thereon for aligning with one of said set of indicia. 9. The animal feeder of claim 1 wherein said indexing mechanism further comprises a knob extending said arm. 10. The animal feeder of claim 9 wherein said knob is formed on an end of said pin. 11. The animal feeder of claim 1 wherein said index mechanism further comprises a member coupling said index mechanism to said feed strorage volume, said member interconnected to said arm between said pivot and said pin. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/694,250, filed Oct. 27, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/347,815, filed on Jan. 21, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,368 issued on Oct. 28, 2003; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/140,025, filed on May 7, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,913, issued on Mar. 4, 2003; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/840,631, filed Apr. 23, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,373, issued on Mar. 25, 2003; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/309,839, filed May 11, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,770, issued on Aug. 7, 2001; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/007,284, filed Jan. 14, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,200, issued Jul. 13, 1999, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/046,048, filed May 9, 1997. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to animal feed dispensers and, more particularly, to an indexed feed mechanism for selectively positioning the feed gate is one of a plurality of discrete feed gate positions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION All conventional gravity type feeders utilize so-called feed gates to regulate the flow of feed from a hopper to the animals. These feed gates are usually adjusted by some type of threaded adjusting mechanism to control the flow of feed. The threaded adjusting mechanisms found in hog feeders on the market today offer no means of accurately determining the flow of feed being dispensed. If the gate is open too much, more feed will be dispensed than the animals can eat and the excess feed is wasted. On the other hand, if the gate is not open enough, the animals will not get the amount of food necessary for optimum growth. To compound the matter, as the animals grow larger, they need more food to continue optimal growth. To adjust conventional feeders correctly to obtain optimum performance requires a certain amount of guesswork. Because adjusting the feeders is difficult and very labor intensive, many feeders are simply not adjusted properly, resulting in feed waste or poor animal growth rate as discussed above. In addition, standardized agricultural practices require regular cleaning and disinfecting of livestock feeders. Typically the cleaning process entails washing the feeders with high pressure water hoses. Cleaning fluids, animal waste and leftover waste grain often remain trapped in the trough of the feeder. One way to remove the cleaning fluids from a conventional feeder is tilting the feeders back and forth to displace the fluids. Further, conventional feeders often have defined flanges and structures, which trap food and dirt, making cleaning and disinfecting with high pressure hoses difficult. The present invention solves these problems by providing an improved feeder having a precise feed dispensing mechanism with standardized indicia to eliminate the guesswork from dispensing feed to the livestock. The advantages provided by the present invention are that animal producers can control proper feed adjustment based on animal weight, feed type, number of animals, etc. Producers can also mandate a standard setting for all feeders for any given circumstance thereby ruling out potential variables in animal production. Another advantage to the present invention is that routine adjustments to the feed dispensing mechanism can be accomplished simply and the feed gates can be quickly and fully opened for cleaning. The dispensing mechanism of the present invention is user friendly, the index scale of 1 to 10 is easily read and understood, a direct acting index lever correlates to feed gate movements either upwardly or downwardly, the indexing lever and connecting rods are replaceable and the unique connecting rod attaches to the feed gate without bolts or welding. Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a closable cleaning gate that allows cleaning fluids and waste food grains to be easily removed from the entire feeder. Further, the invention additionally provides an improved flange structures, which facilitates cleaning, increased strength as well as minimizes discomfort to the feeding animals. A dust cover is included which makes the feeder of the present invention environmentally safe by preventing large amounts of dust from becoming airborne when a feeder is being filled by an automatic delivery system. In addition to the above, the improved feeder of the present invention includes a feed drop tube holder similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,039 to adapt it for use with an automatic feed delivery system. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,039 to Leon S. Zimmerman discloses a livestock feeder for use with an automatic feed delivery system having a feed drop tube operatively connected thereto for dispensing feed into a feed bin. This feeder features a feed drop tube holder fabricated from a flexible, resilient material which is installed intermediate the opposed side walls of the feed bin by compressing the holder lengthwise with hand pressure to effectively reduce its overall length and to allow tabs formed on the ends thereof to engage a plurality of horizontally opposed slots formed in the opposed side walls. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION After much research and study of the above described problems, the present invention has been developed to provide an improved livestock feeder including a feed dispensing mechanism which accurately controls the flow of feed to the animals for consumption. The improved feeder utilizes a pair of adjustable feed gates installed in the lower portion of a gravity feed bin formed by downwardly converging side walls. The feed gates are mechanically coupled by connecting rods to the feed dispensing controls which are accessible from the open top of the feed bin. The controls for the feed dispensing mechanism are provided with a lever that engages a standard index of positions that adjust the opening of the feed gates. By use of the controls, animal producers may obtain a standardized setting for the release of feed to animals at different stages of the life cycle to obtain optimum growth rates. In the preferred embodiment, the dispensing mechanism and controls are utilized with a hog feeder of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,039 which has previously issued to the Applicant herein. In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved livestock feeder having a precision dispensing mechanism that will accurately control the release of feed to livestock. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved livestock feeder that will permit animal producers to obtain standardized settings for the release of feed to numerous animals at a particular stage in the production cycle. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved livestock feeder that will reduce variations in growth rate between animals by insuring the controlled release of food thereto. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved livestock feeder including a removable dust cover which is installed across the top opening of the feeder to reduce the release of airborne dust generated by an automatic feed delivery system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a livestock feeder which facilitates cleaning. Another object of the current invention is to provide a livestock feeder with improved flanges which provide for greater animal comfort as well as easy cleaning. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and obvious from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings which are merely illustrative of such invention. Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a livestock feeder of the prior art; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the improved feeder of the present invention showing the feed-dispensing mechanism thereof; FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the feed dispensing controls; FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken through section 4-4 of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the feed gate showing the manner in which the connecting rod is attached thereto; FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the connecting rod and feed gate; FIG. 7 is a top sectional view of the lower portion of a connecting rod; FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the control lever in a position of disengagement with an indexing hole; FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the control lever in a position of engagement with an indexing hole; FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the dust cover panels; FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the animal feeder showing the dust cover installed therein; FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing the support braces and J-shaped brackets for mounting the dust cover panels; FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the improved feeder of another embodiment of the present invention showing the cleaning mechanism thereof; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the improved feeder shown in FIG. 13 illustrating actuation of the cleaning mechanism; FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the cleaning mechanism and improved flanges of the improved feeder shown in FIG. 14; FIGS. 16a and 16b are cross-sectional views of the flanges of the opposing end walls of the present invention taken through 16-16 of FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the flanges of the trough portion taken through 17-17 of FIG. 15; and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning mechanism of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As background and to better understand by comparison the improved livestock feeder of the present invention, reference should be made to animal feeder illustrated in FIG. 1 and labeled Prior Art. The prior art animal feeder, indicated generally at 40, comprises an open-topped hopper, indicated generally at 45, defined by opposing, downwardly sloping side walls 41 and opposing substantially vertical end walls 42. The opposing end walls 42 are of generally rectangular shape and their upper edges are preferably positioned on substantially the same level as the upper edges of the downwardly sloping side walls 41. The lower edges of the opposing end walls 42 terminate at a substantial distance below the lower edges of the opposing side walls 42 and are suitably secured to opposed ends of a bottom wall 43. The bottom wall 43 is connected to upwardly and outwardly inclined outer panel portions 44 forming elongate feed troughs, indicated generally at 55, along opposite sides of the animal feeder 40 and below the opposing side walls 41. The lower portions of the downwardly converging side walls 41 and the bottom wall 43 define therebetween a feed discharge opening 16. As another element of the Prior Art feeder 40, reinforcing dividers, shown in the form of plurality of spaced-apart, elongate rods 57 span the feed troughs 55 from the side walls 41 to the respective outer trough portions 44 of the bottom wall 43. The rods 57 reinforce the feed bin and divide each feed trough 55 into individual feeding areas which serve to aid in giving the livestock animals access to feed. As another element of the Prior Art feeder 40, a pair of elongate, pivotally mounted, vertically adjustable gates 48 including gate adjustment means 49 mechanically coupled thereto overlie the respective feed discharge openings 46 for varying the size of each opening 46. The gates 48 extend longitudinally between the end walls 42 with the opposite ends of the gates 48 terminating closely adjacent end walls 42. A small clearance remains necessary between the ends of the gates 48 and the end walls 42 so that the gates 48 may pivot freely in their described adjusted positions. The gate 48, which functions to regulate the amount of food into the trough, is shown as a flat rectangular plate. It is envisioned that gate 48, can take the form of other shapes such as circular or conical. Another element of the Prior Art feeder 40 is the feed drop tube holder, indicated generally at 60, as shown in FIG. 1. The feed drop tube holder 60 is a generally flat, rectangular structure having a circular opening 60a in the center thereof. Holder 60 includes a plurality of tabs 60b integrally formed on opposite ends thereof at predetermined intervals. Tabs 60b are adapted to engage a plurality of cooperating slots 61 which are disposed about the upper peripheral edges of side walls 41 at regular intervals. One of the principle advantages of the feed drop tube holder 60 is that it does not require brackets for additional hardware to install. Holder 60 is manufactured to an overall length that is slightly larger than the inside dimension between the opposing side walls 41 as measured in a plane coincidental with slots 61. Being made of a flexible, resilient material holder 60 may be compressed lengthwise by hand pressure into a curved bow shape in order to insert tab 60b into cooperating slot 61. Once released from this position, holder 60 springs back into its original flat configuration such that tabs 60b project outwardly through slots 61 in side walls 41 retaining holder 60 therebetween. The central opening 60a in holder 60 is sized to a dimension that is slightly larger than the feed drop tube 63 to accommodate the insertion of the same into central openings 60a at varying angles without binding therein. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that holder 60 may be easily repositioned to several longitudinal positions within feeder 40 by removing and replacing holder 60 to a different grouping of opposed slots 61 as desired. Since all of the above hereinabove described features of feeder 40 are well known to those skilled in the art, further detailed discussion of the same is not deemed necessary. One of the principle improvements of the animal feeder 10 of the present invention is the feed dispensing mechanism, indicated generally at 20 comprising a pair of control levers 16 with associated indexing holes 23, a scale 25 with numeric indicia 26, control rods 15 and feed gates 14 as shown in FIG. 2. The feed gates 14 have projections 14a, 14b extending outwardly from feed discharge opening 16. The structure and function of these components will now be described in further detail. It will be understood that a dispensing mechanism as depicted in FIG. 2 is installed on the interior surface of each end wall 11 of the present feeder 10 to operate the vertically adjustable feed gates 14 thereof. A pair of adjustable control levers 16 are pivotally mounted on the interior surface of each end wall 11 by use of suitable attaching hardware such as a pivot screw 17, lock washer 18, spacer 13 and compression spring 19 as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. An opposite end of the control lever 16 includes a pointer 16a for indicating the setting for the feed gates 14 as described hereinafter in further detail. The pointer 16a is provided with a knob 21 including an index pin 22 projecting outwardly therefrom for mating engagement with an array of index holes 23 which are radially disposed at regular intervals along an arc concentric with an axis of the pivot screw 17 as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. Intermediate the pivot screw 17 and the knob 21 an upper end of a connecting rod 15 is secured using suitable attaching hardware. In the preferred embodiment a connecting tab 24 having an elongated slot 37 formed at one end thereof is coupled to the upper end of connecting rod 15. The tab 24 is mounted on a connecting bolt 35 which loosely penetrates the slot 37 and is secured thereon by lock nut 36. An opposite end of each connector rod 15 is configured as illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. The lower most end of the connector rod 15 is initially bent at 90° to a longitudinal axis thereof as at 15 in FIG. 5 so as to lie in a plane coincident with the major portion of the rod 15. Thereafter the tip portion 15b is again bent 90° as at 15 to lie in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the major portion of the rod 15 as shown in FIG. 6. To install the connector rod 15 in the feed gate 14 the tip portion 15b is inserted through mounting aperture 38 as seen in FIG. 5 attaching the rod 15 to the feed gate 14 without bolting or welding the connection. Thus installed, it will be appreciated that a non-binding linkage is provided between the rod 15 and the gate 14 to facilitate operation of the dispensing mechanism when the feeder is filled to capacity. In normal operation the user of the improved feeder 10 adjusts the dispensing mechanism 20 by grasping and pulling the knob 21 outwardly from an engaged position as shown in FIG. 8 and pivoting the lever 16 upwardly or downwardly to adjust the gate 14 to the desired vertical position. After the desired position or hole 23 is selected, the knob 21 is again released to the position shown in FIG. 9. It will be appreciated that each respective indexing hole 23 corresponds to numeric indicia 26 on the scale 25 so as to dispense feed at a predetermined rate to livestock eating from the feeder 10. In this manner several feeders 10 can be utilized in a livestock production facility to deliver a predetermined amount of feed to animals at any stage of the life cycle using the standard settings on the scale 25. It will also be noted that a feeder 10 can be disposed between adjacent pens in such a production facility and adjusted to deliver feed in different amounts from opposite sides of the feeder 10. Thus, the improved feeder of the present invention provides significant advantages to animal producers which are unknown in the prior art. Further, the physical location of the dispensing mechanisms 20 on the interior end walls 11 of the feeder rather than on lateral brace members 47 extending across the hopper 45 as shown in FIG. 1 lends itself to another principle advantage of the present invention. The improved feeder 10 is provided with a removable dust cover, indicated generally at 33 as shown in FIGS. 10-12. The dust cover 33 is comprised of a pair of generally rectangular panels 34 which are configured and dimensioned to closely fit the interior peripheral edge of the feeder 10 when installed therein as shown in FIG. 11. It will be understood that the feed drop tube holder 60 of the prior art as shown in FIG. 10 functions as a part of the dust cover 33 as described hereinafter in further detail. The dust cover panels 34 together with the feed drop tube holder 60 are fabricated from a resilient plastic material and are easily removed for cleaning and maintenance purposes. The dust cover panels 34 are supported in the position shown in FIG. 11 by a pair of generally parallel support braces 27 which extend transversely across the top opening of the feeder 10 interconnecting the downwardly sloping side walls 12. Braces 27 are configured to support the inner edges of the panels 34 in the position shown in FIG. 11. In the preferred embodiment the inner edges of the dust cover panels 34 are provided with attaching hardware such as J-shaped brackets 39 which are secured to the inner edges of panels 34 by suitable fasteners. J-shaped brackets 39 engage the support braces to 27 to secure the panels 34 as more clearly shown in FIG. 12. An opposite end portion of the panels 34 are provided with cut-out portions 34a to accommodate the connecting rods 15 disposed along the end walls 11 of the feeder. The insertion of the feed drop tube holder 28 is accomplished as described hereinabove and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,039. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the remaining peripheral edges of the panels 34 are supported by their contact with the downwardly and inwardly converging side walls 12 of the feeder. In this construction the dust cover 33 functions to reduce the airborne particulates generated by the automatic feed delivery system utilized in conjunction with feeders of this type. Thus, the environment of the production facility is made safer and respiratory hazards are reduced for both man and animal. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention will be now described with reference to FIG. 13. In this regard, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the feeder 10 showing the cleaning mechanism 96 incorporated into the feeder 10. The cleaning mechanism 96, which functions to allow easy removal of cleaning fluids and waste feed, is constructed of an adjustable member or outer door 98, a linkage 100 connected to the outer door 98 by a fastener 102 at the bottom end 104 of the linkage 100, as well as to an engagement member or control lever 106. The control lever 106 is connected to the top portion 108 of linkage 100 and is pivotally mounted by the mounting system 110 to end wall 42. The mounting system 110 includes and has a knob 112, lock washer 114, spacer 116, and compression ring 118. The structure and function of the control lever 106 is similar to that of the adjustable control levers 16 as seen in FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 9. Control lever 106 functions to lift the outer door 98, through linkage 100 to an upward position, to expose four apertures 120. The apertures 120, which are shown in FIG. 13 as being covered by the outer door 98, are elongated rectangular in shape and are located in the end wall 42 adjacent to the bottom surface 123 of the feed trough 55. The outer door 98 covers the apertures 120 and controls the flow of cleaning fluid and waste grain through the apertures 120 during the cleaning of the feeder 10. Further shown in FIG. 13 are the optional, although preferred, first inner door 122 and second inner door 124. These doors are disposed adjacent the inner surface 126 of end wall 42 and are connected to the outer door 98 by through bolts 128. The through bolts 128 pass through the end wall 42 through a plurality of elongated guide slots 130 formed in end wall 42. The first and second inner doors 122, 124 are displaced upwardly and downwardly in conjunction with the outer door 98 as directed by control lever 106. As better seen in FIG. 18, through bolts 128 couple the first inner door 122 by using lock washers 132 and a nut 134. As can be appreciated, the particular fasteners used to movably couple the outer door 98 and the inner doors 122, 124 can take any suitable form known in the fastener art. Further shown in FIG. 18 is the coupling of linkage 100 with the outer door 98. Shown is the linkage rod tip portion 136 which is disposed through an elongated slot 138 formed in end wall 42. The linkage rod tip portion 136 is located through hole 140 in the outer door 98 and is fastened by a fastener 142. FIG. 14 shows the cleaning mechanism 96 in its raised position. Control lever 106 is depicted as being raised and engaged in an index member or indexing hole 144. In normal operation, the user of the feeder 10 adjusts the cleaning mechanism 96 by grasping and pulling knob 112 outwardly from an engaged position and pivoting the control lever 106 upwardly or downwardly to adjust the outer door 98 to the desired vertical position. After the desired position or indexing hole 144 is selected, the knob 112 is released. The function of the control lever 106 and knob 112 is similar to that as previously described in the descriptions of FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the cleaning mechanism 96 and improved flanges of the current invention. The improved flange portions allow for easier cleaning of the feeder as well as increased comfort to the feeding animals. Disposed on the opposing end side 42 is a ledge 148 generally parallel to the inner surface 126 of opposing end wall 42. Ledge 148 functions to reduce harmful contact to the feeding animals by providing an increased surface area of contact with the feeding animal. As better seen in FIG. 16a, the ledge 148 is connected to end wall 42 by a flange 150, the outer surface being closed off by a flange 152. Flange 148 has a width from one-half (½″) to one (1″) inch, and preferably five-eighths (⅝″) inch. The flange design allows for the proper stiffening and support of end wall 42 as well as reducing the discomfort to animals which may be forced into the edge. The design also allows for easy stacking of the feeder component materials. An alternate design can be seen in FIG. 16b, which shows a curved portion 154 joined to the end wall 42. FIG. 15 further shows a ledge 146 extending outwardly from the outer trough portion 44. The outwardly extending flange 146 is connected to the outer trough portion 44 by transition flange 156. The configuration of the outwardly extending flange 146 and transition flange 156 reduces the number of unexposed surfaces, resulting in better access to the trough 55 surfaces by a stream of cleaning fluid. Conventional feeders typically have flat trough 55 bottom surfaces 123. To assist in the removal of the cleaning fluids, it is optionally possible to adjust the support structure 158 (shown in FIG. 14) so that the bottom surface 123 of the trough 55 is angled down toward the apertures 120 to assist in the drainage of the cleaning fluids. The method of utilizing the aforementioned cleaning mechanism will now be discussed in detail. A feeder 10 is provided having cleaning mechanism 96 consisting of a plurality of apertures 120 covered by an outer door 98. The outer door 98 is coupled to a control lever 106 which is pivotably mounted to the side of the feeder 10. The control lever 106, which has a knob 112, is adjustable through a plurality of index positions 144 allowing for the raising and lowering of the outer door 98. When it is desirable to clean the feeder, the operator will grasp the knob 112 and raises the control lever 106 to a raised index hole 144, moving the outer door 98 to expose at least a portion of the aperture 120. The knob 112 is then released locking the control lever 106 in its upward position. The feeder 10 is then exposed to a stream of high pressure water, washing and rinsing the surfaces of the feeder 10. It is preferred that the operator use the stream high pressure water to “push” the fluids and waste feed out of the trough 55 through the apertures 120. It is envisioned that the control lever 106 will be left in its raised position until the trough 55 is substantially free of cleaning fluid. When the trough 55 has been cleaned, the operator grasps the knob 112 and moves it downward so the outer door 98 covers the aperture 120. The terms “top”, “bottom”, “side”, and so forth have been used herein merely for convenience to describe the present invention and its parts as oriented in the drawings. It is to be understood, however, that these terms are in no way limiting to the invention since such invention may obviously be disposed in different orientations when in use. From the above it can be seen that the improved animal feeder of the present invention provides an adjustable dispensing mechanism for the accurate delivery of feed to livestock animals. The dispensing mechanism includes standardized controls and settings to enable a precise amount of feed to be delivered to animals during specific stages of their life cycle to ensure optimum growth rates. The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of such invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein. The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>All conventional gravity type feeders utilize so-called feed gates to regulate the flow of feed from a hopper to the animals. These feed gates are usually adjusted by some type of threaded adjusting mechanism to control the flow of feed. The threaded adjusting mechanisms found in hog feeders on the market today offer no means of accurately determining the flow of feed being dispensed. If the gate is open too much, more feed will be dispensed than the animals can eat and the excess feed is wasted. On the other hand, if the gate is not open enough, the animals will not get the amount of food necessary for optimum growth. To compound the matter, as the animals grow larger, they need more food to continue optimal growth. To adjust conventional feeders correctly to obtain optimum performance requires a certain amount of guesswork. Because adjusting the feeders is difficult and very labor intensive, many feeders are simply not adjusted properly, resulting in feed waste or poor animal growth rate as discussed above. In addition, standardized agricultural practices require regular cleaning and disinfecting of livestock feeders. Typically the cleaning process entails washing the feeders with high pressure water hoses. Cleaning fluids, animal waste and leftover waste grain often remain trapped in the trough of the feeder. One way to remove the cleaning fluids from a conventional feeder is tilting the feeders back and forth to displace the fluids. Further, conventional feeders often have defined flanges and structures, which trap food and dirt, making cleaning and disinfecting with high pressure hoses difficult. The present invention solves these problems by providing an improved feeder having a precise feed dispensing mechanism with standardized indicia to eliminate the guesswork from dispensing feed to the livestock. The advantages provided by the present invention are that animal producers can control proper feed adjustment based on animal weight, feed type, number of animals, etc. Producers can also mandate a standard setting for all feeders for any given circumstance thereby ruling out potential variables in animal production. Another advantage to the present invention is that routine adjustments to the feed dispensing mechanism can be accomplished simply and the feed gates can be quickly and fully opened for cleaning. The dispensing mechanism of the present invention is user friendly, the index scale of 1 to 10 is easily read and understood, a direct acting index lever correlates to feed gate movements either upwardly or downwardly, the indexing lever and connecting rods are replaceable and the unique connecting rod attaches to the feed gate without bolts or welding. Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a closable cleaning gate that allows cleaning fluids and waste food grains to be easily removed from the entire feeder. Further, the invention additionally provides an improved flange structures, which facilitates cleaning, increased strength as well as minimizes discomfort to the feeding animals. A dust cover is included which makes the feeder of the present invention environmentally safe by preventing large amounts of dust from becoming airborne when a feeder is being filled by an automatic delivery system. In addition to the above, the improved feeder of the present invention includes a feed drop tube holder similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,039 to adapt it for use with an automatic feed delivery system. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>After much research and study of the above described problems, the present invention has been developed to provide an improved livestock feeder including a feed dispensing mechanism which accurately controls the flow of feed to the animals for consumption. The improved feeder utilizes a pair of adjustable feed gates installed in the lower portion of a gravity feed bin formed by downwardly converging side walls. The feed gates are mechanically coupled by connecting rods to the feed dispensing controls which are accessible from the open top of the feed bin. The controls for the feed dispensing mechanism are provided with a lever that engages a standard index of positions that adjust the opening of the feed gates. By use of the controls, animal producers may obtain a standardized setting for the release of feed to animals at different stages of the life cycle to obtain optimum growth rates. In the preferred embodiment, the dispensing mechanism and controls are utilized with a hog feeder of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,039 which has previously issued to the Applicant herein. In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved livestock feeder having a precision dispensing mechanism that will accurately control the release of feed to livestock. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved livestock feeder that will permit animal producers to obtain standardized settings for the release of feed to numerous animals at a particular stage in the production cycle. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved livestock feeder that will reduce variations in growth rate between animals by insuring the controlled release of food thereto. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved livestock feeder including a removable dust cover which is installed across the top opening of the feeder to reduce the release of airborne dust generated by an automatic feed delivery system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a livestock feeder which facilitates cleaning. Another object of the current invention is to provide a livestock feeder with improved flanges which provide for greater animal comfort as well as easy cleaning. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and obvious from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings which are merely illustrative of such invention. Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. | 20040723 | 20051220 | 20050113 | 96797.0 | 5 | ABBOTT-LEWIS, YVONNE RENEE | INDEXED FEED DISPENSING MECHANISM | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,898,876 | ACCEPTED | Fiber optic indicator marking for bow sight | An adjustment system for a vertically adjustable bow sight includes a plurality of fiber optic set points and one fiber optic alignment point that is movable relative to the plurality of set points. Each fiber optic point, including the set points and alignment point is comprised of a terminal end of a length of fiber optic material, such as plastic optical fiber material. By adjusting the alignment point relative to the set points, the sight is vertically adjusted so as to adjust the sight pin of the sight for a particular distance-to-target. | 1. An apparatus for adjusting a bow sight, comprising, comprising: an adjustment mechanism for vertically adjusting a position of at least one sight pin of the bow sight; a plurality of set point indicia, each set point indicia being defined by a terminal end of a first fiber optic element; an adjustment indicia coupled to a vertical adjustment mechanism and selectively moveable relative to said plurality of set point indicia, said adjustment indicia being selectively alignable with one of said plurality of set point indicia for selectively adjusting the position of said at least one sight pin. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second fiber optic element having a terminal end defining said adjustment indicia. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each pair of said plurality of set point indicia are defined by opposite ends of a length of the first fiber optic element. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further including a glow-in-the-dark material disposed in proximity to said length of the first fiber optic element. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said adjustment indicia is defined by a terminal end of a second fiber optic element. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further including a spool coupled to said adjustment mechanism, said second fiber optic element of said adjustment indicia being at least partially wrapped around said spool. 7. The apparatus of claim 5, further including an elongate member supporting said second fiber optic element of said adjustment indicia for visually positioning said adjustment indicia over at least one of said plurality of set point indicia. 8. The apparatus of claim 6, further including a glow-in-the-dark material disposed between said spool and said second fiber optic element for illuminating said second fiber optic element in low light conditions. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an arc-shaped bracket, said plurality of set point indicia being selectively positionable relative to said arc-shaped bracket. 10. An apparatus for adjusting a bow sight, comprising, comprising: an adjustment mechanism for vertically adjusting a position of at least one sight pin of the bow sight; a plurality of set point indicia arranged in a vertical array; an adjustment indicia defined by a terminal end of a first fiber optic element, coupled to a vertical adjustment mechanism and selectively moveable relative to said plurality of set point indicia, said adjustment indicia being selectively alignable with one of said plurality of set point indicia for selectively adjusting the position of said at least one sight pin. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of second fiber optic elements, each having a terminal end defining said adjustment indicia. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each pair of said plurality of set point indicia are defined by opposite ends of a length of the plurality of second fiber optic elements. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further including a glow-in-the-dark material disposed in proximity to said length of the second fiber optic elements. 14. The apparatus of claim 10, further including a spool coupled to said adjustment mechanism, said first fiber optic element of said adjustment indicia being at least partially wrapped around said spool. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, further including an elongate member supporting said first fiber optic element of said adjustment indicia for visually positioning said adjustment indicia over at least one of said plurality of set point indicia. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, further including a glow-in-the-dark material disposed between said spool and said first fiber optic element for illuminating said first fiber optic element in low light conditions. 17. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a bracket having a substantially vertically oriented, arc-shaped portion, said plurality of set point indicia being selectively positionable relative to said arc-shaped portion. 18. An apparatus for adjusting a bow sight, comprising, comprising: a sight head; an adjustment mechanism for vertically adjusting a position of said sight head; a plurality of set points oriented in a substantially vertical array, each set point being defined by a terminal end of a first fiber optic element; an adjustment point defined by a terminal end of a second fiber optic element, said adjustment point being coupled to the vertical adjustment mechanism and selectively moveable relative to said plurality of set point indicia, said adjustment point being selectively alignable with one of said plurality of set points for selectively adjusting the position of said sight head. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein each pair of said plurality of set points are defined by opposite ends of a length of said first fiber optic element. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further including a glow-in-the-dark material disposed proximate to said first fiber optic element. 21. The apparatus of claim 18, further including a spool coupled to said adjustment mechanism, said second fiber optic element being at least partially wrapped around said spool. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, further including an elongate member supporting the terminal end of said second fiber optic element forming the adjustment point for visually positioning said adjustment point over at least one of said plurality of set point indicia. 23. The apparatus of claim 21, further including a glow-in-the-dark material disposed between said spool and said second fiber optic element for illuminating said second fiber optic element in low light conditions. 24. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a bracket having a substantially vertically oriented, arc-shaped portion, said plurality of set points being selectively positionable relative to said arc-shaped portion. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said arc-shaped bracket defines a substantially vertical slot therein forming a window therein through which each set point is visible to a user in an aiming orientation. 26. An apparatus for adjusting a bow sight, comprising, comprising: an adjustment mechanism for vertically adjusting a position of at least one sight pin of the bow sight; a vertically oriented mounting member; a plurality of set point indicia independently, selectively, and vertically positionable relative to said vertically oriented mounting member; an adjustment indicia coupled to a vertical adjustment mechanism and selectively moveable relative to said plurality of set point indicia, said adjustment indicia being selectively alignable with one of said plurality of set point indicia for selectively adjusting the position of said at least one sight pin. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein each set point indicia is defined by a terminal end of a fiber optic element. 28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said adjustment indicia is defined by a terminal end of a fiber optic element. 29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein each pair of said plurality of set point indicia are defined by opposite terminal ends of said fiber optic element. 30. The apparatus of claim 27, further including a glow-in-the-dark material disposed in proximity to at least a portion of said fiber optic element. 31. The apparatus of claim 28, further including a spool coupled to said adjustment mechanism, said fiber optic element of said adjustment indicia being at least partially wrapped around said spool. 32. The apparatus of claim 28, further including an elongate member supporting said second fiber optic element of said adjustment indicia and horizontally extending from said adjustment mechanism for visually positioning said adjustment indicia over at least one of said plurality of set point indicia. 33. The apparatus of claim 31, further including a glow-in-the-dark material disposed between said spool and said fiber optic element for illuminating said fiber optic element in low light conditions. 34. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said vertically oriented mounting member comprises an arcuate shaped portion having a vertically oriented slot therein, said plurality of set point indicia being selectively positionable relative to said arcuate shaped portion and visible through said vertically oriented slot. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This document claims priority to and incorporates by reference all of the subject matter included in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/831,438 filed on Apr. 23, 2004. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to sights for archery bows employing fiber optic elements and, more specifically, to use of such fiber optic elements to provide various marking indicators for adjustment of the sight relative to a bow to which it is attached. 2. Description of the Art Archery bow sights utilizing a plurality of sight pins have been known in the art for many years. Typically, these sights use a bracket or other mounting structure for mounting the sight to a bow. The sight is commonly comprised of a pin plate, a pin guard, and a plurality of sight pins which are secured to the pin plate and extend into a sight window formed by the pin guard. The sight is mounted to a bow in a manner so that when the bow string is drawn, the archer can look through a peep sight provided in the bow string and align the tip of a pin attached to the sight with a target. For sights utilizing a plurality of sight pins having their tips vertically aligned, each individual sight pin is typically provided for aiming the bow at a target at a particular distance from the archer. For example, one pin may be positioned in the sight for aiming the bow at a target 50 yards from the archer while another pin may be positioned for a target that is at 100 yards distance. It is also known in the art to construct sight pins with a light-gathering fiber optic element to enable use of the sighting device in low light environments. Various configurations of sight pins using fiber optic members have been proposed. Fiber optic pins are typically formed from plastic under extreme pressure in a manner than causes the molecular chains within the plastic to align longitudinally with the fiber. When ambient light strikes the fiber optic material, it is absorbed and redirected along these molecular chains toward the ends of the fiber optic material. Thus, when the fiber optic material is exposed to light, the light essentially follows the path of least resistance and follows the molecular chains to the ends of the fiber optic member. As such, the ends of the fiber optic member appear to illuminate. Such plastic optical fibers are typically formed from either polycarbonate or polystyrene with the filaments of the fiber optic material shaped to fit different pin styles by heating and bending. It is also well-known in the art that despite the light-gathering capabilities of fiber optic elements which render sighting devices more useful in low-light conditions (e.g., dusk), there is a point at which the ambient light is so low that the fiber optic element is no longer capable of gathering sufficient light to provide any illumination. While others in the art have disclosed the use of electronic means for providing a light source to the fiber optic elements of the sighting device, the use of such devices add weight to the device, may fail electrically and may be vulnerable to damage by contact with bushes or the like. One particular type of sight known in the art uses a pivoting elevation system in which a single sight pin is adjusted up or down relative to the bow. The sight pin is adjusted to different vertical positions depending upon a particular distance-to-target. The pivoting mechanism is such that the sight pin is adjusted vertically without rotational or angular displacement through a lever and slide arrangement. The proximal end of the lever is provided with a laterally disposed needle that can be aligned with user provided markings (typically in the form of pencil or ink markings applied to a strip of adhesive backed paper) applied to the proximal end of the sight. Such method of marking does not lend itself to easy adjustment of the markings. In addition, the visibility of the needle and markings are significantly diminished in low light conditions. Thus, it would be advantageous to use fiber optic elements to illuminate the markings and alignment of the sight using such fiber optic indicators in a bow sight that uses a pivoting elevation system for vertical adjustment of the sight pin. It would also be advantageous to use a self-illuminating material, commonly referred to as glow-in-in-the-dark material to provide external illumination to the fiber optic elements in low light conditions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, an adjustment system for a vertically adjustable bow sight includes a plurality of fiber optic set points and one fiber optic alignment point that is movable relative to the plurality of set points. Each fiber optic point, including the set points and alignment point is comprised of a terminal end of a length of fiber optic material, such as plastic optical fiber material known in the art. By adjusting the alignment point relative to the set points, the sight is vertically adjusted so as to adjust the sight pin of the sight for a particular distance-to-target. More particularly, each set point is set to a particular distance-to-target so that when the alignment point is aligned with a particular set point, the sight pin of the bow sight is set for a particular distance-to-target. In accordance with the present invention, an arc-shaped bracket is provided for attachment of a plurality of fiber optic set points relative thereto. Each set point is defined by one end of a fiber optic filament. Such fiber optic material is available in various colors such as green, red and yellow. The exposed ends of the fiber optic filaments that define the set points are retained relative to the arc-shaped bracket by a plurality of mounting members that are adjustably attachable to the arc-shaped bracket. The arc-shaped bracket is vertically oriented relative to the user with each set point being visible to the user when the bow sight is held in a shooting orientation or position. Thus, each of the set points can be vertically adjusted along the arc, with each set point corresponding to a particular distance-to-target. The alignment point is coupled to an adjustment lever of the bow sight. Thus, when the adjustment member is moved relative to the set points, the alignment point moves therewith. By illuminating the set points and alignment point, the set points and alignment point are easily visible to the archer. In one embodiment of the invention, the alignment point is further illuminated by using a plurality of wrappings around a cylindrical spool to provide increased exposed surface area to the fiber optic filament used for the alignment point. In another embodiment of the present invention, a glow-in-the-dark material is provided between the spool and the fiber optic windings to provide light to the fiber optic windings in low light conditions. In still another embodiment of the present invention, a glow-in-the-dark material is provided adjacent the fiber optic filaments that form the set points to provide light to the fiber optic filaments in low light conditions. The glow-in-the-dark material is a material which naturally emits light, such as a radioactive or chemically activated material commonly used in such devices as illuminated watches and glow-in-the-dark signage. In addition, zinc sulfide and copper mixed phosphorescent pigments and powder materials can be incorporated into many materials such as plastics. Such luminescent plastic materials may be formed by mixing luminescent pigment powder with transparent plastic resin. The luminescent plastic can then be formed into the desired shape or applied to the product by casting, molding, extruding, dipping and/or coating. The luminescent pigment is compatible with acrylics, polyester, epoxy, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and polyethylene polymers. Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front view of a bow sight in accordance with the principles of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a right side view of the bow sight illustrated in FIG. 1; and FIG. 3 is a left view of the bow sight illustrated in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A conventional bow sight is typically provided with multiple sight pins for providing various sighting indicia corresponding to various distances-to-target. Such prior art bow sights often require individual adjustment of each sight pin in order to properly position the sight pin for a particular distance-to-target. The bow sight, generally indicated at 10, shown in FIG. 1, however, comprises a sight head 11 and a single sight pin 12 that is fixed relative to a pin guard 14. A bubble level 15 is provided on a lower portion of the sight head 11 to provide a visual indicator that the sight pin 12 is substantially vertically aligned when aiming. The pin guard 14 is coupled to an adjustment mechanism, generally indicated at 16, that allows vertical adjustment of the pin guard 14 and thus the sight pin 12 relative to an arcuate or arc-shaped portion 18 of a mounting bracket 20. The bracket 20 is configured to be fixedly mounted to a riser of a bow (not shown). A lever 22 is pivotally mounted relative to the bracket 20 and coupled to the mounting portion 24 of the bow sight head 11 such that rotation of the lever 22 causes vertical displacement, as indicated by arrow A, of the sight pin 12 relative to the mounting bracket 20. In order to accurately adjust the vertical position of the bow sight head 11 and thus the sight point 26 of the sight pin 12, the arc-shaped portion 18 of the mounting bracket 20 is provided with a plurality of indicator marks in the form of fiber optic set points 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35. The set points 30-35 are formed from a terminal end of a fiber optic material, such as plastic optical filament material, that is formed into a mushroom shaped bead as by heating and forming. Each set point 30-35 can be individually selectively vertically adjusted relative to the arcuate portion 18 along a vertically oriented slot 36 provided therein. Once moved to a desired location, the set points 30-35 can be held in place by tightening of each set point's respective fastener 40-45. The lever 22 is provided with an alignment point 46 comprised of a terminal end of a fiber optic filament that can be selectively positioned proximate one of the set points 30-35 by moving the lever. The alignment point 46 is comprised of a relatively small sight pin 48 that depends from the lever 24 and extends over the arc-shaped portion 18 so that when viewed in a shooting position or orientation, the alignment point, when properly aligned relative to a particular set point, visually appears to overlap the particular set point. Each set point 30-35 is defined by a terminal end of a fiber optic filament or member having a particular effective visual diameter. The alignment point 46 is also comprised of a terminal end of a fiber optic element, but has an effective visual diameter that is less than the effective visual diameter of the set points 30-35. As such, when overlying a particular set point, both the alignment point 46 and a portion of the particular set point can be seen to ensure that proper alignment of the alignment point to a particular set point has occurred. Of course, the set points 30-35 and the alignment point 46 can be replaced with other sight point technologies known in the art, such as, by way of example and not limitation, brass or plastic pins with bright colored paints applied to the tips of the pins for ease of sighting. In order to increase the luminescence of the alignment point 46, the fiber optic filament 50 forming the alignment point 46 is wound upon a spool. Such winding provides a substantial length of fiber optic material and thus provides significant surface area for light gathering to illuminate the terminal end of the fiber optic filament 50 forming the alignment point 46. Each set point 30-35 represents a particular distance-to-target for the sight tip or point 26. As the lever 22 is moved relative to the arc-shaped portion 18, the alignment point 46 can be positioned over a particular set point, thus, aligning the sight point 26 for a particular distance-to-target. For example, the top set point 30 may represent a distance-to-target of 20 yards, with each adjacent set point 31-35 representing a ten yard increment. When the lever 22 is moved so as to position the alignment point 46 over the set point 30, the sight 10 will be moved vertically downward. Likewise, by moving the lever 22 downwardly so as to position the alignment point 46 over a particular set point, such as set point 35, the sight point 26 will be moved vertically upward. Referring now to FIG. 2, each set point 30-35 shown in FIG. 1, are formed from a length of fiber optic material 60-62 that is wrapped around a pivot point 64 of the lever 22. The pivot point 64 is formed from a threaded fastener 65 that is fixedly coupled to the bracket 20 while allowing free rotation of the lever 22 relative thereto. Each terminal end of each length of fiber optic material 60-62 forms two set points. Such fiber optic material is available in various colors such as green, red and yellow. The bracket comprises two elongate sections 66 and 68 that depend from a base portion 70. The arc-shaped portion 18 depends from the elongate sections 66 and 68 and has an outer radius that is slightly less than the radius of the pin 48 supporting the alignment point 46 as the lever 22 is rotated about the pivot point 64. Thus, as the lever 22 is rotated by grasping and moving a grasping portion 72 of the lever 22, the alignment point 46 will follow the arc of the arc-shaped portion 18. The sight head 11 is slideably coupled relative to the bracket 18 by a pair of mounting brackets 74 and 76. The configuration of the mounting portion 24 of the sight head 11 allows for horizontal or “windage” adjustment of the sight head 11 relative to the bracket 74 by loosening the fasteners 78 and 80 and then rotating the adjustment fastener 82. The threaded engagement of the adjustment fastener 82 relative to the bracket 74 causes horizontal movement of the mounting portion 24 of the sight head 11 relative to the bracket 74 when the adjustment fastener 82 is rotated. Re-fastening the fasteners 78 and 80 will then hold the sight head 11 relative to the bracket 74. The bracket 74 can also be vertically adjusted relative to the bracket 76 by loosening fasteners 84 and 86 and sliding the brackets 76 relative to the bracket 74. Once the desired location of the relative position of the two brackets is reached, tightening of the fasteners 84 and 86 relative to one another will hold the two brackets 74 and 76 in relative position. The bracket 76 is slideably coupled to the base portion 70 of the bracket 18 and to the lever 22. The lever 22 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 88 proximate a distal end 90 thereof. A fastener 92 is fastened to the bracket 76 with the fastener extending through the slot 88. When the lever 72 is rotated about its pivot point 64, the fastener 92 slides within the slot 88 causing displacement of the bracket 76. The bracket 76 is also slideably coupled to the base portion 70 with a pair of fasteners 94 and 96. The two fasteners are slideably coupled relative to horizontal slot 98 formed within the base portion 70. Thus the displacement of the bracket 76 caused by movement of the lever 22 is maintained in a vertical direction as retained by the fasteners 94 and 96 riding within the slot 98. Countersunk mounting holes 100 and 102 are provided to mount the base portion 70 relative to a riser of a bow (not shown). In order to provide additional illumination to the fiber optic filaments 60-62 in low light conditions, self illuminating or “glow-in-the-dark” material in the form of a length of tape 106 is provided along an interior recessed surface 108 formed in the base portion 70. A portion, proximate a mid-portion thereof of each length of fiber optic material 60-62 passes in front of or lies in contact with the tape 108. By exposing the tape 108 to a bright light in low light conditions for a period of time, the tape 108 will glow to help illuminate the fiber optic members 60-62 and thus brighten the set points 30-35. Glow-in-the-dark material may also be at least partially wrapped around fastener 64 so as to provide additional illumination to the fiber optic filaments 60-62 in low light conditions. Similarly, the alignment point 46 which is defined by fiber optic filament 55 is wrapped around a spool 52. The spool 52 is attached to the lever 22 with the filament 55 of fiber optic material extending through a hole 112 in the lever. The filament 55 then extends along a back side of the pin 48 (see FIG. 1) to form the alignment point 46. The spool 52 is also wrapped with glow-in-the-dark material (not visible) so that the windings of filament 55 overly the glow-in-the-dark material and can be illuminated thereby in low light conditions. Fastener 110 attaches the pin 48 to the lever 22. Referring now to FIG. 3, as previously discussed is formed from the terminal ends of the fiber optic filaments 60-62 with the first fiber optic filament 60 forming set points 30 and 33, the second fiber optic filament 61 forming set points 31 and 34 and the third fiber optic filament 62 forming set points 32 and 35. Each set point 30-35 is held in place by a mounting bracket 120. The mounting brackets 120 are configured to engage an arc-shaped channel 124 formed in the arc-shaped portion 18 so as to cause each bracket 120 to self-orient itself such that the set points 30-35 are oriented toward the user when in an aiming position. Thus, the brackets 120 have a base portion that is only slightly smaller than a width of the channel 124 so as to engage with the side walls 126 and 128 forming the channel 124 to maintain their orientation. An arc-shaped slot 130 formed within the channel 124 allows each bracket 120 to be mounted and slideably adjustable relative to the arc-shaped portion 18 of the bracket 20 with fasteners 40-45 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Moreover, each bracket 120 holds the set points 30-36 proximate the longitudinal center of the slot 36 (see FIG. 1). As also previously discussed, movement of the lever 22 about its pivot 64, causes displacement of the fasteners 94 and 96. Because the fasteners 94 and 96, which include lock nuts 94′ and 96′, have a width that is approximately the same as the width of the vertically oriented channel 130, movement of the bracket 76 relative to the base portion 70 is maintained in a substantially vertical direction. In addition, the movement of the lever 22 from its maximum top and bottom positions is limited by the amount of travel provided between the fasteners 94 and 96 and the top and bottom ends of the channel 130. In order to provide smooth movement of the bracket 76 relative to the slot 98 and the fastener 92 relative to the slot 90, plastic bushings (not visible) are provided around the shaft portions of each fastener 92 (see FIG. 2), 94 and 96 at points of contact between the fasteners and the slots. Thus, the exposed or terminal ends of the fiber optic filaments 60-62 that define the set points 30-35 are retained relative to the arc-shaped portion 18 of the bracket 20 by a plurality of mounting members 120 that are adjustably attachable to the arc-shaped portion 18. The arc-shaped portion 18 is vertically oriented relative to the user with each set point 30-35 being visible through the horizontal window or slot 36 to the user when the bow sight is held in a shooting orientation or position. Thus, each of the set points 30-35 can be vertically adjusted along the arc, with each set point 30-35 corresponding to a particular distance-to-target. The alignment point 46 is coupled to the adjustment lever 22 of the bow sight 10. Thus, when the adjustment member 22 is moved relative to the set points 30-35, the alignment point 46 moves therewith. By illuminating the set points 30-35 and alignment point 46 with the terminal end of a fiber optic filament, the set points 30-35 and alignment point 46 are easily visible to the archer, even in low light conditions. Also, by wrapping the fiber optic filament 55 forming the alignment point around a cylindrical spool 52, an increased exposed surface area of the fiber optic filament 55 is provided to increase the brightness of the alignment point 46. To provide even more illumination of the alignment point 46 and set points 30-35, a glow-in-the-dark material, such as self-illuminating tape is provided between the spool 52 and the fiber optic windings 55 to illuminate the alignment point 46 in low light conditions and adjacent at least a portion of the fiber optic filaments 60-62 that form the set points 30-35. As previously mentioned, the glow-in-the-dark material is a material which naturally emits light, such as a radioactive or chemically activated material commonly used in such devices as illuminated watches and glow-in-the-dark signage. In addition, zinc sulfide and copper mixed phosphorescent pigments and powder materials can be incorporated into many materials such as plastics. Such luminescent plastic materials may be formed by mixing luminescent pigment powder with transparent plastic resin. The luminescent plastic can then be formed into the desired shape or applied to the product by casting, molding, extruding, dipping and/or coating. The luminescent pigment is compatible with acrylics, polyester, epoxy, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and polyethylene polymers. It should be noted that additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, while the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it is contemplated that upon review of the present invention, those of skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and combinations may be made to the present embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as recited in the claims. It should be specifically noted that reference to the term “spool” in the specification and claims is not intended to include only a cylindrical structure, but any structure upon which the fiber optic member can be wound. The principles of the present invention may be adapted to any type of sight head including those illustrated as well as sight heads of any type known in the art or later developed. The claims provided herein are intended to cover such modifications and combinations and all equivalents thereof. Reference herein to specific details of the illustrated embodiments is by way of example and not by way of limitation. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to sights for archery bows employing fiber optic elements and, more specifically, to use of such fiber optic elements to provide various marking indicators for adjustment of the sight relative to a bow to which it is attached. 2. Description of the Art Archery bow sights utilizing a plurality of sight pins have been known in the art for many years. Typically, these sights use a bracket or other mounting structure for mounting the sight to a bow. The sight is commonly comprised of a pin plate, a pin guard, and a plurality of sight pins which are secured to the pin plate and extend into a sight window formed by the pin guard. The sight is mounted to a bow in a manner so that when the bow string is drawn, the archer can look through a peep sight provided in the bow string and align the tip of a pin attached to the sight with a target. For sights utilizing a plurality of sight pins having their tips vertically aligned, each individual sight pin is typically provided for aiming the bow at a target at a particular distance from the archer. For example, one pin may be positioned in the sight for aiming the bow at a target 50 yards from the archer while another pin may be positioned for a target that is at 100 yards distance. It is also known in the art to construct sight pins with a light-gathering fiber optic element to enable use of the sighting device in low light environments. Various configurations of sight pins using fiber optic members have been proposed. Fiber optic pins are typically formed from plastic under extreme pressure in a manner than causes the molecular chains within the plastic to align longitudinally with the fiber. When ambient light strikes the fiber optic material, it is absorbed and redirected along these molecular chains toward the ends of the fiber optic material. Thus, when the fiber optic material is exposed to light, the light essentially follows the path of least resistance and follows the molecular chains to the ends of the fiber optic member. As such, the ends of the fiber optic member appear to illuminate. Such plastic optical fibers are typically formed from either polycarbonate or polystyrene with the filaments of the fiber optic material shaped to fit different pin styles by heating and bending. It is also well-known in the art that despite the light-gathering capabilities of fiber optic elements which render sighting devices more useful in low-light conditions (e.g., dusk), there is a point at which the ambient light is so low that the fiber optic element is no longer capable of gathering sufficient light to provide any illumination. While others in the art have disclosed the use of electronic means for providing a light source to the fiber optic elements of the sighting device, the use of such devices add weight to the device, may fail electrically and may be vulnerable to damage by contact with bushes or the like. One particular type of sight known in the art uses a pivoting elevation system in which a single sight pin is adjusted up or down relative to the bow. The sight pin is adjusted to different vertical positions depending upon a particular distance-to-target. The pivoting mechanism is such that the sight pin is adjusted vertically without rotational or angular displacement through a lever and slide arrangement. The proximal end of the lever is provided with a laterally disposed needle that can be aligned with user provided markings (typically in the form of pencil or ink markings applied to a strip of adhesive backed paper) applied to the proximal end of the sight. Such method of marking does not lend itself to easy adjustment of the markings. In addition, the visibility of the needle and markings are significantly diminished in low light conditions. Thus, it would be advantageous to use fiber optic elements to illuminate the markings and alignment of the sight using such fiber optic indicators in a bow sight that uses a pivoting elevation system for vertical adjustment of the sight pin. It would also be advantageous to use a self-illuminating material, commonly referred to as glow-in-in-the-dark material to provide external illumination to the fiber optic elements in low light conditions. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In accordance with the present invention, an adjustment system for a vertically adjustable bow sight includes a plurality of fiber optic set points and one fiber optic alignment point that is movable relative to the plurality of set points. Each fiber optic point, including the set points and alignment point is comprised of a terminal end of a length of fiber optic material, such as plastic optical fiber material known in the art. By adjusting the alignment point relative to the set points, the sight is vertically adjusted so as to adjust the sight pin of the sight for a particular distance-to-target. More particularly, each set point is set to a particular distance-to-target so that when the alignment point is aligned with a particular set point, the sight pin of the bow sight is set for a particular distance-to-target. In accordance with the present invention, an arc-shaped bracket is provided for attachment of a plurality of fiber optic set points relative thereto. Each set point is defined by one end of a fiber optic filament. Such fiber optic material is available in various colors such as green, red and yellow. The exposed ends of the fiber optic filaments that define the set points are retained relative to the arc-shaped bracket by a plurality of mounting members that are adjustably attachable to the arc-shaped bracket. The arc-shaped bracket is vertically oriented relative to the user with each set point being visible to the user when the bow sight is held in a shooting orientation or position. Thus, each of the set points can be vertically adjusted along the arc, with each set point corresponding to a particular distance-to-target. The alignment point is coupled to an adjustment lever of the bow sight. Thus, when the adjustment member is moved relative to the set points, the alignment point moves therewith. By illuminating the set points and alignment point, the set points and alignment point are easily visible to the archer. In one embodiment of the invention, the alignment point is further illuminated by using a plurality of wrappings around a cylindrical spool to provide increased exposed surface area to the fiber optic filament used for the alignment point. In another embodiment of the present invention, a glow-in-the-dark material is provided between the spool and the fiber optic windings to provide light to the fiber optic windings in low light conditions. In still another embodiment of the present invention, a glow-in-the-dark material is provided adjacent the fiber optic filaments that form the set points to provide light to the fiber optic filaments in low light conditions. The glow-in-the-dark material is a material which naturally emits light, such as a radioactive or chemically activated material commonly used in such devices as illuminated watches and glow-in-the-dark signage. In addition, zinc sulfide and copper mixed phosphorescent pigments and powder materials can be incorporated into many materials such as plastics. Such luminescent plastic materials may be formed by mixing luminescent pigment powder with transparent plastic resin. The luminescent plastic can then be formed into the desired shape or applied to the product by casting, molding, extruding, dipping and/or coating. The luminescent pigment is compatible with acrylics, polyester, epoxy, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and polyethylene polymers. Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. | 20040726 | 20060905 | 20051027 | 97260.0 | 1 | JOHNSON, AMY COHEN | FIBER OPTIC INDICATOR MARKING FOR BOW SIGHT | SMALL | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,898,952 | ACCEPTED | Video based monitoring system | A video-based monitoring system has a video recording device having a field of view, wherein plural zones are defined within the field of view of the video recording device, each zone having an algorithm corresponding to movement in that zone, and a processing unit for receiving and processing video data from the video recording device. | 1. A video-based monitoring system, the monitoring system comprising: a video recording device having a field of view; and a processing unit for receiving and processing video data from the video recording device, wherein the processing unit is configured to define plural zones within the field of view of the video recording device, each zone being associated with an algorithm, stored in the processing unit, for detecting and classifying movement in the respective zone. 2. The video-based monitoring system of claim 1 wherein the processing unit comprises an analysis unit for classifying a movement in a zone based on the algorithm, and a control unit for activating a response based on the classification 3. The video-based monitoring system of claim 2 wherein the analysis unit classifies the movement as one of no motion, motion-allowed, motion-required, motion-risky or motion-prohibited. 4. The video-based monitoring system of claim 2 wherein the processing unit further comprises a detection unit for detecting movement and a video recording unit for recording the event. 5. The video-based monitoring system of claim 2 wherein the processing unit further comprises a storage unit for storing a record the movement for future reference. 6. The video-based monitoring system of claim 5 wherein the storage unit stores the movement according to time and classification. 7. The video-based monitoring system of claim 2 wherein the response activated by the control unit comprises a remote monitor, a wireless device, a visual signal, an audio signal, or a dial-up connection. 8. The vide-based monitoring system of claim 1 wherein data is transmitted over a wireless network. 9. The video-based monitoring system of claim 1 wherein more than one video recording device is present. 10. The video-based monitoring system of claim 2 wherein the control unit receives data from plural recording devices. 11. The video-based monitoring system of claim 2 wherein the analysis unit receives data from plural recording devices. 12. The video-based monitoring system of claim 1 wherein the field of view is a hospital room. 13. The video-based monitoring system of claim 12 wherein the zones comprise one or more of a bed zone, a door zone, an activity zone, and a high risk zone. 14. A method of monitoring movement in an area, the method comprising the steps of: receiving data from plural zones within the field of view of a sensor; and detecting movement in each zone according to respective motion detection algorithms corresponding to each zone. 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising classifying a movement in a zone based on the corresponding algorithm, and a control unit for activating a response based on the classification. 16. The method of claim 14 further comprising classifying the movement as one of no motion, motion-allowed, motion-required, motion-risky or motion-prohibited. 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising activating a response according to the classification of the movement. 18. The method of claim 14 used to monitor movement in a hospital room. 19. The method of claim 18 in which the plural zones comprises more than one bed zone. 20. The method of claim 14 in which the plural zones comprise one or more of a bed zone, door zone, activity zone and a high-risk zone. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Patients and individuals during hospitalization or during a stay in an extended care unit or after an event in their home require lots of attention and care from the nursing staff, hospital personnel, or care givers. Special care is needed for elderly and those suffering from mental disorders or other types of medical disease, which often require 24 hour supervision to prevent accidents. For example, the danger of a person falling from bed while sleeping may result in an accident such as hip fracture, broken bones, sores, etc. In the case of an elderly person, these accidents may prove fatal. The current system only allows for detection of falling and raising an alarm for a potential fall. In another example, some courses of treatment may require a patient to walk or move periodically for a short period of time. The conventional method to record this movement is to have someone visiting the patient to verify his movement. Alternatively, some treatments required the patient to move a member of their body, such as hand, or leg, etc., periodically for a short period of time. Again, a physician or individual has to accompany the patient to make sure that the patient is moving this member. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION There is therefore provided, according to an aspect of the invention, a video-based monitoring system. The monitoring system comprises a video recording device having a field of view, wherein plural zones are defined within the field of view of the video recording device, each zone being associated with an algorithm for detecting movement in that zone; and a processing unit for receiving and processing video data from the video recording device. The processing unit may further comprise an analysis unit for classifying a movement in a zone based on the algorithm, a control unit for activating a response based on the classification, a detection unit for detecting movement, a video recording unit for recording the event, and/or a storage unit for storing a record the movement for future reference which may be store according to time and classification. Data may be transmitted over a wireless network. The analysis unit may classify the movement as one of no motion, motion-allowed, motion-required, motion-risky or motion-prohibited. The response activated by the control unit may be a remote monitor, a wireless device, a visual signal, an audio signal, or a dial-up connection. More than one video recording devices may be present, and the control unit or the analysis unit may receive data from plural recording devices. According to an other aspect of the invention, the video-based monitoring system is used to monitor a hospital room, where the zones may include one or more bed zones, a door zone, an activity zone, and a high risk zone. There is also disclosed a method of monitoring room confined patients. These and other aspects of the invention are referred to in the detailed description and claims that follow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS There will now be given a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the drawings, by way of illustration only and not limiting the scope of the invention, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which: FIG. 1a is a block diagram of the video based monitoring system; FIG. 1b is a detailed block diagram of the video based monitoring system; FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a room divided into zones; and FIG. 3 illustrates method steps according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A video based monitoring system is shown in FIG. 1a, where a monitoring and processing unit 101 is located to monitor the field of view of a camera located in an area, for example a hospital room. Monitoring unit 101 includes a video camera, infra-red camera or any other suitable type of sensor, which is connected by an RF, optical or wire link through a processing system described in relation to FIG. 1b, to remote display units 103 and 104. In FIG. 1b, monitoring unit 101 includes the sensor, such as video camera 112, detection and analysis unit 110 (a computer programmed with motion detection software), control unit 114 (for example a software platform implemented in a computer, such as the computer used for the analysis unit 110 or special purpose controller or the like) and network interface 116, which provides a link to the various display units 103, 104, 105 or alarms 108, 109. The detection and analysis unit 110 is configured, such as by suitable software, to define zones of interest in room 127. An exemplary set of zones is shown in FIG. 2. Outer bed zone 121 conforms to the outside edge of a bed, while interior bed zone 122 is inside the zone 121. An area near a door forms a door zone 123. A number of areas away from the door and bed form activity zones 124. Room 127 may also have furniture such as night tables 125 and dresser 126. The use of zones 121-124 within a room allow detection unit 110 to individually quantify the level of movement in each zone. Each zone has an associated ID or type, and corresponding algorithm for classifying the detected movement. Detection unit 110 identifies motion in each zone 121-124 using a conventional digital signal processing technique. For example, some digital signal processing techniques are frame difference, block matching, mesh-based motion tracking or any other motion tracking. These methods allow the frame to be divided into pixel blocks corresponding to the zones. The pixel blocks are stored and processed within the detection and analysis unit 110. The detection unit 110 may detect the change of the texture in the image within the zone and associate the movement with a type of possible event, such as moving in zone, crossing to a neighbor zone, or more than one zone has motion. The motion is recorded by the sensor 112 and then passed on to the analysis unit 110 that classifies this motion as a certain type of event. By defining algorithms for each zone, the user can assign a specific alarm for a specific event in each zone. For example, movement on the bed zone 122 may cause an alarm, or movement in the door zone 123 may cause an alarm. Some classifications may be motion-allowed, motion-required, motion-risky or motion-prohibited, although others may be defined according to the individual situation. According to the algorithm, each classification, or alarm, has a level of severity associated with a possible reaction. Once the motion is detected, the alarm will match the zone to a predefined event and the system will react with a predefined reaction. The reaction may be to cause the control unit 114 to provide a control signal through network interface 116 to a remote display 105 that will show the event, to cause an audible alarm 108 or a visual alarm such as flashing lights 109 to be activated, or to cause a handheld unit 106 to display a message, video, and/or emit an audible sound. The system 101 may also include a dial-up interface to call a central unit once an alarm is detected. Once the alarm is issued it can be cleared manually or the analysis unit 110 can be programmed to reset automatically after a period of time or after specific actions are taken. The alarm and event may then be stored in the storage unit 107 for post review or incident recording using any recording format such as mesh based coding, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 or any of the known recording mechanism with time stamp and event index to facilitate querying the incident later on. The storage media can be recurrent or non-recurrent and it can be a smart card, video tape or any suitable magnetic or optical recoding media. It will be understood that different arrangements of the system will be possible. For example, the room may be monitored by a video camera 112 which transmits the video feed across a network to a remote site, where the detection, analysis, and response generation takes place. Alternatively, each room may be equipped to detect and analyze, such that only a control signal to activate a response is sent across the network. As such, network interface 112 is not limited to a specific location, but is placed wherever it is needed. In addition, each step as described may be performed, for example, by a microprocessor in a computer, where each unit comprises a step in software on the computer used to monitor the area, and the storage media is the computer's hard drive, or removable storage media. As discussed above, the user will program algorithms corresponding to the various detecting zones within the field of view to reduce the risk to the patient according to the patients individual situation, and to count the activities. For example, with reference to FIG. 2: 1. The bed zones 121 and 122: The bed zones 121 and 122 may be programmed to watch for the risk of falling from bed. The bed is partitioned into zones 121 and 122 as shown in FIG. 2. If a motion took place in the zone 122 the system counts the motion. If the motion takes place within zone 122 but toward zone 121, the system tracks it and once the motion takes place in zone 121 an alarm will be sent to warn of a possible fall. 2. The door zone 123: The door zone 123 can be programmed to warn for motion inside the room 127 by the door. The door zone 123 will count any motion and detect the direction toward the door means leaving the room 127 and away from the door means inside the room 127. The system can send an alarm with each type of motion. The door zone 123 can be programmed to lock a patient in a room to prevent the patient from wandering. In this case, if motion were to take place the system would send an alarm. The door zone 123 can also be programmed with safety in mind, such that it will detect whether someone goes inside the room during non-visiting or non-treatment times. 3. The activity zones 124: The activity zones 124 are programmed to track the time and movement of a patient in these zones. The zones 124 will count how many periods of movement and the length of period of the movement and the time elapsed between different movement by the zone. 4. The high risk zones (not shown): The system may activate the alarm for any movement in these zones, for example, that are close to a window, a stove, or any source of danger to the patient. The method of operation will now be discussed with reference to FIG. 3. Referring to step 130, zones are defined, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, and algorithms are assigned to each zone within analysis unit 110. In step 132, sensor 112 constantly monitors its field of view with the zones as previously defined. In step 134, detection unit 110 detects motion, and causes recording unit 115 to record the event in step 136. In step 138, the event is then analyzed by analysis unit 110 to classify the movement based upon the zone and the corresponding, pre-defined algorithm, and in step 140, a decision is made based on the classification whether notification of the event is required. If not, the event is recorded in step 144 with a time stamp and the classification, and the system is reset to step 132 to continue monitoring the room. If notification is required, control unit 114 uses the classification to activate a suitable response in step 142. Note that alternatively, the control unit 114 could make the decision of whether a response is required. Some examples of possible responses are lights and/or sounds, a dial-up notification to a remote site, a message sent to a wireless, handheld device 106, activating a display 105, or means of notifying the person responsible for monitoring the subject. The event is recorded in step 144 with a time stamp and the classification. Once a response has been triggered, the system is then reset in step 146, either manually, after a specific time, or once a specified action has been detected. Using the bed zones 121 and 122 as an example, a response may be triggered when the subject moves from zone 122 toward zone 121, but may be reset once the subject moves back to the middle of the bed zone 122. The event is stored in storage unit 107 for later review. The record of events that is kept in this method may be useful to determine, for example, whether a patient has a tendency to wander, whether they are at a higher risk of falling out of bed, or whether a patient has been performing the movements required by a doctor, so that treatment and monitoring may be adjusted accordingly. It should be noted that, while the steps have been described as assigned to specific units, the roles of each unit may be adjusted according to the situation. For example, the detection unit and analysis unit 110 may be formed of separate detection and analysis components. In a hospital setting, more than one area may be monitored. In this situation, more than one sensor 112 may be used, which are in turn connected to individual or plural analysis units 110. If individual analysis units are used, then individual control units may be used. The determination will be made according to the software and available hardware. In any situation, it is necessary to distinguish between rooms with corresponding zones and algorithms that may be different from room to room. It is also possible to monitor hallways in this fashion, with suitable zones and algorithms being defined. The method and apparatus as described may also be useful in a variety of situations where monitoring is required. For example in a detention facility to monitor inmates, or in a back yard where a parent wishes to monitor the safety of their young child. In hospital application, the described system may have one or more of the following advantages: increase the nurses service efficiency with less effort, enable early release of patients and monitor them from home, provide record of movement or walking and minimize risk of fracture from falls. In home use, the described system has the advantage of allowing a hospital to connect to home for follow up, monitor an elderly person or a person with a mental disorder and help reduce retirement problems. Applications include: patient fall prevention, detection of wandering patients, remote tele-video, documentation of patient movement, assisting the nurse and medical personnel with a hand held device that can access the monitoring locations and accessibility to the monitoring system by outside authenticated links. Various benefits of using the system may include service cost reduction with higher efficiency from using fewer nursing staff and more effective in delivering service, reduce the number of broken hips or other incidents for patients, remote video for expert consultations, remote video for family—less visitors on site, and remote video for monitoring from home to the hospital which leads to earlier patient dispatch for non-critical conditions. Other characteristics include use of infrared/color video camera, intelligent surveillance for patient's rooms and hospital hallways 24/7, an alert for special events such as patient falling from bed (an event shown by the patient moving from the bed zone to outside the bed zone and then not moving), detection of general patient movement, visitor movements or intruders at non-treatment time or false interaction, and digital incident recording for verification, all without requiring major infrastructure. Immaterial modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments described here without departing from the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Patients and individuals during hospitalization or during a stay in an extended care unit or after an event in their home require lots of attention and care from the nursing staff, hospital personnel, or care givers. Special care is needed for elderly and those suffering from mental disorders or other types of medical disease, which often require 24 hour supervision to prevent accidents. For example, the danger of a person falling from bed while sleeping may result in an accident such as hip fracture, broken bones, sores, etc. In the case of an elderly person, these accidents may prove fatal. The current system only allows for detection of falling and raising an alarm for a potential fall. In another example, some courses of treatment may require a patient to walk or move periodically for a short period of time. The conventional method to record this movement is to have someone visiting the patient to verify his movement. Alternatively, some treatments required the patient to move a member of their body, such as hand, or leg, etc., periodically for a short period of time. Again, a physician or individual has to accompany the patient to make sure that the patient is moving this member. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>There is therefore provided, according to an aspect of the invention, a video-based monitoring system. The monitoring system comprises a video recording device having a field of view, wherein plural zones are defined within the field of view of the video recording device, each zone being associated with an algorithm for detecting movement in that zone; and a processing unit for receiving and processing video data from the video recording device. The processing unit may further comprise an analysis unit for classifying a movement in a zone based on the algorithm, a control unit for activating a response based on the classification, a detection unit for detecting movement, a video recording unit for recording the event, and/or a storage unit for storing a record the movement for future reference which may be store according to time and classification. Data may be transmitted over a wireless network. The analysis unit may classify the movement as one of no motion, motion-allowed, motion-required, motion-risky or motion-prohibited. The response activated by the control unit may be a remote monitor, a wireless device, a visual signal, an audio signal, or a dial-up connection. More than one video recording devices may be present, and the control unit or the analysis unit may receive data from plural recording devices. According to an other aspect of the invention, the video-based monitoring system is used to monitor a hospital room, where the zones may include one or more bed zones, a door zone, an activity zone, and a high risk zone. There is also disclosed a method of monitoring room confined patients. These and other aspects of the invention are referred to in the detailed description and claims that follow. | 20040727 | 20091103 | 20060202 | 69185.0 | H04N576 | 1 | MEHMOOD, JENNIFER | VIDEO BASED MONITORING SYSTEM | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | H04N | 2,004 |
|
10,899,079 | ACCEPTED | Method to control blood and filtrate flowing through an extracorporeal device | A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling blood flow through an extracorporeal blood circuit having a controller comprising the steps of: withdrawing the blood from a withdrawl blood vessel in a patient into the extracorporeal circuit, treating the blood in the circuit and infusing the treated blood into the patient; detecting an occlusion which at least partially blocks the withdrawl or infusion of the blood; reducing the blood flow rate and the rate of filtration in response to the occlusion, and further prompting the patient to move his arm in an effort to alleviate the occlusion. | 1. A method for controlling blood flow through an extracorporeal blood circuit having a controller comprising: a. withdrawing the blood from a patient into the extracorporeal circuit, treating the blood in the circuit, and infusing the treated blood into the patient; b. detecting an occlusion that at least partially blocks the withdrawal or infusion of the blood; c. in response to the detection of the occlusion, the controller automatically prompts the patient to move to alleviate the occlusion; d. continuing the withdrawal, treatment and infusion of blood if the occlusion is alleviated after step (c), and e. ceasing the withdrawal of blood if the occlusion is not alleviated within a predetermined time to cessation period after step (c), wherein steps (a) to (e) are performed automatically. 2. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 further comprises issuing an alarm after a predetermined time to alarm period following the detection of the occlusion, wherein the time to alarm period is shorter than the predetermined time to cessation period. 3. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 2 wherein the alarm in step (d) is issued at least after 30 seconds has elapsed since the occlusion is detected and the occlusion has not been alleviated. 4. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 3 wherein the alarm is automatically terminated when the occlusion is alleviated. 5. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 4 wherein the alarm is terminated after five minutes. 6. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein step (c) further includes reducing a blood flow rate in response to the detection of the occlusion and the prompt of the patient follows the flow rate reduction. 7. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein step (c) includes reducing a flow rate of blood through the circuit and further comprises increasing the flow rate of blood after detecting that the occlusion has been alleviated. 8. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein step (e) includes ceasing blood flow through the circuit. 9. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein step (c) includes indicating to the patient to move a particular arm. 10. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein step (c) includes indicating whether the occlusion is in the withdrawal blood vessel or in an infusion blood vessel. 11. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein in step (c) the prompt to the patient is an audible response. 12. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein in step (c) the prompt to the patient is a synthetic voice prompt generated by the controller. 13. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein in step (c) the prompt to the patient is a visual response. 14. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein in step (c) the prompt to the patient is a text message generated on the screen display. 15. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein in step (c) the prompt to the patient is an icon generated on the screen display. 16. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 further comprising ceasing blood flow through the circuit after the controller issues an alarm. 17. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein the blood circuit includes a blood filter, and further comprises step (e) of reducing a flow of filtrate from the filter in response to a reduction of blood flow through the filter and step (f) of increasing the flow of filtrate after the occlusion is alleviated. 18. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein the blood circuit includes a blood filter and further reducing a flow of filtrate from the filter in response to an increase of the suction pressure applied at a filtrate output of the filter, and increasing the flow of filtrate after the suction pressure applied at a filtrate output decreases. 19. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein the blood circuit includes a blood filter, and further comprises temporarily ceasing a flow of filtrate from the filter in response to a reduction of blood flow through the filter and resuming the flow of filtrate after the occlusion is alleviated. 20. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein step (b) is performed by detecting a withdrawal pressure or infusion pressure crossing a predetermined threshold value. 21. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 1 wherein step (d) further comprises detecting alleviation of the occlusion by sensing a pressure change in the withdrawal or infusion of the blood. 22. A method for controlling blood flow through an extracorporeal blood ultrafiltration circuit having a controller comprising: a. selecting a desired filtration rate for the ultrafiltration circuit to extract filtrate for an ultrafiltration treatment; b. withdrawing the blood from a patient into the extracorporeal circuit, filtering the blood to extract filtrates at the desired filtration rate, and infusing the filtered blood into the patient; c. detecting a pressure of the blood being withdrawn or infused exceeding a predetermined threshold pressure value; d. reducing a blood flow rate through the circuit in response to the detection of the pressure exceeding the threshold; e. in connection with step (d), reducing a rate of filtrate extraction to a rate less than the desired filtration rate; f. increasing the blood flow rate through the circuit after determining that the pressure of the blood being withdrawn or infused is within the threshold pressure value, and g. increasing the filtration rate after step (f). 23. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 22 wherein step (e) includes reducing the rate of filtrate extraction to substantially cease filtration. 24. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 22 wherein step (e) includes reducing the rate of filtrate extraction proportionally to the reduction of blood flow rate through the circuit. 25. A method for controlling blood flow as in claim 22 further comprised step (h) of prompting the patient to move after step (c) and before step (f). 26. A method for controlling filtration in a blood circuit having withdrawal and infusion blood passages connected to a patient, a filter, a blood pump, and a filtrate pump, said method comprising: a. withdrawing the blood from a patient into the blood circuit, filtering liquid ultrafiltrate from the blood in the filter, and infusing the filtered blood into the patient; b. controlling a filtrate flow from the filter to maintain an filtrate flow pressure above a predetermined pressure value; c. in response to a reduction of blood flow through the blood circuit, automatically reducing the filtrate flow. 27. A method for controlling ultrafiltration in a blood circuit as claim 26 wherein the blood circuit includes a filtrate pump controlling the flow of filtrate from the filter, and step (b) is performed by controlling a speed of the filtrate pump. 28. A method for controlling ultrafiltration in a blood circuit as claim 26 wherein step (c) is performed by automatically and temporarily ceasing the flow of filtrate. 29. A method for controlling ultrafiltration in a blood circuit as claim 26 wherein step (c) is performed by reducing the filtrate flow proportionally to the reduction of blood flow. 30. A method for controlling filtration in a blood circuit as claim 26 further comprising issuing an alarm if the flow rate of filtration remains below a predetermined ultrafiltration flow rate for a prolonged period. 31. A method for controlling filtration in a blood circuit as claim 30 where the prolonged period is at least 5 minutes. 32. A method for controlling filtration in a blood circuit as claim 26 further comprising issuing an alarm if the amount of ultrafiltrate obtained in a predetermined period is less than a predetermined amount. 33. A method for controlling filtration in a blood circuit as claim 32 wherein the predetermined period is 30 minutes. | CROSS RELATED APPLICATION This application is a divisional of and claims priority to application Ser. No. 10/073,855 filed Feb. 14, 2002. FIELD OF INVENTION The invention relates to the field of controllers for blood treatment devices and systems that withdraw and infuse blood from patients. The invention is particularly suitable for blood filtration systems which are coupled to patients for several hours during each treatment. The invention also relates to controllers for medical devices that distinguish and react appropriately to minor device difficulties that may be cured automatically or by the patient, and to more serious difficulties that require the attention of a nurse or other medical professional. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are a number of medical treatments, such as ultrafiltration, apheresis and dialysis, that require blood to be temporarily withdrawn from a patient, treated and returned to the body shortly thereafter. While the blood is temporarily outside of the body, it flows through an “extracorporeal blood circuit” of tubes, filters, pumps and/or other medical components. In some treatments, the blood flow is propelled by the patient's blood pressure and gravity, and no artificial pump is required. In other treatments, blood pumps provide additional force to move the blood through the circuit and control the flow rate of blood through the circuit. These pumps may be peristaltic or roller pumps, which are easy to sterilize, are known to cause minimal clotting and damage to the blood cells, and are inexpensive and reliable. Brushed and brushless DC motors are commonly used to rotate peristaltic pumps. A motor controller regulates the rotational speed of blood pumps. The speed of a pump, expressed as rotations per minute (RPM), regulates the flow rate of the blood through the circuit. Each revolution of the pump moves a known volume of blood through the circuit. The blood flow rate through the circuit can be easily derived from the pump speed. Accordingly, the pump speed provides a relatively accurate indicator for the volume flow of blood through an extracorporeal circuit. Existing blood pump controllers include various alarms and interlocks that are set by a nurse or a medical technician (collectively referred to as the operator), and are intended to protect the patient. In a typical dialysis apparatus, the blood withdrawal and blood return pressures are measured in real time, so that sudden pressure changes are quickly detected. Sudden pressure changes in the blood circuit are treated as indicating an occlusion or a disconnect in the circuit. The detection of a sudden pressure change causes the controller to stop the pump and cease withdrawal of blood. The nurse or operator sets the alarm limits for the real time pressure measurements well beyond the expected normal operating pressure for the selected blood flow, but within a safe pressure operating range. Existing controllers do not distinguish between minor blood pump problems that can be safely and easily solved automatically by the controller or by the patient, and more serious problems that require a nurse or other medical professional to attend to the patient and blood circuit. For example, existing controllers typically stop their pumps and issue alarms, upon detection of a partial occlusion in the blood circuit. In response to each alarm of an occlusion in the blood circuit, a nurse attends to the patient, inspects the blood pump and associate catheters, and restarts the pump. Until the nurse restarts the blood pump, the filtration treatment is being delayed. Partial occlusions in a blood circuit are relatively common occurrences. Nurses frequently have to attend to patients and extracorporeal blood circuits to correct partial occlusions. The delay in restarting the blood pump extends and exacerbates the blood treatment, which may be a period of several hours. The frequent alarms for partial occlusions increase the workload on nurses and the amount of time that they must devote to an individual patient undergoing ultrafiltration treatment. U.S. Pat. No. 4,227,526 describes a home-treatment dialysis machine that issues audio instructions to the patient on how to correct certain malfunctions, including excessive pressure in the extracorporeal blood circulation circuit. This device is intended for use at home, where there is no nurse or other medical professional present. The dialysis machine disclosed in the '526 Patent does not discriminate between minor dialysis malfunctions that should be treated by the patient, and more serious malfunctions that require treatment by a nurse. U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,684 describes a blood drawing apparatus that detects low blood flow in the blood withdrawal catheter and prompts a patient to restore blood flow by squeezing a hand gripper. The device disclosed in the '684 Patent also does not discriminate between minor occlusion problems and more serious problems. In addition, the devices disclosed in the '526 Patent and in the '684 Patent do not allow a patient to differentiate between withdrawal and infusion lines of a blood circuit. With the devices disclosed in the '526 and '684 Patents, a nurse is not informed as to serious problems, and with minor occlusion difficulties there is no indication as to whether the difficulty has arisen in the withdrawal or infusion catheters, which are generally inserted in different arms of the patient. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION There is a long-felt need for controllers for an extracoporeal blood circuit that discriminates between minor difficulties that can be cured automatically or by prompting the patient to take corrective action, and more serious problems that require the attention of a nurse or other medical professional. For example, there is a need for a controller for an extracorporeal blood circuit that can automatically reacts to partial occlusions in a blood withdrawal or infusion catheter or prompt the patient to move his arm or body to alleviate the occlusion. It may be advantageous for the controller to distinguish between minor difficulties in the blood circuit, such as partial occlusions, and more serious problems, such as total occlusions or extended partial occlusions. For more serious problems, the controller may issue an alarm to a nurse. There is also a need for a blood treatment controller that identifies for a patient a particular arm (or other body part) to be moved so as to alleviate a partial occlusion in a withdrawal or infusion catheter. A novel blood withdrawal system has been developed that enables rapid and safe recovery from occlusions in a withdrawal vein without participation of an operator, loss of circuits to clotting, or annoying alarms. A controller has been developed that compensates for and remedies temporary vein collapse during blood withdrawal or infusion. Not all episodes of a vein collapse require intervention from a doctor or nurse, and do not require that blood withdrawal ceased for an extended period. For example, vein collapse can temporarily occur when the patient moves or a venous spasm causes the vein to collapse in a manner that is too rapid to anticipate and temporary. There has been a long-felt need for a control system for an extracorporeal circuit that can automatically recover from temporary occlusions. The controller may also temporarily stops blood withdrawal when vein collapse occurs and, in certain circumstances, infuses blood into the collapsed vein to reopen the collapsed vein. Further, the controller may stop or slow filtration during periods of reduced blood flow through the blood circuits so as to prevent excessive removal of liquids from the blood of a patient. Moreover, the controller may prompt a patient to move an arm or his body to alleviate a partial occlusion in a withdrawal or infusion vein. In response to occlusion blood and ultrafiltrate pump rates are reduced automatically. If occlusion is removed, these flow rates are restored immediately and automatically. The patient is prompted to move, if the occlusion persists for more than a few seconds. The operator is alarmed if occlusions are prolonged or frequent. An alarm is canceled automatically if the occlusion is alleviated, and blood and ultrafiltrate flows are restored. Peripheral vein access presents unique problems that make it difficult for a blood withdrawal controller to maintain constant flow and not to create hazards for the patient. These problems are unlike those encountered with conventional dialysis treatments that rely on a surgically created arterio-venous shunt or fistula to withdraw blood and are administered in controlled dialysis centers. Using the present controller, for example, a patient may stand up during treatment and thereby increase the static pressure head height on the infusion side resulting in a false occlusion. The controller adjusts the blood flow rate through the extracorporeal circuit to accommodate for pressure changes. As the patient rises each centimeter (cm), the measured pressure in the extracorporeal circuit may increase by 0.73 mm Hg (milliliter of mercury). A change in height of 30 cm (approximately 1 ft) will result in a pressure change of 21 mm Hg. In addition, the patient may bend his/her arm during treatment and, thereby, reduce the blood flow to the withdrawal vein. As the flow through the withdrawal catheter decreases, the controller reduces pump speed to reduce the withdrawal pressure level. Moreover, the blood infusion side of the blood circulation circuit may involve similar pressure variances. These infusion side pressure changes are also monitored by the controller which may adjust the pump to accommodate such changes. The controller may be incorporated into a blood withdrawal and infusion pressure control system which optimizes blood flow at or below a preset rate in accordance with a controller algorithm that is determined for each particular make or model of an extraction and infusion extracorporeal blood system. The controller is further a blood flow control system that uses a real time pressure measurement as a feedback signal that is applied to control the withdrawal and infusion pressures within flow rate and pressure limits that are determined in real time as a function of the flow withdrawn from peripheral vein access. The controller may govern the pump speed based on control algorithms and in response to pressure signals from pressure sensors that detect pressures in the blood flow at various locations in the extracorporeal circuit. One example of a control algorithm is a linear relationship between a minimum withdrawal pressure and withdrawal blood flow. Another possible control algorithm is a maximum withdrawal flow rate. Similarly, a control algorithm may be specified for the infusion pressure of the blood returned to the patient. In operation, the controller seeks a maximum blood flow rate that satisfies the control algorithms by monitoring the blood pressure in the withdrawal tube (and optionally in the infusion tube) of the blood circuit, and by controlling the flow rate with a variable pump speed. The controller uses the highest anticipated resistance for the circuit and does not adjust flow until this resistance has been exceeded. If the maximum flow rate results in a pressure level outside of the pressure limit for the existing flow rate, the controller responds by reducing the flow rate, such as by reducing the speed of a roller pump, until the pressure in the circuit is no greater than the minimum (or maximum for infusion) variable pressure limit. The controller automatically adjusts the pump speed to regulate the flow rate and the pressure in the circuit. In this manner, the controller maintains the blood pressure in the circuit within both the flow rate limit and the variable pressure limits that have been preprogrammed or entered in the controller. In normal operation, the controller causes the pump to drive the blood through the extracorporeal circuit at a set maximum flow rate. In addition, the controller monitors the pressure to ensure that it conforms to the programmed variable pressure vs. flow limit. Each pressure vs. flow limit prescribes a minimum (or maximum) pressure in the withdrawal tube (or infusion tube) as a function of blood flow rate. If the blood pressure falls or rises beyond the pressure limit for a current flow rate, the controller adjusts the blood flow by reducing the pump speed. With the reduced blood flow, the pressure should rise in the withdrawal tube (or fall in the return infusion tube). The controller may continue to reduce the pump speed, until the pressure conforms to the pressure limit for the then current flow rate. When the pressure of the adjusted blood flow, e.g., a reduced flow, is no less than (or no greater than) the pressure limit for that new flow rate (as determined by the variable pressure vs. flow condition), the controller maintains the pump speed and operation of the blood circuit at a constant rate. The controller may gradually advance the flow rate in response to an improved access condition, provided that the circuit remains in compliance with the maximum rate and the pressure vs. flow limit. The controller has several advantages over the prior art including (without limitation): that the controller adjusts the pump speed to regulate the blood flow rate and maintain the blood pressure within prescribed limits, without requiring the attention of or adjustment by an operator; the controller adjusts blood flow in accordance with an occlusion pressure limit that varies with flow rate; the controller adaptively responds to partial occlusions in the withdrawal blood flow, and the controller prompts the patient to move a particular arm or move his body to alleviate partial occlusions in a withdrawal or infusion line. In addition, the controller discriminates between minor problems with the blood flow, such as a partial occlusion, that may it may automatically respond to by reducing pump speed or by prompting the patient to move an arm, and more serious problems, such as prolonged or excessive occlusions, that require an alarm to call for a nurse. Moreover, the controller may suspend or slow the rate of removal of filtrates from the blood during periods of reduced blood flow through the blood circuit. Further, the controller implements other safety features, such as to detect the occurrence of total unrecoverable occlusions in the circuit and disconnections of the circuit, which can cause the controller to interpret that blood loss is occurring through the extracorporeal circuit to the external environment and stop the pump. In a first embodiment, the invention is a method for controlling blood flow through an extracorporeal blood circuit having a controller comprising the steps of: withdrawing the blood from a withdrawal blood vessel in a patient into the extracorporeal circuit, treating the blood in the circuit and infusing the treated blood into the patient; detecting an occlusion which at least partially blocks the withdrawal or infusion of the blood; in response to the detection of the occlusion, the controller automatically prompts the patient to move to alleviate the occlusion, and in response to a prolonged occlusion, the controller issues an alarm. In a second embodiment, the invention is a method for controlling blood flow through an extracorporeal blood ultrafiltration circuit having a controller comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a desired filtration rate for the ultrafiltration circuit to extra filtrate for an ultrafiltration treatment; (b) withdrawing the blood from a withdrawal blood vessel in a patient into the extracorporeal circuit, filtering the blood to extract filtrates at the desired filtration rate, and infusing the filtered blood into the patient; (c) detecting a pressure of the blood being withdrawn or infused beyond a predetermined threshold pressure value; (d) reducing a blood flow rate through the circuit in response to the detection of the variation in pressure; (e) reducing a rate of filtrate extraction to a rate less than the desired filtration rate and no greater than twenty percent of a rate of blood flow through the circuit; (f) increasing the blood flow rate through the circuit after determining that the pressure of the blood being withdrawn or infused is within the threshold pressure value, and (g) increasing the filtration rate after step (e). SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment and best mode of the invention is illustrated in the attached drawings that are described as follows: FIG. 1 illustrates the treatment of a patient with an ultrafiltration system (an exemplary extracorporeal blood circuit) using a controller in accordance with the present invention to monitor and control pressure and flow in an extracorporeal blood circuit. FIG. 2 illustrates the operation and fluid path of the extracorporeal blood circuit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a chart of the withdrawal occlusion and disconnect limits applied by the controller. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an algorithm to implement the occlusion and disconnect limits shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, and showing how the blood withdrawal and infusion occlusion and disconnect pressures are calculated as a function of measured blood flow. FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an algorithm showing a blood withdrawal and infusion PIFF pressure control algorithm to be implemented by the controller. FIG. 6 is a chart of infusion occlusion and disconnect limits for the ultrafiltration system. FIG. 7 is a component diagram of the controller (including controller CPU (central processing unit), monitoring CPU and motor CPU), and of the sensor inputs and actuator outputs that interact with the controller. FIG. 8 is an illustration of the system response to the partial occlusion of the withdrawal vein in a patient. FIG. 9 is an illustration of the system response to the complete occlusion and temporary collapse of the withdrawal vein in a patient. FIG. 10 is a controller flow chart of an algorithm for determining ultrafiltrate blood flow. FIG. 11 is a graph showing the effects of an occlusion on blood and ultrafiltrate flow. FIG. 12 is controller flow chart for determining ultrafiltrate flow based on ultrafiltrate pressure. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an ultrafiltration pressure controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A pump controller has been developed which may be incorporated in an extracorporeal blood circuit system. The disclosed system in an exemplary embodiment withdraws blood from a peripheral vein of a patient, processes the blood, e.g., passes the blood through a pump and filter, and returns the blood to the same or another peripheral vein. The vein used for blood withdrawal may be in a different arm of the patient than the vein used for blood infusion. The pump controller monitors the blood pressure in the blood circuit and adjusts the speed of the pump (and hence the blood flow rate through the circuit) to comply with multiple limits on the pressure level and flow rates in the circuit. In addition, the controller promptly reacts to any changes in the pressure in the circuit. The withdrawal and infusion of blood from a peripheral vein (or peripheral artery) in a mammalian patient (whether the patient is a human or other mammal) presents unique problems, which have been successfully addressed by the controller disclosed here. A peripheral vein in a human is a hollow tube, having approximately a 2 to 4 mm internal diameter. The wall of the vein is soft, flexible and not structurally self-supporting. Blood pressure in the vein is required to keep the blood passage open and blood flowing through the vein. In a human vein, normal blood pressure in a vein is between 5 and 20 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). The blood flow through a peripheral vein generally ranges between 50 and 200 ml/min (milliliters per minute). Maintaining adequate pressure in a blood vessel from which blood is being withdrawn ensures that the vessel remains open to the flow of blood. The vein will collapse if the pressure drops excessively in a blood vessel, e.g., a vein. If the pressure in the vein becomes sub-atmospheric, the outside atmospheric pressure acting on the body will cause the vein to collapse. An extracorporeal blood circuit draws blood from a peripheral vein (or artery) by applying a low pressure to a blood withdrawal tube attached to a catheter inserted into the vein. The pressure in the withdrawal tube is lower than the blood pressure in the vein. Due to this low pressure, some blood in the vein is drawn into the catheter and withdrawal tube. The lower pressure in the withdrawal tube and catheter is created by a pump in the blood circuit system that draws blood through the circuit and, in doing so, reduces the pressure in the withdrawal tube that is upstream of the pump. The reduced pressure in the withdrawal tube also reduces the pressure in the catheter and in the peripheral vein in which the catheter needle is inserted. The reduced pressure in the vein near the catheter creates a potential risk of withdrawing blood from a peripheral vein too quickly and collapsing the vein. If the rate of blood flow into the withdrawal catheter is too great, the blood pressure in the vein will drop below that pressure required to keep the vein open and the vein will begin to collapse. As the vein collapses around the catheter, the blood flow into the catheter and the blood circuit is gradually reduced due to restrictions (“occlusions”) in the collapsing vein. As the blood flow into the blood circuit decreases, the pressure in the withdrawal line drops further because the pump (if it remains at a constant speed) is still attempting to pull blood through the circuit at a constant rate. Thus, the pump can accelerate the collapse of the withdrawal vein by exacerbating the pressure drop in the vein, unless the speed of the pump is reduced before the vein fully collapses. The novel pressure controller disclosed here prevents complete vein collapse by reducing the blood withdrawal flow rate in response to a pressure drop in a withdrawal tube. If the vein collapses nevertheless intermittently, the controller facilitates recovery and continues the blood withdrawal. A pressure sensor in the withdrawal tube monitors the blood pressure in real time. If and when a pressure drop is detected which exceeds the specified allowed limit in the withdrawal line, the controller (which receives and processes the pressure sensor signal) slows the blood pump to reduce the flow rate of blood being withdrawn from the peripheral vein. By slowing the withdrawal flow, the pressure in the withdrawal line and peripheral vein near the catheter may return to a higher level. This pressure increase will hopefully be sufficient to prevent vein collapse, before it actually occurs and allow for a continued withdrawal blood flow (albeit at a reduced withdrawal flow). However, if the pressure in the withdrawal line does not sufficiently elevate and the vein continues to fully collapse, the controller will detect the continued low pressure in the withdrawal line and continue to reduce the pump flow until the pump stops. In addition, the controller prompts the patient to move his arm or his body to alleviate a reduced withdrawal pressure (or increased infusion pressure) condition caused by partial vein collapse. The controller prompts a patient to alleviate minor partial occlusion problems and automatically resumes the desired higher blood rate, once the patient has alleviated the occlusion. The controller will not issue an alarm to a nurse, unless the controller determines that the occlusion is more serious, such as the frequency of partial occlusions is too high. For example, excessive frequency of occlusions may be if the blood pump reverses blood flow in the circuit (to alleviate an occlusion in the withdrawal vein) more than five times in a 30 second interval. An alarm may also (or alternatively) be triggered if the rate of removal of filtrate from the blood is too low. An alarm may issue if the rate of ultrafiltration removal from the blood is below a target amount over a certain time period, such as 5 to 30 minutes. Inadequate ultrafiltrate over such a period indicates frequent or persistent occlusions resulting in persistently removing less ultrafiltrate than desired. The amount of ultrafiltrate can be monitored based on the rotation of the ultrafiltrate pump flow (which provides a measure of the ultrafiltrate flow rate) or by monitoring the weight scale for the ultrafiltrate bag. The controller includes a microprocessor and memory for storing data and software control algorithms. The microprocessor receives input signals from pressure sensors regarding the blood and ultrafiltrate pressures in the extracorporeal circuit, and from the pump regarding the pump speed. The microprocessor processes these input signals, applies the control algorithms and generates control signals that regulate the pump and hence the flow rate of blood and/or ultrafiltrate through the circuit. The controller may regulate blood withdrawn from a peripheral vein to a flow rate in a normal range of 0 to 150 ml/min (milliliters per minute). An operator may select a maximum withdrawal flow rate within this normal pressure range at which the blood filtering system is to operate. The controller will maintain the flow rate at or near the desired flow rate, provided that there is compliance with a pressure vs. flow rate limit control algorithm. The controller maintains the withdrawal blood flow rate at the selected maximum flow rate, but automatically reduces the flow rate if the pressure in the system falls below a pressure limit for the actual flow rate. Thus, if there develops a partial flow restriction in the withdrawal vein or in the extracorporeal system, the controller will react by reducing the flow rate. The controller optimizes blood flow at or below a preset maximum flow rate in accordance with one or more pressure vs. flow algorithms. These algorithms may be stored in memory of the controller which includes a processor, e.g., microprocessor; memory for data and program storage; input/output (I/O) devices for interacting with a human operator, for receiving feedback signals, e.g., pressure signals, from the blood circuit and possibly other systems, e.g., patient condition, and for issuing commands to control the pump speed; and data busses to allow the controller components to communicate with one another. The control algorithms may include (without limitation): maximum flow settings for an individual patient treatment that is entered by the operator, a data listing of acceptable withdrawal/line pressures for each of a series of flow rates, and mathematical equations, e.g., linear, which correlates acceptable pressure to a flow rate. The algorithms may be determined for each particular make or model of an extraction and infusion extracorporeal blood system. In the present embodiment, the pressure vs. flow rate curves for occlusion and disconnect for the specified blood circuits are preprogrammed into the system. Feedback signals are also used by the controller to confirm that the control algorithms are being satisfied. A real time pressure sensor signal from the withdrawal tube may be transmitted (via wire or wireless) to the controller. This pressure signal is applied by the controller as a feedback signal to compare the actual pressure with the pressure limits stored in memory of the controller for the current flow rate through the blood circuit. Based on this comparison, the controller sends control commands to adjust the speed of the pump motor, which controls the withdrawal and infusion pressures in the blood circuit. Using the pressure feedback signal, the controller ensures that the flow rate in the circuit complies with the variable pressure limits. Moreover, the pressure is monitored in real time every 10 ms (milliseconds) so that the controller may continually determine whether the flow rate/pressure is acceptable. This is achieved by looking at the average flow rate over a consecutive one second period, and if the flow is less than a preset rate, the pump is stopped. The exemplary extracorporeal blood circuit described here is for an ultrafiltration apparatus designed for the extraction of plasma water from human blood. To extract plasma water (ultrafiltrate), the apparatus includes a filter. The filter has a membrane that is permeable to water and small molecules, and impermeable to blood cells, proteins and other large solutes particles. FIG. 1 illustrates the treatment of a fluid overloaded patient with an ultrafiltration apparatus 100. The patient 101, such as a human or other mammal, may be treated while in bed or sitting in a chair and may be conscious or asleep. The apparatus may be attached to the patient in a doctor's office, an outpatient clinic, and may even be suitable for use at home (provided that adequate supervision of a doctor or other medically trained person is present). The patient need not be confined to an intensive care unit (ICU), does not require surgery to be attached to the ultrafiltration apparatus, and does not need specialized care or the continual presence of medical attendants. To initiate ultrafiltration treatment, two standard 18G (gage) catheter needles, a withdrawal needle 102 and a infusion (return) needle 103, are introduced into suitable peripheral veins (on the same or different arms) for the withdrawal and return of the blood. This procedure of inserting needles is similar to that used for inserting catheter needles to withdraw blood or for intravenous (IV) therapy. The needles are attached to withdrawal tubing 104 and return tubing 105, respectively. The tubing may be secured to skin with adhesive tape. The ultrafiltration apparatus includes a blood pump console 106 and a blood circuit 107. The console includes two rotating roller pumps that move blood and ultrafiltrate fluids through the circuit, and the circuit is mounted on the console. The blood circuit includes a continuous blood passage between the withdrawal catheter 102 and the return catheter 103. The blood circuit includes a blood filter 108; pressure sensors 109 (in withdrawal tube), 110 (in return tube) and 111 (in filtrate output tube); an ultrafiltrate collection bag 112 and tubing lines to connect these components and form a continuous blood passage from the withdrawal to the infusion catheters an ultrafiltrate passage from the filter to the ultrafiltrate bag. The blood passage through the circuit is preferably continuous, smooth and free of stagnate blood pools and air/blood interfaces. These passages with continuous airless blood flow reduce the damping of pressure signals by the system and allows for a higher frequency response pressure controller, which allows the pressure controller to adjust the pump velocity more quickly to changes in pressure, thereby maintaining accurate pressure control without causing oscillation. The components of the circuit may be selected to provide smooth and continuous blood passages, such as a long, slender cylindrical filter chamber, and pressure sensors having cylindrical flow passage with electronic sensors embedded in a wall of the passage. The circuit may come in a sterile package and is intended that each circuit be used for a single treatment. A more detailed description of an exemplary blood circuit is included in commonly owned and co-pending U.S. Pat. No. ______ (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/660,195, filed Sep. 12, 2000, and assigned attorney docket No. 3659-17), which is incorporated by reference. The circuit mounts on the blood and ultrafiltrate pumps 113 (for blood passage) and 114 (for filtrate output of filter). The circuit can be mounted, primed and prepared for operation within minutes by one operator. The operator of the blood ultrafiltration apparatus 100, e.g., a nurse or medical technician, sets the maximum rate at which fluid is to be removed from the blood of the patient. These settings are entered into the blood pump console 106 using the user interface, which may include a display 115 and control panel 116 with control keys for entering maximum flow rate and other controller settings. Information to assist the user in priming, setup and operation is displayed on the LCD (liquid crystal display) 115. The ultrafiltrate is withdrawn by the ultrafiltrate pump 114 into a graduated collection bag 112. When the bag is full, ultrafiltration stops until the bag is emptied. The controller may determine when the bag is filled by determining the amount of filtrate entering the bag based on the volume displacement of the ultrafiltrate pump in the filtrate line and filtrate pump speed, or by receiving a signal indicative of the weight of the collection bag. As the blood is pumped through the circuit, an air detector 117 monitors for the presence of air in the blood circuit. A blood leak detector 118 in the ultrafiltrate output monitors for the presence of a ruptured filter. Signals from the air detector and/or blood leak detector may be transmitted to the controller, which in turn issues an alarm if a blood leak or air is detected in the ultrafiltrate or blood tubing passages of the extracorporeal circuit. FIG. 2 illustrates the operation and fluid paths of blood and ultrafiltrate through the blood circuit 107. Blood is withdrawn from the patient through an 18 Gage or similar withdrawal needle 102. The withdrawal needle 102 is inserted into a suitable peripheral vein in the patient's arm. The blood flow from the peripheral vein into the withdrawal tubing 104 is dependent on the fluid pressure in that tubing which is controlled by a roller pump 113 on the console 106. The length of withdrawal tubing between the withdrawal catheter and pump 113 may be approximately two meters. The withdrawal tubing and the other tubing in the blood circuit may be formed of medical PVC (polyvinyl chloride) of the kind typically used for IV (intravenous) lines which generally has an internal diameter (ID) of 3.2 mm. IV line tubing may form most of the blood passage through the blood circuit and have a generally constant ID throughout the passage. The pressure sensors may also have a blood passage that is contiguous with the passages through the tubing and the ID of the passage in the sensors may be similar to the ID in the tubing. It is preferable that the entire blood passage through the blood circuit (from the withdrawal catheter to the return catheter) have substantially the same diameter (with the possible exception of the filter) so that the blood flow velocity is substantially uniform and constant through the circuit. A benefit of a blood circuit having a uniform ID and substantially continuous flow passages is that the blood tends to flow uniformly through the circuit, and does not form stagnant pools within the circuit where clotting may occur. The roller blood pump 113 is rotated by a brushless DC motor housed within the console 106. The pump includes a rotating mechanism with orbiting rollers that are applied to a half-loop 119 in the blood passage tubing of the blood circuit. The orbital movement of the rollers applied to tubing forces blood to move through the circuit. This half-loop segment may have the same ID as does the other blood tubing portions of the blood circuit. The pump may displace approximately 1 ml (milliliter) of blood through the circuit for each full orbit of the rollers. If the orbital speed of the pump is 60 RPM (revolutions per minute), then the blood circuit may withdraw 60 ml/min of blood, filter the blood and return it to the patient. The speed of the blood pump 113 may be adjusted by the controller to be fully occlusive until a pressure limit of 15 psig (pounds per square inch above gravity) is reached. At pressures greater than 15 psig, the pump rollers relieve because the spring force occluding the tube will be exceeded and the pump flow rate will no longer be directly proportional to the motor velocity because the rollers will not be fully occlusive and will be relieving fluid. This safety feature ensures the pump is incapable of producing pressure that could rupture the filter. The withdrawal pressure sensor 109 is a flow-through type sensor suitable for blood pressure measurements. It is preferable that the sensor have no bubble traps, separation diaphragms or other features included in the sensor that might cause stagnant blood flow and lead to inaccuracies in the pressure measurement. The withdrawal pressure sensor is designed to measure negative (suction) pressure down to −400 mm Hg. All pressure measurements in the fluid extraction system are referenced to both atmospheric and the static head pressure offsets. The static head pressure offsets arise because of the tubing placement and the pressure sensor height with respect to the patient connection. The withdrawal pressure signal is used by the microprocessor control system to maintain the blood flow from the vein and limit the pressure. Typically, a peripheral vein can continuously supply between 60-200 ml/min of blood. This assumption is supported by the clinical experience with plasma apheresis machines. A pressure sensor 121 may be included in the circuit downstream of the pumps and upstream of the filter. Blood pressure in the post pump, pre-filter segment of the circuit is determined by the patient's venous pressure, the resistance to flow generated by the infusion catheter 103, resistance of hollow fibers in the filter assembly 108, and the flow resistance of the tubing in the circuit downstream of the blood pump 113. At blood flows of 40 to 60 ml/min, in this embodiment, the pump pressure may be generally in a range of 300 to 500 mm Hg depending on the blood flow, condition of the filter, blood viscosity and the conditions in the patient's vein. The filter 108 is used to ultrafiltrate the blood and remove excess fluid from the blood. Whole blood enters the filter and passes through a bundle of hollow filter fibers in a filter canister. There may be approximately 700 to 900 hollow fibers in the bundle, and each fiber is a filter. In the filter canister, blood flows through an entrance channel to the bundle of fibers and enters the hollow passage of each fiber. Each individual fiber has approximately 0.2 mm internal diameter. The walls of the fibers are made of a porous material. The pores are permeable to water and small solutes, but are impermeable to red blood cells, proteins and other blood components that are larger than 50,000-60,000 Daltons. Blood flows through the fibers tangential to the surface of the fiber filter membrane. The shear rate resulting from the blood velocity is high enough such that the pores in the membrane are protected from fouling by particles, allowing the filtrate to permeate the fiber wall. Filtrate (ultrafiltrate) passes through the pores in the fiber membrane (when the ultrafiltrate pump is rotating), leaves the fiber bundle, and is collected in a filtrate space between the inner wall of the canister and outer walls of the fibers. The membrane of the filter acts as a restrictor to ultrafiltrate flow. An ultrafiltrate pressure transducer (Puf) 111 is placed in the ultrafiltrate line upstream of the ultrafiltrate roller pump 114. The ultrafiltrate pump 114 is rotated at the prescribed fluid extraction rate which controls the ultrafiltrate flow from the filter. Before entering the ultrafiltrate pump, the ultrafiltrate passes through approximately 20 cm of plastic tubing 120, the ultrafiltrate pressure transducer (Puf) and the blood leak detector 118. The tubing is made from medical PVC of the kind used for IV lines and has internal diameter (ID) of 3.2 mm. The ultrafiltrate pump 114 is rotated by a brushless DC motor under microprocessor control. The pump tubing segment (compressed by the rollers) has the same ID as the rest of the ultrafiltrate circuit. The system may move through the filtrate line approximately 1 ml of filtrate for each full rotation of the pump. A pump speed of 1.66 RPM corresponds to a filtrate flow of 1.66 ml/min, which corresponds to 100 ml/hr of fluid extraction. The ultrafiltrate pump 114 is adjusted at the factory to be fully occlusive until a pressure limit of 15 psig is reached. The rollers are mounted on compression springs and relieved when the force exerted by the fluid in the circuit exceeds the occlusive pressure of the pump rollers. The circuit may extract 100 to 500 ml/hr of ultrafiltrate for the clinical indication of fluid removal to relieve fluid overload. After the blood passes through the ultrafiltrate filter 108, it is pumped through a two meter infusion return tube 105 to the infusion needle 103 where it is returned to the patient. The properties of the filter 108 and the infusion needle 103 are selected to assure the desired TMP (Trans Membrane Pressure) of 150 to 250 mm Hg at blood flows of 40-60 ml/min where blood has hematocrit of 35 to 45% and a temperature of 34° C. to 37° C. The TMP is the pressure drop across the membrane surface and may be calculated from the pressure difference between the average filter pressure on the blood side and the ultrafiltration pressure on the ultrafiltrate side of the membrane. Thus, TMP=((Inlet Filter Pressure+Outlet Filter Pressure)/2)−Ultrafiltrate Pressure. The blood leak detector 118 detects the presence of a ruptured/leaking filter, or separation between the blood circuit and the ultrafiltrate circuit. In the presence of a leak, the ultrafiltrate fluid will no longer be clear and transparent because the blood cells normally rejected by the membrane will be allowed to pass. The blood leak detector detects a drop in the transmissibility of the ultrafiltrate line to infrared light and declares the presence of a blood leak. The pressure transducers Pw (withdrawal pressure sensor 109), Pin (infusion pressure sensor 110) and Puf (filtrate pressure sensor 111) produce pressure signals that indicate a relative pressure at each sensor location. Prior to filtration treatment, the sensors are set up by determining appropriate pressure offsets. These offsets are used to determine the static pressure in the blood circuit and ultrafiltrate circuit due to gravity. The offsets are determined with respect to atmospheric pressure when the blood circuit is filled with saline or blood, and the pumps are stopped. The offsets are measures of the static pressure generated by the fluid column in each section, e.g., withdrawal, return line and filtrate tube, of the circuit. During operation of the system, the offsets are subtracted from the raw pressure signals generated by the sensors as blood flows through the circuit. Subtracting the offsets from the raw pressure signals reduces the sensitivity of the system to gravity and facilitates the accurate measurement of the pressure drops in the circuit due to circuit resistance in the presence of blood and ultrafiltrate flow. Absent these offsets, a false disconnect or occlusion alarm could be issued by the monitor CPU (714 in FIG. 7) because, for example, a static 30 cm column of saline/blood will produce a 22 mm Hg pressure offset. The pressure offset for a particular sensor is a function of the fluid density “ρ”, the height of the tube “h” and the earth's gravitational constant “g”: Poffset=ρ*g*h where “ρ” and “g” are constants and, thus, pressure offsets are a function of the sensor position. The pressure offsets are not experienced by the patient. Proof of this is when a 3.2 mm ID tube filled with water with its top end occluded (pipette) does not allow the water to flow out. This means that the pressure at the bottom of the tube is at 0 mm Hg gage. In order to normalize the offset pressures, the offsets are measured at the start of operation when the circuit is fully primed and before the blood pump or ultrafiltrate pump are actuated. The measured offsets are subtracted from all subsequent pressure measurements. Therefore, the withdrawal pressure Pw, the infusion pressure Pin and the ultrafiltrate pressure Puf are calculated as follows: Pw=PwGage−PwOffset Pin=PinGage−PinOffset Puf=PufGage−PufOffset PwOffset, PinOffset and PufOffset are measured when the circuit is primed with fluid, and the blood and ultrafiltrate pumps are stopped. PwGage, PinGage and PufGage are measured in real time and are the raw, unadjusted gage pressure readings from the pressure transducers. To increase accuracy and to minimize errors due to noise, the offsets are checked for stability and have to be stable within 2 mm Hg for 1 second before an offset reading is accepted. The offset is averaged over 1 second to further reduce sensitivity to noise. FIG. 3 is a chart of pressure limits 300 in the blood circuit versus the blood flow rate 301 in the circuit. The chart shows graphically exemplary control algorithms for controlling pressure in the withdrawal line as a function of the actual blood flow. The blood flow rate is known, and calculated from the known pump speed. An occlusion control function 302 (PwOcc—Occlusion) provides a variable pressure limit vs. flow rate (sloped portion of PwOcc—Occlusion) for controlling the minimum pressure limit in the withdrawal line as a function of flow rate. The maximum negative pressure (i.e., lowest suction level) in the withdrawal line is limited by an algorithm 303 (disconnect—PwDisc) which is used to sense when a disconnect occurs in the withdrawal line. The withdrawal line has a suction pressure (sub-atmospheric) pressure to draw blood from the peripheral artery. This suction pressure is shown as a negative pressure in mmHg in FIG. 3. If the actual suction pressure rises above a limit (PwDisc), then the controller may signal that a disconnect has occurred, especially if air is also detected in the blood circuit. The suction pressure in the withdrawal line is controlled to be between the occlusion and disconnect pressure limits 302, 303. The maximum withdrawal resistance (PwOcc,—see the slope of line 302) for a given flow rate is described by the occlusion algorithm curve 302. This allowable occlusion pressure, PwOcc (401 in FIG. 4), increases as blood flow increases. This increase may be represented by a linear slope of flow rate vs. pressure, that continues, until a maximum flow rate 304 is reached. The occlusion algorithm curve is based on theoretical and empirical data with a blood Hct of 35% (maximum Hct expected in clinical operation), and the maximum expected resistance of the withdrawal needle and withdrawal blood circuit tube expected during normal operation when measured at Pw. The withdrawal pressure sensor signal (Pw) is also applied to determine whether a disconnection has occurred in the withdrawal blood circuit between the withdrawal tubing 104 from the needle 102 or between the needle and the patient's arm, or a rupture in the withdrawal tubing. The control algorithm for detecting a disconnection is represented by PwDisc curve 303. This curve 303 represents the minimum resistance of the 18 Gage needle and withdrawal tubing, with a blood Hct of 25% (minimum Hct expected in clinical operation), at a temperature of 37° C. The data to generate this curve 303 may be obtained in vitro and later incorporated in the controller software. During the device operation the measured withdrawal pressure (Pw) is evaluated in real time, for example, every 10 milliseconds, by the controller. Measured Pw is compared to the point on the curve 303 that corresponds to the current blood flow rate. A disconnection is detected when the pressure Pw at a given blood flow is greater than the pressure described by curve 303, and if air is detected in the blood circuit. If the withdrawal line becomes disconnected, the blood pump 113 will entrain air into the tubing due to the suction caused by the withdrawal pressure (Pw) when the blood pump is withdrawing blood. The pressure measured by the withdrawal pressure transducer Pw will increase (become less negative) in the presence of a disconnection because the resistance of the withdrawal line will decrease. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing in mathematical terms the control algorithms shown in FIG. 3. The allowable occlusion pressure (PwOcc) 401 is determined as a function of blood flow (QbMeas). The blood flow (QbMeas) may be determined by the controller, e.g., controller CPU, based on the rotational speed of the blood pump and the known volume of blood that is pumped with each rotation of that pump, as is shown in the equation below: PwOcc=QbMeas*KwO+B Where QbMeas is the measured blood flow, KwO is the withdrawal occlusion control algorithm 302, e.g., a linear slope of flow vs. pressure, and B is a pressure offset applied to the withdrawal occlusion, which offset is described below. The expression for PwOcc is a linear equation to describe. PwOcc may also be implemented as a look up table where a known QbMeas is entered to obtain a value for PwOcc. In addition, the expression for PwOcc may be a second order polynomial in the presence of turbulent flow. The expression for PwOcc to be chosen in a particular implementation will be based upon the characteristics of the tube and the presence of laminar or turbulent flow. The PwOcc signal may be filtered with a 0.2 Hz low pass filter to avoid false occlusion alarms, as indicated in the following sequential pair of equations. PwOccFilt=PwOcc*(1−alpha)+PwOccFiltOld*alpha Where alpha=exp(−t/Tau) Where t=discrete real time sample interval in seconds and The time constant Tau=1/(2*PI*Fc) Where PI=3.1416 and Fc is equal to the cutoff frequency of the first order low pass filter in Hz. Thus, for a 0.2 Hx filter, Tau=0.7957 therefore alpha=0.9875 Where PwOccFilt is the current calculated occlusion pressure limit for the actual flow rate, after being filtered. PwOccFiltOld is the previous calculated occlusion pressure, and “alpha” is a constant of the low pass filter. Thus, PwOccFiltOld=PwOccFilt, for each successive determination of PwOccfilt. Similar determinations are made for the calculated pressure limits for the filtered withdrawal disconnect limit (PwDiscFilt), filtered infusion disconnect limit (PinDiscFilt) and filtered infusion occlusion limit (PinOccFilt). The PwDisc curve 303, shown in FIG. 3 is described in equation form below and shown in 401 of FIG. 4. The withdrawal disconnection pressure, PwDisc is calculated as a function (KwD) of blood flow, QbMeas which is measured blood flow calculated from the encoder pump speed signal. PwDisc=QbMeas*KwD+A Where A is a pressure constant offset, and KwD represents the slope of the PwDisc curve 303. In addition, the PwDisc (withdrawal pressure limit for disconnect) is filtered with a 0.2 Hz low pass filter to avoid false disconnect alarms, reference 401 in FIG. 4. PwDisc is a linear equation to describe. PwDisc may also be implemented as a look up table where a known QbMeas is entered to obtain a value for QbMeas. In addition, the expression for PwDisc may be a second order polynomial in the presence of turbulent flow. The expression for PwDisc to be chosen in a particular implementation will be based upon the characteristics of the tube and the presence of laminar or turbulent flow. PwDiscFilt=PwDisc*(1−alpha)+PwDiscFiltOld*alpha PwDiscFiltOld=PwDiscFilt Where alpha is a function of the filter. The air detector 117 detects the presence of air when entrained. If the withdrawal pressure (Pw) exceeds (is less negative than) the disconnect pressure (PwDisc) 303 and air is detected in the blood circuit by the air detector, then the controller declares a withdrawal disconnection, and the blood pump and the ultrafiltrate pump are immediately stopped. This logic function is expressed as: If (Pw>PwDiscFilt AND AirDetected=TRUE) {then Declare a withdrawal disconnect} The above logic function is a reliable detection of a withdrawal line disconnection, while avoiding false alarms due to blood pressure measurements with blood pressure cuffs. For example, a false alarm could be generated when blood pressure cuffs are pressurized which causes an increased venous pressure and in turn lower withdrawal pressure. The lower withdrawal pressure caused by a blood pressure cuff might be interpreted by the controller as a disconnection resulting in false alarms, except for the logic requirement of air being detected. The occlusion and disconnect pressure limits for the return (infusion) line are graphically shown in FIG. 6. These calculations are made in a similar manner as described above for determining PwOccFilt. The infusion-occlusion pressure limit (PinOcc) 401 is calculated as a function of blood flow (QbMeas) where QbMeas is actual blood flow calculated from the pump speed feedback signal. PinOcc=QbMeas*KwO+B, where KwO is the factor for converting (see FIG. 6, Occlusion line 601) the actual blood flow rate to a pressure limit. The expression for PinOcc is a linear equation to describe. PinOcc may also be implemented as a look up table where a known QbMeas is entered to obtain a value for PinOcc. In addition, the expression for PinOcc may be a second order polynomial in the presence of turbulent flow. The expression for PinOcc to be chosen in a particular implementation will be based upon the characteristics of the tube and the presence of laminar or turbulent flow. PinOcc is filtered with a 0.2 Hz low pass filter to avoid false disconnect alarms. PinOccFilt=PinOcc*(1−alpha)+PinOccFiltOld*alpha PinOccFiltOld=PinOccFilt FIG. 4 also shows the interaction of the control algorithms for withdrawal occlusion (PwOccFilt) and the infusion occlusion (PinOccFilt). The control theory for having two control algorithms applicable to determining the proper flow rate is that only one of the control algorithms will be applied to determine a target flow rate at any one time. To select which algorithm to use, the controller performs a logical “If-Then operation” 402 that determines whether the target is to be the withdrawal occlusion or infusion occlusion algorithms. The criteria for the If-Then operation is whether the infusion line is occluded or not. If the infusion line is occluded, Pin is greater than PinOccFilt; therefore, the Target is set to PinOccFilt. In particular, the infusion occlusion algorithm (PinOccFilt) is the target (Target) and infusion pressure (Pin) is applied as a feedback signal (Ptxd), only when the infusion pressure (Pin) exceeds the occlusion limit for infusion pressure (PinOccFilt). Otherwise, the Target is the occlusion withdrawal pressure limit (PwOccFilt) and the feedback signal is the withdrawal pressure (Pw). The If-Then (402) algorithm is set forth below in a logic statement (see also the flow chart 402): If (PinOccFilt<Pin) {Then Target=−(PinOccFilt), and Ptxd=−(Pin)} {Else Target=PwOccFilt and Ptxd=Pw} A pressure controller (see FIG. 5 description) may be used to control the Ptxd measurement to the Target pressure. The Target pressure will be either the PinOccFilt or PwOccFilt limit based upon the IF statement described above. FIG. 5 includes a functional diagram of a PIFF (Proportional Integral Feed Forward) pressure controller 501 for the ultrafiltration apparatus 100, and shows how the PIFF operates to control pressure and flow of blood through the circuit. Controllers of the PIFF type are well known in the field of “controls engineering”. The PIFF pressure controller 501 controls the withdrawal pressure to the prescribed target pressure 502, which is the filtered withdrawal occlusion pressure limit (PwOccFilt), by adjusting the blood pump flow rate. The PIFF may alternatively use as a target the limit for infusion pressure (PinOccFilt). The target pressure 502 limit is compared 503 to a corresponding actual pressure 504, which is withdrawal pressure (Pw) if the target is PwOccFilt and is infusion pressure (Pin) if the target is PinOccFilt. The actual pressure is applied as a feedback signal (Ptxd) in the PIFF. The logical compare operation 503 generates a difference signal (Error) 505 that is processed by the PIFF. The PIFF determines the appropriate total flow rate (Qtotal) based on the difference signal 505, the current flow rate, the current rate of increase or decrease of the flow rate, and the flow rate limit. The PIFF evaluates the difference between the target pressure limit and actual pressure (feedback) with a proportional gain (Kp), an integral gain (Ki) and a feed forward term (FF). The proportional gain (Kp) represents the gain applied to current value of the error signal 505 to generate a proportional term (Pterm) 506, which is one component of the sum of the current desired flow (Qtotal). The integral gain (Ki) is the other component of Qtotal, and is a gain applied to the rate at which the error signal varies with time (error dt). The product of the integral gain and the error dt (Iterm) is summed with the previous value of Iterm to generate a current item value. The current Iterm value and Pterm value are summed, checked to ensure that the sum is within flow limits, and applied as the current desired total flow rate (Qtotal). This desired flow rate (Qtotal) is then applied to control the blood pump speed, and, in turn, the actual flow rate through the blood circuit. The gain of the PIFF pressure controller Kp and Ki have been chosen to ensure stability when controlling with both withdrawal and infusion pressures. The same PIFF controller is used for limiting withdrawal and infusion pressures. None of the controller terms are reset when the targets and feedback transducers are switched. This ensures that there are no discontinuities in blood flow and that transitions between control inputs are smooth and free from oscillation. Thus, when the PIFF pressure controller switches from controlling on withdrawal pressure top infusion pressure the blood pump does not stop, it continues at a velocity dictated by the pressure control algorithm. The proportional and integral gains (Kp and Ki) of the pressure controller are selected to ensure stability. Kp and Ki were chosen to ensure that pressure overshoots are less than 30 mmHg, and that the pressure waveform when viewed on a data acquisition system was smooth and free of noise. In general Kp may be increased until the noise level on the signal being controlled exceeds the desired level. Kp is then reduced by 30%. Ki is chosen to ensure the steady state error is eliminated and that overshoot is minimized. Both the integral term and the total flow output of the PIFF controller are limited to a maximum of 60 ml/min, in this embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment the flow limits for the integral term and total flow output may be increased linearly starting at a maximum rate of 20 ml/min (FF). When the PIFF controller is initially started, the integral term (Iterm) is set equal to the feed forward term (FF), which may be 20 ml/min. Thus, 40 seconds are required to increase the flow limit from an initial setting (20 ml/min) to the maximum value of 60 ml/min. This 40 second flow increase period should be sufficient to allow the withdrawal vein to respond to increases in withdrawal flow rate. Limiting the rate of increase of the blood flow is needed because veins are reservoirs of blood and act as hydraulic capacitors. If a flow rate is increased too quickly, then a false high flow of blood can occur for short periods of time because flow may be supplied by the elastance of the vein (that determines compliance), and may not be true sustainable continuous flow much like an electrical capacitor will supply short surges in current. This PIFF pressure controller controls pressure in real time, and will immediately reduce the pressure target if a reduction in flow occurs due to an occlusion. The target pressure is reduced in order to comply with the occlusion pressure limit, such as is shown in FIG. 3. Reducing the pressure target in the presence of an occlusion will lead to a further reduction in flow, which will result in a further reduction in the target pressure. This process limits the magnitude and duration of negative pressure excursions on the withdrawal side, and, therefore, exposure of the patient's vein to trauma. It also gives the withdrawal (or infusion) vein time to recover, and the patient's vein time to reestablish flow without declaring an occlusion. When a withdrawal vein collapses, the blood pump will be stopped by the PIFF controller because the vein will have infinite resistance resulting in zero blood flow no matter to what pressure Pw is controlled. When the blood pump is reversed, the blood flow is reversed and blood is pumped into the withdrawal vein in an attempt to open that vein. The filtrate pump stops when the blood pump is reversed to avoid filtering the blood twice. When the blood pump is reversed, the withdrawal and infusion disconnect and occlusion algorithms are still actively protecting the patient from exposure to high pressures and disconnects. When the blood pump flow is reversed the occlusion limits and disconnect limits are inverted by multiplying by negative 1. This allows the pump to reverse while still being controlled by maximum pressure limits. If (Blood Pump is reversing) {PwDiscFilt and PinDiscFilt and PwOccFilt and PwOccFilt are inverted} Two (2) ml of blood may be infused into the withdrawal line and into the withdrawal peripheral vein by reversing the blood pump at 20 ml/min to ensure that the vein is not collapsed. The blood pump is stopped for 2 seconds and withdrawal is reinitiated by rotating the pump for forward flow. The controller issues an alarm to request that the operator check vein access after three automatic attempts of reversing blood flow into the withdrawal line. The blood circuit has a total volume of approximately 60 ml. The blood pump is limited to reversing a total volume of five ml thereby minimizing the possibility of infusing the patient with air. The PIFF applies a maximum withdrawal flow rate (maxQb) and a minimum withdrawal flow rate (minQb). These flow rate boundaries are applied as limits to both the integration term (Item) and the sum of the flow outputs (Qtotal). The maximum withdrawal rate is limited to, e.g., 60 ml/min, to avoid excessive withdrawal flows that might collapse the vein in certain patient populations. The minimum flow rate (minQb) is applied to the output flow to ensure that the pump does not retract at a flow rate higher than −60 ml/min. In addition, if the actual flow rate (Qb) drops below a predetermined rate for a certain period of time, e.g., 20 ml/min for 10 seconds, both the blood pump and ultrafiltrate pump are stopped. The ultrafiltrate pump is stopped when the blood pump flow is less than 40 ml/min, and if the blood flow is reversed. If the ultrafiltrate pump is not stopped, blood can be condensed too much inside the fibers and the fibers will clot. A minimum shear rate of 1000 sec−1 in blood is desirable if fouling is to be avoided. This shear rate occurs at 40 ml/min in the 0.2 mm diameter filter fibers. The shear rate decreases as the flow rate decreases. Fouling may be due to a buildup of a protein layer on the membrane surface and results in an increase in trans-membrane resistance that can ultimately stop ultrafiltration flow if allowed to continue. By ensuring that no ultrafiltration flow occurs when a low blood shear rate is present, the likelihood of fouling is decreased. When the system starts blood flow, the ultrafiltration pump is held in position and does not begin rotation until after the measured and set blood flow are greater than 40 mL/min. Moreover, once the blood flow is back to its set rate, a delay, e.g., six seconds, may be applied before starting the filtration pump. This delay allows the blood that is stagnant in the filter to flow out of the filter before filtration resumes. If the blood volume in the filter fibers is 4 mL and blood flow is 40 mL/min, then a six second delay should allow new blood to flow into the fibers before filtration starts. If the set or measured blood flow drops below 40 ml/min, the ultrafiltrate pump is immediately halted. This prevents clogging and fouling. Once blood flow is re-established and is greater than 40 ml/min, the ultrafiltrate pump is restarted, after a delay, at the user defined ultrafiltration rate. When the blood pump is halted the ultrafiltrate pump is stopped first, followed by the blood pump ensuring that the filter does not become clogged because the ultrafiltrate pump was slower at stopping, resulting in ultrafiltrate being entrained while blood flow has ceased. This can be implemented with a 20 millisecond delay between halt commands. FIG. 6 graphically shows the control algorithms for the blood infusion pressure. The patient may be exposed to excessively high pressures if an occlusion occurs in the infusion vein. Control algorithms are used for controlling the maximum allowable infusion pressure. These algorithms are similar in concept to those for controlling the maximum allowable withdrawal pressure. The maximum occlusion pressure algorithm 601 is a positive relationship between the flow rate (Qb) and infusion pressure (Pin) as measured by the pressure sensor in the return line 110. As shown in the algorithm curve 601, as the flow rate increases the acceptable infusion pressure similarly increases, up to a maximum limit. The algorithm curve 601 provides the maximum infusion pressure, Pin, for given blood flow. The maximum allowable positive pressure PinOcc increases as blood flow Qb increases. This curve was generated from theoretical and empirical data with a blood Hct of 45% (maximum expected clinically), and is based on the maximum resistance of the infusion tubing 105 and the infusion needle 103. The curve may vary with different embodiments, depending on other data used to generate such a curve. FIG. 7 illustrates the electrical architecture of the ultrafiltrate system 700 (100 in FIG. 1), showing the various signal inputs and actuator outputs to the controller. The user-operator inputs the desired ultrafiltrate extraction rate into the controller by pressing buttons on a membrane interface keypad 709 on the controller. These settings may include the maximum flow rate of blood through the system, maximum time for running the circuit to filter the blood, the maximum ultrafiltrate rate and the maximum ultrafiltrate volume. The settings input by the user are stored in a memory 715 (mem.), and read and displayed by the controller CPU 705 (central processing unit, e.g., microprocessor or micro-controller) on the display 710. The controller CPU regulates the pump speeds by commanding a motor controller 702 to set the rotational speed of the blood pump 113 to a certain speed specified by the controller CPU. Similarly, the motor controller adjusts the speed of the ultrafiltrate pump 111 in response to commands from the controller CPU and to provide a particular filtrate flow velocity specified by the controller CPU. Feedback signals from the pressure transducer sensors 711 are converted from analog voltage levels to digital signals in an A/D converter 716. The digital pressure signals are provided to the controller CPU as feedback signals and compared to the intended pressure levels determined by the CPU. In addition, the digital pressure signals may be displayed by the monitor CPU 714. The motor controller 702 controls the velocity, rotational speed of the blood and filtrate pump motors 703, 704. Encoders 707, 706 mounted to the rotational shaft of each of the motors as feedback provide quadrature signals, e.g., a pair of identical cyclical digital signals, but 90° out-of-phase with one another. These signal pairs are fed to a quadrature counter within the motor controller 702 to give both direction and position. The direction is determined by the signal lead of the quadrature signals. The position of the motor is determined by the accumulation of pulse edges. Actual motor velocity is computed by the motor controller as the rate of change of position. The controller calculates a position trajectory that dictates where the motor must be at a given time and the difference between the actual position and the desired position is used as feedback for the motor controller. The motor controller then modulates the percentage of the on time of the PWM signal sent to the one-half 718 bridge circuit to minimize the error. A separate quadrature counter 717 is independently read by the Controller CPU to ensure that the Motor Controller is correctly controlling the velocity of the motor. This is achieved by differentiating the change in position of the motor over time. The monitoring CPU 714 provides a safety check that independently monitors each of the critical signals, including signals indicative of blood leaks, pressures in blood circuit, weight of filtrate bag, motor currents, air in blood line detector and motor speed/position. The monitoring CPU has stored in its memory safety and alarm levels for various operating conditions of the ultrafiltrate system. By comparing these allowable preset levels to the real-time operating signals, the monitoring CPU can determine whether a safety alarm should be issued, and has the ability to independently stop both motors and reset the motor controller and controller CPU if necessary. Peripheral vein access presents unique problems that make it difficult for a blood withdrawal controller to maintain constant flow and to not create hazards for the patient. For example, a patient may stand up during treatment and thereby increase the static pressure head height on the infusion side of the blood circuit. As the patient rises each centimeter (cm), the measured pressure in the extracorporeal circuit increases by 0.73 mm Hg. This static pressure rise (or fall) will be detected by pressure sensors in the withdrawal tube. The controller adjusts the blood flow rate through the extracorporeal circuit to accommodate for such pressure changes and ensures that the changes do not violate the pressure limits set in the controller. In addition, the patient may bend their arm during treatment, thereby reducing the blood flow to the withdrawal vein. As the flow through the withdrawal catheter decreases, the controller reduces pump speed to reduce the withdrawal pressure level. Moreover, the blood infusion side of the blood circulation circuit may involve similar pressure variances. These infusion side pressure changes are also monitored by the controller which may adjust the pump flow rate to accommodate such changes. In some cases, blood flow can be temporarily impeded by the collapse of the withdrawal vein caused by the patient motion. In other cases the withdrawal vein of the patient may not be sufficient to supply the maximum desired flow of 60 ml/min. The software algorithms enable the controller to adjust the withdrawal flow rate of blood to prevent or recover from the collapse of the vein and reestablish the blood flow based on the signal from the withdrawal pressure sensor. A similar risk of disconnection exists when returning the patient's blood. The infusion needle or the infusion tube between the outlet of the infusion pressure transducer (Pin) and needle may become disconnected during operation. A similar disconnection algorithm (as described for the withdrawal side) is used for detecting the presence of disconnections on the infusion side. In this case an air detector is not used because nursing staff do not place pressure cuffs on the arm being infused because of risk of extravasation. Since the blood is being infused the pressures measured by the infusion pressure transducer Pin are positive. The magnitude of Pin will decrease in the presence of a disconnection due to a decrease in the resistance of the infusion line. A disconnection is detected when the pressure Pin at a given blood flow is less than the pressure described by curve 602 (FIG. 6) for the same said blood flow. The minimum resistance of the 18 Gage needle and withdrawal tubing, with a blood Hct of 35%, at a temperature of 37° C. are represented by the curve 602. The curve 602, shown in FIG. 6 is described in equation form in 401 (FIG. 4). The infusion disconnection pressure, PinDisc 401 is calculated as a function of blood flow, QbMeas where QbMeas, is actual blood flow calculated from the encoder velocity. PinDisc=QbMeas*KinD+C PinDisc is filtered with a 0.2 Hz low pass filter to avoid false disconnection alarms, reference 401 FIG. 4.0. The present embodiment uses a linear equation to describe PinDisc, but this equation could also be implemented as a look-up table or a second order polynomial in the presence of turbulent flow. The implementation chosen will be based upon the characteristics of the tube and the presence of laminar or turbulent flow. PinDiscFilt=PinDisc*(1−alpha)+PinDiscFiltOld*alpha PinDiscFiltOld=PinDiscFilt If Pin is less than PinDiscFilt for 2 seconds consecutively, an infusion disconnect is declared and the blood pump and ultrafiltrate pump are immediately stopped. If (Pin>PinDiscFilt) {Then Increment Infusion Disconnect Timer} {else Reset Infusion Disconnect Timer} If (Reset Infusion Disconnect Timer=2 seconds) {then Declare Infusion Disconnection} The withdrawal and infusion occlusion detection algorithms use similar methods of detection. Only the specific coefficients describing the maximum and minimum allowable resistances are different. The purpose of the withdrawal occlusion algorithm is to limit the pressure in the withdrawal vein from becoming negative. A negative pressure in the withdrawal vein will cause it to collapse. The venous pressure is normally 15 mm Hg and it will remain positive as long as the flow in the vein is greater than the flow extracted by the blood pump. If the resistance of the withdrawal needle and blood circuit tube are known, the withdrawal flow may be controlled by targeting a specific withdrawal pressure as a function of desired flow and known resistance. For example, assume that the resistance of the withdrawal needle to blood flow is R and that R equals −1 mm Hg/ml/min. In order for 60 ml/min of blood to flow through the needle, a pressure drop of 60 mm Hg is required. The pressure may be either positive, pushing blood through the needle or negative, withdrawing blood through the needle. On the withdrawal side of the needle, if a pressure of −60 mm Hg is targeted a blood flow of 60 ml/min will result. If the flow controller is designed to be based upon resistance, the pressure target required to give the desired flow rate Q would be R*Q. Thus, if a flow of 40 ml/min were required, a pressure of −40 mm Hg would be required as the pressure target. Since the system knows withdrawal flow based upon encoder velocity and is measuring withdrawal pressure, the system is able to measure the actual withdrawal resistance of the needle in real time. If a maximum resistance limit is placed on the withdrawal needle of −1.1 mm Hg/ml/min, the pressure controller will stop withdrawing flow in the presence of an occlusion. Occlusion can be in the circuit or caused by the vein collapse. The resistance limit is implemented as a maximum pressure allowed for a given flow. Thus, for a resistance limit of −1.1 mm Hg, if the flow drops to 30 ml/min when the current withdrawal pressure is −60 mm Hg in the presence of an occlusion, the maximum pressure allowed is 30 ml/min*−1.1 mm Hg/m/min=33 mm Hg. This means that the occlusion resistance is −60/30=−2 mm Hg/ml/min. If the occlusion persists when the withdrawal pressure drops to −33 mm Hg, the flow will be reduced to 16.5 ml/min. This will result in a new pressure target of −18.15 mm Hg and so on until the flow stops. The actual pressure target to deliver the desired flow is difficult to ascertain in advance because of the myriad of variables which effect resistance, blood Hct, needle size within and length within the expected tolerance levels, etc. Instead, the pressure controller targets the maximum resistance allowed, and the flow is limited by the maximum flow output allowed by the pressure controller. A goal of the control algorithm is to ensure that the pressure at the withdrawal vein never falls below 0 mmHg where vein collapse could occur, or that the infusion pressure exceeds a value that could cause extravasation. If the critical pressure-flow curve is generated at the worst case conditions (highest blood viscosity), the controller will ensure that the pressure in the vein is always above the collapse level or below the extravasation level. In the fluid path configuration of the blood circuit shown in FIG. 2, there is no pressure transducer at the blood pump outlet and entry to the filter. If a pressure transducer were present, then its signal could also be fed to the PIFF pressure controller using the same pressure limitation methods already described. A specific disconnect and occlusion algorithm could be defined to describe the maximum and minimum flow vs. pressure curves based upon the filter and infusion limb resistance. Alternatively, a limit on the current consumed by the motor can be used to detect the presence of an occlusion in the infusion and filter limb. High pressures at the filter inlet will not be detected by the infusion pressure transducer, (Pin), because it is downstream of this potential occlusion site. A disconnection at the inlet to the filter will be detected by the infusion disconnection algorithm, because if the filter becomes disconnected there will be no flow present in the infusion limb and this will be interpreted by the infusion disconnection algorithm as an infusion disconnection. The blood pump uses a direct drive brushless DC motor. This design was chosen for long life and efficiency. Using this approach has the added benefit of being able to measure pump torque directly. With DC motors the current consumed is a function of motor velocity and torque. The current consumed by the motor may be measured directly with a series resistor as indicated by 701, FIG. 7. This current is a function of the load torque and back EMF generated by the motor as a function of its speed and voltage constant. Thus: Tmotor=Tpump+Ttube Equation 1 Where Tmotor is the torque required to drive the motor, Tpump is the torque required to overcome the pressure in the tubing, Ttube is the torque required to compress the tube. Tmotor=(Imotor−(RPM*KV)/Rmotor)*KT Equation 2 Tmotor=(Imotor−IEMF)*KT Equation 3 Where Tmotor=Torque oz-in, RPM=revs per min of motor, Imotor is the current consumed by the motor, KV is the voltage constant of the motor Volts/rpm, Rmotor=electrical resistance of motor in ohms and KT=the torque constant of the motor in oz-in/amp. KV and KT are constants defined by the motor manufacturer. The RPM of the motor may be calculated from the change in position of the motor encoder. Thus, by measuring the current consumed by the motor, the torque produced by the motor can be calculated if the speed and physical parameters of the motor are known. The torque consumed by the motor is a function of withdrawal pressure, the blood pump outlet pressure and the tubing compressibility. The torque required to compress the blood circuit tubing is relatively constant and is independent of the blood flow rate. A good indication of the blood pump outlet pressure may be calculated as a function of the current consumed by the blood pump motor and may be used to indicate the presence of a severe occlusion. The pump Pressure Pp may be expressed as: Tpump=Tmotor−Ttube Equation 4 Pp=Tpump*K Equation 5 Where K=A/R Pp=(Tmotor−Ttube)*K Equation 6 Where Pp is the blood pump outlet pressure, Tmotor is the total torque output by the motor, Ttube is the torque required to squeeze the blood circuit tube K and is a conversion constant from torque to pressure. K is calculated by dividing the cross-sectional area of the blood circuit tube internal diameter 3.2 mm by the radius R of the peristaltic blood pump. Since K and Ttube are constants for the system and the blood flow has a range of 40 to 60 ml/min also making the back EMF current approximately constant. The motor current may be used directly without any manipulation to determine the presence of an occlusion as an alternative to calculating Pp. Thus, when the current limit of the blood pump exceeds, for example 3 amps, both the blood pump and the ultrafiltrate pump are stopped. FIG. 8 illustrates the operation of a prototype apparatus constructed according to the current embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 7 under the conditions of a partial and temporary occlusion of the withdrawal vein. The data depicted in the graph 800 was collected in real time, every 0.1 second, during treatment of a patient. Blood was withdrawn from the left arm and infused into the right arm in different veins of the patient using similar 18 Gage needles. A short segment of data, i.e., 40 seconds long, is plotted in FIG. 8 for the following traces: blood flow in the extracorporeal circuit 804, infusion pressure occlusion limit 801 calculated by CPU 705, infusion pressure 809, calculated withdrawal pressure limit 803 and measured withdrawal pressure 802. Blood flow 804 is plotted on the secondary Y-axis 805 scaled in mL/min. All pressures and pressure limits are plotted on the primary Y-axis 806 scaled in mmHg. All traces are plotted in real time on the X-axis 807 scaled in seconds. In the beginning, between time marks of 700 and 715 seconds, there is no obstruction in either infusion or withdrawal lines. Blood flow 804 is set by the control algorithm to the maximum flow limit of 55 mL/min. Infusion pressure 809 is approximately 150 to 200 mmHg and oscillates with the pulsations generated by the pump. Infusion occlusion limit 801 is calculated based on the measured blood flow of 55 mmHg and is equal to 340 mmHg. Similarly, the withdrawal pressure 802 oscillates between −100 and −150 mmHg safely above the dynamically calculated withdrawal occlusion limit 803 equal to approximately −390 mmHg. At approximately 715 seconds, a sudden period of partial occlusion 808 occurred. The occlusion is partial because it did not totally stop the blood flow 804, but rather resulted in its significant reduction from 55 mL/min to between 25 and 44 mL/min. The most probable cause of this partial occlusion is that as the patient moved during blood withdrawal. The partial occlusion occurred at the intake opening of the blood withdrawal needle. Slower reduction in flow can also occur due to a slowing in the metabolic requirements of the patient because of a lack of physical activity. Squeezing a patient's arm occasionally will increase blood flow to the arm, which results in a sudden sharp decrease 810 of the withdrawal pressure 802 from −150 mmHg to −390 mmHg at the occlusion detection event 811. The detection occurred when the withdrawal pressure 810 reached the withdrawal limit 803. The controller CPU responded by switching from the maximum flow control to the occlusion limit control for the duration of the partial occlusion 808. Flow control value was dynamically calculated from the occlusion pressure limit 803. That resulted in the overall reduction of blood flow to 25 to 45 mL/min following changing conditions in the circuit. FIG. 8 illustrates the occlusion of the withdrawal line only. Although the infusion occlusion limit 801 is reduced in proportion to blood flow 804 during the occlusion period 808, the infusion line is never occluded. This can be determined by observing the occlusion pressure 809 always below the occlusion limit 801 by a significant margin, while the withdrawal occlusion limit 803 and the withdrawal pressure 802 intercept and are virtually equal during the period 808 because the PIFF controller is using the withdrawal occlusion limit 803 as a target. The rapid response of the control algorithm is illustrated by immediate adjustment of flow in response to pressure change in the circuit. This response is possible due to: (a) servo controlled blood pump equipped with a sophisticated local DSP (digital signal processing) controller with high bandwidth, and (b) extremely low compliance of the blood path. The effectiveness of controls is illustrated by the return of the system to the steady state after the occlusion and or flow reduction disappeared at the point 812. Blood flow was never interrupted, alarm and operator intervention were avoided, and the partial occlusion was prevented from escalation into a total occlusion (collapse of the vein) that would have occurred if not for the responsive control based on the withdrawal pressure. If the system response was not this fast, it is likely that the pump would have continued for some time at the high flow of 55 mL/min. This high flow would have rapidly resulted in total emptying of the vein and caused a much more severe total occlusion. The failure to quickly recover from the total occlusion can result in the treatment time loss, potential alarms emitted from the extracorporeal system, and a potential need to stop treatment altogether, and/or undesired user intervention. Since user intervention can take considerable time, the blood will be stagnant in the circuit for a while. Stagnant blood can be expected to clot over several minutes and make the expensive circuit unusable for further treatment. FIG. 9 illustrates a total occlusion of the blood withdrawal vein access in a different patient, but using the same apparatus as used to obtain the data shown in FIG. 8. Traces on the graph 900 are similar to those on the graph 800. The primary Y-axis (months) and secondary Y-axis (mL/min) correspond to pressure and flow, respectively, in the blood circuit. The X-axis is time in seconds. As in FIG. 8 the system is in steady state at the beginning of the graph. The blood flow 804 is controlled by the maximum flow algorithm and is equal to 66 mL/min. The withdrawal pressure 802 is at average of −250 mmHg and safely above the occlusion limit 803 at −400 mmHg until the occlusion event 901. Infusion pressure 809 is at average of 190 mmHg and way below the infusion occlusion limit 801 that is equal to 400 mmHg. As depicted in FIG. 9, the occlusion of the withdrawal access is abrupt and total. The withdrawal vein has likely collapsed due to the vacuum generated by the needle or the needle opening could have sucked in the wall of the vein. The withdrawal vein is completely closed. Similar to the partial occlusion illustrated by FIG. 8, the rapid reduction of the blood flow 804 by the control system in response to the decreasing (more negative) withdrawal pressure 802 prevented escalation of the occlusion, but resulted in crossing of the occlusion limit 803 into positive values at the point 902. Simultaneously the blood flow 804 dropped to zero and sequentially became negative (reversed direction) for a short duration of time 903. The control system allowed reversed flow continued for 1 second at 10 mL/min as programmed into an algorithm. This resulted in possible re-infusion of 0.16 mL of blood back into the withdrawal vein. These parameters were set for the experiment and may not reflect an optimal combination. The objective of this maneuver is to release the vein wall if it was sucked against the needle orifice. It also facilitated the refilling of the vein if it was collapsed. During the short period of time when the blood flow in the circuit was reversed, occlusion limits and algorithms in both infusion and withdrawal limbs of the circuit remained active. The polarity of the limits was reversed in response to the reversed direction of flow and corresponding pressure gradients. The success of the maneuver is illustrated by the following recovery from total occlusion. At the point 904 signifying the end of allowed flow reversal, the withdrawal occlusion limit 803 became negative and the infusion occlusion limit 801 became positive again. The blood pump started the flow increase ramp shown between points 904 and 905. The gradual ramp at a maximum allowed rate is included in the total occlusion recovery algorithm to prevent immediate re-occlusion and to allow the withdrawal vein to refill with blood. For the example illustrated by FIG. 9, the most likely cause of the occlusion was suction of the blood vessel wall to the withdrawal needle intake opening. The occlusion onset was rapid and the condition disappeared completely after the short reversal of flow that allowed the vessel to re-inflate. It can be observed that while the withdrawal occlusion ramp 907 followed the blood flow ramp 905, the measured withdrawal pressure 906 did not anymore intercept it. In fact, by the time the steady-state condition was restored, the withdrawal pressure 910 was at approximately −160 mmHg. Prior to occlusion the withdrawal pressure level 802 was approximately −200 mmHg. Thus, the withdrawal conditions have improved as a result of the total occlusion maneuver. As discussed above, it often occurs during blood withdrawal that the patient's vein is partially occluded and the withdrawal blood flow becomes obstructed for a considerable time. For example, the patient may raise his arm or otherwise move in a manner that partially occludes or otherwise reduces the blow flow from the patient into the withdrawal catheter. The temporary obstruction of withdrawal blood flow from the patient can be complete or partial. If the obstruction is partial, the withdrawal blood flow 801 is reduced from the desired flow level, such as 40 ml/min for ultrafiltration, to a lower withdrawal flow level as a result of the control system response to the increase in negative pressure 802. The control system reduces the withdrawal flow level by, for example, reducing the rotational speed of the blood pump. The reduced withdrawal blood flow is maintained by the controller until it determines (or an operator determines) that the blood flow can be increased to the desired level or until a determination is made that blood withdrawal should be stopped due to a persistent occlusion. During clinical trials, it was observed that periods of reduced withdrawal blood flow due to partial occlusions often persist for several minutes and even tens of minutes. Although the actual blood flow during these time periods varied it never reached the desired level for blood treatment, such as 40 ml/min. During reduced blood flow periods, the typical average withdrawal blood flow was 20 to 30 ml/min. Reduced blood flow operation of the blood ultrafiltration apparatus described here may led to the following consequences. Increased potential of clotting in the blood circuit. The residence time of blood in the blood treatment circuit extends from a desired 30 to 60 seconds to more than a minute. This longer residence period raises the potential of blood clotting in the circuit. Blood clotting in an average human can start after blood has been in contact with plastic material for approximately one or two minutes. Accordingly, the slowing of blood flow through the blood circuit due to a partial occlusion in the withdrawal vein may increase the potential clotting in the blood circuit. Excessive ultrafiltration. During a period of reduced withdrawal blood flow, if the rate of ultrafiltration is not reduced during a period of reduced withdrawal blood flow, then the filter will condense the withdrawal blood at a rate beyond the desired maximum hematocrit (volume fraction of red blood cells) of 60%. Excessive ultrafiltration can remove too much liquid from the withdrawn blood and thus thicken the blood beyond desirable levels. Such increases in the hematocrit may lead to increased resistance to blood flow through the circuit and the patient's circulatory system, and clotting in the blood circuit. To compensate for the potential consequences of reduced withdrawal blood flow, the controller preferably has additional control functions that: (a) alert the patient to the reduced withdrawal blood flow rate and thereby prompt the patient to move to correct the partial occlusion problem—oftentimes partial occlusions in the withdrawal vein result when the patient moves his arm or body and such occlusions can be corrected by the patient again moving his arm or body without the intervention of an operator or other medical personnel; and (b) maintains an acceptable hematocrit in the blood filter by reducing the rate of ultrafiltration or stopping ultrafiltration altogether until the desired higher withdrawal blood flow rate is restored. The controller monitors (preferably continually but may be on a periodic basis) the rate of the withdrawal blood flow, such as by monitoring the rotational speed of the blood pump motor 703 using an optical encoder 706 (FIG. 7). The controller also monitors the pressure in the withdrawal line and will reduce the rate of withdrawal blood flow (such as by slowing the pump) if the pressure in the withdrawal line drops below certain threshold levels. If the withdrawal blood flow rate is reduced to below some threshold rate, such as below 35 ml/min, as a result of excessive withdrawal or infusion pressure for a predetermined duration of time that exceeds several seconds, the controller causes a message, such as a visual message on the display 103 (FIG. 1) or an audible signal, to notify the patient (and the operator) that the withdrawal rate has been reduced. The message to the patient regarding the reduction in the blood withdrawal rate indicates (either expressly or implicitly) that a partial occlusion is impeding the withdrawal of blood. This message is distinct from a total occlusion message generated by the controller when the withdrawal blood flow has altogether stopped. The partial and total occlusion messages allows the patient and/or operator to distinguish between a partial or total obstruction of the withdrawal catheter 102 and infusion catheter 103. An example of a partial occlusion message is “withdrawal difficulty” shown on the screen display 103, when the blood flow is reduced in response to the withdrawal pressure becoming more negative. Similarly, the message “infusion difficulty” on the display may indicate that the blood flow rate through the pump has been reduced in response to the infusion pressure becoming more positive. The messages, e.g., “withdrawal difficulty” and “infusion difficulty”, regarding a reduction in the blood flow rate through the pump may be directed to the patient. The patient may exercise self-help to alleviate the withdrawal/infusion difficulty by moving his arm or otherwise repositioning his body so as to reduce or eliminate the partial occasion in the withdrawal or infusion vein that caused the difficulty. Typically withdrawal and infusion catheters are introduced into veins in different arms. A typical ultrafiltration treatment of a patient suffering from CHF is 4 to 8 hours. The patient cannot comfortably remain stationary for the entire treatment period. During the extended treatment, the patient will move his arms, stretch, sit-up, and stand-up. Temporary occlusions of the withdrawal catheter typically occur when the patient raises an arm, eats, urinates or rolls over on the bed. The present controller enables a patient to react to and cure a partial occlusion in the withdrawal or infusion vein. The controller issues a message or audible signal to prompt the patient to move his arm in order to relieve the occlusion. The message displayed on the screen or audible signal may distinguish whether the occlusion is in the withdrawal vein or infusion catheter line. Different arms are generally used for the withdrawal catheter and the infusion catheter. Advising the patient whether the partial occlusion is in the withdrawal or occlusion lines, assists the patient in determining which arm to move in order to alleviate the occlusion. An exemplary message (text or icon) may be presented that prompts the patient to move to alleviate the occlusion. The message may say, “move your withdrawal arm” or “move your left arm” (if the operator has entered in the controller information as to which arm has the withdrawal catheter and which arm has the infusion catheter). Similarly, the messages to move may be audible, such as a synthetically generated voice command to “move your left arm”. When a partial occlusion is detected, the pump speed is slowed in accordance with the algorithms discussed above. If the slowing of the pump alleviates the occlusion, the pump speed is increased. If the occlusion is not alleviated, the controller next prompts the patient to reposition himself by displaying a message on the controller screen display or emitting an audible signal. If the patient does move and alleviates the occlusion, then the controller will detect that the increase in the withdrawal pressure (or decrease in the infusion pressure) and automatically increase the pump speed to restore the withdrawal blood flood rate to its desired flow rate. Once the desired blood flow rate is achieved, the controller clears the message regarding the partial occlusion. The partial occlusion has been remedied safely and without the attention of a nurse or other medical operator. The controller may keep a log regarding cleared partial occlusions, and may issue an alarm to the nurse/operator if the number or frequency of partial occlusions become excessive. Eliminating the need for the attendance of a nurse or medical operator for each partial occlusion that slows the blood flow through the pump is believed to provide a substantial advantage in reducing the workload of nurses and medical operators. With the present controller, a patient can change the position of his arm where the occlusion is persistent in attempt to relieve the condition. Clinical trials have demonstrated that most patients quickly lean to interact with the controller to relieve partial occlusions difficulties in the withdrawal or infusion blood flow. The patient may monitor screen display 115 (see also 710 in FIG. 7) to determine what movement of his arm or other part of the body causes the partial occlusion warning to be cleared from the display. For example, the controller may clear the partial occlusion warning on the screen display if the full desired blood flow through the blood circuit is restored and continues at the desired blood flow rate (such as within 35 to 40 ml/min) for several seconds, such as for five (5) seconds. The controller may delay issuance of an alarm (that would require a response from nurse) if the partial occlusion continues beyond a predetermined period, such as 30 seconds to one minute. The controller may also issue an alarm to a nurse if the number of partial occlusions or their frequency exceed threshold values. It is important to note that the alarm is terminated automatically if the occlusion condition is alleviated for any reason and blood flow is restored to a predetermined level. Automatic cancellation of an active alarm is useful because a nurse can be on his/her way, or can already be there working to cure the occlusion. The cancellation of the alarm signals the nurse that the occlusion has been alleviated. An alarm may cease after five minutes of not being cleared by a nurse, and (at that time) the controller shuts down blood pump and the treatment. Absent the issuance of an alarm, the patient can interact with the blood circuit controller to alleviate a partial occlusion of the flow through the blood circuit without the attention of a nurse. When the patient and controller are able to cure the occlusion, the nurse is not distracted from other duties by the extracorporeal blood circuit device. An exemplary audio message may be a simulated human voice that announces a partial occlusion in the withdrawal or infusion line. The controller may include voice simulation electronics 715 (FIG. 7) that generates the speech broadcast by a speaker 716 of a warning that a partial occlusion has occurred in the withdrawal or infusion lines. If the controller has been programmed by the operator with information identifying which arm of the patient has the withdrawal catheter and which arm has the infusion catheter the generated speech may identify the arm needed to be moved to alleviate the occlusion. A simulated voice message generated by the controller is particularly helpful to those heart failure patients that have poor eyesight, as do many older patients. Also, a voice message or other audible warning regarding the partial occlusion may be heard by a patient, even if the screen of the console is turned away from the patient. The controller CPU microprocessor 705 (FIG. 7) may incorporate a software algorithm that generates a simulated voice messages that speaks the text messages shown on the display screen. The CPU sends commands to generate certain speech to the voice simulation electronics 715 housed in the console. The voice simulation electronics converts the commands, which may plain English text, into an analog voltage signal(s) that is sent to a speaker 716 in the housing and the speaker emits the voice command. Exemplary voice simulation electronics is an RC Systems V86000A voice synthesizer and RC8650 chipset, that are available from RC Systems, Inc, Everett, Wash., USA. Another problem associated with temporary reduction of blood flow in the extracorporeal blood circulation of the ultrafiltration apparatus is the danger of extracting too much filtrate, e.g., water, from the blood by filtration while the blood flow through the circuit is reduced. For example, if the desired fluid removal rate to 8 ml/min and the desired blood flow is 40 ml/min, then 20% of the blood volume flowing through the circuit is being extracted as ultrafiltrate. If an occlusion reduces the blood flow through the circuit to 20 ml/min for an extended period of time and the ultrafiltration rate remains at 8 ml/min, then 40% of the blood volume flowing through the circuit is extracted as ultrafiltrate. Extracting an excessive percentage of fluid from the blood flow may lead to blood clots in the blood circuit, and other difficulties with the blood being too thick as it flows from the filter and through the infusion catheter. The hematocrit of blood flowing from the filter should not be excessive. For example, removal of water that results in a 60% or higher hematocrit of blood in the filter may be excessive. Blood flowing into the filter generally has a hematocrit of between 25 and 45%. Table I below shows the effects of extraction of 30% of blood volume as water (ultrafiltrate) for 40 ml/min blood flow: TABLE I Initial Initial Flow in ml/min hematocrit 25% hematocrit 45% Blood Cells Into filter 10 18 Blood Water after filter 30 22 Water extracted as ultrafiltrate 12 12 Blood Cells returned out of filter 10 18 Water in blood returned out of filter 18 10 Hematocrit of blood returned to patient 35.7% 64.3% Continuous extraction by a filter of up to 30% of the volume of blood flowing into the filter is generally acceptable. Extracting 20% of the initial hematocrit may be an optimal extraction ratio. To avoid excessive fluid removal from the blood, the blood circuit device may slow the rate of fluid removal from the filter (by reducing the speed of the filtrate pump) or temporarily stopping ultrafiltration, if the blood flow is reduced by a certain amount, such as from 40 to below 35 ml/min or by 15% of a desired blood flow rate. Fluid removal via the filter, e.g., ultrafiltration, may be resumed or accelerated when the blood flow through the circuit increases to above a threshold rate, such as 35 ml/min. The controller may automatically reduce the ultrafiltration rate when the blood flow rate falls below a certain rate (or after some predetermined period of time remains below a certain rate) and then automatically resume the desired ultrafiltration rate when the blood flow through the circuit returns to a desired rate. Using a simple control method, the controller temporarily stops fluid removal from the filter when the blood flow through the circuit slows below some predetermined level. This control method reduces the potential for excessive fluid removal but may protract the time required to perform ultrafiltration treatment, especially if the periods of no filtrate removal are frequent. Using this simple control method, it has been observed in clinical trials that in some patients (who moved frequently during treatment) has filtration stopped as much as 20% of their treatment time. This resulted in less than expected fluid removed or protracted the treatment time by a few hours that thereby made the treatment uncomfortable to patients. As an alternative to stopping ultrafiltration, the controller may proportionally reduce the rate of ultrafiltration in response to reduced flow rates of blood through the blood circuit. By continuing ultrafiltration at a reduced rate, the period needed to complete an ultrafiltration treatment session does not become as protracted due to partial occlusions occurring during that period. In addition, reducing the rate of ultrafiltration (instead of ceasing ultrafiltration) protects the filter from over filtration and clotting. FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a software method in which the CPU processor determines actual blood flow and ultrafiltrate flow every 10 milliseconds. These actual flow determinations may be based on the speeds of the blood pump and filtrate pump, or on measured flow rates determined from flow sensors in the blood circuit. The actual blood flow is compared to the user set ultrafiltrate removal rate. If user set ultrafiltration rate exceeds the 20% of blood flow the ultrafiltration rate is set to 20% of blood flow. If user setting is less than 20% of blood flow it is accepted. The resulting choice becomes the current control command to the ultrafiltrate pump motor 704 (FIG. 7). FIG. 11 illustrates an effect that blood access occlusions can have on ultrafiltration treatment. The chart shown in FIG. 11 shows blood flow rate (in ml/min) and ultrafiltrate rate (in ml/hour) vs. time for an ultrafiltration device having a controller that stops filtration in response to a blood flow rate reduced to below 35 ml/min, and restarts ultrafiltration filtration automatically when the blood flow rate increases beyond 35 ml/min. The ultrafiltrate flow 1002 and blood flow 1001 were recorded every 10 seconds. FIG. 11 represents a short time segment from the 240-minute mark to the 280 minute mark of an eight-hour electronic record of the ultrafiltration treatment. Frequent blood access occlusions resulted in the reduction 1003 of blood flow 1001 and in some cases temporary reversal of blood flow 1004 (which occurred when the occlusion was in the withdrawal arm and the blood pump reversed the flow direction to inflate the withdrawal vein). During the short occlusions, the ultrafiltrate flow stopped 1005. At the same time, notwithstanding the blood access being interrupted frequently by the patient's motion, treatment continued for 8 hours and resulted in the removal of approximately 3.5 liters of fluid. No alarms were generated to call a nurse, and the occlusions were resolved by as a result of the automatic algorithms used by the controller to stop and restart ultrafiltration and to resume the desired blood flow rate. FIG. 12 is a flow chart of an exemplary control algorithm for ultrafiltration based on the pressure of the ultrafiltrate flow at the outlet 120 of the filtrate port for the filter 108. This control algorithm is based on the fact that as excess water is removed from the blood path inside of filter fibers 108 (FIG. 2) the concentration of dissolved protein in blood increases. This increase in protein concentration increases the osmotic pressure gradient across the filter membrane. Monitoring the osmotic pressure across the filter membrane allows the controller to detect an excessive thickening of the blood due to a high filtrate rate and a low blood flow rate. Soluble plasma proteins from the blood are almost fully blocked by the filter membrane and stay in the blood flow passing through the filter and into the infusion tube 105. A significant blood protein is albumin, whose molecules are much larger than ions of electrolytes but are small enough to generate significant osmotic pressure levels across the filter membrane. The osmotic pressure level across the filtering membrane of a blood filter is determined by difference in concentration of soluble substance. If two solutions (e.g., blood and a filtrate removed from the blood) of different concentration are separated by a semi-permeable filter membrane which is permeable to the smaller solvent molecules but not to the larger solute molecules, then the solvent will tend to diffuse across the membrane from the less concentrated to the more concentrated solution. This process is called osmosis. Osmosis is a selective diffusion process driven by the internal energy of the solvent molecules. It is convenient to express the available energy per unit volume in terms of “osmotic pressure”. It is customary to express this tendency toward solvent transport in pressure units relative to the pure solvent. If pure water were on both sides of the membrane, the osmotic pressure would be zero. But if normal human blood is on the right side of the membrane and ultrafiltrate on another, the osmotic pressure is general about 17 mmHg. Osmotic pressure may be measured by determining the amount of hydrostatic pressure necessary to prevent fluid transfer by osmosis. The flow of water across a membrane in response to differing concentrations of solutes on either side—osmosis—generates a pressure across the membrane called osmotic pressure. Osmotic pressure is the hydrostatic pressure required to stop the flow of water and is equivalent to hydrostatic pressures. As shown in the control schematic shown in FIG. 12, the ultrafiltrate pump (see 114 of FIG. 2) generates the negative pressure in the filtrate tube needed to overcome the hydraulic resistance of the filter membrane and thereby draw fluid from the blood through the membrane and into the filtrate tube. An osmotic pressure gradient opposes the work of the filtrate pump since the concentration of the blood solute is always higher inside filter fibers 108 (which is in the blood flow path) than in the ultrafiltrate tube 120. As a result, the pressure measured by the sensor 111 in the tube upstream of the pump decreases with the increase of the osmotic pressure gradient caused by excessive filtration of water from blood. Accordingly, a decrease in pressure as measured by filtrate pressure sensor 111 provides an indication of a higher osmotic pressure in the filter which results if the concentration of solutes in the filter fibers increases due to excessive thickening of the blood by the filter. If the blood flow is temperately reduced by the controller to maintain access pressure within allowed limits and the ultrafiltrate pump flow is not immediately reduced the concentration of soluble protein inside filter fibers will increase. As a result ultrafiltrate pressure will decrease. Control algorithm (FIG. 12) examines the ultrafiltrate pressure in real time. If the filtrate pressure falls below a preset threshold, for example negative 200 mmHg, the algorithm interprets the pressure drop as an excessive osmotic pressure gradient in the filter. Then instead of setting ultrafiltrate pump speed to the user set value, the controller uses the preset pressure limit or threshold as a target value for a controller. The function of the controller is illustrated by FIG. 13. The pressure target value 1301 is compared 1302 to the actual ultrafiltrate pressure measured by sensor 114. Any difference between the target and actual filtrate pressures results in a correction (or difference) signal that is input to a PID (Proportional Integral Differential) device 1303 or other commonly used feedback controller. The PID adjusts the filtrate pump speed based to effect a reduction in the correction signal. As a result, the ultrafiltrate pressure does not to become too negative because the ultrafiltrate flow is temporarily reduced to counteract any increase in the osmotic pressure in the filter. The control algorithm shown in FIG. 13 filters a maximum amount of water (filtrate) from the blood, but does not exceed filter parameters for a given flow when the operator set filtrate rate would result in excessive fluid removal from the blood. For example, the control algorithm shown in FIG. 13 will reduce the ultrafiltration rate if the blood flow rate through the filter is reduced due to a partial occlusion in the blood flow through the filter. When the occlusion is relieved and blood flow is restored to a desired flow, the concentration of the solute inside the filter fibers returns to normal and the osmotic pressure in the filter falls. The filtrate pressure increases with a drop in osmotic pressure, and the control algorithm allows the filtrate rate to increase up to the operator set filtration rate. All the methods described here may be advantageously combined into one or a series of algorithms and implemented on a controller for an extracorporeal blood circuit. A comprehensive algorithm will maintain the ultrafiltrate flow rate at a user setting as a predefined fraction of blood flow (such as number between 20% to 30%), and automatically switch to the pressure limiting controller (see FIG. 13) if the ultrafiltrate pressure falls below a prescribed level. The preferred embodiment of the invention now known to the invention has been fully described here in sufficient detail such that one of ordinary skill in the art is able to make and use the invention using no more than routine experimentation. The embodiments disclosed herein are not all of the possible embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention that are within the sprite and scope of the claims are also covered by this patent. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>There are a number of medical treatments, such as ultrafiltration, apheresis and dialysis, that require blood to be temporarily withdrawn from a patient, treated and returned to the body shortly thereafter. While the blood is temporarily outside of the body, it flows through an “extracorporeal blood circuit” of tubes, filters, pumps and/or other medical components. In some treatments, the blood flow is propelled by the patient's blood pressure and gravity, and no artificial pump is required. In other treatments, blood pumps provide additional force to move the blood through the circuit and control the flow rate of blood through the circuit. These pumps may be peristaltic or roller pumps, which are easy to sterilize, are known to cause minimal clotting and damage to the blood cells, and are inexpensive and reliable. Brushed and brushless DC motors are commonly used to rotate peristaltic pumps. A motor controller regulates the rotational speed of blood pumps. The speed of a pump, expressed as rotations per minute (RPM), regulates the flow rate of the blood through the circuit. Each revolution of the pump moves a known volume of blood through the circuit. The blood flow rate through the circuit can be easily derived from the pump speed. Accordingly, the pump speed provides a relatively accurate indicator for the volume flow of blood through an extracorporeal circuit. Existing blood pump controllers include various alarms and interlocks that are set by a nurse or a medical technician (collectively referred to as the operator), and are intended to protect the patient. In a typical dialysis apparatus, the blood withdrawal and blood return pressures are measured in real time, so that sudden pressure changes are quickly detected. Sudden pressure changes in the blood circuit are treated as indicating an occlusion or a disconnect in the circuit. The detection of a sudden pressure change causes the controller to stop the pump and cease withdrawal of blood. The nurse or operator sets the alarm limits for the real time pressure measurements well beyond the expected normal operating pressure for the selected blood flow, but within a safe pressure operating range. Existing controllers do not distinguish between minor blood pump problems that can be safely and easily solved automatically by the controller or by the patient, and more serious problems that require a nurse or other medical professional to attend to the patient and blood circuit. For example, existing controllers typically stop their pumps and issue alarms, upon detection of a partial occlusion in the blood circuit. In response to each alarm of an occlusion in the blood circuit, a nurse attends to the patient, inspects the blood pump and associate catheters, and restarts the pump. Until the nurse restarts the blood pump, the filtration treatment is being delayed. Partial occlusions in a blood circuit are relatively common occurrences. Nurses frequently have to attend to patients and extracorporeal blood circuits to correct partial occlusions. The delay in restarting the blood pump extends and exacerbates the blood treatment, which may be a period of several hours. The frequent alarms for partial occlusions increase the workload on nurses and the amount of time that they must devote to an individual patient undergoing ultrafiltration treatment. U.S. Pat. No. 4,227,526 describes a home-treatment dialysis machine that issues audio instructions to the patient on how to correct certain malfunctions, including excessive pressure in the extracorporeal blood circulation circuit. This device is intended for use at home, where there is no nurse or other medical professional present. The dialysis machine disclosed in the '526 Patent does not discriminate between minor dialysis malfunctions that should be treated by the patient, and more serious malfunctions that require treatment by a nurse. U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,684 describes a blood drawing apparatus that detects low blood flow in the blood withdrawal catheter and prompts a patient to restore blood flow by squeezing a hand gripper. The device disclosed in the '684 Patent also does not discriminate between minor occlusion problems and more serious problems. In addition, the devices disclosed in the '526 Patent and in the '684 Patent do not allow a patient to differentiate between withdrawal and infusion lines of a blood circuit. With the devices disclosed in the '526 and '684 Patents, a nurse is not informed as to serious problems, and with minor occlusion difficulties there is no indication as to whether the difficulty has arisen in the withdrawal or infusion catheters, which are generally inserted in different arms of the patient. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>There is a long-felt need for controllers for an extracoporeal blood circuit that discriminates between minor difficulties that can be cured automatically or by prompting the patient to take corrective action, and more serious problems that require the attention of a nurse or other medical professional. For example, there is a need for a controller for an extracorporeal blood circuit that can automatically reacts to partial occlusions in a blood withdrawal or infusion catheter or prompt the patient to move his arm or body to alleviate the occlusion. It may be advantageous for the controller to distinguish between minor difficulties in the blood circuit, such as partial occlusions, and more serious problems, such as total occlusions or extended partial occlusions. For more serious problems, the controller may issue an alarm to a nurse. There is also a need for a blood treatment controller that identifies for a patient a particular arm (or other body part) to be moved so as to alleviate a partial occlusion in a withdrawal or infusion catheter. A novel blood withdrawal system has been developed that enables rapid and safe recovery from occlusions in a withdrawal vein without participation of an operator, loss of circuits to clotting, or annoying alarms. A controller has been developed that compensates for and remedies temporary vein collapse during blood withdrawal or infusion. Not all episodes of a vein collapse require intervention from a doctor or nurse, and do not require that blood withdrawal ceased for an extended period. For example, vein collapse can temporarily occur when the patient moves or a venous spasm causes the vein to collapse in a manner that is too rapid to anticipate and temporary. There has been a long-felt need for a control system for an extracorporeal circuit that can automatically recover from temporary occlusions. The controller may also temporarily stops blood withdrawal when vein collapse occurs and, in certain circumstances, infuses blood into the collapsed vein to reopen the collapsed vein. Further, the controller may stop or slow filtration during periods of reduced blood flow through the blood circuits so as to prevent excessive removal of liquids from the blood of a patient. Moreover, the controller may prompt a patient to move an arm or his body to alleviate a partial occlusion in a withdrawal or infusion vein. In response to occlusion blood and ultrafiltrate pump rates are reduced automatically. If occlusion is removed, these flow rates are restored immediately and automatically. The patient is prompted to move, if the occlusion persists for more than a few seconds. The operator is alarmed if occlusions are prolonged or frequent. An alarm is canceled automatically if the occlusion is alleviated, and blood and ultrafiltrate flows are restored. Peripheral vein access presents unique problems that make it difficult for a blood withdrawal controller to maintain constant flow and not to create hazards for the patient. These problems are unlike those encountered with conventional dialysis treatments that rely on a surgically created arterio-venous shunt or fistula to withdraw blood and are administered in controlled dialysis centers. Using the present controller, for example, a patient may stand up during treatment and thereby increase the static pressure head height on the infusion side resulting in a false occlusion. The controller adjusts the blood flow rate through the extracorporeal circuit to accommodate for pressure changes. As the patient rises each centimeter (cm), the measured pressure in the extracorporeal circuit may increase by 0.73 mm Hg (milliliter of mercury). A change in height of 30 cm (approximately 1 ft) will result in a pressure change of 21 mm Hg. In addition, the patient may bend his/her arm during treatment and, thereby, reduce the blood flow to the withdrawal vein. As the flow through the withdrawal catheter decreases, the controller reduces pump speed to reduce the withdrawal pressure level. Moreover, the blood infusion side of the blood circulation circuit may involve similar pressure variances. These infusion side pressure changes are also monitored by the controller which may adjust the pump to accommodate such changes. The controller may be incorporated into a blood withdrawal and infusion pressure control system which optimizes blood flow at or below a preset rate in accordance with a controller algorithm that is determined for each particular make or model of an extraction and infusion extracorporeal blood system. The controller is further a blood flow control system that uses a real time pressure measurement as a feedback signal that is applied to control the withdrawal and infusion pressures within flow rate and pressure limits that are determined in real time as a function of the flow withdrawn from peripheral vein access. The controller may govern the pump speed based on control algorithms and in response to pressure signals from pressure sensors that detect pressures in the blood flow at various locations in the extracorporeal circuit. One example of a control algorithm is a linear relationship between a minimum withdrawal pressure and withdrawal blood flow. Another possible control algorithm is a maximum withdrawal flow rate. Similarly, a control algorithm may be specified for the infusion pressure of the blood returned to the patient. In operation, the controller seeks a maximum blood flow rate that satisfies the control algorithms by monitoring the blood pressure in the withdrawal tube (and optionally in the infusion tube) of the blood circuit, and by controlling the flow rate with a variable pump speed. The controller uses the highest anticipated resistance for the circuit and does not adjust flow until this resistance has been exceeded. If the maximum flow rate results in a pressure level outside of the pressure limit for the existing flow rate, the controller responds by reducing the flow rate, such as by reducing the speed of a roller pump, until the pressure in the circuit is no greater than the minimum (or maximum for infusion) variable pressure limit. The controller automatically adjusts the pump speed to regulate the flow rate and the pressure in the circuit. In this manner, the controller maintains the blood pressure in the circuit within both the flow rate limit and the variable pressure limits that have been preprogrammed or entered in the controller. In normal operation, the controller causes the pump to drive the blood through the extracorporeal circuit at a set maximum flow rate. In addition, the controller monitors the pressure to ensure that it conforms to the programmed variable pressure vs. flow limit. Each pressure vs. flow limit prescribes a minimum (or maximum) pressure in the withdrawal tube (or infusion tube) as a function of blood flow rate. If the blood pressure falls or rises beyond the pressure limit for a current flow rate, the controller adjusts the blood flow by reducing the pump speed. With the reduced blood flow, the pressure should rise in the withdrawal tube (or fall in the return infusion tube). The controller may continue to reduce the pump speed, until the pressure conforms to the pressure limit for the then current flow rate. When the pressure of the adjusted blood flow, e.g., a reduced flow, is no less than (or no greater than) the pressure limit for that new flow rate (as determined by the variable pressure vs. flow condition), the controller maintains the pump speed and operation of the blood circuit at a constant rate. The controller may gradually advance the flow rate in response to an improved access condition, provided that the circuit remains in compliance with the maximum rate and the pressure vs. flow limit. The controller has several advantages over the prior art including (without limitation): that the controller adjusts the pump speed to regulate the blood flow rate and maintain the blood pressure within prescribed limits, without requiring the attention of or adjustment by an operator; the controller adjusts blood flow in accordance with an occlusion pressure limit that varies with flow rate; the controller adaptively responds to partial occlusions in the withdrawal blood flow, and the controller prompts the patient to move a particular arm or move his body to alleviate partial occlusions in a withdrawal or infusion line. In addition, the controller discriminates between minor problems with the blood flow, such as a partial occlusion, that may it may automatically respond to by reducing pump speed or by prompting the patient to move an arm, and more serious problems, such as prolonged or excessive occlusions, that require an alarm to call for a nurse. Moreover, the controller may suspend or slow the rate of removal of filtrates from the blood during periods of reduced blood flow through the blood circuit. Further, the controller implements other safety features, such as to detect the occurrence of total unrecoverable occlusions in the circuit and disconnections of the circuit, which can cause the controller to interpret that blood loss is occurring through the extracorporeal circuit to the external environment and stop the pump. In a first embodiment, the invention is a method for controlling blood flow through an extracorporeal blood circuit having a controller comprising the steps of: withdrawing the blood from a withdrawal blood vessel in a patient into the extracorporeal circuit, treating the blood in the circuit and infusing the treated blood into the patient; detecting an occlusion which at least partially blocks the withdrawal or infusion of the blood; in response to the detection of the occlusion, the controller automatically prompts the patient to move to alleviate the occlusion, and in response to a prolonged occlusion, the controller issues an alarm. In a second embodiment, the invention is a method for controlling blood flow through an extracorporeal blood ultrafiltration circuit having a controller comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a desired filtration rate for the ultrafiltration circuit to extra filtrate for an ultrafiltration treatment; (b) withdrawing the blood from a withdrawal blood vessel in a patient into the extracorporeal circuit, filtering the blood to extract filtrates at the desired filtration rate, and infusing the filtered blood into the patient; (c) detecting a pressure of the blood being withdrawn or infused beyond a predetermined threshold pressure value; (d) reducing a blood flow rate through the circuit in response to the detection of the variation in pressure; (e) reducing a rate of filtrate extraction to a rate less than the desired filtration rate and no greater than twenty percent of a rate of blood flow through the circuit; (f) increasing the blood flow rate through the circuit after determining that the pressure of the blood being withdrawn or infused is within the threshold pressure value, and (g) increasing the filtration rate after step (e). | 20040727 | 20090602 | 20050106 | 75993.0 | 1 | DEAK, LESLIE R | METHOD TO CONTROL BLOOD AND FILTRATE FLOWING THROUGH AN EXTRACORPOREAL DEVICE | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,899,210 | ACCEPTED | Supervisory diagnostics for integrated vehicle stability system | A supervisory diagnostics system and related method for providing vehicle diagnostics for an integrated vehicle stability system that monitors the state of health of sensors, actuators, vehicle sub-system and communication sub-systems that are used in the stability control system. The diagnostics system employs an algorithm to determine whether the various sensors, actuators and sub-systems are operating properly. The algorithm determines whether the components and sub-systems are outputting valid signals at a component level. The algorithm also determines whether a bias of the sensors is below a predetermined limit. The algorithm further determines whether a comparison between the outputs of redundant sensors is below a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time. The system also performs a state of health analytical comparison of all the system signals. The system will go in to a fail-safe mode if a fault is detected. | 1. A method for performing a diagnostic check of an integrated vehicle stability system, said method comprising: providing at least one primary component and at least one secondary component for sensing an operation of at least one vehicle characteristic; determining whether an output of the at least one primary component and an output of the at least one secondary component are valid; comparing the output of the at least one primary component and the output of the at least one secondary component to determine whether a difference between the outputs is below a predetermined threshold; and putting the vehicle stability system in a fail-safe mode if the at least one primary component or the at least one secondary component is not outputting a valid signal or the difference between the outputs of the at least one primary component and the at least one secondary component is greater than the predetermined threshold. 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein comparing an output of the at least one primary component and an output of the at least one secondary component includes integrating the difference between the outputs over time. 3. The method according to claim 1 further comprising determining whether a bias of the at least one primary component and a bias of the at least one secondary component is below a predetermined limit, and if the bias is above the predetermined limit, putting the vehicle stability system in the fail-safe mode. 4. The method according to claim 1 further comprising centering a bias of the least one primary component and the at least one secondary component. 5. The method according to claim 1 wherein determining whether an output of the at least one primary component and an output of the at least one secondary component are valid includes determining whether the rate of change and the range of the outputs are within predetermined limits. 6. The method according to claim 1 wherein providing at least one primary component and at least one secondary component includes providing a first yaw rate sensor and a second yaw rate sensor for sensing a yaw rate of the vehicle. 7. The method according to claim 1 wherein providing at least one primary component and at least one secondary component includes providing a first lateral acceleration sensor and a second lateral acceleration sensor for sensing a lateral acceleration of the vehicle. 8. The method according to claim 6 further comprising determining whether a bias of the first and second lateral acceleration sensors has been removed. 9. The method according to claim 1 further comprising measuring a road wheel angle of the vehicle. 10. The method according to claim 1 further comprising determining a state of health evaluation and isolation diagnostics of the system if the difference between the outputs of the at least one primary component and the at least one secondary component is above the predetermined threshold. 11. The method according to claim 1 wherein the integrated vehicle stability system includes an active braking control sub-system, an active front-wheel steering assist sub-system and a semi-active suspension sub-system. 12. A method for performing a diagnostics check for an integrated vehicle stability system, said method comprising: providing a first yaw rate sensor and a second yaw rate sensor for sensing a yaw rate of the vehicle; providing a first lateral acceleration sensor and a second lateral acceleration sensor for sensing the lateral acceleration of the vehicle; measuring a road wheel angle of the vehicle; determining whether the first and second yaw rate sensors, the first and second lateral acceleration sensors and the road wheel angle measurement are outputting valid signals; determining whether a bias of the first and second yaw rate sensors, a bias of the first and second acceleration sensors and a bias of the road wheel measurement are below a predetermined limit; comparing outputs of the first and second yaw rate sensors to determine whether the difference between the outputs of the first and second yaw rate sensors is below a predetermined threshold. comparing outputs of the first and second lateral acceleration sensors to determine whether the difference between the outputs of the first and second lateral acceleration sensors is below a predetermined threshold; and putting the vehicle stability system in a fail-safe mode if the first and second yaw rate sensor or the first and second lateral acceleration sensors or the road wheel angle measurement are not outputting a valid signal, or the bias of the first and second yaw rate sensors or the bias of the first and second lateral acceleration sensors or the bias of the road wheel angle measurement is above the predetermined limit, or the difference between the outputs of the first and second yaw rate sensors or the outputs of the first and second lateral acceleration sensors is greater than the predetermined threshold. 13. The method according to claim 12 wherein comparing an output of the first and second yaw rate sensors and comparing an output of the first and second lateral acceleration sensors includes integrating the difference between the outputs of the first and second yaw rate sensors and the outputs of the first and second lateral acceleration sensors over time. 14. The method according to claim 12 wherein determining whether the first and second yaw rate sensors, the first and second lateral acceleration sensors and the road wheel angle measurement are outputting valid signals includes determining whether the rate of change and the range of the output signals are within predetermined limits. 15. The method according to claim 12 further comprising determining a state of health evaluation and isolation diagnostics of the system if the difference between the outputs of the first and second yaw rate sensors and the outputs of the first and second lateral acceleration sensors are above the predetermined threshold. 16. The method according to claim 12 wherein the integrated vehicle stability system includes an active braking control sub-system, an active front-wheel steering assist sub-system and a semi-active suspension sub-system. 17. A diagnostics system for performing a diagnostics check for an integrated vehicle stability system, said diagnostics system comprising: at least one primary component and at least one secondary component for sensing the operation of at least one vehicle characteristic; means for determining whether the at least one primary component and the at least one secondary component are outputting a valid signal; means for comparing an output of the at least one primary component and an output of the at least one secondary component to determine whether a difference between the outputs of the components is below a predetermined threshold; and means for putting the vehicle stability system in a fail-safe mode if the at least one primary component or the at least secondary component are not outputting a valid signal or the difference between the outputs of the at least one primary component and the at least one secondary component is greater than the predetermined threshold. 18. The diagnostics system according to claim 17 wherein the means for comparing an output of the at least one primary component and an output of the at least one secondary component includes means for integrating the difference between the outputs over time. 19. The diagnostics system according to claim 17 wherein the means for determining whether the at least one primary component and the at least one secondary component are outputting a valid signal includes means for determining whether the rate of change and the range of the output signals are within predetermined limits. 20. The diagnostics system according to claim 17 further comprising means for determining whether a bias of the at least one primary component and the at least one secondary component is below a predetermined limit, said means for putting the vehicle stability system in the fail-safe mode putting the vehicle stability system in the fail-safe mode if the bias is above the predetermined limit. 21. The diagnostics system according to claim 17 wherein the at least one primary component and the at least one secondary component are a first yaw rate sensor and a second yaw rate sensor for sensing a yaw rate of the vehicle. 22. The diagnostics system according to claim 17 wherein the at least one primary component and the at least one secondary component are a first lateral acceleration sensor and a second lateral acceleration sensor for sensing a lateral acceleration of the vehicle. 23. The diagnostics system according to claim 22 further comprising means for determining whether a bias of the first and second lateral acceleration sensors has been removed, said means for putting the vehicle stability system in the fail-safe mode putting the vehicle stability system in the fail-safe mode if the bias is above the predetermined limit. 24. The diagnostics system according to claim 17 further comprising means for measuring the road wheel angle of the vehicle. 25. The diagnostics system according to claim 17 further comprising means for determining a state of health evaluation and isolation diagnostics of the system, said means for determining a state of health evaluation and isolation diagnostics of the system determining a state of health evaluation and isolation diagnostics of the system if the difference between the outputs of the at least one primary component and the at least one secondary component is above the predetermined threshold. 26. The diagnostics system according to claim 17 wherein the integrated vehicle stability system includes an active braking control sub-system, an active front-wheel steering assist sub-system and a semi-active suspension sub-system. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a system and method for diagnostics monitoring of an integrated vehicle stability system and, more particularly, to a system and method for diagnostics monitoring of an integrated vehicle stability system at the supervisory level, including detecting and isolating faults of sensors, actuators and vehicle control sub-systems and communication systems in a fast and reliable manner. 2. Discussion of the Related Art Diagnostics monitoring for vehicle stability systems is an important vehicle design consideration so as to be able to detect system faults quickly, and isolate the faults for maintenance purposes. These stability systems typically employ various types of sensors including yaw rate sensors, lateral acceleration sensors and steering hand wheel angle sensors that are used to provide the stability control of the vehicle. For example, certain vehicle stability systems employ automatic braking in response to an undesired turning or yaw rate of the vehicle. Certain vehicle stability systems also employ active front-wheel or rear-wheel steering that assists the vehicle operator in steering the vehicle in response to detected rotation of the steering wheel. Other vehicle stability systems employ active suspension stability systems that change the vehicle suspension in response to road conditions and vehicle operating conditions. If any of the sensors and actuators associated with these stability systems fail, it is desirable to quickly detect the fault and activate fail-safe strategies so as to prevent the system from improperly responding to a perceived condition. It is also desirable to isolate the defective sensor or actuator for maintenance and replacement purposes, and also select the proper action for the problem. Thus, it is necessary to monitor the various sensors, actuators and components employed in these stability systems to identify a failure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a supervisory diagnostics system and related method is disclosed for providing vehicle diagnostics for an integrated vehicle stability system. The diagnostics system monitors sensors, actuators and vehicle sub-systems that are used in the stability system. In one embodiment, the stability system includes an active braking control sub-system, an active front-wheel steering assist sub-system and a semi-active suspension sub-system. The stability system includes first and second yaw rate sensors for sensing the yaw rate of the vehicle and first and second lateral acceleration sensors for sensing the lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The stability system also indirectly measures the road wheel angle of the vehicle. The diagnostics system employs an algorithm for determining whether the various sensors, actuators and sub-systems are operating properly. The algorithm checks whether the components and sub-systems are outputting valid signals at a component level, and whether the rate of change and range of the signals are valid. Further, the algorithm determines whether the yaw rate sensor signal and the road wheel angle measurement signal have a bias, and if so, performs a calibrating or centering operation. The algorithm also determines whether the bias of the yaw rate sensor signal, the lateral acceleration sensor signal and the road wheel angle measurement signal are below a predetermined limit. The algorithm further determines whether a comparison between the outputs of the yaw rate sensors and a comparison between the lateral acceleration sensors is below a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time. The system also performs a state of health analytical comparison of all the system signals to determine whether the system is operating properly. If the components or the sub-systems are not outputting a valid signal, or the rate of change or range of the component and sub-system signals are not valid, or the bias of the yaw rate sensor signals, the lateral acceleration sensor signals or the road wheel angle measurement signal are not below the predetermined limit, or the comparison between the outputs of the yaw rate sensors or the lateral acceleration sensors is greater than the predetermined threshold, or the analytical signal analysis is invalid, then the algorithm puts the diagnostics system in a fail-safe mode for the particular fault detected. Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a flow chart diagram of a supervisory diagnostics algorithm that monitors the state of health, detects and isolates faults and takes the proper action for the sensors, actuators and vehicle sub-systems in an integrated vehicle stability control system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a process for a physical sensor output comparison used in the diagnostics algorithm shown in FIG. 1, according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS The following discussion of the embodiments of the invention directed to a system and method for monitoring the state of health, detecting and isolating faults and taking the proper action for the sensors, actuators, vehicle sub-systems and communication systems at a supervisory level in an integrated vehicle stability control system is merely exemplary in nature, and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its applications or uses. FIG. 1 is a flow chart diagram 10 showing a technique for monitoring the state of health, detecting and isolating faults and taking the proper action for sensors, actuators, vehicle sub-systems and communication sub-systems in an integrated vehicle stability control system, according to the invention. In one embodiment, the integrated control system includes an active braking control sub-system, an active front-wheel steering assist sub-system and a semi-active suspension sub-system, known to those skilled in the art. The integrated control system includes two vehicle yaw rate sensors for measuring the vehicle yaw rate, and two vehicle lateral acceleration sensors for measuring the lateral acceleration or slip of the vehicle. The dual sensors are provided for physical redundancy purposes and provide a fast and reliable detection of faults, as will be discussed below. The control system also includes a hand wheel position sensor and a motor actuator position sensor that indirectly determine the road wheel angle. Each component and sub-system includes its own diagnostics provided by the component supplier that is checked by the algorithm of the present invention in a supervisory manner. The supervisory diagnostics algorithm collects the diagnostics signals from the sub-systems and the components, and uses information fusion to detect and isolate faults in the system. The supervisory diagnostics algorithm receives controller area network (CAN) communications signals from the components and the sub-systems. These signals include signals from the two yaw rate sensors, the two lateral acceleration sensors, the road wheel angle measurement signal, a reference vehicle speed signal, a vehicle roll rate signal, a vehicle pitch rate, normal forces, etc. As will be discussed in detail below, diagnostics algorithm provides multi-layer diagnostics for the integrated control system. The algorithm performs initialization steps at box 12 to set the various parameters and variables. Each of the several sensors, actuators and sub-systems that the stability control system is monitoring provides its own digital diagnostics signals at the component level as provided by the manufacturer. The algorithm determines whether the component diagnostics signals from all the various sub-systems, sensors and actuators are valid at box 14. If any of the sub-system or component signals not valid, then the algorithm puts the control system in a fail-safe mode at box 16. The algorithm will know which sub-system or component is faulty and it will know, based on a predetermined look-up table, what action is to be taken in the fail-safe mode for that detected fault. If the diagnostic signals are valid, then the signals are filtered and checked for range and rate of change at the box 14. If the range and rate of change of the signals are within the pre-described limits, then the signals from the components and sub-systems are considered valid, otherwise the system is put in the fail-safe mode at the box 16. The algorithm then determines whether both of the yaw rate sensors are centered or calibrated at box 18. The output of the yaw rate sensors should be a certain value for a certain vehicle condition, such as a zero yaw rate if the vehicle is not turning. The difference between the actual sensor output and the proper sensor output is the sensor bias. The system will center the output of the sensor if the output does not match the proper output so that the sensor is calibrated. If the yaw rate sensor outputs are not centered at the box 18, then the algorithm proceeds to a continue box 20 where the algorithm goes through the process of centering or calibrating the output of the yaw rate sensors. When the yaw rate sensors are centered, the algorithm determines whether the absolute value of the bias is below a predetermined threshold at box 22. If the bias is above the threshold, then the sensors are not operating properly or within the prescribed limits, and the algorithm puts the system in the fail-safe mode at the box 16 for that particular fault. If the absolute value of the bias for both yaw rate sensors is below the threshold at the box 22, and thus valid, the algorithm compares the output of the two yaw rate sensors at box 24 to determine if the difference between the sensor outputs is below a predetermined threshold. If the two sensor outputs are nearly the same, then the algorithm assumes that both sensors are working properly. However, if the difference between the two sensor outputs is greater than the threshold, then the algorithm assumes that one of the two sensors is not operating properly, and the algorithm immediately goes into the predetermined fail-safe mode at box 16 for that fault. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one technique that the algorithm can use to compare the outputs of the two sensors at the box 24. Sensors 32 and 34 represent the two yaw rate sensors (or the two lateral acceleration sensors). The output signals of the sensors 32 and 34 are compared by a comparator 36. The error signal or difference between the two output signals from the sensors 32 and 34 is filtered, and the absolute value of the filtered error signal is compared to a predetermined first threshold at box 38. The algorithm then determines if the absolute value of the error signal is greater than the first threshold at box 40. If the absolute value of the error signal is not greater than the first threshold, the algorithm resets an error integral at box 50, and continues at the box 42 to return to the next step in the flow chart diagram 10. If, however, the absolute value of the error signal is larger than the first threshold, the algorithm integrates the error signal at box 44. Because of noise in the system and the like, the absolute value of the error signal may temporarily go above the first threshold. However, the error signal must remain above the first threshold for a period of time in order for there to be a fault. The integrated error signal is reset to zero at the box 50 if it falls below the first threshold. The absolute integrated error value is compared to a second threshold at the box 46. If the integrated error value does not reach the second threshold before it falls below the first threshold, then the sensors 32 and 34 are determined to be operating properly and the algorithm continues at the box 42. If, however, the absolute integrated error value becomes greater than the second threshold at the box 46, then the algorithm sets a fault flag at box 48 and the system goes into the fail-safe mode at the box 16. If the error signal between the outputs of the two yaw rate sensors 32 and 34 is greater than the second threshold, then the algorithm also does a system-wide state of health (SOH) evaluation and isolation diagnostics check at box 26. This diagnostics check can be any diagnostics check suitable for the purposes described herein. The state of health and isolation diagnostics check can use analytical redundancy to assure that the overall system state of health of the vehicle is as expected and there are no abnormal behaviors. The state of health isolation diagnostics can also identify which of the redundant sensors may be faulty. The state of health isolation diagnostics process also has the capability of isolating a fault that has been detected earlier. One suitable diagnostic check is disclosed in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. (GP-304752). Once the output of the two yaw rate sensors have been compared at the box 24 and the error signal is below the thresholds as discussed above, the algorithm performs the same operations for the lateral acceleration sensors. Particularly, the algorithm determines whether a bias of the lateral acceleration sensors has been removed (calibrated) at box 54, and if not, goes through the process of removing the bias at the box 20. If the bias has been removed at the box 54, the algorithm determines whether the removed bias for both the lateral acceleration sensors is below a particular limit at box 56. If the removed bias is above the threshold, the algorithm puts the vehicle in the fail-safe mode at the box 16 for that fault. If the removed bias is below the threshold, then the algorithm compares the outputs of the two lateral acceleration sensors at box 58 using the flow chart diagram 30, where the sensors 32 and 34 are now the lateral acceleration sensors, to determine whether one of the sensors is faulty in a quick manner. If the integrated absolute value of the error signal between the outputs of the two lateral acceleration sensors is greater than the second threshold, the algorithm also determines the system's state of health at the box 26, as discussed above. The algorithm then centers the road wheel angle measurement signal at box 60. If the road wheel angle measurement signal is not centered, the algorithm centers the measurement at the box 20. The algorithm then determines whether the bias of the road wheel angle measurement signal is below a predetermined limit at box 62, and if not, puts the vehicle in the fail-safe mode at the box 16 for that fault. If all of the sensors are operating properly, then the algorithm determines the systems state of health evaluation and isolation diagnostics at the box 26 for the entire system. If the state of health is determined to be within the desired limits, then the algorithm loops back to perform the process all over again at the continue box 20. Otherwise, the algorithm puts the entire system in the vehicle fail-safe operation for the identified fault at the box 16. The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion and from the accompanying drawings and claims that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a system and method for diagnostics monitoring of an integrated vehicle stability system and, more particularly, to a system and method for diagnostics monitoring of an integrated vehicle stability system at the supervisory level, including detecting and isolating faults of sensors, actuators and vehicle control sub-systems and communication systems in a fast and reliable manner. 2. Discussion of the Related Art Diagnostics monitoring for vehicle stability systems is an important vehicle design consideration so as to be able to detect system faults quickly, and isolate the faults for maintenance purposes. These stability systems typically employ various types of sensors including yaw rate sensors, lateral acceleration sensors and steering hand wheel angle sensors that are used to provide the stability control of the vehicle. For example, certain vehicle stability systems employ automatic braking in response to an undesired turning or yaw rate of the vehicle. Certain vehicle stability systems also employ active front-wheel or rear-wheel steering that assists the vehicle operator in steering the vehicle in response to detected rotation of the steering wheel. Other vehicle stability systems employ active suspension stability systems that change the vehicle suspension in response to road conditions and vehicle operating conditions. If any of the sensors and actuators associated with these stability systems fail, it is desirable to quickly detect the fault and activate fail-safe strategies so as to prevent the system from improperly responding to a perceived condition. It is also desirable to isolate the defective sensor or actuator for maintenance and replacement purposes, and also select the proper action for the problem. Thus, it is necessary to monitor the various sensors, actuators and components employed in these stability systems to identify a failure. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a supervisory diagnostics system and related method is disclosed for providing vehicle diagnostics for an integrated vehicle stability system. The diagnostics system monitors sensors, actuators and vehicle sub-systems that are used in the stability system. In one embodiment, the stability system includes an active braking control sub-system, an active front-wheel steering assist sub-system and a semi-active suspension sub-system. The stability system includes first and second yaw rate sensors for sensing the yaw rate of the vehicle and first and second lateral acceleration sensors for sensing the lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The stability system also indirectly measures the road wheel angle of the vehicle. The diagnostics system employs an algorithm for determining whether the various sensors, actuators and sub-systems are operating properly. The algorithm checks whether the components and sub-systems are outputting valid signals at a component level, and whether the rate of change and range of the signals are valid. Further, the algorithm determines whether the yaw rate sensor signal and the road wheel angle measurement signal have a bias, and if so, performs a calibrating or centering operation. The algorithm also determines whether the bias of the yaw rate sensor signal, the lateral acceleration sensor signal and the road wheel angle measurement signal are below a predetermined limit. The algorithm further determines whether a comparison between the outputs of the yaw rate sensors and a comparison between the lateral acceleration sensors is below a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time. The system also performs a state of health analytical comparison of all the system signals to determine whether the system is operating properly. If the components or the sub-systems are not outputting a valid signal, or the rate of change or range of the component and sub-system signals are not valid, or the bias of the yaw rate sensor signals, the lateral acceleration sensor signals or the road wheel angle measurement signal are not below the predetermined limit, or the comparison between the outputs of the yaw rate sensors or the lateral acceleration sensors is greater than the predetermined threshold, or the analytical signal analysis is invalid, then the algorithm puts the diagnostics system in a fail-safe mode for the particular fault detected. Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. | 20040726 | 20061114 | 20060126 | 95321.0 | G06F1900 | 0 | ARTHUR JEANGLAUD, GERTRUDE | SUPERVISORY DIAGNOSTICS FOR INTEGRATED VEHICLE STABILITY SYSTEM | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
|
10,899,286 | ACCEPTED | Footwear outsole | An outsole having a plurality of traction elements extending transversely across its lower surface and a plurality of support walls extending transversely across its upper surface. Each of the support walls is uniquely associated with and in substantial vertical alignment with one of the traction elements. In one embodiment, the traction elements include and angled lower wall and a substantially vertical rear wall. In this embodiment, the support walls may be in substantial vertical alignment with the rear wall. In another embodiment, the heel region includes an intersecting grid-like arrangement of support walls in its upper surface. | 1. An outsole for an article of footwear comprising: a main portion having an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of traction elements extending in a generally transverse direction substantially across said lower surface of said main portion; a plurality of relief regions defined by said upper surface of said main portion, said relief regions extending in a generally transverse direction substantially across said upper surface, said relief regions being continuous and defining a plurality of nonintersecting transverse support walls extending in a generally transverse direction across said upper surface, said transverse support walls corresponding with and being in substantial vertical alignment with said plurality of traction elements. 2. The outsole of claim 1 wherein said traction elements and said relief regions undulate across said main portion. 3. The outsole of claim 2 wherein said traction elements include a rear wall and a lower wall, each of said transverse support walls is in substantial vertical alignment with said rear wall of a corresponding one of said traction elements. 4. The outsole of claim 3 wherein said traction element is generally triangular in cross section, said lower wall being angled with respect to a longitudinal extent of said main portion and said rear wall extending in a substantially vertical direction. 5. The outsole of claim 4 further comprising a second plurality of relief regions defined by said upper surface of said main portion, said second plurality of relief regions defining a plurality of intersecting support walls; and wherein said main portion includes a forefoot region and a heel region, said plurality of transverse support walls being disposed in said forefoot region and said plurality of intersecting support walls being disposed in said heel region. 6. The outsole of claim 5 further comprising a marginal portion extending around a periphery of said upper surface of said main portion, said marginal portion being free of said transverse support walls and said intersecting support walls. 7. The outsole of claim 6 wherein said transverse support walls are arranged in a repeating pattern. 8. The outsole of claim 7 further comprising a second marginal portion extending around a periphery of said lower surface of said main portion, said second marginal portion being free of said traction elements. 9. The outsole of claim 8 wherein said lower surface outsole defines a groove disposed between said second marginal portion and said traction elements. 10. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; a sole secured to said upper, said sole including an outsole having a plurality of traction elements extending in a generally transverse direction substantially across a lower surface of said outsole and a plurality of relief regions defined by an upper surface of said outsole, said relief regions extending in a generally transverse direction substantially across said upper surface, said relief regions being continuous and defining a plurality of transverse support walls extending in a generally transverse direction across said upper surface. 11. The article of footwear of claim 10 wherein each of said transverse support walls is uniquely associated with one of said traction elements, each of said transverse support walls being in substantial vertical alignment with said associated one of said traction elements along substantially an entire length of said transverse support wall. 12. The article of footwear of claim 11 wherein each of said traction elements and said transverse support walls undulate across said outsole. 13. The article of footwear of claim 12 wherein each of said traction elements is generally triangular in cross section having a lower wall being angled with respect to a longitudinal extent of said outsole and a rear wall extending in a substantially vertical direction. 14. The article of footwear of claim 13 wherein each of said transverse support walls is in substantial vertical alignment with said rear wall of said associated one of said traction elements. 15. The article of footwear of claim 14 wherein said transverse support walls are arranged in a uniform, repeating pattern. 16. The article of footwear of claim 15 further comprising a marginal portion extending around a periphery of said upper surface of said outsole, said marginal portion being free of said transverse support walls. 17. The article of footwear of claim 16 further comprising a second marginal portion extending around a periphery of said lower surface of said outsole, said second marginal portion being free of said traction elements. 18. The article of footwear of claim 17 wherein said lower surface of said outsole defines a groove disposed between said second marginal portion and said traction elements. 19. The article of footwear of claim 18 further comprising a second plurality of relief regions defined by said upper surface of said outsole, said second plurality of relief regions defining a plurality of intersecting support walls; and wherein said outsole includes a forefoot region and a heel region, said plurality of transverse support walls being disposed in said forefoot region and said plurality of intersecting support walls being disposed in said heel region. 20. An outsole comprising: a forefoot region having an upper surface and a lower surface; a heel region having an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of traction elements extending in a generally transverse direction substantially across said lower surface of said forefoot region; a plurality of relief regions defined by said upper surface of said forefoot region, said relief regions extending in a generally transverse direction substantially across said upper surface of said forefoot region, said relief regions defining a plurality of nonintersecting transverse support walls extending in a generally transverse direction across said upper surface, said transverse support walls corresponding with and being in substantial vertical alignment with said plurality of traction elements. 21. The outsole of claim 20 further comprising a second plurality of relief regions defined by said upper surface of said heel region, said second plurality of relief regions defining a plurality of intersecting support walls in said upper surface of said heel region. 22. The outsole of claim 21 wherein said traction elements are generally triangular in cross-section. 23. The outsole of claim 22 wherein each of said traction elements include an angled wall and a substantially vertical rear wall, each of said rear walls being in substantial vertical alignment with a corresponding one of said transverse walls. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to footwear and more particularly to an outsole for an article of footwear. There is a continuing effort in the footwear industry to provide evermore comfortable and evermore durable footwear. In most applications, the design and construction of the outsole has a significant impact on the comfort and durability of the product. As a result of material properties, comfort and durability are typically competing interests. For example, more durable materials are typically denser result in heavier, less flexible and less comfortable soles. On the other hand, lighter materials generally provide improved comfort, but are less resistant to wear and can reduce the life of the product. In an effort to improve both comfort and durability, some manufacturers use more durable outsole materials, but take steps to reduce the weight of the outsole. One known method for reducing the weight of an outsole is to define regions of relief in the upper surface of the outsole, for example, by forming cutouts or recesses in the upper surface. The weight of the outsole is reduced by the weight of the material that is removed. This method can dramatically reduce the overall weight of the outsole and consequently the shoe. Unfortunately, as material is removed from the upper surface of the outsole, the support provided by the outsole is dramatically reduced. In an effort to retain sufficient structural support in the outsole, a conventional relief pattern is configured to leave a grid-like arrangement of walls in the upper surface of the sole. Although this method improves the comfort of the outsole by providing a significant reduction in weight, the finished product remains substantially inflexible and does not provide the comfort desired in many applications. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The aforementioned problems are overcome by the present invention wherein an outsole includes a plurality of traction elements extending transversely across the undersurface of the sole and a plurality of corresponding support walls extending transversely across the upper surface of the sole. The outsole support walls are defined by a plurality of regions of relief and preferably do not intersect one another. In one embodiment, the regions of relief extend down into the traction elements, thereby providing the traction elements with a somewhat hollow structure. In this embodiment, each upper support is vertically aligned with the rear wall of the corresponding traction element, thereby resulting in a substantially continuous vertical wall extending from the lowermost point in the traction element to the uppermost point in the outsole. In one embodiment, each traction element is generally triangular in cross section with its height increasing toward the rear of the sole. In this embodiment, each traction element includes a rear wall that is vertically aligned with the corresponding support extending from the upper surface of the outsole. In another embodiment, the traction elements undulate as they extend transversely across the sole. In this embodiment, the traction elements may be parallel to one another following a common series of undulations. In yet another embodiment, the outsole includes a forefoot region and a heel region. The forefoot region includes a plurality of transversely extending, non-intersecting support walls, while the heel region includes a grid-work of intersection support walls. The present invention provides a comfortable and light-weight, yet durable outsole. The transversely extending traction elements provide a relatively high degree of traction suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. At the same time, however, the transversely extending regions of relief dramatically reduce the weight of the outsole and dramatically improve flexibility. The triangular cross section of one embodiment provides that embodiment with enhanced traction characteristics. In those embodiments where the traction elements undulate across the outsole, the outsole provides enhanced support while continuing to provide be highly flexible. In those applications where the heel region includes a grid-like arrangement of walls, the outsole provides substantial support and limited flexibility in the heel region, while providing enhanced flexibility in the forefoot region. These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of an outsole in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the outsole. FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the outsole. FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the outsole. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the outsole taken along line V-V of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the outsole taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of an alternative outsole. FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a second alternative outsole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An outsole according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the outsole 10 includes a plurality of traction elements 12 that extend transversely across the undersurface of the sole 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the outsole 10 also includes a plurality of support walls 14 that extending transversely across the upper surface of the sole 10 corresponding with and following essentially the same line as the traction elements 12. The traction elements 12 and support walls 14 are in substantial vertical alignment so that there is an essentially continuous vertical wall from the ground contact surface to the upper surface of the outsole. The present invention is described in connection with an outsole intended to be secured to an upper using conventional techniques and apparatus. Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the outsole 10 of the illustrated embodiment generally includes a main body 16 with an undersurface 20 having a marginal portion 18 and plurality of traction elements 12. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 4, the traction elements 12 extend substantially across the outsole 10 in a transverse or lateral direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the traction elements 12 terminate at peripheral groove 50 just short of marginal portion 18. The precise size, shape and width of the marginal portion 18 and the peripheral groove 50 may vary from application to application. In other embodiments, the marginal portion 18 and/or peripheral groove 50 may be eliminated. In the illustrated embodiment, the traction elements 12 may extend across substantially the entire undersurface 20 of the outsole 10 from the toe to the heel. Alternatively, the traction elements 12 may be disposed only in select regions. For example, the traction elements 12 may be located only in the forefoot region or only along the medial region of the outsole 10. In the described embodiment, the traction elements 12 are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern with traction elements 12 of essentially identical configuration arranged at a generally consistent spacing. In other embodiments, the traction elements 12 can be arranged in a non-repeating pattern and may be of varying configuration at different location within the outsole. For example, the traction elements 12 may be larger and/or have a greater depth in the forefoot region. In the illustrated embodiment, the traction elements 12 are generally triangular in cross section and undulate as they cross the outsole 10. The number and magnitude of the undulations may vary from application to application depending in part on the desired balance between vertical support, longitudinal flexibility and weight relief. As shown in FIG. 5, the traction elements 12 generally include an angled lower wall 24 and a substantially vertical rear wall 26. The lower wall 24 may be uniform in thickness, as shown, or it may vary in thickness, for example, being tapered from top to bottom. Similarly, the thickness of the vertical rear wall 26 may be uniform or varying. As shown in FIG. 4, the traction elements 12 may be closely spaced with the angled lower wall 24 of one traction element 12 emerging from a line immediately adjacent to the vertical wall 26 of the preceding traction element 12. The size, shape (e.g. overall shape and cross sectional shape) and arrangement of the traction elements 12 may vary from application to application depending in part on the type environment in which the footwear will be worn. The outsole 10 also includes an upper surface 22 having a marginal portion 32 and a plurality of support walls 14, 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the support walls 14 in the forefoot region 40 of the outsole 10 have a different configuration than the support walls 15 in the heel region 42. More specifically, the forefoot region 40 of the upper surface 22 defines a plurality of regions of relief 30 that extend transversely across the sole to, in turn, define the plurality of transversely extending support walls 14. In the heel region 42, the upper surface defines a plurality of square or rectangular regions of relief 34 that in turn define a grid-like pattern of intersecting support walls 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the marginal portion 32 of the upper surface 22 extends around the periphery of the outsole 10 and is somewhat wider than the marginal portion 18 of the undersurface 20, thereby resulting in support walls 14, 15 that are somewhat narrower in the transverse direction than the traction elements 12. The precise size, shape and width of the marginal portion 32 of the upper surface 22 may vary from application to application. In other embodiments, the marginal portion 32 of the upper surface 22 may be eliminated. In this embodiment, the support walls 14 in the forefoot region 40 are aligned with a corresponding traction element 12 and follow essentially the same line as the corresponding traction element 12. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 5, the support walls 14 in the forefoot region 40 are vertically aligned with the rear wall 26 of the traction elements 12. This vertical alignment provides an essentially continuous wall that extends from the lowermost point of the traction elements 12 to the upper surface 22 of the outsole 10 to provide the outsole 10 with enhanced support in the vertical direction. The transversely extending regions of relief 30 also provide the forefoot region 40 of the outsole 10 with enhanced flexibility in the longitudinal direction. Referring again to FIG. 5, the transversely extending regions of relief 30 extend down into the traction elements 12 following the angled lower wall 24. The support walls 15 in the heel region 42 are arranged in an intersecting pattern of longitudinally extending and laterally extending support walls that provide substantially more rigidity than the transversely extending support walls 14 in the forefoot region 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the support walls 15 include seven transversely extending support walls 15 that are intersected by two longitudinally extending support walls 15. The number of longitudinal and transverse support walls 15 may vary from application to application depending in part on the desired rigidity and degree of weight relief. In the illustrated embodiment, the transversely extending support walls 14 cover the forefoot region 20 and transition into the intersection support walls 15 toward to front of the arch region of the outsole 10. The location of the transition from transverse to intersecting support walls may, however, vary from application to application. In applications where it is desirable to provide enhanced flexibility along the entire length of the sole, the intersecting support walls 15 can be eliminated and the transverse support walls 14 may extend throughout the forefoot region 40 and the heel region 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the outsole 10 is manufactured from conventional outsole materials, such as latex rubber, EVA, TPU, polyurethane, rubber or TPR. The outsole 10 is formed using conventional injection molding machinery, but may be manufactured using other conventional techniques and apparatus. The outsole 10 is intended for incorporation into a wide variety of footwear soles using well-known techniques and apparatus. For example, the outsole 10 may be cemented directly to an upper. If desired, the outsole 10 can be combined with a midsole, inner sole or other conventional sole components. An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the outsole 10′ includes traction elements 12′ that extend in a substantially straight line across the undersurface of the outsole 10′. In this embodiment, the support walls (not shown) in the forefoot region also extend in a substantially straight line across the outsole 10′. As with the above described embodiment, the support walls (not shown) are aligned with a corresponding traction element 12′ and follow essentially the same line as the corresponding traction element 12′. The support walls in the forefoot region 40′ may also be vertically aligned with the rear wall 26′ of the traction elements 12′. A second alternative embodiment of the outsole 10″ is shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the traction elements 12″ are generally rectangular in cross section having a front wall 22″, lower wall 24″ and rear wall 26″. In this alternative embodiment, the support walls 14″ are vertically aligned with the rear wall 26″. Additionally (or in the alternative) the outsole 10″ may includes a plurality of support walls (not shown) disposed in vertical alignment with the front wall 22″. As a further alternative, the outsole 10″ may include a plurality of support walls (not shown) that are of sufficient width so that a single support simultaneously overlays the rear wall 26″ of one traction element and the front wall 22″ of the immediately preceding traction element. As with the above described embodiment, the traction elements 12″ and support walls 14″ of this embodiment may undulate across the outsole 10.″ The above description is that of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to footwear and more particularly to an outsole for an article of footwear. There is a continuing effort in the footwear industry to provide evermore comfortable and evermore durable footwear. In most applications, the design and construction of the outsole has a significant impact on the comfort and durability of the product. As a result of material properties, comfort and durability are typically competing interests. For example, more durable materials are typically denser result in heavier, less flexible and less comfortable soles. On the other hand, lighter materials generally provide improved comfort, but are less resistant to wear and can reduce the life of the product. In an effort to improve both comfort and durability, some manufacturers use more durable outsole materials, but take steps to reduce the weight of the outsole. One known method for reducing the weight of an outsole is to define regions of relief in the upper surface of the outsole, for example, by forming cutouts or recesses in the upper surface. The weight of the outsole is reduced by the weight of the material that is removed. This method can dramatically reduce the overall weight of the outsole and consequently the shoe. Unfortunately, as material is removed from the upper surface of the outsole, the support provided by the outsole is dramatically reduced. In an effort to retain sufficient structural support in the outsole, a conventional relief pattern is configured to leave a grid-like arrangement of walls in the upper surface of the sole. Although this method improves the comfort of the outsole by providing a significant reduction in weight, the finished product remains substantially inflexible and does not provide the comfort desired in many applications. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The aforementioned problems are overcome by the present invention wherein an outsole includes a plurality of traction elements extending transversely across the undersurface of the sole and a plurality of corresponding support walls extending transversely across the upper surface of the sole. The outsole support walls are defined by a plurality of regions of relief and preferably do not intersect one another. In one embodiment, the regions of relief extend down into the traction elements, thereby providing the traction elements with a somewhat hollow structure. In this embodiment, each upper support is vertically aligned with the rear wall of the corresponding traction element, thereby resulting in a substantially continuous vertical wall extending from the lowermost point in the traction element to the uppermost point in the outsole. In one embodiment, each traction element is generally triangular in cross section with its height increasing toward the rear of the sole. In this embodiment, each traction element includes a rear wall that is vertically aligned with the corresponding support extending from the upper surface of the outsole. In another embodiment, the traction elements undulate as they extend transversely across the sole. In this embodiment, the traction elements may be parallel to one another following a common series of undulations. In yet another embodiment, the outsole includes a forefoot region and a heel region. The forefoot region includes a plurality of transversely extending, non-intersecting support walls, while the heel region includes a grid-work of intersection support walls. The present invention provides a comfortable and light-weight, yet durable outsole. The transversely extending traction elements provide a relatively high degree of traction suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. At the same time, however, the transversely extending regions of relief dramatically reduce the weight of the outsole and dramatically improve flexibility. The triangular cross section of one embodiment provides that embodiment with enhanced traction characteristics. In those embodiments where the traction elements undulate across the outsole, the outsole provides enhanced support while continuing to provide be highly flexible. In those applications where the heel region includes a grid-like arrangement of walls, the outsole provides substantial support and limited flexibility in the heel region, while providing enhanced flexibility in the forefoot region. These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the drawings. | 20040726 | 20071016 | 20060126 | 98976.0 | A43B2328 | 0 | MOHANDESI, JILA M | FOOTWEAR OUTSOLE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | A43B | 2,004 |
|
10,899,337 | ACCEPTED | Decoder performance for block product codes | This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. A method of improving block turbo decoder performance that comprises receiving soft input information corresponding to a first set of constituent codes of a block product code (900), scaling soft extrinsic information from a second set of constituent codes of the block product code (800), processing the scaled soft extrinsic information and the soft input information to produce soft output information suitable for a soft-input soft-output decoder (900), and performing one or more of: modifying encoded bit positions of the block product code, modifying decoded bit positions of a the block product code, permuting decoding parameters of the block product code to effect a preferred decoding order (500), detecting cases where a number of test patterns is insufficient to decode the soft output information and thereafter providing a different number of test patterns suitable for decoding the soft output information (1400), and adapting the number of test patterns in the soft-input soft-output decoder (1600). | 1. A method of adapting a number of test patterns in a soft-input soft-output decoder to generate a soft-output vector, comprising: finding L+α least reliable positions within a soft-input vector; constructing a set of test patterns where the set of test patterns is related to L least reliable positions; for each test pattern vector Zi in the set of test patterns, performing a hard-decision decoding on a vector (Y+Zi) wherein Y is a binary vector constructed from the soft-input vector; if the hard-decision decoder finds a valid codeword Ci associated with the vector (Y+Zi), saving the valid codeword Ci into a set S; if the hard-decision decoder is unable to find a valid codeword, constructing an augmented test pattern Zi′ using at least one of α least reliable positions, further comprising: if hard-decision decoding the augmented binary vector (Y+Zi′) finds a valid codeword Ci′ associated with the binary vector (Y+Zi′), saving the valid codeword Ci′ into the set S; and generating the soft-output vector based on the set S. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the soft-input soft-output decoder is a Chase decoder. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the hard-decision decoder is a bounded distance decoder. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein employing the method is determined based upon one or more of: a type of code the soft-input soft-output decoder is decoding; an operating point of the soft-input soft-output decoder; and the soft-input vector. 5. A method of improving soft-input soft-output decoder performance in a block turbo decoder, comprising: detecting cases where a number of test patterns is insufficient to decode a soft-input vector corresponding to a constituent code of a block product code; and providing a different number of test patterns to the soft-input soft-output decoder. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the soft-input soft-output decoder is a Chase decoder. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein detecting cases where the number of test patterns is insufficient is performed before attempting to decode the soft-input vector. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein a different number of test patterns is used during each decoding iteration of the block turbo decoder. 9. The method of claim 5, wherein different constituent codes of the block product code have a different number of test patterns. 10. The method of claim 5, wherein the number of test patterns is a function of an iteration number of the block turbo decoder. 11. The method of claim 5, wherein the number of test patterns is determined from one or more of: a percentage of shortening for the constituent code; an information from a previous decoding iteration; an amount of shortening of the constituent codeword; an iteration number of the block turbo decoder; a constituent codeword length; a type of constituent code; and a number of test patterns required for a previous decoding iteration. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the information from the previous decoding iteration further comprises: comparing a number of bit positions in the soft-output vector that have inaccurate soft-output values from the previous decoding iteration to a threshold further comprising: if this number of bit positions is greater than a first threshold, the number of test patterns is increased; and if this number is less than a second threshold, the number of test patterns is reduced. 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the number of test patterns is determined using a set of block product codes. 14. The method of claim 8, wherein one or more distinct numbers of test patterns are used for one or more corresponding constituent codes of a collection of block product codes. 15. A method of decoding a block product code in a block turbo decoder, comprising: receiving a soft channel vector; determining alpha parameters based on two or more constituent codes; partitioning the two or more constituent codes into a current constituent code and a previous set of constituent codes; selecting an alpha vector for the current constituent code from the determined alpha parameters; retrieving one or more extrinsic vectors for the previous set of constituent codes; generating a soft-input vector for a soft-input soft-output decoder for the current constituent code wherein the soft-input vector is a sum of the soft channel vector and a dot product of the retrieved one or more extrinsic vectors and the selected alpha vector; decoding the generated soft-input vector using the soft-input soft-output decoder for the current constituent code to produce an extrinsic vector for the current constituent code; and storing the extrinsic vector for the current constituent code. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the alpha parameters are predetermined by simulation. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the alpha parameters are dynamically selected during one or more decoding iterations of the block turbo decoder. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the block turbo decoder comprises a Chase decoder. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the alpha parameters are selected so that a minimal block error rate for a range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) is achieved. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the alpha parameters are operable to be determined through the use of a contour map. 21. A method of improving block turbo decoder performance, comprising: receiving soft-input information corresponding to a first set of constituent codes of a block product code; scaling soft extrinsic information from a second set of constituent codes of the block product code; processing the scaled soft extrinsic information and the soft-input information to produce soft-output information suitable for a soft-input soft-output decoder; performing one or more of: modifying encoded bit positions of the block product code; modifying decoded bit positions of a the block product code; permuting decoding parameters of the block product code to effect a preferred decoding order; detecting cases where a number of test patterns is insufficient to decode the soft-output information and thereafter providing a different number of test patterns suitable for decoding the soft-output information; and adapting the number of test patterns in the soft-input soft-output decoder. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein permuting decoding parameters of the block product code to affect a preferred decoding order further comprises: determining decoding parameters for a decoding order; and examining decoding parameters to determine the preferred decoding order. | CROSSREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is related to co-pending application CML01586J, titled “DECODING BLOCK CODES,” filed even date herewith and having the same ownership as the present application and to that extent related to the present application. BACKGROUND A codeword for a general two dimensional (2-D) (N,K) product code is arranged as illustrated in FIG. 1 below. N represents the codeword length while K represents the information length (e.g., number of information symbols or bits, length of the information sequence). A representative block product code codeword comprises Ny rows of constituent code x (labeled “Code x”) codewords and Nx columns of constituent code y (labeled “Code y”) codewords. Code x is a (Nx,Kx) code, Code y is a (Ny,Ky) code, N=Nx×Ny, and K=Kx×Ky. The 2-D block product code codeword 100 can be partitioned into four sub-rectangles, 110, 120, 130, and 140. In FIG. 1, the K-bit input information sequence is denoted by si, for i=0, . . . , K−1, while a parity bit is denoted by pi,j for i=0, . . . , Ky−1 and j=Kx, . . . , Nx−1, and for i=Ky, . . . , Ny−1 and j=0, . . . , Kx−1. Product codes are also called block product codes (“BPCs”), block turbo codes, and block product turbo codes in the art. When soft information is processed by the block product code decoder, the decoder is sometimes called a block product turbo decoder and block turbo decoder in the art. Though a maximum likelihood (ML) decoder theoretically provides the best (optimal) performance for decoding block product codes, the ML decoder for block product codes is generally impractical due to its complexity. One low complexity sub-optimal (non-ML) technique using hard-decision decoding of the constituent codes of the block product code is based on iterative techniques but this sub-optimal technique has poor performance. Recently, another sub-optimal technique for decoding block product codes was developed. The decoding can be performed iteratively using soft-input soft-output (SISO) constituent decoders operating on constituent codewords. A soft-input for the subsequent decoding phase may be computed using the soft-output from the current decoding phase in a similar manner to the decoding process for turbo codes. A decoding iteration can be divided into decoding phases as illustrated below. This iterative structure allows the constituent decoders of different dimensions to share information. For example, for the 2-D code illustrated in FIG. 1, the block product codeword is Ny codewords to Code x, while simultaneously it is Nx codewords to Code y. Therefore, both constituent decoder for Code x and constituent decoder for Code y can decode and generate information for the entire codeword. The information generated by the constituent decoders in one dimension can be passed to the constituent decoders in the other dimension together with the received signal, so that a better decoding decision can be made than if only the received signal is used. While the optimal ML constituent decoder theoretically provides the best performance, its complexity is often impractical for constituent decoding. As a result, sub-optimal decoding techniques such as those employing Chase decoding that approximate the ML constituent decoder are attractive. A Chase decoder is one example of a soft-input soft-output (SISO) decoder for a constituent decoder. Upon receiving the soft-input vector for a (n, k) constituent block code, a binary vector Y and a set of test patterns are formed in the Chase decoder. A hard-decision decoder, often a bounded-distance decoder, is used to decode each Xi=(Y+Zi) binary vector, where Zi denotes a member of the set of test patterns and for binary codes, the “+” can represent an exclusive-or operation. The hard-decision decoder can either produce a valid codeword or declare a decoding failure. Each valid codeword Ci resulting from decoding (Y+Zi) is saved into a set S. A metric associated with each valid codeword is also saved. The Chase decoder attempts to generate a soft-output for every bit position j by finding the metric difference between two codewords in S, one codeword being the most-likely codeword D and the other being a best competing codeword Cj which differs from D at position j, 1≦j≦n. A flowchart 200 of the existing method of Chase decoding is shown in FIG. 2. Block 210 finds the L least reliable positions over a portion of the soft-input vector. Block 220 constructs a number of test patterns. In this example, 2L test patterns are constructed. A Chase-L decoder uses 2L test patterns. A loop index i is initialized to 1 in block 230. In block 240 within the loop, a hard-decision decoding of the binary vector (Y+Zi) is performed. If the hard-decision decoding finds a codeword, that codeword is saved to the set S and a corresponding metric is saved. The loop index i is incremented in block 242. A decision whether the loop index i less than or equal to the number of test patterns (in this case 2L) is made in block 245. If Yes, the loop 240-242 is repeated. If No, the soft-output vector is then generated based on the codewords in S and the associated metrics in block 250. To meet decoding complexity constraints while ensuring adequate performance, the number of test patterns is kept small. However, when the hard-decision decoder declares a decoding failure for many of the test patterns, only a few codewords exist in S. As a result, a large number of positions in the soft-output vector will have inaccurate (or unavailable) soft-output values. For a block turbo decoder using a Chase decoder as a constituent decoder, it is desirable to have accurate soft-output values (and to have soft-output values for each position in a soft-output vector). One method to increase the number of codewords in S is to examine more test patterns. However, the Chase-(L+1) decoder has twice as many test patterns as the Chase-L decoder due to the exponential relationship between L and the number of test patterns, and doubling the number of test patterns within the constituent decoder can nearly double the complexity of the block turbo decoder. Besides complexity, another problem for block product code decoding is the need to have a common decoder architecture capable of supporting various combinations of constituent codes for a block product code. In examining some of the codes in the ANSI/TIA-902.BAAD standard, there are 3-D block product codes as well as 2-D block product codes with non-identical constituent codes in each dimension. Further, there is a need to have a good performing (e.g., measured by low error rates) generic block turbo decoder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Certain embodiments illustrating organization and method of operation, together with objects and advantages may be best understood by reference to the detailed description that follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is an example of a generic 2-dimensional block product code. FIG. 2 is a simplified flow diagram of the process of using test patterns in a Chase decoder. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method to decode block product codes. FIG. 4 illustrates the performance of x,y vs. y,x decoding order. FIG. 5 is a flowchart to determine decoding order and to adjust decoding parameters. FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a 2-D block turbo decoder. FIG. 7 is a flowchart to determine the alpha parameters as a function of the constituents of the block product code. FIG. 8 illustrates a circuit for generating a soft input vector. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a 2-D decoder incorporating alpha parameters. FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a 2-D block turbo decoder. FIG. 11 is an example of LLR scaling for a 3-D decoder. FIG. 12 is a contour map showing contours at Eb/N0=2.5 dB after four decoding iterations. FIG. 13 shows contour maps illustrating that the minimum block error rate contours move significantly as the SNR increases. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the method to decode code i among a set of block codes. FIG. 15 is a graph showing the average number of unique codewords in set S in each dimension as a function of Eb/N0 (dB). FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the adaptive Chase decoding method. FIG. 17 is a frame error rate (FER) performance comparison of the non-adaptive method with L=4, 5, and the adaptive method with L=4. FIG. 18 is an example of an x,y encoding order. FIG. 19 is an example of a y,x encoding order. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings. The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “program”, as used herein, is defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A “program”, or “computer program”, may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, in an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. Block product codes can be defined to have systematic constituent codes in each dimension. Several frequently-used constituent codes as well as their minimum distance (dmin) properties are summarized in Table 1. The primitive binary BCH codes in Table 1 are defined over GF(2m) and have a t-bit guaranteed error-correcting capability when a bounded-distance hard-decision (hard-input hard-output) decoder is used. A t-error-correcting block code is imperfect if not all size-n binary vectors are within distance t to a codeword. GF(2m) represents a binary Galois field having 2m elements. In the table, the codeword length n is also called the natural length of the code. In one example, the natural length of the code for a BCH code is 2m−1. In many applications, binary BCH codes are shortened by removing systematic bits to achieve a desired size. A code shortened from a BCH code with a minimum distance dmin has a minimum distance of at least dmin. In general, for any block code, shortening assigns certain positions to known information values, such as zero. A severely shortened code has its n being much less than the natural length of the code. TABLE 1 Minimum distances and unshortened natural lengths for several constituent codes. natural Codeword Information Constituent Code Length n Size k dmin Single parity check (SPC) k + 1 k ≧ 1 2 t = 1 binary BCH (i.e., Hamming) 2m − 1 2m − 1 − m 3 t = 1 extended binary BCH 2m 2m − m 4 (i.e., Extended Hamming) t = 2 binary BCH 2m − 1 2m − 1 − 2m 5 (labeled “t = 2 BCH”) t = 2 extended binary BCH 2m 2m − 2m 6 (labeled “t = 2 Extended BCH”) The embodiments of the present invention are operable to support two or more than two dimensional (multidimensional) block product codes. In addition, these embodiments are applicable to any combination of constituent codes including the use of Hamming, BCH, Golay, single parity check (SPC) or any other block code. In the present invention, the soft information may be extrinsic information passed out of a constituent block code decoder in a block product code decoder (block turbo decoder), or may be the actual soft-outputs in any soft-input soft-output decoder of a constituent decoder. The block turbo decoder may also provide soft-outputs for other applications, such as joint equalizers/decoders and unequal error protection schemes. The block turbo decoder often produces a hard output that is an estimate of the transmitted information sequence. The constituent decoder of the present invention may be a soft-output Chase decoder, Kaneko algorithm, or other soft-output decoding algorithm that may not always find a competing codeword for each bit position. For a Chase decoder, the lack of a competing codeword in a position is often due to decoding failures in an underlying hard-decision decoder. Decoding failures arise when the decoder cannot correct the error pattern that is encountered, a frequent occurrence when a bounded-distance decoder (i.e., a decoder that can only correct up to a set number of errors) is used to decode imperfect codes or shortened codes. Certain embodiments consistent with the present invention improve block turbo decoder complexity and performance by: a) permuting decoding parameters of the block turbo decoder to affect a preferred decoding order; b) scaling extrinsic information to produce a soft-input for a soft-input soft-output constituent decoder, c) detecting cases where a number of test patterns within the soft-input soft-output constituent decoder is insufficient to produce soft-output values. Upon receiving a length N soft channel vector, a block turbo decoder attempts to produce a length K information sequence knowing that the length N soft channel vector corresponds to a (N,K) block product code. In certain embodiments, the block turbo decoder attempts to produce a length N soft-output vector. The received soft channel vector can be stored in memory given by an address X. A two dimensional (2-D) block product code is specified by the notation “Code x-by-Code y”, where Code x is the (Nx,Kx) constituent code in the x dimension and Code y is the (Ny,Ky) constituent code in the y dimension. Similarly, a three dimensional (3-D) block product code is specified by the notation “Code x-by-Code y-by-Code z”, where Code z is the (Nz,Kz) constituent code in the z dimension. Hence, a 2-D block product code comprises two constituent codes, specifically Code x and Code y. Similarly, a 3-D block product code comprises two or more (i.e., three) constituent codes, specifically Code x, Code y, and Code z. In certain embodiments, the notation “code 1”, “code 2”, etc., is used to specify constituent codes within a block product code but this notation is independent of the block product code specification. In certain embodiments, code 1 can represent Code x while code 2 can represent Code y. Further, in other embodiments, code 1 can represent Code y while code 2 can represent Code x. The mappings can be extended to higher dimensions. For notational purposes, code 1 is a (N1,K1) constituent code, code 2 is a (N2,K2) constituent code, etc. FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart 300 of an embodiment for iterative decoding of block product codes. Block 305 determines the parameters for a particular block product code. Examples of the parameters include the decoding ordering, the number of codewords in each dimension of the particular block product code, the alpha parameters, a number of test patterns to generate for the constituent decoder in each dimension, and a maximum number of iterations. In certain embodiments, the parameters for a particular block product code can be stored in memory (table) and the process of determining the parameters for a particular block product code is a table lookup. In other embodiments, the parameters can be based on functions of the block product code parameters or other stored parameters. A loop index iter is initialized in 310. A loop index dim is initialized in 315. The loop indexing of dim (1, 2, 3, . . . ) corresponds to the preferred decoding order of the constituent codes. Block 320 selects the parameters for the constituent code in the dim-th dimension, which comprises one or more of the number of codewords to process (Nq), memory accessing parameters (e.g., starting address, memory stride size), an alpha vector, and a number of test patterns to generate for this constituent code. The determining of the parameters for the constituent code in the dim-th dimension (block 320) can involve accessing memory for those parameters. The selecting of the parameters (block 320) can involve processing statistics from a previous iteration. In the preferred embodiment, the soft-input for all the constituent decoders in the dim-th dimension is computed using the selected alpha vector in block 325. Nq constituent decodings are performed in block 330. The Nq constituent decodings can be viewed as “parallel decoding”, where some or all constituent decodings in one dimension are performed at the same time. Further, in certain embodiments, the term “parallel decoding” can represent that the decoding of constituent codes in one dimension is performed before the constituent codes in another dimension are decoded. For certain embodiments, Table 2 lists some possible values of Nq based on the decoding order. Extrinsic vectors are produced from the soft-output vectors (block 330) in block 335 for each soft-input computed in block 325. The dim index is incremented in block 340. A determination on whether all dimensions of the block product code are processed is made in block 345 for this iteration. If “no”, the flow resumes at block 320. If “yes”, the flow continues to block 350 where the index iter is incremented. A determination as to whether continuing the iterations is performed in 355. The determination can be based on, for example, whether iter has exceeded a maximum number of iterations, and/or whether some stopping rule criteria are met. Examples of stopping criteria are a cyclic redundancy check (if the information sequence has one), syndrome computation, estimated decoded bit error rate. If the determination is “yes”, flow proceeds back to block 315. If the determination is “no”, flow proceeds to block 360, where the K estimated information bits can be extracted. In certain embodiments, the determination for continuing the iteration, such as evaluating the stopping rule criteria, can be made in 345. As FIG. 3 illustrates, a block turbo decoder can perform a parallel constituent decoding for a first dimension of a block product code, then a parallel constituent decoding for a second dimension, finally a parallel constituent decoding for the last dimension if the code is a three dimensional code. For a 2-D code for example, the last dimension is the second dimension. A decoding phase is one parallel constituent decoding. In certain embodiments, the decoding order of the constituent codes repeats for all iterations of the block turbo decoder. On the last iteration, the output of the parallel constituent decoding is taken as the output of the block decoder. Decoding Order The mapping of constituent codes of a block product code are Code x to code 1, Code y to code 2, and (for a 3-D code) Code z to code 3. This mapping can be called the natural decoding order. For some block product codes, the natural decoding order (decoding order determined by how the block product code is specified) may not be the decoding order that results in the best performance. In general, decoding performance of the block turbo decoder is a function of the decoding order especially if different constituent codes are used in each dimension. For example, the effect of the decoding order on the error-correcting performance of the block turbo decoder is illustrated in FIG. 4. The block product code is a single parity check (SPC) code (4,3,2) by a shortened BCH code (30,20,5), where the notation (n,k,dmin) specifies a code with the codeword size (n), the number of information bits (k), and the minimum distance dmin of the code. For simplicity, the notation “x,y” refers to the decoding order of decoding the x dimension first and the y dimension second while the notation “y,x” refers to the opposite decoding order. Similiar notation is adopted for the 3-D codes and higher dimensional codes. The x,y decoding order (the natural decoding order) decodes the SPC code first, and the y,x order decodes the BCH code first. The simulation conditions are additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel and binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation. FIG. 4 shows that the x,y decoding order is about 0.45 dB better than the y,x order at a 1% frame error rate for this channel. This performance difference can increase to several decibels when the channel is not static. An example 500 of how to implement a variable decoding order for a 2-D code is shown in FIG. 5. It is noted that a 2-D code is shown only for ease of illustration purposes and should not be construed as limiting any embodiments of the present invention. Block 510 determines the decoding parameters for the x,y decoding order. Examples of the decoding parameters include parameters that indexes to each codeword within a dimension, and the alpha parameters. Block 520 examines the constituent codes contained in the block product code. The examination can use the example for the preferred decoding order listed below. The examination can also be based on if Block 530 decides whether the x,y decoding order is the preferred order. If the x,y decoding order is not the preferred order, a permutation of the decoding parameters can then be performed as in Block 540. The block turbo decoder can use the permuted decoding parameters in Block 550 to decode the soft channel vector. In another embodiment, the constituent codes are examined, the decoding parameters for those codes are retrieved based on the examination, and finally used to decode the soft channel vector using the decoding parameters. The retrieved decoding parameters can be stored in memory and can reflect the preferred decoding order. These retrieved decoding parameters may already be permuted for the preferred decoding order. Several example decoding orders are: The strongest constituent code (e.g., largest dmin) should be decoded last. The hard-decision output of the entire decoder should be used after the last dimension is decoded. For a block product code composed of different constituent codes, the weaker (smaller dmin) code should be decoded first. For example, a 3-D code composed of a t=2 BCH, an SPC and an extended Hamming (i.e., t=1 BCH) constituent codes, the SPC code is preferably decoded first. For a block product code composed of similar constituent codes, the longer code should be decoded first. For example, with a (11,10) SPC constituent code and a (23,22) SPC constituent code, the (23,22) SPC code is preferably decoded first. Decoding order can also be determined empirically, such as by performing simulations and by characterizing performance in an actual decoder. The flowchart 500 is one example of determining the parameters for a particular block product code. Table 2 provides an exemplary listing for the possible decoding orders for 2-D and 3-D block product codes as well as the number of constituent decoding performed for each dimension, given by Nq. Table 2 also shows the mapping between block product code specifications (i.e., Code x, Code y) to decoding order (code 1, code 2). In general, for a d-dimensional code, there are d factorial possible decoding orders. The notation “⇄” refers to mapping of a constituent code for a particular dimension to a decoding order. For example, “code 1⇄Code z” means that Code z is decoded first within an iteration. TABLE 2 Possible decoding orders for 2-D and 3-D block product codes. Nq for Nq for Nq for Decoding Order code 1 code 2 code 3 x, y (code 1 Code x), (code 2 Code Ny Nx y) y, x (code 1 Code y), (code 2 Code Nx Ny x) x, y, z (code 1 Code x), NyNz NxNz NxNy (code 2 Code y), (code 3 Code z) x, z, y (code 1 Code x), NyNz NxNy NxNz (code 2 Code z), (code 3 Code y) y, x, z (code 1 Code y), NxNz NyNz NxNy (code 2 Code x), (code 3 Code z) y, z, x (code 1 Code y), NxNz NxNy NyNz (code 2 Code z), (code 3 Code x) z, x, y (code 1 Code z), NxNy NyNz NxNz (code 2 Code x), (code 3 Code y) z, y, x (code 1 Code z), NxNy NxNz NyNz (code 2 Code y), (code 3 Code x) In certain embodiments of the present invention, examining constituent codes to determine preferred decoding order can be implemented with a predetermined table. Table 3 provides an exemplary set of starting addresses and memory stride sizes for a 2-D and 3-D block product code. The starting address is relative to the address X for the stored received soft channel vector. The starting address is the beginning of the soft value codeword (vector). The memory stride size is the memory spacing between successive elements of a vector. Table 3 is also applicable for 2-D codes when Nz is set to 1 and the last row of the table is omitted. For example, if the z,x,y decoding order is specified, code 1 would use the starting address and memory stride size for Code z, code 2 would use the starting address and memory stride size for Code x, and code 3 would use the starting address and memory stride size for Code y. In certain embodiments, Table 3 can also be used to store the extrinsic vector in appropriate locations of memory. Similarly, Table 3 can be used to access extrinsic vectors for generating the soft-input. TABLE 3 Location of codewords. Memory Starting Address Stride Size ranges Codewords of Code x jNxNy + iNx 1 0 ≦ j ≦ Nz − 1 0 ≦ i ≦ Ny − 1 Codewords of Code y jNxNy + i Nx 0 ≦ j ≦ Nz − 1 0 ≦ i ≦ Nx − 1 Codewords of Code z jNx + i NxNy 0 ≦ j ≦ Ny − 1 0 ≦ i ≦ Nx − 1 Alpha Parameters The soft-input and soft-output of each bit position in a given codeword can be, for example, a likelihood ratio or log-likelihood ratio (LLR) as is commonly used in maximum likelihood (ML) decoding and maximum a posterior (MAP) decoding. When LLRs are used, the soft-input is called the input LLR, and the soft-output is called the output LLR. The extrinsic LLR of a given bit position is a function of the LLRs of the other bits in the codeword and is generated from the input LLR, and is used to compute the input LLR for the next decoding phase. In one example, the extrinsic LLR is the difference between the output LLR and input LLR. It is noted that soft information or a function of the received soft information could be used in place of the log likelihood ratios without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a “value” is an element of a “vector”. Soft information can be either a soft-output or an extrinsic LLR. In certain embodiments, a codeword can be represented by a vector. The “bit position” can be used to identify the location of a value within a vector. Hence, the number of bit positions is equivalent to the number of values. In the following figures and equations, calculations and operations are described in terms of LLRs. One skilled in the art can use other forms of soft values with their corresponding calculations and operations. FIG. 6, circuit 600, illustrates certain embodiments for a 2-D block product code. Lch is the input channel LLR corresponding to the received length N soft channel vector, Li({tilde over (c)}) is the output of the i-th SISO decoder, Lext,i is the extrinsic LLR from the i-th constituent decoder, and Li(c,R) is the input of i-th SISO decoder (i.e., the soft-input, input LLR) where c is a codeword vector and R is the received soft channel vector. The most likely codeword vector is denoted by {tilde over (c)}. The extrinsic LLR from a previous decoding phase becomes the a priori inputs for the current decoding phase. The “Compute Input LLR” blocks 610, 615 in FIG. 6 generate the input LLRs for the SISO constituent decoders (block 620, 625). A straightforward method of computing the input LLR Li(c,R) is Li(c,R)=Lch+Lext,j, for j≠i, i,j∈{1,2} (1) based on the channel LLR Lch and extrinsic LLR Lext,j extracted in blocks 630, 635. The subscript i refers to decoding the i-th constituent code, while the subscript j refers to the j-th constituent decoder. This method can cause degraded performance due to early convergence to the wrong codeword. Instead, a scaled extrinsic LLR, Li(c,R)=Lch+αi,j Lext,j, for j≠i, i,j∈{1,2} (2) where 0≦αi,j≦1, can be used to generate the input LLR for a 2-D code. In the notation for the alpha parameter αi,j, the subscript i refers to the i-th (current) constituent code, and the subscript j refers to the extrinsic LLR from the j-th (previous) constituent decoder. Scaling the extrinsic LLR places less confidence in the individual constituent decoder outputs, but may avoid convergence to the wrong codeword. In FIG. 6, when decoding constituent code 1, the current constituent code is code 1 and the previous set of constituent codes is code 2. The alpha vector for constituent code 1 is [α1,2] and is selected from the determined alpha parameters {α1,2, α2,1}. Block 610 first retrieves Lext,2, the one or more extrinsic vectors for the previous set of constituent codes (code 2) and generates, using equation (2), the soft-input vector L1(c,R) from the soft channel vector (Lch) and the dot product of the alpha vector [α1,2] and the retrieved one or more extrinsic vectors for the previous set of constituent codes. Block 620 then decodes the generated soft-input vector using a soft-input soft-output decoder for code 1 and produces the soft information vector L1({tilde over (c)}). Block 630 produces the extrinsic vector Lext,1, which is stored for use in the next decoding phase. In the next decoding phase (decoding constituent code 2), the current constituent code is code 2 and the previous set of constituent codes is code 1. FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 to determine the alpha parameters (block 710) and apply the alpha parameters to produce the soft-input vector (block 720). Block 710 may determine the alpha parameters as a function of the block product code constituents. The parameters can also be computed off-line. Note that in certain embodiments the extrinsic vector from a parallel constituent decoder in one dimension becomes part of the soft-input vector for a parallel constituent decoder in another dimension. FIG. 8 shows the resulting circuit 800 for implementing equation (2). Substituting circuit 800 into the Compute Input LLR blocks 610, 615 in FIG. 6 produces the 2-D decoder structure 900 shown in FIG. 9. In certain embodiments, α1,2 (denoted as α1 for 2-D codes) and α2,1 (denoted as α2 for 2-D codes) take on values 0≦α1≦1 and 0≦α2≦1, respectively. The alpha parameters (i.e., α1 and α2) attempt to balance the reliability of extrinsic LLRs with the type of constituent codes used. For example, the reliability of the extrinsic LLRs when a t=2 BCH constituent decoder is used is different than the reliability when an SPC constituent decoder is used. The alpha parameters help the overall block turbo decoder to converge to the correct codeword. The “Compute Input LLR” blocks 1010, 1015 in FIG. 10, circuit 1000, generate the soft-inputs vectors for the SISO constituent decoders (block 620, 625) using the extrinsic LLR Lext extracted in blocks 630, 635. For 3-D codes, each extrinsic LLR input is scaled by a distinct alpha parameter, as shown in circuit 1100 of FIG. 11. For example, to produce the input LLR for constituent decoder i, αi,a scales the extrinsic LLR from constituent decoder a while αi,b scales the extrinsic LLR from constituent decoder b. In certain embodiments, a method of decoding a block product code having two or more constituent codes includes: receiving a soft channel vector; determining alpha parameters based on the two or more constituent codes; determining a decoding order based on the two or more constituent codes; partitioning the two or more constituent codes into a current constituent code and a previous set of constituent codes; selecting an alpha vector for the current constituent code from the determined alpha parameters; retrieving one or more extrinsic vectors for the previous set of constituent codes; generating a soft-input vector for a soft-input soft-output decoder for the current constituent code wherein the soft-input vector is a sum of the soft channel vector and a dot product of the retrieved one or more extrinsic vectors and the selected alpha vector; decoding the generated soft-input vector using the soft-input soft-output decoder for the current constituent code to produce an extrinsic vector for the current constituent code; and storing the extrinsic vector for the current constituent code. In FIG. 10, when decoding constituent code 1, the current constituent code is code 1 and the previous set of constituent codes is code 2 and code 3. The alpha vector for constituent code 1 is [α1,2, α1,3] and is selected from the determined alpha parameters {α1,2, α1,3, α2,1, α2,3, α3,1, α3,3}. Block 1010 first retrieves Lext,2 and Lext,3, the one or more extrinsic vectors for the previous set of constituent codes (code 2 and code 3) and generates, using equation (4), the soft-input vector L1(c,R) from the soft channel vector (Lch) and the dot product of the alpha vector [α1,2, α1,3] and the retrieved one or more extrinsic vectors for the previous set of constituent codes. Block 620 then decodes the generated soft-input vector using a soft-input soft-output decoder for code 1 and produces the soft information vector L1({tilde over (c)}). Block 630 produces the extrinsic vector Lext,1, which is stored for use in the next decoding phase. In the next decoding phase (decoding constituent code 2), the current constituent code is code 2 and the previous set of constituent codes is code 1 and code 3. For a 2-D code, the input LLRs of constituent decoder 1 and 2 can be expressed as { L 1 ( c j , r j ) = L ch ( c j ) + α 1 , 2 L ext , 2 ( c j ) , 1 ≤ j ≤ N 1 , L 2 ( c j , r j ) = L ch ( c j ) + α 2 , 1 L ext , 1 ( c j ) , 1 ≤ j ≤ N 2 , ( 3 ) respectively, where N1 is the codeword length of constituent block code 1, and N2 is the codeword length of constituent block code 2. In certain embodiments, α1,2 is called α1 and α2,1 is called α2. Similarly, for a 3-D code, the input LLRs of the constituent decoders can be expressed as { L 1 ( c j , r j ) = L ch ( c j ) + α 1 , 2 L ext , 2 ( c j ) , + α 1 , 3 L ext , 3 ( c j ) , 1 ≤ j ≤ N 1 L 2 ( c j , r j ) = L ch ( c j ) + α 2 , 1 L ext , 1 ( c j ) , + α 2 , 3 L ext , 3 ( c j ) , 1 ≤ j ≤ N 2 , L 3 ( c j , r j ) = L ch ( c j ) + α 3 , 1 L ext , 1 ( c j ) , + α 3 , 2 L ext , 2 ( c j ) , 1 ≤ j ≤ N 3 , ( 4 ) For a 3-D code, to simplify implementation, in certain embodiments alpha parameters α1,2 and α1,3 are equal to each other, α2,1 and α2,3 are equal to each other, and α3,1 and α3,2 are equal to each other. In these cases, α1 is used to denote α1,2 and α1,3, α3 is used to denote α2,1 and α2,3, and α2 is used to denote α3,1 and α3,2. Equations (3) and (4) can be generalized to L g ( c j , r j ) = L ch ( c j ) + ∑ p = 1 p ≠ g dim α g , p L ext , p ( c j ) , 1 ≤ j ≤ N g ( 5 ) where dim is the dimensionality of block product code and g ranges between 1 and dim. The alpha parameters, in general, can vary as a function of the iteration, decoding order, operating conditions (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio), block product code dimension, constituent code combinations, and the extract extrinsic LLR operation. In order to limit the set of alpha parameters the decoder uses, a goal of an alpha parameter determination procedure is to find a set of parameters that only depends on the properties of the constituent code combinations. For example, this goal would be to find one set of parameters (α1 and α2) that could be used for all dmin=16 2-D block product codes with two extended Hamming code constituents each constructed over GF(26). The alpha parameter scaling as illustrated by equations (3), (4), and (5) is a linear procedure which is required for an overall scale tolerant decoder. In a linear procedure, if f(x1)=y1 and f(x2)=y2, then f(ax1+bx2)=ay1+by2. A scale tolerant decoder facilitates implementation on both hardware and software, such as software running on a Motorola DSP56300 processor. A scale tolerant decoder makes the same output decisions regardless of the scaling on the soft channel vector. Operations such as scaling by the mean of a vector are not scale tolerant. As an example, to determine the alpha parameters, a series of simulations were performed by examining 100 combinations of α1 and α2 in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 in 0.1 increments. One criterion for selecting the alpha parameters is choosing the combination that results in the lowest block error rate for a range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). Due to the potentially large number of results, a contour map plotting the relationship between α1, α2, and the block error rate is used for each SNR value. Another criterion the decoded bit error rate (after some iterations or each iteration). Another display technique is to use multiple tables or use plots of performance, such as bit error rate (frame error rate) as a function of signal quality for different parameters combinations. To illustrate this contour map, a (31,24) extended Hamming code [Code x]-by-(20,13) extended Hamming code [Code y] block product code with dmin=16 is used as an example. Both codes are constructed over GF(26) and shortened by 33 and 44 positions, respectively. FIG. 12 shows the contours at Eb/N0=2.5 dB after four decoding iterations. The xy decoding order is used. In FIG. 12, the contours start at 0 and decrease to −1.824. The levels represent log10 of the block error rate for a particular combination of α1 and α2. The 0 contour represents 100% block error rate while the −1.824 contour indicates that the block error rate is less than 1.5×10−2. Further, the region bounded by the −1.523 and the −1.699 contours indicates the block rate error ranges between 2×10−2 and 3×10−2. The contours are systematically arranged so that lines corresponding to block error rates of 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.5, and 1 are shown for each power of ten. The mapping of the contour values to the block error rate is tabulated in Table 4. The horizontal axis, labeled Alpha 2, shows the range of α2 (for the second constituent decoder), while the vertical axis shows the range of α1 for the first decoder. Because the x,y decoding order is used, the second constituent decoder decodes Code y. TABLE 4 Mapping of contour line values to block error rates. For example, a contour value of −1.115 corresponds to a block error rate of 7.0 × 10−2. Contour Line Value Block Error Rate −i 1.0 × 10−i −i.046 9.0 × 10−i−1 −i.097 8.0 × 10−i−1 −i.155 7.0 × 10−i−1 −i.222 6.0 × 10−i−1 −i.301 5.0 × 10−i−1 −i.398 4.0 × 10−i−1 −i.523 3.0 × 10−i−1 −i.699 2.0 × 10−i−1 −i.824 1.5 × 10−i−1 In examining FIG. 12, combinations of small α1 and α2 (<0.3) cause a high block error rate in the block turbo decoder after four iterations. Also causing a high block error rate but not as severe are combinations of large α1 and α2 (>0.8). The combination of α1=0.5 and α2=0.5, shown by the intersecting lines, is in the region with the lowest block error rate (less than 1.5×10−2). Having just one set of alpha parameters for all SNRs can lower decoder implementation complexity. However, from a system perspective, there may be cases where having alpha parameters be dependent on the SNR is desired. For example, if in certain embodiments the system is designed to operate at both a very high error rate, as well as low error rate, the alpha parameters should be chosen based on SNR for best decoder performance. The alpha selection procedure can also be used to identify constituent code combinations that cause poor block turbo decoder performance. A particular example is a dmin=16 2-D block product code having a (29,23) extended Hamming code [Code x] and a (19,12) extended Hamming code [Code y]. Code x is constructed over GF(25) and shortened by 3 positions while Code y is constructed over GF(26) and shortened by 45 positions. Analysis of the alpha selection procedure, shown in FIG. 13, reveals that the minimum block error rate contours move significantly as the SNR increases. The intersection of the lines in the subfigures are denoted by (α1,α2). Subfigure 1310 shows contours for Eb/N0=2.5 dB, and (α1,α2)=(0.7,0.4). Subfigure 1320 shows contours for Eb/N0=3.0 dB, and (α1,α2)=(0.6,0.45). Subfigure 1330 shows contours for Eb/N0=3.5 dB, and (α1,α2)=(0.8,0.28)). Subfigure 1340 shows contours for Eb/N0=4.0 dB, and (α1,α2)=(0.95,0.22). Further, the absence of smooth contours in subfigure 1340 indicates that the block error rate performance can be extremely sensitive to the choice of alpha parameters, and that one choice of alpha parameters for certain SNR points can be inadequate for a broad SNR range. The different set of alpha parameters as a function of SNR may be attributed to the severe shortening of Code y. Severe shortening can cause the soft-input soft-output decoder (i.e., Chase decoder) to produce a very small set of codewords in set S for Code y. In some instances, the soft-input soft-output decoder found zero or one valid codewords. Frequently, the underlying hard-decision BCH decoder within the soft-input soft-output decoder may determine that errors are located in the shortened positions, which leads to invalid codewords. The very limited number of codewords can cause the soft-output vector to have unavailable values for a large number of bit positions. One method to reduce the number of unavailable values is to increase the number of test patterns processed by the Chase decoder. A set of alpha parameters for a variety of 2-D and 3-D block product codes are listed in Table 5 based on four decoding iterations and a target block error rates <10−3. The use of αx′, αy′, and αz′ instead of αx, αy, and αz is to make Table 5 independent of constituent code ordering in the block product code. The x′, y′, and z′ (for a 3-D code) entries in Table 5 for each block product code type/constituent code length may be different than the specified x, y, and z order for the constituent codes. For a given set of alpha parameters in Table 5, values near the listed entries can also be used. For example, the listed alpha parameters for the 2-D Hamming×Hamming with natural code lengths of 32×32 are 0.45 and 0.45. Using values of 0.42 and 0.48 for αx′ and αy′, respectively, is also acceptable (e.g., little performance degradation). One set of criteria for selecting these alpha parameters are: Independence of iteration index, Independence of operating conditions (i.e., SNR), Follows some guidelines for decoding order, Reduces implementation complexity for 3-D decoders, and Best combination of parameters for block error rates less than 10−3. If no recommended values are provided, in certain embodiments a value of approximately 0.5 should be used. The use of αx′, αy′, and αz′ instead of αx, αy, and αz in Table 5 illustrates the determining the alpha parameters (block 710 of FIG. 7). In certain embodiments, determining the alpha parameters can compute the dmin for the block product code, find the natural length for each constituent code, and sort by constituent code type and natural length. Then Table 5 can be used to determine αx′ and αy′ (αx′, αy′, and αz′ for a 3-D code). The determined alpha parameters would then be mapped to the alpha parameters of the natural decoding order. The subsequent determining of the decoding order may permute these determined alpha parameters according to the preferred decoding order. The following example illustrates one embodiment. Consider a (30,20,5) BCH-by-(4,3,2) SPC code block product code. The only entry in Table 5 for this dmin=10 block product code specifies αx′=0.3 and αy′=0.6. The type of block product code is SPC×BCH (t=2). Since the natural decoding order is BCH (t=2)-by-SPC, αx=αy′ and αy=αx′. The recommended decoding order, as illustrated by FIG. 4, has the SPC code decoded first. Hence, α1=αy=αx′ and α2=αx=αy′. TABLE 5 Code Lengths for Dim Type Unshortened Codes dmin αx, αy, αz, 2 Hamming × Hamming 64 × 64, 64 × 32, 64 × 16 16 0.5 0.4 2 Hamming × Hamming 32 × 32 16 0.45 0.45 2 Hamming × Hamming 32 × 16 16 0.5 0.45 2 Hamming × Hamming 32 × 15 12 0.5 0.5 2 Hamming × Hamming 31 × 16, 63 × 32 12 0.5 0.6 2 Hamming × Hamming 16 × 15 12 0.6 0.6 2 Hamming × Hamming 63 × 31, 31 × 31, 31 × 15, 15 × 15 9 0.6 0.6 2 Hamming × BCH (t = 2) 15, 18, 0.35 0.55 20, 24 2 SPC × Hamming 8 0.6 0.6 2 SPC × BCH (t = 2) 10, 12 0.3 0.6 3 SPC × SPC × SPC 8 0.7 0.7 0.7 3 SPC × SPC × Hamming 16 0.5 0.7 0.5 The observations about parameter choices in Table 5 are as follows: Block product codes with a larger minimum distance are more heavily scaled (i.e., smaller alpha). 3-D codes are lightly scaled (e.g., larger alpha). For more powerful codes, such as constituent codes with high dmin, the scaling factors may also have to be balanced between the constituents. For 2-D dmin=16 codes, the soft-input calculation for the shorter natural length code constituent decoder has more scaling (i.e., smaller alpha, more heavily scaled). For 2-D dmin=12 codes, the soft-input calculation for the constituent decoder for the dmin=3 mixed length has more scaling. The soft-input calculation for the constituent decoder for the longer code of mixed length codes has more scaling. For 3-D dmin=16 codes, one SPC code is given a larger alpha than the other. For codes with extreme shortening (e.g., where the codeword length is less than half the natural length), the alpha parameters may have to be determined empirically. In certain embodiments, such as in a low complexity implementation, the value of α can initially be set to zero. Setting to zero may eliminate the need to assign (e.g., initialize) values for the extrinsic vectors (i.e., the one or more extrinsic vectors for the previous set of constituent codes) at the beginning of block product code decoding. After the extrinsic vectors are generated, the value of α can change to the recommended values. An example of this low complexity implementation is shown for a 3-D block product code. The determined alpha parameters comprises the set {0, α1,2, α1,3, α2,1, α2,3, α3,1, α3,3}. In the first iteration, the selected alpha vector for the first (current) constituent code is [0,0]. The extrinsic vectors (Lext,2 and Lext,3) (i.e., from the previous constituent codes) contain unknown values. By setting the selected alpha vector to [0,0], the extrinsic vectors (Lext,2 and Lext,3) do not have to be initialized prior to computing the soft-input vector for the first constituent decoder. After the first constituent decoding, Lext,2 and Lext,3 still contain unknown values but Lext,1 contains known values. In the next decoding phase (of the first iteration), the selected alpha vector for the second constituent code is [α2,1,0]. The alpha parameter applied to Lext,1 is α2,1 because Lext,1 contains known values. The alpha parameter applied to Lext,3 is 0 because Lext,3 still contains unknown values. After the second constituent decoding, only Lext,3 still contains unknown values but both Lext,1 and Lext,2 contain known values. In the next decoding phase (of the first iteration), the selected alpha vector for the third constituent code is [α3,1,α3,2] because both Lext,1 and Lext,2 contain known values. After the third constituent decoding, Lext,3 contains known values. In subsequent decoding phases, the selected alpha vector for the first constituent code is [α1,2,α1,3], the selected alpha vector for the second constituent code is [α2,1,α2,3], and the selected alpha vector for the third constituent code is [α3,1,α3,2] Matching Bit Ordering Matching bit ordering provides an efficient interface between the encoder/decoder and the bit ordering required in order to comply with a standard such as the ANSI/TIA-902.BAAD standard. In the ANSI/TIA-902.BAAD standard, the bit ordering for 2-D block product codes is consistent with the bit ordering used in certain embodiments of the present invention. The conventional approach for bit ordering is described by Table 3. However, in the 3-D block product code used in the ANSI/TIA-902.BAAD standard, a somewhat non-conventional approach is used. In this non-conventional approach, the 3-D block product code is treated as a 2-D block product code. Each row of the 2-D block product code corresponds to a xy plane of the 3-D block code. Hence, Code y of the 2-D code is Code z of the 3-D code, while Code x of the 2-D code is a systematic permuted version of Code x and Code y of the 3-D code. Consider an (Nx,Kx)×(Ny,Ky)×(Nz,Kz) 3-D block product code in which there are K=(Kx×Ky×Kz) information bits and N=(Nx×Ny×Nz) code bits. In order to represent the encoded 3-D code in the format specified in the ANSI/TIA-902.BAAD standard, certain embodiments of the present invention perform a 3-D encoding and then perform permutations on groups of Nx×Ny bits to create the ANSI/TIA-902.BAAD standard formatted output. The permutation is performed subject to the restriction that the information bits come before the parity check bits within each permuted Nx×Ny group. Similarly, prior to decoding, in certain embodiments permutations on successive groups of Nx×Ny received values are performed on the ANSI/TIA-902.BAAD standard formatted output to create an ordering suitable for the decoder. The permutation is performed so that within each group of Nx×Ny received values, the first Nx×Ky received values are permuted. The permutation maps these Nx×Ky received values to locations suitable for block turbo decoding. Changing Test Patterns In certain embodiments, the number of test patterns processed by a soft-input soft-output decoder, such as a Chase decoder, can vary. A flowchart 1400 of the certain embodiments is shown in FIG. 14 to decode code i which can be one of the constituent codes of the block product code. FIG. 14 shows that the certain embodiments decide the number of test pattern positions Li (block 1410) before Chase decoding as in block 1420. The number of test patterns for code i can be related to Li. In one example, the number of test patterns is 2Li. In one embodiment, when the number of test patterns is insufficient for performance reasons, the number of test patterns processed by the soft-input soft-output decoder is increased. One possible reason for increasing a number of test patterns (hence increasing L) is when the underlying hard-decision decoder within the soft-input soft-output decoder declares a decoder failure for many of the test patterns. Thus, the set S only has a few codewords to generate a soft-output vector. As a result, a large number of positions in the soft-output vector can have inaccurate (unavailable) soft-output values, which may degrade performance of the overall decoder, such as the block turbo decoder. The hard-decision decoder declares a decoder failure more frequently when severely shortened and/or imperfect block codes are used as the constituent codes for a block product code. If a Chase decoder is required to decode two or more codes, which can be constituent codes of a block product code, it is desirable to allow a different L for each constituent code instead of using the same L for all constituent codes. As illustrated in FIG. 15, two different constituent codes using the same number of test patterns can have different number of unique codewords in set S at the same SNR ratio, suggesting that different constituent codes may need a different number of test patterns. Since in certain embodiments the number of test patterns, hence the decoding complexity for a code, is exponentially related to L, allowing the Chase decoder to use a different L for each code can significantly reduce the decoding complexity without degrading performance. For example, a Chase decoder may need to decode four BCH codes Ci, i=1, . . . , 4, and a minimum of L1=4, L2=4, L3=4, and L4=5 is required by each code to achieve acceptable performance. If the same L is used for all codes, then L=max(L1, L2, L3, L4)=5 should be used for all four codes, leading to processing a total of 4×2L=128 test patterns. In contrast, an adjustable-L Chase decoder would use Li, to decode code Ci, leading to processing a total of (2L1+2L2+2L3+2L4)=80 test patterns. For another set of block product codes in certain embodiments, using a number of test patterns based on L may cause the complexity of the block turbo decoder to exceed processing constraints for particular block product codes. In that case, it is desirable to use a number of test patterns based on L−1 (e.g., use L=3 instead of L=4 for a subset of the block product codes) to meet the processing constraints while possibly degrading the performance of the block turbo decoder for those particular block product codes, but not degrading performance for the remainder of the block product codes in the set. Hence, there is a need to allow the number of test patterns, which is based on L, to vary on a constituent code basis for many block product codes. Due to the exponential relationship between L and the number of test patterns, a Chase-(L−1) decoder has half as many test patterns as a Chase-L decoder. Halving the number of test patterns can nearly halve the complexity of the constituent decoder. Since the block turbo decoder often uses a Chase decoder with binary BCH codes, the complexity of the block turbo decoder can be related to the complexity of the Chase decoder. Hence, halving the complexity of the constituent decoder can significantly reduce the complexity of the block turbo decoder. The necessary number of test patterns can vary as a function of channel conditions. For example, more test patterns may be needed at high signal-to-noise ratios compared to low signal-to-noise ratios. As illustrated by example in FIG. 15, with the same number of test patterns, the number of unique codewords in set S decreases as the SNR increases. A smaller number of unique codewords implies that there are more bit positions where the Chase decoder does not have a metric difference. This suggests that at high SNRs more test patterns may be necessary to produce a sufficient number of unique codewords. Hence, there can be a need to adjust the number of test patterns, which is related to L, as a function of channel conditions. FIG. 15 plots the average number of unique codewords in set S in each dimension as a function of Eb/N0 (dB). The simulation conditions are additive white gaussian noise (AWGN) channel, BPSK modulation, 16 test patterns, and 4 iterations. The block product code is the outbound 150, 1.5 MBBK channel defined in the ANSI/TIA-902.BAAD standard. The first dimension is a (49, 42, 4) BCH code, the second dimension is a (29, 23, 4) BCH code. For many constituent codes, the number of valid codewords produced by the Chase decoder may change significantly while the block turbo decoder iterates. For example, at the beginning of block product code decoding, the Chase decoder may only need to process a small number of test patterns to produce a sufficient number of valid codewords. In this example, L can be smaller for the early iterations, and larger for later iterations, so that the number of test patterns varies as the decoder iterates. Hence, the decoder may allow the number of test patterns, which is based on L, to vary on a constituent code basis as a function of the decoding iteration. It is noted that the number of test patterns can vary based upon: a percentage of shortening for the constituent code; an information from a previous decoding iteration; an amount of shortening of the constituent codeword; an iteration number of the block turbo decoder; a constituent codeword length; a type of constituent code; and a number of test patterns required for a previous decoding iteration. There are several possible criteria that can be used to decide the value of Li for a particular constituent code. In certain embodiments, the criterion can be the percentage of shortening for the constituent code. In this example, the value of Li for that constituent code can be determined before the block turbo decoder begins decoding. In a second embodiment, the value of Li is determined using information from a previous decoding iteration. For example, suppose the Chase decoder provides a number of bit positions in the soft-output vector that have inaccurate soft-output values from a previous decoding iteration. The action of deciding on the value of Li can examine this number. For example, if this number is greater than a first threshold, the value of Li can be increased, thereby potentially reducing the number of positions having inaccurate soft-output values in this iteration. In another example, if this number is less than a second threshold, the value of Li can be reduced, thereby reducing the decoding complexity while maintaining performance. The proposed method allows a specific L for each constituent code. This method can tailor decoding complexity as well as performance. In the above example, the first constituent code that needs extra test patterns can use L+1 to specify the number of test patterns, while a second constituent code could use L. The method is readily extended to other conditions, e.g., determining L for each block product code in a set of block product codes. For example, for the set of block product codes defined in the ANSI/TIA-902.BAAD standard, some block turbo decoders may use L=5, while other block turbo decoders use L=4. This leads to a significant complexity reduction in comparison to using L=5 for the whole set of block product codes. In another example, some other block turbo decoders can use L=3 for constituent codes in one dimension while using L=4 for constituent codes in another dimension to meet both performance requirements and complexity constraints. In yet another example, some other block turbo decoders can use L=3 for complexity reasons. In certain embodiments, the decoder itself (either hardware or software implementation) contains extra gates/code to support multiple test pattern sets and the ability to select different maximum numbers of test patterns that would not otherwise be present. The extra components may include tables of different sets of test patterns and extra memory to store competing codewords. In certain embodiments, the test patterns include all 2L combinations of binary zeros and ones at the L positions of Y having the least reliability in the associated soft-input vector. In certain embodiments the least reliable positions have the smallest magnitudes. Let r denote the length of the portion of the soft-input vector over which the search for the L least reliable positions is performed, where r≦n. In certain embodiments, a test pattern Zi has a length of r and has at least r-L binary zeros and the remaining positions are be set to a binary one. The position of the ones can be related to the L least reliable positions of the portion of the soft-input vector. Adaptive Method In certain embodiments, the number of test patterns processed by the Chase decoder is determined adaptively. This adaptive method uses an augmented test pattern Zi′ when a hard-decision decoding based on the test pattern Zi is unable to find a valid codeword. The adaptive method processes a soft-input vector to generate the soft-output vector, comprising: Finding a L+α least reliable positions within a portion of the soft-input vector, wherein L and α are positive integers; Constructing a set of test patterns Zi with a number of test patterns related to L; For each test pattern vector Zi, performing a hard-decision decoding with a hard-decision decoder on a binary vector Xi=(Y+Zi) wherein a binary vector Y is constructed from the soft-input vector; If the hard-decision decoder finds a valid codeword Ci associated with the binary vector (Y+Zi), the valid codeword Ci is saved into a set S; If the hard-decision decoder is unable to find a valid codeword, construct an augmented test pattern Zi′ using at least one element of the a positions; If hard-decision decoding the augmented binary vector (Y+Zi′) finds a valid codeword Ci′ associated with the binary vector (Y+Zi′), the valid codeword Ci′ is saved into a set S; and Generate the soft-output vector based on the set S. The L+α least reliable positions may be divided into a first portion of positions with L elements and a second portion of positions with α elements. In some instances, a valid codeword may not be produced with the augmented test pattern. A flowchart 1600 of the adaptive method is shown in FIG. 16 for α=1. Block 1610 finds the L+1 least reliable positions over a portion of the soft-input vector. Block 1620 constructs 2L test patterns on the L least reliable bit positions. The index i is initialized to 1 in block 1630. In block 1640 within the loop, a hard-decision decoding of the binary vector (Y+Zi) is performed. If the hard-decision decoding finds a codeword Ci (“Yes” in block 1650), that codeword is saved to the set S and the corresponding metric is saved. If the hard-decision decoder fails to find a codeword (“No” in block 1650) using the binary vector (Y+Zi), an augmented test pattern Zi′ is created. The augmented test pattern is related to the test pattern Zi. In one embodiment, the augment test pattern Zi′ and the test pattern Zi differ by one bit. The one-bit difference is related to the (L+1)-th least reliable position. An augmented binary vector (Y+Zi′) is constructed using the augmented test pattern Zi′. A hard-decision decoding of the augmented binary vector (Y+Zi′) is then performed in block 1660. If the hard-decision decoding finds a codeword Ci′, that codeword is saved to the set S and the corresponding metric is saved. The index i is incremented in block 1670. A determination of whether the index exceeds the number of test patterns is made in block 1680. In “No”, the flow proceeds back to block 1640. If the determination in 1680 is “Yes”, the soft-output vector is generated based on the codewords in S and their metrics in block 1690. Although the above discussion is limited to α=1, the adaptive method can be easily extended to approximate decoders with 2L+α test patterns for α>1. For example, constructing the augmented binary vector and hard-decision decoding of the augmented binary vector can be repeated if α>1. The complexity would increase accordingly when α>1. However, for a =1 the worst-case complexity is still related to 2L because a test pattern is not augmented unless there is a hard-decision decoding failure, and the maximum possible number of codewords used in the soft-output computation (which dominates decoding complexity for simple codes) is still 2L. The adaptive method has a decoding performance close to that of a Chase decoder that uses test patterns that are a function of L+1. This is because if (Y+Zi) leads to an invalid codeword, decoding the augmented binary vector (Y+Zi′) is more likely to result in a valid codeword. In FIG. 17, the frame error rate performance of the adaptive method is plotted against the existing method for the (19, 12, 4) BCH-by-(29, 23, 4) BCH block product code, which is specified for the inbound 100 kHz 3 MBBK channel of the ANSI/TIA-902.BAAD standard. The (19,12,4) BCH code is severely shortened from the (64,57,4) BCH code. The simulation conditions are AWGN channel and BPSK modulation. The existing method with L=4 is inadequate as indicated by an error floor. Using the adaptive method, the error floor is eliminated. In addition the performance is only about 0.1 dB worse than an L=5 decoder, with much less complexity. In general, differences of a decibel in an AWGN channel can appear as several decibels differences in more severe multipath faded channels. The following example in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention illustrates the process of finding the least reliable bit positions, forming the test patterns Zi and Zi′, and showing the relationship between Zi and Zi′. Suppose a block code is a (7,4) binary BCH code with dmin=3 and t=1, and a transmitted binary codeword is [1, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 0]T, where superscript T denotes transpose. After the transmission across a channel, a received soft-input vector is [−0.011810, −0.001221, 0.018524, −0.012573, −0.015930, 0.003296, 0.035583]T. In certain embodiments of the present invention, if a value is centered around zero, a sign of the value can indicate a hard estimate of the given bit and a magnitude of the value can indicate a reliability of the hard estimate. Assuming that the soft-input vector represents LLRs centered around zero, positive LLRs map into binary zeros, and negative LLRs map into binary ones. The binary vector Y corresponding to (created from) the soft-input vector is [1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0]T. In this example, the creation of binary vector Y is based on the sign of the soft-input vector. Let L=2 and α=1. With the numbering starting at 1, the L+α=3 smallest magnitudes of the soft-input vector are positions 2, 6, and 1 (in increasing magnitude order) and the L least-reliable positions are used to construct the set of test patterns Zi. For L=2, there are 2L=4 possible test patterns. The test pattern mapping between the L=2-bit binary word and the 4 possible test patterns Zi is 00 [0 0 0 0 0 0 0]T 01 [0 1 0 0 0 0 0]T 11 [0 1 0 0 0 1 0]T 10 [0 0 0 0 0 1 0]T In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, if the hard-decision decoding of Y+Zi (using test pattern mapping 00) is unsuccessful, an augmented test pattern Zi′ 100 [1 0 0 0 0 0 0]T is constructed from Zi. The augmented test pattern Zi′ (mapping 100) differs from Zi (mapping 00) in one position (one bit) which is the location of the (L+α)-th (third) least reliable position of the soft-input vector. Similarly, for the test pattern mapping 01, the corresponding augmented test pattern Zi′ is 101 [1 1 0 0 0 0 0]T. Proceeding with this example, for α=2, the (L+α)-th (fourth) least reliable position of the soft-input vector is position 4. Hence, if the hard-decision decoder is unable to produce a codeword using the test pattern Zi (test pattern mapping 00) or using the first augmented test pattern Zi′ (100), when α=2, another augmented test pattern Zi′ (labeled Zi″) can be constructed from the first augmented test pattern Zi′. In particular, Zi″ is 1100 [1 0 0 1 0 0 0]T, which differs from Zi′ by one bit. Zi″ differs from Zi by two bits. In relation to the test pattern Zi, the augmented test pattern Zi″ differs by a positions. In general, a test pattern Zi and the augmented test pattern Zi′ can differ by at most a positions. Alternatively, another augmented test pattern 1000 [0 0 0 1 0 0 0]T, could be used in addition to 1100. Compared to the existing method, the adaptive method (for α=1) can require: an extra search to get the (L+1)-th least reliable bit position; construction of the augmented test pattern Zi′ if needed; and hard-decision decoding of the augmented binary vector (Y+Zi′) if needed. In addition, because the adaptive method on average places more codewords in S, generating the soft-output may require an increased search to find the best competing codeword Cj which differs from the most-likely codeword D at position j, 1≦j≦n. The adaptive method can be used with other types of Chase decoding loops. In one example, suppose that the number of codewords in S is below some threshold after the set of test patterns, whose number is related to L, are examined. The adaptive method can be used and a set of augmented test patterns can be constructed. Additional hard-decision decoding can then be performed on the set of augmented binary test vectors. Another criterion to use the adaptive method is when the number of unavailable soft-output values from a previous decoding iteration in a block turbo decoder is below some threshold. In addition, in some embodiments, the adaptive method can be enabled based on certain criteria. Some possible criteria for enabling this adaptive method can be the type of code the Chase decoder is decoding; the operating point; and the specific received codeword. For example, the decision whether to enable the adaptive method can be made in block 320 of FIG. 3. It is also noted that a different number of test patterns can be used during each decoding iteration of a block turbo decoder. It is further noted that different constituent codes of a block product code can in general have a different number of test patterns. Encoding Order In addition to encoding at a transmitter, encoding can be performed at the receiver. In one application, a stopping rule criterion in block 355 of FIG. 3 may be based on an estimated decoded bit error rate. The decoded information sequence may be re-encoded to produce an estimated codeword cest. The received vector (soft channel vector R) can be sliced to produce an received codeword crx. The number of differences between cest and crx can be related to a bit error rate. In certain embodiments, a method of encoding an information sequence with a block product code while minimizing complexity (e.g., measured by cycle time, number of operations, and instruction count) is: 1) determining an encoding order for the block product code; 2) permuting encoding parameters for the block product code based on the determination; and 3) encoding the information sequence using the permuted encoding parameters. A block product code specification does not indicate a procedure for encoding a K-bit information sequence. For example, referring again to FIG. 1, when the constituent codes of a (N,K) block product code are systematic, only N−K parity bits need to be determined by the encoder. Let the Nx×Ny code rectangle be partitioned in four sub-rectangles 110, 120, 130, and 140 as shown in FIG. 1. The K-bit input information sequence can be placed into systematic positions which are located in the Kx×Ky sub-rectangle 110. While the first Ky rows of Code x parity bits (sub-rectangle 120) and the first Kx columns of Code y parity bits (sub-rectangle 130) have to be encoded by Code x and Code y, respectively, the remaining parity bits (sub-rectangle 140) are shared by both Code x and Code y. The shared parity bits in sub-rectangle 140 can be equivalently obtained from Code x or Code y. The 2-D block product code example shows that two equivalent encoding procedures are possible. One procedure to determine the N−K parity bits is to first generate the parity bits for the (Nx,Kx) constituent code in the first Ky rows of 100. The result of this fills the (Nx−Kx)×Ky sub-rectangle 120. Next the remaining positions (sub-rectangles 130 and 140) are filled by encoding all Nx columns of the (Ny,Ky) constituent code. This x,y order procedure 1800 is illustrated in FIG. 18. The x,y order refers to operating on Code x first as in subplot 1810 and then Code y as in subplot 1820. Note, one skilled in the art could fill sub-rectangle 130 first, then sub-rectangle 120, and finally sub-rectangle 140. This possible filling procedure is still the same as the x,y order in that the filling of sub-rectangle 140 is based on encoding the (Ny,Ky) constituent code. The other procedure 1900, the y,x order, is illustrated in FIG. 19. In this procedure, Kx encodings of the (Ny,Ky) constituent code are first performed (filling sub-rectangle 130 as shown in subplot 1910). To fill the remaining positions (sub-rectangles 120 and 140), Ny encodings of the (Nx,Kx) constituent code are then performed as shown in subplot 1920. While both encoding procedures produce the same codeword, they may have different implementation complexities. In certain embodiments, this choice of the encoding procedure (i.e., encoding order) can be determined by evaluating complexity. For instance, in a software implementation, let the cost of generating a length Ni constituent codeword be Ci cycles per bit, where i∈{x, y} for a 2-D code and i∈{x, y, z} for a 3-D code. Then, for a 2-D code, the complexity of the x,y order, Cx,y, is Cx,y=Ky(NxCx)+Nx(NyCy) (6) cycles while complexity of the y,x order, Cy,x, is Cy,x=Kx(NyCy)+Ny(NxCx) (7) cycles. For some processors, such as a Motorola DSP56300, the cycle count is related to the instruction count and operation count. When the constituent code complexities are known, Equations (6) and (7) can be evaluated to determine the encoding order that has the lower complexity. Equations (6) and (7) should not be considered limiting. One skilled in the art can use a more detailed complexity formula to account for additional overhead. The 2-D complexity formula given by Equations (6) and (7) can easily be extended to higher dimensionality block product codes. Table 6 illustrates the six possible encoding complexities for a 3-D block product code encoder. In general, for a dim-dimensional block product code, there are dim factorial possible encoding orders. The encoding complexity formulas in equations (6) and (7) are easily extended to dim dimensions. The determining an encoding order can be based on the lowest implementation complexity. TABLE 6 Encoding order complexity for 3-D block product codes. Encoding order Complexity (Cycles) x, y, z order Cx,y,z = KyKz(NxCx) + NxKz(NyCy) + NxNy(NzCz) x, z, y order Cx,z,y = KzKy(NxCx) + NxKy(NzCz) + NxNz(NyCy) y, x, z order Cy,x,z = KxKz(NyCy) + NyKz(NxCx) + NyNx(NzCz) y, z, x order Cy,z,x = KzKx(NyCy) + NyKx(NzCz) + NyNz(NxCx) z, x, y order Cz,x,y = KxKy(NzCz) + NzKy(NxCx) + NzNx(NyCy) z, y, x order Cz,y,x = KyKx(NzCz) + NzKx(NyCy) + NzNy(NxCx) For example, consider a block product code where Code x is a (54,47) extended Hamming code and Code y is a (15,9) extended Hamming code. Because Code x and Code y are both extended Hamming codes, their implementation complexity costs per bit are approximately equal. Hence, a common complexity can be used, i.e., C=Cx=Cy. Substituting the code parameters in (6) and (7) shows that the x,y order has a complexity of (9×54C)+(54×15C)=1296C cycles while the y,x order has a complexity of (47×15C)+(15×54C)=1515C cycles. Using the x,y order saves 219C cycles. This savings can be exploited, for example, when a digital signal processor, such as a Motorola DSP56300 DSP, has high loading. In another example, an illustration of using Table 6 is presented. Consider a 3-D block product code constructed as a (7,6) SPC×(13,12) SPC×(16,11) extended Hamming code. Assuming that the complexity for encoding a Hamming code is 5 cycles per bit (i.e., Cz=5n) while the complexity for encoding a SPC code is 1 cycle per bit (i.e., Cx=Cy=1n). Table 7 represents the results of the complexity analysis (using Table 6) for this example where Code x is the (7,6) SPC code, Code y is the (13,12) SPC code, and Code z is the (16,11) extended Hamming code. As Table 7 indicates, the z,y,x order provides the lowest complexity. TABLE 7 Complexity table for the example. Complexity (cycles) x, y, z order 9205 x, z, y order 9100 y, x, z order 9139 y, z, x order 8554 z, x, y order 8560 z, y, x order 8464 Once an encoding order is determined, the parameters associated with encoding are permuted. Such parameters include constituent code parameters (e.g., SPC code, BCH code). Once the parameters are permuted, additional parameters related to the block product code may have to be determined. These additional parameters can be the number of codewords to produce in the first dimension, the number of codewords to produce in the second dimension, etc. Further, these additional parameters can be where to read (from memory) for encoding (e.g., “Starting address” column in Table 3), where to write (to memory), and a step size (e.g., “Memory Stride Size” column in Table 3). In many instances, the permuted parameters and additional parameters can be stored in a lookup table. In certain embodiments, the preferred decoding order and low complexity encoding order can be different. For example, the preferred decoding order can be x,z,y while the low complexity encoding order is y,x,z. Thus, it is noted that in certain embodiments, block turbo decoder performance can be improved by combining one or more of the previously discussed performance enhancements, such as modifying encoded bit positions of the block product code, modifying decoded bit positions of a the block product code, permuting decoding parameters of the block product code to effect a preferred decoding order, detecting cases where a number of test patterns is insufficient to decode the soft-output information and thereafter providing a different number of test patterns suitable for decoding the soft-output information, and adapting the number of test patterns in the soft-input soft-output decoder. So, for example, if soft-input information corresponding to a first set of constituent codes of a block product code is received, then soft extrinsic information from a second set of constituent codes of the block product code can be scaled, and processing the scaled soft extrinsic information and the soft-input information to produce soft-output information suitable for a soft-input soft-output decoder can be performed in conjunction with the performance enhancements previously discussed. Those skilled in the art will recognize upon consideration of the above disclosure, that certain embodiments can be implemented either using specialized hardware or can be realized using a programmed processor (dedicated or general purpose). General purpose computers, microprocessor based computers, micro-controllers, optical computers, analog computers, dedicated processors, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and/or dedicated hard wired logic may be used to construct equivalent embodiments of the present invention. While certain illustrative embodiments have been described, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, permutations and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>A codeword for a general two dimensional (2-D) (N,K) product code is arranged as illustrated in FIG. 1 below. N represents the codeword length while K represents the information length (e.g., number of information symbols or bits, length of the information sequence). A representative block product code codeword comprises N y rows of constituent code x (labeled “Code x”) codewords and N x columns of constituent code y (labeled “Code y”) codewords. Code x is a (N x ,K x ) code, Code y is a (N y ,K y ) code, N=N x ×N y , and K=K x ×K y . The 2-D block product code codeword 100 can be partitioned into four sub-rectangles, 110 , 120 , 130 , and 140 . In FIG. 1 , the K-bit input information sequence is denoted by s i , for i=0, . . . , K−1, while a parity bit is denoted by p i,j for i=0, . . . , K y −1 and j=K x , . . . , N x −1, and for i=K y , . . . , N y −1 and j=0, . . . , K x −1. Product codes are also called block product codes (“BPCs”), block turbo codes, and block product turbo codes in the art. When soft information is processed by the block product code decoder, the decoder is sometimes called a block product turbo decoder and block turbo decoder in the art. Though a maximum likelihood (ML) decoder theoretically provides the best (optimal) performance for decoding block product codes, the ML decoder for block product codes is generally impractical due to its complexity. One low complexity sub-optimal (non-ML) technique using hard-decision decoding of the constituent codes of the block product code is based on iterative techniques but this sub-optimal technique has poor performance. Recently, another sub-optimal technique for decoding block product codes was developed. The decoding can be performed iteratively using soft-input soft-output (SISO) constituent decoders operating on constituent codewords. A soft-input for the subsequent decoding phase may be computed using the soft-output from the current decoding phase in a similar manner to the decoding process for turbo codes. A decoding iteration can be divided into decoding phases as illustrated below. This iterative structure allows the constituent decoders of different dimensions to share information. For example, for the 2-D code illustrated in FIG. 1 , the block product codeword is N y codewords to Code x, while simultaneously it is N x codewords to Code y. Therefore, both constituent decoder for Code x and constituent decoder for Code y can decode and generate information for the entire codeword. The information generated by the constituent decoders in one dimension can be passed to the constituent decoders in the other dimension together with the received signal, so that a better decoding decision can be made than if only the received signal is used. While the optimal ML constituent decoder theoretically provides the best performance, its complexity is often impractical for constituent decoding. As a result, sub-optimal decoding techniques such as those employing Chase decoding that approximate the ML constituent decoder are attractive. A Chase decoder is one example of a soft-input soft-output (SISO) decoder for a constituent decoder. Upon receiving the soft-input vector for a (n, k) constituent block code, a binary vector Y and a set of test patterns are formed in the Chase decoder. A hard-decision decoder, often a bounded-distance decoder, is used to decode each X i =(Y+Z i ) binary vector, where Z i denotes a member of the set of test patterns and for binary codes, the “+” can represent an exclusive-or operation. The hard-decision decoder can either produce a valid codeword or declare a decoding failure. Each valid codeword C i resulting from decoding (Y+Z i ) is saved into a set S. A metric associated with each valid codeword is also saved. The Chase decoder attempts to generate a soft-output for every bit position j by finding the metric difference between two codewords in S, one codeword being the most-likely codeword D and the other being a best competing codeword C j which differs from D at position j, 1≦j≦n. A flowchart 200 of the existing method of Chase decoding is shown in FIG. 2 . Block 210 finds the L least reliable positions over a portion of the soft-input vector. Block 220 constructs a number of test patterns. In this example, 2 L test patterns are constructed. A Chase-L decoder uses 2 L test patterns. A loop index i is initialized to 1 in block 230 . In block 240 within the loop, a hard-decision decoding of the binary vector (Y+Z i ) is performed. If the hard-decision decoding finds a codeword, that codeword is saved to the set S and a corresponding metric is saved. The loop index i is incremented in block 242 . A decision whether the loop index i less than or equal to the number of test patterns (in this case 2 L ) is made in block 245 . If Yes, the loop 240 - 242 is repeated. If No, the soft-output vector is then generated based on the codewords in S and the associated metrics in block 250 . To meet decoding complexity constraints while ensuring adequate performance, the number of test patterns is kept small. However, when the hard-decision decoder declares a decoding failure for many of the test patterns, only a few codewords exist in S. As a result, a large number of positions in the soft-output vector will have inaccurate (or unavailable) soft-output values. For a block turbo decoder using a Chase decoder as a constituent decoder, it is desirable to have accurate soft-output values (and to have soft-output values for each position in a soft-output vector). One method to increase the number of codewords in S is to examine more test patterns. However, the Chase-(L+1) decoder has twice as many test patterns as the Chase-L decoder due to the exponential relationship between L and the number of test patterns, and doubling the number of test patterns within the constituent decoder can nearly double the complexity of the block turbo decoder. Besides complexity, another problem for block product code decoding is the need to have a common decoder architecture capable of supporting various combinations of constituent codes for a block product code. In examining some of the codes in the ANSI/TIA-902.BAAD standard, there are 3-D block product codes as well as 2-D block product codes with non-identical constituent codes in each dimension. Further, there is a need to have a good performing (e.g., measured by low error rates) generic block turbo decoder. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>Certain embodiments illustrating organization and method of operation, together with objects and advantages may be best understood by reference to the detailed description that follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is an example of a generic 2-dimensional block product code. FIG. 2 is a simplified flow diagram of the process of using test patterns in a Chase decoder. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method to decode block product codes. FIG. 4 illustrates the performance of x,y vs. y,x decoding order. FIG. 5 is a flowchart to determine decoding order and to adjust decoding parameters. FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a 2-D block turbo decoder. FIG. 7 is a flowchart to determine the alpha parameters as a function of the constituents of the block product code. FIG. 8 illustrates a circuit for generating a soft input vector. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a 2-D decoder incorporating alpha parameters. FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a 2-D block turbo decoder. FIG. 11 is an example of LLR scaling for a 3-D decoder. FIG. 12 is a contour map showing contours at E b /N 0 =2.5 dB after four decoding iterations. FIG. 13 shows contour maps illustrating that the minimum block error rate contours move significantly as the SNR increases. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the method to decode code i among a set of block codes. FIG. 15 is a graph showing the average number of unique codewords in set S in each dimension as a function of E b /N 0 (dB). FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the adaptive Chase decoding method. FIG. 17 is a frame error rate (FER) performance comparison of the non-adaptive method with L=4, 5, and the adaptive method with L=4. FIG. 18 is an example of an x,y encoding order. FIG. 19 is an example of a y,x encoding order. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? | 20040726 | 20070821 | 20060126 | 61543.0 | H03M1300 | 2 | CHASE, SHELLY A | DECODER PERFORMANCE FOR BLOCK PRODUCT CODES | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H03M | 2,004 |
|
10,899,479 | ACCEPTED | Method and system of scanning a TDMA channel | A method and system for scanning a TDMA channel by a subscriber unit in a wireless communications landscape 100 is disclosed. The subscriber unit locks onto a channel that is preprogrammed in the subscriber unit. A base radio transmits a control message to the subscriber unit. The control message informs the subscriber unit of activity present on the channel. The subscriber unit receives and decodes the control message to determine whether there is activity on the channel. If there is, the subscriber unit determines whether the activity is of interest. If it is, then the subscriber unit remains on the channel to receive the activity present on the channel. | 1. A method for scanning a TDMA channel by a subscriber unit in a wireless communications landscape 100, wherein the subscriber unit is operationally connected to at least one base radio over a plurality of channels, the method comprising the steps of: locking onto a channel of the plurality of channels by the subscriber unit wherein a subset of the plurality of channels is preprogrammed in a list in the subscriber unit; transmitting from at least one base radio a control message to the subscriber unit wherein the control message has a first information which informs the subscriber unit of activity present on the channel of the plurality of channels; receiving and decoding the control message for the first information by the subscriber unit; and if the first information indicates that activity is present on the channel of the plurality of channels, then determining whether the activity is of interest to the subscriber unit by comparing a second information in the control message with a third information preprogrammed in the subscriber unit and if the activity is of interest to the subscriber unit, then remaining on the channel of the plurality of channels to receive the activity present on the channel. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of rendering audio of the activity present on the channel to a user of the subscriber unit if the activity is of interest. 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of determining whether the activity is a voice transmission or a data transmission. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the control message is transmitted as frequently as once every 120 milliseconds. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the control message is chosen from the group consisting of a 4 burst CACH message and a 7 burst LC message. 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of tuning to the next channel in the list that is preprogrammed in the subscriber unit. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the activity is of interest if the control message indicates that the activity is targeted for the subscriber unit. 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the second information indicates a characteristic of the activity wherein the characteristic is chosen from the group consisting of identification, voice, data, group, individual, emergency, and non emergency. 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the identification is a hashed address identifying a subscriber unit or a group of subscriber units. 10. The method of claim 8 further comprising the steps of: if the activity is a voice transmission, then recovering and decoding a link control message for identification information; and determining the link control message is of interest to the subscriber unit by comparing the identification information with a fourth information preprogrammed in the subscriber unit, and if the link control message is of interest then remaining on the channel to receive the activity present on the channel. 11. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of rendering audio of the activity present on the channel to a user of the subscriber unit if the activity is of interest. 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the link control message is transmitted as frequently as once every 360 milliseconds. 13. The method of claim 8 further comprising the steps of: if the activity is a data transmission, then recovering a data message and a data terminator; decoding the data terminator to identify address identification; and determining the data message is of interest to the subscriber unit by comparing the address identification with a fifth information preprogrammed in the subscriber unit, and if the data message is of interest then remaining on the channel to further process the data message. 14. The method of claim 11 wherein the third information and the fifth information refer to addresses and are the same information. 15. The method of claim 1 wherein the activity is of interest even if the control message indicates that the activity is not targeted for the subscriber unit. 16. The method of claim 1 wherein the second information indicates whether the activity is voice, data, group, individual, emergency, or non emergency. 17. In a TDMA system whereby the TDMA system comprises a plurality of subscriber units and a plurality of base radios, a method for scanning, the method comprising the steps of: locking onto a channel preprogrammed in a list of a subscriber unit whereby the channel carries activity on one timeslot of the TDMA system; receiving an activity update message from a base radio of the plurality of base radios wherein the activity update message indicates at least one characteristic of the activity on the channel; determining whether the activity is of interest to the subscriber unit by comparing the at least one characteristic with preprogrammed information in the subscriber unit; and if the activity is of interest, then remaining on the channel to receive the activity; otherwise moving to the next channel in the list. 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the characteristic is chosen from the group consisting of identification, voice, data, group, individual, emergency, and non emergency. 19. The method of claim 17 wherein the activity update message is a 4 burst CACH message. 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the activity update message further comprises fields for activity, data, emergency, individual, and identification. 21. A system for scanning a TDMA channel by a subscriber unit in a wireless communications landscape 100, wherein the subscriber unit is operationally connected to at least one base radio over a plurality of channels, the system comprising: a receiver for locking onto a channel of the plurality of channels wherein a subset of the plurality of channels is preprogrammed and whereby the receiver obtains an activity update message from the channel wherein the activity update message indicates activity and at least one characteristic of the activity on the channel; a decoder for obtaining the at least one characteristic from the activity update message; a comparator which compares the at least one characteristic with at least one preprogrammed characteristic to determine whether the activity is of interest to the system; a selector to receive activity which the comparator determines to be of interest wherein the operation of the receiver, the decoder, the comparator, and the selector are controlled by a processor. 22. The system of claim 21 wherein the at least one characteristic is chosen from the group consisting of identification, voice, data, group, individual, emergency, and non emergency. 23. The system of claim 22 wherein the activity update message is a 4 burst CACH message. 24. The system of claim 23 wherein the activity update message further comprises fields for activity, data, emergency, individual, and identification. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to wireless communications systems and more specifically to scanning in a time division multiple access (TDMA) system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A wireless communications system may generally comprise a set of “subscriber units,” typically subscriber units are the endpoints of a communication path, and a set of “base radios,” (also known as “repeaters”) typically stationary and the intermediaries by which a communication path to a subscriber unit (SU) may be established or maintained. One such type of system is a time division multiple access (TDMA) communication system where the radio medium (or RF frequency) is divided into time slots to carry the communications of the system. Because the communication system carries many communications at one time, a subscriber unit may want to monitor other communications in the system. Scan is a feature that allows a subscriber unit to monitor other communications in the system. SUs of the wireless communications system utilize a feature termed “scan” where an SU locks on to specific RF frequencies in a preprogrammed list in the SU. The RF frequencies in the scan list may be associated with more than one wireless communications system. For example, an SU may have RF frequencies from the Schaumburg fire department and the Rolling Meadows fire department in its scan list. If the preprogrammed scan list is very long and has many RF frequencies, then the scan feature takes a long time. Further, in the usual case, when many of the RF communications are normally of no interest to the scanning SU, the scanning SU spends a lot of time listening to communications that are of no interest to it. For example, this occurs when an RF frequency is included in the preprogrammed scan list, but the current communication is addressed to a SU or group of SUs that are of no interest to the scanning SU. Accordingly, there exists a need for scanning a TDMA channel which improves the amount of time that an SU spends scanning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES An illustrative embodiment of the invention is now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example wireless communications landscape in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example method for providing channel access for voice transmissions. FIG. 3 is an example of a specific Common Announcement Channel message called an Activity Update. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to each other. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the figures to indicate identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an example of the method and apparatus of the present invention as it may be employed and incorporated into a typical wireless communications landscape 100 having system 110, system 120, and system 130. The illustrated example has three systems 110, 120, 130 whereby a system is comprised of a multiplicity of communication resources of RF frequencies, base radios (BRs) and subscriber units (SUs) optionally managed by system controllers (not shown) whereby the SUs send and receive communications with BRs (also known as “repeaters”). System 110 comprises a plurality of cells, each with a BR 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 typically located at the center of the cell, and a plurality of SUs 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 all of which are communicating on RF frequencies assigned to system 110. The SUs 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 in system 110 may include all the RF frequencies associated with the BRs 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 in system 110 in their preprogrammed scan lists. System 120 comprises a plurality of cells, each with a BR 26, 28, 30 typically located at the center of the cell, and a plurality of SUs 34, 36, 38 all of which are communicating on RF frequencies assigned to system 120. The SUs 34, 36, 38 of system 120 may include all the RF frequencies associated with BRs 26, 28, 30 in their preprogrammed scan lists. Further, SU 36 may include RF frequencies associated with the BRs in system 110 and with the BR in system 130 since the SU 36 is sufficiently close to all three systems 110, 120, 130. System 130 comprises a cell with a BR 24 and SUs 32, 40 all of which are communicating on RF frequencies assigned to system 130. Further, BRs 3, 13, 24, 28 may all be operating on the same RF frequency, but using a different color code since the BRs are separated by great geographical distance. A BR preferably comprises fixed equipment for communicating data/control and voice information to and from the SUs for facilitating communications between the SUs in the wireless communication landscape 100. A subscriber unit (SU) preferably comprises mobile or portable devices (such as an in-car or handheld radios or radio telephones) capable of communicating with a BR using time division multiple access (TDMA) or time division duplex (TDD) techniques as further described herein, in which specified time segments are divided into assigned time slots for individual communication. As is known in the art, each RF frequency in the system carries time slots whereby each time slot is known as a “channel.” Thus, for the BRs shown in FIG. 1, each BR has two channels associated with the coverage area. In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the wireless communications landscape 100 assumes a two slot TDMA communications system; however, other slotting ratios may be used in the TDMA communications system and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In an illustrative embodiment, the SU determines time slot numbering by decoding a TDMA channel field in a Common Announcement Channel (CACH) burst whereby the CACH burst is used for signaling information in the wireless communications landscape 100. In the illustrative embodiment of a two slot TDMA communications systems, the CACH burst is common to timeslot 1 and to timeslot 2. As is known in the art, “color code” is a common identifier used by a group of SUs which utilize the same BR. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, SUs 12, 14, 22 are in one color code because they utilize the same BR, namely BR 9. Further, a color code field may be present in an embedded signaling message and a general data burst to provide a means of addressing a radio network or a specific repeater so that co-channel interference may be rejected. Further known in the art, a “talkgroup” is a group of SUs that share an RF frequency and timeslot and have the same color code. In an illustrative embodiment, a talkgroup is identified by a 16-bit talkgroup identifier (TGID and an individual subscriber unit is identified by a 24-bit subscriber unit identifier (SUID). Thus, in an illustrative embodiment, SUs that share a color code are further subdivided into talkgroups so that SUs in one talkgroup do not hear SUs in another talkgroup. As used herein, the terms “communication” and “transmission” are used interchangeably and refer to contiguous TDMA bursts emanating from one radio in one timeslot. As such, transmissions may generically refer to voice, data or control information relating to the wireless communications landscape 100. The term “call” refers to related voice transmissions between SUs in the wireless communications landscape 100. As is known in the art, the term “burst” refers to the smallest standalone unit of a TDMA transmission. In an illustrative embodiment, for a burst found in a Motorola Low Tier Digital system, a defined transmission is 216 bits of payload and 48 bits of synchronization or embedded signaling. The defined transmission takes 27.5 msec to transmit and may be followed by 2.5 msec of guard time or the CACH burst. Thus, a “burst” in such a Motorola Low Tier Digital system is 30 msec. In an illustrative embodiment, a scan is performed in at least one of three situations: 1) when the SU powers on where the receiver automatically changes “channels” in a set order with a list preprogrammed in the SU, 2) when a user of the SU manually taps a button or turns a dial to manually step through frequencies preprogrammed in the SU, and 3) when a user of the SU sets the SU to scan mode where the receiver automatically changes frequencies in a set order with a list preprogrammed in the SU. Further, there may be different types of scanning that a SU performs. An SU may be programmed to perform scan based upon a characteristic of the active transmission such as whether the active transmission is voice, data, group, individual, emergency, and non-emergency. For example, a scanning SU may be programmed to scan for channels only carrying voice transmissions. Further, a scanning SU may be programmed to scan for channels only carrying data transmissions. Further yet, a scanning SU may be programmed to scan for channels carrying voice transmissions that are addressed to individual SUs and not voice transmissions that are addressing talkgroups. Further yet, a scanning SU may be programmed to scan for channels carrying data transmissions that are addressed to individual SUs and not data transmissions addressing talkgroups. Another example, a scanning SU may be programmed to scan for channels carrying any emergency transmissions regardless of the group that the active transmission is associated with. Yet another example, a scanning SU may be programmed to scan for channels carrying only non emergency transmissions regardless of the group that the active transmission is associated with. As can be imagined, there are numerous examples combining the characteristics to program a scanning SU to only search for specific active transmissions and the examples listed above are only illustrative and not exhaustive. Referring to FIG. 2, in operation, an SU performs the function of scanning by tuning to a specified channel enumerated in a scan list preprogrammed in the scanning SU (Block 202). As is known in the art, a channel is also known as a “personality” where a personality is typically a radio frequency (RF) with additional qualifying information. The scanning SU pauses on the selected personality for a specified time period and tests whether an RF carrier is detected (Block 204). In one embodiment, a scanning SU which is programmed to scan only for voice transmissions pauses for 25 msecs before continuing. As is known in the art, the specified time period depends upon the type of signal expected to be received by the scanning SU such as analog voice, FDMA digital, and TDMA digital. Further, the specified time period may depend upon the type of scan being performed. As mentioned above, the type of scan may depend upon a characteristic of the active transmission such as whether the active transmission is voice, data, group, individual, emergency, and non-emergency. For example, if the scanning SU is programmed to scan for channels only carrying data transmissions, then it may wait for 65 msecs before continuing If an RF carrier is present, then the scanning SU remains on the selected personality and performs synchronization (Block 206). In an illustrative embodiment, performing synchronization between the BR and the SU involves waiting a predetermined period of time for detecting a time slot synchronization signal. The time slot synchronization signal is a 48 bit (also known as 24 symbols) frame sync word. The time slot synchronization signal identifies the center of a TDMA burst and the type of communication present on the TDMA channel so that a receiver in the scanning SU may be able to receive transmissions on the TDMA channel. Performing synchronization is complete upon detection of the time slot synchronization signal within a predetermined period of time. In one embodiment, the scanning SU must receive the time slot synchronization signal within 335 msecs. If the communication between the SU and the BR is in synchronization or the SU is successfully able to perform synchronization between the BR and the SU, then the SU determines a color code for the active transmission on the channel (Block 208). As is known in the art, regardless of whether a carrier is detected (Block 202), a scanning SU that receives a frame synchronization message further decodes the personality. Thus, if frame synchronization is performed, then the scanning SU remains on the personality an additional amount of time to determine whether there is a match of the color code for the active transmission on the channel (Block 208). If there is not a match of the color code (Block 208), frame synchronization (Block 206), or carrier detect (Block 204), then the scanning SU tunes to the next channel in the preprogrammed scan list (Block 220). If there is a match of the color code for the active transmission on the channel, then the scanning SU remains on the channel and decodes a specific CACH message termed an “activity update” message 300 (Block 210). In an illustrative embodiment, the activity update message 300 is a 4-burst CACH message used to assist in identifying whether there is an active transmission (also termed “activity”) on the channel. The activity update message 300 provides information that indicates whether the scanning SU should dwell on the channel or should resume scanning. As shown in FIG. 3, the activity update message 300 includes an activity field 304, 306 specific to each timeslot that indicates whether the channel is presently supporting a call or transmission on either of the timeslots. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, one-bit field 304 indicates whether timeslot one is supporting a call or transmission and one-bit field 306 indicates whether timeslot two is supporting a call or transmission where a value of “0” indicates that the timeslot is not active and “1” indicates an active transmission on the time slot. If there is an active transmission on the timeslot (Block 211), then the scanning SU determines whether the active transmission is of interest to the scanning SU. Otherwise, the scanning SU moves to the next personality in the preprogrammed scan list (Block 220). Further, if an active transmission is present, then the activity update message 300 also has other information to identify the type of transmission. For example, the transmission may be voice, data, an emergency, talkgroup or individual transmission as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, a voice or data transmission is signaled by one-bit fields 314, 318 where a value of “0” indicates that the active transmission is a voice transmission and “1” indicates that the active transmission is a data transmission. As shown in FIG. 3, an emergency or non emergency is signaled by one-bit fields 312, 316 where a value of “0” indicates that the active transmission is a non emergency transmission and “1” indicates that the active transmission is an emergency transmission. As shown in FIG. 3, a group or individual call is signaled by one-bit fields 320, 322 where a value of “0” indicates that the active transmission is a talkgroup transmission and “1” indicates that the active transmission is an individual transmission. Further, besides the opcode field 302, the rest of the activity update message 300 is considered to be data and is populated by information from a full Link Control (LC) message for a voice transmission and from a data header for a data transmission. For example, the emergency one bit fields 312, 316, the group one bit fields 320, 322, and the addresses 308, 310 are recovered from the LC message or a data header. If an active transmission is present and if the scanning SU is programmed to check the active transmission (Block 222) for a transmission addressed to a SU of interest, then the scanning SU determines whether the active transmission is addressed to a SU of interest (Block 212). Otherwise, the scanning SU checks to see if the scanning SU is programmed to receive the active transmission (Block 224). For example, the scanning SU may be programmed to receive all emergency calls regardless of identification (ID) of the source or destination of the active transmission. If the active transmission is of interest to the scanning SU, then the speaker is unmuted and audio is rendered to the user of the scanning SU (Block 218). Otherwise, the scanning SU moves to the next personality in the preprogrammed scan list (Block 220). Further yet, if an active transmission is present, the activity update message 300 also identifies the SUID or TGID of the active transmission. As shown in FIG. 3, the identification field 308, 310 is an 8-bit hashed field as shown in FIG. 3. Further, because there are a limited number of bits in the activity update message 300, the ID field 308, 310 is hashed. For example, if the active transmission on timeslot 1 is directed to SU 16 and SU 16 is identified by a 24 bit SUID, then the ID field 308 is hashed to 8 bits. Another example is an active transmission on timeslot 2 directed to an SU in a talkgroup, e.g. SU 12, where the talkgroup is identified by a 16 bit TGID. Thus, the ID field 310 is hashed from the TGID of 16 bits to 8 bits. As is known in the art, there are many algorithms that can be used to perform the function of hashing and one such well known algorithm is a CRC-8 checksum with a generating polynomial of g(x)=x8+x2+x+1. With an input of a 16 bit TGID or a 24 bit SUID, the output is an 8 bit CRC hashed ID field 308, 310 as shown in FIG. 3. As is known in the art, the activity update message 300 may be received before knowing the color code for the active transmission on the channel. In any case, knowing the color code for the active transmission on the channel and whether it matches the color code of the scanning SU is important to deciding whether to stop scanning or not. As mentioned above, if there is not a match of the color code (Block 208), then the scanning SU tunes to the next channel in the preprogrammed scan list (Block 220). If the ID field 308, 310 of the activity update message 300 matches the SUID or TGID of the scanning SU (Block 212), then the scanning SU determines whether the active transmission is voice or data (Block 213). If the active transmission is data (Block 226), then the scanning SU remains on the channel to recover the data message (Block 228) and waits until the end of the data transmission to receive a data terminator (Block 230). In an alternative, the scanning SU remains on the channel to receive embedded qualifying information. Continuing, the data terminator is decoded to identify addressing identification (or an “ID”) (Block 232). If the ID is of interest to the scanning SU (Block 234), then the data message is further processed. Otherwise, the scanning SU tunes to the next channel in the preprogrammed scan list (Block 220). Continuing, the scanning SU determines whether confirmed delivery is requested (Block 236) for the data message. If confirmed delivery is requested, then the data message is processed until the entire data message is recovered (Block 238). In one embodiment, recovering an entire data message is performed by sending Selective Automatic Repeat Request (SARQ) messages to the BR. When the entire data message is recovered, the scanning SU tunes to the next channel in the preprogrammed scan list (Block 220). If confirmed delivery is not requested, then the scanning SU waits on the channel a predetermined amount of time for a possible redundant or subsequent transmission (Block 242). At the expiration of the predetermined amount of time, the scanning SU tunes to the next channel in the preprogrammed scan list (Block 220). If the active transmission is voice (Block 226), then the scanning SU remains on the channel to perform a full link control (LC) qualification of the active transmission by decoding an LC message which identifies whether the active transmission is addressed to an individual SU or a talkgroup, an emergency or non emergency, and the source and destination of the active transmission (Block 214). In an illustrative embodiment, the LC message is a 7-burst CACH message. Performing full LC qualification means that the scanning SU waits for a LC message on the timeslot of interest and decodes an ID field of the LC message to determine whether the active transmission is of interest to the scanning SU. In an illustrative embodiment of the wireless communications landscape 100, because LC messages are available once every 360 msec, having to wait to decode a full LC message is time consuming for the scanning SU. If the ID field of the LC message is an ID of interest to the scanning SU (Block 216), then the speaker is unmuted and audio is rendered to the user of the scanning SU (Block 218). If the ID field of the LC message is not of interest to the scanning SU (Block 216), then the scanning SU tunes to the next channel in the preprogrammed scan list (Block 220). If the ID field 308, 310 of the activity update message 300 does not contain an id that is of interest to the scanning SU (Block 212), then the scanning SU moves to the next channel in the preprogrammed scan list. In such a case, the scanning SU does not have to wait for a LC message. Because the LC message only is sent once every 360 msec, not having to wait for a LC message improves the time that the scanning SU spends during the function of scanning. By not having to wait for a LC message, the scanning SU is able to quickly determine that the active transmission is not of interest and the scan function is improved. As is known in the art, the timing of events relating to color code, the activity update message 300, and the LC message may occur in any order. For example, the activity update message 300 may be received by the scanning SU before 1) the color code of the active transmission is known or 2) the full LC message is received. Also, a full LC message may be received before 1) the activity update message 300 is received by the scanning SU or 2) the color code of the active transmission is known. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the color code of the active transmission may be known before 1) the activity update message 300 is received by the scanning SU or 2) the full LC message is received. In any case, determining whether to remain on the channel and render audio to the user of the scanning SU is based upon whether the received information is of interest to the user. Specifically, a match of the color code and the full LC message stops the function of scanning and renders audio to the user of the scanning SU. A match of the color code and ID field 308, 310 of the activity update message 300 stops the function of scanning but requires a match of the full LC message before rendering audio to the user of the scanning SU. In an illustrative embodiment, a match of the ID field 308, 310 indicates that the active transmission may be of interest to the scanning SU. In such a case, the scanning SU remains on the channel and performs Link Control (LC) qualification of the active transmission before committing itself to remaining on the channel and rendering audio to the subscriber unit user. Alternatively, if there is not a match of the ID field 308, 310 then the scanning SU continues to scan with the next personality in the scan list. By utilizing an activity update message 300 in the wireless communications landscape 100, the time spent while scanning is reduced. For example, in the embodiment described, a scanning SU is able to identify an active transmission of no interest on average in 152 msec. In a worst case, a scanning SU takes up to 335 msec to identify an active transmission of no interest. Without the use of an embodiment of the present invention, experimentation has shown that in an average TDMA system, a scanning SU is able to identify an active transmission is of no interest on average in 512 msec and in the worst case in 695 msec. Further, without the use of an embodiment of the present invention, experimentation has shown that in an average FDMA system, a scanning SU is able to identify an active transmission is of no interest on average in 360 msec and in the worst case in 540 msec. Further yet, by utilizing an activity update message 300 in the wireless communications landscape 100, a SU that is a party to a call may quickly join the call if the SU is not currently a party to the call. Such an SU is called a late entry SU. For example, in the embodiment described, a late entry SU may join a call in a minimum of 120 msec. In a worst case, the late entry SU may join in about 300 msec. Without the use of an embodiment of the invention, experimentation has shown that a late entry SU takes about 360 msec and in the worst case about 720 msec to join a call. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention, in its broader aspects, is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Various alterations, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Thus, it should be understood that the invention is not limited by the foregoing description, but embraces all such alterations, modifications and variations in accordance with the spirit and scope of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A wireless communications system may generally comprise a set of “subscriber units,” typically subscriber units are the endpoints of a communication path, and a set of “base radios,” (also known as “repeaters”) typically stationary and the intermediaries by which a communication path to a subscriber unit (SU) may be established or maintained. One such type of system is a time division multiple access (TDMA) communication system where the radio medium (or RF frequency) is divided into time slots to carry the communications of the system. Because the communication system carries many communications at one time, a subscriber unit may want to monitor other communications in the system. Scan is a feature that allows a subscriber unit to monitor other communications in the system. SUs of the wireless communications system utilize a feature termed “scan” where an SU locks on to specific RF frequencies in a preprogrammed list in the SU. The RF frequencies in the scan list may be associated with more than one wireless communications system. For example, an SU may have RF frequencies from the Schaumburg fire department and the Rolling Meadows fire department in its scan list. If the preprogrammed scan list is very long and has many RF frequencies, then the scan feature takes a long time. Further, in the usual case, when many of the RF communications are normally of no interest to the scanning SU, the scanning SU spends a lot of time listening to communications that are of no interest to it. For example, this occurs when an RF frequency is included in the preprogrammed scan list, but the current communication is addressed to a SU or group of SUs that are of no interest to the scanning SU. Accordingly, there exists a need for scanning a TDMA channel which improves the amount of time that an SU spends scanning. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES <EOH>An illustrative embodiment of the invention is now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example wireless communications landscape in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example method for providing channel access for voice transmissions. FIG. 3 is an example of a specific Common Announcement Channel message called an Activity Update. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to each other. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the figures to indicate identical elements. | 20040726 | 20080506 | 20060126 | 94626.0 | H04B7212 | 3 | BEAMER, TEMICA M | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF SCANNING A TDMA CHANNEL | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H04B | 2,004 |
|
10,899,793 | ACCEPTED | Light emitting devices having a reflective bond pad and methods of fabricating light emitting devices having reflective bond pads | Light emitting devices include an active region of semiconductor material and a first contact on the active region. The first contact is configured such that photons emitted by the active region pass through the first contact. A photon absorbing wire bond pad is provided on the first contact. The wire bond pad has an area less than the area of the first contact. A reflective structure is disposed between the first contact and the wire bond pad such that the reflective structure has substantially the same area as the wire bond pad. A second contact is provided opposite the active region from the first contact. The reflective structure may be disposed only between the first contact and the wire bond pad. Methods of fabricating such devices are also provided. | 1. A light emitting device, comprising: an active region comprising semiconductor material; a first contact on the active region, the first contact being configured such that photons emitted by the active region pass through the first contact; a photon absorbing wire bond pad on the first contact, the wire bond pad having an area less than the area of the first contact; a reflective structure disposed between the first contact and the wire bond pad and having an area that is less than the area of the first contact; and a second contact opposite the active region from the first contact. 2. The light emitting device of claim 1, further comprising a p-type semiconductor material disposed between the first contact and the active region. 3. The light emitting device of claim 1, further comprising an n-type semiconductor material between the first contact and the active region. 4. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the active region comprises a Group III-nitride based active region. 5. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the reflective structure comprises a layer of reflective metal. 6. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the reflective structure is self-aligned with the wire bond pad. 7. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the reflective structure comprises a roughened area of the first contact and wherein the wire bond pad is directly on the first contact. 8. The light emitting device of claim 7, wherein the roughened area is self-aligned with the wire bond pad. 9. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the reflective structure comprises: a roughened area of the first contact; and a reflective metal layer on the roughened area of the first contact. 10. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the reflective structure does not extend beyond the wire bond pad. 11. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the reflective structure has substantially the same area as the wire bond pad. 12. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the reflective structure is substantially congruent with the wire bond pad. 13. A method of fabricating a light emitting device, comprising: forming an active region of semiconductor material; forming a first contact on the active region, the first contact being configured such that photons emitted by the active region pass through the first contact; forming a reflective structure on the first contact and having an area less than an area of the first contact forming a photon absorbing wire bond pad on reflective structure, the wire bond pad having an area less than the area of the first contact; and forming a second contact opposite the active region from the first contact. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising forming a p-type semiconductor material disposed between the first contact and the active region. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising forming an n-type semiconductor material between the first contact and the active region. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein forming an active region comprises forming a Group III-nitride based active region. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein forming a reflective structure comprises forming a layer of reflective metal. 18. The method of claim 13, wherein forming a reflective structure and forming a wire bond pad comprises: forming a mask layer on the first contact, the mask layer having an opening that exposes a portion of the first contact corresponding to the location of the wire bond pad on the first contact; depositing a reflective metal layer in the opening of the mask layer; and forming the wire bond pad on the reflective metal layer in the opening of the mask layer. 19. The method of claim 13, wherein forming a reflective structure comprises roughening an area of the first contact and wherein forming a wire bond pad comprises forming a wire bond pad directly on the first contact. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein roughening an area of the first contact and forming a wire bond pad comprises: forming a mask layer on the first contact, the mask layer having an opening that exposes a portion of the first contact corresponding to the location of the wire bond pad on the first contact; roughening the portion of the first contact exposed by the opening of the mask layer; and forming the wire bond pad on the roughened portion of the first contact in the opening of the mask layer. 21. The method of claim 13, wherein forming a reflective structure comprises: forming a roughened area of the first contact; and forming a reflective metal layer on the roughened area of the first contact. 22. The method of claim 13, wherein the reflective structure does not extend beyond the wire bond pad. 23. The method of claim 33, wherein the reflective structure has substantially the same area as the wire bond pad. 24. The method of claim 33, wherein the reflective structure is substantially congruent with the wire bond pad. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to semiconductor light emitting devices and methods of fabricating light emitting devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Semiconductor light emitting devices, such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or laser diodes, are widely used for many applications. As is well known to those having skill in the art, a semiconductor light emitting device includes a semiconductor light emitting element having one or more semiconductor layers that are configured to emit coherent and/or incoherent light upon energization thereof. As is well known to those having skill in the art, a light emitting diode or laser diode, generally includes a diode region on a microelectronic substrate. The microelectronic substrate may be, for example, gallium arsenide, gallium phosphide, alloys thereof, silicon carbide and/or sapphire. Continued developments in LEDs have resulted in highly efficient and mechanically robust light sources that can cover the visible spectrum and beyond. These attributes, coupled with the potentially long service life of solid state devices, may enable a variety of new display applications, and may place LEDs in a position to compete with the well entrenched incandescent and fluorescent lamps. Much development interest and commercial activity recently has focused on LEDs that are fabricated in or on silicon carbide, because these LEDs can emit radiation in the blue/green portions of the visible spectrum. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,342 to Edmond et al., entitled Blue Light-Emitting Diode With High External Quantum Efficiency, assigned to the assignee of the present application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if set forth fully herein. There also has been much interest in LEDs that include gallium nitride-based diode regions on silicon carbide substrates, because these devices also may emit light with high efficiency. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,688 to Linthicum et al., entitled Pendeoepitaxial Gallium Nitride Semiconductor Layers On Silicon Carbide Substrates, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if set forth fully herein. The efficiency of conventional LEDs may be limited by their inability to emit all of the light that is generated by their active region. When an LED is energized, light emitting from its active region (in all directions) may be prevented from exiting the LED by, for example, a light absorbing wire bond pad. Typically, in gallium nitride based LEDs, a current spreading contact layer is provided to improve the uniformity of carrier injection across the cross section of the light emitting device. Current is injected into the p-side of the LED through the bond pad and the p-type contact. The p-type contact layer provides for a substantially uniform injection of carriers into the active region. Thus, a substantially uniform photon emission across the active region may result from the use of a current spreading layer, such as a substantially transparent p-type contact layer. However, a wire bond pad is typically not a transparent structure and, therefore, photons emitted from the active region of the LED that are incident upon the wire bond pad may be absorbed by the wire bond pad. For example, in some instances approximately 70% of the light incident on the wire bond pad may be absorbed. Such photon absorption may reduce the amount of light that escapes from the LED and may decrease the efficiency of the LED. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Some embodiments of the present invention provide light emitting devices and/or methods of fabricating light emitting devices including an active region of semiconductor material and a first contact on the active region. The first contact is configured such that photons emitted by the active region pass through the first contact. A photon absorbing wire bond pad is provided on the first contact. The wire bond pad has an area less than the area of the first contact. A reflective structure is disposed between the first contact and the wire bond pad such that the reflective structure has less area than the first contact. A second contact is provided opposite the active region from the first contact. In some embodiments, the reflective structure has substantially the same area as the wire bond pad. For example, the reflective structure may be congruent with the wire bond pad. In some embodiments, the reflective structure does not extend beyond the wire bond pad. In some embodiments of the present invention, a p-type semiconductor material is disposed between the first contact and the active region. In other embodiments of the present invention, an n-type semiconductor material is disposed between the first contact and the active region. The active region may be a Group III-nitride based active region. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the reflective structure includes a layer of reflective metal. The reflective structure may be self-aligned with the wire bond pad. In some embodiments of the present invention, the reflective structure includes a roughened area of the first contact and the wire bond pad is directly on the first contact. The roughened area may be self-aligned with the wire bond pad. In still further embodiments of the present invention, the reflective structure includes a roughened area of the first contact and a reflective metal layer on the roughened area of the first contact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating semiconductor light emitting devices having a reflective bond pad structure according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views illustrating fabrication of semiconductor devices according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of light emitting devices according to further embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. However, this invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region or substrate is referred to as being “on” or extending “onto” another element, it can be directly on or extend directly onto the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or extending “directly onto” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or “top,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another elements as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in the Figures is turned over, elements described as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of the other elements. The exemplary term “lower”, can therefore, encompasses both an orientation of “lower” and “upper,” depending of the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. The exemplary terms “below” or “beneath” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below. Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments of the present invention. As Such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, an etched region illustrated or described as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature. Although various embodiments of LEDs disclosed herein include a substrate, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the crystalline epitaxial growth substrate on which the epitaxial layers comprising an LED are grown may be removed, and the freestanding epitaxial layers may be mounted on a substitute carrier substrate or submount which may have better thermal, electrical, structural and/or optical characteristics than the original substrate. The invention described herein is not limited to structures having crystalline epitaxial growth substrates and may be utilized in connection with structures in which the epitaxial layers have been removed from their original growth substrates and bonded to substitute carrier substrates. Some embodiments of the present invention may provide for improved efficacy of a light emitting device by reducing and/or preventing photon absorption by a wire bond pad. Thus, some embodiments of the present invention may provide light emitting devices and methods of fabricating light emitting devices having a reflective structure between the wire bond pad and an ohmic contact of the light emitting device. By reflecting photons incident in the region of the wire bond pad, the amount of photons absorbed by the wire bond pad may be reduced. In some embodiments of the present invention, an increase in efficiency of the light emitting device may be proportional to the size of the wire bond pad. Embodiments of the present invention may be particularly well suited for use in nitride-based light emitting devices such as Group III-nitride based devices. As used herein, the term “Group III nitride” refers to those semiconducting compounds formed between nitrogen and the elements in Group III of the periodic table, usually aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), and/or indium (In). The term also refers to ternary and quaternary compounds such as AlGaN and AlInGaN. As is well understood by those in this art, the Group III elements can combine with nitrogen to form binary (e.g., GaN), ternary (e.g., AlGaN, AlInN), and quaternary (e.g., AlInGaN) compounds. These compounds all have empirical formulas in which one mole of nitrogen is combined with a total of one mole of the Group III elements. Accordingly, formulas such as AlxGal1-xN where 0≦x≦1 are often used to describe them. However, while embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to Group III-nitride based light emitting devices, such as gallium nitride based light emitting devices, certain embodiments of the present invention may be suitable for use in other semiconductor light emitting devices, such as for example, GaAs and/or GaP based devices. Light emitting devices according to some embodiments of the present invention may include a light emitting diode, laser diode and/or other semiconductor device which includes one or more semiconductor layers, which may include silicon, silicon carbide, gallium nitride and/or other semiconductor materials, a substrate which may include sapphire, silicon, silicon carbide and/or other microelectronic substrates, and one or more contact layers which may include metal and/or other conductive layers. In some embodiments, ultraviolet, blue and/or green LEDs may be provided. The design and fabrication of semiconductor light emitting devices are well known to those having skill in the art and need not be described in detail herein. For example, light emitting devices according to some embodiments of the present invention may include structures such as the gallium nitride-based LED and/or laser structures fabricated on a silicon carbide substrate such as those devices manufactured and sold by Cree, Inc. of Durham, N.C. The present invention may be suitable for use with LED and/or laser structures that provide active regions such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,201,262; 6,187,606; 6,120,600; 5,912,477; 5,739,554; 5,631,190; 5,604,135; 5,523,589; 5,416,342; 5,393,993; 5,338,944; 5,210,051; 5,027,168; 5,027,168; 4,966,862 and/or 4,918,497, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth fully herein. Other suitable LED and/or laser structures are described in published U.S. Patent Publication No. U.S. 2003/0006418 A1 entitled Group III Nitride Based Light Emitting Diode Structures With a Quantum Well and Superlattice, Group III Nitride Based Quantum Well Structures and Group III Nitride Based Superlattice Structures, published Jan. 9, 2003, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 5308-2041P) entitled “GROUP III NITRIDE BASED QUANTUM WELL LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE STRUCTURES WITH AN INDIUM CONTAINING CAPPING STRUCTURE” filed concurrently herewith, as well as published U.S. Patent Publication No. U.S. 2002/0123164 A1 entitled Light Emitting Diodes Including Modifications for Light Extraction and Manufacturing Methods Therefor. Furthermore, phosphor coated LEDs, such as those described in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/659,241, entitled Phosphor-Coated Light Emitting Diodes Including Tapered Sidewalls and Fabrication Methods Therefor, filed Sep. 9, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein as if set forth fully, may also be suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention. The LEDs and/or lasers may be configured to operate such that light emission occurs through the substrate. In such embodiments, the substrate may be patterned so as to enhance light output of the devices as is described, for example, in the above-cited U.S. Patent Publication No. U.S. 2002/0123164 A1. These structures may be modified as described herein to provide reflective structures according to some embodiments of the present invention. Thus, for example, embodiments of the present invention may be utilized with light emitting devices having bond pads of differing shapes or sizes. The light emitting devices may be on differing substrates, Such as silicon carbide, sapphire, gallium nitride, silicon or other substrate suitable substrate for providing Group III-nitride devices. The light emitting devices may be suitable for subsequent singulation and mounting on a suitable carrier. The light emitting devices may include, for example, single quantum well, multi-quantum well and/or bulk active region devices. Some embodiments of the present invention may be used with devices utilizing a tunneling contact on the p-side of the device. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a light emitting device according to some embodiments of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 1, a substrate 10, such as an n-type silicon carbide substrate, has an optional n-type semiconductor layer 12, such as a gallium nitride based layer, provided thereon. The n-type semiconductor layer 12 may include multiple layers, for example, buffer layers or the like. In some embodiments of the present invention, the n-type semiconductor layer 12 is provided as a silicon doped AlGaN layer, that may be of uniform or gradient composition, and a silicon doped GaN layer. While described herein with reference to a silicon carbide substrate, in some embodiments of the present invention other substrate materials may be utilized. For example, a sapphire substrate, GaN or other substrate material may be utilized. In such a case, the contact 20 may be located, for example, in a recess that contacts the n-type semiconductor layer 12, so as to provide a second contact for the device. Other configurations may also be utilized. An active region 14, such as a single or double heterostructure, quantum well, mutli-quantum well or other such active region may be provided on the n-type semiconductor layer. As used herein, the term “active region” refers to a region of semiconductor material of a light emitting device, that may be one or more layers and/or portions thereof, where a substantial portion of the photons emitted by the device when in operation are generated by carrier recombination. In some embodiments of the present invention, the active region refers to a region where substantially all of the photons emitted by the device are generated by carrier recombination. Also illustrated in FIG. 1 is an optional p-type semiconductor layer 16. The p-type semiconductor material layer 16 may, for example, be a gallium nitride based layer, such as a GaN layer. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the p-type semiconductor layer 16 includes magnesium doped GaN. The p-type semiconductor layer 16 may include one or multiple layers and may be of uniform or gradient composition. In some embodiments of the present invention, the p-type semiconductor layer 16 is part of the active region 14. A first contact metal layer 18 of contact metal that provides an ohmic contact to the p-type semiconductor material layer 16 is also provided. In some embodiments, the first contact metal layer 18 may function as a current spreading layer. In particular embodiments of the present invention where the p-type semiconductor material layer 16 is GaN, the first contact metal layer 18 may be Pt. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the first contact metal layer 18 is light permeable and in some embodiments is substantially transparent such that photons emitted by the active region 14 may pass through the first contact metal layer 18. In some embodiments, the first contact metal layer 18 may be a relatively thin layer of Pt. For example, the first contact metal layer 18 may be a layer of Pt that is about 54 Å thick. A wire bond pad 22 or other light absorbing region is provided on the first contact metal layer 18. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first contact metal layer 18 is provided as a very thin layer having a thickness of less than about 10 Å as described in United States Provisional patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 5308-463PR) entitled “ULTRA-THIN OHMIC CONTACTS FOR P-TYPE NITRIDE LIGHT EMITTING DEVICES” and filed concurrently herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein as if set forth in its entirety. A second contact metal layer 20 of contact metal that provides an ohmic contact to the n-type semiconductor material is also provided. The second contact metal layer 20 may be provided on a side of the substrate 10 opposite the active region 14. The second contact metal layer 20 may also be provided on a same side of the substrate 10 as the active region 14. As discussed above, in some embodiments of the present invention the second contact metal layer 20 may be provided on a portion of the n-type semiconductor material layer 12, for example, in a recess or at a base of a mesa including the active region. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, an optional back-side implant or additional epitaxial layers may be provide between the substrate 10 and the second contact metal layer 20. As is further illustrated in FIG. 1, a reflective structure is provided by a reflective metal layer 30 disposed between the wire bond pad 22 and the first metal contact layer 18. The reflective metal layer 30 has substantially the same shape and/or area as the area of the wire bond pad 22 on the first contact metal layer 18. In some embodiments of the present invention, the reflective metal layer 30 has a slightly larger area than the wire bond pad 22 while in other embodiments of the present invention, the reflective metal layer 30 has a slightly smaller area than the wire bond pad 22. Such variations may, for example, be the result of manufacturing tolerances or variations resulting from the fabrication sequence, alignment tolerances or the like. In certain embodiments, the reflective metal layer 30 may also have exactly the same area as the wire bond pad 22. The reflective metal layer 30 may be a layer of silver (Ag), aluminum (Al) or other reflective conducting metal. By providing a reflective structure between the photon absorbing wire bond pad and the active region the amount of photons absorbed by the wire bond pad may be reduced. Furthermore, by the reflective structure being substantially the same area as the wire bond pad, photon emission through the p-contact metal layer may still be provided. Accordingly, the overall light extraction from the device may be increased. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate operations according to some embodiments of the present invention for forming light emitting devices having a reflective structure as illustrated in FIG. 1. As seen in FIG. 2A, the various layers/regions of the light emitting device are fabricated. The particular operations in the fabrication of the light emitting device will depend on the structure to be fabricated and are described in the United States Patents and/or Applications incorporated by reference herein and/or are well known to those of skill in the art and, therefore, need not be repeated herein. FIG. 2A also illustrates formation of a mask 40 having a window 42 that exposes a portion of the first contact layer 18 corresponding to the region where the wire bond pad 22 is to be formed. A reflective layer 30 is deposited using the mask 40 so as to be substantially aligned with the region of the wire bond pad 22 as seen in FIG. 2B. Techniques for the deposition of reflective conductive metals are known to those of skill in the art and need not be described further herein. After formation of the reflective layer 30, the wire bond pad 22 may be formed in the window 42. Thus, in some embodiments of the present invention, the wire bond pad 22 and the reflective layer 30 may be self-aligned. The wire bond pad 22 may be formed, for example, by forming a layer or layers of the metal from which the wire bond pad 22 is formed and then planarizing the layers to provide the wire bond pad 22. The mask 40 may subsequently be removed. Optionally, the mask 40 may be made of an insulating material, such as SiO2 and/or AlN, and may remain on the device as, for example, a passivation layer, or be removed. Alternatively, layers of reflective metal and/or bond pad metal could be blanket deposited and then etched to provide the reflective layer 30 and the wire bond pad 22. FIG. 3 illustrates light emitting devices according to further embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the first contact metal layer 18 includes a first portion 55 outside the area of the wire bond pad 22 and a second portion 57 in the area of the wire bond pad 22. The second portion 57 includes a roughened area 50 where the surface of the first contact metal layer 18 provides greater internal reflection of photons incident upon the surface than is provided by the surface of the first portion 55 of the first contact metal layer 18. For example, the roughened area 50 may include angled surfaces from which the photons are reflected rather than pass through. The roughened area 50 may have the same shape and/or area as the area of the wire bond pad 22 on the first contact metal layer 18. In some embodiments of the present invention, the roughened area 50 has a slightly larger area than the wire bond pad 22 while in other embodiments of the present invention, the roughened area 50 has a slightly smaller area than the wire bond pad 22. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the roughened area has exactly the same shape and area as the wire bond pad 22. The roughened area 50 may be provided by, for example, etching the area where the wire bond pad 22 is formed. Such an etch may utilize the mask 40 illustrated in FIG. 2A which may be provided prior to formation of the wire bond pad 22. Other techniques for roughening the interface may also be utilized. By providing a roughened area beneath the wire bond pad, angled surfaces may be provided as a reflective structure that increases the internal reflection of light back into the contact layer. Thus, the amount of light absorbed by the wire bond pad may be reduced. While embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 with reference to particular light emitting device structures, other structures may be provided according to some embodiments of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may be provided by any light emitting structure that includes one or more of the various reflective structures as described above. For example, wire bond pad reflective structures according to some embodiments of the present invention may be provided in conjunction with the exemplary light emitting device structures discussed in the United States Patents and/or Applications incorporated by reference herein. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to a wire bond pad 22. As used herein, the term bond pad refers to a light absorbing contact structure to which a wire is subsequently bonded. A bond pad may be a single or multiple layers, may be a metal and/or metal alloy and/or may be of uniform of non-uniform composition. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the wire bond pad being provided on the contact to the p-type semiconductor material, however, the wire bond pad could, alternatively, be provided to the n-type semiconductor material, such as the substrate 10. In such a case, the reflective structures described above could be disposed between the second contact metal layer 20 and a wire bond pad on that layer. Furthermore, any suitable contact metal and/or reflective metal may be utilized for the first and second contact metal layers 18 and 20 and the reflective layer 30. For example, metal and reflective layers as well as stacks of layers may be provided as described in United States Patent Publication No. U.S. 2002/0123164 A1, published Sep. 5, 2002 and entitled “Light Emitting Diodes Including Modifications For Light Extraction and Manufacturing Methods Therefore” and/or United States Patent Publication No. U.S. 2003/0168663 A1, published Sep. 11, 2003 and entitled “Reflective Ohmic Contacts For Silicon Carbide Including a Layer Consisting Essentially of Nickel, Methods of Fabricating Same, and Light Emitting Devices Including the Same,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein as if set forth fully herein. Furthermore, while embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to a particular sequence of operations, variations from the described sequence may be provided while still benefiting from the teachings of the present invention. Thus, two or more steps may be combined into a single step or steps performed out of the sequence described herein. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular sequence of operations described herein unless stated otherwise herein. It will be understood by those having skill in the art that various embodiments of the invention have been described individually in connection with FIGS. 1-3. However, combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 may be provided according to various embodiments of the present invention. For example, the structures of FIGS. 1 and 3 may be combined by providing the reflective layer 30 on the roughened area 50. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Semiconductor light emitting devices, such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or laser diodes, are widely used for many applications. As is well known to those having skill in the art, a semiconductor light emitting device includes a semiconductor light emitting element having one or more semiconductor layers that are configured to emit coherent and/or incoherent light upon energization thereof. As is well known to those having skill in the art, a light emitting diode or laser diode, generally includes a diode region on a microelectronic substrate. The microelectronic substrate may be, for example, gallium arsenide, gallium phosphide, alloys thereof, silicon carbide and/or sapphire. Continued developments in LEDs have resulted in highly efficient and mechanically robust light sources that can cover the visible spectrum and beyond. These attributes, coupled with the potentially long service life of solid state devices, may enable a variety of new display applications, and may place LEDs in a position to compete with the well entrenched incandescent and fluorescent lamps. Much development interest and commercial activity recently has focused on LEDs that are fabricated in or on silicon carbide, because these LEDs can emit radiation in the blue/green portions of the visible spectrum. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,342 to Edmond et al., entitled Blue Light-Emitting Diode With High External Quantum Efficiency, assigned to the assignee of the present application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if set forth fully herein. There also has been much interest in LEDs that include gallium nitride-based diode regions on silicon carbide substrates, because these devices also may emit light with high efficiency. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,688 to Linthicum et al., entitled Pendeoepitaxial Gallium Nitride Semiconductor Layers On Silicon Carbide Substrates, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if set forth fully herein. The efficiency of conventional LEDs may be limited by their inability to emit all of the light that is generated by their active region. When an LED is energized, light emitting from its active region (in all directions) may be prevented from exiting the LED by, for example, a light absorbing wire bond pad. Typically, in gallium nitride based LEDs, a current spreading contact layer is provided to improve the uniformity of carrier injection across the cross section of the light emitting device. Current is injected into the p-side of the LED through the bond pad and the p-type contact. The p-type contact layer provides for a substantially uniform injection of carriers into the active region. Thus, a substantially uniform photon emission across the active region may result from the use of a current spreading layer, such as a substantially transparent p-type contact layer. However, a wire bond pad is typically not a transparent structure and, therefore, photons emitted from the active region of the LED that are incident upon the wire bond pad may be absorbed by the wire bond pad. For example, in some instances approximately 70% of the light incident on the wire bond pad may be absorbed. Such photon absorption may reduce the amount of light that escapes from the LED and may decrease the efficiency of the LED. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Some embodiments of the present invention provide light emitting devices and/or methods of fabricating light emitting devices including an active region of semiconductor material and a first contact on the active region. The first contact is configured such that photons emitted by the active region pass through the first contact. A photon absorbing wire bond pad is provided on the first contact. The wire bond pad has an area less than the area of the first contact. A reflective structure is disposed between the first contact and the wire bond pad such that the reflective structure has less area than the first contact. A second contact is provided opposite the active region from the first contact. In some embodiments, the reflective structure has substantially the same area as the wire bond pad. For example, the reflective structure may be congruent with the wire bond pad. In some embodiments, the reflective structure does not extend beyond the wire bond pad. In some embodiments of the present invention, a p-type semiconductor material is disposed between the first contact and the active region. In other embodiments of the present invention, an n-type semiconductor material is disposed between the first contact and the active region. The active region may be a Group III-nitride based active region. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the reflective structure includes a layer of reflective metal. The reflective structure may be self-aligned with the wire bond pad. In some embodiments of the present invention, the reflective structure includes a roughened area of the first contact and the wire bond pad is directly on the first contact. The roughened area may be self-aligned with the wire bond pad. In still further embodiments of the present invention, the reflective structure includes a roughened area of the first contact and a reflective metal layer on the roughened area of the first contact. | 20040727 | 20090707 | 20060202 | 72153.0 | H01L3300 | 3 | SEFER, AHMED N | LIGHT EMITTING DEVICES HAVING A REFLECTIVE BOND PAD AND METHODS OF FABRICATING LIGHT EMITTING DEVICES HAVING REFLECTIVE BOND PADS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H01L | 2,004 |
|
10,899,806 | ACCEPTED | Methods and compositions for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders | The present invention features compositions and related methods for treating IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders and conditions (e.g., gastrointestinal motility disorders, functional gastrointestinal disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenogastric reflux, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Inflammatory bowel disease, functional heartburn, dyspepsia (including functional dyspepsia or nonulcer dyspepsia), gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (or colonic pseudo-obstruction), and disorders and conditions associated with constipation, e.g., constipation associated with use of opiate pain killers, post-surgical constipation (post-operative ileus), and constipation associated with neuropathic disorders as well as other conditions and disorders using peptides and other agents that activate the guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) receptor. | 1. A peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3. 2. A peptide consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3. 3. A peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3. 4. The peptide of claim 1 wherein the peptide is chemically synthesized. 5. The peptide of claim 2 wherein the peptide is chemically synthesized. 6. The peptide of claim 3 wherein the peptide is chemically synthesized. 7. A method comprising chemically synthesizing the peptide of claim 1 and purifying the peptide. 8. A method comprising chemically synthesizing the peptide of claim 2 and purifying the peptide. 9. A method comprising chemically synthesizing the peptide of claim 3 and purifying the peptide. 10. The peptide of claim 1 wherein the peptide is recombinantly produced. 11. The peptide of claim 2 wherein the peptide is recombinantly produced. 12. The peptide of claim 3 wherein the peptide is recombinantly produced. 13. The peptide of claim 1 wherein the peptide is produced by an isolated cell harboring a nucleic acid molecule encoding the peptide. 14. The peptide of claim 2 wherein the peptide is produced by an isolated cell harboring a nucleic acid molecule encoding the peptide. 15. The peptide of claim 3 wherein the peptide is produced by an isolated cell harboring a nucleic acid molecule encoding the peptide. 16. An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding the peptide of claim 1. 17. An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding the peptide of claim 2. 18. An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding the peptide of claim 3. 19. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 16. 20. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 17. 21. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 18. 22. An isolated cell comprising the isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 16. 23. An isolated cell comprising the isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 17. 24. An isolated cell comprising the isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 18. 25. An isolated cell comprising the vector of claim 19. 26. An isolated cell comprising the vector of claim 20. 27. An isolated cell comprising the vector of claim 21. 28. The peptide of claim 1 wherein the peptide is at least 90% pure. 29. The peptide of claim 1 wherein the peptide is at least 95% pure. | CLAIM OF PRIORITY This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/845,895, filed May 14, 2004, which is a continuation in part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/796,719, filed Mar. 9, 2004, which is a continuation in part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/766,735, filed Jan. 28, 2004, which claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/443,098, filed on Jan. 28, 2003; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/471,288, filed on May 15, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/519,460, filed on Nov. 12, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to methods and compositions for treating various disorders, including gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, congestive heart failure and benign prostatic hyperplasia. BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic disorder of the intestine that affects 20 to 60 million individuals in the US alone (Lehman Brothers, Global Healthcare-Irritable bowel syndrome industry update, September 1999). IBS is the most common disorder diagnosed by gastroenterologists (28% of patients examined) and accounts for 12% of visits to primary care physicians (Camilleri 2001, Gastroenterology 120:652-668). In the US, the economic impact of IBS is estimated at $25 billion annually, through direct costs of health care use and indirect costs of absenteeism from work (Talley 1995, Gastroenterology 109:1736-1741). Patients with IBS have three times more absenteeism from work and report a reduced quality of life. Sufferers may be unable or unwilling to attend social events, maintain employment, or travel even short distances (Drossman 1993, Dig Dis Sci 38:1569-1580). There is a tremendous unmet medical need in this population since few prescription options exist to treat IBS. Patients with IBS suffer from abdominal pain and a disturbed bowel pattern. Three subgroups of IBS patients have been defined based on the predominant bowel habit: constipation-predominant (c-IBS), diarrhea-predominant (d-IBS) or alternating between the two (a-IBS). Estimates of individuals who suffer from c-IBS range from 20-50% of the IBS patients with 30% frequently cited. In contrast to the other two subgroups that have a similar gender ratio, c-IBS is more common in women (ratio of 3:1) (Talley et al. 1995, Am J Epidemiol 142:76-83). The definition and diagnostic criteria for IBS have been formalized in the “Rome Criteria” (Drossman et al. 1999, Gut 45:Suppl II: 1-81), which are well accepted in clinical practice. However, the complexity of symptoms has not been explained by anatomical abnormalities is or metabolic changes. This has led to the classification of IBS as a functional GI disorder, which is diagnosed on the basis of the Rome criteria and limited evaluation to exclude organic disease (Ringel et al. 2001, Annu Rev Med 52: 319-338). IBS is considered to be a “biopsychosocial” disorder resulting from a combination of three interacting mechanisms: altered bowel motility, an increased sensitivity of the intestine or colon to pain stimuli (visceral sensitivity) and psychosocial factors (Camilleri 2001, Gastroenterology 120:652-668). Recently, there has been increasing evidence for a role of inflammation in etiology of IBS. Reports indicate that subsets of IBS patients have small but significant increases in colonic inflammatory and mast cells, increased inducible nitric oxide (NO) and synthase (iNOS) and altered expression of inflammatory cytokines (reviewed by Talley 2000, Medscape Coverage of DDW week). SUMMARY The present invention features compositions and related methods for treating IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders and conditions (e.g., gastrointestinal motility disorders, functional gastrointestinal disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenogastric reflux, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, functional heartburn, dyspepsia (including functional dyspepsia or nonulcer dyspepsia), gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (or colonic pseudo-obstruction)), and disorders and conditions associated with constipation, e.g., constipation associated with use of opiate pain killers, post-surgical constipation, and constipation associated with neuropathic disorders as well as other conditions and disorders. The compositions feature peptides that activate the guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) receptor. The present invention also features compositions and related methods for treating obesity, congestive heart failure and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Without being bound by any particular theory, in the case of IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders the peptides are useful because they may increase gastrointestinal motility. Without being bound by any particular theory, in the case of IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders the peptides are useful, in part, because they may decrease inflammation. Without being bound by any particular theory, in the case of IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders the peptides are also useful because they may decrease gastrointestinal pain or visceral pain. The invention features pharmaceutical compositions comprising certain peptides that are capable of activating the guanylate-cyclase C (GC-C) receptor. Also within the invention are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a peptide of the invention as well as combination compositions comprising a peptide of the invention and at least one additional therapeutic agent, e.g., an agent for treating constipation (e.g., a chloride channel activator such as SPI-0211; Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Bethesda, Md., a laxative such as MiraLax; Braintree Laboratories, Braintree Mass.) or some other gastrointestinal disorder. Examples of additional therapeutic agents include: acid reducing agents such as proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantorazole and rabeprazole) and H2 receptor blockers (e.g. cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine and nizatidine), pro-motility agents such as the vasostatin-derived peptide, chromogranin A (4-16) (see, e.g., Ghia et al. 2004 Regulatory Peptides 121:31) or motilin agonists (e.g., GM-611 or mitemcinal fumarate) and 5HT receptor agonists (e.g. 5HT4 receptor agonists such as Zelnorm®; 5HT3 receptor agonists such as MKC-733), 5HT receptor antagonists (e.g 5HT1, 5HT2, 5HT3 (e.g alosetron), and 5HT4 receptor antagonists; muscarinic receptor agonists, anti-inflammatory agents, antispasmodics, antidepressants, centrally-acting analgesic agents such as opioid receptor agonists, opioid receptor antagonists (e.g. naltrexone), agents for the treatment of Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease (e.g., alequel (Enzo Biochem, Inc.; Farmingsale, N.Y.), RPD58 (Genzyme, Inc.; Cambridge, Mass.)) and ulcerative colitis (e.g., Traficet-EN™ (ChemoCentryx, Inc.; San Carlos, Calif.)) agents that treat gastrointestinal or visceral pain and cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors (motapizone, zaprinast, and suldinac sulfone). The peptides of the invention can also be used in combination with agents such a tianeptine (Stablon®) and other agents described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,683,072; (E)-4 (1,3bis(cyclohexylmethyl)-1,2,34,-tetrahydro-2,6-diono-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamic acid nonaethylene glycol methyl ether ester and related compounds described in WO 02/067942. The peptides can also be used in combination with purgatives that draw fluids to the intestine (e.g., Visicol®, a combination of sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate and sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrate). The peptides can also be used in combination with treatments entailing the administration of microorganisms useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS (e.g., glucagon-like peptide-I (glp-1)). Probactrix® (The BioBalance Corporation; New York, N.Y.) is one example of a formulation that contains microorganisms useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, the pharmaceutical compositions can include an agent selected from the group consisting of: Ca channel blockers (e.g., ziconotide), complete or partial 5HT receptor antagonists (for example 5HT3 (e.g., alosetron, ATI-7000; Aryx Thearpeutics, Santa Clara Calif.), 5HT4, 5HT2, and 5HT1 receptor antagonists), complete or partial 5HT receptor agonists including 5HT3, 5HT2, 5HT4 (e.g., tegaserod, mosapride and renzapride) and 5HT1 receptor agonists, CRF receptor agonists (NBI-34041), β-3 adrenoreceptor agonists, opioid receptor agonists (e.g., loperamide, fedotozine, and fentanyl, naloxone, naltrexone, methyl nalozone, nalmefene, cypridime, beta funaltrexamine, naloxonazine, naltrindole, and nor-binaltorphimine, morphine, diphenyloxylate, enkephalin pentapeptide, asimadoline, and trimebutine), NK1 receptor antagonists (e.g., ezlopitant and SR-14033), CCK receptor agonists (e.g., loxiglumide), NK1 receptor antagonists, NK3 receptor antagonists (e.g., talnetant, osanetant (SR-142801), SSR-241586), norepinephrine-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (NSRI; e.g., milnacipran), vanilloid and cannabanoid receptor agonists (e.g., arvanil), sialorphin, sialorphin-related peptides comprising the amino acid sequence QHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1661) for example, VQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1662); VRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1663); VRGQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1664); VRGPQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1665); VRGPRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1666); VRGPRRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1667); and RQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1668), compounds or peptides that are inhibitors of neprilysin, frakefamide (H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe(F)-Phe-NH2; WO 01/019849 A1), loperamide, Tyr-Arg (kyotorphin), CCK receptor agonists (caerulein), conotoxin peptides, peptide analogs of thymulin, loxiglumide, dexloxiglumide (the R-isomer of loxiglumide) (WO 88/05774), chromogranin-derived peptide (CgA 47-66, see, e.g., Ghia et al. 2004 Regulatory Peptides 119:199), and other analgesic peptides or compounds. These peptides and compounds can be administered with the peptides of the invention (simultaneously or sequentially). They can also be covalently linked to a peptide of the invention to create therapeutic conjugates. The agents of the invention can also be used in combination therapy with agents (e.g. aldolor) for the treatment of postoperative ileus. The invention includes methods for treating various gastrointestinal disorders by administering a peptide that acts as a partial or complete agonist of the GC-C receptor. The peptide includes at least six cysteines that can form three disulfide bonds. In certain embodiments the disulfide bonds are replaced by other covalent cross-links and in some cases the cysteines are substituted by other residues to provide for alternative covalent cross-links. The peptides may also include at least one trypsin or chymotrypsin cleavage site and/or an amino or carboxy-terminal analgesic peptide or small molecule, e.g., AspPhe or some other analgesic peptide. When present within the peptide, the analgesic peptide or small molecule may be preceded by a chymotrypsin or trypsin cleavage site that allows release of the analgesic peptide or small molecule. The peptides and methods of the invention are also useful for treating pain and inflammation associated with various disorders, including gastrointestinal disorders. Certain peptides include a functional chymotrypsin or trypsin cleavage site located so as to allow inactivation of the peptide upon cleavage. Certain peptides having a functional cleavage site undergo cleavage and gradual inactivation in the digestive tract, and this is desirable in some circumstances. In certain peptides, a functional chymotrypsin site is altered, increasing the stability of the peptide in vivo. The invention includes methods for treating other disorders such as congestive heart failure and benign prostatic hyperplasia by administering a peptide or small molecule (parenterally or orally) that acts as an agonist of the GC-C receptor. Such agents can be used in combination with natriuretic peptides (e.g., atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide or C-type natriuretic peptide), a diuretic, or an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme. The invention features methods and compositions for increasing intestinal motility. Intestinal motility involves spontaneous coordinated dissentions and contractions of the stomach, intestines, colon and rectum to move food through the gastrointestinal tract during the digestive process. In certain embodiments the peptides include either one or two or more contiguous negatively charged amino acids (e.g., Asp or Glu) or one or two or more contiguous positively charged residues (e.g., Lys or Arg) or one or two or more contiguous positively or negatively charged amino acids at the carboxy terminus. In these embodiments all of the flanking amino acids at the carboxy terminus are either positively or negatively charged. In other embodiments the carboxy terminal charged amino acids are preceded by a Leu. For example, the following amino acid sequences can be added to the carboxy terminus of the peptide: Asp; Asp Lys; Lys Lys Lys Lys Lys Lys (SEQ ID NO:127); Asp Lys Lys Lys Lys Lys Lys (SEQ ID NO:128); Leu Lys Lys; and Leu Asp. It is also possible to simply add Leu at the carboxy terminus. In a first aspect, the invention features a peptide comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence (I): (SEQ ID NO: 1) Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 In some embodiments Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 is Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr (SEQ ID NO: 126) or is missing or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 is missing. In certain embodiments Xaa8, Xaa9, Xaa12, Xaa14, Xaa16, Xaa17, and Xaa19 can be any amino acid. In certain embodiments Xaa8, Xaa9, Xaa12, Xaa14, Xaa16, Xaa17, and Xaa19 can be any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments Xaa5 is Asn, Trp, Tyr, Asp, or Phe. In other embodiments, Xaa5 can also be Thr or Ile. In other embodiments Xaa5 is Tyr, Asp or Trp. In certain embodiments Xaa5 is Asn, Trp, Tyr, Asp, Ile, Thr or Phe. In certain embodiments Xaa5 is Asn. In some embodiments Xaa8 is Glu, Asp, Gln, Gly or Pro. In other embodiments Xaa8 is Glu. In other embodiments Xaa8 is Glu or Asp. In others it is Asn, Glu, or Asp. In others it is Glu, His, Lys, Gln, Asn, or Asp. In others it is Glu, His, Gln, Asn, or Asp. In others it is Glu, Asn, His, Gln, Lys, Asp or Ser. In still others it is Pro. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In some embodiments Xaa9 is Leu, Ile, Val, Ala, Lys, Arg, Trp, Tyr or Phe. In some embodiments Xaa9 is Leu, Ile, Val, Lys, Arg, Trp, Tyr or Phe. In others it is Leu, Ile, Val, Trp, Tyr or Phe. In others it is Leu, Ile or Val. In others it is Trp, Tyr or Phe. In others it is Leu, Ile, Lys, Arg, Trp, Tyr, or Phe. In others it is Leu, Val, Ile, or Met. In others it is Leu or Phe. In others it is Leu, Phe, or Tyr. In others it is Tyr, Phe or His. In others it is Phe, His, Trp, or Tyr. In certain embodiments, Xaa9 is not Leu. In others it is Tyr. In other embodiments it is any natural or non-natural aromatic amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments, Xaa12 is Asn, Tyr, Asp or Ala. In others it is Asn. In others it is Asn, Met, Arg, Lys, His, or Gln. In others it is Asn, Lys, His, or Gln. In others it is Asn, Asp, Glu or Gln. In others it is Asn, Thr, Ser, Arg, Lys, Gln, or His. In others it is Asn, Ser, or His. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments, Xaa13 is is Ala, Pro or Gly. In others it is Pro or Gly. In others it is Pro and in still others it is Gly. In certain embodiments, Xaa14 is Ala, Leu, Ser, Gly, Val, Glu, Gln, Ile, Leu, Thr, Lys, Arg, or Asp. In others it is Ala or Gly. In others it is Val or Ala. In others it is Ala or Thr. In others it is Ala. In others it is Val, Gln, Asn, Glu, Asp, Thr, or Ala. In others it is Gly, Cys or Ser. In still others it is Thr. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments Xaa16 is Thr, Ala, Asn, Lys, Arg, Trp, Gly or Val. In others it is Thr, Ala, Asn, Lys, Arg or Trp. In others it is Thr, Ala, Lys, Arg or Trp. In certain embodiments it is Thr, Ala or Trp. In others it is Thr. In certain embodiments it is Trp, Tyr or Phe. In certain embodiments it is Thr or Ala. In certain embodiments it is Val. In certain embodiments it is Gly. In others it is Thr, Ser, Met or Val. In others it is Val, Ala, or Thr. In others it is Ile, Val, Lys, Asn, Glu, Asp, or Thr. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural non-aromatic amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments Xaa17 is Gly, Pro or Ala. In certain embodiments it is Gly. In certain embodiments it is Ala. In others it is Gly or Ala. In others it is Gly, Asn, Ser or Ala. In others it is Asn, Glu, Asp, Thr, Ala, Ser, or Gly. In others it is Asp, Ala, Ser, or Gly. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments Xaa19 is Trp, Tyr, Phe, Asn, Ile, Val, His, Leu, or Arg. In certain embodiments it is Trp, Tyr, Asn or Leu. In certain embodiments it is Trp, Tyr or Phe. In others it is Tyr, Phe or His. In others it is Tyr or Trp. In others it is Tyr. In certain embodiments it is Leu, Ile or Val. In certain embodiments it is His. In certain embodiments it is Trp, Tyr, Phe, Asn, Ile, Val, His or Leu. In certain embodiments it is Trp, Tyr, Phe or Leu. In certain embodiments it is Tyr or Leu. In certain embodiments it is Lys or Arg. In certain embodiments it is any amino acid other than Pro, Arg, Lys, Asp or Glu. In certain embodiments it is any amino acid other than Pro. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments it is missing. In certain embodiments Xaa20 is Asp or Asn. In certain embodiments Xaa20 Xaa21 is AspPhe or is missing or Xaa20 is Asn or Glu and Xaa21 is missing or Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 is missing. In certain embodiments, the invention features, a purified polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence (II): (SEQ ID NO:129) Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 Xaa16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 wherein Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 is Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr (SEQ ID NO: 126) or is missing or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 is missing and Xaa5 is Asn; Xaa8 is Glu or Asp; Xaa9 is Leu, Ile, Val, Trp, Tyr or Phe; Xaa16 is Thr, Ala, Trp; Xaa19 is Trp, Tyr, Phe or Leu or is missing; and Xaa20 Xaa21 is AspPhe. In various embodiments the invention features a purified polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence (II): Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 Xaa16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20Xaa21 wherein, Xaa9 is Leu, Ile or Val and Xaa16 is Trp, Tyr or Phe; Xaa9 is Trp, Tyr or Phe, and Xaa16 is Thr or Ala; Xaa19 is Trp, Tyr, Phe and Xaa20 Xaa21 is AspPhe; and Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 is missing and Xaa5 is Asn; the peptide comprises fewer than 50, 40, 30 or 25 amino acids; or fewer than five amino acids precede Cys6. In certain embodiments the peptide includes a peptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys Cys Glu Xaa9 Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Xaa20 Xaa21 (II) (SEQ ID NO:2) wherein Xaa9 is any amino acid: wherein Xaa9 is any amino acid other than Leu; wherein Xaa9 is selected from Phe, Trp and Tyr; wherein Xaa9 is selected from any other natural or non-natural aromatic amino acid; wherein Xaa9 is Tyr; wherein Xaa9 is Phe; wherein Xaa9 is Trp; wherein Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 is Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr; wherein Xaa1, Xaa2, Xaa3, Xaa4, and Xaa5 are missing; wherein Xaa1, Xaa2, Xaa3 and Xaa4 are missing; wherein Xaa1, Xaa2 and Xaa3 are missing; wherein Xaa1 and Xaa2 are missing; wherein Xaa1 is missing; wherein Xaa20 Xaa21 is AspPhe or is missing or Xaa20 is Asn or Glu and Xaa21 is missing or Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 is missing; wherein Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 and Tyr Xaa20 Xaa21 are missing. In the case of a peptide comprising the sequence (I): Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20Xaa21 wherein: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 is missing and/or the sequence Xaa19 Xaa20Xaa21 is missing, the peptide can still contain additional carboxyterminal or amino terminal amino acids or both. In the case of peptides missing one or more terminal amino acids such as Xaa1 or Xaa21, the peptide can still contain additional carboxyterminal or amino terminal amino acids or both. In certain embodiments, the peptide includes disulfide bonds between Cys6 and Cys11, between Cys7 and Cys15 and between Cys10 and Cys16. In other embodiments, the peptide is a reduced peptide having no disulfide bonds. In still other embodiments the peptide has one or two disulfide bonds chosen from: a disulfide bond between Cys6 and Cys11, a disulfide bond between Cys7 and Cys15 and a disulfide bond between Cys10 and Cys16. In certain embodiments, one or more amino acids can be replaced by a non-naturally occurring amino acid or a naturally or non-naturally occurring amino acid analog. There are many amino acids beyond the standard 20. Some are naturally-occurring others are not (see, for example, Hunt, The Non-Protein Amino Acids: In Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Amino Acids, Barrett, Chapman and Hall, 1985). For example, an aromatic amino acid can be replaced by 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine, 3-iodo-L-tyrosine, triiodothyronine, L-thyroxine, phenylglycine (Phg) or nor-tyrosine (norTyr). Phg and norTyr and other amino acids including Phe and Tyr can be substituted by, e.g., a halogen, —CH3, —OH, —CH2NH3, —C(O)H, —CH2CH3, —CN, —CH2CH2CH3, —SH, or another group. Any amino acid can be substituted by the D-form of the amino acid. With regard to non-naturally occurring amino acids or a naturally and non-naturally occurring amino acid analogs, a number of substitutions in the peptide of formula I or the peptide of formula II are possible alone or in combination. Xaa8 can be replaced by gamma-Hydroxy-Glu or gamma-Carboxy-Glu. Xaa9 can be replaced by an alpha substituted amino acid such as L-alpha-methylphenylalanine or by analogues such as: 3-Amino-Tyr; Tyr(CH3); Tyr(PO3(CH3)2); Tyr(SO3H); beta-Cyclohexyl-Ala; beta-(1-Cyclopentenyl)-Ala; beta-Cyclopentyl-Ala; beta-Cyclopropyl-Ala; beta-Quinolyl-Ala; beta-(2-Thiazolyl)-Ala; beta-(Triazole-1-yl)-Ala; beta-(2-Pyridyl)-Ala; beta-(3-Pyridyl)-Ala; Amino-Phe; Fluoro-Phe; Cyclohexyl-Gly; tBu-Gly; beta-(3-benzothienyl)-Ala; beta-(2-thienyl)-Ala; 5-Methyl-Trp; and 4-Methyl-Trp. Xaa13 can be an N(alpha)-C(alpha) cyclized amino acid analogues with the structure: Xaa13 can also be homopro (L-pipecolic acid); hydroxy-Pro; 3,4-Dehydro-Pro; 4-fluoro-Pro; or alpha-methyl-Pro. When Xaa13 is Gly, Ala, Leu or Val, Xaal4 can be: Xaa14 can also be an alpha-substitued or N-methylated amino acid such as alpha-amino isobutyric acid (aib), L/D-alpha-ethylalanine (L/D-isovaline), L/D-methylvaline, or L/D-alpha-methylleucine or a non-natural amino acid such as beta-fluoro-Ala. Xaa17 can be alpha-amino isobutyric acid (aib) or L/D-alpha-ethylalanine (L/D-isovaline). Further examples of unnatural amino acids include: an unnatural analogue of tyrosine; an unnatural analogue of glutamine; an unnatural analogue of phenylalanine; an unnatural analogue of serine; an unnatural analogue of threonine; an alkyl, aryl, acyl, azido, cyano, halo, hydrazine, hydrazide, hydroxyl, alkenyl, alkynl, ether, thiol, sulfonyl, seleno, ester, thioacid, borate, boronate, phospho, phosphono, phosphine, heterocyclic, enone, imine, aldehyde, hydroxylamine, keto, or amino substituted amino acid, or any combination thereof; an amino acid with a photoactivatable cross-linker; a spin-labeled amino acid; a fluorescent amino acid; an amino acid with a novel functional group; an amino acid that covalently or noncovalently interacts with another molecule; a metal binding amino acid; a metal-containing amino acid; a radioactive amino acid; a photocaged and/or photoisomerizable amino acid; a biotin or biotin-analogue containing amino acid; a glycosylated or carbohydrate modified amino acid; a keto containing amino acid; amino acids comprising polyethylene glycol or polyether; a heavy atom substituted amino acid (e.g., an amino acid containing deuterium, tritium, 13C, 15N, or 18O); a chemically cleavable or photocleavable amino acid; an amino acid with an elongated side chain; an amino acid containing a toxic group; a sugar substituted amino acid, e.g., a sugar substituted serine or the like; a carbon-linked sugar-containing amino acid; a redox-active amino acid; an α-hydroxy containing acid; an amino thio acid containing amino acid; an α, α disubstituted amino acid; a β-amino acid; a cyclic amino acid other than proline; an O-methyl-L-tyrosine; an L-3-(2-naphthyl)alanine; a 3-methyl-phenylalanine; a p-acetyl-L-phenylalanine; an 0-4-allyl-L-tyrosine; a 4-propyl-L-tyrosine; a tri-O-acetyl-GlcNAcβ-serine; an L-Dopa; a fluorinated phenylalanine; an isopropyl-L-phenylalanine; a p-azido-L-phenylalanine; a p-acyl-L-phenylalanine; a p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine; an L-phosphoserine; a phosphonoserine; a phosphonotyrosine; a p-iodo-phenylalanine; a 4-fluorophenylglycine; a p-bromophenylalanine; a p-amino-L-phenylalanine; a isopropyl-L-phenylalanine; L-3-(2-naphthyl)alanine; an amino-, isopropyl-, or O-allyl-containing phenylalanine analogue; a dopa, O-methyl-L-tyrosine; a glycosylated amino acid; a p-(propargyloxy)phenylalanine; dimethyl-Lysine; hydroxy-proline; mercaptopropionic acid; methyl-lysine; 3-nitro-tyrosine; norleucine; pyro-glutamic acid; Z (Carbobenzoxyl); ε-Acetyl-Lysine; β-alanine; aminobenzoyl derivative; aminobutyric acid (Abu); citrulline; aminohexanoic acid; aminoisobutyric acid; cyclohexylalanine; d-cyclohexylalanine; hydroxyproline; nitro-arginine; nitro-phenylalanine; nitro-tyrosine; norvaline; octahydroindole carboxylate; ornithine; penicillamine; tetrahydroisoquinoline; acetamidomethyl protected amino acids and pegylated amino acids. Further examples of unnatural amino acids and amino acid analogs can be found in U.S. 20030108885, U.S. 20030082575, and the references cited therein. In some embodiments, an amino acid can be replaced by a naturally-occurring, non-essential amino acid, e.g., taurine. Methods to manfacture peptides containing unnatural amino acids can be found in, for example, U.S. 20030108885, U.S. 20030082575, Deiters et al., J Am Chem Soc. (2003) 125:11782-3, Chin et al., Science (2003) 301:964-7, and the references cited therein. The peptides of the invention can have one or more conventional peptide bonds replaced by an alternative bond. Such replacements can increase the stability of the peptide. For example, replacement of the peptide bond between Cys18 and Xaa19 with an alternative bond can reduce cleavage by carboxy peptidases and may increase half-life in the digestive tract. Bonds that can replace peptide bonds include: a retro-inverso bonds (C(O)—NH instead of NH—C(O); a reduced amide bond (NH—CH2); a thiomethylene bond (S—CH2 or CH2—S); an oxomethylene bond (O—CH2 or CH2—O); an ethylene bond (CH2—CH2); a thioamide bond (C(S)—NH); a trans-olefine bond (CH═CH); an fluoro substituted trans-olefine bond (CF═CH); a ketomethylene bond (C(O)—CHR or CHR—C(O) wherein R is H or CH3; and a fluoro-ketomethylene bond (C(O)—CFR or CFR—C(O) wherein R is H or F or CH3. The peptides of the invention can be modified using standard modifications. Modifications may occur at the amino (N—), carboxy (C—) terminus, internally or a combination of any of the preceeding. In one aspect of the invention, there may be more than one type of modification of the peptide. Modifications include but are not limited to: acetylation, amidation, biotinylation, cinnamoylation, farnesylation, formylation, myristoylation, palmitoylation, phosphorylation (Ser, Tyr or Thr), stearoylation, succinylation, sulfurylation and cyclisation (via disulfide bridges or amide cyclisation), and modification by Cy3 or Cy5. The peptides of the invention may also be modified by 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP), DNP-lysin, modification by 7-Amino-4-methyl-coumarin (AMC), flourescein, NBD (7-Nitrobenz-2-Oxa-1,3-Diazole), p-nitro-anilide, rhodamine B, EDANS (5-((2-aminoethyl)amino)naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid), dabcyl, dabsyl, dansyl, texas red, FMOC, and Tamra (Tetramethylrhodamine). The peptides of the invention may also be conjugated to, for example, polyethylene glycol (PEG); alkyl groups (e.g., C1-C20 straight or branched alkyl groups); fatty acid radicals; combinations of PEG, alkyl groups and fatty acid radicals (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,633; Soltero et al., 2001 Innovations in Pharmaceutical Technology 106-110); BSA and KLH (Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin). When Xaa9 is Trp, Tyr or Phe or when Xaa16 is Trp the peptide has a potentially functional chymotrypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage may alter GC-C receptor binding by the peptide. When Xaa9 is Lys or Arg or when Xaa16 is Lys or Arg, the peptide has a potentially functional trypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage may alter GC-C receptor binding by the peptide. When Xaa19 is Trp, Tyr or Phe, the peptide has a chymotrypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage will liberate the portion of the peptide carboxy-terminal to Xaa19. When Xaa19 is Leu, Ile or Val, the peptide can have a chymotrypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage will liberate the portion of the peptide amino-terminal to Xaa19. At relatively high pH the same effect is seen when Xaa19 is His. When Xaa19 is Lys or Arg, the peptide has a trypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage will liberate portion of the peptide carboxy-terminal to Xaa19. Thus, if the peptide includes an analgesic peptide carboxy-terminal to Xaa19, the peptide will be liberated in the digestive tract upon exposure to the appropriate protease. Among the analgesic peptides which can be included in the peptide and/or coadministered with the peptide are: AspPhe (as Xaa20Xaa21), endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, nocistatin, dalargin, lupron, and substance P and other analgesic peptides described herein. These peptides can, for example, be used to replace Xaa20Xaa21. When Xaa1 or the amino-terminal amino acid of the peptide of the invention (e.g., Xaa2 or Xaa3) is Trp, Tyr or Phe, the peptide has a chymotrypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage will liberate the portion of the peptide amino-terminal to Xaa1 (or Xaa2 or Xaa3) along with Xaa1, Xaa2 or Xaa3. When Xaa1 or the amino-terminal amino acid of the peptide of the invention (e.g., Xaa2 or Xaa3) is Lys or Arg, the peptide has a trypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage will liberate portion of the peptide amino-terminal to Xaa1 along with Xaa1, Xaa2 or Xaa3). When Xaa1 or the amino-terminal amino acid of the peptide of the invention is Leu, Ile or Val, the peptide can have a chymotrypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage will liberate the portion of the peptide amino-terminal to Xaa1. At relatively high pH the same effect is seen when Xaa1 is His. Thus, for example, if the peptide includes an analgesic peptide amino-terminal to Xaa1, the peptide will be liberated in the digestive tract upon exposure to the appropriate protease. Among the analgesic peptides which can be included in the peptide are: AspPhe, endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, nocistatin, dalargin, lupron, and substance p and other analgesic peptides described herein. When fully folded, disulfide bonds may be present between: Cys6 and Cys11; Cys7 and Cys15; and Cys10 and Cys18. The peptides of the invention bear some sequence similarity to ST peptides. However, they include amino acid changes and/or additions that improve functionality. These changes can, for example, increase or decrease activity (e.g., increase or decrease the ability of the peptide to stimulate intestinal motility), alter the ability of the peptide to fold correctly, alter the stability of the peptide, alter the ability of the peptide to bind the GC-C receptor and/or decrease toxicity. In some cases the peptides may function more desirably than wild-type ST peptide. For example, they may limit undesirable side effects such as diarrhea and dehydration. In some embodiments one or both members of one or more pairs of Cys residues which normally form a disulfide bond can be replaced by homocysteine, penicillamine, 3-mercaptoproline (Kolodziej et al. 1996 Int J Pept Protein Res 48:274); β,β dimethylcysteine (Hunt et al. 1993 Int J Pept Protein Res 42:249) or diaminopropionic acid (Smith et al. 1978 J Med Chem 21:117) to form alternative internal cross-links at the positions of the normal disulfide bonds. In addition, one or more disulfide bonds can be replaced by alternative covalent cross-links, e.g., an amide linkage (—CH2CH(O)NHCH2— or —CH2NHCH(O)CH2—), an ester linkage, a thioester linkage, a lactam bridge, a carbamoyl linkage, a urea linkage, a thiourea linkage, a phosphonate ester linkage, an alkyl linkage (—CH2CH2CH2CH2—), an alkenyl linkage(—CH2CH═CHCH2—), an ether linkage (—CH2CH2OCH2— or —CH2OCH2CH2—), a thioether linkage (—CH2CH2SCH2— or —CH2SCH2CH2—), an amine linkage (—CH2CH2NHCH2— or —CH2NHCH2CH2—) or a thioamide linkage (—CH2CH(S)HNHCH2— or —CH2NHCH(S)CH2—). For example, Ledu et al. (Proc Nat'l Acad. Sci. 100:11263-78, 2003) describe methods for preparing lactam and amide cross-links. Schafmeister et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 122:5891, 2000) describes stable, hydrocarbon cross-links. Hydrocarbon cross links can be produced via metathesis (or methathesis followed by hydrogenation in the case of saturated hydrocarbons cross-links) using one or another of the Grubbs catalysts (available from Materia, Inc. and Sigma-Aldrich and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,831,108 and 6,111,121). In some cases, the generation of such alternative cross-links requires replacing the Cys residues with other residues such as Lys or Glu or non-naturally occurring amino acids. In addition the lactam, amide and hydrocarbon cross-links can be used to stabilize the peptide even if they link amino acids at postions other than those occupied by Cys. Such cross-links can occur between two amino acids that are separated by two amino acids or between two amino acids that are separated by six amino acids (see, e.g., Schafmeister et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 122:5891, 2000)) In the case of a peptide comprising the sequence (I): Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys Cys Glu Xaa9 Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Xaa20 Xaa21 (II) wherein: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 is missing and/or the sequence Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 is missing, the peptide can still contain additional carboxyterminal or amino terminal amino acids or both. For example, the peptide can include an amino terminal sequence that facilitates recombinant production of the peptide and is cleaved prior to administration of the peptide to a patient. The peptide can also include other amino terminal or carboxyterminal amino acids. In some cases the additional amino acids protect the peptide, stabilize the peptide or alter the activity of the peptide. In some cases some or all of these additional amino acids are removed prior to administration of the peptide to a patient. The peptide can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 80, 90, 100 or more amino acids at its amino terminus or carboxy terminus or both. The number of flanking amino acids need not be the same. For example, there can be 10 additional amino acids at the amino terminus of the peptide and none at the carboxy terminus. In one embodiment the peptide comprises the amino acid sequence (1): Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 wherein: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 is missing; Xaa8 is Glu; Xaa9 is Leu, Ile, Lys, Arg, Trp, Tyr or Phe; Xaa12 is Asn; Xaa13 is Pro; Xaa14 is Ala; Xaa16 is Thr, Ala, Lys, Arg, Trp; Xaa17 is Gly; Xaa19 is Tyr or Leu; and Xaa20Xaa21 is AspPhe or is missing. Where Xaa20Xaa21 and/or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 are missing, there may be additional flanking amino acids in some embodiments. In certain embodiments of a composition comprising a peptide having the sequence (I): Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21, the peptide does not comprise or consist of any of the peptides of Table I. In a second aspect, the invention also features a therapeutic or prophylactic method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising or consisting essentially of a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (I) or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 Xaa16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (II) as described herein. The peptides can be co-administered with or linked, e.g., covalently linked to any of a variety of other peptides including analgesic peptides or analgesic compounds. For example, a therapeutic peptide of the invention can be linked to an analgesic agent selected from the group consisting of: Ca channel blockers (e.g., ziconotide), complete or partial 5HT receptor antagonists (for example 5HT3 (e.g. alosetron, ATI-7000; Aryx Thearpeutics, Santa Clara Calif.), 5HT4, 5HT2, and 5HT1 receptor antagonists), complete or partial 5HT receptor agonists including 5HT3, 5HT2, 5HT4 (e.g. tegaserod, mosapride and renzapride) and 5HT1 receptor agonists, CRF receptor agonists (NBI-34041), β-3 adrenoreceptor agonists, opioid receptor agonists (e.g., loperamide, fedotozine, and fentanyl, naloxone, naltrexone, methyl nalozone, nalmefene, cypridime, beta funaltrexamine, naloxonazine, naltrindole, and nor-binaltorphimine, morphine, diphenyloxylate, enkephalin pentapeptide, asimadoline, and trimebutine), NK1 receptor antagonists (e.g., ezlopitant and SR-14033), CCK receptor agonists (e.g., loxiglumide), NK1 receptor antagonists, NK3 receptor antagonists (e.g., talnetant, osanetant (SR-142801), SSR-241586), norepinephrine-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (NSRI; e.g., milnacipran), vanilloid and cannabanoid receptor agonists (e.g., arvanil), sialorphin, sialorphin-related peptides comprising the amino acid sequence QHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1661) for example, VQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1662); VRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1663); VRGQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1664); VRGPQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1665); VRGPRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1666); VRGPRRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1667); and RQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1668), compounds or peptides that are inhibitors of neprilysin, frakefamide (H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe(F)-Phe-NH2; WO 01/019849 A1), loperamide, Tyr-Arg (kyotorphin), CCK receptor agonists (caerulein), conotoxin peptides, pepetide analogs of thymulin, loxiglumide, dexloxiglumide (the R-isomer of loxiglumide) (WO 88/05774) and other analgesic peptides or compounds can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. Amino acid, non-amino acid, peptide and non-peptide spacers can be interposed between a peptide that is a GC-C receptor agonsit and a peptide that has some other biological function, e.g., an analgesic peptide or a peptide used to treat obesity. The linker can be one that is cleaved from the flanking peptides in vivo or one that remains linked to the flanking peptides in vivo. For example, glycine, beta-alanine, glycyl-glycine, glycyl-beta-alanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, 6-aminocaproic acid, L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan and glycil-L-valil-L-phenylalanine can be used as spacers (Chaltin et al. 2003 Helvetica Chimica Acta 86:533-547; Caliceti et al. 1993 FARMCO 48:919-32) as can polyethylene glycols (Butterworth et al. 1987 J. Med. Chem 30:1295-302) and maleimide derivatives (King et al. 2002 Tetrahedron Lett. 43:1987-1990). Various other linkers are described in the literature (Nestler 1996 Molecular Diversity 2:35-42; Finn et al. 1984 Biochemistry 23:2554-8; Cook et al. 1994 Tetrahedron Lett. 35:6777-80; Brokx et al. 2002 Journal of Controlled Release 78:115-123; Griffin et al. 2003 J. Am. Chem. Soc. 125:6517-6531; Robinson et al. 1998 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95:5929-5934). The peptides of the invention can be attached to one, two or more different moieties each providing the same or different functions. For example, the peptide can be linked to a molecule that is an analgesic and to a peptide that is used to treat obesity. The peptide and various moieties can be ordered in various ways. For example, a peptide of the invention can have an analgesic peptide linked to its amino terminus and an anti-obesity peptide linked to its carboxy terminus. The additional moieties can be directly covalently bonded to the peptide or can be bonded via linkers. The peptides of the invention can be a cyclic peptide or a linear peptide. In addition, multiple copies of the same peptide can be incorporated into a single cyclic or linear peptide. The peptides can include the amino acid sequence of a peptide that occurs naturally in a vertebrate (e.g., mammalian) species or in a bacterial species. In addition, the peptides can be partially or completely non-naturally occurring peptides. Also within the invention are peptidomimetics corresponding to the peptides of the invention. In various embodiments, the patient is suffering from a gastrointestinal disorder; the patient is suffering from a disorder selected from the group consisting of: a gastrointestinal motility disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, post-operative ileus, a functional gastrointestinal disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, duodenogastric reflux, functional heartburn, dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia, nonulcer dyspepsia, gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Irritable bowel syndrome, colonic pseudo-obstruction, obesity, congestive heart failure, or benign prostatic hyperplasia; the composition is administered orally; the peptide comprises 30 or fewer amino acids, the peptide comprises 20 or fewer amino acids, and the peptide comprises no more than 5 amino acids prior to Cys6; the peptide comprises 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, or 30 or fewer amino acids. In other embodiments, the peptide comprises 20 or fewer amino acids. In other embodiments the peptide comprises no more than 20, 15, 10, or 5 peptides subsequent to Cys18. In certain embodiments Xaa19 is a chymotrypsin or trypsin cleavage site and an analgesic peptide is present immediately following Xaa19. In a third aspect, the invention features a method for treating a patient suffering from constipation. Clinically accepted criteria that define constipation range from the frequency of bowel movements, the consistency of feces and the ease of bowel movement. One common definition of constipation is less than three bowel movements per week. Other definitions include abnormally hard stools or defecation that requires excessive straining (Schiller 2001, Aliment Pharmacol Ther 15:749-763). Constipation may be idiopathic (functional constipation or slow transit constipation) or secondary to other causes including neurologic, metabolic or endocrine disorders. These disorders include diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypocalcaemia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord lesions, Neurofibromatosis, autonomic neuropathy, Chagas disease, Hirschsprung's disease and Cystic fibrosis. Constipation may also be the result of surgery (postoperative ileus) or due to the use of drugs such as analgesics (like opioids), antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antispasmodics and antipsychotics. The method of treating constipation comprises administering a pharamaceutical composition comprising or consisting essentially of a peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (I) or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 Xaa16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (II) as described herein. In various embodiments, the constipation is associated with use of a therapeutic agent; the constipation is associated with a neuropathic disorder; the constipation is post-surgical constipation (postoperative ileus); and the constipation associated with a gastrointestinal disorder; the constipation is idiopathic (functional constipation or slow transit constipation); the constipation is associated with neuropathic, metabolic or endocrine disorder (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypocalcaemia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord lesions, neurofibromatosis, autonomic neuropathy, Chagas disease, Hirschsprung's disease or cystic fibrosis). Constipation may also be the result of surgery (postoperative ileus) or due the use of drugs such as analgesics (e.g., opioids), antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antispasmodics and antipsychotics. In a fourth aspect, the invention features a method for treating a patient suffering a gastrointestinal disorder, the method comprising administering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising or consisting essentially of a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (I) or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 CyS6 CyS7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 Xaa16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20Xaa21 (II) as described herein. In various embodiments, the patient is suffering from a gastrointestinal disorder; the patient is suffering from a disorder selected from the group consisting of: a gastrointestinal motility disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, post-operative ileus, a functional gastrointestinal disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional heartburn, dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia, nonulcer dyspepsia, gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Inflammatory bowel disease, colonic pseudo-obstruction, obesity, congestive heart failure, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. In a fifth aspect, the invention features a method for increasing gastrointestinal motility in a patient, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (I) or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 Xaa16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (II) as described herein. In a sixth aspect, the invention features a method for increasing the activity of (activating) an intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor in a patient, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3Xaa4Xaa5Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (I) or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 Xaa16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (II) as described herein. In a seventh aspect, the invention features an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (I) or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 Xaa16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (II) as described herein. In an eighth aspect the invention features a method for treating constipation, the method comprising administering an agonist of the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor. In various embodiments: the agonist is a peptide, the peptide includes two Cys that form one is 5 disulfide bond, the peptide includes four Cys that form two disulfide bonds, and the peptide includes six Cys that form three disulfide bonds. In a ninth aspect, the invention features a method for treating a gastrointestinal disorder, a gastrointestinal motility disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, post-operative ileus, a functional gastrointestinal disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, duodenogastric reflux, functional heartburn, dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia, nonulcer dyspepsia, gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, colonic pseudo-obstruction, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, congestive heart failure, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, the method comprising administering an agonist of the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor either orally, by rectal suppository, or parenterally. In various embodiments: the agonist is a peptide, the peptide includes two Cys that form one disulfide bond, the peptide includes four Cys that form two disulfide bonds, and the peptide includes six Cys that form three disulfide bonds. In a tenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating a gastrointestinal disorder selected from the group consisting of: a gastrointestinal motility disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, post-operative ileus, a functional gastrointestinal disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, duodenogastric reflux, functional heartburn, dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia, nonulcer dyspepsia, gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, colonic pseudo-obstruction, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Inflammatory bowel disease, the method comprising administering an agonist of the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor. In various embodiments the composition is administered orally; the peptide comprises 30 or fewer amino acids, the peptide comprises 20 or fewer amino acids, and the peptide comprises no more than 5 amino acids prior to Cys5. In various embodiments: the agonist is a peptide, the peptide includes two Cys that form one disulfide bond, the peptide includes four Cys that form two disulfide bonds, and the peptide includes six Cys that form three disulfide bonds. In an eleventh aspect, the invention features a method for treating obesity, the method comprising administering a complete or partial agonist of the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor. In various embodiments: the agonist is a peptide, the peptide includes two Cys that form one disulfide bond, the peptide includes four Cys that form two disulfide bonds, and the peptide includes six Cys that form three disulfide bonds. The agonist can be administered alone or in combination with one or more agents for treatment of obesity, for example, gut hormone fragment peptide YY3-36 (PYY3-36)(N. Engl. J. Med. 349:941, 2003; ikpeapge daspeelnry yaslrhylnl vtrqry) or a variant thereof, glp-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), exendin-4 (an inhibitor of glp-1), sibutramine, phentermine, phendimetrazine, benzphetamine hydrochloride (Didrex), orlistat (Xenical), diethylpropion hydrochloride (Tenuate), fluoxetine (Prozac), bupropion, ephedra, chromium, garcinia cambogia, benzocaine, bladderwrack (focus vesiculosus), chitosan, nomame herba, galega (Goat's Rue, French Lilac), conjugated linoleic acid, L-carnitine, fiber (psyllium, plantago, guar fiber), caffeine, dehydroepiandrosterone, germander (teucrium chamaedrys), B-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, ATL-962 (Alizyme PLC), and T71 (Tularik, Inc.; Boulder Colo.), a ghrelin antagonist, Acomplia (rimonabant), AOD9604, alpha-lipoic acid (alpha-LA), and pyruvate. A peptide useful for treating obesity can be administered as a co-therapy with a peptide of the invention either as a distinct molecule or as part of a fusion protein with a peptide of the invention. Thus, for example, PYY3-36 can be fused to the carboxy or amino terminus of a peptide of the invention. Such a fusion protein can include a chymostrypsin or trypsin cleavage site that can permit cleavage to separate the two peptides. A peptide useful for treating obesity can be administered as a co-therapy with electrostimulation (U.S. 20040015201). In a twelfth aspect, the invention features a method for treating obesity, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising or consisting essentially of a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21(I) or Xaa1 Xaa2Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Xaa6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 Xaa16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (II) as described herein. In a thirteenth aspect, the invention features a composition comprising or consisting essentially of a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (I) or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 Xaa16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (II) as described herein. In one embodiment, the composition is a pharmaceutical composition. In a fourteenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating congestive heart failure, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising or consisting essentially of a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (I) or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 Xaa16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (II) as described herein. The peptide can be administered in combination with one or more agents for treatment of congestive heart failure, for example, a natriuretic peptide such as atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide or C-type natriuretic peptide), a diuretic, or an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme. In a fifteenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (I) or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 X16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (II) as described herein. The peptide can be administered alone or in combination with another agent for treatment of BPH, for example, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (e.g., finasteride) or an alpha adrenergic inhibitor (e.g., doxazosine). In a sixteenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating or reducing pain, including visceral pain, pain associated with a gastrointestinal disorder or pain associated with some other disorder, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising or consisting essentially of a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (I) or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 Xaa16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (II) as described herein. In a seventeenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating inflammation, including inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, e.g., inflammation associated with a gastrointestinal disorder or infection or some other disorder, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (I) or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 Xaa16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20Xaa21 (II) as described herein. In an eighteenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating congestive heart failure, the method comprising administering a complete or partial agonist of the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor. The agonist can be administered alone or in combination with another agent for treatment of congestive heart failure, for example, a natriuretic peptide such as atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide or C-type natriuretic peptide, a diuretic, or an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme. In a nineteenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating BPH, the method comprising administering a complete or partial agonist of the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor. The agonist can be administered alone or in combination with another agent for treatment of BPH, for example, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (e.g., finasteride) or an alpha adrenergic inhibitor (e.g., doxazosine). In a twentieth aspect, the invention features isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising a sequence encoding a peptide of the invention. Also within the invention are vectors, e.g., expression vectors that include such nucleic acid molecules and can be used to express a peptide of the invention in a cultured cell (e.g., a eukaryotice cell or a prokaryotic cell). The vector can further include one or more regulatory elements, e.g., a heterologous promoter or elements required for translation operably linked to the sequence encoding the peptide. In some cases the nucleic acid molecule will encode an amino acid sequence that includes the amino acid sequence of a peptide of the invention. For example, the nucleic acid molecule can encode a preprotein or a preproprotein that can be processed to produce a peptide of the invention. A vector that includes a nucleotide sequence encoding a peptide of the invention or a peptide or polypeptide comprising a peptide of the invention may be either RNA or DNA, single- or double-stranded, prokaryotic, eukaryotic, or viral. Vectors can include transposons, viral vectors, episomes, (e.g., plasmids), chromosomes inserts, and artificial chromosomes (e.g. BACs or YACs). Suitable bacterial hosts for expression of the encode peptide or polypeptide include, but are not limited to, E. coli. Suitable eukaryotic hosts include yeast such as S. cerevisiae, other fungi, vertebrate cells, invertebrate cells (e.g., insect cells), plant cells, human cells, human tissue cells, and whole eukaryotic organisms. (e.g., a transgenic plant or a transgenic animal). Further, the vector nucleic acid can be used to transfect a virus such as vaccinia or baculovirus (for example using the Bac-to-Bac® Baculovirus expression system (Invitrogen Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.)). As noted above the invention includes vectors and genetic constructs suitable for production of a peptide of the invention or a peptide or polypeptide comprising such a peptide. Generally, the genetic construct also includes, in addition to the encoding nucleic acid molecule, elements that allow expression, such as a promoter and regulatory sequences. The expression vectors may contain transcriptional control sequences that control transcriptional initiation, such as promoter, enhancer, operator, and repressor sequences. A variety of transcriptional control sequences are well known to those in the art and may be functional in, but are not limited to, a bacterium, yeast, plant, or animal cell. The expression vector can also include a translation regulatory sequence (e.g., an untranslated 5′ sequence, an untranslated 3′ sequence, a poly A addition site, or an internal ribosome entry site), a splicing sequence or splicing regulatory sequence, and a transcription termination sequence. The vector can be capable of autonomous replication or it can integrate into host DNA. The invention also includes isolated host cells harboring one of the forgoing nucleic acid molecules and methods for producing a peptide by culturing such a cell and recovering the peptide or a precursor of the peptide. Recovery of the peptide or precursor may refer to collecting the growth solution and need not involve additional steps of purification. Proteins of the present invention, however, can be purified using standard purification techniques, such as, but not limited to, affinity chromatography, thermaprecipitation, immunoaffinity chromatography, ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography, filtration, electrophoresis and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The peptides can be purified. Purified peptides are peptides separated from other proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids or from the compounds from which is it synthesized. The polypeptide can constitute at least 10, 20, 50 70, 80 or 95% by dry weight of the purified preparation. In a twenty-first aspect, the invention features a method of increasing the level of cyclic guanosine 3′-monophosphate (cGMP) in an organ, tissue (e.g, the intestinal mucosa), or cell (e.g., a cell bearing GC-A receptor) by administering to a patient a composition comprising or consisting essentially of a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (I) or Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Asn12 Pro13 Ala14 Cys15 Xaa16 Gly17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (II) as described herein. In a twenty-second aspect, the invention features polypeptides comprising, consisting or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xaa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 wherein: a) Xaa8 or Xaa9 is not present; b) neither Xaa8 or Xaa9 is present; c) one of Xaa12, Xaa13 and Xaa14 is not present; d) two of Xaa12, Xaa13 and Xaa14 are not present; e) three of Xaa12, Xaa13 and Xaa14 are not present; f) one of Xaa16 and Xaa17 is not present; g) neither Xaa16 or Xaa17 is present and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, one, two, three, four or five of Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 and Xaa5 are not present. In other embodiments, one, two or three or Xaa19 Xaa20 and Xaa21 are missing. Among the useful peptides are peptides comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys Cys Glu Xaa9 Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Xaa20 Xaa21 (II) (SEQ ID NO:2) are the following peptides: (SEQ ID NO:37) Gln Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:38) Asn Thr Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:39) Asn Leu Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:40) Asn Ile Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:41) Asn Ser Ser Gln Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:42) Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:43) Gln Ser Ser Gln Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:44) Ser Ser Gln Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr. (SEQ ID NO:45) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Ala Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:46) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Arg Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:47) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Asn Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:48) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Asp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:49) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Cys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:50) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Gln Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:51) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Glu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:52) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Gly Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:53) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu His Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:54) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Ile Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:55) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Lys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:56) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Met Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:57) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Tbr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:58) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Pro Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:59) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Ser Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:60) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Thr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:61) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:62) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Val Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:63) Cys Cys Glu Ala Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:64) Cys Cys Glu Arg Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:65) Cys Cys Glu Asn Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:66) Cys Cys Glu Asp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:67) Cys Cys Glu Cys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:68) Cys Cys Glu Gln Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:69) Cys Cys GIu Glu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:70) Cys Cys Glu Gly Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:71) Cys Cys Glu His Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:72) Cys Cys Glu Ile Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:73) Cys Cys Glu Lys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:74) Cys Cys Glu Met Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:75) Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:76) Cys Cys Glu Pro Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:77) Cys Cys Glu Ser Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:78) Cys Cys Glu Thr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:79) Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:80) Cys Cys Glu Val Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:81) Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:82) Cys Cys Glu Ala Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:83) Cys Cys Glu Arg Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:84) Cys Cys Glu Asn Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:85) Cys Cys Glu Asp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:86) Cys Cys Glu Cys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:87) Cys Cys Glu Gln Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:88) Cys Cys Glu Glu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:89) Cys Cys Glu Gly Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:90) Cys Cys Glu His Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:91) Cys Cys Glu Ile Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:92) Cys Cys Glu Lys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:93) Cys Cys Glu Met Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:94) Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:95) Cys Cys Glu Pro Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:96) Cys Cys Glu Ser Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:97) Cys Cys Glu Thr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys; (SEQ ID NO:98) Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:99) Cys Cys Glu Val Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys. Also useful are peptides comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of any of the following sequences: SEQ ID NOs: 1669-2080, respectively Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Ala Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Ala Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Ala Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Ala Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Ala Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Ala Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Ala Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ala Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Val Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Leu Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ile Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Pro Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Met Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Phe Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Trp Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gly Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ser Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Thr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asn Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gln Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asp Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Glu Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Lys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Arg Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys His Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ala Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Val Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Leu Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ile Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Pro Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Met Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Phe Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Trp Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gly Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ser Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Thr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asn Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gln Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asp Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Glu Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Lys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Arg Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys His Cys Cys Ala Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Val Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Leu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ile Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Met Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Phe Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Trp Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gly Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ser Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Thr Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Cys Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gln Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Tyr Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asp Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Lys Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Arg Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys His Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ala Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Val Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Leu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ile Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Met Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Phe Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Trp Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gly Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ser Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Thr Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asn Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gln Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Tyr Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asp Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Lys Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Arg Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys His Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ala Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Val Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Leu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ile Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Met Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Phe Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Trp Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gly Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ser Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Thr Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gln Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Tyr Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asp Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Lys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Arg Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys His Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ala Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Val Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Leu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ile Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Met Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Phe Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Trp Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gly Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ser Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Thr Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asn Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gln Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Tyr Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asp Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Lys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Arg Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys His Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ala Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Val Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Leu Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ile Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Pro Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Met Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Phe Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Trp Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gly Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ser Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Thr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asn Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gln Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asp Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Glu Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Lys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Arg Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys His Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ala Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Val Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Leu Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ile Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Pro Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Met Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Phe Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Trp Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gly Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ser Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Thr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asn Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gln Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asp Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Glu Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Lys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Arg Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys His Cys Cys Ala Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Val Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Leu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ile Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Met Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Phe Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Trp Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gly Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ser Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Thr Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Cys Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gln Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Tyr Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asp Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Lys Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Arg Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys His Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ala Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Val Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Leu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ile Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Met Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Phe Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Trp Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gly Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ser Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Thr Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asn Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gln Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Tyr Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asp Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Lys Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Arg Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys His Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ala Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Val Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Leu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ile Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Met Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Phe Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Trp Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gly Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ser Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Thr Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Cys Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gln Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Tyr Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asp Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Lys Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Arg Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys His Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ala Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Val Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Leu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ile Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Met Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Phe Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Trp Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gly Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ser Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Thr Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asn Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gln Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Tyr Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asp Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Lys Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Arg Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys His Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys The invention also features deletion variants of any of the peptides described herein in which one, two, three or four amino acids (or non-natural amino acids or natural or non-natural amino acid analogs), other than a Cys (or an amino acid substituted for Cys, e.g, an amino acid capable of forming a covalent bond to another amino acid), are deleted. Where two (or more) amino acids are deleted and the peptide comprises the sequence: Cysa Cysb Xaa Xaa Cysc Cysd Xaa Xaa Xaa Cyse Xaa Xaa Cysf, in some embodiments two or more deletions can be located between Cysb and Cysc and/or between Cysd and Cyse and/or between Cyse and Cysf. However, in other embodiments there is at most one deletion between each of Cysb and Cysc or between Cysd and Cyse or between Cyse and Cysf. Thus, the invention includes any of the peptides described herein comprising the sequence Cysa CySb Xaa Xaa Cysc Cysd Xaa Xaa Xaa Cyse Xaa Xaa Cysf wherein: a) one amino acid between Cysb and Cysc is deleted; b) one amino acid between Cysd and Cyse is deleted; c) one amino acid between Cyse and Cysf is deleted; d) one amino acid between Cysb and Cysc is deleted and one amino acid between Cysd and Cyse is deleted; e) one amino acid between Cysd and Cyse is deleted and one amino acid between Cyse and Cysf is deleted; f) one amino acid between Cysb and Cysc is deleted and one amino acid between Cyse and Cysf is deleted or g) one amino acid between Cysb and Cysc is deleted, one amino acid between Cysd and Cyse is deleted and one amino acid between Cyse and Cysf is deleted. In certain embodiments, the various deletion variants are peptides that bind to and/or activate the GC-C receptor. Deletion variants of Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:3) include the peptides listed in FIG. 1l. In these deletion variants, any of the amino acids can be deleted and there can be one, two, three or four amino acids deleted other than Cys. The invention also features insertion variants of any of the peptides described herein in which one, two, three or four amino acids (e.g., Gly or Ala) are inserted before or after any amino acid in the peptide. In some embodiments no more than one amino acid is inserted between two Cys. For example, where two or more amino acids are inserted and the peptide comprises the sequence Cysa Cysb Xaa Xaa Cysc Cysd Xaa Xaa Xaa Cyse Xaa Xaa Cysf, in some embodiments two or more insertions can be located between Cysb and Cysc or between Cysd and Cyse or between Cyse and Cysf. However, in other embodiments no more than one insertion is located between Cysb and Cysc or between Cysd and Cyse or between Cyse and Cysf. Thus, the invention features any of the peptides described herein comprising the sequence Cysa Cysb Xaa Xaa Cyse Cysd Xaa Xaa Xaa Cyse Xaa Xaa Cysf wherein: a) one amino acid is inserted between Cysb and Cysc; b) one amino acid is inserted between Cysd and Cyse; c) one amino acid is inserted between Cyse and Cysf; d) one amino acid is inserted between Cysb and Cysc and one amino acid is inserted between Cysd and Cyse; e) one amino acid is inserted between Cysd and Cyse and one amino acid is inserted between Cyse and Cysf; f) one amino acid is inserted between Cysb and Cysc and one amino acid is inserted between Cyse and Cysf; or g) one amino acid is inserted between Cysb and Cysc, one amino acid is inserted between Cysd and Cyse and one amino acid is inserted between Cyse and Cysf. In addition, one or more amino acids can be inserted preceding Cysa and/or one or more amino acids can be inserted following Cysf. In various embodiments, the insertion variants are peptides that bind to and/or activate the GC-C receptor. Insertion variants of Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:3) include those in which up to four amino acids (i.e., 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4) can be inserted after each amino acid. Thus, the invention includes peptides having the sequence: Cys Xaa(0-4) Cys Xaa(0-4) Glu Xaa(0-4) Tyr Xaa(0-4) Cys Xaa(0-4) Cys Xaa(0-4) Asn Xaa(0-4) Pro Xaa(0-4) Ala Xaa(0-4) Cys Xaa(0-4) Thr Xaa(0-4) Gly Xaa(0-4) Cys Xaa(0-4) Tyr Xaa(0-4) ) (SEQ ID NO:). The inserted amino acids can be any amino acid or amino acid analog (natural or non-natural) and can be the same or different. In certain embodiments the inserted amino acids are all Gly or all Ala or a combination of Gly and Ala. FIG. 12 depicts insertion variants of the peptide having the sequence: Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:3). The invention also features variants of peptides having the sequence Xaa1 Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Xaa5 Cys6 Cys7 Xaa8 Xaa9 Cys10 Cys11 Xaa12 Xaa13 Xaa14 Cys15 Xaa16 Xa17 Cys18 Xaa19 Xaa20 Xaa21 (SEQ ID NO: 1), e.g., variants of Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:3), in which up to four amino acids are deleted and/or up to four amino acids are inserted. The insertions and deletions can be between Cys6 and Cys18 in SEQ ID NO: 1 or they can be amino terminal to Cys6 and/or carboxy terminal to Cys18 in SEQ ID NO: 1. The invention also features peptides which may include one or more of the peptide modifications, one or more non-natural amino acid or amino acid analogs, one or more of the disulfide bond alternatives or one more of the alternative peptide bonds described herein. The peptides of the invention can be present with a counterion. Useful counterions include salts of: acetate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, calcium edetate, camsylate, carbonate, citrate, edetate (EDTA), edisylate, embonate, esylate, fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glutamate, glycollylarsanilate, hexylresorcinate, iodide, bromide, chloride, hydroxynaphthoate, isethionate, lactate, lactobionate, estolate, maleate, malate, mandelate, mesylate, mucate, napsylate, nitrate, pantothenate, phosphate, salicylate, stearate, succinate, sulfate, tartarate, theoclate, acetamidobenzoate, adipate, alginate, aminosalicylate, anhydromethylenecitrate, ascorbate, aspartate, camphorate, caprate, caproate, caprylate, cinnamate, cyclamate, dichloroacetate, formate, gentisate, glucuronate, glycerophosphate, glycolate, hippurate, fluoride, malonate, napadisylate, nicotinate, oleate, orotate, oxalate, oxoglutarate, palmitate, pectinate, pectinate polymer, phenylethylbarbiturate, picrate, propionate, pidolate, sebacate, rhodanide, tosylate, tannate The peptides and agonist of the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor can be used to treat constipation or decreased intestinal motility, slow digestion or slow stomach emptying. The peptides can be used to relieve one or more symptoms of IBS (bloating, pain, constipation), GERD (acid reflux into the esophagus), duodenogastric reflux, functional dyspepsia, or gastroparesis (nausea, vomiting, bloating, delayed gastric emptying) and other disorders described herein. The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying description. All of the publications, patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference. FIGURES FIG. 1 depicts the results of LCMS analysis of recombinant SEQ ID NO:4 peptide and SEQ ID NO:5 peptide. FIGS. 1b and c depict the results of LCMS analysis of synthetic SEQ ID NO:3 peptide and the blank. FIG. 2 depicts the results of the intestinal GC-C receptor activity assay of synthetic SEQ ID NO:4 peptide, SEQ ID NO:5 peptide and two different SEQ ID NO:3 peptides. FIG. 3a depicts the effect of recombinant SEQ ID NO:4 peptide and Zelnorm® in an acute murine gastrointestinal transit model. FIG. 3b depicts the effect of synthetic SEQ ID NO:3 peptide and Zelnorm® in an acute murine gastrointestinal transit model. FIGS. 4a and 4b depict the effect of peptidesSEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:3, and SEQ ID NO:4 in an acute murine gastrointestinal transit model. FIG. 4c depicts the effect of SEQ ID NO:3 peptide in a chronic murine gastrointestinal transit model. FIG. 5a depicts the effect of SEQ ID NO:4 peptide and Zelnorm® in a suckling mouse intestinal secretion model. FIG. 5b depicts the effects of SEQ ID NO:3 and Zelnorm® in a mouse intestinal secretion model. FIGS. 6a and 6b depict the effects of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:3 and SEQ ID NO:5 peptides in a mouse intestinal secretion model. FIG. 7 shows the results of experiment in which SEQ ID NO:3 activity was analyzed in the TNBS colonic distention model. FIGS. 8a and 8b show the effects of differing doses of SEQ ID NO:5 and SEQ ID NO:3 in the PBQ writhing assay. FIG. 9 shows the results of Kd determination analysis using SEQ ID NO:3 in a competitive radioligand binding assay. FIGS. 10a and 10b show bioavailability data for IV and orally administered SEQ ID NO:3 as detected by an ELISA assay and LCMS. FIG. 11 depicts deletion variants of a peptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:3. FIG. 12 depicts insertion variants of a peptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The peptides of the invention bind to the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor, a key regulator of fluid and electrolyte balance in the intestine. When stimulated, this receptor, which is located on the apical membrane of the intestinal epithelial surface, causes an increase in intestinal epithelial cyclic GMP (cGMP). This increase in cGMP is believed to cause a decrease in water and sodium absorption and an increase in chloride and potassium ion secretion, leading to changes in intestinal fluid and electrolyte transport and increased intestinal motility. The intestinal GC-C receptor possesses an extracellular ligand binding region, a transmembrane region, an intracellular protein kinase-like region and a cyclase catalytic domain. Proposed functions for the GC-C receptor are fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, the regulation of epithelial cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis (Shalubhai 2002 Curr Opin Drug Dis Devel 5:261-268). In addition to being expressed in the intestine by gastrointestinal epithelial cells, GC-C is expressed in extra-intestinal tissues including kidney, lung, pancreas, pituitary, adrenal, developing liver and gall bladder (reviewed in Vaandrager 2002 Mol Cell Biochem 230:73-83, Kulaksiz et al. 2004, Gastroenterology 126:732-740) and male and female reproductive tissues (reviewed in Vaandrager 2002 Mol Cell Biochem 230:73-83). This suggests that the GC-C receptor agonists can be used in the treatment of disorders outside the GI tract, for example, congestive heart failure and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Ghrelin, a peptide hormone secreted by the stomach, is a key regulator of appetite in humans. Ghrelin expression levels are regulated by fasting and by gastric emptying (Kim et al. 2003 Neuroreprt 14:1317-20; Gualillo et al. 2003 FEBS Letts 552: 105-9). Thus, by increasing gastrointestinal motility, GC-C receptor agonists may also be used to regulate obesity. In humans, the GC-C receptor is activated by guanylin (Gn) (U.S. Pat. No. 5,96,097), uroguanylin (Ugn) (U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,102) and lymphoguanylin (Forte et al. 1999 Endocrinology 140:1800-1806). Interestingly, these agents are 10-100 fold less potent than a class of bacterially derived peptides, termed ST (reviewed in Gianella 1995 J Lab Clin Med 125:173-181). ST peptides are considered super agonists of GC-C and are very resistant to proteolytic degradation. ST peptide is capable of stimulating the enteric nervous system (Rolfe et al., 1994, J Physiolo 475: 531-537; Rolfe et al. 1999 Gut 44: 615-619; Nzegwu et al. 1996 Exp Physiol 81: 313-315). Also, cGMP has been reported to have antinociceptive effects in multiple animal models of pain (Lazaro Ibanez et al. 2001 Eur J Pharmacol 426: 39-44; Soares et al. 2001 British J Pharmacol 134: 127-131; Jain et al. 2001 Brain Res 909:170-178; Amarante et al. 2002 Eur J Pharmacol 454:19-23). Thus, GC-C agonists may have both an analgesic as well an anti-inflammatory effect. In bacteria, ST peptides are derived from a preproprotein that generally has at least 70 amino acids. The pre and pro regions are cleaved as part of the secretion process, and the resulting mature protein, which generally includes fewer than 20 amino acids, is biologically active. Among the known bacterial ST peptides are: E. coli ST Ib (Moseley et al. 1983 Infect. Immun. 39:1167) having the mature amino acid sequence Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO: 100); E. coli ST Ia (So and McCarthy 1980 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:4011) having the mature amino acid sequence Asn Thr Phe Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Ala Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:101); E. coli ST I* (Chan and Giannella 1981 J. Biol. Chem. 256:7744) having the mature amino acid sequence Asn Thr Phe Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Ala Gly Cys Asn (SEQ ID NO:102); C. freundii ST peptide (Guarino et al. 1989b Infect. Immun. 57:649) having the mature amino acid sequence Asn Thr Phe Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Ala Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO: 103); Y. enterocolitica ST peptides, Y-ST(Y-STa), Y-STb, and Y-STc (reviewed in Huang et al. 1997 Microb. Pathog. 22:89) having the following pro-form amino acid sequences: Gln Ala Cys Asp Pro Pro Ser Pro Pro Ala Glu Val Ser Ser Asp Trp Asp Cys Cys Asp Val Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Ala Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:104) (as well as a Ser-7 to Leu-7 variant of Y-STa (SEQ ID NO:105), (Takao et al. 1985 Eur. J. Biochem. 152:199)); Lys Ala Cys Asp Thr Gln Thr Pro Ser Pro Ser Glu Glu Asn Asp Asp Trp Cys Cys Glu Val Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Ala Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO: 106); Gln Glu Thr Ala Ser Gly Gln Val Gly Asp Val Ser Ser Ser Thr Ile Ala Thr Glu Val Ser Glu Ala Glu Cys Gly Thr Gln Ser Ala Thr Thr Gln Gly Glu Asn Asp Trp Asp Trp Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Phe Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:107), respectively; Y. kristensenii ST peptide having the mature amino acid sequence Ser Asp Trp Cys Cys Glu Val Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Ala Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:108); V. cholerae non-01 ST peptide (Takao et al. (1985) FEBS lett. 193:250) having the mature amino acid sequence Ile Asp Cys Cys Glu Ile Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Phe Gly Cys Leu Asn (SEQ ID NO:109); and V. mimicus ST peptide (Arita et al. 1991 FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 79:105) having the mature amino acid sequence Ile Asp Cys Cys Glu Ile Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Phe Gly Cys Leu Asn (SEQ ID NO:110). Table I below provides sequences of all or a portion of a number of mature ST peptides. TABLE I GenBank® Accession GenBank® No. GI No. Sequence QHECIB 69638 NSSNYCCELCCNPACTGCY (SEQ ID NO:100) P01559 123711 NTFYCCELCCNPACAGCY (SEQ ID NO:101) AAA24653 147878 NTFYCCELCCKPACAPCY (SEQ ID NO:111) P01560 123707 NTFYCCELCCYPACAGCN (SEQ ID NO:102) AAA27561 295439 IIDCCEICCNPACFGCLN (SEQ ID NO:109) P04429 123712 IDCCEICCNPACFGCLN (SEQ ID NO:110) S34671 421286 IDCCEICCNPACF (SEQ ID NO:112) CAA52209 395161 IDCCEICCNPACFG (SEQ ID NO:113) A54534 628844 IDCCEICCNIPACFGCLN (SEQ ID NO:114) AAL02159 15592919 IDRCEICCNPACFGCLN (SEQ ID NO:115) AAA18472 487395 DWDCCDVCCNPACAGC (SEQ ID NO:116) S25659 282047 DWDCCDVCCNPACAGC (SEQ ID NO:117) P74977 3913874 NDDWCCEVCCNPACAGC (SEQ ID NO:118) BAA23656 2662339 WDWCCELCCNPACFGC (SEQ ID NO:119) P31518 399947 SDWCCEVCCNPACAGC (SEQ ID NO:108) QACDPPSPPAEVSSDWDCCDVCCDPAC AGC(SEQ ID NO:120) QACDPPSPPAEVSSDWDCCDVCCNPACAG C(SEQ ID NO:104) KACDTQTPSPSEENDDTCCEVCCNPACAG C(SEQ ID NO:106) QETASGQVGDVSSSTIATEVSEAECGTQ SATTQGENDWDWCCELCCNPACFGC (SEQ ID NO:107) P01559 123711 MKKLMLALFISVLSFPSFSQSTESLDS SKEKITLETKKCDVVKNNSEKKSEN MNNTFYCCELCCNPACAGCY (SEQ ID NO:121) P07965 3915589 MKKSILFIFLSVLSFSPFAQDAKPVES SKEKITLESKKCNIAKKSNKSGPESM NSSNYCCELCCNIPACTGCY (SEQ ID NO:122) S25659 282047 MKKIVFVLVLMLSSFGAFGQETVSG QFSDALSTPITAEVYKQACDPPLPPA EVSSDWDCCDVCCNPACAGC (SEQ ID NO:123) The immature (including pre and pro regions) form of E. coli ST-i A (ST-P) protein has the sequence: mkklmlaifisvlsfpsfsqstesldsskekitletkkcdvvknnsekksemnnmtfyccelccnpacagcy (SEQ ID NO:121; see GenBank® Accession No. P01559 (gi:12371 1). The pre sequence extends from aa 1-19. The pro sequence extends from aa 20-54. The mature protein extends from 55-72. The immature (including pre and pro regions) form of E. coli ST-1B (ST-H) protein has the sequence: mkksilfiflsvlsfspfaqdakpvesskekitleskkcniakksnksgpesmnssnyccelccnpactgcy (SEQ ID NO:122; see GenBank® Accession No. P07965 (gi:3915589)). The immature (including pre and pro regions) form of Y. enterocolitica ST protein has the sequence: mkkivfvlvlmlssfgafgqetvsgqfsdalstpitaevykqacdpplppaevssdwdccdvccnpacagc (SEQ ID NO: 123; see GenBank® Accession No. S25659 (gi:282047)). The peptides of the invention, like the bacterial ST peptides, have six Cys residues. These six Cys residues form three disulfide bonds in the mature and active form of the peptide. If the six Cys residues are identified, from the amino to carboxy terminus of the peptide, as A, B, C, D, E, and F, then the disulfide bonds form as follows: A-D, B-E, and C-F. The formation of these bonds is thought to be important for GC-C receptor binding. Certain of the peptides of the invention include a potentially functional chymotrypsin cleavage site, e.g., a Trp, Tyr or Phe located between either Cys B and Cys D or between Cys E and Cys F. Cleavage at either chymotrypsin cleavage site may reduce or eliminates the ability of the peptide to bind to the GC-C receptor. In the human body an inactive form of chymotrypsin, chymotrypsinogen is produced in the pancreas. When this inactive enzyme reaches the small intestine it is converted to active chymotrypsin by the excision of two di-peptides. Active chymotrypsin can potentially cleave peptides at the peptide bond on the carboxy-terminal side of Trp, Tyr or Phe. The presence of active chymotrypsin in the intestinal tract can potentially lead to cleavage of certain of the peptides of the invention having an appropriately positioned functional chymotrypsin cleavage site. It is expected that chymotrypsin cleavage will moderate the action of a peptide of the invention having an appropriately positioned chymotrypsin cleavage site as the peptide passes through the intestinal tract. Trypsinogen, like chymotrypsin, is a serine protease that is produced in the pancreas and is present in the digestive tract. The active form, trypsin, will cleave peptides having a Lys or Arg. The presence of active trypsin in the intestinal tract can lead to cleavage of certain of the peptides of the invention having an appropriately positioned functional trypsin cleavage site. It is expected that chymotrypsin cleavage will moderate the action of a peptide of the invention having an appropriately positioned trypsin cleavage site as the peptide passes through the intestinal tract. Many gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS, are associated with abdominal or visceral pain. Certain of the peptides of the invention include analgesic or antinociceptive tags such as the carboxy-terminal sequence AspPhe immediately following a Trp, Tyr or Phe that creates a functional chymotrypsin cleavage site or following Lys or Arg that creates a functional trypsin cleavage site. Chymotrypsin in the intestinal tract can potentially cleave such peptides immediately carboxy terminal to the Trp, Phe or Tyr residue, releasing the dipeptide, AspPhe. This dipeptide has been shown to have analgesic activity in animal models (Abdikkahi et al. 2001 Fundam Clin Pharmacol 15:117-23; Nikfar et al 1997, 29:583-6; Edmundson et al 1998 Clin Pharmacol Ther 63:580-93). In this manner such peptides can treat both pain and inflammation. Other analgesic peptides can be present at the amino or carboxy terminus of the peptide (e.g., following a functional cleavage site) including: endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, nocistatin, dalargin, lupron, and substance P. A number of the useful peptides are based on the core sequence: Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:6). To create a variant having a potentially functional chymotrypsin cleavage site capable of inactivating the peptide, either the Leu (underlined) or the Thr (underlined) can be replaced by Trp, Phe or Tyr or both the Leu and the Thr can be replaced by (independently) Trp, Phe or Tyr. To create a variant having an analgesic di-peptide, the core sequence is followed by Asp Phe. The carboxy terminal Tyr in the core sequence can allow the Asp Phe dipeptide to be released by chymotrypsin in the digestive tract. The core sequence can be optionally be preceded by Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr or Asn. Thus, useful variants based on the core sequence include: (SEQ ID NO:4) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:7) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Trp Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:5) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:6) Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:8) Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Trp Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:3 SEQ ID NO:3) Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:9) Asn Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:10) Asn Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Trp Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:11) Asn Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO: 12) Asn Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:13) Asn Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:14) Asn Cys Cys Glu Arg Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:15) Asn Cys Cys Glu Lys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:16) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:17) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Trp Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:18) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:19) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:20) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:21) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Arg Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:22) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Lys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:23) Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:24) Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Trp Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:25) Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:26) Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:27) Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:28) Cys Cys Glu Arg Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:29) Cys Cys Glu Lys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:30) Asn Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:31) Asn Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Trp Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:32) Asn Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:33) Asn Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:34) Asn Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:35) Asn Cys Cys Glu Arg Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe (SEQ ID NO:36) Asn Cys Cys Glu Lys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe In some cases, the peptides of the invention are produced as a prepro protein that includes the amino terminal leader sequence: mkksilfiflsvlsfspfaqdakpvesskekitleskkcniakksnksgpesmn. Where the peptide is produced by a bacterial cell, e.g., E. coli, the forgoing leader sequence will be cleaved and the mature peptide will be efficiently secreted from the bacterial cell. U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,490 describes vectors, expression systems and methods for the efficient production of ST peptides in bacterial cells and methods for achieving efficient secretion of mature ST peptides. The vectors, expression systems and methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,490 can be used to produce the ST peptides and variant ST peptides of the present invention Variant Peptides The invention includes variant peptides which can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten (in some embodiments fewer than 5 or fewer than 3 or 2 or fewer) amino acid substitutions and/or deletions compared to SEQ ID NOs:6 to 99. The substitution(s) can be conservative or non-conservative. The naturally-occurring amino acids can be substituted by D-isomers of any amino acid, non-natural amino acids, natural and natural amino acid analogs and other groups. A conservative amino acid substitution results in the alteration of an amino acid for a similar acting amino acid, or amino acid of like charge, polarity, or hydrophobicity. At some positions, even conservative amino acid substitutions can alter the activity of the peptide. A conservative substitution can substitute a naturally-occurring amino acid for a non-naturally-occurring amino acid. The amino acid substitutions among naturally-occurring amino acids are listed in Table II. TABLE II For Amino Acid Code Replace with any of Alanine Ala Gly, Cys, Ser Arginine Arg Lys, His Asparagine Asn Asp, Glu, Gln, Aspartic Acid Asp Asn, Glu, Gln Cysteine Cys Met, Thr, Ser Glutamine Gln Asn, Glu, Asp Glutamic Acid Glu Asp, Asn, Gln Glycine Gly Ala Histidine His Lys, Arg Isoleucine Ile Val, Leu, Met Leucine Leu Val, Ile, Met Lysine Lys Arg, His Methionine Met Ile, Leu, Val Phenylalanine Phe Tyr, His, Trp Proline Pro Serine Ser Thr, Cys, Ala Threonine Thr Ser, Met, Val Tryptophan Trp Phe, Tyr Tyrosine Tyr Phe, His Valine Val Leu, Ile, Met In some circumstances it can be desirable to treat patients with a variant peptide that binds to and activates intestinal GC-C receptor, but is less active than the non-variant form the peptide. This reduced activity can arise from reduced affinity for the receptor or a reduced ability to activate the receptor once bound or reduced stability of the peptide. Production of Peptides Useful peptides can be produced either in bacteria including, without limitation, E. coli, or in other existing systems for peptide or protein production (e.g., Bacillus subtilis, baculovirus expression systems using Drosophila Sf9 cells, yeast or filamentous fungal expression systems, mammalian cell expression systems), or they can be chemically synthesized. If the peptide or variant peptide is to be produced in bacteria, e.g., E. coli, the nucleic acid molecule encoding the peptide will preferably also encode a leader sequence that permits the secretion of the mature peptide from the cell. Thus, the sequence encoding the peptide can include the pre sequence and the pro sequence of, for example, a naturally-occurring bacterial ST peptide. The secreted, mature peptide can be purified from the culture medium. The sequence encoding a peptide of the invention is preferably inserted into a vector capable of delivering and maintaining the nucleic acid molecule in a bacterial cell. The DNA molecule may be inserted into an autonomously replicating vector (suitable vectors include, for example, pGEM3Z and pcDNA3, and derivatives thereof). The vector nucleic acid may be a bacterial or bacteriophage DNA such as bacteriophage lambda or M13 and derivatives thereof. Construction of a vector containing a nucleic acid described herein can be followed by transformation of a host cell such as a bacterium. Suitable bacterial hosts include but are not limited to, E. coli, B. subtilis, Pseudomonas, Salmonella. The genetic construct also includes, in addition to the encoding nucleic acid molecule, elements that allow expression, such as a promoter and regulatory sequences. The expression vectors may contain transcriptional control sequences that control transcriptional initiation, such as promoter, enhancer, operator, and repressor sequences. A variety of transcriptional control sequences are well known to those in the art. The expression vector can also include a translation regulatory sequence (e.g., an untranslated 5′ sequence, an untranslated 3′ sequence, or an internal ribosome entry site). The vector can be capable of autonomous replication or it can integrate into host DNA to ensure stability during peptide production. The protein coding sequence that includes a peptide of the invention can also be fused to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide affinity tag, e.g., glutathione S-transferase (GST), maltose E binding protein, protein A, FLAG tag, hexa-histidine, myc tag or the influenza HA tag, in order to facilitate purification. The affinity tag or reporter fusion joins the reading frame of the peptide of interest to the reading frame of the gene encoding the affinity tag such that a translational fusion is generated. Expression of the fusion gene results in translation of a single polypeptide that includes both the peptide of interest and the affinity tag. In some instances where affinity tags are utilized, DNA sequence encoding a protease recognition site will be fused between the reading frames for the affinity tag and the peptide of interest. Genetic constructs and methods suitable for production of immature and mature forms of the peptides and variants of the invention in protein expression systems other than bacteria, and well known to those skilled in the art, can also be used to produce peptides in a biological system. Mature peptides and variants thereof can be synthesized by the solid-phase chemical synthesis. For example, the peptide can be synthesized on Cyc(4-CH2 Bx1)-OCH2-4-(oxymethyl)-phenylacetamidomethyl resin using a double coupling program. Protecting groups must be used appropriately to create the correct disulfide bond pattern. For example, the following protecting groups can be used: t-butyloxycarbonyl (alpha-amino groups); acetamidomethyl (thiol groups of Cys residues B and E); 4-methylbenyl (thiol groups of Cys residues C and F); benzyl (y-carboxyl of glutamic acid and the hydroxyl group of threonine, if present); and bromobenzyl (phenolic group of tyrosine, if present). Coupling is effected with symmetrical anhydride of t-butoxylcarbonylamino acids or hydroxybenzotriazole ester (for asparagine or glutamine residues), and the peptide is deprotected and cleaved from the solid support in hydrogen fluoride, dimethyl sulfide, anisole, and p-thiocresol using 8/1/1/0.5 ratio (v/v/v/w) at 0° C. for 60 min. After removal of hydrogen fluoride and dimethyl sulfide by reduced pressure and anisole and p-thiocresol by extraction with ethyl ether and ethyl acetate sequentially, crude peptides are extracted with a mixture of 0.5M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 8.0 and N,N-dimethylformamide using 1/1 ratio, v/v. The disulfide bond for Cys residues B and E is the formed using dimethyl sulfoxide (Tam et al. (1991) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 113:6657-62). The resulting peptide is the purified by reverse-phase chromatography. The disulfide bond between Cys residues C and F is formed by first dissolving the peptide in 50% acetic acid in water. Saturated iodine solution in glacial acetic acid is added (1 ml iodine solution per 100 ml solution). After incubation at room temperature for 2 days in an enclosed glass container, the solution is diluted five-fold with deionized water and extracted with ethyl ether four times for removal of unreacted iodine. After removal of the residual amount of ethyl ether by rotary evaporation the solution of crude product is lyophilized and purified by successive reverse-phase chromatography. Peptides can also be synthesized by many other methods including solid phase synthesis using traditional FMOC protection (i.e., coupling with DCC-HOBt and deprotection with piperdine in DMF). Cys thiol groups can be trityl protected. Treatment with TFA can be used for final deprotection of the peptide and release of the peptide from the solid-state resin. In many cases air oxidation is sufficient to achieve proper disulfide bond formation. Intestinal GC-C Receptor Binding Assay The ability of peptides and other agents to bind to the intestinal GC-C receptor can be tested as follows. Cells of the T84 human colon carcinoma cell line (American Type Culture Collection (Bethesda, Md.)) are grown to confluence in 24-well culture plates with a 1:1 mixture of Ham's F12 medium and Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM), supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum. Cells used in the assay are typically between passages 54-60. Briefly, T84 cell monolayers in 24-well plates are washed twice with 1 ml of binding buffer (DMEM containing 0.05% bovine serum albumin and 25 mM HEPES, pH 7.2), then incubated for 30 min at 37° C. in the presence of mature radioactively labeled E. coli ST peptide and the test material at various concentrations. The cells are then washed four times with 1 ml of DMEM and solubilized with 0.5 ml/well 1N NaOH. The level of radioactivity in the solubilized material is then determined using standard methods. EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Variant ST Peptides and Wild-Type ST Peptide 1a: Preparation of Recombinant Variant ST Peptides and Wild-Type ST Peptide A variant ST peptide having the sequence Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:5) was produced recombinantly and tested in an animal model. A peptide having the sequence of the wild-type ST peptide was also created (SEQ ID NO:4). SEQ ID NO:5 and SEQ ID NO:4 peptides were produced as preproproteins using vectors produced as follows. A sequence encoding a heat-stable enterotoxin pre-pro sequence was amplified from pGK51/pGSK51 (ATCC 67728) using oligonucleotide MO3514 (5′ CACACCATATGAAGAAATCAATATTATTTATTTTTCTTTCTG 3′ (SEG ID NO:1655)) and oligonucelotide MO3515 (5′ CACACCTCGAGTTAGGTCTCCATGCTTTCAGGACCACTTTTATTAC 3′ (SEQ ID NO: 1656)). The amplification product fragment was digested with NdeI/XhoI and ligated to the T7 expression vector, pET26b(+) (Novagen) digested with NdeI/XhoI thereby creating plasmid MB3976. The region encoding the pre-pro protein was sequenced and found to encode the amino acid sequence: mkksilfiflsvlsfspfaqdakpagsskekitleskkcnivkksnksgpesm (SEQ ID NO:124) which differs from the amino acid sequence of heat-stable enterotoxin a2 precursor (sta2; mkksilfiflsvlsfspfaqdakpagsskekitleskkcnivkknnesspesm (SEQ ID NO:125); GenBank® Accession No. Q47185, GI: 3913876) at three positions (indicated by underlining and bold text) near the C-terminus. To create expression vectors with the pre-pro sequence, complementary oligos encoding each ST peptide variant or wild-type ST peptide were annealed and cloned into the MB3976 expression vector. To create MB3984 (encoding SEQ ID NO:4 peptide (wild-type ST peptide) as a prepro protein), containing the amino acid sequence, NSSNYCCELCCNPACTGCY (SEQ ID NO:4) fused downstream of the pre-pro sequence, MB 3976 was digested with BsaI/XhoI and ligated to annealed oligos MO3621 (5′ GCATGAATAGTAGCAATTACTGCTGTGAATTGTGTTGTAATCCTGCTTGTACCGGGT GCTATTAATAAC 3′ (SEQ ID NO:1657)) and MO3622 (5′ TCGAGTTATTAATAGCACCCGGTACAAGCAGGATTACAACACAATTCACAGCAGTA ATTGCTACTATTC 3′ (SEQ ID NO: 1658)). To create MB3985 (encoding SEQ ID NO:5 as a prepro protein) containing the following amino acid sequence, NSSNYCCEYCCNPACTGCY fused downstream of the pre-pro sequence, MB 3976 was digested with BsaI/XhoI and ligated to annealed oligos MO3529 (5′ GCATGAATAGTAGCAATTACTGCTGTGAATATTGTTGTAATCCTGCTTGTACCGGGT GCTATTAATAAC 3′ (SEQ ID NO:1659)) and MO3530 (5′ TCGAGTTATTAATAGCACCCGGTACAAGCAGGATTACAACAATATTCACAGCAGTA ATTGCTACTATTC 3′ (SEQ ID NO:1660)). The SEQ ID NO:5 peptide and the SEQ ID NO:4 peptide were produced as follows. The expression vectors were transformed into E. coli bacterial host BL21λDE3 (Invitrogen). A single colony was innoculated and grown shaking overnight at 30° C. in L broth+25 mg/l kanamycin. The overnight culture was added to 3.2 L of batch medium (Glucose 25 g/l, Caseamino Acids 5 g/l, Yeast Extract 5 g/l, KH2PO4 13.3 g/l, (NH4)2HPO4 4 g/l, MgSO4-7H20 1.2 g/l, Citric Acid 1.7 g/l, EDTA 8.4 mg/l, CoCl2-6H2O 2.5 mg/l, MnCl2-4H2O 15 mg/l, CuCl2-4H2O 1.5 mg/l, H3BO3 3 mg/l, Na2MoO4-2H20 2.5 mg/l, Zn Acetate-2H20 13 mg/l, Ferric Citrate 100 mg/I, Kanamycin 25 mg/l, Antifoam DF204 1 ml/l) and fermented using the following process parameters: pH 6.7—control with base only (28% NH4OH), 30° C., aeration: 5 liters per minute. After the initial consumption of batch glucose (based on monitoring dissolved oxygen (DO) levels), 1.5 L of feed medium (Glucose 700 g/l, Caseamino Acids 10 g/l, Yeast Extract 10 g/l, MgSO4-7H20 4 g/l, EDTA 13 mg/l, CoCl2-6H2O 4 mg/l, MnCl2-4H2O 23.5 mg/l, CuCl2-4H20 2.5 mg/l, H3BO3 5 mg/l, Na2MoO4-2H20 4 mg/l, Zn Acetate-2H20 16 mg/l, Ferric Citrate 40 mg/l, Antifoam DF204 1 ml/l) was added at a feed rate controlled to maintain 20% DO. IPTG was added to 0.2 mM 2 hours post feed start. The total run time was approximately 40-45 hours (until feed exhaustion). Cells were collected by centrifugation at 5,000 g for 10 minutes. The cell pellet was discarded and the supernatant was passed through a 50 Kd ultrafiltration unit. The 50 Kd filtrate (0.6 liters) was loaded onto a 110 ml Q-Sepharose fast Flow column (Amersham Pharmacia, equilibrated with 20 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5) at a flow rate of 400 ml/hour. The column was washed with six volumes of 20 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5 and proteins were eluted with 50 mM acetic acid collecting 50 ml fractions. Fractions containing ST peptide variant or wild-type ST peptide were pooled and the solvent was removed by rotary evaporation. The dried proteins were resuspended in 10 ml of 8% acetic acid, 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and loaded onto a Varian Polaris C18-A column (250×21.2 mm 10 μm, equilibrated in the same buffer) at a flow rate of 20 ml/min. The column was washed with 100 ml of 8% methanol, 0.1 % TFA and developed with a gradient (300 ml) of 24 to 48% methanol, 0.1% TFA, collecting 5-ml fractions. Fractions containing peptide were pooled and the solvent was removed by rotary evaporation. The peptides were dissolved in 0.1% TFA and lyophilized. The SEQ ID NO:5 peptide and SEQ ID NO:4 peptide fractions were analyzed by standard LCMS and HPLC. LCMS analysis revealed that SEQ ID NO:5 peptide is more homogeneous than SEQ ID NO: 4 peptide (see FIG. 1a; note that SEQ ID NO:5 peptide exhibits fewer peaks (Panel B) than SEQ ID NO:4 peptide (Panel A)). 1b: Preparation of Synthetic Variant ST Peptides and Wild-Type ST Peptide Peptides were chemically synthesized by a commercial peptide synthesis company. Varying yields of peptides were obtained depending on the efficiency of chemical synthesis. Thus, the four peptides, in decreasing order of yield were: Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:3), 10-20% yield; Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:6); Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:5); Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:SEQ ID NO:4), <5% yield. Thus the specific amino acid changes introduced into the peptides can create improved manufacturing properties. FIG. 1b shows the total ion chromatograph profile of synthetically manufacturedSEQ ID NO:3 peptide. FIG. 1c shows the total ion chromatograph profile of the control blank sample. There is one major peak present in the SEQ ID NO:3 peptide sample that is not also present in the control sample. Quantitative analysis suggests the SEQ ID NO:3 peptide is >98% pure. EXAMPLE 2 Activation of the Intestinal GC-C Receptor by a Variant ST Peptide and ST Peptide The ability of SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:4, and SEQ ID NO:3 to activate the intestinal GC-C receptor was assessed in an assay employing the T84 human colon carcinoma cell line (American Type Culture Collection (Bethesda, Md.)). For the assays cells were grown to confluency in 24-well culture plates with a 1:1 mixture of Ham's F12 medium and Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM), supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum and were used at between passages 54 and 60. Briefly, monolayers of T84 cells in 24-well plates were washed twice with 1 ml/well DMEM, then incubated at 37° C. for 10 min with 0.45 ml DMEM containing 1 mM isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Test peptides (50 μl) were then added and incubated for 30 minutes at 37° C. The media was aspirated and the reaction was then terminated by the addition of ice cold 0.5 ml of 0.1N HCl. The samples were held on ice for 20 minutes and then evaporated to dryness using a heat gun or vacuum centrifugation. The dried samples were resuspended in 0.5 ml of phosphate buffer provided in the Cayman Chemical Cyclic GMP EIA kit (Cayman Chemical, Ann Arbor, Mich.). Cyclic GMP was measured by EIA according to procedures outlined in the Cayman Chemical Cyclic GMP EIA kit. FIG. 2 shows the activity of chemically synthesized peptide variants in this GC-C receptor activity assay. In this assay, SEQ ID NO:4 and two different SEQ ID NO:3 peptides (SEQ ID NO:3(a) and SEQ ID NO:3(b), synthesized by two different methods) had activity comparable to SEQ ID NO:4. SEQ ID NO:5 and SEQ ID NO:4 peptide were chemically synthesized in a manner identical to that of SEQ ID NO:3(b). EXAMPLE 3 SEQ ID NO:5 and SEQ ID NO:4 Increase Intestinal Transit in Mice In order to determine whether the peptides increase the rate of gastrointestinal transit, the peptides and controls were tested using a murine gastrointestinal transit (GIT) assay (Moon et al. Infection and Immunity 25:127, 1979). In this assay, charcoal, which can be readily visualized in the gastrointestinal tract is administered to mice after the administration of a test compound. The distance traveled by the charcoal is measured and expressed as a percentage of the total length of the colon. Mice were fasted with free access to water for 12 to 16 hours before the treatment with peptide or control buffer. The peptides were orally administered at 1 μg/kg-1 mg/kg of peptide in buffer (20mM Tris pH 7.5) 7 minutes before being given an oral dose of 5% Activated Carbon (Aldrich 242276-250G). Control mice were administered buffer only before being given a dose of Activated Carbon. After 15 minutes, the mice were sacrificed and their intestines from the stomach to the cecum were dissected. The total length of the intestine as well as the distance traveled from the stomach to the charcoal front was measured for each animal and the results are expressed as the percent of the total length of the intestine traveled by the charcoal front. All results are reported as the average of 10 mice±standard deviation. A comparison of the distance traveled by the charcoal between the mice treated with peptide versus the mice treated with vehicle alone was performed using a Student's t test and a statistically significant difference was considered for P<0.05. P-values are calculated using a two-sided T-Test assuming unequal variances. As can be seen in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, wild-type ST peptide (SEQ ID NO:4, (Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, Mo.); 0.1 mg/kg), synthetically manufactured SEQ ID NO:3 and Zelnorm® (0.1 mg/kg), a drug approved for IBS that is an agonist for the serotonin receptor 5HT4, increase gastrointestinal transit rate in this model. FIG. 4a shows the result of a study demonstrating that intestinal transit rate increases with an increasing dosage of either recombinantly synthesized SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:5. FIG. 4b shows the results of a study demonstrating both chemically synthesized SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:3 peptide increase intestinal transit rates more than either Tris buffer alone or an equivalent dose of Zelnorm®. The identical experiment was performed to determine if SEQ ID NO:3 is effective in a chronic dosing treatment regimen. Briefly, 8 week old CD1 female mice are dosed orally once a day for 5 days with either SEQ ID NO:3 (0.06 mg/kg or 0.25 mg/kg in 20 mM Tris pH 7.5) or vehicle alone (20 mM Tris pH 7.5). On the 5th day, a GIT assay is performed identical to that above except 200 μl of a 10% charcoal solution is administered. FIG. 4c shows the results of a study demonstrating both chemically synthesized SEQ ID NO:3 or Zelnorm® are effective in a mouse gastrointestinal motility assay upon chronic dosing (daily for 5 days). The results are shown side by side with acute dosing (1 day). EXAMPLE 4 SEQ ID NO:5 Peptide and SEQ ID NO:4 Peptide Increase Intestinal Secretion in Suckling Mice (SuMi Assay) SEQ ID NO:4 peptide and SEQ ID NO:5 were tested for their ability to increase intestinal secretion using a suckling mouse model of intestinal secretion. In this model a test compound is administered to suckling mice that are between 7 and 9 days old. After the mice are sacrificed, the gastrointestinal tract from the stomach to the cecum is dissected (“guts”). The remains (“carcass”) as well as the guts are weighed and the ratio of guts to carcass weight is calculated. If the ratio is above 0.09, one can conclude that the test compound increases intestinal secretion. FIG. 5a shows a dose response curve for wild-type ST peptide (SEQ ID NO:4) in this model. FIG. 5b shows dose response curve for the SEQ ID NO:3 peptide in this model. These data show that wild-type ST peptide (purchased from TDT, Inc. West Chester, Pa.) and the SEQ ID NO:3 peptide increase intestinal secretion. The effect of Zelnorm® was also studied. As can be seen from FIG. 5, Zelnorm® at 0.2 mg/kg does not increase intestinal secretion in this model. FIG. 6a shows a dose response curve for the recombinant SEQ ID NO:4 peptide described above and the recombinant SEQ ID NO:5 peptide described above. As can be seen from FIG. 6a, both peptides increase intestinal secretion in this model. Similarly FIG. 6b shows a dose response curve for chemically synthesized SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:3 and SEQ ID NO:4 as well as wild-type ST peptide (purchased from Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, Mo.). Colonic Hyperalgesia Animal Models Hypersensitivity to colorectal distension is common in patients with IBS and may be responsible for the major symptom of pain. Both inflammatory and non-inflammatory animal models of visceral hyperalgesia to distension have been developed to investigate the effect of compounds on visceral pain in IBS. I. Trinitrobenzenesulphonic Acid (TNBS)-Induced Rectal Allodynia Model Male Wistar rats (220-250 g) were premedicated with 0.5 mg/kg of acepromazine injected intraperitoneally (IP) and anesthetized by intramuscular administration of 100 mg/kg of ketamine. Pairs of nichrome wire electrodes (60 cm in length and 80 μm in diameter) were implanted in the striated muscle of the abdomen, 2 cm laterally from the white line. The free ends of electrodes were exteriorized on the back of the neck and protected by a plastic tube attached to the skin. Electromyographic (EMG) recordings were started 5 days after surgery. Electrical activity of abdominal striated muscle was recorded with an electroencephalograph machine (Mini VIII, Alvar, Paris, France) using a short time constant (0.03 sec.) to remove low-frequency signals (<3 Hz). Ten days post surgical implantation, trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) was administered to induce rectal inflammation. TNBS (80 mg kg−1 in 0.3 ml 50% ethanol) was administered intrarectally through a silicone rubber catheter introduced at 3 cm from the anus under light diethyl-ether anesthesia, as described (Morteau et al. 1994 Dig Dis Sci 39:1239). Following TNBS administration, rats were placed in plastic tunnels where they were severely limited in mobility for several days before colorectal distension (CRD). Experimental compound was administered one hour before CRD which was performed by insertion into the rectum, at 1 cm of the anus, a 4 cm long balloon made from a latex condom (Gue et al, 1997 Neurogastroenterol. Motil. 9:271). The balloon was fixed on a rigid catheter taken from an embolectomy probe (Fogarty). The catheter attached balloon was fixed at the base of the tail. The balloon, connected to a barostat, was inflated progressively by step of 15 mmHg, from 0 to 60 mmHg, each step of inflation lasting 5 min. Evaluation of rectal sensitivity, as measured by EMG, was performed before (1-2 days) and 3 days following rectal instillation of TNBS. The number of spike bursts that corresponds to abdominal contractions was determined per 5 min periods. Statistical analysis of the number of abdominal contractions and evaluation of the dose-effects relationships was performed by a one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a post-hoc (Student or Dunnett tests) and regression analysis for ED50 if appropriate. FIG. 7 shows the results of experiment in which SEQ ID NO:3 activity was analyzed in the TNBS colorectal model. Significant decreases in abdominal response are observed at 0.3 μg/kg and 3 μg/kg SEQ ID NO:3. These results demonstrate that SEQ ID NO:3 reduces pain associated with colorectal distension in this animal model. II. Stress-Induced Hyperalgesia Model Male Wistar Rats (200-250 g) are surgically implanted with nichrome wire electrodes as in the TNBS model. Ten days post surgical implantation, partial restraint stress (PRS), is performed as described by Williams et al. for two hours (Williams et al. 1988 Gastroenterology 64:611). Briefly, under light anesthesia with ethyl-ether, the foreshoulders, upper forelimbs and thoracic trunk are wrapped in a confining harness of paper tape to restrict, but not prevent body movements. Control sham-stress animals are anaesthetized but not wrapped. Thirty minutes before the end of the PRS session, the animals are administered test-compound or vehicle. Thirty minutes to one hour after PRS completion, the CRD distension procedure is performed as described above for the TNBS model with barostat at pressures of 15, 30, 45 and 60 mm Hg. Statistical analysis on the number of bursts is determined and analyzed as in the TNBS model above. Phenylbenzoguinone-Induced Writhing Model The PBQ-induced writhing model can be used to assess pain control activity of the peptides and GC-C receptor agonists of the invention. This model is described by Siegmund et al. (1957 Proc. Soc. Exp. Bio. Med. 95:729-731). Briefly, one hour after oral dosing with a test compound, e.g., a peptide, morphine or vehicle, 0.02% phenylbenzoquinone (PBQ) solution (12.5 mL/kg) is injected by intraperitoneal route into the mouse. The number of stretches and writhings are recorded from the 5th to the 10th minute after PBQ injection, and can also be counted between the 35th and 40th minute and between the 60th and 65th minute to provide a kinetic assessment. The results are expressed as the number of stretches and writhings (mean±SEM) and the percentage of variation of the nociceptive threshold calculated from the mean value of the vehicle-treated group. The statistical significance of any differences between the treated groups and the control group is determined by a Dunnett's test using the residual variance after a one-way analysis of variance (P<0.05) using SigmaStat Software. FIGS. 8a and 8b show the effect of different doses of SEQ ID NO:5 and SEQ ID NO:3 in the PBQ writhing assay. Indomethacin, an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) with known pain control activity, was used as the positive control in the assay. Significant reductions in writhings were observed for SEQ ID NO:5 (1 mg/kg dose) and SEQ ID NO:3 (2.5 mg/kg dose) compared to the vehicle control. Loss of efficacy at the highest dose tested has also been observed for multiple other compounds (such as 5HT-3 antagonists) tested in similar assays. The results of this study suggest that both SEQ ID NO:5 and SEQ ID NO:3 have antinociceptive effects in this visceral pain model comparable to the intermediate doses of indomethacin. EXAMPLE 5 SEQ ID NO:3 Kd Determination To determine the affinity of SEQ ID NO:3 for GC-C receptors found in rat intestinal mucosa, a competition binding assay was performed using rate intestinal epithelial cells. Epithelial cells from the small intestine of rats were obtained as described by Kessler et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 245: 5281-5288 (1970)). Briefly, animals were sacrificed and their abdominal cavities exposed. The small intestine was rinsed with 300 ml ice cold saline or PBS. 10 cm of the small intestine measured at 10 cm from the pylorus was removed and cut into 1 inch segments. Intestinal mucosa was extruded from the intestine by gentle pressure between a piece of parafilm and a P-1000 pipette tip. Intestinal epithelial cells were placed in 2 ml PBS and pipetted up and down with a 5 ml pipette to make a suspension of cells. Protein concentration in the suspension was measured using the Bradford method (Anal. Biochem. 72: 248-254 (1976)). A competition binding assay was performed based on the method of Giannella et al. (Am. J. Physiol. 245: G492-G498) between [125I] labeled SEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ ID NO:3. The assay mixture contained: 0.5 ml of DME with 20 mM HEPES-KOH pH 7.0, 0.9 mg of the cell suspension listed above, 21.4 fmol [125I]-SEQ ID NO:4 (42.8 pM), and different concentrations of competitor SEQ ID NO:3 (0.01 to 1000 nM). The mixture was incubated at room temperature for 1 hour, and the reaction stopped by applying the mixture to GF/B glass-fiber filters (Whatman). The filters were washed with 5 ml ice-cold PBS and radioactivity was measured. FIG. 9 shows that the Kd for SEQ ID NO:3 in this assay is 4.5 nm. % B/Bo is the percentage of the ratio of radioactivity trapped in each sample (B) compared to the radioactivity retained in a control sample with no cold competitor (Bo). Giannella et al. (Am. J. Physiol.245: G492-G498) observed that the Kd for wild-type ST peptide in this same assay was ˜13 nm. EXAMPLE 6 Pharmacokinetic Properties of SEQ ID NO:3 To study the pharmacokinetics of SEQ ID NO:3, absorbability studies in mice were performed by administering SEQ ID NO:3 intravaneously via tail vein injection or orally by gavage to 8-week-old CD1 mice. Serum was collected from the animals at various time points and tested for the presence of SEQ ID NO:3 using a competitive enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (Oxoid, ST EIA kit, Cat#TD0700). The assay utilized monoclonal antibodies against ST peptide (antibodies are provided in the Oxoid kit) and synthetically manufactured SEQ ID NO:3. FIG. 10a shows absorption data for intravenously and orally administered SEQ ID NO:3 as detected by the ELISA assay. SEQ ID NO:3 appears to be minimally systemically absorbed and is <2.2% bioavailable. A similar bioavailability study was performed in which LCMS rather than ELISA was used to detect SEQ ID NO:3. Initially, serum samples were extracted from the whole blood of exposed and control mice, then injected directly (10 mL) onto an in-line solid phase extraction (SPE) column (Waters Oasis HLB 25 mm column, 2.0×15 mm direct connect) without further processing. The sample on the SPE column was washed with a 5% methanol, 95% dH2O solution (2.1 mL/min, 1.0 minute), then loaded onto an analytical column using a valve switch that places the SPE column in an inverted flow path onto the analytical column (Waters Xterra MS C8 5 mm IS column, 2.1×20mm). The sample was eluted from the analytical column with a reverse phase gradient (Mobile Phase A: 10 mM ammonium hydroxide in dH2O, Mobile Phase B: 10 mM ammonium hydroxide in 80% acetonitrile and 20% methanol; 20% B for the first 3 minutes then ramping to 95% B over 4 min. and holding for 2 min., all at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min.). At 9.1 minutes, the gradient returns to the initial conditions of 20%B for 1 min. SEQ ID NO:3 eluted from the analytical column at 1.45 minutes, and was detected by triple-quadrapole mass spectrometry (MRM, 764 (+2 charge state)>182 (+1 charge state) Da; cone voltage=30V; collision=20 eV; parent resolution=2 Da at base peak; daughter resolution=2 Da at base peak). Instrument response was converted into concentration units by comparison with a standard curve using known amounts of chemically synthesized SEQ ID NO:3 prepared and injected in mouse serum using the same procedure. FIG. 10b shows absorption data for IV and orally administered SEQ ID NO:3 as detected by LCMS. In this assay, SEQ ID NO:3 appears similarly minimally systemically absorbed and is <0.11 % bioavailable. Administration of Peptides and GC-C Receptor Agonists For treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, the peptides and agonists of the invention are preferably administered orally, e.g., as a tablet or cachet containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient, pellet, gel, paste, syrup, bolus, electuary, slurry, capsule; powder; granules; as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or a non-aqueous liquid; as an oil-in-water liquid emulsion or a water-in-oil liquid emulsion, via a liposomal formulation (see, e.g., EP 736299) or in some other form. Orally administered compositions can include binders, lubricants, inert diluents, lubricating, surface active or dispersing agents, flavoring agents, and humectants. Orally administered formulations such as tablets may optionally be coated or scored and may be formulated so as to provide sustained, delayed or controlled release of the active ingredient therein. The peptides and agonists can be co-administered with other agents used to treat gastrointestinal disorders including but not limited to acid suppressing agents such as Histamine-2 receptor agonists (H2As) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The peptides and agonists can also be administered by rectal suppository. For the treatment of disorders outside the gastrointestinal tract such as congestive heart failure and benign prostatic hypertrophy, peptides and agonists are preferably administered parenterally or orally. The peptides described herein can be used alone or in combination with other agents. For example, the peptides can be administered together with an analgesic peptide or compound. The analgesic peptide or compound can be covalently attached to a peptide described herein or it can be a separate agent that is administered together with or sequentially with a peptide described herein in a combination therapy. Combination therapy can be achieved by administering two or more agents, e.g., a peptide described herein and an analgesic peptide or compound, each of which is formulated and administered separately, or by administering two or more agents in a single formulation. Other combinations are also encompassed by combination therapy. For example, two agents can be formulated together and administered in conjunction with a separate formulation containing a third agent. While the two or more agents in the combination therapy can be administered simultaneously, they need not be. For example, administration of a first agent (or combination of agents) can precede administration of a second agent (or combination of agents) by minutes, hours, days, or weeks. Thus, the two or more agents can be administered within minutes of each other or within 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, or 24 hours of each other or within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 days of each other or within 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 weeks of each other. In some cases even longer intervals are possible. While in many cases it is desirable that the two or more agents used in a combination therapy be present in within the patient's body at the same time, this need not be so. Combination therapy can also include two or more administrations of one or more of the agents used in the combination. For example, if agent X and agent Y are used in a combination, one could administer them sequentially in any combination one or more times, e.g., in the order X-Y-X, X-X-Y, Y-X-Y, Y-Y-X, X-X-Y-Y, etc. The agents, alone or in combination, can be combined with any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or medium. Thus, they can be combined with materials that do not produce an adverse, allergic or otherwise unwanted reaction when administered to a patient. The carriers or mediums used can include solvents, dispersants, coatings, absorption promoting agents, controlled release agents, and one or more inert excipients (which include starches, polyols, granulating agents, microcrystalline cellulose, diluents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents, and the like), etc. If desired, tablet dosages of the disclosed compositions may be coated by standard aqueous or nonaqueous techniques. Compositions of the present invention may also optionally include other therapeutic ingredients, anti-caking agents, preservatives, sweetening agents, colorants, flavors, desiccants, plasticizers, dyes, and the like. Any such optional ingredient must be compatible with the compound of the invention to insure the stability of the formulation. The composition may contain other additives as needed, including for example lactose, glucose, fructose, galactose, trehalose, sucrose, maltose, raffinose, maltitol, melezitose, stachyose, lactitol, palatinite, starch, xylitol, mannitol, myoinositol, and the like, and hydrates thereof, and amino acids, for example alanine, glycine and betaine, and peptides and proteins, for example albumen. Examples of excipients for use as the pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and the pharmaceutically acceptable inert carriers and the aforementioned additional ingredients include, but are not limited to binders, fillers, disintegrants, lubricants, anti-microbial agents, and coating agents such as: BINDERS: corn starch, potato starch, other starches, gelatin, natural and synthetic gums such as acacia, sodium alginate, alginic acid, other alginates, powdered tragacanth, guar gum, cellulose and its derivatives (e.g., ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, carboxymethyl cellulose calcium, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), polyvinyl pyrrolidone, methyl cellulose, pre-gelatinized starch (e.g., STARCH 1500® and STARCH 1500 LM®, sold by Colorcon, Ltd.), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose (e.g. AVICEL™, such as, AVICEL-PH-101™, -103™ and -105™, sold by FMC Corporation, Marcus Hook, Pa., USA), or mixtures thereof, FILLERS: talc, calcium carbonate (e.g., granules or powder), dibasic calcium phosphate, tribasic calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate (e.g., granules or powder), microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose, dextrates, kaolin, mannitol, silicic acid, sorbitol, starch, pre-gelatinized starch, or mixtures thereof, DISINTEGRANTS: agar-agar, alginic acid, calcium carbonate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, polacrilin potassium, sodium starch glycolate, potato or tapioca starch, other starches, pre-gelatinized starch, clays, other algins, other celluloses, gums, or mixtures thereof, LUBRICANTS: calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, mineral oil, light mineral oil, glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol, polyethylene glycol, other glycols, stearic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, hydrogenated vegetable oil (e.g., peanut oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil and soybean oil), zinc stearate, ethyl oleate, ethyl laurate, agar, syloid silica gel (AEROSIL 200, W.R. Grace Co., Baltimore, Md. USA), a coagulated aerosol of synthetic silica (Deaussa Co., Plano, Tex. USA), a pyrogenic silicon dioxide (CAB-O-SIL, Cabot Co., Boston, Mass. USA), or mixtures thereof, ANTI-CAKING AGENTS: calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, silicon dioxide, colloidal silicon dioxide, talc, or mixtures thereof, ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS: benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, butyl paraben, cetylpyridinium chloride, cresol, chlorobutanol, dehydroacetic acid, ethylparaben, methylparaben, phenol, phenylethyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, phenylmercuric acetate, phenylmercuric nitrate, potassium sorbate, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, sodium dehydroacetate, sodium propionate, sorbic acid, thimersol, thymo, or mixtures thereof, and COATING AGENTS: sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate, ethylcellulose, gelatin, pharmaceutical glaze, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose phthalate, methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, shellac, sucrose, titanium dioxide, carnauba wax, microcrystalline wax, or mixtures thereof. The agents either in their free form or as a salt can be combined with a polymer such as polylactic-glycoloic acid (PLGA), poly-(I)-lactic-glycolic-tartaric acid (P(I)LGT) (WO 01/12233), polyglycolic acid (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919), polylactic acid (U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,628), poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly(alkylene oxide) (U.S. 20030068384) to create a sustained release formulation. Such formulations can be used to implants that release a peptide or another agent over a period of a few days, a few weeks or several months depending on the polymer, the particle size of the polymer, and the size of the implant (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,422). Other sustained release formulations and polymers for use in are described in EP 0 467 389 A2, WO 93/24150, U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,052, WO 97/40085, WO 03/075887, WO 01/01964A2, U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,356, WO 94/155587, WO 02/074247A2, WO 98/25642, U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,895, U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,608, U.S. 20030171296, U.S. 20020176841, U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,659, U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,985, U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,122, U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,741, U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,741, U.S. Pat. No. 4,668,506, U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,244, U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,832 U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,279, U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,945, WO 02/058672, WO 9726015, WO 97/04744, and US20020019446. In such sustained release formulations microparticles of peptide are combined with microparticles of polymer. One or more sustained release implants can be placed in the large intestine, the small intestine or both. U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,011 and WO 94/06452 describe a sustained release formulation providing either polyethylene glycols (i.e. PEG 300 and PEG 400) or triacetin. WO 03/053401 describes a formulation which may both enhance bioavailability and provide controlled releaseof the agent within the GI tract. Additional controlled release formulations are described in WO 02/38129, EP 326 151, U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,704, WO 02/30398, WO 98/13029; U.S. 20030064105, U.S. 20030138488A1, U.S. 20030216307A1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,667,060, WO 01/49249, WO 01/49311, WO 01/49249, WO 01/49311, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,877,224. The agents can be administered, e.g., by intravenous injection, intramuscular injection, subcutaneous injection, intraperitoneal injection, topical, sublingual, intraarticular (in the joints), intradermal, buccal, ophthalmic (including intraocular), intranasaly (including using a cannula), or by other routes. The agents can be administered orally, e.g., as a tablet or cachet containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient, gel, pellet, paste, syrup, bolus, electuary, slurry, capsule, powder, granules, as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or a non-aqueous liquid, as an oil-in-water liquid emulsion or a water-in-oil liquid emulsion, via a micellar formulation (see, e.g. WO 97/11682) via a liposomal formulation (see, e.g., EP 736299,WO 99/59550 and WO 97/13500), via formulations described in WO 03/094886 or in some other form. Orally administered compositions can include binders, lubricants, inert diluents, lubricating, surface active or dispersing agents, flavoring agents, and humectants. Orally administered formulations such as tablets may optionally be coated or scored and may be formulated so as to provide sustained, delayed or controlled release of the active ingredient therein. The agents can also be administered transdermally (i.e. via reservoir-type or matrix-type patches, microneedles, thermal poration, hypodermic needles, iontophoresis, electroporation, ultrasound or other forms of sonophoresis, jet injection, or a combination of any of the preceding methods (Prausnitz et al. 2004, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 3:115-124)). The agents can be administered using high-velocity transdermal particle injection techniques using the hydrogel particle formulation described in U.S. 20020061336. Additional particle formulations are described in WO 00/45792, WO 00/53160, and WO 02/19989. An example of a transdermal formulation containing plaster and the absorption promoter dimethylisosorbide can be found in WO 89/04179. WO 96/11705 provides formulations suitable for transdermal adminisitration. The agents can be administered in the form a suppository or by other vaginal or rectal means. The agents can be administered in a transmembrane formulation as described in WO 90/07923. The agents can be administed non-invasively via the dehydrated particicles described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,706. The agent can be administered in an enteric-coated drug formulation as described in WO 02/49621. The agents can be administered intranassaly using the formulation described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,079. Formulations suitable for parenteral injection are described in WO 00/62759. The agents can be administered using the casein formulation described in U.S. 20030206939 and WO 00/06108. The agents can be administered using the particulate formulations described in U.S. 20020034536. The agents, alone or in combination with other suitable components, can be administered by pulmonary route utilizing several techniques including but not limited to intratracheal instillation (delivery of solution into the lungs by syringe), intratracheal delivery of liposomes, insufflation (administration of powder formulation by syringe or any other similar device into the lungs) and aerosol inhalation. Aerosols (e.g., jet or ultrasonic nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), and dry-powder inhalers (DPIs)) can also be used in intranasal applications. Aerosol formulations are stable dispersions or suspensions of solid material and liquid droplets in a gaseous medium and can be placed into pressurized acceptable propellants, such as hydrofluroalkanes (HFAs, i.e. HFA-134a and HFA-227, or a mixture thereof), dichlorodifluoromethane (or other chlorofluocarbon propellants such as a mixture of Propellants 11, 12, and/or 114), propane, nitrogen, and the like. Pulmonary formulations may include permeation enhancers such as fatty acids, and saccharides, chelating agents, enzyme inhibitors (e.g., protease inhibitors), adjuvants (e.g., glycocholate, surfactin, span 85, and nafamostat), preservatives (e.g., benzalkonium chloride or chlorobutanol), and ethanol (normally up to 5% but possibly up to 20%, by weight). Ethanol is commonly included in aerosol compositions as it can improve the function of the metering valve and in some cases also improve the stability of the dispersion. Pulmonary formulations may also include surfactants which include but are not limited to bile salts and those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,557 and references therein. The surfactants described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,557, e.g., a C8-C16 fatty acid salt, a bile salt, a phospholipid, or alkyl saccaride are advantageous in that some of them also reportedly enhance absorption of the peptide in the formulation. Also suitable in the invention are dry powder formulations comprising a therapeutically effective amount of active compound blended with an appropriate carrier and adapted for use in connection with a dry-powder inhaler. Absorption enhancers which can be added to dry powder formulations of the present invention include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,632,456. WO 02/080884 describes new methods for the surface modification of powders. Aerosol formulations may include U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,884, U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,499, WO 017/8694, WO 01/78696, U.S. 2003019437, U. S. 20030165436, and WO 96/40089 (which includes vegetable oil). Sustained release formulations suitable for inhalation are described in U.S. 20010036481A1, 20030232019A1, and U.S. 20040018243A1 as well as in WO 01/13891, WO 02/067902, WO 03/072080, and WO 03/079885. Pulmonary formulations containing microparticles are described in WO 03/015750, U.S. 20030008013, and WO 00/00176. Pulmonary formulations containing stable glassy state powder are described in U.S. 20020141945 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,671. Other aerosol formulations are desribed in EP 1338272A1 WO 90/09781, U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,730, U.S. Pat. No. 6,436,367, WO 91/04011, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,294,153 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,987 describes a liposomal based formulation that can be administered via aerosol or other means. Powder formulations for inhalation are described in U.S. 20030053960 and WO 01/60341. The agents can be administered intranasally as described in U.S. 20010038824. Solutions of medicament in buffered saline and similar vehicles are commonly employed to generate an aerosol in a nebulizer. Simple nebulizers operate on Bernoulli's principle and employ a stream of air or oxygen to generate the spray particles. More complex nebulizers employ ultrasound to create the spray particles. Both types are well known in the art and are described in standard textbooks of pharmacy such as Sprowls' American Pharmacy and Remington's The Science and Practice of Pharmacy. Other devices for generating aerosols employ compressed gases, usually hydrofluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons, which are mixed with the medicament and any necessary excipients in a pressurized container, these devices are likewise described in standard textbooks such as Sprowls and Remington. The agents can be a free acid or base, or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. Solids can be dissolved or dispersed immediately prior to administration or earlier. In some circumstances the preparations include a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms. The pharmaceutical forms suitable for injection can include sterile aqueous or organic solutions or dispersions which include, e.g., water, an alcohol, an organic solvent, an oil or other solvent or dispersant (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and vegetable oils). The formulations may contain antioxidants, buffers, bacteriostats, and solutes that render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient, and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions that can include suspending agents, solubilizers, thickening agents, stabilizers, and preservatives. Pharmaceutical agents can be sterilized by filter sterilization or by other suitable means. The agent can be fused to immunoglobulins or albumin, or incorporated into a lipsome to improve half-life. The agent can also be conjugated to polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains. Methods for pegylation and additional formulations containing PEG-conjugates (i.e. PEG-based hydrogels, PEG modified liposomes) can be found in Harris and Chess, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 2: 214-221 and the references therein. Peptides can also be modified with alkyl groups (e.g., C1-C20 straight or branched alkyl groups); fatty acid radicals; and combinations of PEG, alkyl groups and fatty acid radicals (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,633; Soltero et al., 2001 Innovations in Pharmaceutical Technology 106-110). The agent can be administered via a nanocochleate or cochleate delivery vehicle (BioDelivery Sciences International). The agents can be delivered transmucosally (i.e. across a mucosal surface such as the vagina, eye or nose) using formulations such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,108. The agents can be formulated in microcapsules as described in WO 88/01165. The agent can be administered intra-orally using the formulations described in U.S. 20020055496, WO 00/47203, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,120. The agent can be delivered using nanoemulsion formulations described in WO 01/91728A2. Suitable pharmaceutical compositions in accordance with the invention will generally include an amount of the active compound(s) with an acceptable pharmaceutical diluent or excipient, such as a sterile aqueous solution, to give a range of final concentrations, depending on the intended use. The techniques of preparation are generally well known in the art, as exemplified by Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (18th Edition, Mack Publishing Company, 1995). The agents described herein and combination therapy agents can be packaged as a kit that includes single or multiple doses of two or more agents, each packaged or formulated individually, or single or multiple doses of two or more agents packaged or formulated in combination. Thus, one or more agents can be present in first container, and the kit can optionally include one or more agents in a second container. The container or containers are placed within a package, and the package can optionally include administration or dosage instructions. A kit can include additional components such as syringes or other means for administering the agents as well as diluents or other means for formulation. Methods to increase chemical and/or physical stability of the agents the described herein are found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,541,606, U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,850, U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,261, U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,935, and WO 00/15224, U.S. 20030069182 (via the additon of nicotinamide), U.S. 20030175230A1, U.S. 20030175230A1, U.S. 20030175239A1, U.S. 20020045582, U.S. 20010031726, WO 02/26248, WO 03/014304, WO 98/00152A1, WO 98/00157A1, WO 90/12029, WO 00/04880, and WO 91/04743, WO 97/04796 and the references cited therein. Methods to increase bioavailability of the agents described herein are found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,008,187, U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,289, U.S. 20030198619, WO 90/01329, WO 01/49268, WO 00/32172, and WO 02/064166. Glycyrrhizinate can also be used as an absorption enhancer (see, e.g., EP397447). WO 03/004062 discusses Ulex europaeus I (UEAI) and UEAI mimetics which may be used to target the agents of the invention to the GI tract. The agents described herein can be fused to a modified version of the blood serum protein transferrin. U.S. 20030221201, U.S. 20040023334, U.S. 20030226155, WO 04/020454, and WO 04/019872 discuss the manufacture and use of transferrin fusion proteins. Transferrin fusion proteins may improve circulatory half life and efficacy, decrease undesirable side effects and allow reduced dosage. Analgesic Agents The peptides described herein can be used in combination therapy with an analgesic agent, e.g., an analgesic compound or an analgesic peptide. The analgesic agent can optionally be covalently attached to a peptide described herein. Among the useful analgesic agents are: Ca channel blockers, 5HT receptor antagonists (for example 5HT3, 5HT4 and 5HT1 receptor antagonists), opioid receptor agonists (loperamide, fedotozine, and fentanyl), NK1 receptor antagonists, CCK receptor agonists (e.g., loxiglumide), NK1 receptor antagonists, NK3 receptor antagonists, norepinephrine-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (NSRI), vanilloid and cannabanoid receptor agonists, and sialorphin. Analgesics agents in the various classes are described in the literature. Among the useful analgesic peptides are sialorphin-related peptides, including those comprising the amino acid sequence QHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1661), including: VQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1662); VRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1663); VRGQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1664); VRGPQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1665); VRGPRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1666); VRGPRRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1667); and RQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1668). Sialorphin-related peptides bind to neprilysin and inhibit neprilysin-mediated breakdown of substance P and Met-enkephalin. Thus, compounds or peptides that are inhibitors of neprilysin are useful analgesic agents 0;, which can be administered with the peptides of the invention in a co-therapy or linked to the peptides of the invention, e.g., by a covalent bond. Sialophin and related peptides are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,589,750; U.S. 20030078200 A1; and WO 02/051435 A2. Opioid receptor antagonists and agonists can be administered with the peptides of the invention in co-therapy or linked to the peptide of the invention, e.g., by a covalent bond. For example, opioid receptor antagonists such as naloxone, naltrexone, methyl nalozone, nalmefene, cypridime, beta funaltrexamine, naloxonazine, naltrindole, and nor-binaltorphimine are thought to be useful in the treatment of IBS. It can be useful to formulate opioid antagonists of this type is a delayed and sustained release formulation such that initial release of the antagonist is in the mid to distal small intestine and/or ascending colon. Such antagonists are described in WO 01/32180 A2. Enkephalin pentapeptide (HOE825; Tyr-D-Lys-Gly-Phe-L-homoserine) is an agonist of the mu and delta opioid receptors and is thought to be useful for increasing intestinal motility (Eur. J. Pharm. 219:445, 1992), and this peptide can be used in conjunction with the peptides of the invention. Also useful is trimebutine which is thought to bind to mu/delta/kappa opioid receptors and activate release of motilin and modulate the release of gastrin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, gastrin and glucagons. Kappa opioid receptor agonists such as fedotozine, ketocyclazocine, and compounds described in WO 03/097051 A2 can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. In addition, mu opioid receptor agonists such as morphine, diphenyloxylate, frakefamide (H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe(F)-Phe-NH2; WO 01/019849 A1) and loperamide can be used. Tyr-Arg (kyotorphin) is a dipeptide that acts by stimulating the release of met-enkephalins to elicit an analgesic effect (J. Biol. Chem. 262:8165, 1987). Kyotorphin can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. Chromogranin-derived peptide (CgA 47-66; see, e.g., Ghia et al. 2004 Regulatory Peptides 119:199) can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. CCK receptor agonists such as caerulein from amphibians and other species are useful analgesic agents that can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. Conotoxin peptides represent a large class of analgesic peptides that act as voltage gated Ca channels, NMDA receptors or nicotinic receptors. These peptides can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. Peptide analogs of thymulin (FR 2830451) can have analgesic activity and can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. CCK (CCKa or CCKb) receptor antagonists, including loxiglumide and dexloxiglumide (the R-isomer of loxiglumide) (WO 88/05774) can have analgesic activity and can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. Other useful analgesic agents include 5-HT4 agonists such as tegaserod/zelnorm and lirexapride. Such agonists are described in: EP1321142 A1, WO 03/053432A1, EP 505322 A1, EP 505322 B1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,353, EP 507672 A1, EP 507672 B1, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,983. Calcium channel blockers such as ziconotide and related compounds described in, for example, EP 625162B1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,842, U.S. Pat. No. 5,587,454, U.S. 5,824,645, U.S. Pat. No. 5,859,186, U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,305, U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,091, U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,786, WO 93/13128 A1, EP 1336409 A1, EP 835126 A1, EP 835126 B1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,864, U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,849, U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,429, WO 97/01351 A1, can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. Various antagonists of the NK-1, NK-2, and NK-3 receptors (for a review see Giardina et al. 2003 Drugs 6:758) can be can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. NK1 receptor antagonists such as: aprepitant (Merck & Co Inc), vofopitant, ezlopitant (Pfizer, Inc.), R-673 (Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd), SR-14033 and related compounds described in, for example, EP 873753 A1, U.S. 20010006972 A1, U.S. 20030109417 A1, WO 01/52844 A1, can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. NK-2 receptor antagonists such as nepadutant (Menarini Ricerche SpA), saredutant (Sanofi-Synthelabo), SR-144190 (Sanofi-Synthelabo) and UK-290795 (Pfizer Inc) can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. NK3 receptor antagonists such as osanetant (Sanofi-Synthelabo), talnetant and related compounds described in, for example, WO 02/094187 A2, EP 876347 A1, WO 97/21680 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,862, WO 98/11090, WO 95/28418, WO 97/19927, and Boden et al. (J Med Chem. 39:1664-75, 1996) can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. Norepinephrine-serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as milnacipran and related compounds described in WO 03/077897 A1 can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. Vanilloid receptor antagonists such as arvanil and related compounds described in WO 01/64212 A1 can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. Where the analgesic is a peptide and is covalently linked to a peptide described herein the resulting peptide may also include at least one trypsin or chymotrypsin cleavage site. When present within the peptide, the analgesic peptide may be preceded by (if it is at the carboxy terminus) or followed by (if it is at the amino terminus) a chymotrypsin or trypsin cleavage site that allows release of the analgesic peptide. In addition to sialorphin-related peptides, analgesic peptides include: AspPhe, endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, nocistatin, dalargin, lupron, zicnotide, and substance P. Methods of Treatment The peptides of the invention can be used alone or in combination therapy for the treatment or prevention of cancer, pre-cancerous growths, or metastatic growths. For example, they can be used for the prevention or treatment of: colorectal/local metastasized colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal tract cancer, lung cancer, cancer or pre-cancerous growths or metastatic growths of epithelial cells, polyps, breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostatic, renal, stomach, bladder, liver, esophageal and testicular carcinoma, carcinoma (e.g., basal cell, basosquamous, Brown-Pearce, ductal carcinoma, Ehrlich tumor, Krebs, Merkel cell, small or non-small cell lung, oat cell, papillary, bronchiolar, squamous cell, transitional cell, Walker), leukemia (e.g., B-cell, T-cell, HTLV, acute or chronic lymphocytic, mast cell, myeloid), histiocytonia, histiocytosis, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, plasmacytoma, reticuloendotheliosis, adenoma, adeno-carcinoma, adenofibroma, adenolymphoma, ameloblastoma, angiokeratoma, angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia, sclerosing angioma, angiomatosis, apudoma, branchionia, malignant carcinoid syndrome, carcinoid heart disease, carcinosarcoma, cementoma, cholangioma, cholesteatoma, chondrosarcoma, chondroblastoma, chondrosarcoma, chordoma, choristoma, craniopharyngioma, chrondrora, cylindroma, cystadenocarcinoma, cystadenoma, cystosarconia phyllodes, dysgenninoma, ependymoma, Ewing sarcoma, fibroma, fibrosarcoma, giant cell tumor, ganglioneuroma, glioblastoma, glomangioma, granulosa cell tumor, gynandroblastoma, hamartoma, hemangioendothelioma, hemangioma, hemangio-pericytoma, hemangiosarcoma, hepatoma, islet cell tumor, Kaposi sarcoma, leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma, leukosarcoma, Leydig cell tumor, lipoma, liposarcoma, lymphaugioma, lymphangiomyoma, lymphangiosarcoma, medulloblastoma, meningioma, mesenchymoma, mesonephroma, mesothelioma, myoblastoma, myoma, myosarcoma, myxoma, myxosarcoma, neurilemmoma, neuroma, neuroblastoma, neuroepithelioma, neurofibroma, neurofibromatosis, odontoma, osteoma, osteosarcoma, papilloma, paraganglioma, paraganglionia. nonchroinaffin, pinealoma, rhabdomyoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Sertoli cell tumor, teratoma, theca cell tumor, and other diseases in which cells have become dysplastic, immortalized, or transformed. The peptides of the invention can be used alone or in combination therapy for the treatment or prevention of: Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) (autosomal dominant syndrome) that precedes colon cancer, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), and inherited autosomal dominant syndrome. For treatment or prevention of cancer, pre-cancerous growths and metastatic growths, the peptides can be used in combination therapy with radiation or chemotherapeutic agents, an inhibitor of a cGMP-dependent phosphodiesterase or a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (a number of selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors are described in W002062369, hereby incorporated by reference). The peptides can be for treatment or prevention of inflammation. Thus, they can be used alone or in combination with inhibitor of cGMP-dependent phosphodiesterase or a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor for treatment of: organ inflammation, IBD (e.g, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), asthma, nephritis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, ischemic bowel diseases, intestinal inflammations/allergies, coeliac disease, proctitis, eosnophilic gastroenteritis, mastocytosis, and other inflammatory disorders. The peptides can also be used alone or in combination therapy to treat or prevent insulin-related disorders, for example: II diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, obesity, disorders associated with disturbances in glucose or electrolyte transport and insulin secretion in cells, or endocrine disorders. They can be also used in insulin resistance treatment and post-surgical and non-post surgery decrease in insulin responsiveness. The peptides can be used alone or in combination therapy to prevent or treat respiratory disorders, including, inhalation, ventilation and mucus secretion disorders, pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstruction of vessels and airways, and irreversible obstructions of vessels and bronchi. The peptides can be used in combination therapy with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (examples of such inhibitors can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,333,354, hereby incorporated by reference). The peptides can also be used alone or in combination therapy to prevent or treat: retinopathy, nephropathy, diabetic angiopathy, and edema formation The peptides can also be used alone or in combination therapy to prevent or treat neurological disorders, for example, headache, anxiety, movement disorders, aggression, psychosis, seizures, panic attacks, hysteria, sleep disorders, depression, schizoaffective disorders, sleep apnea, attention deficit syndromes, memory loss, and narcolepsy. They may also be used alone or in combination therapy as a sedative. The peptides and detectabley labeled peptides can be used alone or in combination therapy as markers to identify, detect, stage, or diagnosis diseases and conditions of the small intestine, including: Crohn's disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, tumors, benign tumors, such as benign stromal tumors, adenoma, angioma, adenomatous (pedunculated and sessile) polyps, malignant, carcinoid tumors, endocrine cell tumors, lymphoma, adenocarcinoma, foregut, midgut, and hindgut carcinoma, gastroinstestinal stromal tumor (GIST), such as leiomyoma, cellular leiomyoma, leiomyoblastoma, and leiomyosarcoma, gastrointestinal autonomic nerve tumor, malabsorption syndromes, celiac diseases, diverticulosis, Meckel's diverticulurn, colonic diverticula, megacolon, Hirschsprung's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, mesenteric ischemia, ischemic colitis, colorectal cancer, colonic polyposis, polyp syndrome, intestinal adenocarcinoma, Liddle syndrome, Brody myopathy, infantile convulsions, and choreoathetosis The peptides can be conjugated to another molecule (e.g, a diagnostic or therapeutic molecule) to target cells bearing the GCC receptor, e.g., cystic fibrosis lesions and specific cells lining the intestinal tract. Thus, they can be used to target radioactive moieties or therapeutic moieties to the intestine to aid in imaging and diagnosing or treating colorectal/metastasized or local colorectal cancer and to deliver normal copies of the p53 tumor suppressor gene to the intestinal tract. The peptides can be used alone or in combination therapy to treat erectile dysfunction. The peptides can be used alone or in combination therapy to treat inner ear disorders, e.g., to treat Meniere's disease, including symptoms of the disease such as vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, sensation of fullness in the ear, and to maintain fluid homeostasis in the inner ear. The peptides can be used alone or in combination therapy to treat disorders associated with fluid and sodium retention, e.g., diseases of the electrolyte-water/electrolyte transport system within the kidney, gut and urogenital system, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, liver cirrhosis, and nephrotic syndrome. In addition they can be used to facilitate diuresis or control intestinal fluid. The peptides can be used alone or in combination therapy to treat disorders associated with chloride or bicarbonate secretion, e.g., Cystic Fibrosis. The peptides can be used alone or in combination therapy to treat disorders associated with bile secretion. In addition, they can be used to facilitate or control chloride and bile fluid secretion in the gall bladder. The peptides can be used alone or in combination therapy to treat disorders associated with liver cell regeneration. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic disorder of the intestine that affects 20 to 60 million individuals in the US alone (Lehman Brothers, Global Healthcare-Irritable bowel syndrome industry update, September 1999). IBS is the most common disorder diagnosed by gastroenterologists (28% of patients examined) and accounts for 12% of visits to primary care physicians (Camilleri 2001, Gastroenterology 120:652-668). In the US, the economic impact of IBS is estimated at $25 billion annually, through direct costs of health care use and indirect costs of absenteeism from work (Talley 1995, Gastroenterology 109:1736-1741). Patients with IBS have three times more absenteeism from work and report a reduced quality of life. Sufferers may be unable or unwilling to attend social events, maintain employment, or travel even short distances (Drossman 1993, Dig Dis Sci 38:1569-1580). There is a tremendous unmet medical need in this population since few prescription options exist to treat IBS. Patients with IBS suffer from abdominal pain and a disturbed bowel pattern. Three subgroups of IBS patients have been defined based on the predominant bowel habit: constipation-predominant (c-IBS), diarrhea-predominant (d-IBS) or alternating between the two (a-IBS). Estimates of individuals who suffer from c-IBS range from 20-50% of the IBS patients with 30% frequently cited. In contrast to the other two subgroups that have a similar gender ratio, c-IBS is more common in women (ratio of 3:1) (Talley et al. 1995, Am J Epidemiol 142:76-83). The definition and diagnostic criteria for IBS have been formalized in the “Rome Criteria” (Drossman et al. 1999, Gut 45:Suppl II: 1-81), which are well accepted in clinical practice. However, the complexity of symptoms has not been explained by anatomical abnormalities is or metabolic changes. This has led to the classification of IBS as a functional GI disorder, which is diagnosed on the basis of the Rome criteria and limited evaluation to exclude organic disease (Ringel et al. 2001, Annu Rev Med 52: 319-338). IBS is considered to be a “biopsychosocial” disorder resulting from a combination of three interacting mechanisms: altered bowel motility, an increased sensitivity of the intestine or colon to pain stimuli (visceral sensitivity) and psychosocial factors (Camilleri 2001, Gastroenterology 120:652-668). Recently, there has been increasing evidence for a role of inflammation in etiology of IBS. Reports indicate that subsets of IBS patients have small but significant increases in colonic inflammatory and mast cells, increased inducible nitric oxide (NO) and synthase (iNOS) and altered expression of inflammatory cytokines (reviewed by Talley 2000, Medscape Coverage of DDW week). | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present invention features compositions and related methods for treating IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders and conditions (e.g., gastrointestinal motility disorders, functional gastrointestinal disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenogastric reflux, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, functional heartburn, dyspepsia (including functional dyspepsia or nonulcer dyspepsia), gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (or colonic pseudo-obstruction)), and disorders and conditions associated with constipation, e.g., constipation associated with use of opiate pain killers, post-surgical constipation, and constipation associated with neuropathic disorders as well as other conditions and disorders. The compositions feature peptides that activate the guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) receptor. The present invention also features compositions and related methods for treating obesity, congestive heart failure and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Without being bound by any particular theory, in the case of IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders the peptides are useful because they may increase gastrointestinal motility. Without being bound by any particular theory, in the case of IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders the peptides are useful, in part, because they may decrease inflammation. Without being bound by any particular theory, in the case of IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders the peptides are also useful because they may decrease gastrointestinal pain or visceral pain. The invention features pharmaceutical compositions comprising certain peptides that are capable of activating the guanylate-cyclase C (GC-C) receptor. Also within the invention are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a peptide of the invention as well as combination compositions comprising a peptide of the invention and at least one additional therapeutic agent, e.g., an agent for treating constipation (e.g., a chloride channel activator such as SPI-0211; Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Bethesda, Md., a laxative such as MiraLax; Braintree Laboratories, Braintree Mass.) or some other gastrointestinal disorder. Examples of additional therapeutic agents include: acid reducing agents such as proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantorazole and rabeprazole) and H2 receptor blockers (e.g. cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine and nizatidine), pro-motility agents such as the vasostatin-derived peptide, chromogranin A (4-16) (see, e.g., Ghia et al. 2004 Regulatory Peptides 121:31) or motilin agonists (e.g., GM-611 or mitemcinal fumarate) and 5HT receptor agonists (e.g. 5HT4 receptor agonists such as Zelnorm®; 5HT3 receptor agonists such as MKC-733), 5HT receptor antagonists (e.g 5HT1, 5HT2, 5HT3 (e.g alosetron), and 5HT4 receptor antagonists; muscarinic receptor agonists, anti-inflammatory agents, antispasmodics, antidepressants, centrally-acting analgesic agents such as opioid receptor agonists, opioid receptor antagonists (e.g. naltrexone), agents for the treatment of Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease (e.g., alequel (Enzo Biochem, Inc.; Farmingsale, N.Y.), RPD58 (Genzyme, Inc.; Cambridge, Mass.)) and ulcerative colitis (e.g., Traficet-EN™ (ChemoCentryx, Inc.; San Carlos, Calif.)) agents that treat gastrointestinal or visceral pain and cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors (motapizone, zaprinast, and suldinac sulfone). The peptides of the invention can also be used in combination with agents such a tianeptine (Stablon®) and other agents described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,683,072; (E)-4 (1,3bis(cyclohexylmethyl)-1,2,34,-tetrahydro-2,6-diono-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamic acid nonaethylene glycol methyl ether ester and related compounds described in WO 02/067942. The peptides can also be used in combination with purgatives that draw fluids to the intestine (e.g., Visicol®, a combination of sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate and sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrate). The peptides can also be used in combination with treatments entailing the administration of microorganisms useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS (e.g., glucagon-like peptide-I (glp-1)). Probactrix® (The BioBalance Corporation; New York, N.Y.) is one example of a formulation that contains microorganisms useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, the pharmaceutical compositions can include an agent selected from the group consisting of: Ca channel blockers (e.g., ziconotide), complete or partial 5HT receptor antagonists (for example 5HT3 (e.g., alosetron, ATI-7000; Aryx Thearpeutics, Santa Clara Calif.), 5HT4, 5HT2, and 5HT1 receptor antagonists), complete or partial 5HT receptor agonists including 5HT3, 5HT2, 5HT4 (e.g., tegaserod, mosapride and renzapride) and 5HT1 receptor agonists, CRF receptor agonists (NBI-34041), β-3 adrenoreceptor agonists, opioid receptor agonists (e.g., loperamide, fedotozine, and fentanyl, naloxone, naltrexone, methyl nalozone, nalmefene, cypridime, beta funaltrexamine, naloxonazine, naltrindole, and nor-binaltorphimine, morphine, diphenyloxylate, enkephalin pentapeptide, asimadoline, and trimebutine), NK1 receptor antagonists (e.g., ezlopitant and SR-14033), CCK receptor agonists (e.g., loxiglumide), NK1 receptor antagonists, NK3 receptor antagonists (e.g., talnetant, osanetant (SR-142801), SSR-241586), norepinephrine-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (NSRI; e.g., milnacipran), vanilloid and cannabanoid receptor agonists (e.g., arvanil), sialorphin, sialorphin-related peptides comprising the amino acid sequence QHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1661) for example, VQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1662); VRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1663); VRGQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1664); VRGPQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1665); VRGPRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1666); VRGPRRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1667); and RQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1668), compounds or peptides that are inhibitors of neprilysin, frakefamide (H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe(F)-Phe-NH 2 ; WO 01/019849 A1), loperamide, Tyr-Arg (kyotorphin), CCK receptor agonists (caerulein), conotoxin peptides, peptide analogs of thymulin, loxiglumide, dexloxiglumide (the R-isomer of loxiglumide) (WO 88/05774), chromogranin-derived peptide (CgA 47-66, see, e.g., Ghia et al. 2004 Regulatory Peptides 119:199), and other analgesic peptides or compounds. These peptides and compounds can be administered with the peptides of the invention (simultaneously or sequentially). They can also be covalently linked to a peptide of the invention to create therapeutic conjugates. The agents of the invention can also be used in combination therapy with agents (e.g. aldolor) for the treatment of postoperative ileus. The invention includes methods for treating various gastrointestinal disorders by administering a peptide that acts as a partial or complete agonist of the GC-C receptor. The peptide includes at least six cysteines that can form three disulfide bonds. In certain embodiments the disulfide bonds are replaced by other covalent cross-links and in some cases the cysteines are substituted by other residues to provide for alternative covalent cross-links. The peptides may also include at least one trypsin or chymotrypsin cleavage site and/or an amino or carboxy-terminal analgesic peptide or small molecule, e.g., AspPhe or some other analgesic peptide. When present within the peptide, the analgesic peptide or small molecule may be preceded by a chymotrypsin or trypsin cleavage site that allows release of the analgesic peptide or small molecule. The peptides and methods of the invention are also useful for treating pain and inflammation associated with various disorders, including gastrointestinal disorders. Certain peptides include a functional chymotrypsin or trypsin cleavage site located so as to allow inactivation of the peptide upon cleavage. Certain peptides having a functional cleavage site undergo cleavage and gradual inactivation in the digestive tract, and this is desirable in some circumstances. In certain peptides, a functional chymotrypsin site is altered, increasing the stability of the peptide in vivo. The invention includes methods for treating other disorders such as congestive heart failure and benign prostatic hyperplasia by administering a peptide or small molecule (parenterally or orally) that acts as an agonist of the GC-C receptor. Such agents can be used in combination with natriuretic peptides (e.g., atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide or C-type natriuretic peptide), a diuretic, or an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme. The invention features methods and compositions for increasing intestinal motility. Intestinal motility involves spontaneous coordinated dissentions and contractions of the stomach, intestines, colon and rectum to move food through the gastrointestinal tract during the digestive process. In certain embodiments the peptides include either one or two or more contiguous negatively charged amino acids (e.g., Asp or Glu) or one or two or more contiguous positively charged residues (e.g., Lys or Arg) or one or two or more contiguous positively or negatively charged amino acids at the carboxy terminus. In these embodiments all of the flanking amino acids at the carboxy terminus are either positively or negatively charged. In other embodiments the carboxy terminal charged amino acids are preceded by a Leu. For example, the following amino acid sequences can be added to the carboxy terminus of the peptide: Asp; Asp Lys; Lys Lys Lys Lys Lys Lys (SEQ ID NO:127); Asp Lys Lys Lys Lys Lys Lys (SEQ ID NO:128); Leu Lys Lys; and Leu Asp. It is also possible to simply add Leu at the carboxy terminus. In a first aspect, the invention features a peptide comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence (I): (SEQ ID NO: 1) Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 In some embodiments Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 is Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr (SEQ ID NO: 126) or is missing or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 is missing. In certain embodiments Xaa 8 , Xaa 9 , Xaa 12 , Xaa 14 , Xaa 16 , Xaa 17 , and Xaa 19 can be any amino acid. In certain embodiments Xaa 8 , Xaa 9 , Xaa 12 , Xaa 14 , Xaa 16 , Xaa 17 , and Xaa 19 can be any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments Xaa 5 is Asn, Trp, Tyr, Asp, or Phe. In other embodiments, Xaa 5 can also be Thr or Ile. In other embodiments Xaa 5 is Tyr, Asp or Trp. In certain embodiments Xaa 5 is Asn, Trp, Tyr, Asp, Ile, Thr or Phe. In certain embodiments Xaa 5 is Asn. In some embodiments Xaa 8 is Glu, Asp, Gln, Gly or Pro. In other embodiments Xaa 8 is Glu. In other embodiments Xaa 8 is Glu or Asp. In others it is Asn, Glu, or Asp. In others it is Glu, His, Lys, Gln, Asn, or Asp. In others it is Glu, His, Gln, Asn, or Asp. In others it is Glu, Asn, His, Gln, Lys, Asp or Ser. In still others it is Pro. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In some embodiments Xaa 9 is Leu, Ile, Val, Ala, Lys, Arg, Trp, Tyr or Phe. In some embodiments Xaa 9 is Leu, Ile, Val, Lys, Arg, Trp, Tyr or Phe. In others it is Leu, Ile, Val, Trp, Tyr or Phe. In others it is Leu, Ile or Val. In others it is Trp, Tyr or Phe. In others it is Leu, Ile, Lys, Arg, Trp, Tyr, or Phe. In others it is Leu, Val, Ile, or Met. In others it is Leu or Phe. In others it is Leu, Phe, or Tyr. In others it is Tyr, Phe or His. In others it is Phe, His, Trp, or Tyr. In certain embodiments, Xaa 9 is not Leu. In others it is Tyr. In other embodiments it is any natural or non-natural aromatic amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments, Xaa 12 is Asn, Tyr, Asp or Ala. In others it is Asn. In others it is Asn, Met, Arg, Lys, His, or Gln. In others it is Asn, Lys, His, or Gln. In others it is Asn, Asp, Glu or Gln. In others it is Asn, Thr, Ser, Arg, Lys, Gln, or His. In others it is Asn, Ser, or His. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments, Xaa 13 is is Ala, Pro or Gly. In others it is Pro or Gly. In others it is Pro and in still others it is Gly. In certain embodiments, Xaa 14 is Ala, Leu, Ser, Gly, Val, Glu, Gln, Ile, Leu, Thr, Lys, Arg, or Asp. In others it is Ala or Gly. In others it is Val or Ala. In others it is Ala or Thr. In others it is Ala. In others it is Val, Gln, Asn, Glu, Asp, Thr, or Ala. In others it is Gly, Cys or Ser. In still others it is Thr. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments Xaa 16 is Thr, Ala, Asn, Lys, Arg, Trp, Gly or Val. In others it is Thr, Ala, Asn, Lys, Arg or Trp. In others it is Thr, Ala, Lys, Arg or Trp. In certain embodiments it is Thr, Ala or Trp. In others it is Thr. In certain embodiments it is Trp, Tyr or Phe. In certain embodiments it is Thr or Ala. In certain embodiments it is Val. In certain embodiments it is Gly. In others it is Thr, Ser, Met or Val. In others it is Val, Ala, or Thr. In others it is Ile, Val, Lys, Asn, Glu, Asp, or Thr. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural non-aromatic amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments Xaa 17 is Gly, Pro or Ala. In certain embodiments it is Gly. In certain embodiments it is Ala. In others it is Gly or Ala. In others it is Gly, Asn, Ser or Ala. In others it is Asn, Glu, Asp, Thr, Ala, Ser, or Gly. In others it is Asp, Ala, Ser, or Gly. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments Xaa 19 is Trp, Tyr, Phe, Asn, Ile, Val, His, Leu, or Arg. In certain embodiments it is Trp, Tyr, Asn or Leu. In certain embodiments it is Trp, Tyr or Phe. In others it is Tyr, Phe or His. In others it is Tyr or Trp. In others it is Tyr. In certain embodiments it is Leu, Ile or Val. In certain embodiments it is His. In certain embodiments it is Trp, Tyr, Phe, Asn, Ile, Val, His or Leu. In certain embodiments it is Trp, Tyr, Phe or Leu. In certain embodiments it is Tyr or Leu. In certain embodiments it is Lys or Arg. In certain embodiments it is any amino acid other than Pro, Arg, Lys, Asp or Glu. In certain embodiments it is any amino acid other than Pro. In certain embodiments it is any natural or non-natural amino acid or amino acid analog. In certain embodiments it is missing. In certain embodiments Xaa 20 is Asp or Asn. In certain embodiments Xaa 20 Xaa 21 is AspPhe or is missing or Xaa 20 is Asn or Glu and Xaa 21 is missing or Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 is missing. In certain embodiments, the invention features, a purified polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence (II): (SEQ ID NO:129) Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Gly 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 wherein Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 is Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr (SEQ ID NO: 126) or is missing or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 is missing and Xaa 5 is Asn; Xaa 8 is Glu or Asp; Xaa 9 is Leu, Ile, Val, Trp, Tyr or Phe; Xaa 16 is Thr, Ala, Trp; Xaa 19 is Trp, Tyr, Phe or Leu or is missing; and Xaa 20 Xaa 21 is AspPhe. In various embodiments the invention features a purified polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence (II): Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Gly 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 wherein, Xaa 9 is Leu, Ile or Val and Xaa 16 is Trp, Tyr or Phe; Xaa 9 is Trp, Tyr or Phe, and Xaa 16 is Thr or Ala; Xaa 19 is Trp, Tyr, Phe and Xaa 20 Xaa 21 is AspPhe; and Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 is missing and Xaa 5 is Asn; the peptide comprises fewer than 50, 40, 30 or 25 amino acids; or fewer than five amino acids precede Cys 6 . In certain embodiments the peptide includes a peptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys Cys Glu Xaa 9 Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) (SEQ ID NO:2) wherein Xaa 9 is any amino acid: wherein Xaa 9 is any amino acid other than Leu; wherein Xaa 9 is selected from Phe, Trp and Tyr; wherein Xaa 9 is selected from any other natural or non-natural aromatic amino acid; wherein Xaa 9 is Tyr; wherein Xaa 9 is Phe; wherein Xaa 9 is Trp; wherein Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 is Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr; wherein Xaa 1 , Xaa 2 , Xaa 3 , Xaa 4 , and Xaa 5 are missing; wherein Xaa 1 , Xaa 2 , Xaa 3 and Xaa 4 are missing; wherein Xaa 1 , Xaa 2 and Xaa 3 are missing; wherein Xaa 1 and Xaa 2 are missing; wherein Xaa 1 is missing; wherein Xaa 20 Xaa 21 is AspPhe or is missing or Xaa 20 is Asn or Glu and Xaa 21 is missing or Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 is missing; wherein Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 and Tyr Xaa 20 Xaa 21 are missing. In the case of a peptide comprising the sequence (I): Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 wherein: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 is missing and/or the sequence Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 is missing, the peptide can still contain additional carboxyterminal or amino terminal amino acids or both. In the case of peptides missing one or more terminal amino acids such as Xaa 1 or Xaa 21 , the peptide can still contain additional carboxyterminal or amino terminal amino acids or both. In certain embodiments, the peptide includes disulfide bonds between Cys 6 and Cys 11 , between Cys 7 and Cys 15 and between Cys 10 and Cys 16 . In other embodiments, the peptide is a reduced peptide having no disulfide bonds. In still other embodiments the peptide has one or two disulfide bonds chosen from: a disulfide bond between Cys 6 and Cys 11 , a disulfide bond between Cys 7 and Cys 15 and a disulfide bond between Cys 10 and Cys 16 . In certain embodiments, one or more amino acids can be replaced by a non-naturally occurring amino acid or a naturally or non-naturally occurring amino acid analog. There are many amino acids beyond the standard 20. Some are naturally-occurring others are not (see, for example, Hunt, The Non-Protein Amino Acids: In Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Amino Acids, Barrett, Chapman and Hall, 1985). For example, an aromatic amino acid can be replaced by 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine, 3-iodo-L-tyrosine, triiodothyronine, L-thyroxine, phenylglycine (Phg) or nor-tyrosine (norTyr). Phg and norTyr and other amino acids including Phe and Tyr can be substituted by, e.g., a halogen, —CH3, —OH, —CH 2 NH 3 , —C(O)H, —CH 2 CH 3 , —CN, —CH 2 CH 2 CH 3 , —SH, or another group. Any amino acid can be substituted by the D-form of the amino acid. With regard to non-naturally occurring amino acids or a naturally and non-naturally occurring amino acid analogs, a number of substitutions in the peptide of formula I or the peptide of formula II are possible alone or in combination. Xaa 8 can be replaced by gamma-Hydroxy-Glu or gamma-Carboxy-Glu. Xaa 9 can be replaced by an alpha substituted amino acid such as L-alpha-methylphenylalanine or by analogues such as: 3-Amino-Tyr; Tyr(CH 3 ); Tyr(PO 3 (CH 3 ) 2 ); Tyr(SO 3 H); beta-Cyclohexyl-Ala; beta-(1-Cyclopentenyl)-Ala; beta-Cyclopentyl-Ala; beta-Cyclopropyl-Ala; beta-Quinolyl-Ala; beta-(2-Thiazolyl)-Ala; beta-(Triazole-1-yl)-Ala; beta-(2-Pyridyl)-Ala; beta-(3-Pyridyl)-Ala; Amino-Phe; Fluoro-Phe; Cyclohexyl-Gly; tBu-Gly; beta-(3-benzothienyl)-Ala; beta-(2-thienyl)-Ala; 5-Methyl-Trp; and 4-Methyl-Trp. Xaa 13 can be an N(alpha)-C(alpha) cyclized amino acid analogues with the structure: Xaa 13 can also be homopro (L-pipecolic acid); hydroxy-Pro; 3,4-Dehydro-Pro; 4-fluoro-Pro; or alpha-methyl-Pro. When Xaa 13 is Gly, Ala, Leu or Val, Xaal 4 can be: Xaa 14 can also be an alpha-substitued or N-methylated amino acid such as alpha-amino isobutyric acid (aib), L/D-alpha-ethylalanine (L/D-isovaline), L/D-methylvaline, or L/D-alpha-methylleucine or a non-natural amino acid such as beta-fluoro-Ala. Xaa 17 can be alpha-amino isobutyric acid (aib) or L/D-alpha-ethylalanine (L/D-isovaline). Further examples of unnatural amino acids include: an unnatural analogue of tyrosine; an unnatural analogue of glutamine; an unnatural analogue of phenylalanine; an unnatural analogue of serine; an unnatural analogue of threonine; an alkyl, aryl, acyl, azido, cyano, halo, hydrazine, hydrazide, hydroxyl, alkenyl, alkynl, ether, thiol, sulfonyl, seleno, ester, thioacid, borate, boronate, phospho, phosphono, phosphine, heterocyclic, enone, imine, aldehyde, hydroxylamine, keto, or amino substituted amino acid, or any combination thereof; an amino acid with a photoactivatable cross-linker; a spin-labeled amino acid; a fluorescent amino acid; an amino acid with a novel functional group; an amino acid that covalently or noncovalently interacts with another molecule; a metal binding amino acid; a metal-containing amino acid; a radioactive amino acid; a photocaged and/or photoisomerizable amino acid; a biotin or biotin-analogue containing amino acid; a glycosylated or carbohydrate modified amino acid; a keto containing amino acid; amino acids comprising polyethylene glycol or polyether; a heavy atom substituted amino acid (e.g., an amino acid containing deuterium, tritium, 13 C, 15 N, or 18 O); a chemically cleavable or photocleavable amino acid; an amino acid with an elongated side chain; an amino acid containing a toxic group; a sugar substituted amino acid, e.g., a sugar substituted serine or the like; a carbon-linked sugar-containing amino acid; a redox-active amino acid; an α-hydroxy containing acid; an amino thio acid containing amino acid; an α, α disubstituted amino acid; a β-amino acid; a cyclic amino acid other than proline; an O-methyl-L-tyrosine; an L-3-(2-naphthyl)alanine; a 3-methyl-phenylalanine; a p-acetyl-L-phenylalanine; an 0-4-allyl-L-tyrosine; a 4-propyl-L-tyrosine; a tri-O-acetyl-GlcNAcβ-serine; an L-Dopa; a fluorinated phenylalanine; an isopropyl-L-phenylalanine; a p-azido-L-phenylalanine; a p-acyl-L-phenylalanine; a p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine; an L-phosphoserine; a phosphonoserine; a phosphonotyrosine; a p-iodo-phenylalanine; a 4-fluorophenylglycine; a p-bromophenylalanine; a p-amino-L-phenylalanine; a isopropyl-L-phenylalanine; L-3-(2-naphthyl)alanine; an amino-, isopropyl-, or O-allyl-containing phenylalanine analogue; a dopa, O-methyl-L-tyrosine; a glycosylated amino acid; a p-(propargyloxy)phenylalanine; dimethyl-Lysine; hydroxy-proline; mercaptopropionic acid; methyl-lysine; 3-nitro-tyrosine; norleucine; pyro-glutamic acid; Z (Carbobenzoxyl); ε-Acetyl-Lysine; β-alanine; aminobenzoyl derivative; aminobutyric acid (Abu); citrulline; aminohexanoic acid; aminoisobutyric acid; cyclohexylalanine; d-cyclohexylalanine; hydroxyproline; nitro-arginine; nitro-phenylalanine; nitro-tyrosine; norvaline; octahydroindole carboxylate; ornithine; penicillamine; tetrahydroisoquinoline; acetamidomethyl protected amino acids and pegylated amino acids. Further examples of unnatural amino acids and amino acid analogs can be found in U.S. 20030108885, U.S. 20030082575, and the references cited therein. In some embodiments, an amino acid can be replaced by a naturally-occurring, non-essential amino acid, e.g., taurine. Methods to manfacture peptides containing unnatural amino acids can be found in, for example, U.S. 20030108885, U.S. 20030082575, Deiters et al., J Am Chem Soc. (2003) 125:11782-3, Chin et al., Science (2003) 301:964-7, and the references cited therein. The peptides of the invention can have one or more conventional peptide bonds replaced by an alternative bond. Such replacements can increase the stability of the peptide. For example, replacement of the peptide bond between Cys 18 and Xaa 19 with an alternative bond can reduce cleavage by carboxy peptidases and may increase half-life in the digestive tract. Bonds that can replace peptide bonds include: a retro-inverso bonds (C(O)—NH instead of NH—C(O); a reduced amide bond (NH—CH 2 ); a thiomethylene bond (S—CH 2 or CH 2 —S); an oxomethylene bond (O—CH 2 or CH 2 —O); an ethylene bond (CH 2 —CH 2 ); a thioamide bond (C(S)—NH); a trans-olefine bond (CH═CH); an fluoro substituted trans-olefine bond (CF═CH); a ketomethylene bond (C(O)—CHR or CHR—C(O) wherein R is H or CH 3 ; and a fluoro-ketomethylene bond (C(O)—CFR or CFR—C(O) wherein R is H or F or CH 3 . The peptides of the invention can be modified using standard modifications. Modifications may occur at the amino (N—), carboxy (C—) terminus, internally or a combination of any of the preceeding. In one aspect of the invention, there may be more than one type of modification of the peptide. Modifications include but are not limited to: acetylation, amidation, biotinylation, cinnamoylation, farnesylation, formylation, myristoylation, palmitoylation, phosphorylation (Ser, Tyr or Thr), stearoylation, succinylation, sulfurylation and cyclisation (via disulfide bridges or amide cyclisation), and modification by Cy3 or Cy5. The peptides of the invention may also be modified by 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP), DNP-lysin, modification by 7-Amino-4-methyl-coumarin (AMC), flourescein, NBD (7-Nitrobenz-2-Oxa-1,3-Diazole), p-nitro-anilide, rhodamine B, EDANS (5-((2-aminoethyl)amino)naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid), dabcyl, dabsyl, dansyl, texas red, FMOC, and Tamra (Tetramethylrhodamine). The peptides of the invention may also be conjugated to, for example, polyethylene glycol (PEG); alkyl groups (e.g., C1-C20 straight or branched alkyl groups); fatty acid radicals; combinations of PEG, alkyl groups and fatty acid radicals (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,633; Soltero et al., 2001 Innovations in Pharmaceutical Technology 106-110); BSA and KLH (Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin). When Xaa 9 is Trp, Tyr or Phe or when Xaa 16 is Trp the peptide has a potentially functional chymotrypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage may alter GC-C receptor binding by the peptide. When Xaa 9 is Lys or Arg or when Xaa 16 is Lys or Arg, the peptide has a potentially functional trypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage may alter GC-C receptor binding by the peptide. When Xaa 19 is Trp, Tyr or Phe, the peptide has a chymotrypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage will liberate the portion of the peptide carboxy-terminal to Xaa 19 . When Xaa 19 is Leu, Ile or Val, the peptide can have a chymotrypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage will liberate the portion of the peptide amino-terminal to Xaa 19 . At relatively high pH the same effect is seen when Xaa 19 is His. When Xaa 19 is Lys or Arg, the peptide has a trypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage will liberate portion of the peptide carboxy-terminal to Xaa 19 . Thus, if the peptide includes an analgesic peptide carboxy-terminal to Xaa 19 , the peptide will be liberated in the digestive tract upon exposure to the appropriate protease. Among the analgesic peptides which can be included in the peptide and/or coadministered with the peptide are: AspPhe (as Xaa 20 Xaa 21 ), endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, nocistatin, dalargin, lupron, and substance P and other analgesic peptides described herein. These peptides can, for example, be used to replace Xaa 20 Xaa 21 . When Xaa 1 or the amino-terminal amino acid of the peptide of the invention (e.g., Xaa 2 or Xaa 3 ) is Trp, Tyr or Phe, the peptide has a chymotrypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage will liberate the portion of the peptide amino-terminal to Xaa 1 (or Xaa 2 or Xaa 3 ) along with Xaa 1 , Xaa 2 or Xaa 3 . When Xaa 1 or the amino-terminal amino acid of the peptide of the invention (e.g., Xaa 2 or Xaa 3 ) is Lys or Arg, the peptide has a trypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage will liberate portion of the peptide amino-terminal to Xaa 1 along with Xaa 1 , Xaa 2 or Xaa 3 ). When Xaa 1 or the amino-terminal amino acid of the peptide of the invention is Leu, Ile or Val, the peptide can have a chymotrypsin cleavage site that is located at a position where cleavage will liberate the portion of the peptide amino-terminal to Xaa 1 . At relatively high pH the same effect is seen when Xaa 1 is His. Thus, for example, if the peptide includes an analgesic peptide amino-terminal to Xaa 1 , the peptide will be liberated in the digestive tract upon exposure to the appropriate protease. Among the analgesic peptides which can be included in the peptide are: AspPhe, endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, nocistatin, dalargin, lupron, and substance p and other analgesic peptides described herein. When fully folded, disulfide bonds may be present between: Cys 6 and Cys 11 ; Cys 7 and Cys 15 ; and Cys 10 and Cys 18 . The peptides of the invention bear some sequence similarity to ST peptides. However, they include amino acid changes and/or additions that improve functionality. These changes can, for example, increase or decrease activity (e.g., increase or decrease the ability of the peptide to stimulate intestinal motility), alter the ability of the peptide to fold correctly, alter the stability of the peptide, alter the ability of the peptide to bind the GC-C receptor and/or decrease toxicity. In some cases the peptides may function more desirably than wild-type ST peptide. For example, they may limit undesirable side effects such as diarrhea and dehydration. In some embodiments one or both members of one or more pairs of Cys residues which normally form a disulfide bond can be replaced by homocysteine, penicillamine, 3-mercaptoproline (Kolodziej et al. 1996 Int J Pept Protein Res 48:274); β,β dimethylcysteine (Hunt et al. 1993 Int J Pept Protein Res 42:249) or diaminopropionic acid (Smith et al. 1978 J Med Chem 21:117) to form alternative internal cross-links at the positions of the normal disulfide bonds. In addition, one or more disulfide bonds can be replaced by alternative covalent cross-links, e.g., an amide linkage (—CH 2 CH(O)NHCH 2 — or —CH 2 NHCH(O)CH 2 —), an ester linkage, a thioester linkage, a lactam bridge, a carbamoyl linkage, a urea linkage, a thiourea linkage, a phosphonate ester linkage, an alkyl linkage (—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 —), an alkenyl linkage(—CH 2 CH═CHCH 2 —), an ether linkage (—CH 2 CH 2 OCH 2 — or —CH 2 OCH 2 CH 2 —), a thioether linkage (—CH 2 CH 2 SCH 2 — or —CH 2 SCH 2 CH 2 —), an amine linkage (—CH 2 CH 2 NHCH 2 — or —CH 2 NHCH 2 CH 2 —) or a thioamide linkage (—CH 2 CH(S)HNHCH 2 — or —CH 2 NHCH(S)CH 2 —). For example, Ledu et al. (Proc Nat'l Acad. Sci. 100:11263-78, 2003) describe methods for preparing lactam and amide cross-links. Schafmeister et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 122:5891, 2000) describes stable, hydrocarbon cross-links. Hydrocarbon cross links can be produced via metathesis (or methathesis followed by hydrogenation in the case of saturated hydrocarbons cross-links) using one or another of the Grubbs catalysts (available from Materia, Inc. and Sigma-Aldrich and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,831,108 and 6,111,121). In some cases, the generation of such alternative cross-links requires replacing the Cys residues with other residues such as Lys or Glu or non-naturally occurring amino acids. In addition the lactam, amide and hydrocarbon cross-links can be used to stabilize the peptide even if they link amino acids at postions other than those occupied by Cys. Such cross-links can occur between two amino acids that are separated by two amino acids or between two amino acids that are separated by six amino acids (see, e.g., Schafmeister et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 122:5891, 2000)) In the case of a peptide comprising the sequence (I): Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys Cys Glu Xaa 9 Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) wherein: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 is missing and/or the sequence Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 is missing, the peptide can still contain additional carboxyterminal or amino terminal amino acids or both. For example, the peptide can include an amino terminal sequence that facilitates recombinant production of the peptide and is cleaved prior to administration of the peptide to a patient. The peptide can also include other amino terminal or carboxyterminal amino acids. In some cases the additional amino acids protect the peptide, stabilize the peptide or alter the activity of the peptide. In some cases some or all of these additional amino acids are removed prior to administration of the peptide to a patient. The peptide can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 80, 90, 100 or more amino acids at its amino terminus or carboxy terminus or both. The number of flanking amino acids need not be the same. For example, there can be 10 additional amino acids at the amino terminus of the peptide and none at the carboxy terminus. In one embodiment the peptide comprises the amino acid sequence (1): Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 wherein: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 is missing; Xaa 8 is Glu; Xaa 9 is Leu, Ile, Lys, Arg, Trp, Tyr or Phe; Xaa 12 is Asn; Xaa 13 is Pro; Xaa 14 is Ala; Xaa 16 is Thr, Ala, Lys, Arg, Trp; Xaa 17 is Gly; Xaa 19 is Tyr or Leu; and Xaa 20 Xaa 21 is AspPhe or is missing. Where Xaa 20 Xaa 21 and/or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 are missing, there may be additional flanking amino acids in some embodiments. In certain embodiments of a composition comprising a peptide having the sequence (I): Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 , the peptide does not comprise or consist of any of the peptides of Table I. In a second aspect, the invention also features a therapeutic or prophylactic method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising or consisting essentially of a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (I) or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Gly 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) as described herein. The peptides can be co-administered with or linked, e.g., covalently linked to any of a variety of other peptides including analgesic peptides or analgesic compounds. For example, a therapeutic peptide of the invention can be linked to an analgesic agent selected from the group consisting of: Ca channel blockers (e.g., ziconotide), complete or partial 5HT receptor antagonists (for example 5HT3 (e.g. alosetron, ATI-7000; Aryx Thearpeutics, Santa Clara Calif.), 5HT4, 5HT2, and 5HT1 receptor antagonists), complete or partial 5HT receptor agonists including 5HT3, 5HT2, 5HT4 (e.g. tegaserod, mosapride and renzapride) and 5HT1 receptor agonists, CRF receptor agonists (NBI-34041), β-3 adrenoreceptor agonists, opioid receptor agonists (e.g., loperamide, fedotozine, and fentanyl, naloxone, naltrexone, methyl nalozone, nalmefene, cypridime, beta funaltrexamine, naloxonazine, naltrindole, and nor-binaltorphimine, morphine, diphenyloxylate, enkephalin pentapeptide, asimadoline, and trimebutine), NK1 receptor antagonists (e.g., ezlopitant and SR-14033), CCK receptor agonists (e.g., loxiglumide), NK1 receptor antagonists, NK3 receptor antagonists (e.g., talnetant, osanetant (SR-142801), SSR-241586), norepinephrine-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (NSRI; e.g., milnacipran), vanilloid and cannabanoid receptor agonists (e.g., arvanil), sialorphin, sialorphin-related peptides comprising the amino acid sequence QHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1661) for example, VQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1662); VRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1663); VRGQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1664); VRGPQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:1665); VRGPRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1666); VRGPRRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1667); and RQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 1668), compounds or peptides that are inhibitors of neprilysin, frakefamide (H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe(F)-Phe-NH 2 ; WO 01/019849 A1), loperamide, Tyr-Arg (kyotorphin), CCK receptor agonists (caerulein), conotoxin peptides, pepetide analogs of thymulin, loxiglumide, dexloxiglumide (the R-isomer of loxiglumide) (WO 88/05774) and other analgesic peptides or compounds can be used with or linked to the peptides of the invention. Amino acid, non-amino acid, peptide and non-peptide spacers can be interposed between a peptide that is a GC-C receptor agonsit and a peptide that has some other biological function, e.g., an analgesic peptide or a peptide used to treat obesity. The linker can be one that is cleaved from the flanking peptides in vivo or one that remains linked to the flanking peptides in vivo. For example, glycine, beta-alanine, glycyl-glycine, glycyl-beta-alanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, 6-aminocaproic acid, L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan and glycil-L-valil-L-phenylalanine can be used as spacers (Chaltin et al. 2003 Helvetica Chimica Acta 86:533-547; Caliceti et al. 1993 FARMCO 48:919-32) as can polyethylene glycols (Butterworth et al. 1987 J. Med. Chem 30:1295-302) and maleimide derivatives (King et al. 2002 Tetrahedron Lett. 43:1987-1990). Various other linkers are described in the literature (Nestler 1996 Molecular Diversity 2:35-42; Finn et al. 1984 Biochemistry 23:2554-8; Cook et al. 1994 Tetrahedron Lett. 35:6777-80; Brokx et al. 2002 Journal of Controlled Release 78:115-123; Griffin et al. 2003 J. Am. Chem. Soc. 125:6517-6531; Robinson et al. 1998 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95:5929-5934). The peptides of the invention can be attached to one, two or more different moieties each providing the same or different functions. For example, the peptide can be linked to a molecule that is an analgesic and to a peptide that is used to treat obesity. The peptide and various moieties can be ordered in various ways. For example, a peptide of the invention can have an analgesic peptide linked to its amino terminus and an anti-obesity peptide linked to its carboxy terminus. The additional moieties can be directly covalently bonded to the peptide or can be bonded via linkers. The peptides of the invention can be a cyclic peptide or a linear peptide. In addition, multiple copies of the same peptide can be incorporated into a single cyclic or linear peptide. The peptides can include the amino acid sequence of a peptide that occurs naturally in a vertebrate (e.g., mammalian) species or in a bacterial species. In addition, the peptides can be partially or completely non-naturally occurring peptides. Also within the invention are peptidomimetics corresponding to the peptides of the invention. In various embodiments, the patient is suffering from a gastrointestinal disorder; the patient is suffering from a disorder selected from the group consisting of: a gastrointestinal motility disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, post-operative ileus, a functional gastrointestinal disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, duodenogastric reflux, functional heartburn, dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia, nonulcer dyspepsia, gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Irritable bowel syndrome, colonic pseudo-obstruction, obesity, congestive heart failure, or benign prostatic hyperplasia; the composition is administered orally; the peptide comprises 30 or fewer amino acids, the peptide comprises 20 or fewer amino acids, and the peptide comprises no more than 5 amino acids prior to Cys 6 ; the peptide comprises 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, or 30 or fewer amino acids. In other embodiments, the peptide comprises 20 or fewer amino acids. In other embodiments the peptide comprises no more than 20, 15, 10, or 5 peptides subsequent to Cys 18 . In certain embodiments Xaa 19 is a chymotrypsin or trypsin cleavage site and an analgesic peptide is present immediately following Xaa 19 . In a third aspect, the invention features a method for treating a patient suffering from constipation. Clinically accepted criteria that define constipation range from the frequency of bowel movements, the consistency of feces and the ease of bowel movement. One common definition of constipation is less than three bowel movements per week. Other definitions include abnormally hard stools or defecation that requires excessive straining (Schiller 2001, Aliment Pharmacol Ther 15:749-763). Constipation may be idiopathic (functional constipation or slow transit constipation) or secondary to other causes including neurologic, metabolic or endocrine disorders. These disorders include diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypocalcaemia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord lesions, Neurofibromatosis, autonomic neuropathy, Chagas disease, Hirschsprung's disease and Cystic fibrosis. Constipation may also be the result of surgery (postoperative ileus) or due to the use of drugs such as analgesics (like opioids), antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antispasmodics and antipsychotics. The method of treating constipation comprises administering a pharamaceutical composition comprising or consisting essentially of a peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (I) or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Gly 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) as described herein. In various embodiments, the constipation is associated with use of a therapeutic agent; the constipation is associated with a neuropathic disorder; the constipation is post-surgical constipation (postoperative ileus); and the constipation associated with a gastrointestinal disorder; the constipation is idiopathic (functional constipation or slow transit constipation); the constipation is associated with neuropathic, metabolic or endocrine disorder (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypocalcaemia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord lesions, neurofibromatosis, autonomic neuropathy, Chagas disease, Hirschsprung's disease or cystic fibrosis). Constipation may also be the result of surgery (postoperative ileus) or due the use of drugs such as analgesics (e.g., opioids), antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antispasmodics and antipsychotics. In a fourth aspect, the invention features a method for treating a patient suffering a gastrointestinal disorder, the method comprising administering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising or consisting essentially of a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (I) or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 CyS 6 CyS 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Gly 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) as described herein. In various embodiments, the patient is suffering from a gastrointestinal disorder; the patient is suffering from a disorder selected from the group consisting of: a gastrointestinal motility disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, post-operative ileus, a functional gastrointestinal disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional heartburn, dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia, nonulcer dyspepsia, gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Inflammatory bowel disease, colonic pseudo-obstruction, obesity, congestive heart failure, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. In a fifth aspect, the invention features a method for increasing gastrointestinal motility in a patient, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (I) or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Gly 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) as described herein. In a sixth aspect, the invention features a method for increasing the activity of (activating) an intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor in a patient, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (I) or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Gly 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) as described herein. In a seventh aspect, the invention features an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (I) or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Gly 17 Cys18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) as described herein. In an eighth aspect the invention features a method for treating constipation, the method comprising administering an agonist of the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor. In various embodiments: the agonist is a peptide, the peptide includes two Cys that form one is 5 disulfide bond, the peptide includes four Cys that form two disulfide bonds, and the peptide includes six Cys that form three disulfide bonds. In a ninth aspect, the invention features a method for treating a gastrointestinal disorder, a gastrointestinal motility disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, post-operative ileus, a functional gastrointestinal disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, duodenogastric reflux, functional heartburn, dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia, nonulcer dyspepsia, gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, colonic pseudo-obstruction, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, congestive heart failure, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, the method comprising administering an agonist of the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor either orally, by rectal suppository, or parenterally. In various embodiments: the agonist is a peptide, the peptide includes two Cys that form one disulfide bond, the peptide includes four Cys that form two disulfide bonds, and the peptide includes six Cys that form three disulfide bonds. In a tenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating a gastrointestinal disorder selected from the group consisting of: a gastrointestinal motility disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, post-operative ileus, a functional gastrointestinal disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, duodenogastric reflux, functional heartburn, dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia, nonulcer dyspepsia, gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, colonic pseudo-obstruction, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Inflammatory bowel disease, the method comprising administering an agonist of the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor. In various embodiments the composition is administered orally; the peptide comprises 30 or fewer amino acids, the peptide comprises 20 or fewer amino acids, and the peptide comprises no more than 5 amino acids prior to Cys 5 . In various embodiments: the agonist is a peptide, the peptide includes two Cys that form one disulfide bond, the peptide includes four Cys that form two disulfide bonds, and the peptide includes six Cys that form three disulfide bonds. In an eleventh aspect, the invention features a method for treating obesity, the method comprising administering a complete or partial agonist of the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor. In various embodiments: the agonist is a peptide, the peptide includes two Cys that form one disulfide bond, the peptide includes four Cys that form two disulfide bonds, and the peptide includes six Cys that form three disulfide bonds. The agonist can be administered alone or in combination with one or more agents for treatment of obesity, for example, gut hormone fragment peptide YY 3-36 (PYY 3-36 )( N. Engl. J. Med. 349:941, 2003; ikpeapge daspeelnry yaslrhylnl vtrqry) or a variant thereof, glp-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), exendin-4 (an inhibitor of glp-1), sibutramine, phentermine, phendimetrazine, benzphetamine hydrochloride (Didrex), orlistat (Xenical), diethylpropion hydrochloride (Tenuate), fluoxetine (Prozac), bupropion, ephedra, chromium, garcinia cambogia, benzocaine, bladderwrack (focus vesiculosus), chitosan, nomame herba, galega (Goat's Rue, French Lilac), conjugated linoleic acid, L-carnitine, fiber (psyllium, plantago, guar fiber), caffeine, dehydroepiandrosterone, germander (teucrium chamaedrys), B-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, ATL-962 (Alizyme PLC), and T71 (Tularik, Inc.; Boulder Colo.), a ghrelin antagonist, Acomplia (rimonabant), AOD9604, alpha-lipoic acid (alpha-LA), and pyruvate. A peptide useful for treating obesity can be administered as a co-therapy with a peptide of the invention either as a distinct molecule or as part of a fusion protein with a peptide of the invention. Thus, for example, PYY 3-36 can be fused to the carboxy or amino terminus of a peptide of the invention. Such a fusion protein can include a chymostrypsin or trypsin cleavage site that can permit cleavage to separate the two peptides. A peptide useful for treating obesity can be administered as a co-therapy with electrostimulation (U.S. 20040015201). In a twelfth aspect, the invention features a method for treating obesity, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising or consisting essentially of a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (I) or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Xaa 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Gly 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) as described herein. In a thirteenth aspect, the invention features a composition comprising or consisting essentially of a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (I) or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Gly 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) as described herein. In one embodiment, the composition is a pharmaceutical composition. In a fourteenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating congestive heart failure, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising or consisting essentially of a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (I) or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Gly 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) as described herein. The peptide can be administered in combination with one or more agents for treatment of congestive heart failure, for example, a natriuretic peptide such as atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide or C-type natriuretic peptide), a diuretic, or an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme. In a fifteenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (I) or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 X 16 Gly 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) as described herein. The peptide can be administered alone or in combination with another agent for treatment of BPH, for example, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (e.g., finasteride) or an alpha adrenergic inhibitor (e.g., doxazosine). In a sixteenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating or reducing pain, including visceral pain, pain associated with a gastrointestinal disorder or pain associated with some other disorder, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising or consisting essentially of a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (I) or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Gly 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) as described herein. In a seventeenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating inflammation, including inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, e.g., inflammation associated with a gastrointestinal disorder or infection or some other disorder, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (I) or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Gly 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) as described herein. In an eighteenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating congestive heart failure, the method comprising administering a complete or partial agonist of the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor. The agonist can be administered alone or in combination with another agent for treatment of congestive heart failure, for example, a natriuretic peptide such as atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide or C-type natriuretic peptide, a diuretic, or an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme. In a nineteenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating BPH, the method comprising administering a complete or partial agonist of the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor. The agonist can be administered alone or in combination with another agent for treatment of BPH, for example, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (e.g., finasteride) or an alpha adrenergic inhibitor (e.g., doxazosine). In a twentieth aspect, the invention features isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising a sequence encoding a peptide of the invention. Also within the invention are vectors, e.g., expression vectors that include such nucleic acid molecules and can be used to express a peptide of the invention in a cultured cell (e.g., a eukaryotice cell or a prokaryotic cell). The vector can further include one or more regulatory elements, e.g., a heterologous promoter or elements required for translation operably linked to the sequence encoding the peptide. In some cases the nucleic acid molecule will encode an amino acid sequence that includes the amino acid sequence of a peptide of the invention. For example, the nucleic acid molecule can encode a preprotein or a preproprotein that can be processed to produce a peptide of the invention. A vector that includes a nucleotide sequence encoding a peptide of the invention or a peptide or polypeptide comprising a peptide of the invention may be either RNA or DNA, single- or double-stranded, prokaryotic, eukaryotic, or viral. Vectors can include transposons, viral vectors, episomes, (e.g., plasmids), chromosomes inserts, and artificial chromosomes (e.g. BACs or YACs). Suitable bacterial hosts for expression of the encode peptide or polypeptide include, but are not limited to, E. coli. Suitable eukaryotic hosts include yeast such as S. cerevisiae, other fungi, vertebrate cells, invertebrate cells (e.g., insect cells), plant cells, human cells, human tissue cells, and whole eukaryotic organisms. (e.g., a transgenic plant or a transgenic animal). Further, the vector nucleic acid can be used to transfect a virus such as vaccinia or baculovirus (for example using the Bac-to-Bac® Baculovirus expression system (Invitrogen Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.)). As noted above the invention includes vectors and genetic constructs suitable for production of a peptide of the invention or a peptide or polypeptide comprising such a peptide. Generally, the genetic construct also includes, in addition to the encoding nucleic acid molecule, elements that allow expression, such as a promoter and regulatory sequences. The expression vectors may contain transcriptional control sequences that control transcriptional initiation, such as promoter, enhancer, operator, and repressor sequences. A variety of transcriptional control sequences are well known to those in the art and may be functional in, but are not limited to, a bacterium, yeast, plant, or animal cell. The expression vector can also include a translation regulatory sequence (e.g., an untranslated 5′ sequence, an untranslated 3′ sequence, a poly A addition site, or an internal ribosome entry site), a splicing sequence or splicing regulatory sequence, and a transcription termination sequence. The vector can be capable of autonomous replication or it can integrate into host DNA. The invention also includes isolated host cells harboring one of the forgoing nucleic acid molecules and methods for producing a peptide by culturing such a cell and recovering the peptide or a precursor of the peptide. Recovery of the peptide or precursor may refer to collecting the growth solution and need not involve additional steps of purification. Proteins of the present invention, however, can be purified using standard purification techniques, such as, but not limited to, affinity chromatography, thermaprecipitation, immunoaffinity chromatography, ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography, filtration, electrophoresis and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The peptides can be purified. Purified peptides are peptides separated from other proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids or from the compounds from which is it synthesized. The polypeptide can constitute at least 10, 20, 50 70, 80 or 95% by dry weight of the purified preparation. In a twenty-first aspect, the invention features a method of increasing the level of cyclic guanosine 3′-monophosphate (cGMP) in an organ, tissue (e.g, the intestinal mucosa), or cell (e.g., a cell bearing GC-A receptor) by administering to a patient a composition comprising or consisting essentially of a purified peptide comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence: Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (I) or Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Asn 12 Pro 13 Ala 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Gly 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) as described herein. In a twenty-second aspect, the invention features polypeptides comprising, consisting or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 wherein: a) Xaa 8 or Xaa 9 is not present; b) neither Xaa 8 or Xaa 9 is present; c) one of Xaa 12 , Xaa 13 and Xaa 14 is not present; d) two of Xaa 12 , Xaa 13 and Xaa 14 are not present; e) three of Xaa 12 , Xaa 13 and Xaa 14 are not present; f) one of Xaa 16 and Xaa 17 is not present; g) neither Xaa 16 or Xaa 17 is present and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, one, two, three, four or five of Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 and Xaa 5 are not present. In other embodiments, one, two or three or Xaa 19 Xaa 20 and Xaa 21 are missing. Among the useful peptides are peptides comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys Cys Glu Xaa 9 Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (II) (SEQ ID NO:2) are the following peptides: (SEQ ID NO:37) Gln Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:38) Asn Thr Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:39) Asn Leu Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:40) Asn Ile Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:41) Asn Ser Ser Gln Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:42) Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:43) Gln Ser Ser Gln Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:44) Ser Ser Gln Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr. (SEQ ID NO:45) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Ala Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:46) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Arg Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:47) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Asn Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:48) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Asp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:49) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Cys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:50) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Gln Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:51) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Glu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:52) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Gly Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:53) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu His Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:54) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Ile Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:55) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Lys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:56) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Met Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:57) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Tbr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:58) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Pro Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:59) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Ser Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:60) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Thr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:61) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:62) Asn Ser Ser Asn Tyr Cys Cys Glu Val Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:63) Cys Cys Glu Ala Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:64) Cys Cys Glu Arg Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:65) Cys Cys Glu Asn Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:66) Cys Cys Glu Asp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:67) Cys Cys Glu Cys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:68) Cys Cys Glu Gln Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:69) Cys Cys GIu Glu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:70) Cys Cys Glu Gly Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:71) Cys Cys Glu His Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:72) Cys Cys Glu Ile Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:73) Cys Cys Glu Lys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:74) Cys Cys Glu Met Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:75) Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:76) Cys Cys Glu Pro Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:77) Cys Cys Glu Ser Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:78) Cys Cys Glu Thr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:79) Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:80) Cys Cys Glu Val Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:81) Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:82) Cys Cys Glu Ala Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:83) Cys Cys Glu Arg Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:84) Cys Cys Glu Asn Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:85) Cys Cys Glu Asp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:86) Cys Cys Glu Cys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:87) Cys Cys Glu Gln Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:88) Cys Cys Glu Glu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:89) Cys Cys Glu Gly Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:90) Cys Cys Glu His Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:91) Cys Cys Glu Ile Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:92) Cys Cys Glu Lys Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:93) Cys Cys Glu Met Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:94) Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:95) Cys Cys Glu Pro Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:96) Cys Cys Glu Ser Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:97) Cys Cys Glu Thr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys; (SEQ ID NO:98) Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys (SEQ ID NO:99) Cys Cys Glu Val Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys. Also useful are peptides comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of any of the following sequences: SEQ ID NOs: 1669-2080, respectively Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Thr Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Gly Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Val Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Gly Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Ala Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Ala Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Ala Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Ala Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Ala Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Ala Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Ala Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ala Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Val Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Leu Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ile Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Pro Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Met Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Phe Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Trp Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gly Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ser Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Thr Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asn Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gln Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asp Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Glu Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Lys Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Arg Cys Cys Glu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys His Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ala Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Val Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Leu Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ile Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Pro Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Met Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Phe Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Trp Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gly Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ser Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Thr Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asn Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gln Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asp Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Glu Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Lys Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Arg Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys His Cys Cys Ala Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Val Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Leu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ile Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Met Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Phe Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Trp Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gly Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ser Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Thr Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Cys Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gln Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Tyr Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asp Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Lys Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Arg Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys His Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ala Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Val Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Leu Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ile Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Met Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Phe Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Trp Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gly Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ser Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Thr Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asn Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gln Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Tyr Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asp Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Lys Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Arg Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys His Leu Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ala Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Val Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Leu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ile Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Met Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Phe Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Trp Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gly Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ser Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Thr Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gln Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Tyr Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asp Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Lys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Arg Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys His Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ala Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Val Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Leu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ile Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Met Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Phe Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Trp Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gly Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ser Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Thr Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asn Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gln Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Tyr Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asp Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Lys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Arg Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys His Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Ala Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Val Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Leu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Ile Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Pro Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Met Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Phe Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Trp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Gly Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Ser Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Thr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Cys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Gln Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Tyr Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asp Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Glu Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Lys Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys His Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ala Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Val Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Leu Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ile Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Pro Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Met Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Phe Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Trp Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gly Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ser Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Thr Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asn Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gln Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asp Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Glu Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Lys Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Arg Cys Cys Glu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys His Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ala Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Val Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Leu Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ile Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Pro Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Met Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Phe Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Trp Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gly Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Ser Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Thr Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asn Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Gln Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Asp Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Glu Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Lys Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Arg Cys Cys Glu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys His Cys Cys Ala Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Val Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Leu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ile Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Met Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Phe Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Trp Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gly Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ser Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Thr Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Cys Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gln Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Tyr Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asp Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Lys Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Arg Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys His Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ala Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Val Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Leu Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ile Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Met Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Phe Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Trp Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gly Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ser Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Thr Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asn Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gln Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Tyr Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asp Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Lys Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Arg Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys His Phe Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ala Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Val Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Leu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ile Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Met Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Phe Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Trp Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gly Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ser Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Thr Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Cys Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asn Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Gln Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Tyr Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Asp Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Lys Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Arg Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys His Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr Cys Cys Ala Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Val Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Leu Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ile Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Met Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Phe Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Trp Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gly Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Ser Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Thr Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Cys Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asn Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Gln Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Tyr Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Asp Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Lys Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys Arg Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Cys Cys His Trp Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys The invention also features deletion variants of any of the peptides described herein in which one, two, three or four amino acids (or non-natural amino acids or natural or non-natural amino acid analogs), other than a Cys (or an amino acid substituted for Cys, e.g, an amino acid capable of forming a covalent bond to another amino acid), are deleted. Where two (or more) amino acids are deleted and the peptide comprises the sequence: Cys a Cys b Xaa Xaa Cys c Cys d Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys e Xaa Xaa Cys f , in some embodiments two or more deletions can be located between Cys b and Cys c and/or between Cys d and Cys e and/or between Cys e and Cys f . However, in other embodiments there is at most one deletion between each of Cys b and Cys c or between Cys d and Cys e or between Cys e and Cys f . Thus, the invention includes any of the peptides described herein comprising the sequence Cys a CyS b Xaa Xaa Cys c Cys d Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys e Xaa Xaa Cys f wherein: a) one amino acid between Cys b and Cys c is deleted; b) one amino acid between Cys d and Cys e is deleted; c) one amino acid between Cys e and Cys f is deleted; d) one amino acid between Cys b and Cys c is deleted and one amino acid between Cys d and Cys e is deleted; e) one amino acid between Cys d and Cys e is deleted and one amino acid between Cys e and Cys f is deleted; f) one amino acid between Cys b and Cys c is deleted and one amino acid between Cys e and Cys f is deleted or g) one amino acid between Cys b and Cys c is deleted, one amino acid between Cys d and Cys e is deleted and one amino acid between Cys e and Cys f is deleted. In certain embodiments, the various deletion variants are peptides that bind to and/or activate the GC-C receptor. Deletion variants of Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:3) include the peptides listed in FIG. 1l . In these deletion variants, any of the amino acids can be deleted and there can be one, two, three or four amino acids deleted other than Cys. The invention also features insertion variants of any of the peptides described herein in which one, two, three or four amino acids (e.g., Gly or Ala) are inserted before or after any amino acid in the peptide. In some embodiments no more than one amino acid is inserted between two Cys. For example, where two or more amino acids are inserted and the peptide comprises the sequence Cys a Cys b Xaa Xaa Cys c Cys d Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys e Xaa Xaa Cys f , in some embodiments two or more insertions can be located between Cys b and Cys c or between Cys d and Cys e or between Cys e and Cys f . However, in other embodiments no more than one insertion is located between Cys b and Cys c or between Cys d and Cys e or between Cys e and Cys f . Thus, the invention features any of the peptides described herein comprising the sequence Cys a Cys b Xaa Xaa Cys e Cys d Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys e Xaa Xaa Cys f wherein: a) one amino acid is inserted between Cys b and Cys c ; b) one amino acid is inserted between Cys d and Cys e ; c) one amino acid is inserted between Cys e and Cys f ; d) one amino acid is inserted between Cys b and Cys c and one amino acid is inserted between Cys d and Cys e ; e) one amino acid is inserted between Cys d and Cys e and one amino acid is inserted between Cys e and Cys f ; f) one amino acid is inserted between Cys b and Cys c and one amino acid is inserted between Cys e and Cys f ; or g) one amino acid is inserted between Cys b and Cys c , one amino acid is inserted between Cys d and Cys e and one amino acid is inserted between Cys e and Cys f . In addition, one or more amino acids can be inserted preceding Cys a and/or one or more amino acids can be inserted following Cys f . In various embodiments, the insertion variants are peptides that bind to and/or activate the GC-C receptor. Insertion variants of Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:3) include those in which up to four amino acids (i.e., 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4) can be inserted after each amino acid. Thus, the invention includes peptides having the sequence: Cys Xaa (0-4) Cys Xaa (0-4) Glu Xaa (0-4) Tyr Xaa (0-4) Cys Xaa (0-4) Cys Xaa (0-4) Asn Xaa (0-4) Pro Xaa (0-4) Ala Xaa (0-4) Cys Xaa (0-4) Thr Xaa (0-4) Gly Xaa (0-4) Cys Xaa (0-4) Tyr Xaa (0-4) ) (SEQ ID NO:). The inserted amino acids can be any amino acid or amino acid analog (natural or non-natural) and can be the same or different. In certain embodiments the inserted amino acids are all Gly or all Ala or a combination of Gly and Ala. FIG. 12 depicts insertion variants of the peptide having the sequence: Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:3). The invention also features variants of peptides having the sequence Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Cys 6 Cys 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Cys 10 Cys 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Cys 15 Xaa 16 Xa 17 Cys 18 Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 (SEQ ID NO: 1), e.g., variants of Cys Cys Glu Tyr Cys Cys Asn Pro Ala Cys Thr Gly Cys Tyr (SEQ ID NO:3), in which up to four amino acids are deleted and/or up to four amino acids are inserted. The insertions and deletions can be between Cys 6 and Cys 18 in SEQ ID NO: 1 or they can be amino terminal to Cys 6 and/or carboxy terminal to Cys 18 in SEQ ID NO: 1. The invention also features peptides which may include one or more of the peptide modifications, one or more non-natural amino acid or amino acid analogs, one or more of the disulfide bond alternatives or one more of the alternative peptide bonds described herein. The peptides of the invention can be present with a counterion. Useful counterions include salts of: acetate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, calcium edetate, camsylate, carbonate, citrate, edetate (EDTA), edisylate, embonate, esylate, fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glutamate, glycollylarsanilate, hexylresorcinate, iodide, bromide, chloride, hydroxynaphthoate, isethionate, lactate, lactobionate, estolate, maleate, malate, mandelate, mesylate, mucate, napsylate, nitrate, pantothenate, phosphate, salicylate, stearate, succinate, sulfate, tartarate, theoclate, acetamidobenzoate, adipate, alginate, aminosalicylate, anhydromethylenecitrate, ascorbate, aspartate, camphorate, caprate, caproate, caprylate, cinnamate, cyclamate, dichloroacetate, formate, gentisate, glucuronate, glycerophosphate, glycolate, hippurate, fluoride, malonate, napadisylate, nicotinate, oleate, orotate, oxalate, oxoglutarate, palmitate, pectinate, pectinate polymer, phenylethylbarbiturate, picrate, propionate, pidolate, sebacate, rhodanide, tosylate, tannate The peptides and agonist of the intestinal guanylate cyclase (GC-C) receptor can be used to treat constipation or decreased intestinal motility, slow digestion or slow stomach emptying. The peptides can be used to relieve one or more symptoms of IBS (bloating, pain, constipation), GERD (acid reflux into the esophagus), duodenogastric reflux, functional dyspepsia, or gastroparesis (nausea, vomiting, bloating, delayed gastric emptying) and other disorders described herein. The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying description. All of the publications, patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference. | 20040727 | 20080513 | 20061116 | 66663.0 | A61K3810 | 9 | ALSTRUM ACEVEDO, JAMES HENRY | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | A61K | 2,004 |
|
10,899,812 | ACCEPTED | Edge trimming tape and method of manufacture | The present invention provides an adhesive filament-bearing adhesive tape comprising an adhesive substrate adapted to be releasably adhered to a surface to be coated, and a filament releasably adhered to an edge of that substrate, that is useful in trimming a coating applied to a surface. The invention further provides a method of trimming a coating applied to a surface comprising applying to the surface to be coated a masking material to define the area to be coated and a filament of material of sufficient tensile strength to cut the coating material; applying coating material to the surface: allowing the coating material to dry or cure until it obtains sufficient strength to hold a cut edge; and drawing the filament through the coating to cut the coating. Finally, the present invention provides an apparatus for making a filament-bearing adhesive tape comprising means for folding an adhesive substrate along a predefined line; means for applying a filament to the interior of the fold so formed; and means for closing said fold to retain said filament at the edge of the filament bearing tape. | 1. A coated vehicle surface comprising: a. the vehicle surface; b. an elongated filament bearing masking tape comprising i. an elongated substrate having at least one adhesive surface which is removably adhered to said vehicle surface, ii. an elongated filament releasably adhered to said substrate adjacent to an elongated edge of said substrate which edge defines at least one edge of said coated vehicle surface, and iii. an elongated masking material adhered to said substrate; c. a coating applied to said vehicle surface and extending over at least a portion of said filament of said masking tape, said coating material having been at least partially dried or cured, wherein said filament has sufficient tensile strength to cut through the at least partially dried or cured coating material. 2. The coated vehicle surface of claim 1, in which said filament is disposed between said substrate and said masking material. 3. The coated vehicle surface of claim 1, wherein said vehicle surface comprises the floor and side walls of the box of a pick up truck. 4. The coated vehicle surface of claim 1, wherein said coating material is adapted to protect the vehicle surface from corrosion, moisture or abrasion. 5. The coated vehicle surface of claim 1, wherein said coating material is selected from the group consisting of paints, epoxides, varnishes and polyurethanes. 6. The coated vehicle surface of claim 1, wherein said coating material is formed from two or more components that are blended together immediately before application to the vehicle surface. 7. The coated vehicle surface of claim 1, wherein said vehicle surface comprises a truck bed. 8. The coated vehicle surface of claim 1, further comprising a second masking material applied to said elongated masking material of the tape, and extending beyond said elongated filament bearing masking tape. 9. The coated vehicle surface of claim 8, wherein said second masking material is secured to said elongated filament bearing masking tape by an adhesive. 10. The coated vehicle surface of claim 1, wherein said coating material comprises polyurethane and said filament comprises a metal wire. 11. The coated vehicle surface of claim 1, wherein said elongated substrate is selected from the group consisting of a single-sided tape and a double-sided tape. 12. The coated vehicle surface of claim 1, wherein said elongated masking material is selected from the group consisting of a single-sided tape and a double-sided tape. 13. A coated vehicle surface prepared by: a. applying to said vehicle surface an elongated filament bearing masking tape comprising: i. an elongated substrate having at least one adhesive surface which is removably adhered to said vehicle surface, ii. an elongated filament releasably adhered to said substrate adjanct to an elongated edge of said substrate, which edge defines at least one edge of said vehicle surface to be coated, and iii. an elongated masking material adhered to said substrate; b. applying said coating material to said vehicle surface and over said elongated edge of said substrate; c. allowing said coating material to at least partially dry or cure; and d. drawing said filament through said coating material to cut the coating material, wherein said filament has sufficient tensile strength to cut said partially dried or cured coating material. | This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/219,722 filed Aug. 15, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/860,874 filed May 18, 2001 (abandoned), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/364,134 filed Jul. 30, 1999 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,284,319), which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/810,606 filed Feb. 28, 1997 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,045), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method of trimming or cutting a coating material that may be applied to a relatively smooth surface, and is particularly useful for trimming or cutting a curable material such as polyurethane or paint without damaging the surface to which it is applied. BACKGROUND ART It has become increasingly common to apply a curable coating, such as a polyurethane, to an exposed surface such as a wall, floor or automobile body to offer protection against, for example, corrosion, moisture or abrasion. These coatings are often applied by spraying, rolling or painting the coating material on to the surface to be protected, and allowing the coating material to dry or cure in place. Some polyurethane coatings as well as other high strength coatings are available for application in the form of a single component formulation. Many commercially useful coating materials, such as paints, epoxies, varnishes, polyurethanes and other coating materials are available in the form of, and are formed from, two or more components which may be blended together immediately before application and applied to the surface to be coated by a dynamic mix spray gun. The components may be separately fed to the spray gun and mixed in the gun just before the coating material is sprayed on the surface to be coated. This procedure, described in more detail in, for example, the applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,761, provides a composition which will react on mixing to form a generally stable, substantially solid material soon after application to the surface to be coated, thus minimizing drying and curing time, and permitting the application of the coating material to vertical and other non-horizontal surfaces. A properly trained operator can apply a coating of relatively uniform thickness to almost any appropriate surface. In the case of some of these materials, such as polyurethane, the liquid components may be selected to react with one another almost immediately to create an essentially solid, form-retaining product soon after contact with the surface to be coated. Therefore, the components are most commonly kept separated from one another and mixed together in the spray gun immediately before a coating of the material is to be applied to the surface. The ratio of various components can be varied to provide the desired curing time and rate. For example, in the case of polyurethane, the two-relevant components—isocyanate and polyol—may be prepared in a variety of formulations depending upon the application. Such formulations are often intended to be combined in the 1:1 ratio by volume. However, other mixing ratios, such as 5:1 and 1:5, are not uncommon. The appropriate mixing ratio for any particular application may also vary with environmental conditions, such as temperature, which affects the reactivity of the materials, viscosity or other physical or chemical properties of the components of the mixture. Applying such a rapidly drying or curing mixture to a surface to be protected permits a quick and relatively uniform application of the coating material to the entire surface and shortens the time required before the coated surface may be put to its normal or intended use. However, the coating must be applied relatively quickly, and applying the mixture by spraying, rolling or painting often requires masking those areas of the surface that are not intended to be coated before application of the coating, to protect those areas from unwanted coating material. Subsequent trimming of the coating material is common to remove unwanted coating material after the coating is applied, either to provide access to the areas that ought not to be coated, such as drains or electrical outlets, or to provide a neat appearance. One particularly useful application is the increasingly common use of spray-on coatings for liners of boxes of pick-up trucks, and interiors of vans and trucks. This application is one in which the appearance of both the coated and uncoated surfaces is particularly important, and one in which a significant amount of masking may be required. Such a spray-on liner provides protection against the corrosive elements in the atmosphere and also against the abrasion caused by various materials that may be carried in the truck, van or box. These spray on linings have several advantages over the more conventional protection afforded by premoulded plastic liners that are inserted into the box of a pickup truck. Premoulded plastic liners do not form a water-tight seal with the body of the truck, and permit the entry of water and dirt between the liner and the truck body. This may result in substantial abrasion and corrosion to the body of the truck which is, however, not visible through the opaque liner. The loose fit of the liner results in movement of the liner against the body of the truck, increasing the abrasion damage to the truck body. Spray-on linings, however, provide a coating, typically of polyurethane, that is tightly bonded to the truck body, and which does not permit the entry of dirt or moisture between the lining and the truck body. Also, the flexible properties of the polyurethane coating offer a slip resistant as well as protective surface for the cargo to ride on. In the case of a lining for a pick up truck box, the lining is generally applied to the floor and side walls of the box and to some portion of the top rails and side body. It is important to provide a neat edge along the perimeter of the box. The rear of the box is generally masked to avoid applying any coating to the hinges and latching mechanism, and the tail gate is generally removed and the surface facing into the box of the pickup truck is coated separately. Both this surface, and the ends of the side and bottom surfaces of the box must be trimmed to permit proper opening and closing of the door as well as providing a neat appearance. As in the case of painting or other surface applications, the surface area that is actually covered by the sprayed on material may be determined by masking the surface that is not intended to be covered with masking tape and other commonly used masking material. The material to be sprayed on the surface is intended to adhere firmly to the surface. The use of masking materials prevents contact between those portions of the surface that are not intended to be covered, and allows the rapid application of the material only to the surface which is intended to be covered. In these operations, masking tape or other masking material is used, which has an adhesive coating that is sufficiently strong to hold the masking material in place while it is intended to be there, and yet permits the easy removal of the masking material when it is no longer required, while leaving no significant amount of adhesive material on the surface to be protected. The use of the term adhesive throughout this application generally refers to a removable adhesive having these general properties. After the application of the coating material, however, some trimming is required to remove the coating material. This is commonly done by cutting the coating material along the boundary of the masked area, to separate the coating that is to remain in place, and which will be firmly bonded to the truck body, from the coating material that is to be removed, which should not have contacted the truck body and which should be separated from the truck body by the masking material. Once this separation is made, it is possible to remove the masking tape or other masking material, and the unwanted surface coating. It is thus important in such a trimming application to cut precisely along the edge of the masking material so that no masking material is left on the surface beneath the coating. This would result in a portion or area of coating material that is not adhered to the surface to be protected, which could subsequently result in the peeling of the protective coating from the surface. Conversely, if the cut is away from the masked edge and into the area which is intended to be coated, removal of the coating from the masked area will be more difficult and may result in the removal of paint from the truck body. One difficulty posed by the use of the relatively thick, abrasion-resistant coatings, such as polyurethane coatings, is the difficulty in locating the edges to be trimmed. Furthermore, while the removal of masking material used in painting effectively acts as an edge trimming method, tearing or cutting the paint layer as the masking material is removed, conventional masking materials will not tear through the polyurethane coating, and often cannot be located under the relatively thicker coatings of poyurethane such as those used to line a truck box. Various methods have been developed to overcome this difficulty. For example, several layers of masking tape may be used and layers removed sequentially so that each layer of masking tape removes individual thin layers of the coating material before the coating begins to cure. This procedure generally requires extra personnel, is a time-consuming method that leaves a relatively rough edge to the coating material as well as an inferior bond at the extreme edge of the coating. The most common way of trimming such coatings is simply by cutting the coating along the edge of the masking material with a knife or other sharp instrument. This requires, first of all, locating the edge of the masking material, and then cutting the protective coating with a sharp instrument such as a knife. This almost invariably has the result of cutting or scoring the underlying surface, which is a particular problem with painted surfaces such pick-up truck beds and requires that the line cut or scored into the truck bed to be repainted before the vehicle can be delivered to the consumer. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a simple and cost-effective method for cutting the protective layer without in any way damaging the underlying area or underlying surface which is intended to be protected. According to the present invention, there is provided a means for cutting a protective layer which comprises applying a layer of masking material to delineate the surface to which the protective coating is to be applied, and adhesively securing a thin, strong filament of wire or other suitable material to the surface of the masking material along the line of the edge to be trimmed. The ends of the wire are bent away from the surface so that they may be located after the spraying operation is completed. The coating material may then be applied to the surface to be protected and allowed to cure until the material has enough green strength or in other words is sufficiently cured to be form-retaining and to have developed adequate adhesion strength to the surface to which it has been applied. Adhesion strength is important in that the edge of the coating that remains on the surface must not in any way release during the trimming operation. The exposed end of the wire is located and used to pull the wire away from the surface and up through the protective coating, thereby cutting the protective coating along the masking line, and subsequently removing the masking material, leaving the unmarked surface of the vehicle with the desired coating in place. The filament used to cut through the coating may vary depending on the force required to cut through the coating. A common music wire with a diameter as small as seven thousandths of an inch (0.007″) is adequate for cutting many polyurethane coatings up to a certain thickness and cure time. The masking materials commonly used in the painting and coating of motor vehicle bodies and other surfaces are capable of being applied to both curved and straight lines, to define the surface to be painted or coated. Similarly, the thin filament may be applied along the edge of a curved line to cut the coating material along a curve. A small steel wire size also makes it easy to form and adhere the filament to the surface as it is positioned around tight bends and curvatures. However, a disadvantage of the smaller wire is that it may break while pulling the wire through a thick coating or a harder coating with a high tear strength factor. In this case the filament could be a larger diameter wire size with a higher breaking strength while still maintaining as high a degree of flexibility as possible. A metal wire with a rectangular or triangular profile could be used. The filament could also be a glass or synthetic fiber, or a strand, consisting of multiple twisted or braided filaments of various materials, profiles and sizes. The present invention further provides a self-adhesive, filament-bearing tape which is particularly suited to carrying out the method of the present invention, and an apparatus which is adapted to easily and quickly manufacture the said self-adhesive tape. The present invention also provides an adhesive filament carrying tape which may be applied to the surface to be coated to position both the masking material and the filament at the desired position. In its simplest form, the tape comprises a substrate having at least one adhesive surface which may be removably adhered to the surface to be coated, and a filament releasably adhered to an edge of the substrate. The tape may have a second adhesive surface to which additional masking material may be secured, or may itself be wide enough to act as effective masking material. As with other single or double sided tapes, a non-adhesive release liner may be applied to any adhesive surface to facilitate storage and handling of the masking tape, and removed when required. The invention also provides a machine adapted to manufacture adhesive tape according to one embodiment of the invention. The machine comprises means for folding an adhesive tape to form a V-shape, means for applying a filament to the bottom of the V, and means for closing the V to secure the filament at the folded edge of the tape. The machine also provides optional means for applying or removing a release layer to the folded tape and for rolling the tape onto a spool for storage and use. Although the present invention is described with particular reference to the coating of truck bodies, it will be understood that the present invention may be used in many other situations in which a coating must be cut or trimmed after application. For example, a tub or tank may be manufactured of wood or other suitable materials and made waterproof by spraying on the interior surface a coating of polyurethane or other appropriate material. The method and materials of the present invention may be used not only to trim the edges as required but also to cut any required apertures in the coating for plumbing or other connections. Another application contemplated for the cutting and trimming method and tape of the present invention is in the trimming of automotive paint, or other paint coatings, when that paint is applied automobile body components or other surfaces on which it is intended to produce a “two-tone” finish, that is, two paint colours meeting at a sharply defined line. The use of the methods and articles of the present inventions results in a superior edge finish when desired over a typical edge finish using the usual methods of the prior art, such as using masking tape. In the methods of the prior art one of the paint coats may be applied and after it is dry masking tape or a similar material is used to define the edge. Paint is applied up to and over the edge defined by the masking tape, and the masking tape is pulled away to cut the coating. The cutting of the coating by the filament of the present invention produces a more precise definition of the edge to the finish coating material. The difference in appearance of the finished edge is the result of cutting through the coating using the wire filament rather than tearing or breaking the coating material by pulling the masking tape away from the surface. The poor edge definition obtained by the use of masking tape often requires the use of a decorative stripe to hide the fuzzy paint edge. Another application involves a high heat tape capable of withstanding the paint baking temperatures that auto bumpers are subjected to as a post cure phase in the paint process. Poor edge definition is a constant quality control problem in the auto painting process. The present invention is also capable of application in the moulding industry, particularly in the trimming of moulded materials. When parts are moulded in a closed injection mould, there is typically an allowance in the mould for material to flow beyond the mould to ensure that the cavity is completely filled. The excess material, generally called the flash material, is commonly removed by various cutting methods subsequent to the moulding operation itself. It is contemplated by the present invention that a groove be formed into the body of the mould at the precise edge of the moulded part corresponding to the edge to be trimmed to remove the flash material. A bare wire, which may be square in profile to assist in its retention and to prevent the entry of material into the groove during the moulding operation, may then be placed in this groove in such a way that removal of the wire after the moulding process produces a clean cutting action in the precise location for trimming the flash and at the same time results in a clean groove for the next cycle of use. The filament may alternatively be applied to, or positioned adjacent, such a groove machined into the mould body by embedding the filament inside an extruded material such as rubber or silicone. In this way, the filament itself could be of a diameter or dimension much smaller than that of the groove and be positioned to be pulled along the inside edge of the groove to produce a cutting line at the appropriate edge of the moulded part. The aforementioned extrusion could itself be manufactured with a profile that complimented the form of the groove so that the extrusion is held securely in the groove once it has been applied, by means of an interference fit. The filament so incorporated in the extrusion may be separated from the extrusion when pulled, and escapes the groove to complete the cutting process. The extrusion remains in place in the groove until it is removed as the last step before the mould is readied for another cycle. Grooved moulds may be used, for example, in the fiberglass moulding industry which typically uses open mould processes. The timing of the trimming of a fiberglass part is critical as the part must be cut before the resin cures to a hardness that does not permit the applicator to cut it with a knife. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an end view of a piece of adhesive tape of the present invention, showing the stages of preparation of the tape. FIG. 2 shows a method of using the adhesive tape of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an apparatus that may be used to prepare the adhesive tape of the present invention. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The method of the present invention may be more readily understood by referring to the attached drawings. Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown a self-adhesive tape that is particularly suited to the application of the present invention. The tape 30, as shown in FIG. 1-6 essentially comprises a folded adhesive layer 28, at one edge of which is a filament 24, retained in place by the adhesive layer 28. The adhesive layer may be a non-adhesive substrate coated with a conventional adhesive material, or may, in some circumstances, comprise a film of adhesive material. As discussed in more detail below, the filament may be retained in place at the edge of the adhesive tape by folding the tape over the filament to envelope the filament within the adhesive tape, as shown in FIGS. 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 and 14. As further shown in FIG. 1, a layer or substrate of non-adhesive, easy-to-release material 26 and 27 may be applied to each of the adhesive surfaces of the self-adhesive tape, to permit the tape to be handled and stored without adhering to other materials. The construction of such an adhesive tape is referred to in more detail below. As can be seen by reference to FIG. 1, the adhesive of the present invention may be prepared from conventional, double coated adhesive tapes such as those sold by the 3M Company, which generally comprise an adhesive layer consisting of a substrate coated with an adhesive, and a non-adhesive release layer which is applied to the adhesive layer to protect the adhesive material. The non-adhesive layer is coated on both sides with a release material so that, when the material is rolled as is commonly done, the non-adhesive layer is between each adhesive layer. To prepare the adhesive tape of the present invention, the release layer applied to a conventional, two-sided adhesive tape may be cut lengthwise, such that the release layer, but not the adhesive layer, is cut and is then bent or folded to bring the exposed adhesive sur aces together. Concurrently, the filament is applied to the adhesive surface at the fold so that, once folded, the filament is located at one edge of the folded tape. One portion of the release layer may be removed, and filament-containing adhesive tape re-rolled to provide the adhesive trimming material of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a surface 53 to which is applied the self-adhesive, filament-containing tape which is particularly suited to the method of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the surface comprises an area A which is intended to be covered with a protective coating, and Areas B and C which are not intended to be covered with a protective coating. The tape 30, containing a filament 24, is applied to the surface so that the filament 24 lies along the edge of the area which is to be protected. Additional masking material 55 may be applied to the tape to protect the area which is not to be coated, and adhered to the adhesive layer 28. The ends of the filament 24 may be left exposed, and extend away from the surface, so that they are accessible after the application of the coating material. As shown in FIG. 2-4, coating material is applied to the surface, covering the area A and the masking tape 30, and the masking material 55. As soon as the material has cured sufficiently to bond to the surface and maintain a defined edge, the filament 24 is drawn upwardly through the material, cutting the material at the desired location. The masking materials 55 and the tape 30 are then removed, leaving the coating in the desired location. Shown in FIG. 3 is an apparatus particularly adapted to manufacture the trimming material of the present invention. According to the present invention, there is provided in FIG. 3 a bulk wire spool 21 rotatively mounted on a spindle, and which may be controlled by a magnetic brake tensioning device 35 which is adapted to maintain relatively constant tension in the wire 24. The wire 24 is conventionally manufactured in a manner that it is wound from side to side on the spool 21, and there are consequently provided a guide wheel 10 and wire positioning wheels 11 that are intended to centre the wire as it is unwound from the spool 21. Also provided is a bulk roll 41 of adhesive tape, with a center slit release liner, which may also be controlled by a magnetic brake tensioning device 35. Both the wire 24 and the tape 23 are pulled through the apparatus of the present invention by the drive apparatus 40 described in more detail below. As the wire 24 is unwound from the bulk roll 21, it is centred by guide wheel 10 and positioning wheels 11 so that it is positioned directly above the center of the adhesive tape 23. As the tape 23 passes over wheels 14, 15 and 16, it is folded by the increasingly steep V-groove of wheels 15 and 16 about the center slit, and the filament 24 is brought into contact with the adhesive tape 23 and forced into an adhesive contact with tape 23 immediately above the center of the liner. It should be noted that while the rotating wheels 13, 14, 15 and 16 are shown in FIG. 3, stationary guide posts or other appropriate means for progressively folding the tape could be used. The tape 23 now in contact with the filament 24 passes through a drive assembly generally designated as 40 and comprising drive wheels 42 and 43, which force the adhesive sides of the tape 23 together, and pull both the tape 23 and filament 24 through the apparatus. One portion of the release liner 26 may be removed at this point by the use of an additional drive wheel 44, which pulls the liner 26 around a guide post 48 and leaves one adhesive side of the adhesive tape 30 exposed. The filament containing adhesive tape 30 is then rolled on to spools 51. The drive mechanism comprises a motor 31, suitably connected by belts and pulleys to the drive mechanism 40 and the winding mechanism 50, to pull the material through the apparatus and cause it to be re-wound on spools containing an appropriate amount of the material. It will be understood, of course, that modifications to the apparatus disclosed above would be relatively apparent to one skilled in the art, and could be made without departing from the spirit or substance of the invention herein described. In particular, the present invention contemplates embodiments in which the substrate to which the filament is to be applied is itself the adhesive layer, so that one layer of the lining or masking layer is avoided. In addition, the filament may be applied to the adhesive substrate in situ, that is, after the adhesive substrate is applied to the surface to be coated, or contemporaneously with the application of the substrate to that surface. | <SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>It has become increasingly common to apply a curable coating, such as a polyurethane, to an exposed surface such as a wall, floor or automobile body to offer protection against, for example, corrosion, moisture or abrasion. These coatings are often applied by spraying, rolling or painting the coating material on to the surface to be protected, and allowing the coating material to dry or cure in place. Some polyurethane coatings as well as other high strength coatings are available for application in the form of a single component formulation. Many commercially useful coating materials, such as paints, epoxies, varnishes, polyurethanes and other coating materials are available in the form of, and are formed from, two or more components which may be blended together immediately before application and applied to the surface to be coated by a dynamic mix spray gun. The components may be separately fed to the spray gun and mixed in the gun just before the coating material is sprayed on the surface to be coated. This procedure, described in more detail in, for example, the applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,761, provides a composition which will react on mixing to form a generally stable, substantially solid material soon after application to the surface to be coated, thus minimizing drying and curing time, and permitting the application of the coating material to vertical and other non-horizontal surfaces. A properly trained operator can apply a coating of relatively uniform thickness to almost any appropriate surface. In the case of some of these materials, such as polyurethane, the liquid components may be selected to react with one another almost immediately to create an essentially solid, form-retaining product soon after contact with the surface to be coated. Therefore, the components are most commonly kept separated from one another and mixed together in the spray gun immediately before a coating of the material is to be applied to the surface. The ratio of various components can be varied to provide the desired curing time and rate. For example, in the case of polyurethane, the two-relevant components—isocyanate and polyol—may be prepared in a variety of formulations depending upon the application. Such formulations are often intended to be combined in the 1:1 ratio by volume. However, other mixing ratios, such as 5:1 and 1:5, are not uncommon. The appropriate mixing ratio for any particular application may also vary with environmental conditions, such as temperature, which affects the reactivity of the materials, viscosity or other physical or chemical properties of the components of the mixture. Applying such a rapidly drying or curing mixture to a surface to be protected permits a quick and relatively uniform application of the coating material to the entire surface and shortens the time required before the coated surface may be put to its normal or intended use. However, the coating must be applied relatively quickly, and applying the mixture by spraying, rolling or painting often requires masking those areas of the surface that are not intended to be coated before application of the coating, to protect those areas from unwanted coating material. Subsequent trimming of the coating material is common to remove unwanted coating material after the coating is applied, either to provide access to the areas that ought not to be coated, such as drains or electrical outlets, or to provide a neat appearance. One particularly useful application is the increasingly common use of spray-on coatings for liners of boxes of pick-up trucks, and interiors of vans and trucks. This application is one in which the appearance of both the coated and uncoated surfaces is particularly important, and one in which a significant amount of masking may be required. Such a spray-on liner provides protection against the corrosive elements in the atmosphere and also against the abrasion caused by various materials that may be carried in the truck, van or box. These spray on linings have several advantages over the more conventional protection afforded by premoulded plastic liners that are inserted into the box of a pickup truck. Premoulded plastic liners do not form a water-tight seal with the body of the truck, and permit the entry of water and dirt between the liner and the truck body. This may result in substantial abrasion and corrosion to the body of the truck which is, however, not visible through the opaque liner. The loose fit of the liner results in movement of the liner against the body of the truck, increasing the abrasion damage to the truck body. Spray-on linings, however, provide a coating, typically of polyurethane, that is tightly bonded to the truck body, and which does not permit the entry of dirt or moisture between the lining and the truck body. Also, the flexible properties of the polyurethane coating offer a slip resistant as well as protective surface for the cargo to ride on. In the case of a lining for a pick up truck box, the lining is generally applied to the floor and side walls of the box and to some portion of the top rails and side body. It is important to provide a neat edge along the perimeter of the box. The rear of the box is generally masked to avoid applying any coating to the hinges and latching mechanism, and the tail gate is generally removed and the surface facing into the box of the pickup truck is coated separately. Both this surface, and the ends of the side and bottom surfaces of the box must be trimmed to permit proper opening and closing of the door as well as providing a neat appearance. As in the case of painting or other surface applications, the surface area that is actually covered by the sprayed on material may be determined by masking the surface that is not intended to be covered with masking tape and other commonly used masking material. The material to be sprayed on the surface is intended to adhere firmly to the surface. The use of masking materials prevents contact between those portions of the surface that are not intended to be covered, and allows the rapid application of the material only to the surface which is intended to be covered. In these operations, masking tape or other masking material is used, which has an adhesive coating that is sufficiently strong to hold the masking material in place while it is intended to be there, and yet permits the easy removal of the masking material when it is no longer required, while leaving no significant amount of adhesive material on the surface to be protected. The use of the term adhesive throughout this application generally refers to a removable adhesive having these general properties. After the application of the coating material, however, some trimming is required to remove the coating material. This is commonly done by cutting the coating material along the boundary of the masked area, to separate the coating that is to remain in place, and which will be firmly bonded to the truck body, from the coating material that is to be removed, which should not have contacted the truck body and which should be separated from the truck body by the masking material. Once this separation is made, it is possible to remove the masking tape or other masking material, and the unwanted surface coating. It is thus important in such a trimming application to cut precisely along the edge of the masking material so that no masking material is left on the surface beneath the coating. This would result in a portion or area of coating material that is not adhered to the surface to be protected, which could subsequently result in the peeling of the protective coating from the surface. Conversely, if the cut is away from the masked edge and into the area which is intended to be coated, removal of the coating from the masked area will be more difficult and may result in the removal of paint from the truck body. One difficulty posed by the use of the relatively thick, abrasion-resistant coatings, such as polyurethane coatings, is the difficulty in locating the edges to be trimmed. Furthermore, while the removal of masking material used in painting effectively acts as an edge trimming method, tearing or cutting the paint layer as the masking material is removed, conventional masking materials will not tear through the polyurethane coating, and often cannot be located under the relatively thicker coatings of poyurethane such as those used to line a truck box. Various methods have been developed to overcome this difficulty. For example, several layers of masking tape may be used and layers removed sequentially so that each layer of masking tape removes individual thin layers of the coating material before the coating begins to cure. This procedure generally requires extra personnel, is a time-consuming method that leaves a relatively rough edge to the coating material as well as an inferior bond at the extreme edge of the coating. The most common way of trimming such coatings is simply by cutting the coating along the edge of the masking material with a knife or other sharp instrument. This requires, first of all, locating the edge of the masking material, and then cutting the protective coating with a sharp instrument such as a knife. This almost invariably has the result of cutting or scoring the underlying surface, which is a particular problem with painted surfaces such pick-up truck beds and requires that the line cut or scored into the truck bed to be repainted before the vehicle can be delivered to the consumer. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG. 1 is an end view of a piece of adhesive tape of the present invention, showing the stages of preparation of the tape. FIG. 2 shows a method of using the adhesive tape of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an apparatus that may be used to prepare the adhesive tape of the present invention. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? | 20040727 | 20060321 | 20050113 | 91354.0 | 2 | NORDMEYER, PATRICIA L | EDGE TRIMMING TAPE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE | SMALL | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,899,846 | ACCEPTED | Apparatus and method for hybrid traffic and pilot signal quality determination of finger lock status of rake receiver correlators | Provided are improved systems and methods for spread spectrum communication employing hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination for RAKE receivers. Finger lock thresholds are periodically set using an extended time-averaged Eb/No traffic signal estimate for each finger mapped to an Ec/No pilot level, where the extended time-averaged Eb/No estimate is inversely proportional to the mapped Ec/No level, thus, decreasing the required Ec/No level when the Eb/No estimate increases and increasing the required Ec/No level when the Eb/No estimate decreases. Existing pilot-based finger lock algorithms may be used with the Ec/No threshold set using the extended time-averaged Eb/No estimate. When pilot signals are weak but traffic signals remain strong, fingers will remain locked to increase the combiner output signal-to-noise ratio. | 1. A method of determining finger lock status of a finger of a RAKE receiver, comprising the steps of: determining an Eb/No estimate of a traffic channel on said finger filtered over a first time period for finger lock determination; setting a finger lock threshold of Ec/No inverse to said Eb/No estimate; determining an Ec/No estimate of a pilot channel filtered over a second time period; comparing said Ec/No estimate to said Ec/No finger lock threshold; and setting said finger lock status of said finger based upon said comparison of said Ec/No to said Ec/No finger lock threshold. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of periodically repeating said steps of determining an Eb/No estimate and setting a finger lock threshold of Ec/No. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of periodically repeating said steps of determining an Ec/No estimate, comparing said Ec/No estimate to said Ec/No finger lock threshold, and setting said finger lock status of said finger. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of periodically repeating said steps of determining an Eb/No estimate and setting a finger lock threshold of Ec/No, wherein said period for repeating setting finger lock status of said finger is less than said period for repeating setting a finger lock threshold of Ec/No. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of periodically repeating said steps of determining an Eb/No estimate, setting a finger lock threshold of Ec/No, determining an Ec/No estimate, comparing said Ec/No estimate to said Ec/No finger lock threshold, and setting said finger lock status of said finger. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said first time period is greater than one power control group (PCG). 7. The method of claim 6, wherein one power control group is 1.25 ms. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said first time period is 20 ms. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said first time period is one frame. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said second time period is greater than the length of one chip. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein said second time period is 1.25 ms. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of determining an Eb/No estimate over a power control group (PCG) for Fast Forward Power Control (FFPC), wherein said estimate of Eb/No for FFPC is used to determine said Eb/No estimate for finger lock determination. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of setting a finger lock threshold sets an Ec/No threshold less than a purely pilot-base Ec/No threshold. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of setting a finger lock threshold comprises mapping an Ec/No threshold based upon said Eb/No estimate. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said mapping decreases said Ec/No threshold when said Eb/No estimate increases and increases said Ec/No threshold when said Eb/No estimate decreases. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said mapped relationship of Ec/No threshold to Eb/No estimate is selected from the group consisting of: an inversely proportional, linear relationship; an inversely proportional, exponential relationship; an inversely proportional, logarithmic relationship, pre-determined inverse assignments of values, and pre-determined inverse ranges of values. 17. A method of spread spectrum communication, comprising the steps of: receiving a pilot channel and at least one traffic channel; combining a traffic channel on said mobile station using a RAKE receiver; and setting finger lock status of fingers of said RAKE receiver using a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination, wherein setting finger lock status comprises: determining an Eb/No estimate for at least one of said fingers; and setting and Ec/No finger lock threshold based upon said Eb/No estimate. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of transmitting said pilot channel and said at least one traffic channel from a base station. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein a mobile station receives said pilot channel and said at least one traffic channel transmitted from a base station. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of periodically repeating the step of setting finger lock status of fingers of said RAKE receiver. 21. The method of claim 17, wherein said step of setting finger lock status comprises the steps of: determining an Eb/No estimate of each finger filtered over a first time period for finger lock determination; setting a finger lock threshold of Ec/No inverse to said Eb/No estimate of each finger; determining an Ec/No estimate of each finger filtered over a second time period; and comparing said Ec/No estimate of each finger to said Ec/No finger lock threshold of each finger. 22. The method of claim 21 wherein said first time period is greater than one power control group (PCG). 23. The method of claim 21, wherein said first time period is 20 ms. 24. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of periodically repeating said steps of determining an Eb/No estimate and setting a finger lock threshold of Ec/No. 25. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of periodically repeating said steps of determining an Eb/No estimate and comparing said Ec/No estimate to said Ec/No finger lock threshold. 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of periodically repeating said steps of determining an Eb/No estimate and setting a finger lock threshold of Ec/No, wherein said period for repeating setting finger lock status of said finger is less than said period for repeating setting a finger lock threshold of Ec/No. 27. The method of claim 21, wherein said step of setting a finger lock threshold comprises mapping an Ec/No threshold based upon said Eb/No estimate. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein said mapping decreases said Ec/No threshold when said Eb/No estimate increases and increases said Ec/No threshold when said Eb/No estimate decreases. 29. A spread spectrum communication system, comprising: a base station comprising a spread spectrum transceiver for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals on a plurality of paths; and a plurality of mobile stations communicably connected to said base station and individually comprising: a spread spectrum RAKE receiver with at least two finger correlators; and a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determinator for determining an Eb/No estimate for at least one of said fingers and setting and Ec/No finger lock threshold based upon said Eb/No estimate. 30. The system of claim 29, wherein said RAKE receiver comprises: a combiner coupled to said finger correlators; a finger Eb/No measurer coupled to each of said finger correlators; and a finger Ec/No measurer coupled to each of said finger correlators. 31. The system of claim 29, wherein said hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determinator comprises: an Eb/No estimator coupled to said RAKE receiver; a threshold mapper coupled to said Eb/No estimator; and an Ec/No estimator coupled to said RAKE receiver. 32. A mobile station, comprising: a spread spectrum RAKE receiver with at least two fingers; and a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determinator, for determining an Eb/No estimate for at least one of said fingers and setting and Ec/No finger lock threshold based upon said Eb/No estimate, interoperably coupled to said RAKE receiver. 33. The mobile station of claim 32, wherein said RAKE receiver comprises: a combiner coupled to said finger correlators; a finger Eb/No measurer coupled to each of said finger correlators; and a finger Ec/No measurer coupled to each of said finger correlators. 34. The mobile station of claim 32, wherein said hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determinator comprises: an Eb/No estimator coupled to said RAKE receiver; a threshold mapper coupled to said Eb/No estimator; and an Ec/No estimator coupled to said RAKE receiver. 35. A spread spectrum RAKE receiver, comprising: a combiner; two or more finger correlators individually coupled to said combiner; a finger Eb/No measurer coupled to said each of said finger correlators; a finger Ec/No measurer coupled to said each of said finger correlators; and a hybrid Eb/No finger lock determinator coupled to said threshold mapper, said Ec/No estimator, and said finger correlators, comprising: an Eb/No estimator coupled to said finger Eb/No measurer; a threshold mapper coupled to said Eb/No estimator; and an Ec/No estimator coupled to said finger Ec/No measurer. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to spread spectrum radio communications and, more particularly, to systems and methods for determining finger lock status of RAKE receiver finger processing elements, or combiners, in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). BACKGROUND Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) is a spread-spectrum communication technology that has become increasingly popular in mobile wireless communications systems, e.g., digital cellular radio systems. In a CDMA system, the time and frequency domains are simultaneously shared by all users as a base station simultaneously transmits distinct information signals to multiple subscriber mobile stations over a single frequency band. CDMA systems have a number of advantages over other multiple access systems, e.g., Frequency Division Multiple Access and Time Division Multiple Access, such as increased spectral efficiency and, as discussed below, the ability to mitigate the effects of signal fading using path diversity techniques. Prior to transmission, a CDMA base station multiplies the individual information signal intended for each of the mobile stations by a unique signature sequence, referred to as a pseudorandom noise (PN) sequence. This PN sequence can be formed by multiplying a long pseudorandom noise sequence with a time offset which is used to differentiate the various base stations in the network, together with a short code unique to each mobile station, for example, the Walsh codes. The multiplication of the information signal by the signature sequence spreads the spectrum of the signal by increasing the rate of transmission from the bit rate to the chip rate. The spread spectrum signals for all subscriber mobile stations are then transmitted simultaneously by the base station. Upon receipt, each mobile station de-spreads the received spread spectrum signal by multiplying the received signal by the mobile station's assigned unique signature sequence. The result is then integrated to isolate the information signal intended for the particular mobile station from the other signals intended for other mobile stations. The signals intended for the other mobile stations appear as noise. The structure and operation of CDMA systems are well known. See, e.g., Andrew J. Viterbi, CDMA: Principles of Spread Spectrum Communication, Addison-Wesley Publishing, 1995; Marvin K. Simon, Jim K. Omura, Robert A. Scholtz, and Barry K. Levitt, Spread Spectrum Communications Handbook, McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1994. One advantage of CDMA systems over other multiple-access telecommunications systems is the ability of CDMA systems to exploit path diversity of the incoming radio-frequency (RF) signal. The CDMA signal, including a pilot signal and traffic signals between a base station and mobile stations, is communicated from a transmitter to a receiver via a channel including several independent paths, referred to as multiple signals or “multipaths”. Each multipath represents a distinct route that the information signal takes between the transmitter and receiver. The transmitted signal thus appears at the receiver as a plurality of multipath signals or multipaths. Each multipath may arrive at the receiver with an arbitrary timing delay, and each multipath may have a different signal strength at any time due to signal fading. CDMA systems employ “RAKE” receivers in mobile units and base stations to exploit this path diversity. RAKE receivers estimate the timing delay introduced by each of one or more multipaths in comparison with some reference, e.g., line-of-sight delay, and then use the estimated timing delay to receive the multipaths which have the highest signal strength. A typical RAKE receiver includes a plurality of RAKE branches or “fingers”, typically two to six fingers. Each finger is an independent receiver unit, often referred to as a correlator, which assembles and demodulates one received multipath which is assigned to the finger. A RAKE receiver also includes a separate “searcher” which searches out different signal components of an information signal that was transmitted using the assigned signature sequence of the receiver, and detects the phases of the different signal components. The timing of each finger is controlled such that it is correlated with a particular multipath which arrived at the receiver with a slightly different delay, as was found by the searcher in its receipt of the information signal. Thus, each finger is “assigned” to a particular multipath by controlling its timing to coincide with arrival of the multipath. The demodulated output from each finger, representing one multipath, is then combined into a high-quality output signal which combines the energy received from each multipath that was demodulated. The implementation of RAKE receivers is generally known for both forward and reverse CDMA channels. See, e.g., R. Price and P. E. Green, Jr., A Communication Technique for Multipath Channels, 46 Proc. Inst. Rad. Eng. 555-70 (March 1958); G. Cooper and C. McGillem, Modern Communications and Spread Spectrum, Chapter 12, McGraw-Hill, NY, 1986. Finger lock algorithms are used to determine if signals of correlators of fingers in the RAKE should be used in a RAKE receiver combiner. Finger lock algorithms are based on various estimates of signal qualities. Typical finger lock algorithms are based simply on the pilot signal strength, such as an estimate of the ratio of pilot energy determined for pilot signal chips to interference received at the mobile station (Ec/Io) and measured by a finger, which indirectly is an estimate of the pilot energy determined for pilot signal chips to interference transmitted at the base station (Ec/Ior). For example, the Ec/Io of each finger in a RAKE receiver is estimated and used to determine if the finger should be used in combining. The determination of whether to use the finger or not is based upon a signal quality threshold. If the estimate Ec/Io of a finger is above the threshold, the finger is locked, meaning the signal on that finger path is used in the combiner. If the estimate Ec/Io of a finger is below the threshold, the finger is unlocked and the combiner will not use the data from the finger. The threshold is determined to prevent adding noise to the combined signal. Thus, the threshold is typically established based upon a desired signal strength above a noise level. The result being that signal data is combined from any finger which can help to increase the combined SNR. If no signal exists on a path, having the finger locked would reduce the output SNR of the combiner. However, if a signal exists on an unlocked finger, the information would be lost to the combiner, reducing the output SNR of the combiner. One or more threshold values may be used for a logical decision to lock or unlock a finger. If a single threshold value is used, a finger is locked if its signal strength is estimated to be above the threshold and unlocked if below the threshold. To prevent a finger from fluctuating between lock and unlock status, two thresholds may be used, where a lock threshold is set greater than an unlock threshold and the finger remains in the current lock or unlock status between the two thresholds. For instance, if the finger is in an unlock position, the finger is not locked until the signal strength estimate reaches the higher lock threshold, and once the finger is locked, the finger is not unlocked until the signal strength estimate drops to the lower unlock threshold. However, the signal strengths of pilot and traffic signals between a base station and mobile stations may vary and the ratio of the pilot signal strength to traffic signal strengths may vary. For example, the signal strengths of a pilot channel may remain constant, but the signal strengths of traffic channels may change based upon forward link power control bits sent by a mobile station to maintain a particular level of service at the mobile station. Thus, the forward traffic channel gain (FTCG) at the base station may constantly change. Similar signal strength of traffic channels vary when Fast Forward Power Control (FFPC) is enabled or with certain IS-2000 Forward Radio Configurations. For example, the pilot signal may be weak, but the traffic channel may be very strong and could contribute to the output SNR of a RAKE receiver combiner. Use of power measurement report messages (PMRM) in IS-95 could also result in strong traffic channel transmission signals in weak signal conditions. Thus, even in situations when a pilot signal strength may be very weak, significant and sufficient signals may be available on some multipaths due to forward power control which could improve demodulating forward link data. Further, typical RAKE receiver finger lock algorithms which are based on pilot strength estimates and thresholds set according to pilot strength estimates may result in fingers being unlocked when information on at least some multipaths could be used by a RAKE receiver combiner to increase output SNR. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system and method for improved finger lock status determination for RAKE receiver combiners, particularly for use with fast forward power control systems. SUMMARY In light of the foregoing background, embodiments of the present invention provide improved systems and methods for finger lock status determination for RAKE receiver combiners. Finger lock determination of an embodiment of the present invention combines estimates of Eb/No having increased accuracy with pilot-based finger lock algorithms, also referred to herein as a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock algorithm. A system or method for finger lock status determination of the present invention may be used with CDMA mobile communications, and may also be used for other spread spectrum communication applications and multipath receivers. Eb/No generally refers to the signal strength of a traffic channel received by a finger of a RAKE receiver. More specifically, Eb/No is commonly defined as the ratio of energy per bit of a traffic channel (Eb) to the noise (No) on the finger. By comparison, Ec/No generally refers to the signal strength of the pilot channel and is commonly defined as the ratio of energy per chip of a pilot channel (Ec) to the noise (No) on the finger. The noise on the finger, No, refers to the noise after match filtering. An embodiment of a method for determining finger lock status of the present invention may include the steps of determining an Eb/No estimate of a traffic channel on a finger of a RAKE receiver filtered over an extended period of time; setting a finger lock threshold of Ec/No inverse to the Eb/No estimate, determining and Ec/No estimate of a pilot channel; comparing the Ec/No estimate to the Ec/No finger lock threshold; and setting the finger lock status of the finger based upon the comparison. These steps, or subsets of these steps, may be periodically repeated to continue the wireless communication process. The Ec/No steps to lock or unlock the finger may be periodically repeated at a greater frequency than the Eb/No steps to set the finger lock threshold. The extended period of time to determine an Eb/No estimate may be, for example, greater than a power control group (PCG) which may be 1.25 milliseconds (ms), a fixed period of 20 ms, or one transmission frame. The estimate for Ec/No may be determined over one power control group (PCG) which may be 1.25 ms. The measurements of Eb/No used for the estimate of Eb/No may reuse the measurements of Eb/No for forward power control, such as Fast Forward Power Control (FFPC). Alternatively, the measurements of Eb/No for the estimate of Eb/No may be independent measurements taken over the extended period of time. In an embodiment of a method for determining finger lock status of the present invention, a finger lock threshold set to an Ec/No level inverse to an Eb/No estimate may be mapped to decrease the Ec/No threshold when the Eb/No estimate increases and to increase the Ec/No threshold when the Eb/No estimate decreases. The inverse relationship between estimated Eb/No and an Ec/No finger lock threshold may be, for example, an inversely proportional, linear relationship, exponential relationship, or logarithmic relationship. Alternatively, the inverse relationship between estimated Eb/No and an Ec/No finger lock threshold may be, for example, mapped using pre-determined assignments or ranges of values for the Eb/No estimate and the Ec/No finger lock threshold. The inverse mapping may result in a Ec/No finger lock threshold which is less than a threshold level set using a purely pilot-based Ec/No threshold where the threshold is determined based principally upon measurements and estimates of Ec/No. An embodiment of spread spectrum communication of the present invention may include the steps of transmitting a pilot channel and at least one traffic channel from a base station to a mobile station which receives the pilot channel and at least one of the traffic channels, combining the traffic channel on the mobile station using a RAKE receiver, and setting finger lock status of fingers of the RAKE receiver using a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination. The step of setting finger lock status of fingers may be periodically repeated. In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of setting finger lock status of fingers of a RAKE receiver comprises the steps of determining an Eb/No estimate on each finger filtered over an extended period of time, setting an Ec/No finger lock threshold inverse to the Eb/No estimate for each finger, determining an Ec/No estimate of each finger, and comparing the Ec/No estimate of each finger to the Ec/No finger lock threshold of each finger. The extended period of time to determine an Eb/No estimate may be, for example, greater than a power control group (PCG) or a fixed period of 20 ms. The steps of determining an Eb/No estimate and setting a finger lock threshold of Ec/No may be periodically repeated. The steps of determining an Eb/No estimate and comparing the Ec/No estimate to the Ec/No finger lock threshold may be periodically repeated. The Ec/No steps to lock or unlock the finger may be periodically repeated at a greater frequency than the Eb/No steps to set the finger lock threshold. In an embodiment of spread spectrum communication of the present invention, a finger lock threshold set to an Ec/No level inverse to an Eb/No estimate may be mapped to decrease the Ec/No threshold when the Eb/No estimate increases and to increase the Ec/No threshold when the Eb/No estimate decreases. An embodiment of a spread spectrum communication system of the present invention may include a base station and a plurality of mobile stations. The mobile stations may include a RAKE receiver with multiple finger correlators and a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determinator. The RAKE receiver may include a combiner, a finger Eb/No measurer, and a finger Ec/No measurer. The derminator may include an Eb/No estimator, a threshold mapper, and an Ec/No estimator. An embodiment of a mobile station of the present invention is provided which includes a spread spectrum RAKE receiver and a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determinator. The RAKE receiver may include a combiner, a finger Eb/No measurer, and a finger Ec/No measurer. The derminator may include an Eb/No estimator, a threshold mapper, and an Ec/No estimator. An embodiment of a spread spectrum RAKE receiver of the present invention is provided which includes a combiner, multiple fingers, a finger Eb/No measurer, a finger Ec/No measurer, and a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determinator including an Eb/No estimator, a threshold mapper, and an Ec/No estimator. These characteristics, as well as additional details, of the present invention are further described herein with reference to these and other embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: FIG. 1 is a flow chart of hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination of an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an entity capable of operating in accordance with hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination of an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a control flow diagram illustrating a spread spectrum communication system operating in accordance with hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination of an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an entity capable of operating in accordance with hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination of an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a mobile station capable of operating in accordance with hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination of an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. While a primary use of the present invention may be in the field of mobile phone communications, it will be appreciated from the following description that the invention is also useful for various other types of spread spectrum communications using RAKE receivers and multipaths in technologies other than mobile phone communications. Further, while a primary use of mobile stations of the present invention may be in the field of mobile phone technology, it will be appreciated from the following that many types of devices that are generally referenced herein as mobile stations, including, for example, mobile phones, pagers, handheld data terminals and personal data assistants (PDAs), portable personal computer (PC) devices, electronic gaming systems, global positioning system (GPS) receivers, satellites, and other portable electronics, including devices that are combinations of the aforementioned devices may be used to operate hybrid Eb/No and pilot based finger lock determination of the present invention. As previously discussed, typically RAKE receivers operate to lock and unlock fingers based upon an estimate of the pilot Ec/No per finger. A RAKE receiver of the present invention operates to lock and unlock fingers based upon an extended time-averaged traffic Eb/No estimate per finger and a mapping of the Eb/No estimate to an Ec/No finger lock threshold level. Eb/No generally refers to the signal strength of a traffic channel received by a finger of a RAKE receiver. More specifically, Eb/No is commonly defined as the ratio of energy per bit of a traffic channel (Eb) to the noise (No) on the finger. By comparison, Ec/No generally refers to the signal strength of the pilot channel and is commonly defined as the ratio of energy per chip of a pilot channel (Ec) to the noise (No) on the finger. The noise on the finger, No, refers to the noise after match filtering. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that variations of traffic channel signal strength and pilot channel signal strength may be measured and estimated for finger lock status of a RAKE receiver. Accordingly, as used herein, Eb/No also includes the definitions of traffic channel signal strength of received-energy-per-bit-to-noise ratio and ratio of energy per bit to spectral noise density. Similarly, as used herein, Ec/No also includes the definition of pilot channel signal strength of total-received-energy-per-chip-to-noise ratio and radio of energy per chip to spectral noise density. Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention provides a hybrid Eb/No and pilot based finger lock determination. FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the present invention. In order to perform a finger lock algorithm, a device must receive spread spectrum multipath transmission signals, such as a pilot channel and traffic channel signals 202. Once the signals are received, Eb/No is estimated 204. Finger lock status determination requires a reliable estimate of channel strength. And because Eb/No estimates determined for a power control group (PCG) or 1.25 ms tends to have considerable variance, finger lock status determination based upon Eb/No advantageously may use an estimate of Eb/No determined over an extended period of time, such as a frame length or 20 ms, although advantageously, Eb/No is determined over any period of time greater than the length of a power control group, 1.25 ms. The extended period of time may be determined based upon a desired increased accuracy of the Eb/No estimate with longer periods generally having increased accuracy but taking longer to acquire. The Eb/No estimate may reuse the Eb/No measurements acquired and/or estimates determined for Fast Forward Power Control (FFPC) typically estimated over the length of a power control group (PCG) or 1.25 ms. The finger lock threshold is set 206 based upon the extended time-averaged Eb/No estimate. Because the determination of locking or unlocking a finger is made based upon an estimate of Ec/No, the finger lock threshold is set as an Ec/No level. And because mapping of Eb/No to an Ec/No finger lock threshold can occur at a faster rate than a frame, the period of Eb/No estimation may be adjusted based upon the desired quality of the Eb/No and/or Ec/No estimations. In accordance with the present invention, to prevent a finger from unlocking when sufficient signal strength is present, the Ec/No finger lock threshold is set inverse to the Eb/No estimate. Specifically, the relationship between the Eb/No estimate and the Ec/No finger lock threshold is an inverse relationship which may be, for example, an inversely proportional linear relationship, an inversely proportional exponential relationship, an inversely proportional logarithmic relationship, pre-determined inverse assignments of Eb/No and Ec/No values, and pre-determined inverse ranges of Eb/No and Ec/No values. As the Eb/No estimate increases, the Ec/No finger lock threshold decreases. As the Eb/No estimate decreases, the Ec/No finger lock threshold increases. If a strong Eb/No signal is detected, the finger should be locked or remain locked even where the pilot signal strength Ec/No estimate is weak. The process of setting an Ec/No finger lock threshold level 202, 204, 206 may periodically repeat during continued spread spectrum communications to update the finger lock threshold according to possibly changing conditions, such as changes of signal strength due to forward power control operations. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that setting the finger lock threshold level may actually involve setting a single finger lock threshold or setting more than one threshold, such as where different thresholds are set for finger lock and finger unlock. As used herein, setting a finger lock threshold includes situations where a single finger lock threshold level is used and situations where different thresholds are used for finger lock and finger unlock status. Once the Ec/No finger lock threshold has been set based upon an extended time-averaged estimate of Eb/No for each finger, the Ec/No of each finger may be estimated and compared to the finger lock threshold. The finger lock status may be set based upon the finger lock threshold, which may be a single threshold level or multiple threshold levels. For example, if a single threshold value is used, a finger is locked if its Ec/No signal strength is estimated to be above the Ec/No threshold level and unlocked if below the threshold. If two thresholds are used to prevent a finger from fluctuating between lock and unlock status, the lock threshold is set greater than an unlock threshold and the finger remains in the current lock or unlock status between the two thresholds. For instance, if the finger is in an unlock position, the finger is not locked until the Ec/No signal strength estimate reaches the higher Ec/No finger lock threshold, and once the finger is locked, the finger is not unlocked until the Ec/No signal strength estimate drops to the lower Ec/No finger unlock threshold. Once the finger lock threshold is set using the extended time-averaged Eb/No estimate, conventional pilot-based finger lock algorithms may be employed. Accordingly, a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination results where Eb/No is estimated over an extended period of time and the Eb/No estimate and the Ec/No threshold have an inverse relationship. Using Eb/No to set the finger lock threshold increases the accuracy of the finger lock threshold to ensure that the finger lock threshold is set low enough to capture situations when a strong traffic signal is received during periods of weak pilot signal strength. Using Ec/No to set the status of the fingers according to the finger lock threshold set using the Eb/No estimate permits the lock or unlock status of the finger to be verified or changed at small increments of time. Thus, Eb/No provides accuracy for the received signal strength and Ec/No provides the speed for locking and unlocking the fingers. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an entity capable of operating in accordance with hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination of an embodiment of the present invention. The entity, such as a mobile device, may include a transmitter 148, a receiver 150, and a controller 152 that provides signals to and receives signals from the transmitter 148 and receiver 150, respectively. A controller may include a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, and various converters such as analog to digital converters and digital to analog converters, and other support circuits such as a spread spectrum RAKE receiver and a finger lock determinator. Elements of a controller may be hardware elements, software elements, or hardware and software elements. The controller 152 of FIG. 2 is shown including an analog to digital converter 154, a RAKE receiver 158, and a finger lock determinator 156. The RAKE receiver may be a typical configuration including multiple finger correlators 162, 164, 166, 168, typically from two to six fingers, each with a finger correlator lock and unlock switch 182, 184, 186, 188, and a combiner 160. Each finger correlator 162, 164, 166, 168 may include an Eb/No measurer 170 to determine the signal strength of the traffic channel per bit and an Ec/No measurer 172 to determine the signal strength of the pilot channel per chip as received by the finger. The controller 152 also includes a finger lock determinator 156 capable of operating in accordance with hybrid Eb/No and pilot based finger lock determination of the present invention. A finger lock determinator 156 may include an Eb/No estimator 174 for estimating the traffic channel signal strength over an extended period of time such as 20 ms, an Ec/No estimator 178 for estimating the pilot channel signal strength, and a threshold mapper 176 for mapping Eb/No estimates to Ec/No threshold levels based upon an inverse relationship which may be an inversely proportional linear relationship, an inversely proportional exponential relationship, an inversely proportional logarithmic relationship, pre-determined inverse assignments of Eb/No and Ec/No values, or pre-determined inverse ranges of Eb/No and Ec/No values. The finger correlators 162, 164, 166, 168 transmit signal strength information to the finger lock determinator 156 such that a comparison between the received pilot Ec/No and the set Ec/No finger lock threshold level may be made by the controller 152. The comparison may be made by the RAKE receiver 158, the determinator 156, or a separate element of the controller 152 such as a software routine. The comparison controls the lock or unlock status of finger correlator lock and unlock switches 182, 184, 186, 188, either directly controlled by the determinator 156 if making the comparison or indirectly by the determinator 156 if the comparison is made by another element of the controller 152 other than the determinator 156. The combiner 160 combines or sums the signals received by the fingers for any finger with a lock status. FIG. 3 is a control flow diagram illustrating a spread spectrum communication system operating in accordance with hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination of an embodiment of the present invention. A base station transmits a pilot channel to a mobile station which receives the pilot channel. The base station also transmits traffic channels to the mobile station which receives at least one of the traffic channels. The mobile station receives the signals using a RAKE receiver and combines the received signals from the RAKE receiver using a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination. To perform the hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination for the finger correlators and the combiner, the mobile station estimates the received traffic signal strength, Eb/No, filtered over an extended period of time, advantageously greater than the length of a power control group (PCG), such as 20 ms. The mobile station then maps the Eb/No estimate to an Ec/No finger lock threshold based upon an inverse relationship between the Eb/No estimate and the Ec/No finger lock threshold. The inverse relationship may be various types of relationships as described further herein. The mobile station also estimates the received pilot signal strength, Ec/No, and compares the estimated Ec/No to the Ec/No finger lock threshold. Based upon the comparison of the estimated Ec/No to the Ec/No finger lock threshold, the mobile station sets the finger lock status of each finger in the RAKE receiver, such that the combiner of the RAKE receiver only sums the signals from fingers with a lock status. Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which illustrates a block diagram of an entity capable of operating in accordance with hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination of one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the entity capable of operating in accordance with hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination can generally include a processor, controller, or the like 42 connected to a memory 44. The processor can also be connected to at least one RAKE receiver 46 for receiving multipath communication channels transmitting data, content, or the like. The memory 44 can include volatile and/or non-volatile memory and typically stores content, data, or the like. For example, the memory 44 typically stores computer program code such as software applications or operating systems, information, data, content, or the like for the processor 42 to perform steps associated with operation of the entity in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Also, for example, the memory 44 typically stores content transmitted from, or received by, the network node. Memory 44 may be, for example, random access memory (RAM), a hard drive, or other fixed data memory or storage device. The processor 42 may operate with a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determinator 43. Where the entity provides wireless communication, such as a CDMA mobile network, the processor 42 may operate with a wireless communication subsystem (not shown), such as a cellular transceiver, in communication with the RAKE receiver 46. One or more processors, memory, storage devices, and other computer elements may be used in common by a computer system and subsystems, as part of the same platform, or processors may be distributed between a computer system and subsystems, as parts of multiple platforms. FIG. 5 illustrates a functional diagram of a mobile device capable of operating in accordance with hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination of an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood, that the mobile device illustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of one type of mobile station that would benefit from the present invention and, therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the present invention or the type of devices which may operate in accordance with the present invention. While several embodiments of the mobile device are hereinafter described for purposes of example, other types of mobile stations, such as portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, and other types of voice and text communications systems, can readily be employed to function with the present invention. The mobile device includes a transmitter 48, a receiver 50, and a controller 52 that provides signals to and receives signals from the transmitter 48 and receiver 50, respectively. These signals include signaling information in accordance with the air interface standard of the applicable cellular system, such as a pilot channel of a CDMA network, and also user speech and/or user generated data, such as transmitted by traffic channels of a CDMA network. In this regard, the mobile device can be capable of operating with one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, and access types. More particularly, the mobile device can be capable of operating in accordance with any of a number of 1G, 2G, 2.5G and/or 3G communication protocols or the like. For example, the mobile device may be capable of operating in accordance with wireless communication protocol IS-95 (CDMA) and other spread spectrum communication protocols taking advantage of multipaths and RAKE receivers. It is understood that the controller 52, such as a processor or the like, includes the circuitry required for implementing the video, audio, and logic functions of the mobile device. For example, the controller may be comprised of a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, and various analog to digital converters, digital to analog converters, and other support circuits. The control and signal processing functions of the mobile device are allocated between these devices according to their respective capabilities. The controller 52 thus also includes the functionality to convolutionally encode and interleave message and data prior to modulation and transmission. The controller 52 can additionally include an internal voice coder (VC) 52A, and may include an internal data modem (DM) 52B. A controller of a mobile device capable of operating in accordance with the present invention also includes a spread spectrum RAKE receiver 58 that operates to lock and unlock finger correlators of the RAKE receiver based upon a hybrid Eb/No and pilot based finger lock determination. Further, the controller 52 may include the functionality to operate one or more software applications, which may be stored in memory. The mobile device may also comprise a user interface such as including a conventional earphone or speaker 54, a ringer 56, a microphone 60, a display 62, all of which are coupled to the controller 52. The user input interface, which allows the mobile device to receive data, can comprise any of a number of devices allowing the mobile device to receive data, such as a keypad 64, a touch display (not shown), a microphone 60, or other input device. In embodiments including a keypad, the keypad can include the conventional numeric (0-9) and related keys (#, *), and other keys used for operating the mobile device and may include a full set of alphanumeric keys or set of keys that may be activated to provide a full set of alphanumeric keys. The mobile device can also include memory, such as a subscriber identity module (SIM) 66, a removable user identity module (R-UIM) (not shown), or the like, which typically stores information elements related to a mobile subscriber. In addition to the SIM, the mobile device can include other memory. In this regard, the mobile device can include volatile memory 68, as well as other non-volatile memory 70, which can be embedded and/or may be removable. For example, the other non-volatile memory may be embedded or removable multimedia memory cards (MMCs), Memory Sticks as manufactured by Sony Corporation, EEPROM, flash memory, hard disk, or the like. The memory can store any of a number of pieces or amount of information and data used by the mobile device to implement the functions of the mobile device. For example, the memory can store an identifier, such as an international mobile equipment identification (IMEI) code, international mobile subscriber identification (IMSI) code, mobile device integrated services digital network (MSISDN) code, or the like, capable of uniquely identifying the mobile device. The memory can also store content. The memory may, for example, store computer program code for an application, such as a software program or modules for an application, such as to implement the hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination of the present invention, and may store an update for computer program code for the mobile device. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present invention may be incorporated into hardware and software systems and subsystems, combinations of hardware systems and subsystems and software systems and subsystems, and incorporated into network systems and mobile stations thereof. In each of these systems and mobile stations, as well as other systems capable of using a system or performing a method of the present invention as described above, the system or mobile station generally may include a computer system including one or more processors that are capable of operating under software control to provide the techniques described above, including performing hybrid Eb/No and pilot based finger lock determination. Computer program instructions for software control for embodiments of the present invention may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus create means for implementing the functions described herein, such as a mobile station employing a RAKE receiver with correlators locked and unlocked using a hybrid Eb/No and pilot based finger lock determination. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions described herein, such as a method for determining finger lock status of finger correlators of a RAKE receiver based upon hybrid Eb/No and pilot channel signal strength. It will also be understood that each block or element, and combinations of blocks and/or elements, can be implemented by hardware-based computer systems, software computer program instructions, or combinations of hardware and software which perform the specified functions or steps of hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination. Herein provided and described are improved systems and methods for determining finger lock status based upon hybrid Eb/No and pilot based finger lock algorithms. Finger lock thresholds of embodiments of the present invention are periodically set using an extended time-averaged Eb/No traffic signal estimate for each finger mapped to an Ec/No pilot level, where the extended time-averaged Eb/No estimate is inversely proportional to the mapped Ec/No level, thus, decreasing the required Ec/No level when the Eb/No estimate increases and increasing the required Ec/No level when the Eb/No estimate decreases. Existing pilot-based finger lock algorithms may be used with the Ec/No threshold set using the extended time-averaged Eb/No estimate of embodiments of the present invention. When pilot signals are weak but traffic signals remain strong, fingers of embodiments of the present invention will remain locked to increase the combiner output signal-to-noise ratio. Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) is a spread-spectrum communication technology that has become increasingly popular in mobile wireless communications systems, e.g., digital cellular radio systems. In a CDMA system, the time and frequency domains are simultaneously shared by all users as a base station simultaneously transmits distinct information signals to multiple subscriber mobile stations over a single frequency band. CDMA systems have a number of advantages over other multiple access systems, e.g., Frequency Division Multiple Access and Time Division Multiple Access, such as increased spectral efficiency and, as discussed below, the ability to mitigate the effects of signal fading using path diversity techniques. Prior to transmission, a CDMA base station multiplies the individual information signal intended for each of the mobile stations by a unique signature sequence, referred to as a pseudorandom noise (PN) sequence. This PN sequence can be formed by multiplying a long pseudorandom noise sequence with a time offset which is used to differentiate the various base stations in the network, together with a short code unique to each mobile station, for example, the Walsh codes. The multiplication of the information signal by the signature sequence spreads the spectrum of the signal by increasing the rate of transmission from the bit rate to the chip rate. The spread spectrum signals for all subscriber mobile stations are then transmitted simultaneously by the base station. Upon receipt, each mobile station de-spreads the received spread spectrum signal by multiplying the received signal by the mobile station's assigned unique signature sequence. The result is then integrated to isolate the information signal intended for the particular mobile station from the other signals intended for other mobile stations. The signals intended for the other mobile stations appear as noise. The structure and operation of CDMA systems are well known. See, e.g., Andrew J. Viterbi, CDMA: Principles of Spread Spectrum Communication, Addison-Wesley Publishing, 1995; Marvin K. Simon, Jim K. Omura, Robert A. Scholtz, and Barry K. Levitt, Spread Spectrum Communications Handbook, McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1994. One advantage of CDMA systems over other multiple-access telecommunications systems is the ability of CDMA systems to exploit path diversity of the incoming radio-frequency (RF) signal. The CDMA signal, including a pilot signal and traffic signals between a base station and mobile stations, is communicated from a transmitter to a receiver via a channel including several independent paths, referred to as multiple signals or “multipaths”. Each multipath represents a distinct route that the information signal takes between the transmitter and receiver. The transmitted signal thus appears at the receiver as a plurality of multipath signals or multipaths. Each multipath may arrive at the receiver with an arbitrary timing delay, and each multipath may have a different signal strength at any time due to signal fading. CDMA systems employ “RAKE” receivers in mobile units and base stations to exploit this path diversity. RAKE receivers estimate the timing delay introduced by each of one or more multipaths in comparison with some reference, e.g., line-of-sight delay, and then use the estimated timing delay to receive the multipaths which have the highest signal strength. A typical RAKE receiver includes a plurality of RAKE branches or “fingers”, typically two to six fingers. Each finger is an independent receiver unit, often referred to as a correlator, which assembles and demodulates one received multipath which is assigned to the finger. A RAKE receiver also includes a separate “searcher” which searches out different signal components of an information signal that was transmitted using the assigned signature sequence of the receiver, and detects the phases of the different signal components. The timing of each finger is controlled such that it is correlated with a particular multipath which arrived at the receiver with a slightly different delay, as was found by the searcher in its receipt of the information signal. Thus, each finger is “assigned” to a particular multipath by controlling its timing to coincide with arrival of the multipath. The demodulated output from each finger, representing one multipath, is then combined into a high-quality output signal which combines the energy received from each multipath that was demodulated. The implementation of RAKE receivers is generally known for both forward and reverse CDMA channels. See, e.g., R. Price and P. E. Green, Jr., A Communication Technique for Multipath Channels, 46 Proc. Inst. Rad. Eng. 555-70 (March 1958); G. Cooper and C. McGillem, Modern Communications and Spread Spectrum, Chapter 12, McGraw-Hill, NY, 1986. Finger lock algorithms are used to determine if signals of correlators of fingers in the RAKE should be used in a RAKE receiver combiner. Finger lock algorithms are based on various estimates of signal qualities. Typical finger lock algorithms are based simply on the pilot signal strength, such as an estimate of the ratio of pilot energy determined for pilot signal chips to interference received at the mobile station (Ec/Io) and measured by a finger, which indirectly is an estimate of the pilot energy determined for pilot signal chips to interference transmitted at the base station (Ec/Ior). For example, the Ec/Io of each finger in a RAKE receiver is estimated and used to determine if the finger should be used in combining. The determination of whether to use the finger or not is based upon a signal quality threshold. If the estimate Ec/Io of a finger is above the threshold, the finger is locked, meaning the signal on that finger path is used in the combiner. If the estimate Ec/Io of a finger is below the threshold, the finger is unlocked and the combiner will not use the data from the finger. The threshold is determined to prevent adding noise to the combined signal. Thus, the threshold is typically established based upon a desired signal strength above a noise level. The result being that signal data is combined from any finger which can help to increase the combined SNR. If no signal exists on a path, having the finger locked would reduce the output SNR of the combiner. However, if a signal exists on an unlocked finger, the information would be lost to the combiner, reducing the output SNR of the combiner. One or more threshold values may be used for a logical decision to lock or unlock a finger. If a single threshold value is used, a finger is locked if its signal strength is estimated to be above the threshold and unlocked if below the threshold. To prevent a finger from fluctuating between lock and unlock status, two thresholds may be used, where a lock threshold is set greater than an unlock threshold and the finger remains in the current lock or unlock status between the two thresholds. For instance, if the finger is in an unlock position, the finger is not locked until the signal strength estimate reaches the higher lock threshold, and once the finger is locked, the finger is not unlocked until the signal strength estimate drops to the lower unlock threshold. However, the signal strengths of pilot and traffic signals between a base station and mobile stations may vary and the ratio of the pilot signal strength to traffic signal strengths may vary. For example, the signal strengths of a pilot channel may remain constant, but the signal strengths of traffic channels may change based upon forward link power control bits sent by a mobile station to maintain a particular level of service at the mobile station. Thus, the forward traffic channel gain (FTCG) at the base station may constantly change. Similar signal strength of traffic channels vary when Fast Forward Power Control (FFPC) is enabled or with certain IS-2000 Forward Radio Configurations. For example, the pilot signal may be weak, but the traffic channel may be very strong and could contribute to the output SNR of a RAKE receiver combiner. Use of power measurement report messages (PMRM) in IS-95 could also result in strong traffic channel transmission signals in weak signal conditions. Thus, even in situations when a pilot signal strength may be very weak, significant and sufficient signals may be available on some multipaths due to forward power control which could improve demodulating forward link data. Further, typical RAKE receiver finger lock algorithms which are based on pilot strength estimates and thresholds set according to pilot strength estimates may result in fingers being unlocked when information on at least some multipaths could be used by a RAKE receiver combiner to increase output SNR. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system and method for improved finger lock status determination for RAKE receiver combiners, particularly for use with fast forward power control systems. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>In light of the foregoing background, embodiments of the present invention provide improved systems and methods for finger lock status determination for RAKE receiver combiners. Finger lock determination of an embodiment of the present invention combines estimates of Eb/No having increased accuracy with pilot-based finger lock algorithms, also referred to herein as a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock algorithm. A system or method for finger lock status determination of the present invention may be used with CDMA mobile communications, and may also be used for other spread spectrum communication applications and multipath receivers. Eb/No generally refers to the signal strength of a traffic channel received by a finger of a RAKE receiver. More specifically, Eb/No is commonly defined as the ratio of energy per bit of a traffic channel (Eb) to the noise (No) on the finger. By comparison, Ec/No generally refers to the signal strength of the pilot channel and is commonly defined as the ratio of energy per chip of a pilot channel (Ec) to the noise (No) on the finger. The noise on the finger, No, refers to the noise after match filtering. An embodiment of a method for determining finger lock status of the present invention may include the steps of determining an Eb/No estimate of a traffic channel on a finger of a RAKE receiver filtered over an extended period of time; setting a finger lock threshold of Ec/No inverse to the Eb/No estimate, determining and Ec/No estimate of a pilot channel; comparing the Ec/No estimate to the Ec/No finger lock threshold; and setting the finger lock status of the finger based upon the comparison. These steps, or subsets of these steps, may be periodically repeated to continue the wireless communication process. The Ec/No steps to lock or unlock the finger may be periodically repeated at a greater frequency than the Eb/No steps to set the finger lock threshold. The extended period of time to determine an Eb/No estimate may be, for example, greater than a power control group (PCG) which may be 1.25 milliseconds (ms), a fixed period of 20 ms, or one transmission frame. The estimate for Ec/No may be determined over one power control group (PCG) which may be 1.25 ms. The measurements of Eb/No used for the estimate of Eb/No may reuse the measurements of Eb/No for forward power control, such as Fast Forward Power Control (FFPC). Alternatively, the measurements of Eb/No for the estimate of Eb/No may be independent measurements taken over the extended period of time. In an embodiment of a method for determining finger lock status of the present invention, a finger lock threshold set to an Ec/No level inverse to an Eb/No estimate may be mapped to decrease the Ec/No threshold when the Eb/No estimate increases and to increase the Ec/No threshold when the Eb/No estimate decreases. The inverse relationship between estimated Eb/No and an Ec/No finger lock threshold may be, for example, an inversely proportional, linear relationship, exponential relationship, or logarithmic relationship. Alternatively, the inverse relationship between estimated Eb/No and an Ec/No finger lock threshold may be, for example, mapped using pre-determined assignments or ranges of values for the Eb/No estimate and the Ec/No finger lock threshold. The inverse mapping may result in a Ec/No finger lock threshold which is less than a threshold level set using a purely pilot-based Ec/No threshold where the threshold is determined based principally upon measurements and estimates of Ec/No. An embodiment of spread spectrum communication of the present invention may include the steps of transmitting a pilot channel and at least one traffic channel from a base station to a mobile station which receives the pilot channel and at least one of the traffic channels, combining the traffic channel on the mobile station using a RAKE receiver, and setting finger lock status of fingers of the RAKE receiver using a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determination. The step of setting finger lock status of fingers may be periodically repeated. In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of setting finger lock status of fingers of a RAKE receiver comprises the steps of determining an Eb/No estimate on each finger filtered over an extended period of time, setting an Ec/No finger lock threshold inverse to the Eb/No estimate for each finger, determining an Ec/No estimate of each finger, and comparing the Ec/No estimate of each finger to the Ec/No finger lock threshold of each finger. The extended period of time to determine an Eb/No estimate may be, for example, greater than a power control group (PCG) or a fixed period of 20 ms. The steps of determining an Eb/No estimate and setting a finger lock threshold of Ec/No may be periodically repeated. The steps of determining an Eb/No estimate and comparing the Ec/No estimate to the Ec/No finger lock threshold may be periodically repeated. The Ec/No steps to lock or unlock the finger may be periodically repeated at a greater frequency than the Eb/No steps to set the finger lock threshold. In an embodiment of spread spectrum communication of the present invention, a finger lock threshold set to an Ec/No level inverse to an Eb/No estimate may be mapped to decrease the Ec/No threshold when the Eb/No estimate increases and to increase the Ec/No threshold when the Eb/No estimate decreases. An embodiment of a spread spectrum communication system of the present invention may include a base station and a plurality of mobile stations. The mobile stations may include a RAKE receiver with multiple finger correlators and a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determinator. The RAKE receiver may include a combiner, a finger Eb/No measurer, and a finger Ec/No measurer. The derminator may include an Eb/No estimator, a threshold mapper, and an Ec/No estimator. An embodiment of a mobile station of the present invention is provided which includes a spread spectrum RAKE receiver and a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determinator. The RAKE receiver may include a combiner, a finger Eb/No measurer, and a finger Ec/No measurer. The derminator may include an Eb/No estimator, a threshold mapper, and an Ec/No estimator. An embodiment of a spread spectrum RAKE receiver of the present invention is provided which includes a combiner, multiple fingers, a finger Eb/No measurer, a finger Ec/No measurer, and a hybrid Eb/No and pilot-based finger lock determinator including an Eb/No estimator, a threshold mapper, and an Ec/No estimator. These characteristics, as well as additional details, of the present invention are further described herein with reference to these and other embodiments. | 20040727 | 20080722 | 20060202 | 93052.0 | H04B1707 | 0 | TRAN, KHAI | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HYBRID TRAFFIC AND PILOT SIGNAL QUALITY DETERMINATION OF FINGER LOCK STATUS OF RAKE RECEIVER CORRELATORS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H04B | 2,004 |
|
10,900,068 | ACCEPTED | Flexible liner for FIBC or bag-in-box container systems | The present invention is a collapsible liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises a first flexible panel, a second flexible panel, a first seal, a second seal, and a tab. The first flexible panel includes a first longitudinal edge. The second flexible panel includes a second longitudinal edge. The first seal joins the first and second panels near the first and second longitudinal edges and runs generally parallel to the first and second edges. The second seal joins the first and second panels and is generally oblique to the first seal. At least one of the panels extends across at least one of the seals to form the tab, which includes an attachment feature. The attachment feature may be a piece of tape affixed to the tab. The attachment feature may be a strip of fabric or other reinforcement material melted into the tab, sealed within the tab or affixed to the tab via an adhesive. The attachment feature may be a hole with sealed or unsealed edges. The attachment feature may be a grommet or a loop for receiving a hook. | 1. A liner for use in a bulk container, the liner comprising: a first flexible panel including a first longitudinal edge; a second flexible panel including a second longitudinal edge; a first seal joining the first and second panels near the first and second longitudinal edges and running generally parallel to the first and second edges; and a second seal joining the first and second panels and being generally oblique to the first seal, wherein at least one of said panels extends across at least one of said seals to form a tab comprising an attachment feature adapted to facilitate the attachment of the tab to the bulk container. 2. The liner of claim 1, wherein the attachment feature is a piece of tape affixed to the tab. 3. The liner of claim 2, wherein the tape is flatly affixed to the tab. 4. The liner of claim 3, wherein the tape has two adhesive sides. 5. The liner of claim 3, wherein the tape is a generally rectangular strip. 6. The liner of claim 1, wherein the attachment feature is a piece of fabric or other reinforcement material. 7. The liner of claim 6, wherein the piece of fabric or other reinforcement material is affixed to the tab via an adhesive. 8. The liner of claim 6, wherein the piece of fabric or other reinforcement material is affixed to the tab by being melted into the tab. 9. The liner of claim 6, wherein the piece of fabric or other reinforcement material is sealed within the tab. 10. The liner of claim 1, wherein the attachment feature is a hole in the tab. 11. The liner of claim 10, wherein the hole is reinforced by having at least a portion of its edges sealed together. 12. The liner of claim 10, wherein the hole includes a grommet. 13. The liner of claim 1, wherein the tab extends across the second seal. 14. The liner of claim 13, wherein the tab is reinforced by at least a portion of the first seal. 15. The liner of claim 1, wherein the tab is at least partially defined by at least one of the longitudinal edges. 16. The liner of claim 15, wherein the tab is further defined by a series of perforations. 17. The liner of claim 16, wherein the series of perforations forms an L-shaped line. 18. The liner of claim 15, wherein the tab is further defined by an L-shaped cut. 19. The liner of claim 15, wherein the tab is reinforced by at least a portion of the first seal. 20. A liner for use in a bulk container, the liner comprising: a first flexible panel including a first longitudinal edge and a first lateral edge generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal edge; a second flexible panel including a second longitudinal edge and a second lateral edge generally perpendicular to the second longitudinal edge; a third flexible panel including a third longitudinal edge, a fourth longitudinal edge generally parallel to the third longitudinal edge, and a third lateral edge generally perpendicular to the third longitudinal edge; a first seal joining the first and third panels near the first and third longitudinal edges and running generally parallel to the first and third edges; a second seal joining the second and third panels near the second and fourth longitudinal edges and running generally parallel to the second and fourth edges; a third seal joining the first and third panels and being generally oblique to the first seal; a fourth seal joining the second and third panels and being generally oblique to the second seal; a fifth seal joining the first and second panels near the first and second lateral edges and running generally parallel to the first and second lateral edges, wherein the first panel extends across the third seal to the fifth seal, the second panel extends across the fourth seal to the fifth seal, and a tab is defined in the first panel between the third and fifth seals. 21. The liner of claim 20, wherein the tab comprises an attachment feature adapted to facilitate the attachment of the tab to the bulk container. 22. The liner of claim 21, wherein the attachment feature is a piece of tape affixed to the tab. 23. The liner of claim 22, wherein the tape is flatly affixed to the tab. 24. The liner of claim 23, wherein the tape has two adhesive sides. 25. The liner of claim 23, wherein the tape is a generally rectangular strip. 26. The liner of claim 21, wherein the attachment feature is a piece of fabric or other reinforcement material. 27. The liner of claim 26, wherein the piece of fabric or other reinforcement material is affixed to the tab via an adhesive. 28. The liner of claim 26, wherein the piece of fabric or other reinforcement material is affixed to the tab by being melted into the tab. 29. The liner of claim 26, wherein the piece of fabric or other reinforcement material is sealed within the tab. 30. The liner of claim 21, wherein the attachment feature is a hole in the tab. 31. The liner of claim 30, wherein the hole is reinforced by having at least a portion of its edges sealed together. 32. The liner of claim 30, wherein the hole includes a grommet. 33. The liner of claim 20, wherein the tab is reinforced by at least a portion of the first seal. 34. The liner of claim 20, wherein the tab is at least partially defined by the first longitudinal edge. 35. The liner of claim 34, wherein the tab is further defined by a series of perforations. 36. The liner of claim 35, wherein the series of perforations forms an L-shaped line. 37. The liner of claim 34, wherein the tab is further defined by an L-shaped cut. 38. The liner of claim 34, wherein the tab is reinforced by at least a portion of the first seal. 39. The liner of claim 20, further comprising a second tab defined in the second panel between the fourth and fifth seals. 40. A liner for use in a bulk container, the liner comprising a first flexible panel and a tab defined in a portion of said first panel and including a piece of tape affixed to said tab. 41. The liner of claim 40, wherein the first panel further includes a first longitudinal edge and the tab is at least partially defined by the first longitudinal edge. 42. The liner of claim 41, wherein the tab is further defined by an L-shaped cut. 43. The liner of claim 42, wherein the L-shaped cut is a series of perforations. 44. The liner of claim 40, further comprising a second flexible panel including a second longitudinal edge, wherein the first and second panels are joined to each other by a seal near the first and second longitudinal edges, wherein the seal runs generally parallel to the first and second longitudinal edges and at least a portion of the seal reinforces the tab. 45. A liner for use in a bulk container, the liner comprising a first flexible panel and a tab defined in a portion of said first panel and including a piece of fabric or other reinforcement material. 46. The liner of claim 45, wherein the first panel further includes a first longitudinal edge and the tab is at least partially defined by the first longitudinal edge. 47. The liner of claim 46, wherein the tab is further defined by an L-shaped cut. 48. The liner of claim 47, wherein the L-shaped cut is a series of perforations. 49. The liner of claim 45, further comprising a second flexible panel including a second longitudinal edge, wherein the first and second panels are joined to each other by a seal near the first and second longitudinal edges, wherein the seal runs generally parallel to the first and second longitudinal edges and at least a portion of the seal reinforces the tab. 50. The liner of claim 45, wherein the piece of fabric or other reinforcement material is affixed to the tab via an adhesive. 51. The liner of claim 45, wherein the piece of fabric or other reinforcement material is affixed to the tab by being melted into the tab. 52. The liner of claim 45, wherein the piece of fabric or other reinforcement material is sealed within the tab. 53. A liner for use in a bulk container, the liner comprising a first flexible panel joined to a second flexible panel by a first seal and a second seal oblique to the first seal and forming an intersection with the first seal, wherein at least one of said panels extends across at least one of said seals to form an elongated tab adapted for connection to the bulk container. 54. The liner of claim 53, wherein the elongated tab is sufficiently long to facilitate its attachment and use with a winder. 55. The liner of claim 53, wherein the elongated tab is configured such that its length, from a free distal end of the tab to the intersection, is approximately two times or greater the width of the tab. 56. The liner of claim 53, wherein the elongated tab is configured such that its length, from a free distal end of the tab to the intersection, is approximately three times or greater the width of the tab. 57. The liner of claim 53, wherein the elongated tab is configured such that its length, from a free distal end of the tab to the intersection, is approximately four times or greater the width of the tab. 58. The liner of claim 53, wherein the elongated tab is configured such that its length, from a free distal end of the tab to the intersection, is approximately five times or greater the width of the tab. 59. The liner of claim 53, wherein the elongated tab is configured such that its length, from a free distal end of the tab to the intersection, is approximately six times or greater the width of the tab. 60. The liner of claim 53, wherein the elongated tab comprises an attachment feature adapted to facilitate the attachment of the tab to the bulk container. 61. The liner of claim 60, wherein the attachment feature is a piece of tape affixed to the tab. 62. The liner of claim 61, wherein the tape is flatly affixed to the tab. 63. The liner of claim 62, wherein the tape has two adhesive sides. 64. The liner of claim 53, wherein the attachment feature is a piece of fabric or other reinforcement material. 65. The liner of claim 64, wherein the piece of fabric or other reinforcement material is affixed to the tab via an adhesive. 66. The liner of claim 64, wherein the piece of fabric or other reinforcement material is affixed to the tab by being melted into the tab. 67. The liner of claim 64, wherein the piece of fabric or other reinforcement material is sealed within the tab. 68. The liner of claim 53, wherein the attachment feature is a hole in the tab. 69. The liner of claim 68, wherein the hole is reinforced by having at least a portion of its edges sealed together. 70. The liner of claim 68, wherein the hole includes a grommet. 71. The liner of claim 53, wherein the tab is reinforced by at least a portion of the first seal. 72. A method of attaching a liner to a bulk container, the liner comprising a first flexible panel and an tab defined in a portion of said first panel, the method comprising: extending the tab from the liner to a surface of the bulk container; and affixing the tab to the surface of the bulk container. 73. The liner of claim 72, wherein the tab is elongated. 74. The liner of claim 72, wherein the tab comprises an attachment feature. 75. The liner of claim 74, wherein the attachment feature is a piece of tape affixed to the tab. 76. The liner of claim 75, wherein the tab is affixed to the surface of the bulk container via an adhesive on the tape. 77. The liner of claim 76, wherein the tab is affixed to the surface of the bulk container by stitching through the tape, the tab and into the surface of the bulk container. 78. The liner of claim 74, wherein the attachment feature is a piece of fabric or other reinforcement material melted into the tab or sealed within the tab. 79. The liner of claim 78, wherein the tab is affixed to the surface of the bulk container by stitching through the piece of fabric or other reinforcement material, the tab and into the surface of the bulk container. 80. The liner of claim 74, wherein the attachment feature is a hole in the tab. 81. The liner of claim 80, wherein the hole has its edges sealed together. 82. The liner of claim 81, wherein the attachment feature is a grommet. 83. A liner for use in a bulk container, the liner comprising: a first flexible panel and a second flexible panel opposed to the first panel, each of said first and second panels including a pair of side edges; a third flexible panel and a fourth flexible panel opposed to the third flexible panel, said third and fourth flexible panels located between the first and second panels, each of said third and fourth panels including a pair of side edges; a first pair of oblique seals joining the first panel to the third and fourth panels, said first pair of oblique seals running along the first panel generally oblique to the side edges of the first panel and converging towards each other to define a first truncated apex, each oblique seal of said first pair of oblique seals having a portion near the first apex that transitions through a radius to a segment generally parallel to the side edges of the first panel; and a second pair of oblique seals joining the second panel to the third and fourth panels, said second pair of oblique seals running along the second panel generally oblique to the side edges of the second panel and converging towards each other to define a second truncated apex, each oblique seal of said second pair of oblique seals having a portion near the second apex that transitions through a radius to a segment generally parallel to the side edges of the second panel. 84. The liner of claim 83, further comprising a cross seal joining the first panel to the second panel at the truncated apexes of said first and second panels. 85. The liner of claim 84, wherein the cross seal perpendicularly intersects the segments of the seals of the first and second pairs of oblique seals. 86. The liner of claim 85, further comprising a first pair of side seals generally parallel to the side edges of the first panel and joining the third and fourth panels to the first panel, each side seal of the first pair of side seals intersecting an end of an oblique seal of the first pair of oblique seals opposite the first apex. 87. The liner of claim 86, further comprising a second pair of side seals generally parallel to the side edges of the second panel and joining the third and fourth panels to the second panel, each side seal of the second pair of side seals intersecting an end of an oblique seal of the second pair of oblique seals opposite the second apex. 88. The liner of claim 87, wherein the first and second apexes converge to form an end wall of the liner. 89. A liner for use in a bulk container, the liner comprising: a first flexible side panel and a second flexible side panel forming a side edge of the container; a seal joining the first flexible side panel to the second flexible side panel and running generally oblique to the side edge; a top flap defined in at least one of said flexible side panels between the seal and a top edge of said at least one flexible side panel; and a tab defined in the top flap. 90. The liner of claim 89, wherein the tab comprises substantially all of the top flap. 91. The liner of claim 89, wherein the tab is a rectangular portion of the top flap. 92. The liner of claim 89, wherein the tab is a triangular portion of the top flap. 93. The liner of claim 89, further comprising a L-shaped generally continuous cut or series of perforations in the top flap that defines a generally rectangular tab. 94. The liner of claim 89, further comprising a generally continuous cut or series of perforations in the top flap that run generally parallel to at least a portion of the seal. 95. The liner of claim 94, wherein the continuous cut or series of perforations define a tab that is generally triangular. 96. The liner of claim 95, wherein the triangular tab comprises substantially all of the top flap. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to flexible liners for use in bulk containers such as those used in flexible intermediate bulk container (“FIBC”) systems or bag-in-box container systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for securing a flexible liner within a container used in a FIBC or bag-in-box container system. The present invention also relates to systems and methods of draining flexible liners used in FIBC or bag-in-box container systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years a number of industries have adopted the FIBC or bag-in-box concept for storing and transporting liquid and particulate commodities in relatively large quantities. For example, the FIBC or bag-in-box concept has been employed for transporting in bulk such diverse products as vegetable oils, salad dressings, syrups, soy sauce, peanut butter, pharmaceuticals, talc, motor oil, industrial chemicals, detergents in liquid or powder form, and toiletry products or ingredients. The FIBC concept is a bulk container system comprising a flexible liner in a flexible or semi-flexible bag. In one embodiment, a FIBC bag is made of a woven material (e.g., woven polymer, TYVEX®, canvas, wire mesh or net). The flexible liner is typically chemically resistant and impermeable to water and air and serves as the container for a selected commodity. The FIBC bag serves as a protective container for the liner and its contents. A FIBC bag is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,040 to LaFleur et al., which issued Jun. 17, 1986 and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The bag-in-box concept comprises a flexible liner and a rigid or semi-rigid box. The flexible liner is typically chemically resistant and impermeable to water and air and serves as the container for a selected commodity. The box may be made of plywood or other wood materials, cardboard, fiberboard, metal or plastic. The box serves as a protective container for the liner and its contents. A box for a bag-in-box system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,122 to Plunkett, which issued Mar. 18, 2003 and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A bag for use in a bag-in-box system is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/818,882, which was filed Apr. 6, 2004, is entitled “Bag With Flap For Bag-In-Box Container System” and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. By way of example, a liner used for shipping commodities in bulk, via a FIBC or bag-in-box system, typically may have a volume in the order of 60 cubic feet. In one embodiment, the liner will include at least a drain fitting near the bottom of the liner whereby the liner's contents may be removed. In other embodiments, the liner will include at least a filler fitting near the top of the liner whereby the liner may be filled with its contents. In other embodiments, the liner will include both a filler fitting near the top of the liner and a drain fitting near the bottom of the liner. In embodiments of the liner with at least a drain fitting, the outer container (i.e., the bag of a FIBC system or the box of a bag-in-box system) is provided with a discharge opening near or at the bottom end of the outer container through which the liquid or particulate contents can be discharged from the liner via its drain fitting. The discharge opening of the outer container may be fitted with a drain fitting that mates with or accommodates the drain fitting of the liner. This mating arrangement between drain fittings of the liner and outer container assures that material discharged from the liner will be directed to the intended receiving facility and prevents the material from accumulating in the bottom of the outer container. In embodiments of the liner with at least a filler fitting, the outer container usually comprises a cover or top panel that is removable to permit access to the liner and the filler fitting. An important financial consideration of the FIBC or bag-in-box mode of shipment of materials in bulk is that the outer container can be a non-returnable or one-way container. For example, where the outer container is a box for a bag-in-box system and is generally made of a corrugated fiberboard or the like, the box can be discarded after use. Alternatively, the box may consist of interlocking panels of metal, wood or a stiff or rigid plastic material, in which case the box may be disassembled and returned to the shipper after the associated liner has been emptied of its contents. Where the outer container is a bag for a FIBC system and is made of a low cost woven material, the bag can be discarded after use. Alternatively, where the material of the bag is more expensive, the bag may be collapsed and returned to the shipper after the associated liner has been emptied of its contents. With respect to the FIBC and bag-in-box concepts as applied to bulk shipment of commodities, the plastic flexible liners have taken various forms. One common form is the so-called “pillow” type, which consists of at least two sheets of plastic film sealed together at their edges. Another common form is the six-sided flexible liners (e.g., liners that take the shape of a cube or rectangular parallelepiped when filled) made from a plurality of sheets of plastic film. Regardless of the type of liner in the outer container, if the liner is large (e.g., a liner having a volume of about 275 gallons or more), it can be difficult to completely fill or empty the liner. This is especially the case when the content of the liner is a viscous liquid. During the discharge of the liner's contents, the evacuated portion of the liner has a tendency to collapse due to a vacuum affect. Similarly, when the liner is being filled, the liner again tends to collapse because the contents pull the sides of the liner downward. In either case, as the liner collapses, folds are created that entrap the contents of the liner. During emptying of a large liner, the emptying process can still be difficult and incomplete even if liner collapse is minimal. This is because the liner bottom typically does not slope towards the drain fitting. Consequently, the contents of the liner can tend to pool in the bottom of the liner. There is a need in the art for a system and method of supporting a liner off of an outer container used in a FIBC or bag-in-box system, thereby decreasing the tendency of the liner to collapse during filling or emptying of the liner. There is also a need in the art for a system and method of causing a liner bottom to slope towards the drain fitting of the liner. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention, in one embodiment, is a collapsible liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises a first flexible panel, a second flexible panel, a first seal, a second seal, and a tab. The first flexible panel includes a first longitudinal edge. The second flexible panel includes a second longitudinal edge. The first seal joins the first and second panels near the first and second longitudinal edges and runs generally parallel to the first and second edges. The second seal joins the first and second panels and is generally oblique to the first seal. At least one of the panels extends across at least one of the seals to form the tab, which includes an attachment feature adapted to facilitate the attachment of the tab to the bulk container. The present invention, in another embodiment, is a collapsible liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises first, second and third flexible panels, first, second, third, fourth and fifth seals, and a tab. The first flexible panel includes a first longitudinal edge and a first lateral edge generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal edge. The second flexible panel includes a second longitudinal edge and a second lateral edge generally perpendicular to the second longitudinal edge. The third flexible panel includes a third longitudinal edge, a fourth longitudinal edge generally parallel to the third longitudinal edge, and a third lateral edge generally perpendicular to the third longitudinal edge. The first seal joins the first and third panels near the first and third longitudinal edges and runs generally parallel to the first and third edges. The second seal joins the second and third panels near the second and fourth longitudinal edges and runs generally parallel to the second and fourth edges. The third seal joins the first and third panels and is generally oblique to the first seal. The fourth seal joins the second and third panels and is generally oblique to the second seal. The fifth seal joins the first and second panels near the first and second lateral edges and runs generally perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal edges. The first panel extends across the third seal to the fifth seal. The second panel extends across the fourth seal to the fifth seal. The tab is defined in the first panel between the third and fifth seals. The tab includes an attachment feature adapted to facilitate the attachment of the tab to the bulk container. The present invention, in another embodiment, is a liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises a first flexible panel and a tab. The tab is defined in a portion of the first panel and includes a piece of tape affixed to the tab. The present invention, in another embodiment, is a liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises a first flexible panel and a tab defined in a portion of said first panel. The tab includes a piece of fabric or other reinforcement material. In one embodiment, the fabric or other material is affixed to the tab via an adhesive. In other embodiments, the fabric or other material is melted into the tab or sealed within a tab. The present invention, in another embodiment, is a liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises a first flexible panel joined to a second flexible panel by a first seal and a second seal oblique to the first seal. The first and second seals form an intersection. At least one of the panels extends across at least one of the seals to form an elongated tab adapted for connection to the bulk container. In one embodiment, the elongated tab is sufficiently long to facilitate its attachment and use with a winder. In one embodiment, the elongated tab is configured such that its length, from a free distal end of the tab to the intersection, is approximately two times or greater the width of the tab. In one embodiment, the elongated tab is configured such that its length is approximately three times or greater the width of the tab. In one embodiment, the elongated tab is configured such that its length is approximately four times or greater the width of the tab. The present invention, in another embodiment, is a method of attaching a liner to a bulk container where the liner comprises a first flexible panel and an elongated tab defined in a portion of said first panel. In one embodiment the tab further comprises an attachment feature adapted to facilitate the attachment of the tab to the bulk container. The method comprises extending the tab from the liner to a surface of the bulk container and affixing the tab to the surface of the bulk container. In one embodiment, attachment feature is a strip of tape and the tab is affixed to the surface of the bulk container via an adhesive on the tape. In another embodiment, whether the attachment feature is a strip of tape or a piece of fabric or reinforcement material, the tab is affixed to the surface of the bulk container by stitching through the tape or fabric, the tab and into the surface of the bulk container. The present invention, in another embodiment, is a liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises first, second, third and fourth flexible panels, first and second pairs of oblique seals, a cross seal, and first and second pairs of side seals. The first flexible panel and the second flexible panel are opposed to each other. Each of the first and second panels includes a pair of side edges. The third flexible panel and the fourth flexible panel are opposed to each other and are located between the first and second panels. Each of the third and fourth panels includes a pair of side edges. The first pair of oblique seals joins the first panel to the third and fourth panels. Each oblique seal of the first pair of oblique seals runs along the first panel generally oblique to the side edges of the first panel. The oblique seals of the first pair of oblique seals converge towards each other to define a first truncated apex. Each oblique seal of the first pair of oblique seals has a portion near the first apex that transitions through a radius to a segment generally parallel to the side edges of the first panel. The second pair of oblique seals joins the second panel to the third and fourth panels. Each oblique seal of the second pair of oblique seals runs along the second panel generally oblique to the side edges of the second panel. The oblique seals of the second pair of oblique seals converge towards each other to define a second truncated apex. Each oblique seal of the second pair of oblique seals has a portion near the first apex that transitions through a radius to a segment generally parallel to the side edges of the first panel. The cross seal joins the first panel to the second panel at the truncated apexes of the first and second panels. More specifically, in one embodiment, the cross seal perpendicularly intersects the segments of the seals of the first and second pairs of oblique seals. The first pair of side seals runs generally parallel to the side edges of the first panel and joins the third and fourth panels to the first panel. In one embodiment, each side seal of the first pair of side seals intersects an end of an oblique seal of the first pair of oblique seals opposite the first apex. The second pair of side seals runs generally parallel to the side edges of the second panel and joins the third and fourth panels to the second panel. In one embodiment, each side seal of the second pair of side seals intersects an end of an oblique seal of the second pair of oblique seals opposite the second apex. In one embodiment, the first and second apexes converge to form an end wall of the liner. In one embodiment, the first and second pairs of oblique seals define apexes in the third and fourth panels that are generally non-truncated, or in other words, generally pointed. These apexes in the third and forth panels also join with the apexes in the first and second panels to form an end wall of the liner. The present invention, in another embodiment, is a liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises a first flexible side panel, a second flexible side panel, a seal, a top flap and a tab. The second flexible side panel forms a side edge of the container. The seal joins the first flexible side panel to the second flexible side panel and runs generally oblique to the side edge. The top flap is defined in at least one of the flexible side panels between the seal and a top edge of the at least one flexible side panel. The tab defined in the top flap. In one embodiment, the tab comprises substantially all of the top flap. In one embodiment, the tab is a rectangular portion of the top flap. In one embodiment, the tab is a triangular portion of the top flap. In one embodiment, the liner further comprises a L-shaped generally continuous cut or series of perforations in the top flap that define a generally rectangular tab. In another embodiment, the liner further comprises a generally continuous cut or series of perforations in the top flap that run generally parallel to at least a portion of the seal and define a tab that is generally triangular and comprises substantially all of the top flap. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of a liner in its inflated or filled state; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the liner in a flattened as-made condition, with a part of the liner broken away; FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the same liner in its flattened as-made condition, with a part of the liner broken away; FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2; FIG. 5a is a top isometric view of the upper portion of the liner in its inflated or filled state with the tabs detached in preparation for engagement with an outer container; FIG. 5b is a vertical sectional view taken along section line 5b-5b of FIG. 5a of a tab affixed to the surface of an outer container; FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of fill fitment taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 2; FIG. 7 is a top isometric view of the upper portion of the liner in its inflated or filled state with an alternative embodiment of the tabs; FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the upper portion of the liner depicted in FIG. 7 in its flattened as-made condition, with a part of the liner broken away; FIG. 9 is a top isometric view of the upper portion of the liner in its inflated or filled state with an open neck top and an alternative embodiment of the tabs; FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the upper portion of the liner depicted in FIG. 9 in its flattened as-made condition, with a part of the liner broken away. In the several figures like numerals designate like elements. FIG. 11 is a side elevation of a liner attached to a winder system to facilitate the complete emptying of the liner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is directed to a flexible liner 1 for use in bulk containers such as those used in flexible intermediate bulk container (“FIBC”) systems or bag-in-box container systems. Generally speaking, in one embodiment, the flexible liner 1 of the present invention has integrally formed tabs 2 that are partially separable from the liner 1 for connection to an outer container (i.e., the bag of a FIBC system or the box of a bag-in-box system) and/or use in a winder system that can be used to facilitate the emptying of the liner 1. FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of the liner 1 in its inflated or filled state. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the tabs 2 are located near the top portion of the liner 1 and are provided with an attachment feature 3 for securing the tabs 2 to the outer container. Depending on the embodiment, the attachment feature 3 may be a strip of tape, a strip of fabric or another reinforcing material, or a hole through the tab 2. In one embodiment, the tab 2 is not provided with a special attachment feature, but is simply the tab 2. Once the tabs 2 are affixed to the outer container (whether an attachment feature is employed or not), the tabs 2 support the liner 1 off of the outer container, thereby reducing the degree to which the liner 1 collapses when being filled or emptied. Additionally, when the liner 1 is being emptied, the tabs 2 may be detached from the outer container and connected to a winder system. The tabs 2 are then wound about the winder, which causes the contents of the liner 1 to flow towards the drain fitting 50 of the liner 1. As indicated in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the liner 1 is a four side-seal type liner 1 (i.e., a liner having four longitudinal side-seals 23, 24, 25, 26) composed of four discrete portions (i.e., a front portion 4, a rear portion 6 and two side portions 8, 10) of flexible, heat-sealable packaging material in sheet form. By way of example but not limitation, the packaging sheet material may consist of polyethylene or polypropylene or some other thermoplastic material or be a laminate of two or more packaging materials bonded to one another. Each of the portions 4-10 may comprise a single sheet of packaging material (“single ply”) or two or more sheets of packaging material (“multi-ply”). In the case of multi-ply portions, the individual sheets (“plies”) may be of like or different material and are secured to one another only in selected areas (e.g., at seals 23, 24, 25, 26 and other such seals as discussed in this detailed description). The preferred embodiment is a two-ply liner. For convenience and simplicity of illustration, the two-ply construction is evidenced only in FIGS. 4 and 6, with the two plies of the front portion 4, for example, being identified as 4A and 4B. However, in the following description, it is to be assumed and understood that each of the four discrete portions 4-10 of the liner 1 consists of two plies of flexible packaging material. For a discussion of the liner 1 in its flat as-formed condition, reference is now made to FIGS. 2-4. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the liner 1 in its flattened as-made condition, with part of the front portion 4 broken away to reveal the side portions 8, 10 below. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the liner 1 in its flattened as-made condition, with part of the rear portion 6 broken away to reveal the side portions 8, 10 above. FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the liner 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the front portion 4 and the rear portion 6 are opposed to one another, and the side portions 8, 10 are interposed between the front portion 4 and the rear portion 6. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the side portions 8, 10 are folded inwardly on themselves to form gussets consisting of folds 13, 14 and 15, 16, respectively. As indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the liner 1 is in the flattened as-made condition, the front portion 4 and the rear portion 6 have a generally rectangular configuration defined by a top edge 18, a bottom edge 20, and two side edges 21, 22. During manufacture, the four portions 4-10 are cut from parallel elongate supply webs of packaging material. The four portions 4-10 are substantially the same width (i.e., the distance between the side edges 21a, 22a with respect to portion 4, the distance between the side edges 21c, 22c with respect to portion 6, the distance between the side edges 21b, 21d with respect to portion 8, and the distance between the side edges 22b, 22d with respect to portion 10) as the webs from which they are separated. The side portions 8, 10 are folded and inserted between the front portion 4 and the rear portion 6 before the four portions 4-10 are cut from the supply webs. As used herein and where the context so admits, the term “web” is to be understood as consisting of a single continuous sheet or two or more sheets that are brought together to form a multiply portion of a liner. Alternatively, as used herein, the term “web” is to be understood as consisting of a tubular film that is equivalent to two sheets that are brought together to form a multiply portion of a liner. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the front portion 4 is sealed via longitudinal seal lines 23, 24 along its two longitudinally extending side edges 21a, 22a to the adjacent side edges 21b, 22b of the folds 13, 15 of the respective side portions 8, 10. As indicated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear portion 6 is sealed via longitudinal seal lines 25, 26 along its two longitudinally extending side edges 21c, 22c to the adjacent side edges 21d, 22d of the folds 14, 16 of the respective side portions 8, 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, adjacent the top end of the liner 1, two oblique seals 27, 28 secure the front portion 4 to the folds 13, 15, and another two oblique seals 29, 30 secure the rear portion 6 to the folds 14, 16. Adjacent the bottom end of the liner 1, two oblique seals 31, 32 secure the front portion 4 to the folds 13, 15, and another two oblique seals 33, 34 secure the rear portion 6 to the folds 14, 16. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, the oblique seals 27, 28, 31, 32 extend through the longitudinal seals 23, 24, while the other oblique seals 29, 30, 33, 34 extend through the other longitudinal seals 25, 26. In other embodiments, the oblique seals 27-34 stop at their respective intersections with the longitudinal seals 23-26. In one embodiment, at the top end of the liner 1, a cross seal 40 extends laterally across the front and rear portions 4, 6 adjacent and parallel to the top edge 18. The top cross seal 40 seals the front and rear portions 4, 6 together along the length of the top cross seal 40. The top oblique seals 27-30 extend from their intersections with their respective longitudinal seals 23-26 towards the top cross seal 40. Just prior to intersecting the top cross seal 40, each top oblique seal 27-30 curves from an oblique orientation to an orientation that is generally parallel to the longitudinal seals 23-26, thereby forming a short segment 44 with a curve 45 for each oblique seal 27-30 that extends through the top cross seal 40. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, at the bottom end of the liner 1, a cross seal 42 extends laterally across the front and rear portions 4, 6 adjacent and parallel to the bottom edge 20. The bottom cross seal 42 seals the front and rear portions 4, 6 together along the length of the bottom cross seal 42. The bottom oblique seals 31-34 extend from their intersections with their respective longitudinal seals 23-26 towards the bottom cross seal 42. Just prior to intersecting the bottom cross seal 42, each bottom oblique seal 31-34 curves from an oblique orientation to an orientation that is generally parallel to the longitudinal seals 23-26, thereby forming a short segment 46 with a curve 47 for each oblique seal 31-34 that extends through the bottom cross seal 42. In manufacturing the liner 1, the cross seals 40, 42 may require a greater temperature/pressure as compared to those used to make the longitudinal side seals 23-26 and the oblique seals 27-34. This is because, in one embodiment, the cross seals 40, 42 utilize twice as many layers as the side and oblique seals 23-34. For example, referring to the upper right hand corner of FIG. 2, oblique seal 28 and longitudinal side seal 24 are each formed by sealing front portion 4 and side portion 10 together. In contrast, cross seal 40 is formed by sealing together front portion 4, rear portion 6, and portion 10 folded over on itself (i.e., two layers of portion 10 are sealed together with the front and rear portions 4, 6). As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the front and rear portions 4, 6 each have a generally hexagonal configuration (as defined by their respective longitudinal side seals 23-26 and oblique seals 27-34), except for being truncated at the upper most point by the top cross seal 40 and at the bottom most point by the bottom cross seal 42. As can be understood from FIG. 1, the side portions 8, 10 also each have a generally hexagonal configuration (as defined by their respective longitudinal side seals 23-26 and oblique seals 27-34) when fully spread out flat. However, as can be understood from FIG. 1, unlike the front and rear portions 4, 6, the upper and lower most points of the side portions 8, 10 are not truncated. As can be understood from FIG. 1, the curves 45, 47 and the truncated top and bottom end points of the hexagonal front and rear portions 4, 6 form intersections between the panels 4-10 that are advantageous over standard non-truncated intersections found in the prior art. This is because the truncated end points and the curves 45, 47 reduce stress concentrations in the intersection areas as compared to the non-truncated intersections found in the prior art. In one embodiment, the curves 45, 47 have a radius of between approximately 0.5″ to approximately 4.0″. In another embodiment, the curves 45, 47 have a radius of between approximately 1.0″ to approximately 3.0″. In one embodiment, the radius is approximately 2.0″. As can be understood from FIGS. 1-3, the hexagonal configuration of each portion 4-10 can be divided into three parts, which are a top triangular section 4x, 6x, 8x, 10x, a rectangular section 4y, 6y, 8y, 10y, and a bottom triangular section 4z, 6z, 8z, 10z. The top triangular sections 4x, 6x, 8x, 10x are defined by the top oblique seals 27-30 and top fold lines 66 that run parallel to the top cross seal 40 and intersect the intersections between the top oblique seals 27-30 and the longitudinal side seals 23-26. Similarly, the bottom triangular sections 4z, 6z, 8z, 10z are defined by the bottom oblique seals 31-34 and bottom fold lines 68 that run parallel to the bottom cross seal 42 and intersect the intersections between the bottom oblique seals 31-34 and the longitudinal side seals 23-26. The rectangular sections 4y, 6y, 8y, 10y are defined by the longitudinal side seals 23-26 and the top and bottom fold lines 66, 68. As can be understood from FIG. 1, when the liner 1 is inflated or filled, the top triangular sections 4x, 6x, 8x, 10x fold toward each other about their respective top fold lines 66 to form the roof of the cubical liner 1, the bottom triangular sections 4z, 6z, 8z, 10z fold toward each other about their respective bottom fold lines 68 to form the floor of the cubical liner 1, and the rectangular sections 4y, 6y, 8y, 10y fold about their respective longitudinal side seals 23-26 to form the sidewalls of the cubical liner 1. As indicated in FIG. 2, the top oblique seals 27, 28, the top cross seal 40, and the side seals 23, 24 generally define front top flaps 4a, 4b out of the front portion 4. In one embodiment, each front top flap 4a, 4b will further include corresponding areas of the side portions 8, 10 that are defined by the top oblique seals 27, 28, the top cross seal 40, and the side seals 23, 24. As shown in FIG. 3, the top oblique seals 29, 30, the top cross seal 40, and the side seals 25, 26 generally define rear top flaps 6a, 6b out of the rear portion 6. In one embodiment, each rear top flap 6a, 6b will further include corresponding areas of the side portions 8, 10 that are defined by the top oblique seals 29, 30, the top cross seal 40, and the side seals 25, 26. As illustrated in FIG. 1, because the front top flaps 4a, 4,b are sealed to the rear top flaps 6a, 6b by the top cross seal 40, when the liner 1 is inflated or filled and takes its cubical form, the top flaps 4a, 6a extend across the top triangular section 8× and the top flaps 4b, 6b extend across the top triangular section 10x. As indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, each longitudinal side seal 23-26 has a segment that extends across the respective top oblique seal 27-30 and into the respective top flap 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, these top segments 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a run from the intersection of the respective oblique seal 27-30 and side seal 23-26 to a point approximately halfway to the top cross seal 40. In other embodiments, the top segments 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a will have a greater or lesser length. In one embodiment, each longitudinal side seal 23-26 stops at its intersection with the respective top oblique seal 27-30 such that there are no top segments 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, each top flap 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b has a tab 2, which has a generally rectangular shape defined by an edge 21, 22 of the respective top flap 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b and an L-shaped perforated boarder 70. In other embodiments, the perforated boarder 70 will define tabs 2 with other shapes (e.g., circular, triangular, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the short segment of the L-shaped perforated boarder 70 is adjacent and generally parallel to the top cross seal 40. The short segment of the L-shaped perforated boarder 70 forms the free distal end of a tab 2. The long segment of the L-shaped perforated boarder 70 is generally parallel to its respective edge 21, 22 and extends from its intersection with the short segment to a point near its respective top oblique seal 27-30. In one embodiment, each tab 2 has a length that is approximately 2″ to approximately 24″. In another embodiment, each tab 2 has a length that is approximately 6″ to approximately 24″. In another embodiment, each tab 2 has a length that is approximately 17″ to approximately 21″ long. In another embodiment, each tab 2 has a length that is approximately 2″ to approximately the distance between the top cross seal 40 and the intersections between the oblique seals 27-30 and the longitudinal side seals 23-26. In one embodiment, the tabs 2 are of an elongated configuration such that they are sufficiently long to facilitate their attachment and use with a winder as discussed later in this Detailed Description. For example, in one embodiment, the tab 2 is configured such that its length (i.e., the distance from the free distal end of the tab to the intersection between the applicable longitudinal side seal 23-26 and oblique seal 27-30) is approximately two times or greater the width of the tab 2. In another embodiment, the tab 2 is configured such that its length is approximately three times or greater the width of the tab 2. In another embodiment, the tab 2 has a length that is approximately four times or greater the width of the tab 2. In another embodiment, the tab 2 has a length that is approximately five times or greater the width of the tab 2. In another embodiment, the tab 2 has a length that is approximately six times or greater the width of the tab 2. As indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, each tab 2 has a top segment 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a that extends along at least a portion of the tab 2 to reinforce the tab 2 by sealing its layers of the respective portion 4-10 together. In another embodiment, no segments 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a exist because the longitudinal seal lines 23-26 terminate at their intersections with the oblique seals 27-30. In other embodiments, the tabs 2 may be shapes other than rectangular and may be defined by perforated lines 70 that have configurations other than an L-shape. For example, a tab 2 may be any shape (e.g., rectangular, triangular, circular, elliptical, etc.) defined in a top flap 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b by one or more perforated lines 70 or a combination of one or more perforated lines 70 and a longitudinal side edge 21, 22. Also, the perforated lines 70 corresponding to such shapes may be straight, curved, segmented or otherwise configured to define such shapes. In one embodiment, a tab 2 may any portion of its respective top flap 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b. For example, where a tab 2 comprises essentially all of its respective top flap 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b, the perforated lines 70 may run adjacent to the oblique seals 27-30 from the top edge 18 to a point near the intersections between the oblique seals 27-30 and the longitudinal side seals 23-26 such that each tab 2 ends up being all or substantially all of its respective triangular shaped top flap 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b. In other words, such a tab 2 would be substantially all of a triangular area defined by a longitudinal side edge 21, 22, a top edge 18 and a perforated line 70 running generally parallel and adjacent to an oblique seal 27-30. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, an attachment feature 3 exists on each tab 2. In another embodiment, no attachment feature 3 exists on the tabs 2. In one embodiment the attachment feature 3 is a strip of tape 3 that is affixed to each tab 2. In one embodiment, the tape 3 has two adhesive sides, one adhesive side for adhering to the tab 2 and the other adhesive side for securing the tab 2 to an outer container (i.e., the bag of a FIBC system or the box of a bag-in-box system). In another embodiment, the tape 3 has a single adhesive side for adhering to the tab 2. The tape 3 then acts as reinforcement for the tab 2, thereby allowing the tab 2 to be stitched to the outer container without tearing free. In one embodiment, the attachment feature 3 is a strip of fabric 3 such as canvas, TYVEX®, or another reinforcing material. The strip of fabric 3 is affixed to the tab 2 via an adhesive or stitching, by being pressed into a tab 2 when the tab 2 is heated to its melting point, or by being sealed between the layers forming a tab 2. The tabs 2 are then affixed to the top portion of the outer container by stitching through the fabric 3 and into the outer container. In one embodiment, the attachment feature 3 is one or more holes 3. The one or more holes 3 may be any size and any shape, for example circular, elliptical, rectangular, etc. The holes may be reinforced with a grommet or by sealing together the layers comprising the tab 2 at or near the boarder of the hole 3. Alternatively, the holes 3 may be formed without reinforcement. The tabs 2 are affixed to the top portion of the outer container by stitching through the one or more holes 3 and into the outer container. Alternatively, the one or more holes 3 may be tied to the outer container or attached to a hook extending from the outer container. As can be understood from FIGS. 1-3, the configuration of the tabs 2 is advantageous because the tabs 2 are outside the contents containment area of the liner 1. Thus, if a tab 1 breaks, a seal 23-30 is not ruptured and the liner 1 does not end up leaking. Furthermore, as can be understood from FIGS. 1-3 and the preceding discussion, in one embodiment, each tab 2 employs all of the layers of any two adjacent portions 6-10. Thus, the tabs 2 have twice the strength of any single portion 6-10. Additionally, unlike some prior art liners that have tabs formed exclusively of tape adhered to the walls of said liners, the tabs 2 of the present liner 1 can rely on the tensile strength of the polymer sheets forming the portions 8-10 of the liner 1. This results in a stronger configuration for the tabs 2. For a better understanding of the deployment of the tabs 2, reference is now made to FIGS. 5a and 5b. FIG. 5a is a top isometric view of the upper portion of the liner 1 in its inflated or filled state with the tabs 2 detached in preparation for engagement with an outer container. FIG. 5b is a vertical sectional view taken along section line 5b-5b of FIG. 5a of a tab 2 affixed to the surface of an outer container 150. As shown in FIG. 5a, each tab 2 has been separated from its respective top flap 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b along its L-shaped perforated boarder 70. This separation of a tab 2 may be achieved by simply pulling on the tab 2 until its perforated L-shaped boarder 70 gives way. As indicated in FIG. 5b, the tabs 2 when separated have sufficient length to allow them to be affixed to an outside container 150 via an adhesive and/or stitching 155. Alternatively, the tabs 2 may be of a sufficient length to allow them to be affixed to an outside container via hooks or tie ropes. For a continued discussion of the general configuration of one embodiment of the liner 1, reference is again made to FIGS. 1-3. As indicated in FIG. 2, the bottom oblique seals 31, 32, the bottom cross seal 42, and the side seals 23, 24 generally define front bottom flaps 4c, 4d out of the front portion 4. In one embodiment, each front bottom flap 4c, 4d will further include corresponding areas of the side portions 8, 10 that are defined by the bottom oblique seals 31, 32, the bottom cross seal 42, and the side seals 23, 24. As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom oblique seals 33, 34, the bottom cross seal 42, and the side seals 25, 26 generally define rear bottom flaps 6c, 6d out of the rear portion 6. In one embodiment, each rear bottom flap 6c, 6d will further include corresponding areas of the side portions 8, 10 that are defined by the bottom oblique seals 33, 34, the bottom cross seal 42, and the side seals 25, 26. As can be understood from FIG. 1, because the front bottom flaps 4c, 4d are sealed to the rear bottom flaps 6c, 6d by the bottom cross seal 42, when the liner 1 is inflated or filled and takes its cubical form, the bottom flaps 4c, 6c extend across the bottom triangular section 8z and the bottom flaps 4d, 6d extend across the bottom triangular section 10z. As indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3, each longitudinal side seal 23-26 has a segment that extends across the respective bottom oblique seal 31-34 into the respective bottom flap 4c, 4d, 6c, 6d. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, these bottom segments 23b, 24b, 25b, 26b run from the intersection of the respective oblique seal 31-34 and side seal 23-26 to a point nearly intersecting the bottom cross seal 42. In other embodiments, the bottom segments 23b, 24b, 25b, 26b will have a greater or lesser length. In one embodiment, each longitudinal side seal 23-26 stops at its intersection with the respective bottom oblique seal 31-34 such that there are no bottom segments 23b, 24b, 25b, 26b. As indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, the bottom flaps 4c, 4d, 6c, 6d are not provided with tabs 2. In other embodiments, the bottom flaps 4c, 4d, 6c, 6d are provided with tabs 2, which can be configured similarly to those found on the top flaps 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b. For a discussion of the location of the fill and drain orifices of the liner 1, reference is now made to FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the front portion 4 is formed with two openings. Mounted in those openings are two tubular fitments, a drain fitment 50 and fill fitment 52. The drain fitment 50 is intended to function as a drain and may be located generally equidistant from the two longitudinal side edges 21, 22 of the front portion 4 at a point that is almost even with the intersections between the bottom oblique seals 31, 32 and the longitudinal side seals 23, 24. The fill fitment 52 is for filling purposes and is typically located close to the intersections of the top cross seal 40 with the top oblique seals 27, 28. In one embodiment, the liner 1 will only have a drain fitment 50. In another embodiment, the liner 1 will only have a fill fitment 52. For a discussion of one method of securing the fitments 50, 52 to the front portion 4, reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a cross sectional view of one type of fill fitment 52 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 2. As indicated in FIG. 6, the fill fitment 52 comprises two parts, a fixed tubular part 56 and a cap 62. The fixed tubular part 56 has a flange 58 that underlies and is sealed to the front portion 4 by a circular seal 60. The cap 62 is releasably attached to and closes off the tubular part 56. The cap 60 may be attached to the tubular part 56 by a screw, bayonet, snap-fit or other suitable form of connection known in the art. For a better understanding of how the four portions 4-10 join together and how the liner 1 appears when inflated or filled, reference is again made to FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the liner 1 assumes the general shape of a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped when is inflated or filled, with the side portions 8, 10 unfolding to eliminate the gussets. The front portion 4 forms a front wall, the rear portion 6 forms a rear wall, and the side portions 8, 10 form opposite sidewalls. As shown in FIG. 1, because of the arrangement of the oblique seals 27-34 in relation to the longitudinal seals 23-26 and cross seals 40, 42, the four portions 4-10 come together to form the top and bottom walls of the liner 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the filler fitment 52 is located at the top of the liner 1 and the drain fitment 50 is located at the bottom, front side of the liner 1. As can be understood from FIG. 1, when inflated or filled, the liner 1 is self-supporting in the sense that it tends to remain erect and not fall over when its bottom end is resting on a flat floor or platform. When an un-inflated liner 1 is inserted in an outside container, the flexibility of the un-inflated liner 1 allows the drain fitment 50 to be properly positioned in any commodity discharge opening provided in the bottom of the outside container. Once so positioned, the cap 62 of the drain fitment 50 may be removed to initiate the liner-emptying process for an inflated or filled liner 1. As previously explained, the flexibility of the material comprising the four portions 4-10 may cause a liner 1 to tend to collapse at its upper portion when the liner 1 is being emptied of its contents via the drain 50. Such a collapsing of the liner 1 makes it difficult to completely empty the liner 1 of viscous contents such as peanut butter, industrial oil or the like. Thus, it is desirable to support the upper portion of the liner 1 off of an upper portion of the outside container. The tabs 2 of the present invention provide an inexpensive means of supporting the liner 1 off of the outside container. As indicated hereinabove, the four portions 4-10 that make up the liner may consist of a single ply or two or more plies. In the case of two or more plies, it is to be understood that the plies are separate from one another except in the areas of the seals described above, and that each ply may consist of a single plastic film or be a laminate of two or more materials. For a discussion of another embodiment of the liner 1, reference is now made to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a top isometric view of the upper portion of the liner 1 in its inflated or filled state with an alternative embodiment of the tabs 2. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the upper portion of the liner 1 depicted in FIG. 7 in its flattened as-made condition, with part of the liner broken away to reveal the side portions 8, 10 above. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the top flaps 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b (depicted in FIGS. 1-3) have been trimmed away along tab edges 100 and oblique edges 102 to form another embodiment of the tabs 2. The tabs 2 depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8 have attachment features 3 (as previously discussed in this Detailed Description) for affixing the tabs 2 to an outside container. In one embodiment, each tab 2 also has and a top segment 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a that extends along at least a portion of the tab 2 to reinforce the tab 2 by sealing together its layers of the respective portions 4-10. In another embodiment, the tabs 2 are not provided with top segment 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a. The four portions 4-10 may consist of a single ply or two or more plies as described above. In one embodiment, the tabs 2 may have lengths as previously discussed in this Detailed Description. In other embodiments, the tabs 2 may have lengths such that they extend out approximately as far as the top edge 18 of the liner 1. For a discussion of yet another embodiment of the liner 1, reference is now made to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a top isometric view of the upper portion of the liner 1 in its inflated or filled state with an open neck top and an alternative embodiment of the tabs 2. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the upper portion of the liner 1 depicted in FIG. 9 in its flattened as-made condition, with part of the liner broken away to reveal the side portions 8, 10 above. As indicated in FIGS. 9 and 10, in one embodiment, the filler fitment 52 is omitted from the front portion 4 (the hole for the filler fitment 52 is also omitted) and the top oblique seals 27-30 are modified by extending them so as to form neck sections 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d. While the top oblique seals 27-30 are extended to the top end edge 18 of the neck sections 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, the neck sections are not sealed together with a cross-seal 40 (depicted in FIGS. 1-3). As shown in FIG. 9, when the liner is inflated the neck sections 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d of the four portions 4-10 form a spout 94 with a substantially square cross-sectional configuration that can be used for filling the liner 1 with a selected liquid or particulate commodity. After the liner 1 has been filled, the spout 94 can be sealed shut by securing together the four sections 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d (e.g., by an adhesive, stitching, stapling, heat sealing, or adding a closure member (not shown) that fits over or inside the spout and seals it to the spout). The four portions 4-10 may consist of a single ply or two or more plies as described above. The alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 may be preferred for certain applications where it is customary to employ liners with spouts (e.g. the applications contemplated for outer containers and liners disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,646, issued Apr. 16, 2002 to L. LaFleur, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,040, issued Jun. 17, 1986 to A. E. Lafleur et al, both of which are hereby incorporated in their entireties into this Detailed Description). In one embodiment, the tabs 2 may have lengths as previously discussed in this Detailed Description. In other embodiments, the tabs 2 may have lengths such that they extend out approximately as far as the top edge 18 of the liner 1. Of course the invention is susceptible of other modifications and may be applied to liners 1 of different constructions. For example, instead of being L-shaped, the perforated lines 70 may be formed as a single line curved in an arc. Alternatively, the perforated lines 70 may run adjacent to the oblique seals 27-30 from a point near the intersections between the oblique seals 27-30 and the longitudinal side seals 23-26 to the top edge 18 such that each tab 2 ends up being all or substantially all of its respective top flap 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b. In one embodiment, the fitments 50, 52 may have different structures or shapes. In one embodiment, the filler fitment 52 may be omitted, in which case the drain fitment 50 may also serve as a filler means for the liner by attaching a pump discharge line to pump the contents into the liner 1. Conversely, the drain fitment 50 may be omitted, in which case the filler fitment 52 may also serve as a drain means for the liner by running a pump suction line down into the liner to remove the contents of the liner 1. Although the preferred construction is a liner that has a substantially cubic shape when inflated (in which case the side portions 8, 10 have substantially the same width when unfolded as the front and rear portions 4, 6), the liner also may be formed so as to have a rectangular parallelepiped shape when inflated (e.g., the side portions 8, 10 may have smaller widths than the front and rear portions 4, 6. Although the seals whereby the four portions 4-10 are connected together are illustrated by single lines, it is to be understood that the cross-seals and the longitudinal and oblique seals that connect the front and rear portions 4, 6 to the side portions 8, 10 may vary in width and, for example, may extend out to the edges of the four portions 4-10. For a discussion of the employment of a winder system with the tabs 2 of the liner 1, reference is now made to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a side elevation of a liner 1 attached to a winder system 110 to facilitate the complete removal of the contents 112 of the liner 1 during the emptying of the liner 1. As indicated in FIG. 1, the tabs 2 extending from the rear portion 6 are attached to the winder 110. As the tabs 2 are wound about the winder 110, the bottom rear edge of the liner 1 is elevated. This causes the contents 112 of the liner 1 to flow towards the drain fitment 50, which facilitates complete removal of the contents 112 from the liner 1. Because of the length and configuration of the tabs 2, as previously discussed in this Detailed Description, the tabs 2 are ideal for use with a winder 110. This is because the tabs 2 have a high tensile strength due to having twice the layers of any sidewall of the liner. Also, should a tab 2 fail, a seam of the liner is less likely to tear and leak. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In recent years a number of industries have adopted the FIBC or bag-in-box concept for storing and transporting liquid and particulate commodities in relatively large quantities. For example, the FIBC or bag-in-box concept has been employed for transporting in bulk such diverse products as vegetable oils, salad dressings, syrups, soy sauce, peanut butter, pharmaceuticals, talc, motor oil, industrial chemicals, detergents in liquid or powder form, and toiletry products or ingredients. The FIBC concept is a bulk container system comprising a flexible liner in a flexible or semi-flexible bag. In one embodiment, a FIBC bag is made of a woven material (e.g., woven polymer, TYVEX®, canvas, wire mesh or net). The flexible liner is typically chemically resistant and impermeable to water and air and serves as the container for a selected commodity. The FIBC bag serves as a protective container for the liner and its contents. A FIBC bag is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,040 to LaFleur et al., which issued Jun. 17, 1986 and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The bag-in-box concept comprises a flexible liner and a rigid or semi-rigid box. The flexible liner is typically chemically resistant and impermeable to water and air and serves as the container for a selected commodity. The box may be made of plywood or other wood materials, cardboard, fiberboard, metal or plastic. The box serves as a protective container for the liner and its contents. A box for a bag-in-box system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,122 to Plunkett, which issued Mar. 18, 2003 and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A bag for use in a bag-in-box system is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/818,882, which was filed Apr. 6, 2004, is entitled “Bag With Flap For Bag-In-Box Container System” and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. By way of example, a liner used for shipping commodities in bulk, via a FIBC or bag-in-box system, typically may have a volume in the order of 60 cubic feet. In one embodiment, the liner will include at least a drain fitting near the bottom of the liner whereby the liner's contents may be removed. In other embodiments, the liner will include at least a filler fitting near the top of the liner whereby the liner may be filled with its contents. In other embodiments, the liner will include both a filler fitting near the top of the liner and a drain fitting near the bottom of the liner. In embodiments of the liner with at least a drain fitting, the outer container (i.e., the bag of a FIBC system or the box of a bag-in-box system) is provided with a discharge opening near or at the bottom end of the outer container through which the liquid or particulate contents can be discharged from the liner via its drain fitting. The discharge opening of the outer container may be fitted with a drain fitting that mates with or accommodates the drain fitting of the liner. This mating arrangement between drain fittings of the liner and outer container assures that material discharged from the liner will be directed to the intended receiving facility and prevents the material from accumulating in the bottom of the outer container. In embodiments of the liner with at least a filler fitting, the outer container usually comprises a cover or top panel that is removable to permit access to the liner and the filler fitting. An important financial consideration of the FIBC or bag-in-box mode of shipment of materials in bulk is that the outer container can be a non-returnable or one-way container. For example, where the outer container is a box for a bag-in-box system and is generally made of a corrugated fiberboard or the like, the box can be discarded after use. Alternatively, the box may consist of interlocking panels of metal, wood or a stiff or rigid plastic material, in which case the box may be disassembled and returned to the shipper after the associated liner has been emptied of its contents. Where the outer container is a bag for a FIBC system and is made of a low cost woven material, the bag can be discarded after use. Alternatively, where the material of the bag is more expensive, the bag may be collapsed and returned to the shipper after the associated liner has been emptied of its contents. With respect to the FIBC and bag-in-box concepts as applied to bulk shipment of commodities, the plastic flexible liners have taken various forms. One common form is the so-called “pillow” type, which consists of at least two sheets of plastic film sealed together at their edges. Another common form is the six-sided flexible liners (e.g., liners that take the shape of a cube or rectangular parallelepiped when filled) made from a plurality of sheets of plastic film. Regardless of the type of liner in the outer container, if the liner is large (e.g., a liner having a volume of about 275 gallons or more), it can be difficult to completely fill or empty the liner. This is especially the case when the content of the liner is a viscous liquid. During the discharge of the liner's contents, the evacuated portion of the liner has a tendency to collapse due to a vacuum affect. Similarly, when the liner is being filled, the liner again tends to collapse because the contents pull the sides of the liner downward. In either case, as the liner collapses, folds are created that entrap the contents of the liner. During emptying of a large liner, the emptying process can still be difficult and incomplete even if liner collapse is minimal. This is because the liner bottom typically does not slope towards the drain fitting. Consequently, the contents of the liner can tend to pool in the bottom of the liner. There is a need in the art for a system and method of supporting a liner off of an outer container used in a FIBC or bag-in-box system, thereby decreasing the tendency of the liner to collapse during filling or emptying of the liner. There is also a need in the art for a system and method of causing a liner bottom to slope towards the drain fitting of the liner. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention, in one embodiment, is a collapsible liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises a first flexible panel, a second flexible panel, a first seal, a second seal, and a tab. The first flexible panel includes a first longitudinal edge. The second flexible panel includes a second longitudinal edge. The first seal joins the first and second panels near the first and second longitudinal edges and runs generally parallel to the first and second edges. The second seal joins the first and second panels and is generally oblique to the first seal. At least one of the panels extends across at least one of the seals to form the tab, which includes an attachment feature adapted to facilitate the attachment of the tab to the bulk container. The present invention, in another embodiment, is a collapsible liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises first, second and third flexible panels, first, second, third, fourth and fifth seals, and a tab. The first flexible panel includes a first longitudinal edge and a first lateral edge generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal edge. The second flexible panel includes a second longitudinal edge and a second lateral edge generally perpendicular to the second longitudinal edge. The third flexible panel includes a third longitudinal edge, a fourth longitudinal edge generally parallel to the third longitudinal edge, and a third lateral edge generally perpendicular to the third longitudinal edge. The first seal joins the first and third panels near the first and third longitudinal edges and runs generally parallel to the first and third edges. The second seal joins the second and third panels near the second and fourth longitudinal edges and runs generally parallel to the second and fourth edges. The third seal joins the first and third panels and is generally oblique to the first seal. The fourth seal joins the second and third panels and is generally oblique to the second seal. The fifth seal joins the first and second panels near the first and second lateral edges and runs generally perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal edges. The first panel extends across the third seal to the fifth seal. The second panel extends across the fourth seal to the fifth seal. The tab is defined in the first panel between the third and fifth seals. The tab includes an attachment feature adapted to facilitate the attachment of the tab to the bulk container. The present invention, in another embodiment, is a liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises a first flexible panel and a tab. The tab is defined in a portion of the first panel and includes a piece of tape affixed to the tab. The present invention, in another embodiment, is a liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises a first flexible panel and a tab defined in a portion of said first panel. The tab includes a piece of fabric or other reinforcement material. In one embodiment, the fabric or other material is affixed to the tab via an adhesive. In other embodiments, the fabric or other material is melted into the tab or sealed within a tab. The present invention, in another embodiment, is a liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises a first flexible panel joined to a second flexible panel by a first seal and a second seal oblique to the first seal. The first and second seals form an intersection. At least one of the panels extends across at least one of the seals to form an elongated tab adapted for connection to the bulk container. In one embodiment, the elongated tab is sufficiently long to facilitate its attachment and use with a winder. In one embodiment, the elongated tab is configured such that its length, from a free distal end of the tab to the intersection, is approximately two times or greater the width of the tab. In one embodiment, the elongated tab is configured such that its length is approximately three times or greater the width of the tab. In one embodiment, the elongated tab is configured such that its length is approximately four times or greater the width of the tab. The present invention, in another embodiment, is a method of attaching a liner to a bulk container where the liner comprises a first flexible panel and an elongated tab defined in a portion of said first panel. In one embodiment the tab further comprises an attachment feature adapted to facilitate the attachment of the tab to the bulk container. The method comprises extending the tab from the liner to a surface of the bulk container and affixing the tab to the surface of the bulk container. In one embodiment, attachment feature is a strip of tape and the tab is affixed to the surface of the bulk container via an adhesive on the tape. In another embodiment, whether the attachment feature is a strip of tape or a piece of fabric or reinforcement material, the tab is affixed to the surface of the bulk container by stitching through the tape or fabric, the tab and into the surface of the bulk container. The present invention, in another embodiment, is a liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises first, second, third and fourth flexible panels, first and second pairs of oblique seals, a cross seal, and first and second pairs of side seals. The first flexible panel and the second flexible panel are opposed to each other. Each of the first and second panels includes a pair of side edges. The third flexible panel and the fourth flexible panel are opposed to each other and are located between the first and second panels. Each of the third and fourth panels includes a pair of side edges. The first pair of oblique seals joins the first panel to the third and fourth panels. Each oblique seal of the first pair of oblique seals runs along the first panel generally oblique to the side edges of the first panel. The oblique seals of the first pair of oblique seals converge towards each other to define a first truncated apex. Each oblique seal of the first pair of oblique seals has a portion near the first apex that transitions through a radius to a segment generally parallel to the side edges of the first panel. The second pair of oblique seals joins the second panel to the third and fourth panels. Each oblique seal of the second pair of oblique seals runs along the second panel generally oblique to the side edges of the second panel. The oblique seals of the second pair of oblique seals converge towards each other to define a second truncated apex. Each oblique seal of the second pair of oblique seals has a portion near the first apex that transitions through a radius to a segment generally parallel to the side edges of the first panel. The cross seal joins the first panel to the second panel at the truncated apexes of the first and second panels. More specifically, in one embodiment, the cross seal perpendicularly intersects the segments of the seals of the first and second pairs of oblique seals. The first pair of side seals runs generally parallel to the side edges of the first panel and joins the third and fourth panels to the first panel. In one embodiment, each side seal of the first pair of side seals intersects an end of an oblique seal of the first pair of oblique seals opposite the first apex. The second pair of side seals runs generally parallel to the side edges of the second panel and joins the third and fourth panels to the second panel. In one embodiment, each side seal of the second pair of side seals intersects an end of an oblique seal of the second pair of oblique seals opposite the second apex. In one embodiment, the first and second apexes converge to form an end wall of the liner. In one embodiment, the first and second pairs of oblique seals define apexes in the third and fourth panels that are generally non-truncated, or in other words, generally pointed. These apexes in the third and forth panels also join with the apexes in the first and second panels to form an end wall of the liner. The present invention, in another embodiment, is a liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises a first flexible side panel, a second flexible side panel, a seal, a top flap and a tab. The second flexible side panel forms a side edge of the container. The seal joins the first flexible side panel to the second flexible side panel and runs generally oblique to the side edge. The top flap is defined in at least one of the flexible side panels between the seal and a top edge of the at least one flexible side panel. The tab defined in the top flap. In one embodiment, the tab comprises substantially all of the top flap. In one embodiment, the tab is a rectangular portion of the top flap. In one embodiment, the tab is a triangular portion of the top flap. In one embodiment, the liner further comprises a L-shaped generally continuous cut or series of perforations in the top flap that define a generally rectangular tab. In another embodiment, the liner further comprises a generally continuous cut or series of perforations in the top flap that run generally parallel to at least a portion of the seal and define a tab that is generally triangular and comprises substantially all of the top flap. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. | 20040727 | 20100921 | 20060202 | 90391.0 | B65D3314 | 1 | PASCUA, JES F | FLEXIBLE LINER FOR FIBC OR BAG-IN-BOX CONTAINER SYSTEMS | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | B65D | 2,004 |
|
10,900,272 | ACCEPTED | Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same | An inventive semiconductor device includes: a lower interlayer dielectric film provided on a substrate; a lower interconnect made up of a lower barrier metal layer formed along a wall surface of a lower interconnect groove in the lower interlayer dielectric film, and a copper film; and an upper plug and an upper interconnect. The upper plug passes through a silicon nitride film and comes into contact with the copper film of the lower interconnect. The lower interconnect is provided with a large number of convex portions buried in concave portions of the lower interconnect groove. Thus, voids in the lower interconnect are also gettered by the convex portions. Accordingly, the concentration of voids in the contact area between the lower interconnect and the upper plug is relieved, and an increase in contact resistance is suppressed. | 1. A semiconductor device comprising: a substrate provided with a semiconductor element; a lower interlayer dielectric film provided on the substrate; a lower interconnect groove provided in the lower interlayer dielectric film; a lower interconnect provided within the lower interconnect groove and having convex or concave portions at least at one of its side surfaces, bottom surface and upper surface; an upper interlayer dielectric film provided over the lower interlayer dielectric film and the lower interconnect; and an upper plug that passes through the upper interlayer dielectric film and comes into contact with a part of the lower interconnect. 2. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the lower interconnect groove is provided at its bottom surface with concave or convex portions, and wherein the convex or concave portions of the lower interconnect have shapes corresponding to those of the concave or convex portions of the lower interconnect groove. 3. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the lower interconnect groove is provided at its side surfaces with concave or convex portions, and wherein the convex or concave portions of the lower interconnect have shapes corresponding to those of the concave or convex portions of the lower interconnect groove. 4. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the lower interconnect groove is provided at its wall surface with concave and convex portions having irregular shapes, and wherein the convex portions of the lower interconnect have shapes corresponding to those of the concave portions of the concave and convex portions of the lower interconnect groove. 5. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the lower interconnect includes a portion formed by a copper film. 6. A semiconductor device comprising: a substrate provided with a semiconductor element; a lower interlayer dielectric film provided on the substrate; a lower interconnect groove provided in the lower interlayer dielectric film; a lower interconnect provided within the lower interconnect groove; a stress-relieving conductor film for covering an upper surface of the lower interconnect; an upper interlayer dielectric film provided on the stress-relieving conductor film; and an upper plug that passes through the upper interlayer dielectric film and comes into contact with a part of the stress-relieving conductor film. 7. The semiconductor device according to claim 6, wherein the stress-relieving conductor film is a TaN film. 8. A semiconductor device comprising: a substrate provided with a semiconductor element; a lower interlayer dielectric film provided on the substrate; a lower interconnect groove provided in the lower interlayer dielectric film; a lower interconnect that is provided within the lower interconnect groove and that has a dopant-containing conductor film into which dopant ions are implanted; an upper interlayer dielectric film provided over the lower interconnect and the lower interlayer dielectric film; and an upper plug that passes through the upper interlayer dielectric film and comes into contact with a part of the lower interconnect. 9. The semiconductor device according to claim 8, wherein the dopant-containing conductor film is a Si-containing copper film. 10. A method for fabricating a semiconductor device, the method comprising the steps of a) forming a lower interlayer dielectric film on a substrate provided with a semiconductor element; b) forming, in the lower interlayer dielectric film, a lower interconnect groove having concave or convex portions at its bottom surface; c) filling the lower interconnect groove with a conductor material, thereby forming a lower interconnect with convex or concave portions having shapes corresponding to those of the concave or convex portions of the lower interconnect groove; d) forming an upper interlayer dielectric film over the lower interlayer dielectric film and the lower interconnect; and e) forming an upper plug that passes through the upper interlayer dielectric film and comes into contact with a part of the lower interconnect. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step b) comprises the steps of: forming, in the lower interlayer dielectric film, bottom and side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove; and etching the lower interlayer dielectric film using an etching mask having openings on the bottom surface of the lower interconnect groove, thereby forming the concave portions in regions of the bottom surface of the lower interconnect groove which are exposed to the openings. 12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein in the step a), a first layer and a second layer are sequentially deposited as the lower interlayer dielectric film, the second layer being made of an insulating material having an etch rate different from that of the first layer, wherein in the step b), the second layer is exposed to side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove, and wherein in the step b), side surfaces of the lower interlayer dielectric film are etched, thereby forming the concave or convex portions in regions of the side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove where the second layer is exposed. 13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step b) comprises the steps of: forming, in the lower interlayer dielectric film, bottom and side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove by performing etching such that a deposition film remains on the bottom and side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove; and etching portions of the lower interlayer dielectric film exposed to the lower interconnect groove, with the deposition film remaining on the bottom and side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove, thus forming irregular-shaped concave and convex portions at the bottom and side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove. 14. A method for fabricating a semiconductor device, the method comprising the steps of: a) forming a lower interlayer dielectric film on a substrate provided with a semiconductor element; b) forming a lower interconnect groove in the lower interlayer dielectric film; c) filling the lower interconnect groove with a conductor material, thereby forming a lower interconnect; d) forming a stress-relieving conductor film for covering a surface of the lower interconnect; e) forming an upper interlayer dielectric film on the lower interlayer dielectric film and the stress-relieving conductor film; and f) forming an upper plug that passes through the upper interlayer dielectric film and comes into contact with a part of the stress-relieving conductor film. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the stress-relieving conductor film is a TaN film. 16. A method for fabricating a semiconductor device, the method comprising the steps of: a) forming a lower interlayer dielectric film on a substrate provided with a semiconductor element; b) forming a lower interconnect groove in the lower interlayer dielectric film; c) filling the lower interconnect groove with a conductor material, thereby forming a lower interconnect; d) implanting dopant ions into the lower interconnect; e) forming an upper interlayer dielectric film over the lower interlayer dielectric film and the lower interconnect, after the step d) has been performed; and f) forming an upper plug that passes through the upper interlayer dielectric film and comes into contact with a part of the lower interconnect. 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein in the step c), the lower interconnect groove is filled with a copper film as the conductor material, thereby forming the lower interconnect, and wherein in the step d), Si ions are implanted into the lower interconnect. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a semiconductor device having a buried interconnect buried in an interlayer dielectric film, and a method for fabricating the device. In recent years, a high-integration semiconductor device such as an ultra large scale integrated circuit (ULSI) has been required to enhance the speed of signal transmission, and to be highly resistant to migration intensified by an increase in power consumption. As an interconnect material that meets such requirements, an aluminum alloy has conventionally been used. However, in order to further enhance the speed of signal transmission, low resistivity copper whose resistance to electromigration is approximately ten times as high as that of aluminum has lately been used as an interconnect material. As processes particularly suitable for formation of copper interconnect, a single damascene process and a dual damascene process are known. A single damascene process repeats the steps of filling a connection hole, formed in an interlayer dielectric film, with a conductor material, and then removing an excess portion of the interconnect material on the interlayer dielectric film by performing chemical/mechanical polishing (hereinafter, will be called “CMP”), thus forming a plug; and forming an upper interlayer dielectric film, filling an interconnect groove, formed in the upper interlayer dielectric film, with a conductor material, and then performing CMP to form an interconnect connected to the plug. On the other hand, a dual damascene process repeats the step of: forming, in a single interlayer dielectric film, a connection hole and an interconnect groove overlapping with this connection hole, filling the connection hole and the interconnect groove with an interconnect material at the same time, and then performing CMP to remove an excess portion of the interconnect material on the interlayer dielectric film. By using a damascene process, an interconnect can be easily formed even if copper having difficulty in being patterned by dry etching is used as an interconnect material. In particular, a dual damascene process is more advantageous than a single damascene process in that the step of filling a connection hole and an interconnect groove with an interconnect material and the subsequent CMP step are each performed only once in order to form an interconnect (see, for example, Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-299376), and Document 2 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-319617)). FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a conventional semiconductor device including interconnect layers formed by performing a dual damascene process. As shown in FIG. 14, the conventional semiconductor device includes: a substrate 110 on which semiconductor elements (not shown) such as a large number of transistors are formed; a lower interlayer dielectric film 111 provided on the substrate 110; a lower interconnect groove 113 formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 111; a lower barrier metal layer 114 formed along a wall surface of the lower interconnect groove 113; a copper film 115 for filling the lower interconnect groove 113; an upper interlayer dielectric film 117 provided on the lower interlayer dielectric film 111; a connection hole 118 formed in the upper interlayer dielectric film 117 and an upper interconnect groove 119 formed thereon; an upper barrier metal layer 120 formed along wall surfaces of the connection hole 118 and the upper interconnect groove 119; and a copper film 121 for filling the connection hole 118 and the upper interconnect groove 119. A lower interconnect 116 is made up of the copper film 115 and the lower barrier metal layer 114, formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 111, for filling the lower interconnect groove 113. On the other hand, the upper interconnect groove 119 is formed in an extensive region of the upper interlayer dielectric film 117 including the connection hole 118. Further, portions of the upper barrier metal layer 120 and the copper film 121 filled in the connection hole 118 constitute an upper plug 122a, while another portions of the upper barrier metal layer 120 and the copper film 121 filled in the upper interconnect groove 119 constitute an upper interconnect 122b. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However, a semiconductor device having a copper interconnect formed by performing the above-described conventional damascene process or the like presents the following problems. As shown in FIG. 14, a void concentration region 125 is likely to be formed in a portion of the lower interconnect 116 (or the copper film 115) in contact with the upper plug 122a, in particular. Furthermore, since an electrical resistance in the void concentration region 125 naturally increases, a contact resistance between the lower interconnect 116 and the upper plug 122a becomes excessive. As used herein, the “void concentration region” refers to the region where voids are concentrated. The mechanism of formation of the void concentration region 125 is not yet completely elucidated. However, the cause of formation of the void concentration region 125 is believed to be due to the fact that, since the larger the area of the lower interconnect 116, the more likely the void concentration region 125 is to be formed, stress is generated in a portion of the lower interconnect 116 in contact with the upper plug 122a, and this stress causes voids present in the copper film 115 to be concentratedly gettered in the void concentration region 125. In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device that can suppress formation of a void concentration region in a portion of a lower interconnect in contact with an upper interconnect, and thus can suppress an increase in contact resistance between the lower and upper interconnects, and a method for fabricating such a device. A first inventive semiconductor device includes: a lower interconnect that is provided within a lower interconnect groove formed in a lower interlayer dielectric film, and that has convex or concave portions at least at one of its bottom surface, side surfaces and upper surface; and an upper plug that passes through an upper interlayer dielectric film and comes into contact with a part of the lower interconnect. Thus, voids are also gettered by the convex or concave portions of the lower interconnect, and therefore, it becomes possible to suppress an increase in contact resistance caused by the concentration of voids in the contact area between the lower interconnect and the upper plug. By providing concave portions, convex portions, or irregular-shaped concave and convex portions at a bottom surface and/or side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove, the lower interconnect can be provided with the convex or concave portions corresponding to the concave portions, convex portions, or concave and convex portions of the lower interconnect groove. If the lower interconnect includes a portion formed by a copper film, it becomes possible to utilize, in particular, an advantage that a reduction in interconnect resistance is achieved because of the use of a copper film. A second inventive semiconductor device includes: a lower interconnect that is provided within a lower interconnect groove formed in a lower interlayer dielectric film; a conductor film for covering the lower interconnect; and an upper plug that passes through an upper interlayer dielectric film and comes into contact with a part of the conductor film. Thus, the concentration of stress in a portion of the lower interconnect located below the upper plug is relieved, and therefore, an increase in contact resistance can be suppressed. A third inventive semiconductor device includes: a lower interconnect which is provided within a lower interconnect groove formed in a lower interlayer dielectric film, and into which dopant is implanted; and an upper plug that passes through an upper interlayer dielectric film and comes into contact with a part of the lower interconnect. Thus, voids are also gettered by the dopant present in the lower interconnect, and therefore, it becomes possible to suppress an increase in contact resistance caused by the concentration of voids in the contact area between the lower interconnect and the upper plug. In a first inventive method for fabricating a semiconductor device, a lower interconnect groove having concave or convex portions at its bottom surface is formed in a lower interlayer dielectric film, the lower interconnect groove is filled with a conductor material to form a lower interconnect having convex or concave portions, and then an upper interlayer dielectric film and an upper plug are formed. By performing this method, the structure of the first inventive semiconductor device can be easily obtained. More specifically, it becomes possible to facilitate the fabrication of the semiconductor device that can achieve the effect of relieving the concentration of voids in the contact area between the upper plug and the lower interconnect. As a method for forming an interconnect groove having concave portions at least partially at its bottom surface, the present invention may employ any of: a method for forming concave or convex portions at a bottom surface of a lower interconnect groove by performing etching using an etching mask; a method for forming concave or convex portions at side surfaces of a lower interconnect groove by etching side surfaces of a lower interlayer dielectric film having a second layer; and a method for performing etching such that a deposition film remains on bottom and side surfaces of a lower interconnect groove, and subsequently etching portions of a lower interlayer dielectric film exposed to the lower interconnect groove, thus forming irregular-shaped concave and convex portions at the bottom and side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove. In a second inventive method for fabricating a semiconductor device, a lower interconnect buried in a lower interconnect groove is formed, a stress-relieving conductor film is formed over the lower interconnect groove, and then an upper interlayer dielectric film and an upper plug are formed. By performing this method, the structure of the second inventive semiconductor device can be easily obtained. More specifically, it becomes possible to facilitate the fabrication of the semiconductor device that can achieve the effect of relieving the concentration of voids in the contact area between the upper plug and the lower interconnect. In a third inventive method for fabricating a semiconductor device, a lower interconnect groove is formed in a lower interlayer dielectric film, the lower interconnect groove is filled with a conductor material to form a lower interconnect, dopant ions are implanted into the lower interconnect, and then an upper interlayer dielectric film and an upper plug are formed. By performing this method, the structure of the third inventive semiconductor device can be easily obtained. More specifically, it becomes possible to facilitate the fabrication of the semiconductor device that can achieve the effect of relieving the concentration of voids in the contact area between the upper plug and the lower interconnect. The inventive semiconductor devices or the inventive fabricating methods thereof each relieve the concentration of voids in the contact area between the lower interconnect and the upper plug. Thus, the present invention can provide a semiconductor device in which contact resistance in its interconnect layer is low, and a method for fabricating such a semiconductor device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2A through 2D are cross-sectional views and plan views illustrating the first half of the process for fabricating the semiconductor device of the first embodiment. FIGS. 3A through 3C are cross-sectional views illustrating the latter half of the process for fabricating the semiconductor device of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5A through 5D are cross-sectional views illustrating the process for fabricating the semiconductor device of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7A through 7D are cross-sectional views illustrating the process for fabricating the semiconductor device of the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9A through 9D are cross-sectional views illustrating the process for fabricating the semiconductor device of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 11A through 11D are cross-sectional views illustrating the process for fabricating the semiconductor device of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 13A through 13C are cross-sectional views illustrating the process for fabricating the semiconductor device of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a conventional semiconductor device including interconnect layers formed by performing a dual damascene process. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the semiconductor device of the present embodiment includes: a substrate 10 on which semiconductor elements (not shown) such as a large number of transistors are formed; a lower interlayer dielectric film 11 provided on the substrate 10; a lower interconnect groove 13 formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 11; a lower barrier metal layer 14 formed along a wall surface of the lower interconnect groove 13; a copper film 15 for filling the lower interconnect groove 13 together with the barrier metal layer 14; a silicon nitride film 24 provided on the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 and on the copper film 15; an upper interlayer dielectric film 17 provided on the silicon nitride film 24; a connection hole 18 formed in the upper interlayer dielectric film 17 and an upper interconnect groove 19 formed thereon; an upper barrier metal layer 20 formed along wall surfaces of the connection hole 18 and the upper interconnect groove 19; and a copper film 21 for filling the connection hole 18 and the upper interconnect groove 19. A lower interconnect 16 is made up of the copper film 15 and the lower barrier metal layer 14 which fill the lower interconnect groove 13. On the other hand, the upper interconnect groove 19 is formed in an extensive region of the upper interlayer dielectric film 17 including the connection hole 18. Further, portions of the upper barrier metal layer 20 and the copper film 21 filled in the connection hole 18 constitute an upper plug 22a, while another portions of the upper barrier metal layer 20 and the copper film 21 filled in the upper interconnect groove 19 constitute an upper interconnect 22b. The upper plug 22a passes through the silicon nitride film 24 and comes into contact with the copper film 15 of the lower interconnect 16. The upper plug 22a and the upper interconnect 22b constitute an upper interconnect layer 22. The semiconductor device of the present embodiment is characterized in that the lower surface of the lower interconnect groove 13, formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 11, is not flat, but has many concave portions 13a, and the lower interconnect 16 has convex portions 16a having shapes corresponding to those of the concave portions 13a. Even if the concave and convex portions 13a and 16a are provided only at a single position, the after-mentioned effects can be achieved. In the present embodiment, the lower interconnect 16 has a thickness of 0.3 μm, for example, and a planar size of 0.38 μm×1.5 μm, i.e., a width of 0.38 μm and a length of 1.5 μm, for example, while each concave portion 13a has a depth of 0.1 μm, for example, and a planar size of 0.2 μm×0.2 μm, for example. The upper plug 22a has a planar size of 0.2 μm×0.2 μm, for example. In the conventional structure, it is known that if the lower interconnect groove 13 has a width equal to or greater than 0.25 μm and a length equal to or greater than 1 μm, a void concentration region is likely to be formed, in particular, in the lower interconnect 16. The present embodiment is applicable to the substrate 10 even if another lower interlayer dielectric film and/or interconnect layer are/is further provided. In the present embodiment, as indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 1, another lower interconnect and/or another plug that reaches the semiconductor substrate are/is further provided below the lower interconnect 16. In general, the semiconductor device is often provided with three or more interconnect layers; however, each of these interconnect layers preferably has the shape of the lower interconnect 16 described in the present embodiment. In the semiconductor device of the present embodiment, the lower interconnect 16 is provided with the convex portions 16a, and thus voids are also gettered by the convex portions 16a. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent voids from being concentratedly gettered in a region of the lower interconnect 16 in contact with the upper plug 22a. Thus, it is presumed that the convex portions 16a achieve the function of gettering voids because stress is generated in the convex portions 16a. Hereinafter, a method for fabricating the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 2A through 2D are cross-sectional views and plan views illustrating the first half of the process for fabricating the semiconductor device of the present embodiment. FIGS. 3A through 3C are cross-sectional views illustrating the latter half of the process for fabricating the semiconductor device of the present embodiment. The cross-sectional views of the semiconductor device are shown in the left part of FIGS. 2A through 2D, while the plan views of the semiconductor device are shown in the right part of FIGS. 2A through 2D. First, in the step shown in FIG. 2A, a lower interlayer dielectric film 11 formed of a BPSG film with a thickness of about 1 μm is deposited on a substrate 10, and then a lower interconnect groove 13 is formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 by a known lithography and dry etching process. In this case, the depth D1 of the lower interconnect groove 13, shown in the left part of FIG. 2A, is about 0.3 μm. On the other hand, the size L1 and size L2 of the lower interconnect groove 13, shown in the right part of FIG. 2A, are 0.38 μm and 1.5 μm, respectively. Next, in the step shown in FIG. 2B, a lithography process is performed to form, on the lower interlayer dielectric film 11, a resist film Re1 having a large number of openings Hole. In this case, the planar sizes L3 and L4 of the opening Hole, shown in the right part of FIG. 2B, are each about 0.2 μm. Subsequently, in the step shown in FIG. 2C, a dry etching process is performed to remove portions of the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 located below the openings Hole of the resist film Re1, thus forming concave portions 13a at the bottom surface of the lower interconnect groove 13. In this case, the depth D2 of each concave portion 13a, shown in the left part of FIG. 2C, is 0.1 μm, for example. Thereafter, an ashing process is performed to remove the resist film Re1. In the present embodiment and a fourth embodiment described later, the concave portions 13a are each formed as a concave portion with a bottom. Alternatively, if a conductor member is not exposed in regions of the upper surface of the substrate 10 located directly below the concave portions 13a, the concave portions 13a may pass through the lower interlayer dielectric film 11. Next, in the step shown in FIG. 2D, a sputtering process, for example, is performed to deposit, on the lower interlayer dielectric film 11, a lower barrier metal layer 14 formed of a TaN film with a thickness of about 50 nm, and then a copper film 15 is formed on the lower barrier metal layer 14 by a sputtering process, a CVD process, an electroplating process or the like until the copper film 15 is filled in the lower interconnect groove 13. If an electroplating process is performed, a seed layer made of the same material as the interconnect material (which is copper in the present embodiment) is formed. The TaN film has the function of suppressing diffusion of copper atoms. Thereafter, in the step shown in FIG. 3A, the copper film 15 and the lower barrier metal layer 14 are planarized by a CMP process in which the copper film 15 and the lower barrier metal layer 14 are partially removed until the upper surface of the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 is exposed. Thus, a lower interconnect 16 made up of the copper film 15 and the lower barrier metal layer 14 is formed. Further, at the bottom surface of the lower interconnect 16, downwardly projected convex portions 16a are formed. Subsequently, in the step shown in FIG. 3B, a silicon nitride film 24 with a thickness of about 0.2 μm is formed on the lower interlayer dielectric film 11, and an upper interlayer dielectric film 17 formed of a BPSG film with a thickness of about 1 μm is deposited on the silicon nitride film 24. Thereafter, a lithography and dry etching process is performed to form a connection hole 18 that passes through the upper interlayer dielectric film 17 and reaches the copper film 15 of the lower interconnect 16, and then an upper interconnect groove 19 is formed in a region of the upper interlayer dielectric film 17, including the connection hole 18, by performing a lithography and dry etching process. By forming the silicon nitride film 24 so that it covers the copper film 15 of the lower interconnect 16, oxidation of the copper film 15 can be prevented. Next, in the step shown in FIG. 3C, a sputtering process, for example, is performed to deposit an upper barrier metal layer 20 having a thickness of 50 nm and made of TaN across the wall surfaces of the connection hole 18 and the upper interconnect groove 19 and the upper surface of the upper interlayer dielectric film 17. Subsequently, a copper film 21 is deposited on the upper barrier metal layer 20 by a sputtering process, a CVD process, an electroplating process or the like until the copper film 21 is filled in the connection hole 18 and the upper interconnect groove 19. If an electroplating process is performed, a seed layer made of the same material as the interconnect material (which is copper in the present embodiment) is formed. Thereafter, a CMP process is performed to partially remove the copper film 21 and the upper barrier metal layer 20 until the upper surface of the upper interlayer dielectric film 17 is exposed, thus obtaining the structure of the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 1. According to the semiconductor device fabricating method of the present embodiment, the lower interconnect 16 having the convex portions 16a at its bottom surface can be easily formed. Besides, in this structure, the convex portions 16a have the function of gettering voids. Therefore, it becomes possible to suppress an increase in contact resistance caused by concentrative gettering of voids in a region of the lower interconnect 16 (within the copper film 15) in contact with the upper plug 22a. In the steps shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, if etching is carried out by using a lattice-shaped resist film Re1 as a mask, lattice-shaped convex portions are formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 11, and therefore, grooves (or concave portions) having shapes corresponding to those of the lattice-shaped convex portions are formed in the lower interconnect 16. Even in that case, voids are gettered due to stress generated in the concave portions of the lower interconnect 16, thus achieving the same effects as those of the present embodiment. The same holds true with regard to the fourth embodiment described later. <Second Embodiment> FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the semiconductor device of the present embodiment includes: a substrate 10 on which semiconductor elements (not shown) such as a large number of transistors are formed; a lower interlayer dielectric film 11 provided on the substrate 10; a lower interconnect groove 13 formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 11; a lower barrier metal layer 14 formed along a wall surface of the lower interconnect groove 13; a copper film 15 for filling the lower interconnect groove 13; a silicon nitride film 24 provided on the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 and on the copper film 15; an upper interlayer dielectric film 17 provided on the silicon nitride film 24; a connection hole 18 formed in the upper interlayer dielectric film 17 and an upper interconnect groove 19 formed thereon; an upper barrier metal layer 20 formed along wall surfaces of the connection hole 18 and the upper interconnect groove 19; and a copper film 21 for filling the connection hole 18 and the upper interconnect groove 19. A lower interconnect 16 is made up of the copper film 15 and the lower barrier metal layer 14 which fill the lower interconnect groove 13. On the other hand, the upper interconnect groove 19 is formed in an extensive region of the upper interlayer dielectric film 17 including the connection hole 18. Further, portions of the upper barrier metal layer 20 and the copper film 21 filled in the connection hole 18 constitute an upper plug 22a, while another portions of the upper barrier metal layer 20 and the copper film 21 filled in the upper interconnect groove 19 constitute an upper interconnect 22b. The upper plug 22a passes through the silicon nitride film 24 and comes into contact with the copper film 15 of the lower interconnect 16. The upper plug 22a and the upper interconnect 22b constitute an upper interconnect layer 22. The semiconductor device of the present embodiment is characterized in that wall surfaces (i.e., bottom and side surfaces) of the lower interconnect groove 13, formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 11, are not flat, but have irregular-shaped concave and convex portions 13b, and the lower interconnect 16 has concave and convex portions 16b having irregular shapes corresponding to the shapes of the concave and convex portions 13b. Specifically, a plurality of concave portions exist in the concave and convex portions 13b of the lower interconnect groove 13, and a plurality of convex portions exist in the concave and convex portions 16b of the lower interconnect 16. Herein, “irregular shapes” mean random shapes that are not identical for each interconnect of each semiconductor device. Also in the present embodiment, the thickness and planar size of the lower interconnect 16 are similar to those of the lower interconnect 16 of the first embodiment. In the conventional structure, it is known that if the lower interconnect groove 13 has a width equal to or greater than 0.25 μm and a length equal to or greater than 1 μm, a void concentration region is likely to be formed, in particular, in the lower interconnect 16. The present embodiment is applicable to the substrate 10 even if another lower interlayer dielectric film and/or interconnect layer are/is further provided. In the present embodiment, as indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 4, another lower interconnect and/or another plug that reaches the semiconductor substrate are/is further provided below the lower interconnect 16. In general, the semiconductor device is often provided with three or more interconnect layers; however, each of these interconnect layers preferably has the shape of the lower interconnect 16 described in the present embodiment. In the semiconductor device of the present embodiment, the lower interconnect 16 is provided with the concave and convex portions 16b, and thus voids are also gettered by the concave and convex portions 16b. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent voids from being concentratedly gettered in a region of the lower interconnect 16 in contact with the upper plug 22a. Thus, it is presumed that the concave and convex portions 16b achieve the function of gettering voids because stress is generated in the concave and convex portions 16b. Hereinafter, a method for fabricating the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 5A through 5D are cross-sectional views illustrating the process for fabricating the semiconductor device of the present embodiment. First, in the step shown in FIG. 5A, a lower interlayer dielectric film 11 formed of a BPSG film with a thickness of about 1 μm is deposited on a substrate 10, and thereafter a resist film Re2 is formed by a known lithography process. Then, dry etching is performed using the resist film Re2 as a mask, thus forming a lower interconnect groove 13 in the lower interlayer dielectric film 11. In this case, the dry etching is performed using CF4 and CHF3 as an etching gas at a gas pressure of 133 pa and an RF power of 1 kw. Thus, after the etching has been finished, there remains a fluorocarbon film deposited nonuniformly on the wall surface of the lower interconnect groove 13. The depth and planar size of the lower interconnect groove 13 may be the same as those of the lower interconnect groove 13 in the step shown in FIG. 2A according to the first embodiment. Next, in the step shown in FIG. 5B, wet etching is performed using a hydrofluoric acid-based etchant (such as HF or BHF), with the fluorocarbon film that has a non-uniform thickness remaining on the wall surface of the lower interconnect groove 13. Thus, concave and convex portions 13b are formed at the wall surface of the lower interconnect groove 13. Alternatively, the fluorocarbon film (deposition film) may be partially removed by oxygen plasma to partially expose the lower interlayer dielectric film 11, and then wet etching may be performed using a hydrofluoric acid-based etchant. Subsequently, in the step shown in FIG. 5C, a sputtering process, for example, is performed to deposit, on the lower interlayer dielectric film 11, a lower barrier metal layer 14 formed of a TaN film with a thickness of about 50 nm, and then a copper film 15 is formed on the lower barrier metal layer 14 by a sputtering process, a CVD process, an electroplating process or the like until the copper film 15 is filled in the lower interconnect groove 13. If an electroplating process is performed, a seed layer made of the same material as the interconnect material (which is copper in the present embodiment) is formed. The TaN film has the function of suppressing diffusion of copper atoms. Thereafter, in the step shown in FIG. 5D, the copper film 15 and the lower barrier metal layer 14 are partially removed by a CMP process until the upper surface of the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 is exposed. Thus, a lower interconnect 16 made up of the copper film 15 and the lower barrier metal layer 14 is formed. Further, at the bottom and side surfaces of the lower interconnect 16, irregular-shaped concave and convex portions 16b are formed. Although the subsequent steps are not shown, the steps similar to those shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C according to the first embodiment are carried out, thus obtaining the structure of the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 4. According to the semiconductor device fabricating method of the present embodiment, when the concave and convex portions 13b are formed at the lower interconnect groove 13, it is possible to easily form the lower interconnect 16 having the irregular-shaped concave and convex portions 16b at its bottom surface, without adding a lithography process performed in the first embodiment. Besides, in this structure, the concave and convex portions 16b have the function of gettering voids. Therefore, it becomes possible to suppress an increase in contact resistance caused by concentrative gettering of voids in a region of the lower interconnect 16 (within the copper film 15) in contact with the upper plug 22a. <Third Embodiment> FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the semiconductor device of the present embodiment includes: a substrate 10 on which semiconductor elements (not shown) such as a large number of transistors are formed; a lower interlayer dielectric film 11 provided on the substrate 10 and consisting of a first layer 11a with a low etch rate, a second layer 11b with a high etch rate, and a third layer 11c with a low etch rate; a lower interconnect groove 13 formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 11; a lower barrier metal layer 14 formed along a wall surface of the lower interconnect groove 13; a copper film 15 for filling the lower interconnect groove 13; a silicon nitride film 24 provided on the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 and on the copper film 15; an upper interlayer dielectric film 17 provided on the silicon nitride film 24; a connection hole 18 formed in the upper interlayer dielectric film 17 and an upper interconnect groove 19 formed thereon; an upper barrier metal layer 20 formed along wall surfaces of the connection hole 18 and the upper interconnect groove 19; and a copper film 21 for filling the connection hole 18 and the upper interconnect groove 19. A lower interconnect 16 is made up of the copper film 15 and the lower barrier metal layer 14 which fill the lower interconnect groove 13. On the other hand, the upper interconnect groove 19 is formed in an extensive region of the upper interlayer dielectric film 17 including the connection hole 18. Further, portions of the upper barrier metal layer 20 and the copper film 21 filled in the connection hole 18 constitute an upper plug 22a, while another portions of the upper barrier metal layer 20 and the copper film 21 filled in the upper interconnect groove 19 constitute an upper interconnect 22b. The upper plug 22a passes through the silicon nitride film 24 and comes into contact with the copper film 15 of the lower interconnect 16. The upper plug 22a and the upper interconnect 22b constitute an upper interconnect layer 22. The semiconductor device of the present embodiment is characterized in that side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove 13, formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 11, are not flat, but side surfaces of the second layer 11b have concave portions 13c located outwardly of side surfaces of the first layer 11a and the third layer 11c, and the lower interconnect 16 has convex portions 16c buried in the concave portions 13c. Also in the present embodiment, the thickness and planar size of the lower interconnect 16 are similar to those of the lower interconnect 16 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the convex portions 16c each have a longitudinal size of about 0.1 μm and a projection of about 0.1 μm. In the conventional structure, it is known that if the lower interconnect groove 13 has a width equal to or greater than 0.25 μm and a length equal to or greater than 1 μm, a void concentration region is likely to be formed, in particular, in the lower interconnect 16. The present embodiment is applicable to the substrate 10 even if another lower interlayer dielectric film and/or interconnect layer are/is further provided. In the present embodiment, as indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 6, another lower interconnect and/or another plug that reaches the semiconductor substrate are/is further provided below the lower interconnect 16. In general, the semiconductor device is often provided with three or more interconnect layers; however, each of these interconnect layers preferably has the shape of the lower interconnect 16 described in the present embodiment. In the semiconductor device of the present embodiment, the lower interconnect 16 is provided at its side surfaces with the convex portions 16c, and thus voids are also gettered by the convex portions 16c. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent voids from being concentratedly gettered in a region of the lower interconnect 16 in contact with the upper plug 22a. Thus, it is presumed that the convex portions 16c achieve the function of gettering voids because stress is generated in the convex portions 16c. Unlike the present embodiment, if the second layer 11b is made of an insulating material with an etch rate lower than that of each of the first layer 11a and the third layer 11c, concave portions are to be formed at the side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove 13. However, even in such a case, voids can be gettered due to stress generated around the concave portions, and therefore, the effects similar to those of the present embodiment can be achieved. The same holds true with regard to the fourth embodiment described later. The third layer 11c with a low etch rate does not necessarily have to be provided on the second layer 11b made of a material with a high etch rate. Alternatively, the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 may only consist of the first layer 11a and the second layer 11b. Even in such a case, since concave or convex portions are formed at the side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove 13, stress is generated in convex or concave portions of the lower interconnect 16 having shapes corresponding to those of the concave or convex portions at the side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove 13, thus achieving the effects of the present embodiment. The same holds true with regard to the fourth embodiment described later. Hereinafter, a method for fabricating the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 7A through 7D are cross-sectional views illustrating the process for fabricating the semiconductor device of the present embodiment. First, in the step shown in FIG. 7A, a lower interlayer dielectric film 11 consisting of: a first layer 11a formed of a PSG film with a thickness of about 0.8 μm; a second layer 11b formed of an NSG film with a thickness of about 0.1 μm; and a third layer 11c formed of a PSG film with a thickness of about 0.1 μm is deposited on a substrate 10, and thereafter a resist film Re3 is formed by a known lithography process. Then, dry etching is performed using the resist film Re3 as a mask, thus forming a lower interconnect groove 13 in the lower interlayer dielectric film 11. The depth and planar size of the lower interconnect groove 13 may be the same as those of the lower interconnect groove 13 in the step shown in FIG. 2A according to the first embodiment. Next, in the step shown in FIG. 7B, wet etching is performed using a hydrofluoric acid-based etchant (such as HF or BHF), thus forming, at the side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove 13, concave portions 13c each having a lateral depth of about 0.1 μm. The present embodiment utilizes the fact that the etch rate of an NSG film is higher than that of a PSG film when a hydrofluoric acid-based etchant is used for wet etching. The combination of materials for the first, second and third layers 11a, 11b and 11c of the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 may be changed as follows. The lower interlayer dielectric film 11 may consist of: the first and third layers 11a and 11c each formed of an SiO2 film; and the second layer 11b formed of an SiON film, and this lower interlayer dielectric film 11 may be wet-etched using a hydrofluoric acid-based etchant. The same holds true with regard to the fourth embodiment described later. Subsequently, in the step shown in FIG. 7C, a sputtering process, for example, is performed to deposit, on the lower interlayer dielectric film 11, a lower barrier metal layer 14 formed of a TaN film with a thickness of about 50 nm, and then a copper film 15 is formed on the lower barrier metal layer 14 by a sputtering process, a CVD process, an electroplating process or the like until the copper film 15 is filled in the lower interconnect groove 13. If an electroplating process is performed, a seed layer made of the same material as the interconnect material (which is copper in the present embodiment) is formed. The TaN film has the function of suppressing diffusion of copper atoms. Thereafter, in the step shown in FIG. 7D, the copper film 15 and the lower barrier metal layer 14 are partially removed by a CMP process until the upper surface of the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 is exposed. Thus, a lower interconnect 16 made up of the copper film 15 and the lower barrier metal layer 14 is formed. Further, at the side surfaces of the lower interconnect 16, laterally projected convex portions 16c are formed. Although the subsequent steps are not shown, the steps similar to those shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C according to the first embodiment are carried out, thus obtaining the structure of the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 6. According to the semiconductor device fabricating method of the present embodiment, when the concave portions 13c are formed at the lower interconnect groove 13, it is possible to easily form the lower interconnect 16 having the convex portions 16c at its side surfaces, without adding a lithography process performed in the first embodiment. Besides, in this structure, the convex portions 16c have the function of gettering voids. Therefore, it becomes possible to suppress an increase in contact resistance caused by concentrative gettering of voids in a region of the lower interconnect 16 (within the copper film 15) in contact with the upper plug 22a. In the present embodiment, the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 consists of two kinds of insulating films having mutually different etch rates. Alternatively, the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 may consist of three or more kinds of insulating films. <Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the basic structure of the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the semiconductor device according to the first through third embodiments. However, the semiconductor device of the fourth embodiment is characterized by having the features of both the first embodiment and the third embodiment. Specifically, the lower surface of a lower interconnect groove 13 formed in a lower interlayer dielectric film 11 is not flat, but has many concave portions 13a, and a lower interconnect 16 has regular-shaped convex portions 16a buried in the concave portions 13a. The concave portions 13a each have a depth of 0.1 μm, for example, and a planar size of 0.2 μm×0.2 μm, for example. Furthermore, the side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove 13 formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 are not flat, but have concave portions 13c, and the lower interconnect 16 has convex portions 16c buried in the concave portions 13c. The convex portions 16c each have a longitudinal size of about 0.1 μm, and a projection of about 0.1 μm. Also in the present embodiment, the thickness and planar size of the lower interconnect 16 are similar to those of the lower interconnect 16 according to the first embodiment. An upper plug 22a has a planar size of 0.2 μm×0.2 μm, for example. In the conventional structure, it is known that if the lower interconnect groove 13 has a width equal to or greater than 0.25 μm and a length equal to or greater than 1 μm, a void concentration region is likely to be formed, in particular, in the lower interconnect 16. The present embodiment is applicable to a substrate 10 even if another lower interlayer dielectric film and/or interconnect layer are/is further provided. In the present embodiment, as indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 8, another lower interconnect and/or another plug that reaches the semiconductor substrate are/is further provided below the lower interconnect 16. In general, the semiconductor device is often provided with three or more interconnect layers; however, each of these interconnect layers preferably has the shape of the lower interconnect 16 described in the present embodiment. In the semiconductor device of the present embodiment, the lower interconnect 16 is provided, at its bottom and side surfaces, with the convex portions 16a and 16c, respectively, and thus voids are also gettered by the convex portions 16a and 16c. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent voids from being concentratedly gettered in a region of the lower interconnect 16 in contact with the upper plug 22a. Accordingly, it becomes possible to achieve the function of distributing the regions where voids are gettered, which is better than that achieved by the structure of the first embodiment or the third embodiment. Hereinafter, a method for fabricating the semiconductor device of the fourth embodiment will be described. FIGS. 9A through 9D are cross-sectional views illustrating the process for fabricating the semiconductor device of the present embodiment. First, in the step shown in FIG. 9A, the steps similar to those shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B according to the third embodiment are carried out, thus forming concave portions 13c at side surfaces of a lower interconnect groove 13 in a lower interlayer dielectric film 11. Furthermore, a lithography process is performed to form, on the lower interlayer dielectric film 11, a resist film Re4 having a large number of openings Hole. In this case, the planar size, the number, the location and the like of the openings Hole are similar to those of the openings Hole shown in the left part and the right part of FIG. 2B according to the first embodiment. Next, in the step shown in FIG. 9B, a dry etching process is performed to remove portions of the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 located below the openings Hole of the resist film Re4, thus forming concave portions 13a at the bottom surface of the lower interconnect groove 13. In this case, the depth of each concave portion 13a is the same as that of each concave portion 13a according to the first embodiment. Subsequently, in the step shown in FIG. 9C, an ashing process is performed to remove the resist film Re4, and then a sputtering process, for example, is performed to deposit, on the lower interlayer dielectric film 11, a lower barrier metal layer 14 formed of a TaN film with a thickness of about 50 nm. Thereafter, a copper film 15 is formed on the lower barrier metal layer 14 by a sputtering process, a CVD process, an electroplating process or the like until the copper film 15 is filled in the lower interconnect groove 13. If an electroplating process is performed, a seed layer made of the same material as the interconnect material (which is copper in the present embodiment) is formed. The TaN film has the function of suppressing diffusion of copper atoms. Then, in the step shown in FIG. 9D, the copper film 15 and the lower barrier metal layer 14 are partially removed by a CMP process until the upper surface of the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 is exposed. Thus, a lower interconnect 16 made up of the copper film 15 and the lower barrier metal layer 14 is formed. Furthermore, downwardly projected convex portions 16a and laterally projected convex portions 16c are formed at the bottom and side surfaces of the lower interconnect 16, respectively. Although the subsequent steps are not shown, the steps similar to those shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C according to the first embodiment are carried out, thus obtaining the structure of the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 8. According to the semiconductor device fabricating method of the present embodiment, it is possible to easily form the lower interconnect 16 having the convex portions 16a and 16c at its bottom and side surfaces, respectively. Besides, in this structure, the convex portions 16a and 16c have the function of gettering voids. Therefore, it becomes possible to more effectively suppress an increase in contact resistance caused by concentrative gettering of voids in a region of the lower interconnect 16 (within the copper film 15) in contact with the upper plug 22a. <Fifth Embodiment> FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the semiconductor device of the present embodiment includes: a substrate 10 on which semiconductor elements (not shown) such as a large number of transistors are formed; a lower interlayer dielectric film 11 provided on the substrate 10; a lower interconnect groove 13 formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 11; a lower barrier metal layer 14 formed along a wall surface of the lower interconnect groove 13; a copper film 15 for filling the lower interconnect groove 13; a barrier metal layer 30 formed on the copper film 15; an upper interlayer dielectric film 17 provided on the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 and on the barrier metal layer 30; a connection hole 18 formed in the upper interlayer dielectric film 17 and an upper interconnect groove 19 formed thereon; an upper barrier metal layer 20 formed along wall surfaces of the connection hole 18 and the upper interconnect groove 19; and a copper film 21 for filling the connection hole 18 and the upper interconnect groove 19. A lower interconnect 16 is made up of the copper film 15 and the lower barrier metal layer 14 which fill the lower interconnect groove 13. On the other hand, the upper interconnect groove 19 is formed in an extensive region of the upper interlayer dielectric film 17 including the connection hole 18. Further, portions of the upper barrier metal layer 20 and the copper film 21 filled in the connection hole 18 constitute an upper plug 22a, while another portions of the upper barrier metal layer 20 and the copper film 21 filled in the upper interconnect groove 19 constitute an upper interconnect 22b. The upper plug 22a and the upper interconnect 22b constitute an upper interconnect layer 22. Alternatively, as in the first through fourth embodiments, a silicon nitride film may be formed on the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 and the barrier metal layer 30, and the upper interlayer dielectric film 17 may be formed on the silicon nitride film. The semiconductor device of the present embodiment is characterized in that the barrier metal layer 30 which is a stress-relieving conductor film made of TaN and having a thickness of 50 nm is provided between the copper film 15 of the lower interconnect 16 and the upper plug 22a. Furthermore, the barrier metal layer 30 is formed on the copper film 15 so as to be flush with the upper surface of the lower interlayer dielectric film 11. The barrier metal layer 30 has the function of preventing oxidation of the copper film 15 in the lower interconnect 16, and the function of relieving stress in the contact area between the copper film 15 and the upper plug 22a. Also in the present embodiment, the thickness and planar size of the lower interconnect 16 are similar to those of the lower interconnect 16 according to the first embodiment. In the conventional structure, it is known that if the lower interconnect groove 13 has a width equal to or greater than 0.25 μm and a length equal to or greater than 1 μm, a void concentration region is likely to be formed, in particular, in the lower interconnect 16. The present embodiment is applicable to the substrate 10 even if another lower interlayer dielectric film and/or interconnect layer are/is further provided. In the present embodiment, as indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 10, another lower interconnect and/or another plug that reaches the semiconductor substrate are/is further provided below the lower interconnect 16. In general, the semiconductor device is often provided with three or more interconnect layers; however, each of these interconnect layers preferably has the shape of the lower interconnect 16 described in the present embodiment. In the semiconductor device of the present embodiment, the barrier metal layer 30 for covering the copper film 15 of the lower interconnect 16 is provided, thus relieving localized stress in the contact area between the lower interconnect 16 and the upper plug 22a. Accordingly, it becomes possible to prevent voids from being concentratedly gettered in a region of the lower interconnect 16 in contact with the upper plug 22a. Hereinafter, a method for fabricating the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 11A through 11D are cross-sectional views illustrating the process for fabricating the semiconductor device of the present embodiment. First, in the step shown in FIG. 11A, the steps substantially similar to those shown in FIGS. 5A, 5C and 5D according to the second embodiment are carried out, thus forming a lower interlayer dielectric film 11 and a lower interconnect 16. Next, in the step shown in FIG. 11B, a known lithography process is performed to form a resist film Re5 having an opening for exposing the upper surface of a copper film 15 in the lower interconnect 16. Then, the copper film 15 is dry-etched using the resist film Re5 as a mask, thus removing a portion of the copper film 15 to a depth of 50 nm. In this case, the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 and lower barrier metal layer 14 may also be partially removed at the same time. Subsequently, in the step shown in FIG. 11C, a barrier metal layer 30 formed of a TaN film with a thickness of 100 nm is deposited on the lower interconnect 16 (the lower barrier metal layer 14 and the copper film 15) and on the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 by a sputtering process, for example. Thereafter, in the step shown in FIG. 11D, the barrier metal layer 30 is partially removed by a CMP process until the upper surface of the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 is exposed. Thus, the structure in which the barrier metal layer 30 is provided on the copper film 15 is obtained. Consequently, the barrier metal layer 30 is formed only in the removed region that has been etched in the step shown in FIG. 11B, and is thus formed mainly on the copper film 15. Although the subsequent steps are not shown, the steps similar to those shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C according to the first embodiment are carried out, thus obtaining the structure of the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 10. According to the semiconductor device fabricating method of the present embodiment, the structure in which the barrier metal layer 30 is provided on the copper film 15 is easily obtained. Besides, in this structure, it becomes possible to relieve stress in the contact area between the lower interconnect 16 (within the copper film 15) and the upper plug 22a, and thus it becomes possible to suppress an increase in contact resistance caused by concentrative gettering of voids in a region of the lower interconnect 16 (within the copper film 15) in contact with the upper plug 22a. Alternatively, instead of the barrier metal layer 30 formed of a TaN film, the semiconductor device may be provided with a stress-relieving conductor film made of a conductor material that does not have the function of preventing the passage of oxygen, and a silicon nitride film may further be formed thereon. Even in such a case, the effects similar to those of the present embodiment can be achieved. <Sixth Embodiment> FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, the semiconductor device of the present embodiment includes: a substrate 10 on which semiconductor elements (not shown) such as a large number of transistors are formed; a lower interlayer dielectric film 11 provided on the substrate 10; a lower interconnect groove 13 formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 11; a lower barrier metal layer 14 formed along a wall surface of the lower interconnect groove 13; a Si-containing copper film 35 for filling the lower interconnect groove 13; a silicon nitride film 24 provided on the lower interlayer dielectric film 11 and on the Si-containing copper film 35; an upper interlayer dielectric film 17 provided on the silicon nitride film 24; a connection hole 18 formed in the upper interlayer dielectric film 17 and an upper interconnect groove 19 formed thereon; an upper barrier metal layer 20 formed along wall surfaces of the connection hole 18 and the upper interconnect groove 19; and a copper film 21 for filling the connection hole 18 and the upper interconnect groove 19. A lower interconnect 36 is made up of the Si-containing copper film 35 and the lower barrier metal layer 14 which fill the lower interconnect groove 13. On the other hand, the upper interconnect groove 19 is formed in an extensive region of the upper interlayer dielectric film 17 including the connection hole 18. Further, portions of the upper barrier metal layer 20 and the copper film 21 filled in the connection hole 18 constitute an upper plug 22a, while another portions of the upper barrier metal layer 20 and the copper film 21 filled in the upper interconnect groove 19 constitute an upper interconnect 22b. The upper plug 22a passes through the silicon nitride film 24 and comes into contact with the Si-containing copper film 35 of the lower interconnect 16. The upper plug 22a and the upper interconnect 22b constitute an upper interconnect layer 22. The semiconductor device of the present embodiment is characterized in that the lower interconnect 36 has the Si-containing copper film 35. Also in the present embodiment, the thickness and planar size of the lower interconnect 36 are similar to those of the lower interconnect 16 according to the first embodiment. The present embodiment is applicable to the substrate 10 even if another lower interlayer dielectric film and/or interconnect layer are/is further provided. In the present embodiment, as indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 12, another lower interconnect and/or another plug that reaches the semiconductor substrate are/is further provided below the lower interconnect 36. In general, the semiconductor device is often provided with three or more interconnect layers; however, each of these interconnect layers preferably has the structure of the lower interconnect 36 described in the present embodiment. In the semiconductor device of the present embodiment, the lower interconnect 36 is provided with the Si-containing copper film 35, and thus voids are also gettered by the Si-containing copper film 35 in the lower interconnect 36. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent voids from being concentratedly gettered in a region of the lower interconnect 36 in contact with the upper plug 22a. Hereinafter, a method for fabricating the semiconductor device of the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 13A through 13C are cross-sectional views illustrating the process for fabricating the semiconductor device of the present embodiment. First, in the step shown in FIG. 13A, the steps substantially similar to those shown in FIGS. 5A, 5C and 5D according to the second embodiment are carried out, thus forming a lower interlayer dielectric film 11, a lower barrier metal layer 14 and a copper film 15. Next, in the step shown in FIG. 13B, a known lithography process is performed to form a resist film Re6 having an opening for exposing the upper surface of the copper film 15. Then, Si ions (Si+) are implanted into the copper film 15 using the resist film Re6 as a mask, thus forming a Si-containing copper film 35. In this case, Si ions are implanted at an implant energy of about 180 keV to about 250 key for example, and an implant dose of about 1×1014 cm−2. If the implant energy is 180 keV, the implant depth of Si atoms is about 0.01 μm, and if the implant energy is 250 keV, the implant depth of Si atoms is about 0.15 μm. Furthermore, if the implant dose is 1×1014 cm−2, the number of Si atoms in the copper film is approximately 1×1019/cm3 (atomic percentage is approximately 0.01%). In this step, Si ions may be implanted into a part of the lower barrier metal layer 14 at the same time, or Si ions do not have to be implanted into a part of the copper film 15. Subsequently, in the step shown in FIG. 13C, the resist film Re6 is removed by ashing. Thus, a lower interconnect 36 having the Si-containing copper film 35 is obtained. Although the subsequent steps are not shown, the steps similar to those shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C according to the first embodiment are carried out, thus obtaining the structure of the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 12. According to the semiconductor device fabricating method of the present embodiment, the lower interconnect 36 having the Si-containing copper film 35 can be easily formed. Besides, in this structure, the Si in the Si-containing copper film 35 has the function of gettering voids. Therefore, it becomes possible to suppress an increase in contact resistance caused by concentrative gettering of voids in a region of the lower interconnect 36 (within the Si-containing copper film 35) in contact with the upper plug 22a. In the step shown in FIG. 13B, instead of Si, other dopant having the function of gettering voids (such as Ge, C, Al, Ta, Ti, W, Ni or Co) may alternatively be implanted into the copper film 15. Even in such a case, the effects similar to those of the present embodiment can be achieved. <Modifications of Foregoing Embodiments> In each of the foregoing embodiments, principal portions of the lower interconnect 16 (or 36) and the upper interconnect layer 22 are each formed by a copper film. Alternatively, the inventive semiconductor device may be provided with an interconnect whose principal portion is formed by a film made of a conductive material other than copper, such as a polysilicon film, an aluminum film, an aluminum alloy film or a tungsten film. Even in such a case, the effects similar to those of each of the foregoing embodiments can be achieved. Instead of the silicon nitride film 24 in each of the foregoing embodiments, an SiON film, an SiOF film, an SiC film, an SiCF film or the like may alternatively be used. If there is almost no possibility of oxidation of the lower interconnect, or if no problem is caused by the oxidation, it is unnecessary to provide the silicon nitride film or a member equivalent to the silicon nitride film. Suppose no concave portions are provided at the wall surface of the lower interconnect groove. In that case, if the convex portions are provided at the upper surface of the lower interconnect, stress is generated in these portions; therefore, it is possible to achieve the effect of distributing the regions where voids are gettered, which is the basic effect of the present invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to a semiconductor device having a buried interconnect buried in an interlayer dielectric film, and a method for fabricating the device. In recent years, a high-integration semiconductor device such as an ultra large scale integrated circuit (ULSI) has been required to enhance the speed of signal transmission, and to be highly resistant to migration intensified by an increase in power consumption. As an interconnect material that meets such requirements, an aluminum alloy has conventionally been used. However, in order to further enhance the speed of signal transmission, low resistivity copper whose resistance to electromigration is approximately ten times as high as that of aluminum has lately been used as an interconnect material. As processes particularly suitable for formation of copper interconnect, a single damascene process and a dual damascene process are known. A single damascene process repeats the steps of filling a connection hole, formed in an interlayer dielectric film, with a conductor material, and then removing an excess portion of the interconnect material on the interlayer dielectric film by performing chemical/mechanical polishing (hereinafter, will be called “CMP”), thus forming a plug; and forming an upper interlayer dielectric film, filling an interconnect groove, formed in the upper interlayer dielectric film, with a conductor material, and then performing CMP to form an interconnect connected to the plug. On the other hand, a dual damascene process repeats the step of: forming, in a single interlayer dielectric film, a connection hole and an interconnect groove overlapping with this connection hole, filling the connection hole and the interconnect groove with an interconnect material at the same time, and then performing CMP to remove an excess portion of the interconnect material on the interlayer dielectric film. By using a damascene process, an interconnect can be easily formed even if copper having difficulty in being patterned by dry etching is used as an interconnect material. In particular, a dual damascene process is more advantageous than a single damascene process in that the step of filling a connection hole and an interconnect groove with an interconnect material and the subsequent CMP step are each performed only once in order to form an interconnect (see, for example, Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-299376), and Document 2 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-319617)). FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a conventional semiconductor device including interconnect layers formed by performing a dual damascene process. As shown in FIG. 14 , the conventional semiconductor device includes: a substrate 110 on which semiconductor elements (not shown) such as a large number of transistors are formed; a lower interlayer dielectric film 111 provided on the substrate 110 ; a lower interconnect groove 113 formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 111 ; a lower barrier metal layer 114 formed along a wall surface of the lower interconnect groove 113 ; a copper film 115 for filling the lower interconnect groove 113 ; an upper interlayer dielectric film 117 provided on the lower interlayer dielectric film 111 ; a connection hole 118 formed in the upper interlayer dielectric film 117 and an upper interconnect groove 119 formed thereon; an upper barrier metal layer 120 formed along wall surfaces of the connection hole 118 and the upper interconnect groove 119 ; and a copper film 121 for filling the connection hole 118 and the upper interconnect groove 119 . A lower interconnect 116 is made up of the copper film 115 and the lower barrier metal layer 114 , formed in the lower interlayer dielectric film 111 , for filling the lower interconnect groove 113 . On the other hand, the upper interconnect groove 119 is formed in an extensive region of the upper interlayer dielectric film 117 including the connection hole 118 . Further, portions of the upper barrier metal layer 120 and the copper film 121 filled in the connection hole 118 constitute an upper plug 122 a , while another portions of the upper barrier metal layer 120 and the copper film 121 filled in the upper interconnect groove 119 constitute an upper interconnect 122 b. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>However, a semiconductor device having a copper interconnect formed by performing the above-described conventional damascene process or the like presents the following problems. As shown in FIG. 14 , a void concentration region 125 is likely to be formed in a portion of the lower interconnect 116 (or the copper film 115 ) in contact with the upper plug 122 a , in particular. Furthermore, since an electrical resistance in the void concentration region 125 naturally increases, a contact resistance between the lower interconnect 116 and the upper plug 122 a becomes excessive. As used herein, the “void concentration region” refers to the region where voids are concentrated. The mechanism of formation of the void concentration region 125 is not yet completely elucidated. However, the cause of formation of the void concentration region 125 is believed to be due to the fact that, since the larger the area of the lower interconnect 116 , the more likely the void concentration region 125 is to be formed, stress is generated in a portion of the lower interconnect 116 in contact with the upper plug 122 a , and this stress causes voids present in the copper film 115 to be concentratedly gettered in the void concentration region 125 . In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device that can suppress formation of a void concentration region in a portion of a lower interconnect in contact with an upper interconnect, and thus can suppress an increase in contact resistance between the lower and upper interconnects, and a method for fabricating such a device. A first inventive semiconductor device includes: a lower interconnect that is provided within a lower interconnect groove formed in a lower interlayer dielectric film, and that has convex or concave portions at least at one of its bottom surface, side surfaces and upper surface; and an upper plug that passes through an upper interlayer dielectric film and comes into contact with a part of the lower interconnect. Thus, voids are also gettered by the convex or concave portions of the lower interconnect, and therefore, it becomes possible to suppress an increase in contact resistance caused by the concentration of voids in the contact area between the lower interconnect and the upper plug. By providing concave portions, convex portions, or irregular-shaped concave and convex portions at a bottom surface and/or side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove, the lower interconnect can be provided with the convex or concave portions corresponding to the concave portions, convex portions, or concave and convex portions of the lower interconnect groove. If the lower interconnect includes a portion formed by a copper film, it becomes possible to utilize, in particular, an advantage that a reduction in interconnect resistance is achieved because of the use of a copper film. A second inventive semiconductor device includes: a lower interconnect that is provided within a lower interconnect groove formed in a lower interlayer dielectric film; a conductor film for covering the lower interconnect; and an upper plug that passes through an upper interlayer dielectric film and comes into contact with a part of the conductor film. Thus, the concentration of stress in a portion of the lower interconnect located below the upper plug is relieved, and therefore, an increase in contact resistance can be suppressed. A third inventive semiconductor device includes: a lower interconnect which is provided within a lower interconnect groove formed in a lower interlayer dielectric film, and into which dopant is implanted; and an upper plug that passes through an upper interlayer dielectric film and comes into contact with a part of the lower interconnect. Thus, voids are also gettered by the dopant present in the lower interconnect, and therefore, it becomes possible to suppress an increase in contact resistance caused by the concentration of voids in the contact area between the lower interconnect and the upper plug. In a first inventive method for fabricating a semiconductor device, a lower interconnect groove having concave or convex portions at its bottom surface is formed in a lower interlayer dielectric film, the lower interconnect groove is filled with a conductor material to form a lower interconnect having convex or concave portions, and then an upper interlayer dielectric film and an upper plug are formed. By performing this method, the structure of the first inventive semiconductor device can be easily obtained. More specifically, it becomes possible to facilitate the fabrication of the semiconductor device that can achieve the effect of relieving the concentration of voids in the contact area between the upper plug and the lower interconnect. As a method for forming an interconnect groove having concave portions at least partially at its bottom surface, the present invention may employ any of: a method for forming concave or convex portions at a bottom surface of a lower interconnect groove by performing etching using an etching mask; a method for forming concave or convex portions at side surfaces of a lower interconnect groove by etching side surfaces of a lower interlayer dielectric film having a second layer; and a method for performing etching such that a deposition film remains on bottom and side surfaces of a lower interconnect groove, and subsequently etching portions of a lower interlayer dielectric film exposed to the lower interconnect groove, thus forming irregular-shaped concave and convex portions at the bottom and side surfaces of the lower interconnect groove. In a second inventive method for fabricating a semiconductor device, a lower interconnect buried in a lower interconnect groove is formed, a stress-relieving conductor film is formed over the lower interconnect groove, and then an upper interlayer dielectric film and an upper plug are formed. By performing this method, the structure of the second inventive semiconductor device can be easily obtained. More specifically, it becomes possible to facilitate the fabrication of the semiconductor device that can achieve the effect of relieving the concentration of voids in the contact area between the upper plug and the lower interconnect. In a third inventive method for fabricating a semiconductor device, a lower interconnect groove is formed in a lower interlayer dielectric film, the lower interconnect groove is filled with a conductor material to form a lower interconnect, dopant ions are implanted into the lower interconnect, and then an upper interlayer dielectric film and an upper plug are formed. By performing this method, the structure of the third inventive semiconductor device can be easily obtained. More specifically, it becomes possible to facilitate the fabrication of the semiconductor device that can achieve the effect of relieving the concentration of voids in the contact area between the upper plug and the lower interconnect. The inventive semiconductor devices or the inventive fabricating methods thereof each relieve the concentration of voids in the contact area between the lower interconnect and the upper plug. Thus, the present invention can provide a semiconductor device in which contact resistance in its interconnect layer is low, and a method for fabricating such a semiconductor device. | 20040728 | 20070904 | 20050310 | 99258.0 | 2 | YEVSIKOV, VICTOR V | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING THE SAME | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,900,761 | ACCEPTED | Software for the display of chromatographic separation data | Techniques for displaying chromatographic data using a graphical user interface are provided. Chromatographic separation data that is a series of measurements for a sample at a scanning location over time can be displayed on a display device in a series of bands. Additionally, the series of bands for multiple samples can be aligned on the display device. | 1. A computer implemented method of displaying chromatographic separation data, comprising: receiving a series of measurements indicating presence of constituents in a sample at a scanning location over time; and displaying the series of measurements for the sample as a series of bands. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the series of measurements for the sample as a graph of measurements vs. time. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the sample includes at least one marker and the series of measurements for the sample indicates presence of the at least one marker in the sample at a scanning location over time. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: identifying at least one peak in the series of measurements for the sample that corresponds to the at least one marker; and aligning the series of measurements for the sample so that any displayed bands that correspond to the at least one marker are aligned with a predetermined location. 5. The method of claim 3, further comprising: identifying two peaks in the series of measurements for the sample that correspond to two markers; and scaling the series of measurements for the sample so that the two displayed bands that orrespond to the two markers are aligned with predetermined locations. | This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 60/068,980, filed Dec. 30, 1997, which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the graphical display of data. More specifically, the invention relates to the display of chromatographic separation data that are a series of measurements over time in a graphical format, e.g., as a series of bands. Analysis of biological samples often requires the resolution and characterization of the constituent elements of the sample. The more interesting of these constituents are macromolecular structures, e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and the like. Typically, analytical separation of macromolecular species is carried out using chromatographic techniques. Of particular widespread use are electrophoretic techniques that employ slab-gels disposed between two glass plates as a separation matrix. Samples containing the macromolecular species that are sought to be analyzed, are introduced into wells at one end of the slab gel. An electric current is then applied through the gel drawing the macromolecular species through the gel by virtue of a charge either on, or otherwise associated with the macromolecular species. Each sample travels through the gel substantially linearly, e.g., in a lane corresponding to its well. As the sample progresses through the gel, molecules of different size and/or charge will have different mobilities through the gel, and will separate into bands that reflect their relative size and/or charge. Upon completion, the gel is stained or otherwise examined whereby the various bands can be visualized and compared with standard macromolecular compounds, e.g., having standard molecular weight and/or charge, e.g., isolectric point. For example, in the case of protein analysis using sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), proteins are drawn through the gel matrix in a highly charged detergent micelle (SDS) to ensure that the proteins, regardless of charge, will electrophorese through the gel. The proteins will travel at a rate that is proportional to their size. Once separated, the protein bands are stained, e.g., with coomassie blue or silver staining, to permit analysis and recordation, e.g., as a photograph or a digital or analog scan. Similarly, nucleic acid analyses utilize a similar gel system, e.g., agarose or polyacrylamide gel. Upon application of a current through the gel, the nucleic acid samples, again disposed in wells at one end (anode) of the gel, will electrophorese through the gel. The polymer gel presents a sieving matrix, where larger nucleic acid fragments that otherwise having the same charge:mass ratio as smaller fragments, will travel more slowly through the gel than the smaller fragments. Upon completion of electrophoresis, the lanes of samples are analyzed for the pattern of the bands (or “ladder” as it is often termed). Analysis of the bands may be carried out by adding a fluorescent intercalating agent to the gel, or by incorporating a radioactive label within the nucleic acid fragments, followed by contacting the gel with a photographic film. Typically, electrophoresis gels run multiple samples within the same slab gel along with one or more standards or markers, which are used to characterize the sample constituents. For example, in size-based separations, standards typically have a range of known molecular weights. Sample constituents are then compared to the standards to determine their molecular weights, e.g., by interpolation. Such standards must generally be run in the same gel as the sample, in order to provide assurances that the standard was subject to the same separation conditions, e.g., gel composition, electric current, temperature, or other parameters affecting separations. Despite the efficacy of these slab gel electrophoresis, however, such methods are quickly being supplanted by automated procedures that generate a stream of digital data. This data, in its raw form, may exhibit the non-linearities described earlier, or different ones, or none at all. Such data may be generated, for example, by passing a sample in front of a sensor. Alternatively, it is also possible to digitize the raw information presented in a traditional gel by scanning it to produce a series of measurements. The display of such information is not provided by current systems. What is therefore needed are techniques for displaying chromatographic separation data that are a series of measurements over time in a format similar to that of traditional gel presentations. Moreover, it would be beneficial to provide normalization of such data, if desired. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides innovative techniques for displaying a series of measurements, e.g., as acquired from a microfluidic capillary separation experiment, in a gel-like format. This gel-like format displays chromatographically separated and detected species as bands of varying width and intensity in a vertical lane format, e.g., as a ladder. This format further permits the side-by-side display of chromatographic data from multiple different samples, which data can be normalized to internal standards. In particular, chromatographic data obtained in the form of optical intensity, e.g., fluorescence, UV absorbance, or the like, as a function of time, e.g., as a chromatogram, can be displayed in a band format, as a ladder. Further, serially acquired data from analysis of multiple samples, e.g., from serial separations in the same separation system, as opposed to parallel acquired data, e.g., from a multi-lane slab gel, can be displayed side-by-side, and can be normalized to one or more standards. In one embodiment, the invention provides a computer implemented method of displaying chromatographic separation data. A series of measurements indicating presence of constituents in a sample at a scanning location over time is received. The series of measurements for the sample is displayed as a series of bands. Additionally, peaks in the series of measurements can be identified that correspond to one or more markers. The series of measurements can be scaled so that any displayed bands that correspond to the one or more markers are aligned with predetermined locations or markers from a previous or the same sample. In another embodiment, the invention provides a computer implemented method of displaying chromatographic separation data. A series of measurements indicating the presence of constituents and at least one marker in a first sample at a scanning location over time is received. A series of measurements indicating the presence of constituents and at least one marker in a second sample at a scanning location over time is also received. The series of measurements for the first sample is displayed as a series of bands. The series of measurements for the first sample is analyzed to identify at least one peak that corresponds to the at least one marker. Similarly, the series of measurements for the second sample is analyzed to identify at least one peak that corresponds to the at least one marker. The series of measurements for the second sample are scaled so that the displayed bands that correspond to the at least one marker in the first and second samples are aligned when displayed. Lastly, the series of measurements for the second sample is displayed as a series of bands adjacent to the bands for the first sample. In another embodiment, the invention provides a computer implemented method of graphically presenting chromatographic separation data. Chromatographic data for a sample is acquired, the chromatographic data for the sample including a set of constituents and a set of markers. A position of each marker in the chromatographic data is determined in order to define a range of positions. Additionally, an intensity of each marker in the chromatographic data is determined in order to define a range of intensities. The position of each constituent in the chromatographic data is determined by scaling the position to the range of positions and the intensity of each constituent in the chromatographic data is determined by scaling the position to the range of range of intensities. The position and intensity of each constituent in the chromatographic data is then presented in a graphical format. A particularly useful application of these methods and processes is in the field of capillary electrophoresis. In capillary electrophoresis, materials to be separated based upon their size, e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, etc., are introduced into one end of a narrow bore capillary channel, which typically includes a separation matrix, e.g., a polymer solution or gel, disposed therein. Application of an electric field through the capillary channel then draws the sample through the channel. The presence of the polymer solution or gel, or alternatively, differential molecular charges of the macromolecular species, imparts a different mobility to the different macromolecular species in the sample, depending upon their size. Because a single thin channel is used for a given separation, typically only a single sample can be analyzed at any time, but channels could be utilized in parallel. However, a single capillary channel can serially analyze multiple samples effectively and this obviates the need for separately run ranges of standards. Instead, internal standards, e.g., of known molecular weight, typically are included with the sample materials, to provide a reference point against which the sample constituents or components may be compared. Typically, such standards will fall outside of the expected separation range for the sample constituents, e.g., have much larger or smaller molecular weights then the sample constituents. This permits the standards to be readily identified as the standards, and prevents them from interfering with the analysis of the sample constituents. Alternatively, differential labeling techniques may be used, whereby the standards may be distinguished from other constituents of the sample material by virtue of their incorporating a distinguishable label, e.g., having different light absorbing or emitting properties. Separated species are generally detected at a single point along the length of the capillary channel as they move past that point. Typically, detection is carried out through the incorporation or association of a detectable labeling group with the various macromolecular species. The data from the detector is typically displayed as peaks of optical intensity as a function of time, e.g., as a chromatogram, for each sample analyzed. Analysis of additional samples is then carried out serially, e.g., one after another, in the same capillary system, giving rise to multiple separate plots of optical intensity peaks vs. time. Because these data are obtained from separate runs, with potentially varying conditions, these multiple plots make it very difficult to compare data from different samples. In one aspect of the present invention, data obtained in the form of a typical chromatographic plot of intensity peaks are displayed as a series of bands of varying widths and intensities, in a vertical ladder-like format. Further, a user may toggle back and forth between the different display modes, e.g., chromatogram and gel-like displays, as well as manipulate of the data to permit optimal comparison and analysis of this data, e.g., normalization of data to standards, interpolation/extrapolation of data to characterize data from the different samples and different constituents of each sample. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention described herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a microfluidic device. FIG. 2. shows a system including a microfluidic instrument and a computer system. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a computer system that may be utilized to execute the software of an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 illustrates a system block diagram of the computer system of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a process of displaying chromatographic separation data that is a series of measurements at a scanning location over time as a series of bands. FIG. 6 shows a screen display of an embodiment of the invention including a series of bands. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a process of normalizing chromatographic separation data in which the samples include one or more markers. FIG. 8A and 8B show screen displays that illustrate the normalizing process of series of bands. FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of another process of normalizing chromatographic separation data in which the samples include one or more markers. FIGS. 10A-10E show screen displays of embodiments of the invention. FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a process of displaying chromatographic separation data for multiple samples. FIG. 12 illustrates in further detail a flowchart of a preferred process of generating a graphical display of chromatographic data for one sample. FIG. 13 depicts a gel display window according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 depicts a gel display window according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Introduction The present invention relates to the display of data from a chemical assay. More particularly, the present invention provides techniques for displaying microfluidic capillary separation data in a “gel” format on the display device of a computer. First, the data generated by the experiment is loaded into the computer. This data can include, among other information, data representing fluorescence levels observed in the sample being analyzed typically as a function of retention time in an electrophoretic separation system, e.g. capillary electrophoresis. These fluorescence levels typically represent one or more standards and one or more constituents of samples. The present invention displays the data as a series of bands like a ladder, in a manner substantially similar to a traditional gel. In one embodiment, the present invention creates a normalization curve using a set of standards (or markers) of known characteristics, e.g., molecular weight. The constituents of the samples are displayed as a series of bands (also called a “ladder”). These bands (i.e., the fluorescence levels) may be displayed as a positive (white bands on a black background), a negative (black bands on a white background), or using one of a variety of color combinations. The fluorescence data may be displayed in normalized and unnormalized formats. The unknown sample ladder(s) are normalized to the standard ladder by matching the standards embedded in each sample ladder to those of the standard ladder. One aspect of the present invention is the conversion of serially generated data into a more conventional parallel format. Data generated by systems such as the exemplary system described herein are in a serial format, and would normally be expected to be displayed as such. However, by converting this information into a gel display, the display of chromatographic data by the present invention is made simpler, less expensive (on a per-run basis), and more repeatable than conventional gel assays. Graphical Display of Chromatographic Data As noted above, the techniques described herein are particularly useful in analyzing data from capillary electrophoresis applications. However, it will be appreciated that these methods and processes also are useful in a wide variety of chromatographic separation systems, e.g., conventional column chromatography, HPLC, FPLC, mass spectrometry, scanned slab gel methods, and the like. As also noted, the methods and processes are useful in capillary electrophoretic systems that serially analyze multiple samples within a single capillary channel. In particularly preferred aspects, a planar microfluidic device that includes multiple sample reservoirs coupled to a single separation channel is used in conjunction with the data analysis and presentation methods and processes described herein. Examples of such systems are described in detail in copending, commonly assigned PCT Publication WO 98/49548, and incorporated herein by reference. In particular, multiple different samples disposed in separate sample wells in the body of the device, are separately injected into a single separation channel within the device, one after another. Exemplary Microfluidic Devices In preferred aspects, certain of the devices, methods and systems described herein which are used to produce the chromatographic separation data described herein, employ electrokinetic material transport systems, and preferably, controlled electrokinetic material transport systems. As used herein, “electrokinetic material transport systems” include systems which transport and direct materials within an interconnected channel and/or chamber containing structure, through the application of electrical fields to the materials, thereby causing material movement through and among the channel and/or chambers, i.e., cations will move toward the negative electrode, while anions will move toward the positive electrode. Such electrokinetic material transport and direction systems include those systems that rely upon the electrophoretic mobility of charged species within the electric field applied to the structure. Such systems are more particularly referred to as electrophoretic material transport systems. Other electrokinetic material direction and transport systems rely upon the electroosmotic flow of fluid and material within a channel or chamber structure, which results from the application of an electric field across such structures. In brief, when a fluid is placed into a channel which has a surface bearing charged functional groups, e.g., hydroxyl groups in etched glass channels or glass microcapillaries, those groups can ionize. In the case of hydroxyl functional groups, this ionization, e.g., at neutral pH, results in the release of protons from the surface and into the fluid, creating a concentration of protons at near the fluid/surface interface, or a positively charged sheath surrounding the bulk fluid in the channel. Application of a voltage gradient across the length of the channel, will cause the proton sheath to move in the direction of the voltage drop, i.e., toward the negative electrode. “Controlled electrokinetic material transport and direction,” as used herein, refers to electrokinetic systems as described above, which employ active control of the voltages applied at multiple, i.e., more than two, electrodes. Rephrased, such controlled electrokinetic systems concomitantly regulate voltage gradients applied across at least two intersecting channels. Controlled electrokinetic material transport is described in Published PCT Application No. WO 96/04547, to Ramsey, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a microfluidic device that can be used with the invention. A device 1 includes multiple wells that are interconnected with microchannels or fluid conduits. As shown, device 1 includes 16 wells in which four wells are slightly larger than the other nine wells. Sample wells 3 can hold fluid samples and buffer wells 5 can be utilized to hold buffer solutions to aid the microfluidic separation process. For example, in macromolecular separation applications, e.g., nucleic acid and protein separations, the buffer solution can include a polymer that sieves the macromolecular species by size as they are driven through it by means of electrophoresis, similar to using agarose or polyacrylarnide gels. The samples and buffer solutions can include an intercalating dye that becomes more fluorescent upon binding to the macromolecular species. Each sample is electrokinetically moved from its well to a central separating channel 7. A small amount of the sample is injected into and electrophoresed in separating channel 7, where the constituents and markers in the sample separate by size and pass a laser (e.g., red laser at 635 nm) that excites the fluorescent dye bound to the macromolecular species. After excitation, the portion of the sample that has reached a scanning location is scanned to produce a series of measurements of fluorescent intensity vs. time. Although fluorescent labels will be described herein, other types of label including light absorbing labels, radioactive labels, and the like can be utilized with the invention. Typically, the samples in sample wells 3 are serially driven through separating channel 7. Buffer wells 5 can be utilized to “wash” the separating channel between samples. A graphical representation 21 of the device is shown. The graphical representation can be displayed for a user and includes the wells of the device without the microchannels. The wells are shown with a letter identification for the rows and a number identification for the columns. Accordingly, each well (and the sample or buffer therein) can be identified by a combination of letters and numbers (e.g., “A3”). In general, a microfluidic device can include two intersecting channels or fluid conduits, e.g., interconnected, enclosed chambers, and three unintersected termini. The intersection of two channels refers to a point at which two or more channels are in fluid communication with each other, and encompasses “T” intersections, cross intersections, “wagon wheel” intersections of multiple channels, or any other channel geometry where two or more channels are in such fluid communication. An unintersected terminus of a channel is a point at which a channel terminates not as a result of that channel's intersection with another channel, e.g., a “T” intersection. In preferred aspects, the devices will include at least three intersecting channels having at least four unintersected termini. In a basic cross channel structure, where a single horizontal channel is intersected and crossed by a single vertical channel, controlled electrokinetic material transport operates to controllably direct material flow through the intersection, by providing constraining flows from the other channels at the intersection. For example, assuming one was desirous of transporting a first material through the horizontal channel, e.g., from left to right, across the intersection with the vertical channel. Simple electrokinetic material flow of this material across the intersection could be accomplished by applying a voltage gradient across the length of the horizontal channel, i.e., applying a first voltage to the left terminus of this channel, and a second, lower voltage to the right terminus of this channel, or by allowing the right terminus to float (applying no voltage). However, this type of material flow through the intersection would result in a substantial amount of diffusion at the intersection, resulting from both the natural diffusive properties of the material being transported in the medium used, as well as convective effects at the intersection. In controlled electrokinetic material transport, the material being transported across the intersection is constrained by low level flow from the side channels, e.g., the top and bottom channels. This is accomplished by applying a slight voltage gradient along the path of material flow, e.g., from the top or bottom termini of the vertical channel, toward the right terminus. The result is a “pinching” of the material flow at the intersection, which prevents the diffusion of the material into the vertical channel. The pinched volume of material at the intersection may then be injected into the vertical channel by applying a voltage gradient across the length of the vertical channel, i.e., from the top terminus to the bottom terminus. In order to avoid any bleeding over of material from the horizontal channel during this injection, a low level of flow is directed back into the side channels, resulting in a “pull back” of the material from the intersection. In addition to pinched injection schemes, controlled electrokinetic material transport is readily utilized to create virtual valves that include no mechanical or moving parts. Specifically, with reference to the cross intersection described above, flow of material from one channel segment to another, e.g., the left arm to the right arm of the horizontal channel, can be efficiently regulated, stopped and reinitiated, by a controlled flow from the vertical channel, e.g., from the bottom arm to the top arm of the vertical channel. Specifically, in the “Off” mode, the material is transported from the left arm, through the intersection and into the top arm by applying a voltage gradient across the left and top termini. A constraining flow is directed from the bottom arm to the top arm by applying a similar voltage gradient along this path (from the bottom terminus to the top terminus). Metered amounts of material are then dispensed from the left arm into the right arm of the horizontal channel by switching the applied voltage gradient from left to top, to left to right. The amount of time and the voltage gradient applied dictates the amount of material that will be dispensed in this manner. Although described for the purposes of illustration with respect to a four way, cross intersection, these controlled electrokinetic material transport systems can be readily adapted for more complex interconnected channel networks, e.g., arrays of interconnected parallel channels. As used herein, the term “microscale” or “microfabricated” generally refers to structural elements or features of a device which have at least one fabricated dimension in the range of from about 0.1 μm to about 500 μm. Thus, a device referred to as being microfabricated or microscale will include at least one structural element or feature having such a dimension. When used to describe a fluidic element, such as a passage, chamber or conduit, the terms “microscale,” “microfabricated” or “microfluidic” generally refer to one or more fluid passages, chambers or conduits which have at least one internal cross-sectional dimension, e.g., depth, width, length, diameter, etc., that is substantially within the given dimensions. In the devices of some embodiments of the present invention, the microscale channels or chambers preferably have at least one cross-sectional dimension are also within the given dimensions. Accordingly, the microfluidic devices or systems prepared in accordance with the present invention typically include at least one microscale channel, usually at least two intersecting microscale channels, and often, three or more intersecting channels disposed within a single body structure. Channel intersections may exist in a number of formats, including cross intersections, “T” intersections, or any number of other structures whereby two channels are in fluid communication. The body structure of the microfluidic devices described herein typically comprises an aggregation of two or more separate layers which when appropriately mated or joined together, form the microfluidic device of the invention, e.g., containing the channels and/or chambers described herein. Typically, the microfluidic devices described herein will comprise a top portion, a bottom portion, and an interior portion, wherein the interior portion substantially defines the channels and chambers of the device. A variety of substrate materials may be employed as the bottom portion. Typically, because the devices are microfabricated, substrate materials will be selected based upon their compatibility with known microfabrication techniques, e.g., photolithography, wet chemical etching, laser ablation, air abrasion techniques, injection molding, embossing, and other techniques. The substrate materials are also generally selected for their compatibility with the full range of conditions to which the microfluidic devices may be exposed, including extremes of pH, temperature, salt concentration, and application of electric fields. Accordingly, in some preferred aspects, the substrate material may include materials normally associated with the semiconductor industry in which such microfabrication techniques are regularly employed, including, e.g., silica based substrates, such as glass, quartz, silicon or polysilicon, as well as other substrate materials, such as gallium arsenide and the like. In the case of semiconductive materials, it will often be desirable to provide an insulating coating or layer, e.g., silicon oxide, over the substrate material, and particularly in those applications where electric fields are to be applied to the device or its contents. In additional preferred aspects, the substrate materials will comprise polymeric materials, e.g., plastics, such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, polytetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON™), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polysulfone, and the like. Such polymeric substrates are readily manufactured using available microfabrication techniques, as described above, or from microfabricated masters, using well known molding techniques, such as injection molding, embossing or stamping, or by polymerizing the polymeric precursor material within the mold (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,131). Such polymeric substrate materials are preferred for their ease of manufacture, low cost and disposability, as well as their general inertness to most extreme reaction conditions. Again, these polymeric materials may include treated surfaces, e.g., derivatized or coated surfaces, to enhance their utility in the microfluidic system, e.g., provide enhanced fluid direction, e.g., as described in PCT Publication WO 98/46438, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. In many embodiments, the microfluidic devices will include an optical detection window disposed across one or more channels and/or chambers of the device. Optical detection windows are typically transparent such that they are capable of transmitting an optical signal from the channel/chamber over which they are disposed. Optical detection windows may merely be a region of a transparent cover layer, e.g., where the cover layer is glass or quartz, or a transparent polymer material, e.g., PMMA, polycarbonate, etc. Alternatively, where opaque substrates are used in manufacturing the devices, transparent detection windows fabricated from the above materials may be separately manufactured into the device. These devices may be used in a variety of applications, including, e.g., the performance of high throughput screening assays in drug discovery, immunoassays, diagnostics, genetic analysis, and the like. As such, the devices described herein, will often include multiple sample introduction ports or reservoirs, for the parallel or serial introduction and analysis of multiple samples. Alternatively, these devices may be coupled to a sample introduction port, e.g., a pipetor, which serially introduces multiple samples into the device for analysis. Examples of such sample introduction systems are described in, e.g., PCT Publications WO 98/00231 and WO 98/00705, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Instrumentation The systems described herein generally include microfluidic devices, as described above, in conjunction with additional instrumentation for controlling fluid or material transport and direction within the devices, detection instrumentation for detecting or sensing results of the operations performed by the system, processors, e.g., computers, for instructing the controlling instrumentation in accordance with preprogrammed instructions, receiving data from the detection instrumentation, and for analyzing, storing and interpreting the data, and providing the data and interpretations in a readily accessible reporting format. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a microfluidic instrument that can be utilized with the invention. A microfluidic instrument 51 includes a cover 53. The cover overlies a chamber in which a microfluidic device is placed. Preferably, the microfluidic device is configured so that it can only be placed in the correct orientation (e.g., by a notch in one corner of the device). After the microfluidic device is placed in the chamber of microfluidic instrument 51, the user lowers cover 53. In one embodiment, the cover includes multiple electrodes (not shown) that are placed in the wells of the microfluidic device when the cover is lowered. The electrodes are used to drive the fluids through the microchannels of the microfluidic device. In a preferred embodiment, each electrode is separately powered. Microfluidic instrument 51 is shown electronically connected to a computer system 71 by a cable 73 (e.g., a serial cable). Computer system 71 can be utilized to control microfluidic instrument 51 and analyze the resulting data. Additionally, the electronics to control the microfluidic station can be included in the instrument. Once chromatographic separation data is obtained, computer system 71 can be utilized to analyze and display the data. Although the computer system is shown connected to the microfluidic instrument directly, the computer system need not be directly connected to the instrument or indeed even at the same location. For example, the computer system can be at a remote site for analysis and receive the chromatographic separation data through a network (e.g., the Internet) or a portable storage medium (e.g., floppy drive). Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown. A variety of controlling instrumentation may be utilized in conjunction with the microfluidic devices described above, for controlling the transport and direction of fluids and/or materials within the devices of the present invention. For example, in many cases, fluid transport and direction may be controlled in whole or in part, using pressure based flow systems that incorporate external or internal pressure sources to drive fluid flow. Internal sources include microfabricated pumps, e.g., diaphragm pumps, thermal pumps, lamb wave pumps and the like that have been described in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,271,724, 5,277,556, and 5,375,979 and Published PCT Application Nos. WO 94/05414 and WO 97/02357. In such systems, fluid direction is often accomplished through the incorporation of microfabricated valves, which restrict fluid flow in a controllable manner. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,132. As noted above, the systems described herein preferably utilize electrokinetic material direction and transport systems. As such, the controller systems for use in conjunction with the microfluidic devices typically include an electrical power supply and circuitry for delivering appropriate voltages to a plurality of electrodes that are placed in electrical contact with the fluids contained within the microfluidic devices. Examples of particularly preferred electrical controllers include those described in, e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/888,064, and PCT Publication WO 98/00707, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In brief, the controller uses electric current control in the microfluidic system. The electrical current flow at a given electrode is directly related to the ionic flow along the channel(s) connecting the reservoir in which the electrode is placed. This is in contrast to the requirement of determining voltages at various nodes along the channel in a voltage control system. Thus the voltages at the electrodes of the microfluidic system are set responsive to the electric currents flowing through the various electrodes of the system. This current control is less susceptible to dimensional variations in the process of creating the microfluidic system in the device itself. Current control permits far easier operations for pumping, valving, dispensing, mixing and concentrating subject materials and buffer fluids in a complex microfluidic system. Current control is also preferred for moderating undesired temperature effects within the channels. In the microfluidic systems described herein, a variety of detection methods and systems may be employed, depending upon the specific operation that is being performed by the system. Often, a microfluidic system will employ multiple different detection systems for monitoring the output of the system. Examples of detection systems include optical sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, pH sensors, conductivity sensors, and the like. Each of these types of sensors is readily incorporated into the microfluidic systems described herein. In these systems, such detectors are placed either within or adjacent to the microfluidic device or one or more channels, chambers or conduits of the device, such that the detector is within sensory communication with the device, channel, or chamber. The phrase “within sensory communication” of a particular region or element, as used herein, generally refers to the placement of the detector in a position such that the detector is capable of detecting the property of the microfluidic device, a portion of the microfluidic device, or the contents of a portion of the microfluidic device, for which that detector was intended. For example, a pH sensor placed in sensory communication with a microscale channel is capable of determining the pH of a fluid disposed in that channel. Similarly, a temperature sensor placed in sensory communication with the body of a microfluidic device is capable of determining the temperature of the device itself. Particularly preferred detection systems include optical detection systems for detecting an optical property of a material within the channels and/or chambers of the microfluidic devices that are incorporated into the microfluidic systems described herein. Such optical detection systems are typically placed adjacent a microscale channel of a microfluidic device, and are in sensory communication with the channel via an optical detection window that is disposed across the channel or chamber of the device. Optical detection systems include systems that are capable of measuring the light emitted from material within the channel, the transmissivity or absorbance of the material, as well as the materials spectral characteristics. In preferred aspects, the detector measures an amount of light emitted from the material, such as a fluorescent or chemiluminescent material. For example, in the present invention, such detectors may include laser fluorescence devices that detect fluorescence induced by exposure to laser radiation to generate the chromatographic data thus displayed. This is a preferred embodiment used in the present invention. As such, the detection system will typically include collection optics for gathering a light based signal transmitted through the detection window, and transmitting that signal to an appropriate light detector. Microscope objectives of varying power, field diameter, and focal length may be readily utilized as at least a portion of this optical train. The light detectors may be photodiodes, avalanche photodiodes, photomultiplier tubes, diode arrays, or in some cases, imaging systems, such as charged coupled devices (CCDs) and the like. In preferred aspects, photodiodes are utilized, at least in part, as the light detectors. The detection system is typically coupled to the computer (described in greater detail below), via an AD/DA converter, for transmitting detected light data to the computer for analysis, storage and data manipulation. In the case of fluorescent materials, the detector will typically include a light source that produces light at an appropriate wavelength for activating the fluorescent material, as well as optics for directing the light source through the detection window to the material contained in the channel or chamber. The light source may be any number of light sources that provides the appropriate wavelength, including lasers, laser diodes and LEDs. Other light sources may be required for other detection systems. For example, broad band light sources are typically used in light scattering/transmissivity detection schemes, and the like. Typically, light selection parameters are well known to those of skill in the art. The detector may exist as a separate unit, but is preferably integrated with the controller system, into a single instrument. Integration of these functions into a single unit facilitates connection of these instruments with a computer system (described below), by permitting the use of few or a single communication port(s) for transmitting information between the controller, the detector and the computer. Computer System As noted above, either or both of the controller system and/or the detection system can be coupled to an appropriately programmed processor or computer which functions to instruct the operation of these instruments in accordance with preprogrammed or user input instructions, receive data and information from these instruments, and interpret, manipulate and report this information to the user. As such, the computer is typically appropriately coupled to one or both of these instruments (e.g., including an AD/DA converter as needed). FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a computer system that may be used to execute the software of an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 shows a computer system 71 that includes a display 73, screen 75, cabinet 77, keyboard 79, and mouse 81. Mouse 81 may have one or more buttons for interacting with a graphical user interface. Cabinet 77 houses a CD-ROM drive 83, system memory and a hard drive (see FIG. 4) which may be utilized to store and retrieve software programs incorporating computer code that implements the invention, data for use with the invention, and the like. Although CD-ROM 85 is shown as an exemplary computer readable storage medium, other computer readable storage media including floppy disk, tape, flash memory, system memory, and hard drive may be utilized. Additionally, a data signal embodied in a carrier wave (e.g., in a network including the Internet) may be the computer readable storage medium. FIG. 4 shows a system block diagram of computer system 71 used to execute the software of an embodiment of the invention. As in FIG. 3, computer system 71 includes monitor 73 and keyboard 79, and mouse 81. Computer system 71 further includes subsystems such as a central processor 91, system memory 93, fixed storage 95 (e.g., hard drive), removable storage 97 (e.g., CD-ROM drive), display adapter 99, sound card 101, speakers 103, and network interface 105. Other computer systems suitable for use with the invention may include additional or fewer subsystems. For example, another computer system could include more than one processor 91 (i.e., a multi-processor system) or a cache memory. The system bus architecture of computer system 71 is represented by arrows 107. However, these arrows are illustrative of any interconnection scheme serving to link the subsystems. For example, a local bus could be utilized to connect the central processor to the system memory and display adapter. Computer system 71 shown in FIG. 4 is but an example of a computer system suitable for use with the invention. Other computer architectures having different configurations of subsystems may also be utilized. The computer system typically includes appropriate software for receiving user instructions, either in the form of user input into a set parameter fields, e.g., in a GUI, or in the form of preprogrammed instructions, e.g., preprogrammed for a variety of different specific operations. The software then converts these instructions to appropriate language for instructing the operation of the fluid direction and transport controller to carry out the desired operation. The computer then receives the data from the one or more sensors/detectors included within the system, and interprets the data, either provides it in a user understood format, or uses that data to initiate further controller instructions, in accordance with the programming, e.g., such as in monitoring and control of flow rates, temperatures, applied voltages, and the like. Thus, a graphical display of chromatographic separation data according to the present invention provides greater flexibility in the display of such data, and features heretofore unseen in the display of such information. Device Integration Although the devices and systems specifically illustrated herein are generally described in terms of the performance of a few or one particular operation, it will be readily appreciated from this disclosure that the flexibility of these systems permits easy integration of additional operations into these devices. For example, the devices and systems described will optionally include structures, reagents and systems for performing virtually any number of operations both upstream and downstream from the operations specifically described herein. Such upstream operations include sample handling and preparation operations, e.g., cell separation, extraction, purification, amplification, cellular activation, labeling reactions, dilution, aliquoting, and the like. Similarly, downstream operations may include similar operations, including, e.g., separation of sample components, labeling of components, assays and detection operations. Assay and detection operations include without limitation, probe interrogation assays, e.g., nucleic acid hybridization assays utilizing individual probes, free or tethered within the channels or chambers of the device and/or probe arrays having large numbers of different, discretely positioned probes, receptor/ligand assays, immunoassays, and the like. Display of Chromatographic Separation Data The chromatographic separation data can be analyzed on a computer system that is connected to the microfluidic instrument or one that receives the data remotely. The chromatographic separation data typically is in the form of a measured intensity (be it fluorescence or otherwise) at a scanning location vs. time. A graphical plot of intensity vs. time can be very useful, but many scientists and researchers are not accustomed to this format for electrophoresis separation analysis. Further, the side by side comparison of such data from multiple samples can be difficult. FIG. 5 shows a high level flowchart of a process of displaying chromatographic data that is a series of measurements at a scanning location over time as a series of bands. At a step 151, the computer system receives a series of measurements at a scanning location over time. The series of measurements can be fluorescent intensities that were measured at the scanning location of the microfluidic device as a sample was electrokinetically pulled through the separation channel. The computer system displays the series of measurements as a series of bands at a step 153. The series of bands can resemble a conventional electrophoresis gel that users may find more familiar. A graphical plot of intensity vs. time can also be displayed. FIG. 6 shows a screen display of an embodiment of the invention. A window 161 includes a graphical representation 163 of a microfluidic device (see FIG. 1). A circle 165 indicates the sample well that is currently selected or being processed. The graphical representation can also include other information including an identification number for the microfluidic device, the date and time the microfluidic device was read, and the like. A window area 167 can show graphical plots of intensity vs. time for each of the sample wells that have been processed. Each plot is identified by the letter and number combination that uniquely identifies the row and column of the sample well (e.g., “A1” in this case). A graphical plot 169 shows the measured fluorescent intensity vs. time for the sample well identified as A1. The sample in well A1 is a ladder of a macromolecule, which in this example is a DNA ladder. If a sample designated by a user to include a ladder, the graphical plot is identified as a “Ladder” as shown, otherwise, the graphical plots are identified as “Sample.” A window area 171 includes a series of bands 173. The series of bands was generated from the series of measurements at a scanning location over time that produced graphical plot 169. However, series of bands 173 resembles the output from a conventional electrophoresis gel. As will be discussed in more detail below, window 161 includes many other innovative features. In preferred embodiments, the samples (and ladders) include markers of known characteristics (e.g., molecular weight). The markers can be labeled with a distinctive marker such as fluorescent labels of a different wavelength or color so that they can be distinguished from constituents of the sample or they can be identified by other means (e.g., markers that are lighter or heavier than the expected constituents of a sample can be readily identified). The markers can be utilized to normalize the display of series of measurements as follows. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a process of normalizing chromatographic separation data in which the samples include one or more markers. Although the steps of the flowchart will be described in the order shown, no order of the steps should be necessarily implied. Steps of the flowcharts herein can be added, reordered, deleted, and combined without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, the data receiving steps are shown first as may occur when chromatographic separation data is read in from a storage device or network. However, if the data is processed in real-time, the data receiving steps may be interlaced in the other steps (see FIG. 9) so no order should be implied from the order in which the steps are shown. At a step 181, the computer system receives a series of measurements for a first sample at a scanning location over time. The computer system receives a series of measurements for a second sample at a scanning location over time at a step 183. The series of measurements can be optionally displayed as a plot of intensity vs. time. The computer system displays the series of measurements for the first sample as a series of bands at a step 185. As mentioned previously, the series of bands resembles a conventional electrophoresis gel. At a step 187, the computer system identifies one or more peaks in the series of measurements for the first sample that corresponds to a marker. In general, peaks in the series of measurements can indicate the presence of the labeled markers or constituents at the scanning location. At a step 189, the computer system identifies one or more peaks in the series of measurements for the second sample that corresponds to a marker. In a preferred embodiment, the peaks of markers are identified by a different wavelength that is exhibited by the labels on the markers as compared to the constituents. At a step 191, the computer system scales the series of measurements for the second sample so that the marker or markers have the same measurement. For multiple markers, a linear stretch or compression using a point-to-point fit can be utilized. The computer system displays the series of measurements for the second sample as a series of bands that are aligned with and adjacent to the bands for the first sample at a step 193. In order to illustrate the flowchart of FIG. 7, FIGS. 8A and 8B show screen displays that illustrate the normalizing process. In FIG. 8A, each sample is processed serially and as they are processed, the series of measurements are shown as graphical plots of intensities vs. time in window area 167 and a series of bands in a window area 171. As shown, sample B2 is being processed. A series of bands 201 is being displayed, where the top and bottom bands correspond to markers. In preferred embodiments, the bands that correspond to markers are displayed in a visually different manner (e.g., a different color) so the user can more readily identify the markers. However, it should be seen that series of bands 201 does not align with a series of bands 203 for sample B1 that was previously processed. As the series of bands are not aligned, it may be difficult to accurately compare the samples. FIG. 8B shows the processing of the next sample, after the display of the data for sample B2 is normalized by the process shown in FIG. 7. As shown, series of bands 201 is now aligned with series of bands 203 (and all the previously processed samples). As sample B3 is being processed, it can be seen from a series of bands 205 that corresponds to the sample that it would also be beneficial to normalize series of bands 205. Although FIGS. 8A and 8B show the series of bands being aligned to each other, the series of bands can also be aligned to predetermined locations on the screen. For example, a single marker in each sample can be utilized to align each displayed series of bands to a common baseline. Additionally, two markers in each sample can be utilized to align each displayed series of bands to a displayed scale. FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of another process of normalizing chromatographic separation data in which the samples include one or more markers. In general, the flowchart serially processes each sample until all the samples have been processed. At a step 231, the computer system receives a series of measurements for a current sample at a scanning location over time. The series of measurements can be optionally displayed as a plot of intensity vs. time. At a step 187, the computer system identifies one or more peaks in the series of measurements for the current sample that corresponds to a marker. The computer system scales the series of measurements for the current sample at a step 235. The series of measurements can be scaled so that the displayed bands that correspond to the marker or markers are aligned when displayed. Additionally, the series of measurements can be scaled to predetermined locations on the screen. The computer system displays the series of measurements for the current sample as a series of bands that are aligned with and adjacent to the bands for a previous sample (if any) at a step 237. If it is determined that there are more samples to process at a step 239, the flow returns to step 231. FIGS. 10A-10E will illustrate some other innovative features of embodiments of the invention. FIG. 10A shows a screen display where all the sample wells have been processed. However, in processing two of the samples, it was determined that they did not have the requisite number of peaks (or the peaks did not satisfy certain criteria). Accordingly, series of bands 251 are shown with warning symbols that not enough peaks were detected. Additionally, a warning symbol 253 is displayed with a textual description of the warning since one of the samples with potentially bad data, sample D3, is currently selected. FIG. 10B shows a screen display in which the series of bands are shown in window area 167. Window 161 includes a toolbar 261. When a button 263 is activated, the series of bands are displayed in window area 167. Additionally, the graphical plot of intensity vs. time for the currently selected sample, sample D3, is displayed in window area 171. It may be observed that the series of bands in window area 167 are not normalized. A user can display the series of bands unaligned (i.e., as raw data) by activating a button 265. FIG. 10C shows a screen display where a single graphical plot is shown in window area 167. When a user activates a button 271, the graphical plot of the currently selected sample is enlarged and displayed alone in window area 167. Numbers 273 are utilized to identify each peak in window area 167. The window area includes a data table 275 that shows data for each of the numerically designated peaks. The data table shown includes the migration time, area of the peak, and a signal to noise ratio, which can be calculated by dividing the peak height by the well noise. Additionally, the size of the macromolecule represented by the peak (shown here in base pairs), concentration and molarity can be entered as properties of the assay and displayed in data table 275. Accordingly, the graphical plot of intensity vs. time can include the number of peaks and information regarding the data for each peak. FIG. 10D shows a screen display where the display of the series of bands is inverted. Button 263 has been activated to display the series of bands in window area 167. As shown, the series of bands are normalized for easier comparison. A button 281 was activated that inverted the display of the series of bands. A user may prefer to see the series of bands inverted and activating button 281 will invert the display of the series of bands to their previous state. FIG. 10E shows a screen display where the user is able to modify the peak find settings. A button 291 can be activated to display the peak find settings so that the user may alter the way in which the data is analyzed. When button 291 is activated, a window 293 appears that shows the current peak find settings. The minimum peak height value determines whether or not a peak is kept. For each peak, the difference between the baseline and signal at the center point must be greater than the minimum peak height value. The slope threshold setting determines the difference in the slope that must occur in order for a peak to begin. The inverse of this value is used to determine the peak end. The first and last peak time settings determine the window in which peaks will be found. Any peaks outside these settings will be rejected or ignored. The upper marker setting can be set to “nearest peak” or “last peak.” The “last peak” setting refers to the last peak kept after the peak find algorithm is finished. The “nearest peak” setting refers to the peak that falls nearest the upper marker in the ladder from the first (or other specified) well. In preferred embodiments the “last peak” setting is the default. FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a process of displaying chromatographic separation data for multiple samples. As described above, the basic steps performed in the display of chromatographic information according to the present invention can begin by acquiring this information using a microfluidic instrument at a step 301. The output of the detection system is a signal that varies with the fluorescence of the material passing through the detector at the time. The present invention not only provides the ability to convert this serial stream of data into a more conventional format, but also to display the serially acquired data in a parallel format. The standards introduced into the samples are preferably such that they are detected much earlier and much later than any of the constituents that might be expected to occur in the given sample, e.g., they have smaller and/or larger molecular weights. Such standards would thus be expected to occur before and after such constituents in a system such as that described above. Alternatively, internal standards may be used, such that the standards occur interspersed within the range of expected constituents. In addition to acquiring chromatographic data for the samples being analyzed, chromatographic data can be acquired for a standard “ladder” of molecular species having known characteristics (e.g., molecular weight, charge, or other characteristic) over a given time period. This standard ladder can be used to generate a normalization curve, with the standards creating a curve that relates migration time to the known characteristic (e.g., molecular weight, charge, or the like) at a step 303. Using this information, each set of bands for each sample may be normalized such that the sample in each lane displayed may be properly compared to each of the other samples. This is done in the following manner. At a step 305, the position of the markers in the given sample is determined. Next, fluorescence values are calculated for each position in the display of the sample currently being displayed at a step 307. It is at this point that the values of the unknown constituents are mapped to positions on the corresponding lane of the display. Thus, as mentioned above, the present invention converts the serial data into a more conventional parallel format. Normally, the sample data so displayed will then be normalized using the curve generated using the standard ladder. At a step 309, the results for the current sample are displayed. Finally, at a step 311, the process is repeated if more samples remain to be displayed. FIG. 12 illustrates in further detail a flowchart of a preferred process of generating a graphical display of chromatographic data for one sample, according to the present invention. Again, the method begins by acquiring chromatographic data in some manner at a step 401. In this embodiment, standards having extreme molecular weights (relative to that of the sample's expected constituents) are introduced into the sample. The sample, along with the standards or markers therein, are run through the detection system. The smaller (i.e., lower molecular weight) fragments will normally be present at the output first (the smaller standard being presented before all others, ideally), followed by increasingly larger (i.e., greater molecular weight) fragments, followed at last by the larger of the two standards. Next, at a step 403, the position of each of the standard markers is determined. This basically sets the range of possible values that will be displayed, assuming that none of the sample's constituents are larger or smaller than the standards employed. At a step 405, the intensity of the standard marker is determined so that the intensity of each band created by the sample's constituents may be scaled to a relative scale (arbitrary units are normally used in such a case). At a step 407, the position of each of the constituents (as represented by one or more lines in the eventual displayed data) is scaled to the range determined in step 403. At a step 409, the intensity of each constituent is scaled to the arbitrary scaled just described. This information is then presented in a graphical format at a step 411. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a graphical display of chromatographic data (also referred to herein as a “gel display”) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 illustrates a gel display using the more conventional light-on-dark color scheme reminiscent of agarose nucleic acid slab gels stained with fluorescent dyes. However, embodiments of the present invention are capable of displaying the given chromatographic data using any color scheme, allowing the user to adjust both foreground and background colors to improve the visibility of various features of the chromatographic data being displayed. Moreover, different bands (i.e., fragment sizes) may be displayed using different colors, allowing easy identification of the various constituents being displayed. In some embodiments, a user can change the contrast, brightness or perform “gamma” correction to facilitate viewing the gel display. For reasons of clarity, the display illustrated in FIG. 14 will be described, although the following comments apply equally to FIG. 13. A standard ladder 400 and samples 410, 420, 430, and 440 are displayed in a gel display window 450 in FIG. 14. Standard ladder 400 contains numerous fragments of known size (i.e., standard-size fragments), which are displayed as bands 451-461. Sample ladders 410, 420, 430, and 440 also contain standard-size fragments corresponding to the fragments represented by bands 451 and 461. These are shown as bands 470, 472, 474, and 476, and bands 471, 473, 475, and 477, respectively. The samples' constituents are shown as sets of bands 480-483. As can be seen, samples 410, 420, 430, and 440 are substantially similar. This is evident because the position, width, and other characteristics of the bands in each of sets of bands 480-483 are substantially similar. As can be seen, the present invention matches the smallest and largest standard fragments in each of sample ladders 410, 420, 430, and 440 to those in standard ladder 400 (i.e., bands 451 and 461). The display is calibrated using bands 452-460 of standard ladder 400. Thus, the size and position of one or more bands in sets of bands 480-483 may then be determined by determining the given band's position using, for example, a “rollover” feature. This feature allows a selected position on the interpolation curve or on a lane of the gel display to be identified using the screen cursor. This position may then be related to a given molecular weight, fragment length, or other criteria of the constituents of the samples being analyzed. In this manner, the user can obtain instantaneous display of the characteristic (molecular weight, fragment length, or the like) by simply placing the cursor over the band of interest. Alternatively, each band can be automatically identified, and a fragment size displayed by the band in question. The present invention offers several advantages. For example, once the chromatographic data has been analyzed and converted into a gel format, several advantageous features may be provided. A major advantage of the present invention is the invention's ability to display data collected serially in a more conventional format. Moreover, the present invention permits a single standard ladder to be analyzed once for any number of runs, using the preferred chromatographic data collection system, for example. In the prior art, a standard ladder must be run for each gel, because gel characteristics vary from gel to gel. Thus, a lane is used in each and every gel that is run. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, because there would be no substantial difference from run to run, only a single ladder would need to be run, saving time and lowering operating expenses. In a further advantage, the data in the gel format is digitized, making its display very flexible compared to conventional gels. For example, when displaying the analog of a protein gel, the gel display may use a light coloring on a dark background to emulate a silver halide process (normal contrast, as shown in FIG. 13), or a dark coloring on a light background to emulate a lithium bromide process (reverse contrast, as shown in FIG. 14). Further, the digitized gel is easily stored, printed, and reproduced from its digitized format. Another advantage is the ability to automatically align the various constituents represented in two or more samples to markers included in the samples. This may be necessary if the raw data from various samples does not match up properly, or is skewed for some reason (e.g., varied separation conditions). For example, if two samples are to be compared, but the samples differ in the ranges of molecular weights of the constituents therein (or fail to match up for some other reason), their markers may be matched/aligned. Thus, one or both of the samples' gel representations are translated from their current state to a translated state in which each point is mapped from its current position to a new position. When this process is completed, each marker in the first sample should substantially match each marker in the second sample. This process is referred to herein as warping. Internal markers may be used in such a situation to further improve the accuracy of such warping. This warping allows for a display according to the present invention to account for non-linearities that may vary from sample to sample, when displaying such samples for comparison. Finally, the graphical display of the present invention allows systems that generate data in a serial fashion to display and compare such data in parallel. In other words, for a system that records fluorescence data for each sample on after the other, the present invention allows the viewing of such data as a parallel set of lanes. This is similar to a traditional gel, in which multiple lanes are generated. However, unlike the traditional gel, the present invention is not forced to display the data in this manner. In a traditional gel, the number of lanes used should be maximized because the gel cannot be reused. Because a processing system that generates data serially runs analyses one at a time and the present invention stores and displays that information at a later time, no such limitations are imposed. Thus, the present invention may display the chromatographic separation data singly, in pairs, or in any other configuration that the user finds advantageous. The invention has now been explained with reference to specific embodiments. Other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing description. For example, the invention can be advantageously applied to other microfluidic devices and various types of molecules in addition to those described herein. It is therefore not intended that this invention be limited except as indicated by the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to the graphical display of data. More specifically, the invention relates to the display of chromatographic separation data that are a series of measurements over time in a graphical format, e.g., as a series of bands. Analysis of biological samples often requires the resolution and characterization of the constituent elements of the sample. The more interesting of these constituents are macromolecular structures, e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and the like. Typically, analytical separation of macromolecular species is carried out using chromatographic techniques. Of particular widespread use are electrophoretic techniques that employ slab-gels disposed between two glass plates as a separation matrix. Samples containing the macromolecular species that are sought to be analyzed, are introduced into wells at one end of the slab gel. An electric current is then applied through the gel drawing the macromolecular species through the gel by virtue of a charge either on, or otherwise associated with the macromolecular species. Each sample travels through the gel substantially linearly, e.g., in a lane corresponding to its well. As the sample progresses through the gel, molecules of different size and/or charge will have different mobilities through the gel, and will separate into bands that reflect their relative size and/or charge. Upon completion, the gel is stained or otherwise examined whereby the various bands can be visualized and compared with standard macromolecular compounds, e.g., having standard molecular weight and/or charge, e.g., isolectric point. For example, in the case of protein analysis using sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), proteins are drawn through the gel matrix in a highly charged detergent micelle (SDS) to ensure that the proteins, regardless of charge, will electrophorese through the gel. The proteins will travel at a rate that is proportional to their size. Once separated, the protein bands are stained, e.g., with coomassie blue or silver staining, to permit analysis and recordation, e.g., as a photograph or a digital or analog scan. Similarly, nucleic acid analyses utilize a similar gel system, e.g., agarose or polyacrylamide gel. Upon application of a current through the gel, the nucleic acid samples, again disposed in wells at one end (anode) of the gel, will electrophorese through the gel. The polymer gel presents a sieving matrix, where larger nucleic acid fragments that otherwise having the same charge:mass ratio as smaller fragments, will travel more slowly through the gel than the smaller fragments. Upon completion of electrophoresis, the lanes of samples are analyzed for the pattern of the bands (or “ladder” as it is often termed). Analysis of the bands may be carried out by adding a fluorescent intercalating agent to the gel, or by incorporating a radioactive label within the nucleic acid fragments, followed by contacting the gel with a photographic film. Typically, electrophoresis gels run multiple samples within the same slab gel along with one or more standards or markers, which are used to characterize the sample constituents. For example, in size-based separations, standards typically have a range of known molecular weights. Sample constituents are then compared to the standards to determine their molecular weights, e.g., by interpolation. Such standards must generally be run in the same gel as the sample, in order to provide assurances that the standard was subject to the same separation conditions, e.g., gel composition, electric current, temperature, or other parameters affecting separations. Despite the efficacy of these slab gel electrophoresis, however, such methods are quickly being supplanted by automated procedures that generate a stream of digital data. This data, in its raw form, may exhibit the non-linearities described earlier, or different ones, or none at all. Such data may be generated, for example, by passing a sample in front of a sensor. Alternatively, it is also possible to digitize the raw information presented in a traditional gel by scanning it to produce a series of measurements. The display of such information is not provided by current systems. What is therefore needed are techniques for displaying chromatographic separation data that are a series of measurements over time in a format similar to that of traditional gel presentations. Moreover, it would be beneficial to provide normalization of such data, if desired. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides innovative techniques for displaying a series of measurements, e.g., as acquired from a microfluidic capillary separation experiment, in a gel-like format. This gel-like format displays chromatographically separated and detected species as bands of varying width and intensity in a vertical lane format, e.g., as a ladder. This format further permits the side-by-side display of chromatographic data from multiple different samples, which data can be normalized to internal standards. In particular, chromatographic data obtained in the form of optical intensity, e.g., fluorescence, UV absorbance, or the like, as a function of time, e.g., as a chromatogram, can be displayed in a band format, as a ladder. Further, serially acquired data from analysis of multiple samples, e.g., from serial separations in the same separation system, as opposed to parallel acquired data, e.g., from a multi-lane slab gel, can be displayed side-by-side, and can be normalized to one or more standards. In one embodiment, the invention provides a computer implemented method of displaying chromatographic separation data. A series of measurements indicating presence of constituents in a sample at a scanning location over time is received. The series of measurements for the sample is displayed as a series of bands. Additionally, peaks in the series of measurements can be identified that correspond to one or more markers. The series of measurements can be scaled so that any displayed bands that correspond to the one or more markers are aligned with predetermined locations or markers from a previous or the same sample. In another embodiment, the invention provides a computer implemented method of displaying chromatographic separation data. A series of measurements indicating the presence of constituents and at least one marker in a first sample at a scanning location over time is received. A series of measurements indicating the presence of constituents and at least one marker in a second sample at a scanning location over time is also received. The series of measurements for the first sample is displayed as a series of bands. The series of measurements for the first sample is analyzed to identify at least one peak that corresponds to the at least one marker. Similarly, the series of measurements for the second sample is analyzed to identify at least one peak that corresponds to the at least one marker. The series of measurements for the second sample are scaled so that the displayed bands that correspond to the at least one marker in the first and second samples are aligned when displayed. Lastly, the series of measurements for the second sample is displayed as a series of bands adjacent to the bands for the first sample. In another embodiment, the invention provides a computer implemented method of graphically presenting chromatographic separation data. Chromatographic data for a sample is acquired, the chromatographic data for the sample including a set of constituents and a set of markers. A position of each marker in the chromatographic data is determined in order to define a range of positions. Additionally, an intensity of each marker in the chromatographic data is determined in order to define a range of intensities. The position of each constituent in the chromatographic data is determined by scaling the position to the range of positions and the intensity of each constituent in the chromatographic data is determined by scaling the position to the range of range of intensities. The position and intensity of each constituent in the chromatographic data is then presented in a graphical format. A particularly useful application of these methods and processes is in the field of capillary electrophoresis. In capillary electrophoresis, materials to be separated based upon their size, e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, etc., are introduced into one end of a narrow bore capillary channel, which typically includes a separation matrix, e.g., a polymer solution or gel, disposed therein. Application of an electric field through the capillary channel then draws the sample through the channel. The presence of the polymer solution or gel, or alternatively, differential molecular charges of the macromolecular species, imparts a different mobility to the different macromolecular species in the sample, depending upon their size. Because a single thin channel is used for a given separation, typically only a single sample can be analyzed at any time, but channels could be utilized in parallel. However, a single capillary channel can serially analyze multiple samples effectively and this obviates the need for separately run ranges of standards. Instead, internal standards, e.g., of known molecular weight, typically are included with the sample materials, to provide a reference point against which the sample constituents or components may be compared. Typically, such standards will fall outside of the expected separation range for the sample constituents, e.g., have much larger or smaller molecular weights then the sample constituents. This permits the standards to be readily identified as the standards, and prevents them from interfering with the analysis of the sample constituents. Alternatively, differential labeling techniques may be used, whereby the standards may be distinguished from other constituents of the sample material by virtue of their incorporating a distinguishable label, e.g., having different light absorbing or emitting properties. Separated species are generally detected at a single point along the length of the capillary channel as they move past that point. Typically, detection is carried out through the incorporation or association of a detectable labeling group with the various macromolecular species. The data from the detector is typically displayed as peaks of optical intensity as a function of time, e.g., as a chromatogram, for each sample analyzed. Analysis of additional samples is then carried out serially, e.g., one after another, in the same capillary system, giving rise to multiple separate plots of optical intensity peaks vs. time. Because these data are obtained from separate runs, with potentially varying conditions, these multiple plots make it very difficult to compare data from different samples. In one aspect of the present invention, data obtained in the form of a typical chromatographic plot of intensity peaks are displayed as a series of bands of varying widths and intensities, in a vertical ladder-like format. Further, a user may toggle back and forth between the different display modes, e.g., chromatogram and gel-like displays, as well as manipulate of the data to permit optimal comparison and analysis of this data, e.g., normalization of data to standards, interpolation/extrapolation of data to characterize data from the different samples and different constituents of each sample. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention described herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings. | 20040727 | 20080916 | 20050113 | 95807.0 | 2 | PRETLOW, DEMETRIUS R | SOFTWARE FOR THE DISPLAY OF CHROMATOGRAPHIC SEPARATION DATA | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,900,960 | ACCEPTED | LASER ALIGNMENT TOOL ADAPTER | An adapter providing increased versatility to a laser alignment tool is disclosed. Accessories of the adapter are disclosed for use with a laser alignment tool which may or may not be self-leveling. The accessories include one or more laser reference diffraction elements, effective to receive an incoming laser reference and produce a laser reference deviated a predetermined angular amount, and various attachment features. | 1. An adapter providing increased versatility to a self-leveling laser alignment tool providing at least a pair of laser references when attached thereto, said adapter comprising: a body having two opposed wall portions defining a space therebetween and a base portion, the laser alignment tool being releasably mountable in said space, and said base portion having a pair of cylindrical thoughbores and a pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores said pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores are sized to accommodate a stray having a width up to about two inches; and a belt clip provided to one of said wall portions. 2. An adapter as recited in claim 1, wherein said base portion provides a plurality of magnets. 3. An adapter as recited in claim 1, wherein said base portion provides at least one of a v-groove bottom and a v-groove back. 4. An adapter as recited in claim 1, wherein said base portion provides a v-groove bottom having a plurality of magnets. 5. An adapter as recited in claim 1, wherein said base portion is integral with said opposed wall portions. 6. An adapter as recited in claim 1, wherein said base portion rotatably mounts to said wall portions. 7. An adapter as recited in claim 1, wherein said base portion provides a v-groove bottom adapted to be situated on a pipe having a diameter in the range from about ½ inch to about 6 inches. 8. (canceled) 9. An adapter providing increased versatility to a self-leveling laser alignment tool providing at least a pair of laser references when attached thereto, said adapter comprising: a body having two opposed wall portions defining a space therebetween and a base portion, the laser alignment tool being releasably mountable in said space, and said base portion having a pair of legs movable relative to each other, a pair of cylindrical thoughbores, and a pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores; and a belt clip provided to one of said wall portions. 10. An adapter providing increased versatility to a self-leveling laser alignment tool providing at least a pair of laser references when attached thereto, said adapter comprising: a body having two opposed wall portions defining a space therebetween and a base portion, the laser alignment tool being releasably mountable in said space, and said base portion having a pair of legs movable relative to each other, each said pair of legs having magnets, a pair of cylindrical thoughbores, and a pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores: and a belt clip provided to one of said wall portions. 11. An adapter as recited in claim 1, wherein said base portion is mountable to said wall portions via a tongue and groove arrangement. 12. An adapter as recited in claim 1, wherein said base portion is mountable to said wall portions via a tongue and groove arrangement provided to first and second bottom sides, said first bottom side having first and second curvatures, and said second bottom side having third and fourth curvatures, whereby said base portion is adapted to be flipped over to accommodate various pipe sizes. 13. An adapter providing increased versatility to a self-leveling laser alignment tool providing at least a pair of laser references when attached thereto, said adapter comprising: a body having two opposed wall portions defining a space therebetween and a base portion, the laser alignment tool being releasably mountable in said space, and said base portion having a pair of cylindrical thoughbores and a pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores, said pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores are sized to accommodate a strap having a width up to about two inches: and a belt clip provided to one of said wall portions, wherein said base portion provides magnets and is mountable to said wall portions via a tongue and groove arrangement provided to first and second bottom sides, said first bottom side having first and second curvatures, and said second bottom side having third and fourth curvatures, whereby said base portion is adapted to be flipped over to accommodate various pipe sizes. 14. An adapter providing increased versatility to a self-leveling laser alignment tool providing at least a pair of laser references when attached thereto, said adapter comprising: a body having two opposed wall portions defining a space therebetween and a base portion, the laser alignment tool being releasably mountable in said space, and said base portion having a pair of cylindrical thoughbores and a pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores, said pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores are sized to accommodate a strap having a width up to about two inches: a belt clip provided to one of said wall portions; and an arm provided to one of said wall portions, said arm being moveable between a stowed position and an extended position, said arm having a prism, wherein said prism deviates one of the pair of laser references when situated in said extended position, wherein said arm is slidable between said stowed and extended positions. 15. An adapter providing increased versatility to a self-leveling laser alignment tool providing at least a pair of laser references when attached thereto, said adapter comprising: a body having two opposed wall portions defining a space therebetween and a base portion, the laser alignment tool being releasably mountable in said space, and said base portion having a pair of cylindrical thoughbores and a pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores, said pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores are sized to accommodate a strap having a width up to about two inches; a belt clip provided to one of said wall portions, and an arm provided to one of said wall portions, said arm being moveable between a stowed position and an extended position, said arm having a prism, wherein said prism deviates one of the pair of laser references when situated in said extended position, wherein said arm is rotatable between said stowed and extended positions. 16. An adapter as recited in claim 1, wherein said wall portions provide magnets. 17. An adapter as recited in claim 1, further comprises magnets provided at an upper surface of each wall portion. 18. An adapter as recited in claim 1, further comprises magnets provided at an upper surface and a side surface of each wall portion. 19. An adapter as recited in claim 1, wherein said base portion has a swivel joint for permitting rotation of said wall portions and an azimuth scale, whereby upon rotation of said wall portions displacement of the laser references from a reference on said base portion can be determined. 20. An adapter as recited in claim 1, wherein said base portion is adapted to mount to a tripod. 21. An adapter providing, increased versatility to a self-leveling laser alignment tool providing at least a pair of laser references when attached thereto, said adapter comprising: a body having two opposed wall portions defining a space therebetween and a base portion, the laser alignment tool being releasably mountable in said space and said base portion having a pair of cylindrical thoughbores and a pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores, said pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores are sized to accommodate a strap having a width up to about two inches; a belt clip provided to one of said wall portions; and magnets provided at an upper surface of each wall portion, and a plate to which said magnets attach, said plate being adapted to be suspended. 22. An adapter as recited in claim 1, wherein the laser alignment tool is releasably mountable in said space by a snap fit. 23. An adapter providing increased versatility to a self-leveling laser alignment tool providing at least a pair of laser references when attached thereto, said adapter comprising: a body having two opposed wall portions defining a space there between and a base portion, the laser alignment tool being releasably mountable in said space; a belt clip provided to one of said wall portions; and an arm provided to one of said wall portions, said arm being moveable between a stowed position and an extended position, said arm having a prism, wherein said prism deviates one of the pair of laser references when situated in said extended position. 24. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said prism deviates the laser reference a predetermined amount in the range from about 1 degree to 45 degrees. 25. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion provides a plurality of magnets. 26. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion provides a v-groove bottom. 27. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion provides a v-groove bottom having a plurality of magnets. 28. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion is integral with said opposed wall portions. 29. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion rotatably mounts to said wall portions. 30. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion provides a v-groove bottom adapted to be situated on a pipe having a diameter in the range from about 1 inch to about 4 inches. 31. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion provides at least one slotted throughbore sized to accommodate a strap. 32. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion provides two slotted and orthogonal throughbores. 33. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion provides a pair of legs movable relative to each other. 34. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion provides a pair of legs movable relative to each other, each said pair of legs having magnets. 35. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion is mountable to said wall portions via a tongue and groove arrangement. 36. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion is mountable to said wall portions via a tongue and groove arrangement provided to first and second bottom sides, said first bottom side having first and second curvatures, and said second bottom side having third and fourth curvatures, whereby said base portion is adapted to be flipped over to accommodate various pipe sizes. 37. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion provides magnets and is mountable to said wall portions via a tongue and groove arrangement provided to first and second bottom sides, said first bottom side having first and second curvatures, and said second bottom side having third and fourth curvatures, whereby said base portion is adapted to be flipped over to accommodate various pipe sizes. 38. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said arm is slidably between said stowed and extended positions. 39. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said arm is rotatable between said stowed and extended positions. 40. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said wall portions provide magnets. 41. An adapter as recited in claim 23, further comprises magnets provided at an upper surface of each wall portion. 42. An adapter as recited in claim 23, further comprises magnets provided at an upper surface and a side surface of each wall portion. 43. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion has a swivel joint for permitting rotation of said wall portions and an azimuth scale, whereby upon rotation of said wall portions displacement of the laser references from a reference on said base portion can be determined. 44. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion is adapted to mount to a tripod. 45. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said base portion provides a pair of cylindrical though-bores. 46. An adapter as recited in claim 23, further comprises magnets provided at an upper surface of each wall portion, and a plate to which said magnets attach, said plate being adapted to be suspended. 47. An adapter as recited in claim 23, further comprises a tongue and groove attachment arrangement provided between a plate and said adapter. 48. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein the laser alignment tool is releasably mountable in said space by a snap fit. 49. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said prism is a plurality of interchangeable prisms each adapted to deviate the laser reference a different predetermined amount. 50. An adapter as recited in claim 23, wherein said prism is rotatably mounted to said arm. 51. (canceled) | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to laser alignment tools and in particular, to an adapter providing increased versatility to a self-leveling laser alignment tool. A variety of survey and carpentry tools has previously employed lasers to improve accuracy and reliability of leveling. To improve the accuracy of such laser alignment tools further, there are several methods to self-level automatically either the laser or a reflective surface within the laser alignment tool. Although these prior art laser alignment tools have been useful for their intended purposes, a desire for improvements still remains. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an adapter providing increased versatility to a self-leveling laser alignment tool when attached thereto. In one embodiment, the adapter comprises a body having two opposed wall portions, defining a space therebetween, and a base portion. The laser alignment tool is releasably mountable in the space. The base portion has a pair of cylindrical though-bores and a pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores. A belt clip is provided to one of the wall portions. In another embodiment, an adapter providing increased versatility to a self-leveling laser alignment tool providing at least a pair of laser references when attached thereto is disclosed. The adapter comprises a body having two opposed wall portions defining a space therebetween and a base portion. The laser alignment tool is releasably mountable in the space. A belt clip is provided to one of the wall portions. An arm is also provided to one of the wall portions. The arm is moveable between a stowed position and an extended position. The arm has a prism, wherein the prism deviates one of the pair of laser references when situated in the extended position. These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from the following description of the various embodiments of the invention taken together with the accompanying drawing. It is noted that the scope of the claims is defined by the recitations therein, and not by the specific discussion of features and advantages set forth in the present description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The organization and manner of operation of the invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which: FIG. 1 is front view of one embodiment of an adapter provided with a movable laser reference deviation accessory and belt clip provided on the sides thereof, and being shown with a laser alignment tool to show the details for snapping the adapter to the housing of the laser alignment tool. FIGS. 2A and 2B are side and front views of the adapter of FIG. 1 accommodating the laser alignment tool and provided with a laser reference deviation accessory that is slidably mounted to the side of the adapter. FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of an adapter for a laser alignment tool and provided with a laser reference deviation accessory that is rotatably mounted to the side of the adapter, and having a plurality of interchangeable prisms providing various angles of deviation from a horizontal plane of a laser reference from laser alignment tool. FIG. 4A is a side view of another embodiment of an adapter for a laser alignment tool and provided with a laser reference deviation accessory that is rotatably mounted to the side of the adapter, the laser reference deviation accessory having a lens or prism that may be rotated to change the direction of the deviated laser reference from the laser alignment tool. FIG. 4B is a front view of the adapter of FIG. 4A showing adjustable legs such that the laser alignment tool adapter may be situated on pipes of various diameters. FIG. 5 is a front view of another embodiment of an adapter for holding a laser alignment tool, and providing a base having opposing bottom side curvatures to accommodate pipes of various diameters. The base being adapted to be removed, flipped over, and remounted to the adapter. FIG. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of an adapter for a laser alignment tool, and having a pair of rotatably mounted legs to accommodate pipes of various diameters, and also illustrated a hanging accessory by which the adapter and laser alignment tool may be suspended therefrom. FIG. 7A is a side view of another embodiment of an adapter for a laser alignment tool that is adapted to be mounted to a tripod. FIG. 7B is a front view of the adapter of FIG. 7A, and illustrates that a provided horizontal slotted throughbore is sized to accommodate a strap. FIG. 7C is a side view of the adapter of FIG. 7A, and illustrates that a provided pair of cylindrical throughbores is sized to accommodate conventional screws having a shank diameter up to about ¼ inch. FIG. 8A is a side view of another embodiment of an adapter for a laser alignment tool provided with a pair of keyhole shaped throughbores and a pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores or toggle slots, and provided with a wall mounting accessory by which the adapter and laser alignment tool may be suspended therefrom. FIG. 8B is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 8A, showing the toggle slots being used to accommodate a hook of a bungee cord or strap, and having a v-groove back portion suitable to accommodate pipes having various diameters ranging from ½ inch to about 6 inches and to which the adapter and laser alignment tool may be secured. FIG. 9A is a front view of another embodiment of an adapter for a laser alignment tool that has base portion and an upper portion that rotate relative to each other. FIG. 9B is a top view of the adapter of FIG. 9A without the laser level and showing an azimuth scale and reference mark. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS While the invention may be susceptible to various embodiments in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein. Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the drawing are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawing may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows generally one illustrative embodiment of a compact self-leveling laser alignment tool for projecting plumb and level laser references for precise alignment. By “laser reference” or “laser references” it is meant to include projected laser beams, laser points, laser lines, laser cross-lines, laser planes, and combinations thereof. One suitable compact laser alignment tool is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,977, assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. The disclosure of that patent is incorporated herein by reference. The present invention is used in conjunction with such a compact battery operated laser alignment tool of the type described in the above mentioned patent as well as with other multi-beam self-leveling and some manually leveled laser instruments. Such a generic laser alignment tool can be considered as generally shown by 10 in FIG. 1. As shown by FIG. 1, the laser alignment tool 10 projects at least two laser references 12 and 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the laser references 12 and 14 are projected simultaneously at 90° to each other. When the laser alignment tool 10 is used in the upright position, the projected laser references 12 and 14 are level in the horizontal plane and make a precise right angle as needed in construction applications. In other laser alignment tools, additional laser references 16 and 18 may be provided that project laser references that are perpendicular (i.e., plumb) to the horizontal plane when the laser alignment tool 10 is in the upright position, such as is shown, and combinations thereof. As also shown by FIG. 1, a front view of one embodiment of an adapter according to the present invention, which is generally indicated by symbol 20. As discussed herein, the adapter 20 provides added versatility to the held laser alignment tool 10. In one embodiment, the adapter 20 is provided with a laser reference deviation accessory, generally indicated by symbol 22, and a belt clip 24. The laser reference deviation accessory 22 and belt clip 24 are provided on sides or wall portions 26 and 28 of the adapter 20. Details or contours of an interior surface 30 of the adapter 20 is so shaped such that the laser alignment tool 10 snaps or snuggly fits into a space, generally indicated by symbol 32, provided between the wall portion 26 and 28, such as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. It is to be appreciated that the laser alignment tool 10 is therefore releasably mountable in the space 32 provided by the adapter 20. FIGS. 2A and 2B are side and front views of the adapter 20 of FIG. 1 accommodating the laser alignment tool 10. As best shown by FIG. 2A, the laser reference deviation accessory 22 comprises an arm 32 and a lens or prism 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 32 is slidably mounted to the wall portion 26 of the adapter 20. The arm 32 is moveable between a stowed position and an extended position, which is illustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 2A. It is to be appreciated that the prism 34 deviates one of the pair of laser references, such as reference 12, a predetermined angular amount a from the laser references normal path, which defines a horizontal plane 36, when the arm 32 is situated in the extended position. The predetermined angular amount a of prism 34 is an angle in the range from about 1 degree to about 45 degrees. FIG. 3 shows a side view of another embodiment of the adapter 20 according to the present invention provided with a laser reference deviation accessory 22 that is rotatably mounted to the side wall portion 26 of the adapter. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 32 rotates between the stowed position and the extended position. In another embodiment, the arm 32 releasably secures the prism 34. Accordingly, the adapter 20 may having a plurality of interchangeable prisms 34′, 34″ each providing a different angle a of deviation. In another embodiment, the adapter 22 is provided with a storage space 36 for holding the extra prisms 34′ and 34″. In other embodiment illustrated by FIG. 4A, the arm 32 of the laser reference deviation accessory 22 rotatably mounts the prism 34. In this embodiment, the prism 34 that may be rotated 360° degrees such that the laser reference, deviated the predetermine angle α, may be projected in a desired direction. Turning back to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B and as illustrated, the two opposed wall portions 26 and 28 are provided as part of a body 40 which further includes a base portion 42. It is to be appreciated that in one embodiment, the base portion 42 has a height that places that the bottom surface of the laser alignment tool 10 when held by the adapter 20 at approximately the height of a standard wall track of about 1 ⅝″. In other embodiments, other base portion dimensions to accommodate non-standard wall track heights may be also provided. In one embodiment illustrated by FIG. 2A, the base portion 42 a plurality of magnets 44 situated about a bottom surface 46 thereof. Such magnets 44 are useful in securing the laser alignment tool 10 when held in the adapter 20 to a magnetically attractive surface 48, such as a metal beam, metal wall, and the like, thereby increasing the versatility of the laser alignment tool. Additional magnets 50 and 52 in other embodiments may be provided to upper and back sides of each wall portion 26 and 28 of the adapter 20 for similar purposes. In another embodiment, the base portion 42 of the adapter 20 is provides a v-shaped or v-groove bottom 54, which is best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2B. As illustrated by FIG. 2B, the v-groove bottom 54 is so shaped that the adapter 20 and the held laser alignment tool 10 may be situated securely on to a pipe 56 having a variable diameter range from about ½ inch to about 6 inches. The v-groove bottom 54 in one embodiment has a plurality of magnets 44 (FIG. 2A) to securely mount the adapter 20 and the held laser alignment tool 10 to the pipe 56. Other manners of securely mounting the adapter 20 and the held laser alignment tool 10 to pipes of various diameters is illustrated by FIGS. 4B, 5, and 6. As shown by FIGS. 4B and 6, the base portion 42 of the adapter 20 comprises a pair of legs 58 which are movable relative to each other. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 4B, the legs 58 slide in and out relative to each other, and in the embodiment shown by FIG. 6, the legs 58 rotate in and out relative to each other. Each said pair of legs having magnets 60. In such an arrangement, the legs 58 are therefore moved such that they may be adjusted accordingly such that the magnets 60 securely engage the pipe 56. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 5, the base portion 42 is releasably mounted to the wall portions 26 and 28 via a tongue and groove arrangement, generally indicated by symbol 62. In particular, the base portion 42 of the adapter 20 on first and second bottom sides 64 and 66 is provided with groove portions 68 which releasably mounts to tongue portions 70 provided at ends of the wall portions 26 and 28. It is to be appreciated that the first bottom side 64 has first and second surface curvatures 72 and 74, respectively, and the second bottom side 66 has third and fourth surface curvatures 76 and 78, respectively. Each of the surface curvatures 72, 74, 76, and 78 matches a variable pipe curvature range of about ½ inch to about 6 inches. Accordingly, the base portion 42 may be flipped over such that either the first bottom side 64 or the second bottom side 66 can be used to accommodate pipes 56 of various sizes. Other securing features provided by the adapter 20 are illustrated by FIGS. 6, 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, and 8B, which further increase the versatility of the held laser alignment tool 10 and which are discussed hereafter. A hanging accessory, generally indicated by symbol 80, is shown by FIG. 6. The hanging accessory 80 includes an attachment plate 82 mounted to a support 84. The plate 82 is metal such that the upper magnets 50 of the adapter are attracted thereto. Alignment grooves 86 may be provided in the plate 82 such that the adapter 20 and the held laser alignment tool 20 may be situated in a desired orientation. In still another embodiment, a tongue and groove attachment arrangement, such as illustrated in FIG. 5 between the wall portions 26 and 28 and base portion 42, may be also provided between the adapter 20 and the plate 82. The support 84 may be mounted to a ceiling or beam (not shown) in any conventional manner. In one embodiment, the support 84 is rotatably mounted to the plate 86, such that the plate may be rotated 360° and held in a desired position. Friction or a lock between the support 84 and plate 82 may be used to hold the adapter 20 and the held laser alignment tool 10 in the desired position when attached thereto. FIG. 7A is a side view of another embodiment of the adapter 20 that is adapted to be mounted to a tripod 88. In one embodiment, a thread barrel or nut 90 is provided in the base portion that attaches to a knurled screw 92 of the tripod. In still another embodiment, a hole 91 is also provided in the base that accommodates a close fit to a ⅝-11 tripod. Additionally, the base portion 42 is provided with a horizontal slotted throughbore 94 that is sized to accommodate a strap 96 having a width up to about 2 inches, as illustrated by FIG. 7B. Another slotted throughbore 98 is provided orthogonal to the horizontal throughbore 94 for added mounting versatility. Furthermore as illustrated by FIG. 7C, a pair of cylindrical throughbores 100 and 102 is provide to the base portion 42, and each are sized to accommodate conventional screws 104 having a shank diameter up to about ¼ inch. Such screws, such as standard 1-⅝″ drywall screws, can be placed in the cylindrical throughbores 100 and 102, and drilled into a wall, stud, or beam using a standard drywall screw bit held in an typical drill extension or quick chuck to secure the adapter 20 thereto. It is to be appreciated that in one embodiment the cylindrical throughbores 100 and 102 are sized also to accommodate such a quick chuck bit such that the 1-⅝″ drywall screws will extend out the other end of the cylindrical throughbores about 0.8 of an inch. FIG. 8A is a side view of another embodiment of the adapter 20 according to the present invention. As shown, the base portion 42 of the adapter 20 is provided with the pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores 94 and 98 provided in a T-shaped or toggle slot arrangement. Such a T-shaped arrangement of slotted throughbores 94 and 98 allows a user to move a strap from a horizontal position to a vertical position, or vice versa, without the need for removing a held strap. The base portion 42 is also provided with a pair of keyhole shaped throughbores 101 and 103. Each keyhole shaped throughbore 101 and 103 is sized such that the adapter 20 may be hung from a conventional screw shank with the head of the screw passing into a cylindrical portion 105 of the throughbore and the shank of the screw resting securely in an arc portion 107 of the throughbore. The adapter 20 is also shown with a wall mounting accessory 106 by which the adapter and laser alignment tool may be suspended therefrom by included magnets 44 situated in the base portion 42 on a vertical side. The wall mounting accessory 106 has a larger plate portion 111 upon which to position the adapter 20, and an angle wall molding 113. In one embodiment, the angle wall molding measures ⅞″ by ⅞″, and has eyelets 115 by which to fasten the wall mounting accessory to a wall, stud, or beam. The eyelets in one embodiment are sized to accommodate standard drywall screws. The base portion 42 and the upper wall portions 26 and 28 are rotatable relative to each other, as indicated by the arrows. In particular, a swivel joint 114 is provided between the base portion 42 and the upper wall portions 26 and 28 to permits 360° of rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, the swivel joint 114 is offset from the middle of the base portion 42 such that the laser alignment tool when held in the adapter 20 and mounted to the wall mounting accessory 106, the laser alignment tool 20 may rotate 180° without interference from the wall mounting accessory 106. FIG. 8B is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 8A, showing the toggles slots 94 and 98 being used to accommodate a hook 110 of a bungee cord or strap 112. The hook 110 fits into the lower toggle slot 94 and is accommodated around a curved portion 115 provided at one end of the lower toggle slot (FIG. 8A). Also shown by FIG. 8B, is the base portion 42 having a v-groove back 113 suitable to accommodate pipes having various diameters ranging from ½ inch to about 6 inches and to which the adapter and laser alignment tool may be secured. FIG. 9A is a front view of another embodiment of the adapter 10 according to the present invention. As shown, the base portion 42 and the upper wall portions 26 and 28 are rotatable relative to each other, as indicated by the arrows. In particular, the swivel joint 114 is provided centered between the base portion 42 and the upper wall portions 26 and 28 to permit 360° of rotation therebetween. A top view of the adapter 20, without the laser alignment tool 10 held thereby, is shown by FIG. 9B. As illustrated and in this embodiment, an azimuth scale 116 is provided to the base portion 42. A reference mark 118 is also provided and is centered between the upper wall portions 26 and 28, such that upon rotation of the wall portions, displacement of the laser references 12 and 14 (FIG. 1) from a reference on the base portion 42 can be determined. It is to be appreciated that in the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3, and 4A, 4B, and 6, the base portion 42 is integral with the opposed wall portions 26 and 28. In the embodiments of FIG. 5, the base portion 42 is releasably mounted to the opposed wall portions 26 and 28. In the embodiments of FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B the base portion 42 is rotatably mounted to the wall portions 26 and 28. The above described embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, not to limit its scope. Other embodiments in variations to these preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates to laser alignment tools and in particular, to an adapter providing increased versatility to a self-leveling laser alignment tool. A variety of survey and carpentry tools has previously employed lasers to improve accuracy and reliability of leveling. To improve the accuracy of such laser alignment tools further, there are several methods to self-level automatically either the laser or a reflective surface within the laser alignment tool. Although these prior art laser alignment tools have been useful for their intended purposes, a desire for improvements still remains. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides an adapter providing increased versatility to a self-leveling laser alignment tool when attached thereto. In one embodiment, the adapter comprises a body having two opposed wall portions, defining a space therebetween, and a base portion. The laser alignment tool is releasably mountable in the space. The base portion has a pair of cylindrical though-bores and a pair of orthogonal slotted throughbores. A belt clip is provided to one of the wall portions. In another embodiment, an adapter providing increased versatility to a self-leveling laser alignment tool providing at least a pair of laser references when attached thereto is disclosed. The adapter comprises a body having two opposed wall portions defining a space therebetween and a base portion. The laser alignment tool is releasably mountable in the space. A belt clip is provided to one of the wall portions. An arm is also provided to one of the wall portions. The arm is moveable between a stowed position and an extended position. The arm has a prism, wherein the prism deviates one of the pair of laser references when situated in the extended position. These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from the following description of the various embodiments of the invention taken together with the accompanying drawing. It is noted that the scope of the claims is defined by the recitations therein, and not by the specific discussion of features and advantages set forth in the present description. | 20040728 | 20060905 | 20060720 | 89010.0 | G01C500 | 0 | GUADALUPE, YARITZA | LASER ALIGNMENT TOOL ADAPTER | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G01C | 2,004 |
|
10,901,541 | ACCEPTED | Beard trimmer with internal vacuum | The invention is directed to a beard trimmer with an internal vacuum system that collects the hair clippings generated by the trimmer during grooming. The beard trimmer is comprised of two main mechanisms, a beard trimmer and a vacuum powered suction unit. The beard trimmer with internal vacuum is comprised of an external body, which houses a motor, wiring, and a power source. Additionally, the beard trimmer casing also houses the vacuum powered suction unit. The beard trimmer also includes of a pair of reciprocating cutting blades and an electric motor that drives the blades. The vacuum powered suction unit includes an air intake, a filter unit, a hamster cage or turbine style impeller, a filter unit housing, and at least one external exhaust port. The suction unit is designed to capture the clippings created by the blades during grooming. The resultant trimmer allows an operator to trim facial hair while simultaneously collecting hair clippings created by the trimming process. | 1. A hand held hair trimmer comprising: at least one reciprocating blade adapted to trim hair, a first electric motor coupled to the blade, an internal vacuum unit driven by a second electric motor, a trimmer body housing the electric motors and internal vacuum unit, a hair receptacle having a mechanism removably coupling it to the trimmer body, an air intake coupled to the internal vacuum unit and positioned to provide reduced air pressure at the blade, the air intake having a entrance positioned adjacent the blade adapted to collect hair clippings cut by the blade and direct the clippings into the trimmer body along a passageway leading from the entrance. 2. The hair trimmer of claim 1, further comprising an internal battery, said internal battery adapted to energize said electric motors. 3. The hair trimmer of claim 1, wherein said at least one reciprocating blade is adapted to accept a trimmer guard, said trimmer guard designed to distance said at least one reciprocating blade from a cutting surface. 4. The hair trimmer of claim 1, wherein said internal vacuum unit includes an impeller positioned within a housing. 5. The hair trimmer of claim 1, including a filter unit and a filter medium that is porous allowing for the passage of air but retaining the clippings. 6. The hair trimmer of claim 1, wherein said hair receptacle is slidably removable from said trimmer. 7. The hair trimmer of claim 1, wherein said trimmer is powered by an external power source. 8. A hand held hair trimmer comprising: cutting blades arranged to provide an elongated hair trimming edge for cutting hair by moving the hair trimmer in either direction along an axis generally perpendicular to the elongated hair trimming edge, a first electric motor coupled to at least one of the blades, a vacuum unit driven by a second electric motor, a trimmer body housing the electric motors and vacuum unit, a hair receptacle having a mechanism removably coupling it to the trimmer body, an air intake coupled to the vacuum unit and positioned to provide reduced air pressure at the blades, the air intake having a entrance positioned adjacent the blades to collect hair clippings cut by the blades and direct the clippings into the trimmer body along a passageway leading from the entrance. 9. The hair trimmer of claim 8, further comprising an internal battery, said internal battery adapted to energize said motors. 10. The hair trimmer of claim 8, wherein said blades are adapted to accept a trimmer guard, said trimmer guard designed to distance said blades from a cutting surface. 11. The hair trimmer of claim 8, wherein said vacuum unit includes an impeller positioned within a housing. 12. The hair trimmer of claim 8, including a filter medium that is adapted to retain the hair clippings but allow the passage of air. 13. The hand held hair trimmer of claim 8 and further including at least one guide shaped to divert hair cut at an end of the elongated hair trimming edge into the air intake. 14. The hand held hair trimmer of claim 8 wherein the air intake is shaped to guide the reduced air pressure from the vacuum unit beyond the ends of the elongated hair trimming edge. 15. A hand held hair trimmer comprising: at least one reciprocating blade adapted to trim hair; at least one electric motor coupled to the blade; an air intake duct having one end positioned adjacent to the blade, the air intake duct adapted to collect hair clippings created by the blade; the air intake duct coupled to at least one passageway, the passageway adapted to direct the hair clippings from the air intake duct; an internal vacuum unit driven by the at least one electric motor and having an impeller positioned within the passageway, the vacuum unit adapted to reduce air pressure in the air intake duct and a portion of the passageway between the air intake duct and the impeller; a trimmer body housing the at least one electric motor and the internal vacuum unit; a hair receptacle having a mechanism removably coupling it to the trimmer body. 16. The hand held hair trimmer of claim 15, further comprising a battery positioned within the trimmer body, said battery adapted to energize the at least one electric motor. 17. The hand held hair trimmer of claim 15 wherein the blade is adapted to accept a trimmer guard, the trimmer guard adapted to limit the cutting depth of the blade. 18. The hand held hair trimmer of claim 15, including a filter medium that is adapted to retain the hair clippings but allow the passage of air. 19. The hand held hair trimmer of claim 15, wherein said hair receptacle is slidably removable from said trimmer. 21. The clipper with collection system of claim 15, wherein said trimmer is powered by an external power source. | This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/075,647 filed Feb. 14, 2002, which claims priority from Provisional Application No. 60/268,732 filed on Feb. 14, 2001. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention may be described as an improved beard trimmer with an internal vacuum, which collects hairs as they are cut by the blade, significantly reducing the amount of clean up that is involved after grooming. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Beard trimmers are used by millions of men for grooming. Beard trimmers are well known in the art, but suffer from the same drawback. Due to the high velocity of the blades, the beard trimmers leave hair clippings around the sink, which are difficult to clean up. By incorporating an internal integrated vacuum system, the hairless beard trimmer collects and contains the cut hairs as the beard is groomed to prevent hair clippings from covering the sink and surrounding area. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a beard trimmer with an internal vacuum system that catches and contains hair clippings generated by the trimmer during grooming. The beard trimmer is comprised of two main mechanisms, a beard trimmer and a vacuum powered suction unit. The beard trimmer with internal vacuum is comprised of an external body, which houses a motor, wiring and a power source. Additionally, the beard trimmer body also houses the vacuum powered suction unit. The vacuum powered suction unit includes an air intake, a filter unit, a cage or turbine style impeller, a filter unit housing, and at least one external port. The suction unit is designed to capture the clippings created by the blades during grooming. The air intake includes a tapered scoop designed so that it tapers into the body of the beard trimmer to funnel the hair clippings through the suction unit. The resultant trimmer allows an operator to trim facial hair while simultaneously collecting hair clippings created by the trimming process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the vacuum powered suction unit of a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the vacuum powered suction unit in a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is side perspective and partial sectional view of the beard trimmer. FIG. 4 is a front view of the trimmer blades and vacuum scoop. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the tapered rear of the vacuum scoop. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the internal vacuum unit. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the hamster cage impeller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION While the present invention will be described fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a particular embodiment is shown, it is understood at the outset that persons skilled in the art may modify the invention herein described while still achieving the desired result of this invention. Accordingly, the description that follows is to be understood as a broad informative disclosure directed to persons skilled in the appropriate arts and not as limitations of the present invention. A beard trimmer 20 with internal vacuum 11 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. The internal vacuum 11 is mounted in a beard trimmer body 13, which is vibration resistant, durable, and lightweight. The beard trimmer 20 with internal vacuum 11 allows the user unaided cleanup of hair clippings left behind from cutting blades 2 of the beard trimmer 20. The beard trimmer 20 includes the trimmer body 13, a filter bag housing 9 and a trimmer casing 12. The trimmer body 13 houses the power switch 22, an electric motor 3 for reciprocating cutting blades 2 and the internal vacuum unit 11, which creates an internal suction within the trimmer body 13. The trimmer 20 further includes passageways 24 to direct clippings from the vacuum unit 11 to the filter bag 9. The internal vacuum unit 11, shown in FIG. 3, is integrated into the beard trimmer body 13 and has a scooped air intake 1 on the outside the casing 12 adjacent to the trimmer blades 2. The internal vacuum unit shown in FIG. 5 has an air intake 1, at least one motor 3, a power supply 6, a cage or turbine style impeller 8, a filter bag housing 9, and at least one exhaust port 18. The trimmer assembly 20 shown in FIG. 5 of the preferred embodiment, uses the metal blades 2 to cut the facial hair. The trimmer blades 2 are in sliding contact with one another and are arranged so that the blades 2 extend towards the front 21 of the beard trimmer 20. The rear of the trimmer blades 23 is connected to the motor 3 and is attached to the trimmer body 13 so as to provide support for the blades 2 while also allowing lateral movement for cutting. The trimmer blades 2 are powered by the motor 3, which moves the trimmer blades 2 laterally with respect to each other. This lateral movement allows the trimmer blades 2 to uniformly shear facial hair. Additionally, the trimmer blades 2 are slidably adjustable with respect to the beard trimmer 20 allowing for variations in cutting depth. Blade guards (not shown) may also be placed on the trimmer blades 2 to adjust the cutting depth. While this is the preferred blade assembly, one who is reasonably skilled in the art may foresee that a rotary blade assembly may be used, wherein the blades operate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The motor 3 is mounted within the trimmer body 13 of the beard trimmer 20. The motor 3 operates the trimmer blades 2 and rotates the impeller to create the vacuum suction required to direct the facial hair into the air intake 1 of the beard trimmer with internal vacuum 11. The motor 3 can be either powered by an outside source, such as a wall outlet or may use an internal battery 6, as shown in FIG. 3. The motor 3 is adapted to operate the movement of the beard trimmer blades 2 and the internal vacuum 11. In the preferred embodiment, a second motor 4, shown in FIG. 5, drives the impeller 8, which is used to draw the hair clippings into the filter bag 9 as shown in FIG. 3. The impeller 8 produces the pressure differential required to create the suction necessary to adequately direct the hair clippings from the blades 2 into the intake 1. The impeller 8 directs the ambient air through passageway 24 and creates a negative pressure at the intake of the scoop 1. This arrangement directs the cut facial hair into the intake 1, through the passageway 24 to the filter bag 9. Air then passes through the filter bag 9 and out of the trimmer 20, leaving the hair behind. The air intake 1 is mounted near of the cutting blades 2. This arrangement allows the clippings to be immediately directed into the air intake 1 upon cutting. The air intake 1 is of a ducted design that tapers into the beard trimmer body 13. The air intake 1 is preferably fabricated out of plastic, however, one skilled in the art could fabricate the air intake 1 out of other materials including metal alloys, resins, or any other material of sufficient strength. The air intake is comprised of the mouth section 26 and the rear section 28. The mouth section 26 of the air intake 1 is slightly wider and higher than the trimmer blades 2, as shown in FIGS. 2-5, so that it covers the full range of movement of the blades 2 to catch the hair clippings discharged by the trimmer blades 2. The rear section 28 of the air intake 1 funnels the low-pressure air and clippings into the impeller 8. The impeller 8 preferably is made out of light-weight aluminum, although other materials can be used including metal, plastic, or other materials sufficient to function as an impeller 8. The impeller 8 is rectangular in shape and includes a top member 30 and a bottom member 32. The impeller 8 generates the suction required to capture the majority of the clippings created by the trimmer blades 2. In a second embodiment, a single motor 3 would operate as the sole drive source for both the trimmer blades 2 and the internal vacuum unit shown in FIG. 2. The motor 3 receives its power from an outside electric current or an internal battery. The outside current is obtained via an outlet by using an electric cord 16 located at the rear of the beard trimmer 20. The motor 4 rotates the impeller 8 to generate the suction force required to create a negative pressure zone to direct the clippings into the vacuum intake 1 as shown in a second embodiment in FIG. 1. The suction generated by the impeller 8 propels the hair clippings from the intake 1 into the top member 30 of the impeller 8. Once in the impeller 8, a high-pressure zone is created, which propels the hairs through the set of blades 15, that further reduces the size of the hair clippings. The hairs are then propelled through passageway 24 that directs the hair clippings into the filter bag housing 9. The vacuum passageway 24 connects the impeller 8 to the filter bag housing 9. The passageway 24 is made of an erosion resistant material so that the coarse hair traveling through the passageway 24 do not erode the passageway 24. The filter bag 9 contains pores 14, shown in FIG. 5, which are large enough to allow for the passage of air but are small enough to prevent the hair clippings from escaping the trimmer 11. The pores 14 allow the pressurized air from vacuum passageway 24 to escape through the back of the unit. The filter bag housing 9 is preferably cylindrical in design. In a first embodiment, the filter bag housing 9 would include a filter medium that is made of a woven, unwoven or other porous plastic material sufficient to filter the exhaust air passing out of the trimmer body 13. The filter bag housing 9 filter medium may also be made of paper fiber or other material that would allow for the passage of air and retain the cut particles. The filter bag housing 9 is removably attached to the trimmer body 13 by use of a pressure or threaded fitting, or by sliding. Surrounding the filter bag housing 9 are the exhaust ports 18. The exhaust ports 18 allow the high-pressure air to escape to the atmosphere, thereby creating a pressure zone inside the housing 9 the beard trimmer with internal vacuum 11. The movement of air through the exhaust ports 10, the passageways 24 and the impeller 8 cause a continuous suction around the trimmer blades 2 thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the overall device. Various features of the invention have been particularly shown and described in connection with the illustrated embodiment of the invention, however, it must be understood that these particular arrangements merely illustrate, and that the invention is to be given its fullest interpretation within the terms of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention may be described as an improved beard trimmer with an internal vacuum, which collects hairs as they are cut by the blade, significantly reducing the amount of clean up that is involved after grooming. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is directed to a beard trimmer with an internal vacuum system that catches and contains hair clippings generated by the trimmer during grooming. The beard trimmer is comprised of two main mechanisms, a beard trimmer and a vacuum powered suction unit. The beard trimmer with internal vacuum is comprised of an external body, which houses a motor, wiring and a power source. Additionally, the beard trimmer body also houses the vacuum powered suction unit. The vacuum powered suction unit includes an air intake, a filter unit, a cage or turbine style impeller, a filter unit housing, and at least one external port. The suction unit is designed to capture the clippings created by the blades during grooming. The air intake includes a tapered scoop designed so that it tapers into the body of the beard trimmer to funnel the hair clippings through the suction unit. The resultant trimmer allows an operator to trim facial hair while simultaneously collecting hair clippings created by the trimming process. | 20040729 | 20060718 | 20050324 | 97867.0 | 1 | WATTS, DOUGLAS D | BEARD TRIMMER WITH INTERNAL VACUUM | SMALL | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,901,591 | ACCEPTED | Method and system for reconstruction of object model data in a relational database | Methods, systems and articles of manufacture are provided for migrating entity relationship data residing in an object oriented program environment to a relational database schema. Further, functionality is provided to facilitate more efficient searching and reconstruction of the entity relationship data in the relational database. | 1. A computer implemented method for creating a table populated with information derived from an object oriented program environment, comprising: providing data structures residing in a relational database managed by a relational database management system, the data structures containing data related to entities and entity relationships in the object oriented program environment; and populating a lookup table within the relational database with metadata of the entity relationships, wherein the metadata includes descriptions of the hierarchical relationships between entities in the entity relationships. 2. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising providing an interface to submit queries to the relational database management system, wherein the queries pertain to the entities and entity relationships. 3. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: querying the lookup table based on a first set of user provided selections of at least one entity type and entity value; and providing a first set of query results based on the first set of user selections. 4. The computer implemented method of claim 3, further comprising: querying the entity relationship data based on a second set of user provided selections, wherein the selections are chosen from the first set of query results; and providing a second set of query results based on the second set of user selections. 5. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the data structures residing in the relational database are organized in database schemas and are selected from one of: tables, indexes and views. 6. The computer implemented method of claim 5, wherein the data related to entities and entity relationships reside in two or more database schemas. 7. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein populating the lookup table comprises including an entry for each of the plurality of entity relationships, each entry containing a parent ID string representing a parent node of an entity relationship, a child ID string representing a child node of an entity relationship, and a tree ID string representing a root node of an hierarchy that contains the entity relationship. 8. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein populating the lookup table comprises creating records corresponding to all relationships a particular entity is a part of. 9. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the lookup table comprises columns which contain data values that represent a parent node, child node and root node, respectively. 10. A computer implemented method for creating a table describing hierarchical relationships between entities in an object oriented program environment, wherein the entities are instances of objects, the method comprising: creating a document containing data related to the entities and entity relationships in the object oriented program environment; extracting data related to the entities and the entity relationships from the document in the text-based markup language and loading the data into data structures residing in a relational database; and populating a lookup table in the relational database with metadata of the entity relationships, wherein the metadata includes description of hierarchical relationships between entities in the entity relationships. 11. The computer implemented method of claim 10, further comprising: providing an interface to submit queries to the relational database, wherein the queries pertain to the entities and entity relationships; querying metadata in the lookup table based on a first set of user provided selections of at least one entity type and entity value; and providing a first set of query results based on the first set of user selections. 12. The computer implemented method of claim 11, further comprising: querying the entity relationship data based on a second set of user provided selections chosen from the first set of query results; and providing a second set of query results based on the second set of user selections. 13. The computer implemented method of claim 10, wherein the data structures residing in the relational database are selected from one of: tables, indexes and views. 14. The computer implemented method of claim 10, wherein the document is in a text-based markup language format. 15. The computer implemented method of claim 14, wherein the text-based markup language format is XML. 16. The computer implemented method of claim 10, wherein populating the lookup table comprises including an entry for each of the plurality of entity relationships, each entry containing a parent ID string representing a parent node of an entity relationship, a child ID string representing a child node of an entity relationship, and a tree ID string representing a root node of an hierarchy that contains the entity relationship. 17. The computer implemented method of claim 10, wherein populating the lookup table comprises creating records corresponding to all relationships a particular entity is a part of. 18. The computer implemented method of claim 10, wherein the lookup table comprises columns which contain data values that represent a parent node, child node and root node, respectively. 19. A computer-readable medium containing a lookup table for storing metadata corresponding to data related to a plurality of entities and a plurality of entity relationships provided in an object oriented program environment, wherein the lookup table comprises an entry for each of the plurality of entity relationships, each entry containing a parent ID string representing a parent node of an entity relationship, a child ID string representing a child node of an entity relationship, and a tree ID string representing a root node of an hierarchy that contains the entity relationship. 20. The computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein the data related to entities and entity relationships are provided in data structures residing in a relational database. 21. The computer readable medium of claim 20, wherein the data structures residing in the relational database are organized in one or more database schemas. 22. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the metadata comprises descriptions of the hierarchy that contains the entity relationship. 23. A method in a computer system for displaying entity relationship data, comprising: displaying a first graphical object for selecting an entity type; displaying a second graphical object for selecting an entity; in response to selection of an entity type via the first graphical object and selection of an entity via the second graphical object, querying metadata in a lookup table based on the selected entity type and entity, wherein the metadata describes entities and entity relationships of an object oriented program environment. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: in response to querying the metadata, displaying a first set of query results via a third graphical object, wherein the third graphical object allows for the selection of items contained in the first set of query results. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: in response to selection of items displayed by the third graphical object, querying entity relationship data in a relational database based on the selected entity type, entity and selection from the third graphical object. 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the first graphical object, second graphical object and third graphical object are one of: a combination box, drop down box, list box and text box. 27. A computer implemented method for analyzing entity relationship information derived from an object oriented program environment, comprising: providing data structures residing in a relational database, the data structures containing data related to entities and entity relationships in the object oriented program environment; populating a lookup table within the relational database with metadata of the entity relationships, wherein the metadata includes descriptions of the hierarchical relationships between entities in the entity relationships; and querying the lookup table and the data structures via a query building application that utilizes a data abstraction model for logically representing physical data structures in the relational database. 28. The computer implemented method of claim 27, wherein populating the lookup table comprises including an entry for each of the plurality of entity relationships, each entry containing a parent ID string representing a parent node of an entity relationship, a child ID string representing a child node of an entity relationship, and a tree ID string representing a root node of an hierarchy that contains the entity relationship. 29. The computer implemented method of claim 27, wherein populating the lookup table comprises creating records corresponding to all relationships a particular entity is a part of. 30. The computer implemented method of claim 27, wherein the lookup table comprises columns which contain data values that represent a parent node, child node and root node, respectively. | CROSS-RELATED APPLICATION Field of the Invention This application is related to the following commonly owned application: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/083,075, filed Feb. 26, 2002, entitled “Application Portability And Extensibility Through Database Schema And Query Abstraction”, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to data processing and more particularly to migrating entity relationship data from an object oriented program environment to a relational database. The present invention further relates to providing functionality to efficiently search and reconstruct the entity relationship data in the relational database. 2. Description of the Related Art Databases are computerized information storage and retrieval systems. The most prevalent type of database is the relational database, a tabular database in which data is defined so that it can be reorganized and accessed in a number of different ways. A distributed database is one that can be dispersed or replicated among different points in a network. An object-oriented programming database is one that is congruent with the data defined in object classes and subclasses. A relational database management system (RDBMS) is a computer database management system that uses relational techniques and is capable of storing and retrieving large volumes of data. Further, large scale relational database management systems can be implemented to support thousands of users accessing databases via a wide assortment of applications. An RDBMS can be structured to support a variety of different types of operations for a requesting entity (e.g., an application, the operating system or an end user). Such operations can be configured to retrieve, add, modify and delete information being stored and managed by the RDBMS. Standard database access methods support these operations using high-level query languages, such as the Structured Query Language (SQL). The functionality provided by relational databases is especially useful for MicroArray Analysis, one of the domains within Life Sciences. The MicroArray research community has architected a specification for MicroArray Gene Expression (MAGE) data which incorporates the different entities and relationships that are involved in MicroArray research. Large volumes of MAGE data are present in a variety of applications implemented in numerous object oriented programming environments. It is very important for researchers to be able to query and manipulate this data in order to appropriately analyze the data. However, due to issues such as large volumes of data (in the order of terabytes), it is technically cumbersome for researchers to work with data in an object oriented program environment. It would be advantageous to manage this data in a relational database environment. However, there are numerous difficulties related to migrating MAGE data to a relational database implementation. One of the greatest difficulties is the reconstruction of all aspects of data entity relationships within the relational database. Object oriented program environments and relational database environments rely on considerably different conceptual bases. For this reason, those skilled in the art will appreciate that relationships between entities in an object oriented program environment and the corresponding relationships in a relational environment are represented in very different ways. For instance, in the case of MAGE implementations, large numbers of relational database objects are required to represent all the necessary MAGE entities and the relationships between the entities. The MAGE relational database footprint may span hundreds of tables (and other data structures), which makes the importing of data and reconstruction of entity relationships nontrivial. Therefore, what is needed is an improved system and method for transferring entity relationship data from an object oriented program environment to a relational database. Once in the relational database, there is a further need to facilitate the searching and reconstruction of entity relationships. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is generally directed to a method, system and article of manufacture for migrating entity relationship data residing in an object oriented program environment to a relational database. The present invention further directed to facilitating improved searching of entity relationship data in the relational database. One embodiment of the present invention provides a computer implemented method for creating a table populated with information derived from an object oriented program environment. The method generally includes providing data structures residing in a relational database managed by a relational database management system, the data structures containing data related to entities and entity relationships in the object oriented program environment, and populating a lookup table within the relational database with metadata of the entity relationships, wherein the metadata includes descriptions of the hierarchical relationships between entities in the entity relationships. Another embodiment provides a computer implemented method for creating a table. The method generally includes providing entity relationships between entities in an object oriented program environment, wherein entities are instances of objects, creating a document in a text-based markup language format containing data related to the entities and entity relationships in the object oriented program environment. The method also includes extracting data related to the entities and the entity relationships from the document in the text-based markup language and loading the data into data structures residing in a relational database, and populating a lookup table in the relational database with metadata of the entity relationships, wherein the metadata includes description of hierarchical relationships between entities in the entity relationships. Another embodiment provides a computer-readable medium containing a data structure for storing metadata corresponding to data related to entities and entity relationships comprising a lookup table containing an entry for each of a plurality of entity relationships, each entry containing a parent ID string, a child ID string, and a tree ID string. Another embodiment provides a method in a computer system for displaying entity relationship data. The method generally includes displaying a first graphical object for selecting an entity type, displaying a second graphical object for selecting an entity, and in response to selection of an entity type via the first graphical object and selection of an entity via the second graphical object, querying entity relationship data in a relational database based on the selected entity type and entity. Another embodiment provides a computer implemented method for creating a table populated with information derived from an object oriented program environment. The method generally includes providing data structures residing in a relational database, the data structures containing data related to entities and entity relationships in the object oriented program environment. The method also includes populating a lookup table within the relational database with metadata of the entity relationships, wherein the metadata includes descriptions of the hierarchical relationships between entities in the entity relationships, and querying entity relationship data in the relational database via a query building application that utilizes a data abstraction model for logically representing physical data structures in the relational database. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of the present invention are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. FIG. 1 is a computer system illustratively utilized in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2 is a relational view of software components according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 is a high level object model illustrating conceptual relationships between various objects; FIG. 4 illustrates object trees that relate to the object model illustrated in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is an entity relationship diagram illustrating a portion of a relational database schema; FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate conceptual views of relationships between entities in a relational database; FIG. 8 illustrates a view of a relational database table which contains records describing relationships between entities; FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations for inserting relationship data in a relational database schema according to aspects of one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations for performing queries, according to aspects of one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a relational view of software components for abstract query management; and FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) screen related to building and submitting abstract queries in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is generally directed to methods, systems and articles of manufacture for migrating entity relationship data residing in an object oriented program environment to a relational database. Further, functionality is provided to facilitate more efficient searching and manipulation of the entity data in the relational database. Further, in the following, reference is made to embodiments of the invention. The invention is not, however, limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the invention. Furthermore, in various embodiments the invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. Although embodiments of the invention may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the invention. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in the claims. Similarly, reference to “the invention” shall not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims, except where explicitly recited in a specific claim. As used herein, the term user may generally apply to any entity utilizing the data processing system described herein, such as a person (e.g., an individual) interacting with an application program or an application program itself, for example, performing automated tasks. While the following description may often refer to a graphical user interface (GUI) intended to present information to and receive information from a person, it should be understood that in many cases, the same functionality may be provided through a non-graphical user interface, such as a command line and, further, similar information may be exchanged with a non-person user via a programming interface. As used herein, the term object model may generally apply to a collection of descriptions of classes or interfaces, together with their member data, member functions, and class-static operations. Further, the term object tree may generally apply to a hierarchical arrangement of objects in accordance with requirements for a specific implementation. Accordingly, the term object tree may also refer to herein as hierarchical structures. Also, the term entity relationship data may also be referred to herein as hierarchical data. As used herein, the term relational database generally refer to a collection of data arranged for ease and speed of search and retrieval. Further, a relational database comprises logical and physical structures managed by a relational database management system (RDBMS). Data Processing Environment One embodiment of the invention is implemented as a program product for use with a computer system. The program(s) of the program product defines functions of the embodiments (including the methods described herein) and can be contained on a variety of signal-bearing media. Illustrative signal-bearing media include, but are not limited to: (i) information permanently stored on non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM disks readable by a CD-ROM drive); (ii) alterable information stored on writable storage media (e.g., floppy disks within a diskette drive or hard-disk drive); or (iii) information conveyed to a computer by a communications medium, such as through a computer or telephone network, including wireless communications. The latter embodiment specifically includes information downloaded from the Internet and other networks. Such signal-bearing media, when carrying computer-readable instructions that direct the functions of the present invention, represent embodiments of the present invention. In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of the invention, may be part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, module, object, or sequence of instructions. The software of the present invention typically is comprised of a multitude of instructions that will be translated by the native computer into a machine-readable format and hence executable instructions. Also, programs are comprised of variables and data structures that either reside locally to the program or are found in memory or on storage devices. In addition, various programs described hereinafter may be identified based upon the application for which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular nomenclature that follows is used merely for convenience, and thus the invention should not be limited to use solely in any specific application identified and/or implied by such nomenclature. Embodiments of the invention can be implemented in a hardware/software configuration including at least one networked client computer and at least one server computer. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can apply to any comparable hardware configuration, regardless of whether the computer systems are complicated, multi-user computing apparatus, single-user workstations, or network appliances that do not have non-volatile storage of their own. Further, it is understood that while reference may be made to particular query languages, including SQL, the invention is not limited to a particular language, standard or version. Accordingly, persons skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is adaptable to other query languages and that the invention is also adaptable to future changes in a particular query language as well as to other query languages presently unknown. Preferred Embodiments In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the invention. Furthermore, in various embodiments the invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. However, although embodiments of the invention may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the invention. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and, unless explicitly present, are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims. Referring now to FIG. 1, a relational view of components in an embodiment of a processing environment 100 is illustrated. Generally, the components shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented in any combination of software and/or hardware. In a particular embodiment, the components shown are implemented as software and reside on a computer system. One embodiment of the processing environment 100 includes a hardware server 110, object oriented program environment 120, XML documents 130, a relational database management system (RDBMS) managing relational databases 141 and one or more client machines 150 (only one shown). All the aforementioned components of the processing environment 100 are linked via a network 170, which may be the Internet 170. According to one embodiment of the current invention, data residing in the relational database 141 may be accessed via applications 160 residing on one or more client machines 150. As will be described later, the applications 160 utilized to access the entity relationship data could include query building applications that interface directly with the RDBMS 140 or via other data abstraction based applications. As stated above, it may not be technically suitable for users to work with entity relationship data in an object oriented program environment 120. However, it is advantageous to utilize relational databases to facilitate robust querying ability of such entity relationship data. Robust querying ability can constitute accommodating large numbers of users querying the database concurrently. Further, the database may comprise voluminous data residing in a network of data structures. As such, it is desirable to migrate entity relationship data arranged in hierarchical structures (also referred to herein as object trees) in an object oriented program environment to a relational database. FIG. 2, a relational view of software components according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrates the flow of data from the object oriented program environment 120 (source data) to the relational database 141 (target data). In an object oriented program environment 120, available entities, or instances of objects, and the relationship between the entities are often presented with the use of an object model 210. The object model 210 can include a large number of entities. Further, the object model 210 shows that there are numerous relationships between the entities. The numerous relationships between the different entities can be thought of as a network of relationships; often the network can become complex. Object models will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. As stated earlier, it is not convenient to store or query data in the object environment. Accordingly, data associated with entities is extracted and placed into XML documents. XML is able to represent the object model in a format that is similar to the relationship of objects in the object oriented program environment. The entity relationships extracted from the object oriented program environment are left intact. One reason for this is that XML documents are not restricted to data integrity constraints associated with relational databases. XML documents are simply text files that are designed to store various types of data including hierarchical data. In addition, XML formatted documents make it is easier to load data into relational databases. Unfortunately, while XML documents can accurately represent the object model, it is not very convenient to query data in the XML format. As mentioned above, for querying purposes, it is advantageous to have the entities represented in a relational database 250, and more specifically, in a relational database schema 251. Database schemas are generally defined as collections of logical structures and physical structures of data, or schema objects. It is well known by those skilled in the art that relational databases provide exceptional functionality and performance for querying purposes. However, because of the inherent differences in the manner in which entity relationships are maintained in the object oriented/XML and relational database environments, a certain amount of data transformation is needed to populate entity relationship data into a corresponding relational database schema. A relationship manager 230 is utilized to facilitate data transformation and loading of entity relationship data into a relational database schema 251. The relationship manager 230 references mappings to load entity relationship data from XML into the appropriate tables (or other data structures) in the relational database 141. Further, the relationship manager 230 analyzes the entity relationships and populates a TreeID lookup table 260 with metadata describing the entity relationships loaded into the relational database 141. Metadata is commonly defined as “data about the data”. For instance, in the context of entity relationship data, metadata would comprise hierarchical information about a particular entity and its relationships with other entities within the hierarchy. Examples of entity relationship based metadata will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 8. While the intermediate operations of extracting data to XML documents and then migrating the data from XML to the relational database 140 is described, it should be understood that any suitable markup language which facilitates the storing of hierarchical data may be used rather than XML. Further, it should also be understood, that embodiments of the current invention may accommodate direct transfer of data from an object oriented program environment to a relational database. In other words, there may not be a need for the intermediate step of extracting from the object environment with the use of a markup language. To further clarify the process described with reference to FIG. 2, sample data related to experiments and bioassays in the context of MAGE is utilized. The MAGE data is shown in various representations, including the object oriented program environment 120 (FIGS. 3 and 4), XML documents 130 (Tables I and II), and a relational database (FIG. 5). Detailed discussion of each representation of the entity relationship data follows. FIG. 3 is a high level object model illustrating conceptual relationships between various objects in an object oriented program environment 120. The object oriented program environment 300 includes several entities, or instances of objects, that are typical for a scientific testing environment, including: bioassay 301, experiment 302, person 303, organization 304 and security 305. It should be understood that while only one sample of each object is presented, there can be multiple instances of the listed objects. For example, while only one person object 303 is shown, multiple people (represented by respective entities) can exist in such an object environment 120. Further, each of these objects can contain sub-groups of objects—such as security group 306 residing within the security object 305. FIG. 3 further illustrates lines 307 connecting the different objects. These lines 307 denote relationships between the objects. It can be seen that the network of relationships do not form a hierarchical structure. Also it should be understood that because FIG. 3 is meant to present a high level view of the object environment, it does not present specific attributes of each of the objects. These objects are available for building applications or program modules to provide specific functionality. These are well known aspects of an object oriented program environment that are understood by those skilled in the art. During the application building process, objects are utilized in a hierarchical manner. For instance certain calling objects (or referencing objects) will reference other objects (also referred to as referenced objects). In turn, the called objects may themselves reference other objects, and so on. This hierarchy of called objects may be referred to as an object tree 450. In other words, an object tree represents an implementation of a group of objects; the objects are implemented in a specified hierarchical order to provide the desired functionality. FIG. 4 illustrates three object trees 450 based on the object oriented program environment 120 described with reference to FIG. 3. The nodes of the trees are labeled in the form of “entity type: entity name”. For example, one of the trees includes an object (reference number 403) labeled in the following manner: “Person:Anderson, miko”. In this case, the entity type is “Person” and the entity name is “Anderson, miko”. Each of the tree structures 450 has a specific root node, also referred to herein as a TreeID. The three different TreeID values shown are: “BioAssay: Amya MAF STD CEL PROTOCOL” 401, “BioAssay: Amya MAF STD CDF” 402 and “Experiment: Gene Logic U512—Table 1”408. It should be noted that entities related to both experiments and bioassays are included. Further, FIG. 4 illustrates that both trees can utilize the same entities. For simplicity of notation, some entity relationships are described as parent/child relationships. However, it should be understood that these are not meant to convey a parent/child relationship as understood with reference to relational databases. For a particular relationship, the “parent” node may be an instance of the referencing object and the “child” node may be an instance of the referenced object. For instance, “BioAssay: Amya MAF STD CEL PROTOCAL” 401 serves as a parent node to “Person: Anderson, Miko” 403. Further, “Person: Anderson, Miko” 403 serves as the parent node for “Organization: Amya Foundation” 404. Again, the use of the parent and child is used to convey the location of an entity within a tree hierarchy and its relationship with other entities. Extraction to XML For some embodiments, an intermediate step that is taken during the migration of data from an object environment 120 to a relational database 141 is extracting the object data into XML documents 130. Table I below includes a sample extract of the object oriented program environment 120 described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. TABLE I SAMPLE EXTRACT 001 <Organization identifier=“MCLSS:Microarray:Organization:MicroArray Core Facility” 002 name=“Amya MicroArray Core Facility”> 003 <Parent_assnref> 004 <Organization_ref identifier=“Organization:Amya Foundation”/> 005 </Parent_assnref> 006 </Organization> 007 <Security_assnlist> 008 <Security identifier=“MCLSS:Microarray:Security:IRB_Only”> 009 <Owner_assnreflist> 010 <Organization_ref 011 identifier=“MCLSS:Microarray:Organization:IRB”/> 012 </Owner_assnreflist> 013 <SecurityGroups_assnreflist> 014 <SecurityGroup_ref 015 identifier=“MCLSS:Microarray:SecurityGroup:IRB- ”> 016 </SecurityGroups_assnreflist> 017 </Security> 018 </Security_assnlist> 019 <Person identifier=“MCLSS:Microarray:Person:Anderson, miko” 020 “email=Anderson.Miko@Amya.edu lastName=“Anderson” firstName=“miko” midInitials=”“> 021 <Roles_assnlist> 022 <OntologyEntry category=“Role” value=“Primary Investigator” 023 description=“Primary Investigator”> 024 </OntologyEntry> 025 </Roles_assnlist> 026 <Affiliation_assnref> 027 <Organization_ref identifier=“Organization:Amya Foundation”/> 028 </Affiliation_assnref> 029 </Person> 030 <Organization identifier=“Organization:Amya Foundation” name=“Amya Foundation” 031 URI=“http://www.Amya.edu/”address=“1 First Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901”> 032 </Organization> 033 <SecurityGroup_assnlist> 034 <SecurityGroup identifier=“MCLSS: Microarray:SecurityGroup:IRB-” name “IRB-”> 035 <Members_assnreflist> 036 <Person_ref identifier=“MCLSS:Microarray:Person:Anderson, miko”> 037 <Organization_ref identifier= 038 “MCLSS:Microarray:Organization:MicroArray Core Facility”/> 039 </Members_assnreflist> 040 </SecurityGroup> 041 </SecurityGroup_assnlist> 042 <Experiment identifier=“MCLSS:Microarray:Experiment:Gene Logic U512 spikein study, 043 Table 1” name=“Gene Logic U512 spikein study, Table 1”> 044 <............/.> 045 </Experiment> Table I above includes a sample extract of the object oriented program environment 120 described thus far. Portions of Table 1 correspond directly to several of the objects and entities described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. For instance, the XML code in Table I includes references to experiment 302 (lines 042-045), person 303 (lines 019-020), organization 304 (lines 030-032) and security 305 (lines 007-018). Further, relationships between entities are clearly defined. For example, the relationship between entities “Person: Anderson, Miko” and “Organization: Amya Foundation” is defined on lines 019 through 029. Table II below shows additional XML code that corresponds to the BioAssay related trees illustrated in FIG. 4. For instance, lines 001-027 demonstrate the parent and child relationship of “BioAssay: Amya MAF STD CEL PROTOCOL” 401 and “Person: Anderson, Miko” 403. TABLE II SAMPLE BIOASSAY XML EXTRACT 001 <BioAssay_package> 002 <BioAssay_assnlist> 003 <PhysicalBioAssay 004 identifier=“MCLSS:Microarray:PhysicalBioAssay:Gene_Logic_U512_spikein_study_Table_1— 005 1” name=“Gene_Logic_U512_spikein_study_Table_1_1”> 006 </PhysicalBioAssay> 007 <MeasuredBioAssay 008 Identifier=“MCLSS:Microarray:MeasuredBioAssay:Gene_Logic_U512_spikein_study_Ta 009 ble_1_1” name=“AMYA_MAF_STD_CEL_Protocol_v1”> 010 <FeatureExtraction_assn> 011 <FeatureExtraction 012 Identifier=“MCLSS:Microarray:FeatureExtraction:Gene_Logic_U512_spikein_study_Table_1— 013 1” name=“Gene_Logic_U512_spikein_study_Table_1_1”> 014 <ProtocolApplications_assnlist> 015 <ProtocolApplication activityDate=“”> <............./> 016 <Performers_assnreflist> 017 <Person_ref identifier=“MCLSS Microarray:Person:Anderson, 018 miko:/> 018 </Performers_assnreflist> 019 <Protocol_assnref> 020 <Protocol_ref identifier=“MCLSS:Microarray:Protocol:Feature 021 extraction”/> 022 </Protocol_assnref> 023 </ProtocolApplication> 024 </ProtocolApplications_assnlist> <............./> 025 </MeasuredBioAssay> 026 </BioAssay_assnlist> 027 </BioAssay_package> Once the entity relationship data is extracted and placed into XML documents, the relationship manager 230 inserts the contents of the XML documents into a corresponding relational database schema 251. FIG. 5 is an entity relationship diagram illustrating a portion of a relational database schema 251. In the context of relational databases, entity relationship diagrams (ERD's) illustrate RDBMS managed relationships between data structures, such as tables. ERD's are a useful medium to achieve a common understanding of data among users and application developers. The particular ERD illustrated in FIG. 5 corresponds to the object oriented program environment 120 illustrated in FIG. 3. For instance, Bioassay 301, experiment 302, person 303 and organization 304 are all represented—each is an individual table 501, 502, 503 and 504, respectively. It should be noted that all the boxes shown represent tables in the relational database schema 251. Each table comprises several columns which may correspond to attributes or fields of the objects from object oriented program environment 120. For example, the Person table 503 contains a variety of columns 505 including “LAST_NAME”, “FIRST_NAME” and “ADDRESS”. FIG. 5 also illustrates numerous lines connecting the different tables. These lines represent data integrity constraints. Data integrity constraints include primary keys, foreign keys and other referential integrity based constraints. Specifically, the lines 506 shown on FIG. 5 are based on referential integrity constraints. Referential integrity preserves the defined relationships between tables when records are entered or deleted. Usually, referential integrity is based on relationships between foreign keys and primary keys or between foreign keys and unique keys. Referential integrity ensures that key values are consistent across tables. Such consistency requires that there be no references to nonexistent values and that if a key value changes, all references to it change consistently throughout the database. FIG. 5 shows that entity relationship data is being splintered across many tables. This is often the result of data normalization. Data normalization allows for the reduction in data redundancies and more efficient use of storage. Further, normalization simplifies enforcement of referential integrity constraints. For example, notice that both Bioassay table 501 and Experiment table 502 table have relationships with many of the same tables, including the Person table 503. Normalization of this type allows for all information on researchers that are related to both Experiments and Bioassays to be stored in one table. FIGS. 6 and 7 are conceptual diagrams showing entity relationships defined within tables included in the ERD described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 6 focuses on Experiment data, while FIG. 7 is focused on Bioassay data. Each of the boxes shown in these figures contain data that represent one row of a particular table. For instance, the Person table 503 in FIG. 6 lists information related to data values associated with all the columns of the Person table 503 record based on “Miko Anderson”. FIGS. 6 and 7 also provide a conceptual view of the relationship between specific rows of different tables. These relationships correspond to the entity relationships described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. For example, it can be seen that a relationship exists between the “Miko Anderson” record of the Person table 503 and the “Amya Foundation” record of the Organization table 504. It should be understood that while this figure is explicitly illustrating relationships between particular rows of various tables, these figures are also showing relationships between specific entities (e.g., “Miko Anderson”-“Amya Foundation”). The splintering of data as it is loaded into a relational database makes it difficult for users to work with the data. One of the problems faced by users is that they are unaware of all the different tables that contain records that define relationships between specific entities. For example, if a user was trying to determine all the relationships the entity “Miko Anderson” is a part of, the user may not know which tables to check for such information. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide the TreeID lookup table 260, which is a standard relational table that contains information on the entity relationship data loaded into the relational database schema 251. Persons skilled in the art will understand that the use of a single lookup table, such as the TreeID lookup table 260, allows for improved speed and efficiency in the context of building and analyzing relationships. For instance, with this approach, users would only need to interrogate one table with one simple query to determine a series of relationships rather than having to interrogate numerous tables many times to determine the same relationships. Further, a simple query against the TreeID lookup table 260 for a specific entity can provide a complete view of all relationships the entity is a part of, and can describe the hierarchies within which that relationship is defined. As the relationship manager 230 processes each new entity relationship extracted from the object oriented program environment 120, a corresponding record (or entry) is added to the TreeID lookup table 260. For some embodiments, as entity relationship data is extracted from the object oriented program environment 120 and loaded into the relational database schema 251, metadata (including hierarchical data) representing each entity relationship is populated into the TreeID lookup table 260. Each record may contain a parent ID string representing a parent node of an entity relationship, a child ID string representing a child node of an entity relationship, and a tree ID string representing a root node of an hierarchy that contains the entity relationship. FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary TreeID lookup table 260 according to one embodiment of the current invention. The TreeID lookup table 260 of FIG. 8 comprises three columns ParentIDString 801, ChildIDString 802 and TreeID 803 which contain data values that represent a parent node, child node and root node, respectively, of an entity relationship. The data values in each of the columns may be listed in the same format that nodes on the tree diagrams (described with reference to FIG. 4) are labeled: “entity type: entity name”. It should be noted that while the TreeID lookup table 260 is shown with only three columns, in other embodiments this table may include several other columns for storing additional attributes of the entity relationships. Further, additional columns may also facilitate improved querying ability against the TreeID lookup table 260. As stated earlier, the TreeID lookup table 260 is managed by the relationship manager 230. The interaction of the relationship manager 230 and the TreeID lookup table 260 is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9. An example demonstrating a manner in which the TreeID lookup table 260 may be used to facilitate improved entity relationship querying capability is described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart comprising exemplary operations for inserting relationship data in a relational database schema 251 according to one embodiment of the present invention. These operations are performed by the relationship manager 230. At step 901, the operations 900 begin processing an XML file containing source data (similar to that of Table I and Table II). At step 902, an entity is identified and extracted from the XML data file. Via a query against the TreeID Lookup Table 260, a determination is made if the present entity is already in the relational database schema 251 at step 903. If the entity does not already exist in the relational database schema 251, at step 904 a new record is inserted in the appropriate table(s). For example, suppose that the present entity is of entity type Person, at this step, if it is determined that the person does not have a record in the Person table, a new record is inserted accordingly. Further, if the entity type does not exist, a new table altogether may be created to accommodate the new entity type. At step 905, the XML is analyzed to determine if the present entity has any relationships with other entities. If it is determined that one or more relationships exist between the present entity and other entities, then processing proceeds to step 906 where the TreeID lookup table 260 is queried to determine if these particular relationships are recorded. If it is found that the present relationship is recorded, processing returns to step 905 to handle any other relationships. If the answer to the question of step 906 is “No”, the attributes of the present relationship are recorded in the TreeID lookup table 260 during step 907. Next, processing returns to step 905 where the next relationship for the present entity is processed. However, if no more relationships are included in the XML for the current entity, processing proceeds to step 908. At step 908, it is determined if the XML contains any other entities that need to be imported into the relational database schema. If the answer to the question of step 908 is “Yes”, processing returns to step 902. Once all the entities in the XML file are analyzed, the processing is complete. FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart showing exemplary operations 1000 for performing queries against the relational database schema 251 according to one embodiment of the present invention. At step 1001 operations 1000 begin. At step 1002, the user provides an entity that will serve as the basis of the query. Optionally, the user may provide an entity type. At step 1003, the system provides a list of records relating to the particular entity input by the user. The system also includes those records pertaining to entities that have relationships with the entity supplied by the user—these relationship based records are identified via the TreeID lookup table 260. At step 1004, the user is provided an opportunity to supply any additional conditions to further filter out the search results. The additional conditions may include specifying a second entity, for example. At step 1005, the system provides an updated result set per the additional conditions supplied by the user. If the user desires, processing can be returned to step 1004 and additional conditions can be included. It should be understood that the steps described above with reference to operations 1000 are an exemplary set of operations according to one embodiment of the present invention. A variety of intermediate steps can be added to this process according to requirements of a particular application. Following is an example query performed according to operations 1000. Suppose a user wants to perform a search on the entity “Miko Anderson”, to determine what relationships this entity has with other entities, and also to determine which tables from the relational database schema 251 would need to be queried. Operations 1000 are performed with the user supplied entity of “Miko Anderson”. Suppose that the TreeID table described with reference to FIG. 8 is queried. All the rows where the value “Miko Anderson” appears as the ParentIDString 801, ChildIDString 802 or TreeID 803 will be returned to the user. The user can then scan the result set returned by the system and specify some more filter conditions. For instance, the user may want to see only records where “Miko Anderson” and “Amya Foundation” appear—in other words, the user is interested in retrieving TreeID's of all records that designate a relationship between Miko Anderson and Amya Foundation. FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) screen for performing queries in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. This form may be part of a query building application available for users to query the relational database schema 251 directly. A drop down box 1101 is provided and shows a list of all available entity types in the database. It should be noted that features of this form including the drop down box 1101 and text box 1102 are based upon running queries against the TreeID lookup table 260. For example, the entity type values shown via the dropdown box 1101 may be based upon the result set received from running a query for a list of unique entity types present in the TreeID lookup table 260. A text box 1102 that accepts the user's input for an entity, such as “Miko Anderson”, is provided. Based on the selected entity type and entity value that was input, a list of appropriate tables 1103 where relationships exist between the user specified entity and other entities is presented. This allows the user to quickly determine that records pertaining to relationships between the input entity (“Miko Anderson”) and other entities exist in the presented tables (e.g., Experiment, Bioassay and Security). Once the user has gathered the appropriate information, such as a list of appropriate tables to query, a freeform text box 1104 is provided for the user to enter a SQL query. Once the user is satisfied with the query entered in the freeform text box 1104, the user can select a submit button 1105 to run the entered query. If the user wishes to exit the form without performing any action, the cancel button 1106 can be selected. Abstract Queries In one embodiment, the base queries are composed and issued as abstract, or logical, queries. An abstract query is composed using logical fields defined by a data abstraction model. Each logical field is mapped to one or more physical entities of data of an underlying data representation (e.g., XML, SQL, or other type representation) being used in the database being queried. Furthermore, in the data abstraction model the logical fields are defined independently from the underlying data representation, thereby allowing queries to be formed that are loosely coupled to the underlying data representation, The abstract query can be configured to access the data and return query results, or to modify (i.e., insert, delete or update) the data. For execution against the database, the abstract query is transformed into a form (referred to herein as a concrete query) consistent with the underlying data representation of the data 162. Abstract queries and transformation of abstract queries into concrete queries is described in detail in the commonly owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/083,075, entitled “APPLICATION PORTABILITY AND EXTENSIBILITY THROUGH DATABASE SCHEMA AND QUERY ABSTRACTION,” filed Feb. 26, 2002, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of an exemplary model for processing abstract queries received from a requesting entity. The requesting entity (e.g., an application 1202) issues a query 1206 as defined by the respective application query specification 1204 of the requesting entity. In one embodiment, the application query specification 1204 may include both criteria used for data selection (selection criteria) and an explicit specification of the fields to be returned (return data specification) based on the selection criteria. The logical fields specified by the application query specification 1204 and used to compose the abstract query 1206 are defined by the data abstraction model (DAM) 1208. In general, the data abstraction model 1208 exposes information as a set of logical fields that may be used within a query (e.g., the abstract query 1206) issued by the application 1202 to specify criteria for data selection and specify the form of result data returned from a query operation. The logical fields are defined independently of the underlying data representation 1220 being used in the databases, thereby allowing queries to be formed that are loosely coupled to the underlying data representation 1220. The data to which logical fields of the DAM 1208 are mapped may be located in a single repository (i.e., source) of data or a plurality of different data repositories. Thus, the DAM 1208 may provide a logical view of one or more underlying data repositories. By using an abstract representation 1210 of a data repository, the underlying physical representation 1220 can be more easily changed or replaced without affecting the application 1202 making the changes. Instead, the abstract representation 1210 is changed with no changes required by the application 1202. In addition, multiple abstract data representations can be defined to support different applications against the same underlying database schema that may have different default values or required fields. In general, the data abstraction model 1208 comprises a plurality of field specifications. Specifically, a field specification is provided for each logical field available for composition of an abstract query 1206. Each field specification comprises a logical field name and an associated access method. The access methods associate (i.e., map) the logical field names to a particular physical data representation 12141, 12142 . . . 1214N in a database according to parameters referred to herein as physical location parameters. By way of illustration, two data representations are shown, an XML data representation 12141 and a relational data representation 12142. However, the physical data representation 1214N indicates that any other data representations, known or unknown, are contemplated. The logical fields and access methods in each abstract query 1206 are processed by a runtime component 1230 which transforms the abstract queries into a form (referred to as a concrete query) consistent with the physical representation 1220 of the data contained in one or more of the databases. A concrete query is a query represented in languages like SQL 12122, XML Query 12121, and other query languages 1212N and is consistent with the data of a given data representation 1220 (e.g., a relational data representation 12142, XML data representation, 12141, or other data representation 1214N). Accordingly, the concrete query is used to locate and retrieve data from a given data representation 1220. FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) screen related to building and submitting abstract queries in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary form belonging to a particular application which allows for the running of previously defined abstract queries. One embodiment of the form may allow for a set of saved abstract queries to be presented based on the entity type and entity value selected by the user. A drop down box 1301 is provided to allow the user to select an entity type. Another drop down box 1302 is provided to allow the user to select a particular entity that is of the element type selected via dropdown box 1301. Based on the entity type and entity value selected, a list of contextually appropriate saved abstract queries 1303 are presented to the user. The user can select the desired saved abstract query by selecting the check box adjacent to the particular saved abstract query. Once a saved abstract query 1303 is selected, it can be submitted to the database for execution by selecting the Submit button 1305. The user can exit the form by selecting Cancel 1306. The examples described above are presented in the context of micro array gene expression (MAGE) data. However, those skilled in the art will recognize the methods described herein may be utilized for entity relationship data residing in any object oriented programming environment. While the examples described herein have referred to relationships from only one schema, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention can support multiple schemas. In fact, implementing the methods described herein is even more advantageous in an environment comprising numerous schemas, with each schema containing a large number of entity relationships (i.e., an environment with disparate and voluminous data). In such an environment, embodiments of the present invention can be configured to facilitate datamining efforts, which may include the collection of statistics and performing trend analysis related to entity relationships. It should be noted that any reference herein to particular values, definitions, programming languages and examples is merely for purposes of illustration. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by any particular illustrations and examples. Furthermore, while the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to data processing and more particularly to migrating entity relationship data from an object oriented program environment to a relational database. The present invention further relates to providing functionality to efficiently search and reconstruct the entity relationship data in the relational database. 2. Description of the Related Art Databases are computerized information storage and retrieval systems. The most prevalent type of database is the relational database, a tabular database in which data is defined so that it can be reorganized and accessed in a number of different ways. A distributed database is one that can be dispersed or replicated among different points in a network. An object-oriented programming database is one that is congruent with the data defined in object classes and subclasses. A relational database management system (RDBMS) is a computer database management system that uses relational techniques and is capable of storing and retrieving large volumes of data. Further, large scale relational database management systems can be implemented to support thousands of users accessing databases via a wide assortment of applications. An RDBMS can be structured to support a variety of different types of operations for a requesting entity (e.g., an application, the operating system or an end user). Such operations can be configured to retrieve, add, modify and delete information being stored and managed by the RDBMS. Standard database access methods support these operations using high-level query languages, such as the Structured Query Language (SQL). The functionality provided by relational databases is especially useful for MicroArray Analysis, one of the domains within Life Sciences. The MicroArray research community has architected a specification for MicroArray Gene Expression (MAGE) data which incorporates the different entities and relationships that are involved in MicroArray research. Large volumes of MAGE data are present in a variety of applications implemented in numerous object oriented programming environments. It is very important for researchers to be able to query and manipulate this data in order to appropriately analyze the data. However, due to issues such as large volumes of data (in the order of terabytes), it is technically cumbersome for researchers to work with data in an object oriented program environment. It would be advantageous to manage this data in a relational database environment. However, there are numerous difficulties related to migrating MAGE data to a relational database implementation. One of the greatest difficulties is the reconstruction of all aspects of data entity relationships within the relational database. Object oriented program environments and relational database environments rely on considerably different conceptual bases. For this reason, those skilled in the art will appreciate that relationships between entities in an object oriented program environment and the corresponding relationships in a relational environment are represented in very different ways. For instance, in the case of MAGE implementations, large numbers of relational database objects are required to represent all the necessary MAGE entities and the relationships between the entities. The MAGE relational database footprint may span hundreds of tables (and other data structures), which makes the importing of data and reconstruction of entity relationships nontrivial. Therefore, what is needed is an improved system and method for transferring entity relationship data from an object oriented program environment to a relational database. Once in the relational database, there is a further need to facilitate the searching and reconstruction of entity relationships. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is generally directed to a method, system and article of manufacture for migrating entity relationship data residing in an object oriented program environment to a relational database. The present invention further directed to facilitating improved searching of entity relationship data in the relational database. One embodiment of the present invention provides a computer implemented method for creating a table populated with information derived from an object oriented program environment. The method generally includes providing data structures residing in a relational database managed by a relational database management system, the data structures containing data related to entities and entity relationships in the object oriented program environment, and populating a lookup table within the relational database with metadata of the entity relationships, wherein the metadata includes descriptions of the hierarchical relationships between entities in the entity relationships. Another embodiment provides a computer implemented method for creating a table. The method generally includes providing entity relationships between entities in an object oriented program environment, wherein entities are instances of objects, creating a document in a text-based markup language format containing data related to the entities and entity relationships in the object oriented program environment. The method also includes extracting data related to the entities and the entity relationships from the document in the text-based markup language and loading the data into data structures residing in a relational database, and populating a lookup table in the relational database with metadata of the entity relationships, wherein the metadata includes description of hierarchical relationships between entities in the entity relationships. Another embodiment provides a computer-readable medium containing a data structure for storing metadata corresponding to data related to entities and entity relationships comprising a lookup table containing an entry for each of a plurality of entity relationships, each entry containing a parent ID string, a child ID string, and a tree ID string. Another embodiment provides a method in a computer system for displaying entity relationship data. The method generally includes displaying a first graphical object for selecting an entity type, displaying a second graphical object for selecting an entity, and in response to selection of an entity type via the first graphical object and selection of an entity via the second graphical object, querying entity relationship data in a relational database based on the selected entity type and entity. Another embodiment provides a computer implemented method for creating a table populated with information derived from an object oriented program environment. The method generally includes providing data structures residing in a relational database, the data structures containing data related to entities and entity relationships in the object oriented program environment. The method also includes populating a lookup table within the relational database with metadata of the entity relationships, wherein the metadata includes descriptions of the hierarchical relationships between entities in the entity relationships, and querying entity relationship data in the relational database via a query building application that utilizes a data abstraction model for logically representing physical data structures in the relational database. | 20040729 | 20101109 | 20060202 | 93028.0 | G06F1700 | 0 | FILIPCZYK, MARCIN R | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF OBJECT MODEL DATA IN A RELATIONAL DATABASE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
|
10,901,652 | ACCEPTED | MULTIPLE DUROMETER CONVEYOR BELT CLEANER SCRAPER BLADE | A one-piece integral multi-durometer scraper blade for a conveyor belt cleaner. The scraper blade includes a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and extending transversely between a base and a tip. The body includes a first body portion comprising a first elastomeric material having a first durometer of hardness, and a second body portion comprising a second elastomeric material having a second durometer of hardness. The body also includes a transition portion located between the first body portion and the second body portion. | 1. A scraper blade for a conveyor belt cleaner, said scraper blade including: a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and extending transversely between a base and a tip, said body comprising a first body portion comprising a first material having a first durometer, and a second body portion comprising a second material having a second durometer, said body being integrally formed as a single unitary member. 2. The scraper blade of claim 1 wherein said body includes a first transition portion located between said first body portion and said second body portion. 3. (canceled) 4. The scraper blade of claim 2 wherein said first transition portion changes in hardness as said first transition portion extends between said first body portion and said second body portion. 5. The scraper blade of claim 2 wherein said first transition portion changes in composition as said first transition portion extends between said first body portion and said second body portion. 6. The scraper blade of claim 1 wherein said first material comprises an elastomeric material, and said second material comprises an elastomeric material. 7. The scraper blade of claim 1 wherein said first body portion of said body is formed substantially free of said second material. 8. The scraper blade of claim 1 wherein said second body portion of said body is formed substantially free of said first material. 9. The scraper blade of claim 28 wherein said first transition portion includes a first end and a second end, said blend of said first material and said second material having a first ratio of said second material to said first material at said first end, and a second ratio of said second material to said first material at said second end, wherein said second ratio of second material to first material has a greater ratio of said second material than said first ratio. 10. The scraper blade of claim 9 wherein said blend of second material and first material at said first end comprises a majority of said first material, and said blend of second material and first material comprises a majority of said second material at said second end. 11. The scraper blade of claim 9 wherein said ratio of second material to first material increases from approximately 0:100 at said first end to approximately 100:0 at said second end. 12. The scraper blade of claim 1 wherein said first body portion is located at said base and said second body portion is located at said tip. 13. The scraper blade of claim 1 wherein said second durometer of said second material is greater than said first durometer of said first material. 14. The scraper blade of claim 1 wherein said first durometer of said first material is in the range of approximately 50 Shore A to approximately 70 Shore D, and said second durometer of said second material is in the range of approximately 50 Shore A to approximately 70 Shore D. 15. The scraper blade of claim 2 wherein said first transition portion, first body portion and second body portion are located along a longitudinal axis of said body with said first transition portion being located between said first body portion and said second body portion. 16. The scraper blade of claim 2 including a third body portion comprising said first material, said second body portion being located between said third body portion and said first body portion, and a second transition portion located between said third body portion and said second body portion. 17. (canceled) 18. The scraper blade of claim 16 including a fourth body portion and a third transition portion, said fourth body portion located at said tip, said third transition portion being located between said second body portion and said fourth body portion. 19. The scraper blade of claim 18 wherein said third transition portion comprises a blend of said second material and a third material having a third durometer. 20. The scraper blade of claim 15 including a third body portion formed from a third material having a third durometer, and a second transition portion located between said second body portion and said third body portion, said second transition portion comprising a blend of said second material and said third material. 21. The scraper blade of claim 20 wherein said third material comprises an elastomeric material. 22. The scraper blade of claim 20 wherein said third durometer of said third material is greater than said second durometer of said second material. 23. A method of forming a scraper blade for a conveyor belt cleaner, said method comprising the steps of: providing a mold for a scraper blade; pouring a molten first material having a first durometer of hardness into said mold to form a first body portion of the scraper blade; pouring a molten blend of said first material and a second material having a second durometer of hardness into the mold to form a transition portion of the scraper blade; and pouring molten second material into said mold to form a second body portion of the scraper blade; whereby said first body portion, said transition portion, and said second body portion are integrally formed as a unitary member. 24. The method of claim 23 including the step of adjusting the ratio of said second material to said first material in said blend as said blend is poured into said mold. 25. The method of claim 23 wherein said first material comprises an elastomeric material and said second material comprises an elastomeric material. 26. A method of forming a scraper blade for a conveyor belt cleaner, said method comprising the steps of: providing a mold for a scraper blade; pouring a molten first material having a first durometer of hardness into the mold to form a first body portion of the scraper blade; creating a varied composition material by changing the composition of the first material to a second material having a second durometer of hardness; pouring the varied composition material into the mold as the composition of the first material is changed to the second material, the varied composition material forming a transition portion of the scraper blade; pouring molten second material into the mold to form a second body portion of the scraper blade; whereby the first body portion, transition portion, and second body portion are integrally formed as a unitary member. 27. The method of claim 26 wherein said first material comprises an elastomeric material and said second material comprises an elastomeric material. 28. A scraper blade for a conveyor belt cleaner, said scraper blade including: a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and extending transversely between a base and a tip, said body comprising a first body portion comprising a first material having a first durometer, a second body portion comprising a second material having a second durometer, and a first transition portion located between said first body portion and said second body portion, said first transition portion comprising a blend of said first material having a first durometer and said second material having a second durometer. 29. A scraper blade for a conveyor belt cleaner, said scraper blade including: a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and extending transversely between a base and a tip, said body comprising a first body portion comprising a first material having a first durometer, a second body portion comprising a second material having a second durometer, a first transition portion located between said first body portion and said second body portion, a third body portion comprising said first material, said second body portion being located between said third body portion and said first body portion, and a second transition portion located between said third body portion and said second body portion, said second transition portion comprising a blend of said first material and said second material. | BACKGROUND The present disclosure is directed to a scraper blade for a conveyor belt cleaner, and in particular to a scraper blade having a body including a first body portion comprising a first material having a first durometer, a second body portion comprising a second material having a second durometer, and a transition portion extending between the first body portion and the third body portion comprising a blend of the first material and the second material. Conveyor belts that carry highly abrasive bulk materials, such as iron-ore, wear faster at the center of the conveyor belt than at the edges of the conveyor belt. This differential in conveyor belt wear is due to a greater loading of the abrasive bulk material at the center of the belt than at the edges of the belt, such that the center of the belt carries a larger portion of the weight of the conveyed bulk material than do the edges of the belt. The scraper blades of a conveyor belt cleaner that are located at the center of the conveyor belt also wear faster than the scraper blades that are located at the edges of the conveyor belt. Fine carry back material often remains adhered to the conveyor belt after the conveyed material has been discharged from the belt. The fine carry back material is more heavily concentrated at the center of the belt than at the edges of the belt. This causes a differential in wear between the scraper blades of the conveyor belt cleaner that are located at the center of the belt and the scraper blades that are located at the edges of the conveyor belt. The combination of these two conditions, increased loading and a greater amount of carry back material at the center of the belt, causes accelerated wear to the center of the conveyor belt and to the scraper blades of a conventional conveyor belt cleaner that are located at the center of the belt. The differential in the wear of the conveyor belt and in the wear of the scraper blades of a conveyor belt cleaner results in a generally elongate elliptical-shaped cavity being formed between the conveyor belt and the scraper blades at the center of the belt that quickly grows in size and allows unacceptable quantities of carry back material to pass beyond the conveyor belt cleaner. Conventional conveyor belt cleaner scraper blades are mounted on a cross shaft that is moved either rotationally or linearly to press the scraper blades into scraping engagement with the belt. When a plurality of scraper blades are located adjacent to one another, each blade can be formed from a different respective material, however, this can lead to large abrupt changes in the pressure with which the scraper blades are pressed into engagement with the conveyor belt between adjacent scraper blades. SUMMARY A multiple durometer scraper blade for a conveyor belt cleaner. The scraper blade includes a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and that extends transversely between a base and a tip. The body includes a first body portion comprising a first material having a first durometer, a second body portion comprising a second material having a second durometer, and a transition portion located between the first body portion and the second body portion. The transition portion may comprise a blend of the first material and the second material, or a varied composition material created by varying the composition of the first material to form the second material. The first and second materials each comprise a resilient elastomeric material. The first body portion may be formed substantially free of the second material and the second body portion may be formed substantially free of the first material. The transition portion includes a first end and a second end. The blend of the first material and second material has a first ratio of second material to first material at the first end of the transition portion, and a second ratio of second material to first material at the second end of the transition portion, wherein the second ratio of second material to first material is greater than the first ratio. The scraper blade is formed and continuously molded as one integral unitary piece. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scraper blade of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the scraper blade of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the scraper blade of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the scraper blade of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment of the scraper blade of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The scraper blade 10, as shown in FIG. 1, is adapted for use in connection with a conveyor belt cleaner and is adapted to be removably mounted to a support member of the conveyor belt cleaner. The scraper blade 10 includes an elongate body 12 that extends longitudinally between a first end 14 and a second end 16. The body 12 includes a generally linear central longitudinal axis 18 that extends from the first end 14 to the second end 16. The body 12 also includes a base 20 and a tip 22. The body 12 extends transversely from the base 20 to the tip 22. The body 12 includes a transverse axis 24 that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18. The body 12 has a width that extends between the first end 14 and the second end 16 and a length that extends from the base 20 to the tip 22. The body 12 includes a front surface 30 and a spaced apart and generally parallel rear surface 32. The body 12 also includes a bottom surface 34 and a spaced apart top surface 36. The bottom surface 34 is located at the base 20 and extends between the front and rear surfaces 30 and 32 and from the first end 14 to the second end 116. The top surface 36 is located at the tip 22 and extends between the front and rear surfaces 30 and 32 and from the first end 14 to the second end 16. The body 12 also includes a first end surface 38 and a second end surface 40. The first end surface 38 is located at the first end 14 of the body 12 and extends between the front and rear surfaces 30 and 32 and between the bottom and top surfaces 34 and 36. The second end surface 40 is located at the second end 16 of the body 12 and extends between the front and rear surfaces 30 and 32 and between the bottom and top surfaces 34 and 36. The first and second end surfaces 38 and 40 are generally planar and are spaced apart and parallel to one another. The tip 22 includes a generally linear scraping edge 42 that extends along the intersection of the front surface 30 and top surface 36. All of the surfaces of the scraper blade 10 as shown in FIG. 1 are generally planar. The body 12 has a thickness that extends between the front surface 30 and the rear surface 32. The top surface 36 and the scraping edge 42 of the tip 22 are adapted to engage the conveyor belt. The base 20 of the scraper blade 10 is adapted to be removably mounted to the support member of the conveyor belt cleaner. The body 12 is adapted to be positioned with respect to the conveyor belt such that the longitudinal axis 18 is generally transverse to the longitudinal center line of the conveyor belt. The first and second ends 14 and 16 of the body 12 are adapted to be located at respective edges of the conveyor belt. The body 12 of the scraper blade 10 includes a first body portion 50, a second body portion 52, and a first transition portion 54. The first transition portion 54 is located between the first body portion 50 and second body portion 52. The first body portion 50 comprises a first resilient elastomeric material, such as for example urethane or rubber, having a first durometer of hardness. The first body portion 50 extends from the base 20 to the tip 22 and from the first end 14 of the body 12 to the first transition portion 54. The second body portion 52 comprises a second resilient elastomeric material, such as for example urethane or rubber, having a second durometer of hardness that is different than the first durometer of hardness. The second body portion 52 extends from the base 20 to the tip 22. The first transition portion 54 extends from the base 20 to the tip 22 and between the first body portion 50 and second body portion 52. The first transition portion 54 includes a first end 56 located adjacent the first body portion 50 and a spaced apart second end 58 located adjacent the second body portion 52. The first transition portion 54 may comprise a blend of the first material and the second material. The blend of the first material and second material has a first ratio of second material to first material at the first end 56 of the first transition portion 54, and a second ratio of second material to first material at the second end 58 of the first transition body portion 54. The second ratio of second material to first material has a greater ratio of second material than the first ratio. The ratio of second material to first material may vary from a majority of first material to second material by weight at the first end 56 to a majority of second material to first material by weight at the second end 58. The ratio of the second material to first material may increase from approximately 0:100 parts by weight of second material to first material at the first end 56 of the first transition portion 54 to approximately 100:0 parts by weight of second material to first material at the second end 58 of the first transition portion 54. The ratio of second material to first material in the first transition portion 54 increases generally uniformly as the first transition portion 54 extends from the first end 56 to the second end 58. The first transition portion 54 may alternatively comprise a varied composition material created by varying the composition of the first material to form the second material, the varied composition material comprises the material that is formed during the change of the first material into the second material. The composition of the varied composition material changes or varies as the varied composition material extends from the first body portion 50 toward the second body portion 52. The hardness of the first transition portion 54 changes or varies as the first transition portion 54 extends from the first body portion 50 toward the second body portion 52. The second durometer of the second material may be greater than or smaller than the first durometer of the first material. The first durometer of the first material may be in the range of 50 Shore A to 70 Shore D and the second durometer of the second material may be in the range of 50 Shore A to 70 Shore D, with the first material being either harder or softer than the second material. The body 12 may include a third body portion 16 and a second transition portion 62 located between the third body portion 60 and the second body portion 52. The second transition portion 62 extends from the base 20 to the tip 22 and includes a first end 64 located adjacent the second body portion 52 and a second end 66 located adjacent the third body portion 60. The third body portion 60 comprises a third resilient elastomeric material, such as urethane or rubber, having a third durometer of hardness. The third durometer of hardness of the third material may be greater or smaller than the durometer of hardness of the first material and/or the second material. The third durometer of the third material may be in the range of approximately 50 Shore A to approximately 70 Shore D. The second transition portion 62 may comprise a blend of the second material and third material, or a varied composition material created by changing the composition of the second material to create the third material. The blend of the second material and third material has a first ratio of third material to second material at the first end 64, and a second ratio of the third material to second material at the second end 66 of the second transition portion 62, wherein the second ratio of third material to second material has a greater ratio of third material than the first ratio. The ratio of third material to second material may vary from a majority of second material to third material by weight at the first end 64 to a majority of third material to second material by weight at the second end 66. The ratio of third material to second material increases generally uniformly from approximately 0:100 parts by weight of third material to second material at the first end 64 to approximately 100:0 parts by weight of third material to second material at the second end 66. The body 12 may include a fourth body portion 68 that extends from the base 20 to the tip 22 and a third transition portion 70 located between the fourth body portion 68 and the third body portion 60. The third transition portion 70 extends from the base 20 to the tip 22 and includes a first end 72 located adjacent the third body portion 60 and a second end 74 located adjacent the fourth body portion 68. The fourth body portion 68 comprises the second elastomeric material having a second durometer of hardness. The third transition portion 70 may comprise a blend of the third material and second material, or a varied composition material created by varying the composition of the third material to create the second material. The blend has a first ratio of second material to third material at the first end 72, and a second ratio of the second material to third material at the second end 74, wherein the second ratio of second material to third material has a greater ratio of second material than the first ratio. The ratio of second material to third material may vary from a majority of third material to second material at the first end 72 to a majority of second material to third material at the second end 74. The ratio of second material to third material increases generally uniformly from approximately 0:100 parts by weight of second material to third material at the first end 72 to approximately 100:0 parts by weight of second material to third material at the second end 74. The body 12 may also include a fifth body portion 78 and a fourth transition portion 80 located between the fifth body portion 78 and the fourth body portion 68. The fifth body portion 78 extends from the fourth transition portion 80 to the second end 16 of the body 12. The fifth body portion 78 and fourth transition portion 80 respectively extend from the base 20 to the tip 22. The fourth transition portion 80 includes a first end 82 located adjacent the fourth body portion 68 and a second end 84 located adjacent the fifth body portion 78. The fifth body portion 78 comprises the first elastomeric material having a first durometer of hardness. The fourth transition portion 80 may comprise a blend of the first material and the second material, or a varied composition material. The blend comprising the first material and second material has a first ratio of first material to second material at the first end 82 and a second ratio of first material to second material the second end 84, wherein the second ratio of first material to second material has a greater ratio of first material than the first ratio. The ratio of first material to second material increases generally uniformly from approximately 0:100 parts by weight of first material to second material at the first end 82 to approximately 100:0 parts by weight of first material to second material at the second end 84. If desired, additional body portions can be included in the body 12 along with an additional transition portion being located between the adjacent body portions. Each additional body portion may be formed from a different material such that each body portion has a respective durometer of hardness. The number of body portions included in the body 12, each having a different durometer of hardness, is unlimited. If desired, the third body portion 60 and the second and third transition portions 62 and 70 can be deleted with the second body portion 52 and fourth body portion 68 being integrally formed with one another. The body 12 of the scraper blade 10 may generally increase in durometer of hardness as the body 12 extends from the first end 14 toward the middle of the body 12, and as it extends from the second end 16 toward the middle of the body 12. The first and fifth body portions 50 and 78 are formed substantially free from the second and third elastomeric materials. The second and fourth body portions 52 and 68 are formed substantially free from the first and third elastomeric materials. The third body portion 60 is formed substantially free from the first and second elastomeric materials. A cross-section of the body 12 transverse to the axis 18 has a generally uniform hardness as it extends from the base 20 to the tip 22. The ends of the transition portions are shown with dashed lines in FIG. 1 to illustrate the general extent of the transition portions. However, the ends of the transition portions need not be linear and may be curved. The width of each transition portion may vary significantly from a very narrow width to a very wide width. The body 12 of the scraper blade 10 is continuously formed integrally as a single unitary member. The hardness of the body portions can be varied, from body portion to adjacent body portion, from increasing in hardness to decreasing in hardness, such as for example hard-soft-hard-soft or soft-hard-harder-hardest. The width of each body portion and transition portion can also be varied from portion to portion, such as for example thick-thin-thin-thick. There is no limitation to the patterns or scheme of hardness profiles so long as the chemical behavior and properties of the materials are properly matched to the manufacturing methods and to the desired objective of use for the scraper blade. FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the scraper blade identified with the reference number 90. The scraper blade 90 includes a body 92. The body 92 is constructed similar to the body 12 of the scraper blade 10 and similar elements are identified with the same reference number. The body 92 differs from the body 12 in that the front surface 30, rear surface 32 and top surface 36 of the body 92 include curved portions and are not substantially entirely planar as in the body 12. In addition, the body 92 includes a mounting member 94 in the base 20 that extends from the first end 14 to the second end 16. The mounting member 94 includes a slot adapted to receive the support member of the conveyor belt cleaner. The mounting member 94 may be made from a metal material or a rigid non-metal material. The body 92 includes first through fifth body portions and first through third transition portions, that are formed, constructed and operate in the same manner as those in the body 12. Another embodiment of the scraper blade is shown in FIG. 3 and is identified with the reference number 100. The scraper blade 100 includes a body 102 that has an external configuration that is substantially similar to the body 92 of the scraper blade 90. However, the body 102 is comprised of a plurality of body portions comprising resilient elastomeric materials configured in a different manner than in the body 92. Similar elements are indicated with the same reference number. The body 102 of the scraper blade 100 includes a first body portion 104, a second body portion 106, and a transition portion 108 located between the first body portion 104 and the second body portion 106. The first body portion 104 extends from the first end 14 to the second end 16 of the body 102, from the front surface 30 to the rear surface 32, and from the base 20 to the transition portion 108. The second body portion 106 extends from the first end 14 to the second end 16 of the body 102, from the front surface 30 to the rear surface 32, and from the transition portion 108 to the tip 22 and scraping edge 42 of the body 102. The transition portion 108 extends from the first end 14 to the second end 16 and between the front and rear surfaces 30 and 32. The transition portion 108 has a first end 110 located adjacent the first body portion 104 and a second end 112 located adjacent the second body portion 106. The first body portion 104 comprises a first resilient elastomeric material having a first durometer of hardness. The second body portion 106 comprises a second resilient elastomeric material having a second durometer of hardness which may be harder or softer than the first durometer of hardness of the first elastomeric material. The transition portion 108 may comprise a blend of the first material and second material, or a varied composition material created by varying the composition of the first material to create the second material. The blend of first material and second material has a first ratio of second material to first material at the first end 110 of the transition portion 108, and a second ratio of second material to first material at the second end 112 of the transition portion 108, wherein the second ratio of second material to first material has a greater ratio of second material than the first ratio. The ratio of second material to first material may vary from a majority of first material to second material at the first end 110 to a majority of second material to first material at the second end 112. The ratio of second material to first material may increase generally uniformly from approximately 0:100 parts by weight of second material to first material at the first end 110 to approximately 100:0 parts by weight of second material to first material at the second end 112. The durometer of hardness of the body 102 may increase as the body 102 extends from the base 20 to the scraping edge 42. The transitioning of the first material to the second material between the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106 within the transition portion 108 changes the flexibility of the body 102 between the base 20 and the tip 22 along the height of the body 102 without the transition portion 108 simply acting as a hinge about which the tip 22 pivots. A further embodiment of the scraper blade is shown in FIG. 4 and is identified with the reference number 120. The scraper blade 120 includes a body 122 that is externally configured in the same general manner as the bodies 92 and 102 of the scraper blades 90 and 100. Similar elements are identified with the same reference numbers. The body 122 includes a first body portion 124, a second body portion 126, a third body portion 128, and fourth body portion 130. The first, second and third body portions 124, 126 and 128 are located along the longitudinal axis 18 between the first end 14 and second 16 of the body 122 and extend upwardly from the base 20 toward the tip 22 and scraping edge 42 between the front surface 30 and rear surface 32. The second body portion 126 is located between the first body portion 124 and third body portion 128. The body 122 includes a first transition portion 134 located between the first body portion 124 and second body portion 126. The first transition portion 134 includes a first end 136 located adjacent the first body portion 124 and a second end 138 located adjacent the second body portion 126. The body 122 includes a second transition portion 140 located between the second body portion 126 and the third body portion 128. The second transition portion 140 includes a first end 142 located adjacent the second body portion 126 and a second end 144 located adjacent the third body portion 128. The body 122 includes a third transition portion 146 located between the first body portion 124 and the fourth body portion 130. The third transition portion 146 includes a first end 148 located adjacent the first body portion 124 and a second end 150 located adjacent the fourth body portion 130. The body 122 also includes a fourth transition portion 152 located between the second body portion 126 and fourth body portion 130. The fourth transition portion 152 includes a first end 154 located adjacent the second body portion 126 and a second end 156 located adjacent the fourth body portion 130. The body 122 also includes a fifth transition portion 160 located between the third body portion 128 and the fourth body portion 130. The fifth transition portion 160 includes a first end 162 located adjacent the third body portion 128 and a second end 164 located adjacent the fourth body portion 130. The fourth body portion 130 extends from the first end 14 to the second end 16 of the body 12 and extends from the third, fourth and fifth transition portions 146, 152 and 160 to the tip 22 and scraping edge 42. As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom end of the first body portion 124 and third body portion 128 are each wider than the top end of the body portions 124 and 128 that are located respectively adjacent the third and fifth transition portions 146 and 160. The bottom end of the second body portion 126 at the base 20 is narrower than the width of the top end of the second body portion 126 adjacent the fourth transition portion 152. The body 122 includes a sixth transition portion 168 located between the first, second and fourth body portions 124, 126 and 130. The body 120 also includes a seventh transition portion 170 located between the second, third and fourth body portions 126, 128 and 130. The first and third body portions 124 and 128 are formed from a first resilient elastomeric material having a first durometer of hardness. The second body portion 126 is formed from a second resilient elastomeric material having a second durometer of hardness that may be harder or softer than the durometer of the first material. The fourth body portion 130 is formed from a third resilient elastomeric material having a third durometer of hardness that may be harder or softer than the durometer of the second material. The first transition portion 134 may comprise a blend of the first elastomeric material and second elastomeric material, or a varied composition material as described above. The second transition portion may 140 comprise a blend of the first elastomeric material and second elastomeric material, or a varied composition material. The third transition portion 146 may comprise a blend of the first elastomeric material and the third elastomeric material, or a varied composition material. The fourth transition portion 152 may comprise a blend of the second elastomeric material and third elastomeric material, or a varied composition material. The fifth transition portion 160 may comprise a blend of the first elastomeric material and third elastomeric material, or a varied composition material. The ratio of the elastomeric materials that comprise each blend varies across the width of the transition portions as described in the prior embodiments. The sixth and seventh transition portions 168 and 170 may each comprise a blend of the first, second and third elastomeric materials, or a varied composition material. The second body portion 126 comprising the second elastomeric material may provide a greater biasing force for resiliently biasing the scraping edge 42 into engagement with the center of the conveyor belt than do the adjacent first and third body portions 124 and 128 which resiliently bias the scraping edge 42 into engagement with the side edges of the conveyor belt. Alternately, the first body portion 124 and the third body portion 128 may provide a greater biasing force for resiliently biasing the scraping edge 42 into engagement with the side edges of the conveyor belt than the second body portion 126 resiliently biases the scraping edge 42 into engagement with the center of the conveyor belt. The fourth body portion 130 that is adapted to engage the conveyor belt is formed from the third elastomeric material having the third durometer of hardness such that the third body portion 128 may be more wear resistant than the body portions 124, 126 and 128. In general, as the durometer of hardness of an elastomeric material increases, the material is harder, and the biasing force the material can provide increases and the wear resistance of the material also increases. FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the scraper blade identified with the reference number 180. The scraper blade 180 includes a body 182 having an external configuration substantially similar to the body 102 of the scraper blade 100. Similar elements are indicated with the same reference number. The body 182 includes a generally T-shaped mounting member 184 and a pair of flaps 186 located on opposite sides of the mounting member 184. The body 182 includes a first body portion 188, a second body portion 190 and a third body portion 192. The first body portion 188 comprises a first resilient elastomeric material having a first durometer of hardness. The second body portion 190 comprises a second resilient elastomeric material having a second durometer of hardness that may be harder or softer than the first durometer of hardness of the first elastomeric material. The third body portion 192 comprises a third resilient elastomeric material having a third durometer of hardness that may be harder or softer than the second durometer of hardness of the second elastomeric material. The body 182 includes a first transition portion 196 located between the first body portion 188 and the second body portion 190. The first transition portion 196 includes a first end 198 located adjacent the first body portion 198 and a second end 200 located adjacent the second body portion 190. The first transition portion 196 may comprise a blend of the first material having a first durometer and the second material having a second durometer, or a varied composition material. The blend comprising the first material and second material has a first ratio of second material to first material at the first end 198 of the first transition portion 196, and a second ratio of second material to first material at the second end 200 of the first transition portion 196, wherein the second ratio of second material to first material has a greater ratio of second material than the first ratio. The ratio of second material to first material may vary from a majority of first material to second material by weight of the first end 198 to a majority of second material to first material by weight at the second end 200. The ratio of the second material to first material increases generally uniformly from approximately 0:100 parts by weight of second material to first material at the first end 198 of the first transition portion 196 to approximately 100:0 parts by weight of second material to first material at the second end 200 of the first transition portion 196. The body 182 also includes a second transition portion 204 located between the second body portion 190 and the third body portion 192. The second transition portion 204 may comprise a blend of the second material having the second durometer of hardness and the third material having the third durometer of hardness, or a varied composition material. The blend comprising the second material and the third material has a first ratio of third material to second material at the first end 206 of the second transition portion 204, and a second ratio of third material to second material at the second end 208 of the second transition portion 204, wherein the second ratio of the second material to first material has a greater ratio of third material than the first ratio. The ratio of the third material to second material may vary from a majority of second material to third material by weight at the first end 206 to a majority of third material to second material by weight of the second end 208. The ratio of the third material to the second material increases generally uniformly from approximately 0:100 parts by weight of third material to second material at the first end 206 to approximately 100:0 parts by weight of third material to second material at the second end 208. Each of the body portions 188, 190 and 192, and each of the transition portions 196 and 204, extend the width and thickness of the body 182 from the first end 14 to the second end 16 and from the front surface 30 to the rear surface 32. The hardness of the body 182 increases along its height from the base 20 to the tip 22 and scraping edge 42. The flexibility of the body 182 about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 18 may increase as the body 182 extends from the tip 22 and scraping edge 42 toward the base 20. The body 182 is formed integrally as one unitary piece. The scraper blades 10, 90, 100, 120 and 180 are all multi-durometer scraper blades that are continuously formed and molded from two or more different elastomeric materials having respectively different durometers of hardness. The scraper blades may be molded within a mold of a multi-head casting machine, or of a computer controlled single-head casting machine, capable of automatically ramping up or down chemical component ratios or types of materials. A molten first elastomeric material is initially poured or injected into the mold to form the first body portion comprising the first material and having a first durometer of hardness. After the desired amount of first material has been poured into the mold to form the first body portion in the desired configuration, molten second elastomeric material having a second durometer of hardness may be combined with the molten first material to form a blend comprising the first and second materials that is poured into the mold. The amount of the second material being combined with the first material in the blend that is being poured into the mold increases generally uniformly, and the amount of the first material in the blend is generally uniformly decreased, while the transition portion of the body is formed. Molten elastomeric material comprising the second material, substantially without any first material, is then poured into the mold to form a second body portion in the desired size and configuration. This pour process can be continued with additional types of elastomeric materials to form additional body portions, with each body portion having a desired durometer of hardness. Two or more different elastomeric materials having different durometers of hardness may be combined to form a portion of the body of the scraper blade. Each scraper blade is formed from a continuous pour of molten elastomeric material such that the body of the scraper blade is formed as an integral single unitary piece. Various configurations and patterns of body portions, and boundaries of the body portions can be created as desired. In addition the ratio of the different elastomeric materials that are being poured at one time, the curatives and other additives that may be added to the elastomeric materials, and other molding parameters can be changed and continuously adjusted during the pour. Changing the hardness of the material during casting can be achieved by varying the composition of the casting material and by varying the manufacturing controls, such as gel times and process temperatures. In a five stream casting machine, four streams can be blended to provide a 55 Shore A to a 60 Shore D elastomeric material. Changing one of these four streams can provide a different elastomeric material with a durometer in the range of 70 Shore A to 70 Shore D. All five of the streams may be programmable in terms of relative ratios of materials and ramp up and ramp down rates, such that many different compositions of elastomeric materials may be formed each having different properties and hardnesses. The scraper blades may also be continuously and integrally formed by initially pouring a molten first elastomeric material having a first durometer of hardness into a mold to form a first body portion having a first durometer of hardness. After the first body portion is formed, the composition of the first material may be varied to form a second elastomeric material having a second durometer of hardness. As the composition of the first material is changed a varied composition material is formed until the composition of the second material is formed. The varied composition material is poured into the mold as the composition of the varied composition material is varied to form a transition portion of the blade. Once the composition of the varied composition material has been changed to form the second material, the molten second material is poured into the mold to form a second body portion having a second durometer of hardness. The multi-durometer scraper blades provide the ability to control the flexibility of the scraper blade, the conformity of the scraper blade to the configuration of the conveyor belt, and the force and pressure with which the scraper blade engages the surface of the conveyor belt along the width of the blade. The scraper blades 10 and 90 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 provide the ability to vary both the hardness of the blade across the width of the scraper blade and the ability to control the engagement pressure distribution of the scraper blade with the conveyor belt. The use of harder internal material and softer outer material will provide a downwardly concave pressure profile on the conveyor belt. Alternately, the use of softer internal material and harder outer material will provide an upwardly concave pressure profile on the conveyor belt. The scraper blade 120 as shown in FIG. 4 may include a hard cleaning tip that is relatively wear-resistant. The blade 120 may include a relatively hard internal material and a softer external material in the base that provide a downwardly concave pressure profile when the blade is engaged with the conveyor belt, or relatively soft internal material and harder external material in the base that provide an upwardly concave pressure profile when the blade is engaged with the belt. Various features of the invention have been particularly shown and described in connection with the illustrated embodiments of the invention, however, it must be understood that these particular arrangements merely illustrate, and that the invention is to be given its fullest interpretation within the terms of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present disclosure is directed to a scraper blade for a conveyor belt cleaner, and in particular to a scraper blade having a body including a first body portion comprising a first material having a first durometer, a second body portion comprising a second material having a second durometer, and a transition portion extending between the first body portion and the third body portion comprising a blend of the first material and the second material. Conveyor belts that carry highly abrasive bulk materials, such as iron-ore, wear faster at the center of the conveyor belt than at the edges of the conveyor belt. This differential in conveyor belt wear is due to a greater loading of the abrasive bulk material at the center of the belt than at the edges of the belt, such that the center of the belt carries a larger portion of the weight of the conveyed bulk material than do the edges of the belt. The scraper blades of a conveyor belt cleaner that are located at the center of the conveyor belt also wear faster than the scraper blades that are located at the edges of the conveyor belt. Fine carry back material often remains adhered to the conveyor belt after the conveyed material has been discharged from the belt. The fine carry back material is more heavily concentrated at the center of the belt than at the edges of the belt. This causes a differential in wear between the scraper blades of the conveyor belt cleaner that are located at the center of the belt and the scraper blades that are located at the edges of the conveyor belt. The combination of these two conditions, increased loading and a greater amount of carry back material at the center of the belt, causes accelerated wear to the center of the conveyor belt and to the scraper blades of a conventional conveyor belt cleaner that are located at the center of the belt. The differential in the wear of the conveyor belt and in the wear of the scraper blades of a conveyor belt cleaner results in a generally elongate elliptical-shaped cavity being formed between the conveyor belt and the scraper blades at the center of the belt that quickly grows in size and allows unacceptable quantities of carry back material to pass beyond the conveyor belt cleaner. Conventional conveyor belt cleaner scraper blades are mounted on a cross shaft that is moved either rotationally or linearly to press the scraper blades into scraping engagement with the belt. When a plurality of scraper blades are located adjacent to one another, each blade can be formed from a different respective material, however, this can lead to large abrupt changes in the pressure with which the scraper blades are pressed into engagement with the conveyor belt between adjacent scraper blades. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>A multiple durometer scraper blade for a conveyor belt cleaner. The scraper blade includes a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and that extends transversely between a base and a tip. The body includes a first body portion comprising a first material having a first durometer, a second body portion comprising a second material having a second durometer, and a transition portion located between the first body portion and the second body portion. The transition portion may comprise a blend of the first material and the second material, or a varied composition material created by varying the composition of the first material to form the second material. The first and second materials each comprise a resilient elastomeric material. The first body portion may be formed substantially free of the second material and the second body portion may be formed substantially free of the first material. The transition portion includes a first end and a second end. The blend of the first material and second material has a first ratio of second material to first material at the first end of the transition portion, and a second ratio of second material to first material at the second end of the transition portion, wherein the second ratio of second material to first material is greater than the first ratio. The scraper blade is formed and continuously molded as one integral unitary piece. | 20040729 | 20060307 | 20060202 | 66755.0 | B65G4500 | 1 | HESS, DOUGLAS A | MULTIPLE DUROMETER CONVEYOR BELT CLEANER SCRAPER BLADE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | B65G | 2,004 |
|
10,901,884 | ACCEPTED | Flexible package having an easy opening feature | A flexible package is disclosed having an easy opening feature. The opening feature includes a gusset formed in at least one side wall. The gusset is aligned inward of the side wall and forms a pocket having an internal panel and an external panel. An aperture is formed through the external panel and is sized to receive at least one human finger. The package also has a line of weakness formed in the side wall containing the external panel with the aperture formed therethrough. The line of weakness has two portions, each located on an opposite side of the aperture and each extending from the first end of the gusset to a point spaced apart therefrom. The line of weakness also has a third portion which extends across the side wall and connects with the first two portions of the line of weakness. The combination of the gusset, the aperture and the line of weakness create a structure which allows the package to be easily opened. | 1. A flexible package having an easy opening feature, said package comprising: a) a plurality of walls being connected together to form an internal compartment capable of containing a multiplicity of articles, said plurality of walls including a pair of opposing side walls; b) a gusset formed in at least a portion of one of said pair of opposing side walls, said gusset having a first end aligned with one of said plurality of walls and having a second end extending downward toward a second of said plurality of walls, said gussets being aligned inward of a portion of one of said pair of opposing side walls to form a pocket having an external panel; c) an aperture formed through said external panel of said pocket and being sized to receive at least one human finger; and d) a line of weakness formed in said side wall containing said external panel with said aperture formed therethrough, said line of weakness having two portions each being located on an opposite side of said aperture with each portion extending from said first end of said gusset to a point spaced apart therefrom, and a third portion of said line of weakness extending across at least a portion of said side wall and connecting with said first two portions of said line of weakness, whereby said gusset, said aperture and said line of weakness create a structure which allows said package to be easily opened. 2. The flexible package of claim 1 wherein said gusset has a triangular configuration with said first end representing a base of a triangle and said second end representing an apex of said triangle. 3. The flexible package of claim 2 wherein said package has a height and said triangularly shaped gusset has a height that extends at least about 20% of said package height. 4. The flexible package of claim 2 wherein said package has a height and said triangularly shaped gusset has a height that extends at least about 30% of said package height. 5. The flexible package of claim 1 wherein each of said line of weakness is a continuous line. 6. The flexible package of claim 1 wherein each of said first two portions of said line of weakness is aligned as a mirror image of one another. 7. The flexible package of claim 1 wherein each of said first two portions of said line of weakness is aligned parallel to one another. 8. The flexible package of claim 1 wherein said package is formed from a polymeric film. 9. The flexible package of claim 1 wherein each of said first two portions of said line of weakness extend above said aperture formed through said external panel of said pocket. 10. A flexible package having an easy opening feature, said package comprising: a) a front wall, a back wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall, all of said walls being connected together to form an internal compartment capable of containing at least one row of articles; b) a gusset formed in at least a portion of one of said pair of opposing side walls, said gusset having a first end aligned approximate said top wall and having a second end extending downward toward said bottom wall, said gusset being aligned inward of a portion of one of said pair of opposing side walls to form a pocket having an internal panel and an external panel; c) a bottom seal formed in said bottom wall of said package to enclose said articles; d) at least one aperture formed through said external panel of said pocket and said aperture being sized to receive at least one human finger; and e) a line of weakness formed in said side wall containing said external panel with said aperture formed therethrough, said line of weakness having two portions each being located on an opposite side of said aperture with each portion extending from said first end of said gusset to a point spaced apart therefrom, and a third portion of said line of weakness extending across at least a portion of said side wall and connecting with said first two portions of said line of weakness, whereby said gusset, said aperture and said line of weakness create a structure which allows said package to be easily opened. 11. The flexible package of claim 10 wherein said package is void of a handle. 12. The flexible package of claim 10 wherein said first two portions of said line of weakness extend above said aperture formed through said external panel of said pocket. 13. The flexible package of claim 12 wherein said third portion of said line of weakness is aligned perpendicular to said other two portions. 14. The flexible package of claim 10 wherein there are two gussets are formed in said package, each gusset having an aperture formed through an external panel of said respective pocket, and said line of weakness is formed in each of said side walls to create a structure which allows said package to be easily opened at two different locations. 15. The flexible package of claim 10 wherein said package is formed from polyethylene. 16. A flexible package having an easy opening feature, said package comprising: a) a front wall, a back wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall, all of said walls being connected together to form an internal compartment capable of containing at least one row of articles under compression such that said opposing side walls are under tension, said package having a predetermined height; b) a gusset formed in at least a portion of each of said pair of opposing side walls, each gusset having a first end aligned with said top wall and having a second end extending downward toward said bottom wall, each of said gussets being aligned inward of a portion of one of said pair of opposing side walls to form a pocket having an internal panel and an external panel, and said pocket extending at least about 20% of said package height; c) a pair of seals formed in both said external panels of said pockets and in said pair of opposing side walls located below said pockets, each of said pair of seals extending from said first end of one of said gussets downward into said bottom wall; d) a bottom seal formed in said bottom wall which cooperates with said pair of seals to enclose said articles within said package; e) two apertures formed through said external panel of one of said pockets with each aperture being sized to receive at least one human finger; and f) a line of weakness formed in said side wall containing said external panel with said two apertures formed therethrough, said line of weakness having two portions each being located on an opposite side of said two apertures with each portion extending from said first end of said gusset to a point spaced apart therefrom, and a third portion of said line of weakness extending across at least a portion of said side wall and connecting with said first two portions of said line of weakness, whereby said gusset, said aperture and said line of weakness create a structure which allows said package to be easily opened. 17. The flexible package of claim 16 wherein said three portions of said line of weakness are three perforation lines. 18. The flexible package of claim 16 wherein each of said two apertures has a circular configuration. 19. The flexible package of claim 16 wherein each of said two apertures is a U-shaped perforation tab. 20. The flexible package of claim 16 wherein each of said two apertures is a slit. 21. The flexible package of claim 16 wherein each of said two apertures has an X shape configuration. 22. The flexible package of claim 16 wherein a break is formed along each of said first two portions of said line of weakness. 23. The flexible package of claim 21 wherein a break is formed along each of said first two portions of said line of weakness at a location aligned with an area representing the separation between every two vertically arranged rows of articles. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It has been realized that cost savings can be obtained by compressing disposable absorbent articles within a flexible package. The flexible packages are normally formed from a polymeric material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or a blend thereof. A compressed package produces a smaller volume package which reduces distribution expenses. Besides the distribution cost savings, a majority of the material from which an individual package is constructed is held in tension thereby creating a nice smooth appearance across the front surface of the package. This smooth appearance makes it easier for the consumer to view the graphics and read the writing on the package. In addition, a compressed package produces a smaller size package which is easier for the consumer to handle. However, current compressed packages have a couple of drawbacks. One is that the opening feature may not be readily apparent and therefore the consumer may not be able to find the opening. Second, since the articles contained within the compressed package are slightly compressed themselves, it may be difficult for the consumer to easily remove the first few products from the package. Therefore, there is a need to create a compressed package with an easy opening feature which will enhance the overall consumer experience. By producing a compressed package that has an opening feature that is easy to locate, easy to open and one that will allow the articles to be accessed one at a time, a more user friendly compressed package can be produced. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, this invention relates to a flexible package having an easy opening feature. The package includes a front wall, a back wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall. All of the walls are connected together to form an internal compartment having a height, a width and a depth. The compartment is capable of containing a multiplicity of articles. The package also has a gusset formed in at least a portion of one of the pair of opposing side walls. The gusset has a first end aligned with the top wall and a second end extending downward toward the bottom wall. The gusset is aligned inward of a portion of one of the pair of opposing side walls to form a pocket having an internal panel and an external panel. The package also has an aperture formed through the external panel of the pocket and the aperture is sized to receive at least one human finger. Lastly, the package has a line of weakness formed in the side wall containing the external panel with the aperture formed therethrough. The line of weakness has two portions, each located on an opposite side of the aperture and each extending from the first end of the gusset to a point spaced apart therefrom. The line of weakness also has a third portion which extends across the side wall and connects with the first two portions of the line of weakness. The combination of the gusset, the aperture and the line of weakness creates a structure which allows the package to be easily opened. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible package having an easy opening feature. FIG. 2 is a plane front view of the flexible package shown in FIG. 1 depicting two horizontal rows of articles stacked within the package. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upper left portion of the package shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the flexible package shown in FIG. 1 depicting a person inserting two fingers into the aperture formed in the external panel of the pocket and pulling down on the gusset to open the package. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the flexible package shown in FIG. 1 depicting the side wall being separated by breaking the three portions of the line of weakness to create a sufficiently large opening which allows the articles housed in the package to be removed. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the flexible package shown in FIG. 1 depicting the bottom seal. FIG. 7 is a side view of the flexible package shown in FIG. 1 depicting a rectangular shaped aperture and the three portions of the line of weakness. FIG. 8 is a side view of the flexible package shown in FIG. 7 depicting the three portions of the line of weakness being broken as the side wall is pulled downward away from the top wall. FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment of a side view of a flexible package showing an oval shaped aperture and with two portions of the line of weakness converging towards one another as they approach the bottom wall. FIG. 10 is an alternative embodiment of a side view of a flexible package showing the aperture being in the form of a slit and with two portions of the line of weakness having a non-linear configuration. FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment of a side view of a flexible package showing the aperture as two circular openings and with two portions of the line of weakness diverging towards one another as they approach the bottom wall. FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of a side view of a flexible package showing the aperture in the form of two perforated tabs that can be broken as a pair of finger tips push against them from the inside of the pocket and with two portions of the line of weakness being aligned parallel to one another. FIG. 13 is an alternative embodiment of a side view of a flexible package showing the aperture in the form of two X shaped slits that will open up as a pair of finger tips push against them from the inside of the pocket and with two portions of the line of weakness extending the length of the side wall and being aligned parallel to one another but are not continuous. FIG. 14 is an alternative embodiment of a side view of a flexible package showing the aperture in the form of two horizontal slits that will open up as a pair of finger tips push against them from the inside of the pocket and with two portions of the line of weakness being continuous and each extending the length of the side wall and being aligned parallel to one another. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a flexible package 10 is shown having an easy opening feature. The package 10 includes a multiplicity of walls. For example, the package 10 can have a front wall 12, a back wall 14, a pair of opposing side walls 16 and 18, a top wall 20 and a bottom wall 22. The package 10 has a longitudinal axis X-X, a transverse axis Y-Y and a vertical axis Z-Z. The package 10 also has a height h, a width w and a thickness t. All of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 are connected together to form an internal compartment 24. The internal compartment 24 is capable of containing a plurality of articles 26. By “plurality” it is meant three or more articles. Desirably, the articles 26 are arranged in one or more rows. In FIG. 2, two horizontal rows of articles 28 and 30 are depicted with an upper row 28 being located above a lower row 30 within the package 10. The rows 28 and 30 could be arranged side by side, if desired. Likewise, the package 10 can contain two or more rows arranged along the lower portion of the package 10 and two or more rows located above the lower rows. For example, a package can contain two bottom rows and two vertical rows thereby forming an aggregate of four rows within the package. Another example would be a package containing two bottom rows and three vertical rows thereby forming an aggregate of six rows within the package. Each row 28 and 30 can consist of a plurality of articles 26. In FIG. 2, each of the rows 28 and 30 contains 16 articles. However, it should be readily apparent that the number of articles 26 contained within a given row can vary. For disposable absorbent articles, either wrapped or unwrapped, the number of articles 26 enclosed within a single package 10 usually ranges from between about 3 to about 200. Desirably, there are from about 5 to about 100 disposable absorbent articles in a given row. More desirably, there are from about 10 to about 50 disposable absorbent articles in a given row. The number of articles 26 in each row 28 and 30 can be the same or can differ. The articles 26 themselves should be capable of being compressed. Desirably, each article 26 can be compressed by at least 10%, and desirably, by at least 20%. The articles 26 can be almost any kind of product but the present invention will be described using disposable absorbent articles 26. A disposable absorbent article is a product that is primarily designed and constructed to absorb human discharge, such as urine, menses and/or fecal matter. The disposable absorbent article is a product that is designed for a single use before it is discarded and is not intended to be laundered and reused. Examples of disposable absorbent articles 26 include infant diapers, training pants, sanitary napkins, feminine pantyliners and pads, tampons, adult incontinence garments, such as pads, briefs and undergarments, as well as other disposable absorbent products. The flexible package 10 can be formed from a polymeric material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or a blend thereof. One material that works well is a polymeric film. Polymeric films used to produce the flexible package 10 should have a thickness of less than about 5 mils, desirably, less than about 3 mils, and more desirably, less than about 1.5 mils. A “mil” is equal to one-thousandth of an inch. Other natural and synthetic materials, known to those skilled in the art, could also be used to form the package 10. Such other materials include, but are not limited to, woven and non-woven materials. The flexible package 10 is filled with a plurality of articles 26. The articles 26 can be randomly or uniformly arranged within the package 10. Desirably, the articles 26 are arranged in at least one row 28 which extends from one side wall 16 to the other side wall 18. Normally, the articles 26 are first compressed and are then inserted into the package 10. Once the articles 26 are retained in the package 10, the package 10 is sealed. The compressed articles 26 will try to expand once they are within the sealed package 10 and this action places the opposing side walls 16 and 18 of the package 10 under tension and creates a smooth front wall 12. This smooth front wall 12 makes it easy for a consumer to view the graphics and read the words printed on the package 10. This side-to-side compression also facilitates easy removal of the articles 26 from the package 10 because of the location of the tearable opening, which will be explained shortly. Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the flexible package 10 is constructed with at least one gusset 32, and desirably, with a pair of gussets 32 and 34. By a “gusset” it is meant a member, for example a triangular member, capable of strengthening and/or enlarging the flexible package 10. The gusset 32 can be a separate piece of material or can be an extension of or integrally formed from the material from which the flexible package 10 is constructed. The gusset 32 can be viewed as a pocket, receptacle, cavity or opening. The one or two gussets, 32 or 32 and 34, are located in the top of the package 10 and are exposed to make them visible to the ultimate consumer. When two gussets 32 and 34 are present, they can be located on the opposite sides of the top wall 20, on opposite sides of the bottom wall 22 or one in the top wall 20 and one in the bottom wall 22 so as to provide a natural location where the consumer can easily grasp the package 10. The first gusset 32 is formed in at least a portion of the side wall 16 and the second gusset 34 is formed in at least a portion of the side wall 18. Each of the gussets 32 and 34 is shown as having a triangular configuration, although variations of the triangular shape can be employed. The actual configuration of the gussets 32 and 34 can be formed by folding the material from which the package 10 is constructed. Each of the gussets 32 and 34 has a first end 36 that can be aligned with the top wall 20 or can be slightly offset therefrom. Each of the gussets 32 and 34 has a second end 38 which is spaced away from the first end 36 and extends downward toward the bottom wall 22. The first end 36 represents the base of the triangular configuration of each of the gussets 32 and 34 and the second end 38 represents the apex of the triangular configuration. Each of the gussets 32 and 34 has a height h1 that extends at least about 20% of the package height h, see FIG. 3. Desirably, each of the gussets 32 and 34 has a height h1 that extends at least about 30% of said package height h. More desirably, each of the gussets 32 and 34 has a height h1 that extends from between about 20% to about 90% of the package height h. The height h1 of the gusset 32 or 34 can vary depending upon the thickness of the package 10. For example, as the thickness of a package 10 increases, the height h1 of the gusset 32 or 34 will generally get bigger. Each of the gussets 32 and 34 is aligned inward of a portion of one of the pair of opposing side walls 16 and 18 to form a pocket 40. Each pocket 40 has an internal panel 42 and an external panel 44. Each pocket 40 is formed by folding the material forming the package 10 such that the internal and external panels, 42 and 44 respectively, are joined together and extend diagonally downward from the opposite upper corners of the package 10 down to the second end 38. In FIG. 3, the front wall 12, the top wall 20 and the side wall 16 form a front upper corner 46 while the back wall 14, the top wall 20 and the side wall 16 form a back upper corner 48 (see FIG. 1). The internal and external panels, 42 and 44 respectively, are each joined at the corners 46 and 48 and have a common line of intersection that diverges diagonally downward and inward toward the second end 38. The function of the gussets 32 and 34 is to strengthen the upper region of the side walls 16 and 18 and to provide an enlarged area whereby the consumer can position one, two or more of his or her fingers so as to easily open the package 10. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3-6, the flexible package 10 also includes a pair of seals 50 and 52, each formed in the opposing side walls 16 and 18. The pair of seals 50 and 52 can be formed by a heat and pressure bond, by a thermal bond, by an ultrasonic bond, by adhesive or by another means known to those skilled in the art. The pair of seals 50 and 52 is present in the external panels 44 of the pockets 40 and each spans the entire height h of the package 10. Each of the pair of seals 50 and 52 extends from the first end 36 of one of the gussets 32 and 34 downward into the bottom wall 22. The pair of seals 50 and 52 can be aligned parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the side wall 16, if desired. In FIG. 6, one can see that the pair of seals 50 and 52 actually extends into and across a portion of the bottom wall 22. The distance that each of the pair of seals 50 and 52 extends across a portion of the bottom wall 22 can vary. Desirably, the pair of seals 50 and 52 will extend across at least about 10% of the width w of the bottom wall 22. The purpose of the pair of seals 50 and 52 is to secure the pair of side walls 16 and 18 together whereby the front wall 12, the back wall 14, the pair of side walls 16 and 18, and the top wall 20 create the internal compartment 24 which is open only at the bottom wall 22. The package 10 is designed to have the multiplicity of articles 26 inserted into it via the open bottom wall 22. After the articles 26 are positioned within the package 10, the bottom wall 22 will then be sealed. Referring to FIG. 6, a bottom seal 54 is formed in the bottom wall 22 after a plurality of articles 26 are placed into the internal compartment 24 of the package 10. Desirably, the articles 26 are compressed before being positioned within the internal compartment 24. Once the articles 26 are positioned with the package 10, the bottom wall 22 is sealed by any of the bonds described above with reference to the pair of seals 50 and 52. A heat and pressure bond works well for a polymeric film material. The bottom seal 54 cooperates with said pair of seals 50 and 52 to completely enclose the articles 26 within the package 10. By “completely enclose” it is meant that the plurality of articles 26 are surrounded on all sides by the material forming the package 10. The bottom seal 54 can be aligned parallel to the central transverse axis of the package 10, if desired. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 3-5, an aperture 56 is formed through the external panel 44 of at least one of the pockets 40. The aperture 56 should be formed close to the first end 36 of the gusset 32 to facilitate the insertion of a person's fingers. The aperture 56 is shaped and sized to receive at least one human finger. Desirably, two, three or four fingers of a person's hand can be positioned in the upper end of one of the pockets 40. By locating the pockets 40 in the upper portion of the package 10, it is easy for the consumer to locate the opening mechanism. In FIG. 4, the middle and index fingers of a person's left hand are shown being inserted down into the pocket 40 from above such that the finger tips extend out through the aperture 56. The fingers can extend through the aperture 56 up to approximately the first knuckle. It should be noted that an area of weakness can be substituted for each aperture 56. For example, it is known to those skilled in the art that a material can be treated, coated, printed on, etc. such that a section or area of the material having a predetermined shape and size can be made weaker. When a person contacts such an area with his or her finger tip, the material will stretch, elongate or extend outward to form a finger tip pocket without actually breaking or tearing the material. In essence, the finger tip pocket will function as the aperture 56. For the purpose of this invention, by an “aperture” it is meant a hole, gap, slit, orifice, or other opening, or a finger tip pocket, cavity, depression, or other indentation where the material is not separated but can be deformed to a configuration allowing one or more of a person's finger tips to engage therewith. Referring to FIG. 7, the opening mechanism of the flexible package 10 further includes a line of weakness 57 having a first portion 58, a second portion 60 and a third portion 62. Additional portions, such as a fourth portion, can be added to the line of weakness 57, if desired. The three portions 58, 60 and 62 of each line of weakness 57 is formed in at least one of the side walls 16 or 18, which also contains the external panel 44 with the aperture 56 formed therethrough. Each of the three portions 58, 60 and 62 can be a continuous, discontinuous or intermittent line or a combination thereof. The three portions 58, 60 and 62 do not have to be of similar length. One can also view the three portions 58, 60 and 62 as being three separate lines of weakness connected together to form a single line of weakness 57. Each of the three portions 58, 60 and 62 do not have to physically touch or intersect with another portion but can be spaced apart from at least one of the other portions. Each of the three portions 58, 60 and 62 can be a linear line or a non-linear line. Examples of non-linear lines for the three portions 58, 60 and 62 can include a curved line, an S-shaped line, a zigzag line, or an arcuate line. Each of the three portions 58, 60 and 62 can be a perforated line, a line formed by a plurality of openings, such as slots separated by a plurality of land areas, a line of reduced material thickness, a weakened line formed by joining two sections of material together, or be any other structural configuration known to those skilled in the art. The three portions 58, 60 and 62 can be formed in one of the side walls 16 or 18 or all three portions 58, 60 and 62 can be formed in both of the side walls 16 and 18. When the three portions 58, 60 and 62 are formed in both of the side walls 16 and 18, the package 10 can be easily opened from either side. This feature may prove to be beneficial to both right and left handed consumers. However, the three portions 58, 60 and 62 only have to be formed in one of the side walls 16 or 18 in order to provide easy and convenient access to the articles 26 enclosed in the package 10. In FIG. 7, each of the first two lines of weakness 58 and 60 are located on an opposite side of the aperture 56. The first two portions 58 and 60 are depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4-5 as being aligned approximately parallel to one another and parallel to the longitudinal centerline X-X of the package 10. The first two portions 58 and 60 do not have to be parallel to one another but can be non-parallel to one another or be arranged as a mirror image of one another. In addition, each of the first two portions 58 and 60 can be totally different in shape and design from the other one, if desired. Each of the first two portions 58 and 60 can extend from the first end 36 of the gusset 32 downward to a point spaced apart from the bottom wall 22. The length of each of the first two portions 58 and 60 should be approximately the same, although this is not a requirement, and each of the first two portions 58 and 60 can extend from about 20% to about 100% of the height h of the package 10. Desirably, each of the first two portions 58 and 60 will extend from about 25% to about 90% of the height h of the package 10. More desirably, each of the first two portions 58 and 60 will extend from about 30% to about 75% of the height h of the package 10. The length of the first two portions 58 and 60 will be partly dictated by the number of rows 26 and 28 of articles 26 enclosed within the package 10. It is important to note that each of the first two portions 58 and 60 begin at the first end 36 of the gusset 32 which is located above the aperture 56. This structure helps assure that as the consumer pulls the aperture 56 downward and outward, that the first two portions 58 and 60 will easily start to break. In order to open the package 10, the consumer can place one of his or her hands gently but firmly on the top wall 20 of the package 10 and pull the gusset 32 downward and outward with the other hand. Such action will cause the first two portions 58 and 60 of the line of weakness 57 to start to tear or break. The first two portions 58 and 60 are designed to begin breaking before the third portion 62 will start to break. The first two portions 58 and 60 will not be completely broken when the third portion 62 starts to break. It should be noted that the third portion 62 is intended to be completely broken before the first two portions 58 and 60 are completely broken. It should be noted that a package 10 having at least one line of weakness 57 can be manufactured such that the first two portions 58 and 60 will not break under ordinary handling of the package 10. Instead, the first two portions 58 and 60 can be made to break only when a predetermined amount of force is placed on the gusset 32 and the gusset 32 is pulled downward and outward. The amount of force needed to break the first two portions 58 and 60 can be adjusted in a number of ways. For example, the amount of force can be varied by changing the thickness of the material from which the package 10 is constructed, by using a stronger material for the package 10, by changing the method of forming the first two portions 58 and 60, or by changing the location of the first two portions 58 and 60. Other means for changing the amount of force needed to break the first two portions 58 and 60 of the line of weakness 57 will be known to those skilled in the art. When the first two portions 58 and 60 are two perforation lines, one can vary the amount of force needed to break the perforation lines by lengthening the land areas between the slots. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the third portion 62 of the line of weakness 57 extends across at least a portion of the side wall 16 and connects with the first two portions 58 and 60. The third portion 62 can be aligned perpendicular to the first two portions 58 and 60, as shown, or be aligned at an angle to the first two portions 58 and 60. Expressed another way, the third portion 62 connects with the first two portions 58 and 60 to form a continuous path of weakness that can be broken as the consumer pulls downward and outward on the aperture 56. Referring now to FIG. 8, the package 10 is shown with the gusset 32 being torn open. In this embodiment, the first two portions 58 and 60 of the line of weakness 57 are partially broken and the third portion 62 has been completely broken. Since the third portion 62 extends transversely across the side wall 16, it is designed to be completely broken after the first two portions 58 and 60 begin to break. In FIG. 8, one can see that an opening 64 is created into the internal compartment 24 of the package 10 as the three portions 58, 60 and 62 began to break. The outermost article 26 is visible as the opening 64 becomes larger. The opening feature of the flexible package 10 is made up of one of the gussets 32 or 34, the aperture 56 and the line of weakness 57 to create a structure which allows the package 10 to be easily opened. It should be noted that the flexible package 10 does not have a handle but instead is void of a handle. If one desired to secure a handle onto the package 10, one could easily do so. Several different ways of attaching or securing a permanent or removable handle to the flexible package 10 are known to those skilled in the art. Since compressed packages tend to be smaller in overall volume, having a smaller width dimension, the need for a handle is not as prevalent as for larger size packages. Referring now to FIGS. 9-14, six different embodiments are shown for forming and constructing the aperture(s) and the line of weakness 57. In FIG. 9, a flexible package 10′ is shown having an oval or elliptically shaped aperture 56′ formed in the external panel 44 of the pocket 40. In addition, the first two portions 58 and 60 of the line of weakness 57 are shown as being non-linear and curving or converging towards one another as they approach the bottom wall 22. Furthermore, the first two portions 58 and 60 extend over 50% of the height h of the package 10′. In FIG. 10, a flexible package 10″ is shown having a single horizontal slit 66 in place of the aperture 56 that is formed in the external panel 44 of the pocket 40. The slit 66 can be expanded as one pokes one or more finger tips through the slit 66 thereby creating an aperture. One will also notice that the first two portions 58 and 60 are non-linear lines having an overall funnel shape that narrows as the first two portions 58 and 60 each approach the bottom wall 22. Furthermore, the first two portions 58 and 60 of the line of weakness 57 extend over 70% of the height h of the package 10″. In FIG. 11, a flexible package 10′″ is shown having two identical circular apertures 68 and 70 formed in the external panel 44 of the pocket 40. The two apertures 68 and 70 can be arranged side by side with each being located on one side of the central longitudinal axis of the side wall 16. Each of the circular apertures 68 and 70 should be sized to allow a person to insert a finger therethrough. In addition, the first two portions 58 and 60 are depicted as linear lines angling toward one another as they approach the bottom wall 22. Furthermore, the first two portions 58 and 60 of the line of weakness 57 extend over 60% of the height h of the package 10′″. In FIG. 12, a flexible package 11 is shown having two U-shaped perforation tabs 72 and 74 with each being located on one side of the central longitudinal axis of the side wall 16. The U-shaped perforation tabs 72 and 74 can be square, rectangular or of some other desired shape. Each of the two perforation tabs 72 and 74 should be sized to allow a person to insert a finger therethrough once the perforations 72 and 74 are broken. In addition, the first two portions 58 and 60 of the line of weakness 57 are depicted as linear lines arranged parallel to one another and perpendicular to the third portion 62. Furthermore, the first two portions 58 and 60 of the line of weakness 57 extend over 60% of the height h of the package 11. In FIG. 13, a flexible package 11′ is shown having two X shaped slits 76 and 78 with each being located on one side of the central longitudinal axis of the side wall 16. Each of the two X shaped slits 76 and 78 should be sized to allow a person to insert a finger therethrough. In addition, the first two portions 58 and 60 are depicted as non-linear lines curved towards one another adjacent to the top wall 20 and then becoming parallel to one another as they approach the bottom wall 22. Furthermore, the first two portions 58 and 60 extend approximately 100% of the height h of the package 11′. The first two portions 58 and 60 of the line of weakness 57 also have a break (b) located along their length, approximately half way up the height h of the package 11″, so as to make the first two portions 58 and 60 discontinuous. This arrangement can be advantageous when the package 11′ contains two horizontal rows of articles 26. In this case, the consumer can tear or break the first two portions 58 and 60 up to the break (b) such that the articles 26 in the upper horizontal row can be easily removed. Once these articles 26 have been removed and used, the consumer can then pull down on the gusset 32 and tear the material bridging the break (b) that forms the package 11′ until the remaining portions of the first two portions 58 and 60 are encountered. At this point, pulling down on the gusset 32 will cause the first two portions 58 and 60 to break or tear down to the bottom wall 22 exposing the second or lower row of articles. It should also be recognized that three or more horizontal rows of articles 26 can be vertically arranged within a package. In this case, it is possible to form two or more breaks (b) along each of the first two portions 58 and 60 of the line of weakness 57. Within each of the first two portions 58 or 60, a break (b) will be spaced apart and separated from an adjacent break (b) by a segment of the first two portions 58 or 60. Desirably, each break (b) will be formed at a location aligned with an area representing the separation between every two vertically arranged rows of articles 26. Lastly, in FIG. 14, a flexible package 11″ is shown having two horizontal slits 80 and 82 with each being located on one side of the central longitudinal axis of the side wall 16. Each of the two horizontal slits 80 and 82 should be sized to allow a person to insert a finger therethrough. In addition, the first two lines of weakness 58 and 60 are depicted as continuous, linear lines. The first two portions 58 and 60 are arranged parallel to one another and perpendicular to the third line of weakness 62. Furthermore, the first two portions 58 and 60 of the line of weakness 57 extend approximately 100% of the height h of the package 11″. It should be noted that other geometrical shapes for the aperture 56 and other arrangements for the line of weakness 57 are possible. While the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the aforegoing description. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>It has been realized that cost savings can be obtained by compressing disposable absorbent articles within a flexible package. The flexible packages are normally formed from a polymeric material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or a blend thereof. A compressed package produces a smaller volume package which reduces distribution expenses. Besides the distribution cost savings, a majority of the material from which an individual package is constructed is held in tension thereby creating a nice smooth appearance across the front surface of the package. This smooth appearance makes it easier for the consumer to view the graphics and read the writing on the package. In addition, a compressed package produces a smaller size package which is easier for the consumer to handle. However, current compressed packages have a couple of drawbacks. One is that the opening feature may not be readily apparent and therefore the consumer may not be able to find the opening. Second, since the articles contained within the compressed package are slightly compressed themselves, it may be difficult for the consumer to easily remove the first few products from the package. Therefore, there is a need to create a compressed package with an easy opening feature which will enhance the overall consumer experience. By producing a compressed package that has an opening feature that is easy to locate, easy to open and one that will allow the articles to be accessed one at a time, a more user friendly compressed package can be produced. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Briefly, this invention relates to a flexible package having an easy opening feature. The package includes a front wall, a back wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall. All of the walls are connected together to form an internal compartment having a height, a width and a depth. The compartment is capable of containing a multiplicity of articles. The package also has a gusset formed in at least a portion of one of the pair of opposing side walls. The gusset has a first end aligned with the top wall and a second end extending downward toward the bottom wall. The gusset is aligned inward of a portion of one of the pair of opposing side walls to form a pocket having an internal panel and an external panel. The package also has an aperture formed through the external panel of the pocket and the aperture is sized to receive at least one human finger. Lastly, the package has a line of weakness formed in the side wall containing the external panel with the aperture formed therethrough. The line of weakness has two portions, each located on an opposite side of the aperture and each extending from the first end of the gusset to a point spaced apart therefrom. The line of weakness also has a third portion which extends across the side wall and connects with the first two portions of the line of weakness. The combination of the gusset, the aperture and the line of weakness creates a structure which allows the package to be easily opened. | 20040729 | 20110111 | 20060202 | 94941.0 | A61B1706 | 0 | REYNOLDS, STEVEN ALAN | FLEXIBLE PACKAGE HAVING AN EASY OPENING FEATURE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | A61B | 2,004 |
|
10,901,969 | ACCEPTED | Stabilized pancreas product | The present invention provides stabilized pancreas products useful, for example, as an animal feed additives. The invention also provides for feed additives and feed rations comprising a stabilized pancreas product. Further, the invention provides for methods of making stabilized pancreas products. The present invention also provides for methods of supplementing an animal feed utilizing stabilized pancreas products. | 1. A stabilized pancreas product comprising pancreas glands and one or more pancreatic enzymes in zymogen form, wherein said one or more enzymes is a protease, and wherein said stabilized pancreas product is stable upon exposure to air or water. 2. The stabilized pancreas product according to claim 1, wherein said product contains about 1 percent to about 20 percent moisture. 3. The stabilized pancreas product according to claim 1, wherein said product contains about 20 percent to about 95 percent moisture. 4. (canceled) 5. The stabilized pancreas product of claim 1, wherein said product, when activated, has an amylase activity of at least about 0 percent of the amylase activity of pancreatin. 6. The stabilized pancreas product of claim 1, wherein said product, when activated, has an amylase activity of at least about 3 percent of the amylase activity of pancreatin. 7. The stabilized pancreas product of claim 1, wherein said product, when activated, has an amylase activity of at least about 75 percent of the amylase activity of pancreatin. 8. The stabilized pancreas product of claim 1, wherein said product, when activated, has an amylase activity of at least about 105 percent of the amylase activity of pancreatin. 9. The stabilized pancreas product of claim 1, wherein said product, when activated, has a protease activity of at least about 25 percent of the protease activity of pancreatin. 10. The stabilized pancreas product of claim 1, wherein said product, when activated, has a protease activity of at least about 80 percent of the protease activity of pancreatin. 11. The stabilized pancreas product of claim 1, wherein said product, when activated, has a protease activity of at least about 100 percent of the protease activity of pancreatin. 12. The stabilized pancreas product of claim 1 wherein said product, when activated, has a protease activity of at least about 130 percent of the protease activity of pancreatin. 13. The stabilized pancreas product of claim 1 wherein said product, when activated, has a protease activity of at least about 200 percent of the protease activity of pancreatin. 14. A feed additive comprising a stabilized pancreas product as recited in claim 1. 15. An animal feed ration comprising a feed additive as recited in claim 14. 16. The animal feed ration of claim 15, wherein the feed additive is about 0.1 percent (w/w) of the feed ration. 17. The animal feed ration of claim 15, wherein the feed additive is about 0.2 percent (w/w) of the feed ration. 18. The animal feed ration of claim 15, wherein the feed additive is about 0.4 percent (w/w) of the feed ration. 19. The animal feed ration of claim 15, wherein the feed additive is about 0.5 percent (w/w) of the feed ration. 20. The animal feed ration of claim 15, wherein said ration is formulated for an animal selected from the group consisting of cat, cattle, deer, dog, fish, goat, horse, llama, pig, poultry, rabbit, and sheep. 21. A method comprising orally administering the stabilized pancreas product of claim 1 to an animal. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein said stabilized pancreas product is administered to an animal beginning from about 1 week prior to a production change to about 1 week after the production change. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the production change is a transition from a first food source to a second food source. 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the production change is a transition from a liquid food source to a solid food source. 25. The method of claim 21, wherein the production change is weaning from a dam. 26. The method of claim 21, wherein said ration is formulated for an animal selected from the group consisting of cat, cattle, deer, dog, fish, goat, horse, llama, pig, poultry, rabbit, and sheep. 27. The method of claim 21, wherein said period of production change is the result of environmental factors. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the environmental factors are selected from the group consisting of changes in the temperature or climate to which the animal is exposed; changes in the animal's housing; and changes in the animal's social group, and combinations thereof. 29. A method of making a stabilized pancreas product comprising the steps of: emulsifying pancreas glands to form emulsified pancreas; and blending the emulsified pancreas with an acidifier, thereby obtaining a stabilized pancreas product. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the acidifier is selected from the group consisting of propionic acid, acetic acid, and a combination thereof. 31. The method of claim 29, wherein the emulsified pancreas is acidified to a pH of about 6.0 to about 4.5. 32. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of blending the stabilized pancreas product with a fiber source or byproduct thereof. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the fiber source or byproduct thereof is soy hulls. 34. A method of making a stabilized pancreas product comprising the steps of: mixing emulsified pancreas with a carrier; and extruding the mixture, thereby obtaining a stabilized pancreas product. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the carrier is selected from the group consisting of a fiber source or byproduct thereof, a grain or byproduct thereof, and any combination thereof. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the carrier is selected from the group consisting of soy hulls, corn, and any combination thereof. 37. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of drying the stabilized pancreas product in at least one apparatus selected from the group consisting of a cooler and an evaporation conveyer. 38. A method of making a stabilized pancreas product comprising the steps of: atomizing emulsified pancreas in a drying chamber; and collecting the atomized pancreas, thereby obtaining a stabilized pancreas product. 39. A method of making a feed ration comprising the steps of: providing a range of dietary ingredients; and mixing the ingredients with a stabilized pancreas product, thereby obtaining a feed ration comprising a stabilized pancreas product. 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of forming the feed ration into pellets. 41. The stabilized pancreas product of claim 1, comprising trypsin in its zymogen form. 42. The stabilized pancreas product of claim 1, comprising chymotrypsin in its zymogen form. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention provides a stabilized pancreas product, useful, for example, as an animal feed additive. 2. Background of the Invention Animals encounter periods of suboptimal utilization of feed, for example, during periods of change in production, such as the transition from one feed source or ration to a different food source or ration. These changes often result in the poor utilization of dietary nutrients, and result in less efficient production and increased feed costs. For example, the swine industry recognizes that nutrition and maximal utilization of feed are important as pigs generally grow much faster in proportion to their body weight than larger animals. See Ensminger, Animal Science, 9th Ed. Interstate Publishers, Inc., Danville, Ill. (1991). To promote efficient growth, swine may be fed a high-energy ration which is low in fiber. However, swine differ in the kind and amounts of nutrients needed according to a number of factors including age, function, disease state, nutrient interaction, and environment. See, for example, Hill et al., Tri-State Swine Nutrition Guide, Bull. No. 869-98, The Ohio State Univ., Columbus, Ohio (1998); and National Research Council, Nutrient Requirements of Swine, 10th Ed., Natl. Acad. Press, Washington, D.C. (1998). To meet these different needs, swine producers may formulate the base feed ration from a wide range of ingredients, including, but not limited to, grain concentrates, protein feeds, pasture, dry forages, silages, and downed crops. In addition, supplements may be used to ensure the ration provides the necessary nutritional requirements. Because each of these ingredients vary in availability, price, and amount or quality of nutrients contained, swine producers change feed ration formulations from time to time. For example, a swine producer may follow a complex schedule of different rations based upon the nutritional needs of each stage of the pig's life, the impact of environmental factors on those nutritional needs, and the availability of specific dietary ingredients. The weaning transition, that period during which pigs are weaned from the sow onto rations, involves some of the most profound nutritional and environmental changes of any life stage. See, e.g., Efird et al., J Anim. Sci. 55:1370 (1982). As a result, growth stasis, commonly referred to as postweaning lag, is frequently observed in weanling pigs. During postweaning lag, pigs may fail to gain, and may even lose, weight. Postweaning lag may cause significant losses in the swine industry where feed costs account for approximately sixty-five to seventy-five percent of total production costs. Swine producers attempt to minimize the period of postweaning lag through the use of specialized food sources and feed supplements, such as plasma and blood-derived protein, milk products, and soy concentrate, to feed weanling pigs in a phase-feeding program. These food sources and supplements are closely tailored to a weanling pig's nutritional needs, and, as such, may significantly increase the cost of the final feed ration. Thus, the weaning period and postweaning lag significantly impact the efficiency and cost of swine production. Although a large number of environmental stressors may contribute to the duration of the postweaning lag period, predominant factors are believed to be the change in feed form (from sow's milk to ration) and adjustment to new dietary ingredients. See McCracken et al., J Nutr. 125:2838 (1995); and Pierzynowski et al., J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. 16:287 (1993). During the weaning transition, pigs must adapt from a liquid-based diet consisting of sow's milk to a solid-based diet consisting of formulated animal rations. This change in diet and dietary nutrients, which may occur abruptly, often induces significant physiological responses in weanling pigs, including changes in the morphology of the small intestine and exocrine pancreas function, Cera et al., J Anim. Sci. 66:574 (1988); Cera et al., J. Anim. Sci. 68:384 (1990), and quantitative and qualitative changes in exocrine pancreas function, Lindemann et al., J Anim. Sci. 62:1298 (1986). Physiology and Function of the Pancreas. The pancreas is a significant accessory organ of digestion which functions as both an endocrine gland and as an exocrine secretory gland. See, e.g., Currie, Structure And Function Of Domestic Animals, Butterworths Pub., Boston, Mass. (1988). Located in the abdominal cavity in the mesentery, the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes which pass through one or more pancreatic ducts to the small intestine. A diverse array of pancreatic enzymes are known, and these enzymes are generally responsible for the hydrolytic processing of dietary nutrients into units capable of being absorbed by the small intestine. The pancreas secretes enzymes capable of processing each of the major nutrient classes—carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Examples of enzymes for processing each of these nutrient classes are respectively known as amylases, lipases, and proteases. Levels of pancreatic enzymes quantitatively and qualitatively change throughout the pig's life based upon the amount and composition of a pig's dietary nutrients. Ethridge et al., J Anim. Sci. 58:1396 (1984). In a non-pathogenic state, the pancreatic acini cells produce inactive forms of these digestive enzymes. Such forms are known as zymogens or proenzymes. Inactive digestive enzymes are sequestered within zymogen granules, and are activated by proteolytic cleavage, primarily by the enzyme trypsin, once they are secreted into the small intestine. The activation of trypsin, in turn, is orchestrated by trypsin inhibitors, present in acinar and ductal secretions, and duodenal enterokinase, an enzyme generally only present in portions of the small intestine. The combined affect of this regulation ensures that pancreatic enzymes are activated only where needed to effect the hydrolytic processing of dietary nutrients. Pancreatic Function During Periods of Major Production Changes. Several investigators have documented the development of the digestive capability of young pigs and the affect of a pig's age, weight, and ration on exocrine pancreas function. For example, Pierzynowski et. al., J Pediatr. Gastroenterol Nutr. 16:287 (1993), reported that the maturation of the exocrine pancreas function is more dependant on weaning than age. Initially, the digestive activity of pancreatic enzymes in weanling pigs is decreased as compared to suckling pigs. However, both basal and postprandial levels of amylases, lipases, proteases, and total pancreatic exocrine secretions increased with time in weanling pigs. These changes correlate strongly with changes in the weanling pig's diet but not with age. Limits of Exogenous Enzyme Therapy. Some swine producers have turned to exogenous enzymes as feed additives. The investigation and commercial exploitation of these enzymes has only recently become available through the use of advanced recombinant DNA technology and exogenous expression of enzymes in bacterial and other microbial systems. However, there are several factors limiting the usefulness of exogenous enzymes in animal feed. First, those skilled in the art have long recognized that exogenous enzymes are not needed to aid digestion in healthy animals. For example, Holden et al., Life Cycle Swine Nutrition, PM-489, 17th Rev., Iowa State Univ., Ames, Iowa (2000), states that pigs “produce adequate quantities of digestive enzymes for digestion of the proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids that they are capable of digesting.” Instead, those skilled in the art utilize exogenous enzymes in order to aid digestion of substances that animals are intrinsically incapable of digesting. For example, barley contains β-glucans, or water-soluble carbohydrates, which are poorly digested by the pig, and those skilled in the art have recognized that P-glucanase-containing feed rations can aid in the digestion of barley when it is used as a dietary ingredient. Second, each exogenous enzyme generally targets only a narrow range of substrates. Thus, use of exogenous enzymes to aid the digestion of a feed ration in general would require the complex mixing of feed ration containing specific combinations enzymatic substrates and exogenous enzymes. Such pairing would require a significant knowledge of available exogenous enzyme preparations, their specific substrate specificities, and the proper feed ration formulation and storage conditions. Swine producers using exogenous enzymes for this purpose therefore would have to make detailed ration formulation choices, thereby increasing production costs. Third, the efficacy of exogenous enzyme preparations is significantly altered during commercial processing and formulation of the feed ration. Commercial processing of animal feed often includes heating, extruding, and pelleting. Aggressive commercial processing of exogenous enzymes substantially destroys enzyme activity. Moreover, exogenous enzymes generally self degrade or catalyze the degradation of feed ingredients once the feed ration is formulated. Both of these events significantly reduce the time over which an enzyme-containing feed ration may be stored. In addition, the digestive system itself provides a significant challenge to the use of exogenous enzymes as feed additives. The feed of non-ruminant animals, such as pigs, must pass through the highly acidic confines of the stomach where digestion of proteins is initiated. Chyme from the stomach then passes the pylorus into the lumen of the small intestine. Although still highly acidic, chyme is quickly neutralized and made slightly alkaline. As such, the majority of digestive enzymes have pH optima at or above neutrality. Thus, the intrinsic characteristics of the digestive system itself requires that exogenous enzymes remain stable in highly acidic conditions, yet function optimally in slightly alkaline conditions. Pancreatin. Pancreatin is a pancreas-derived product that is prepared by drying and hydrolyzing swine pancreas. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,956,483 (“Preparing Pancreatin”). Pancreatin is made of dried, defatted pancreas. It is prepared from fresh or fresh-frozen pancreas. Normally the pancreas glands are minced and comminuted with the duodenum, which is added to activate the proteolytic enzymes or zymogens in the pancreas. Alternatively, proteolytic activity is sometimes established in the pancreatin preparation by the addition of active trypsin. The blend then undergoes activation of the enzymes. Thereafter, the pancreas is degreased and dried, generally by vacuum drying at room temperature. Pancreatin has been used in the animal industry primarily to treat digestive disturbances. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,624 (“Prevention of digestive disturbances in herbivores”); see also Russian Patent No. 829,115 (“Gastrointestinal disorder in calves”). Pancreatin also has been proposed as a feed additive. For example, Cortamira et al., Proc. of the 7th Int. Symp. on Digestive Physiology in Pigs, Univ. Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta (1997), investigated the use of 0.01 to 0.03 percent processed pancreatin in swine feed. See also U.S. Pat. No. 2,878,123 (“Use of Proteolytic Enzymes in Poultry Feed”). Heretofore there has not been a practicable feed additive based on a stabilized pancreas product. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,313,705 discloses a low-temperature process for making a lyophilized pancreas-based medicament. See col. 1, lines 65 to 69. However, the process is cumbersome and impractical to replicate on a commercial scale for animal feed. See col. 2, lines 16-51. Additionally, the disclosed product undergoes autolysis under atmospheric conditions and requires special storage procedures (e.g., the use of a dehydrating stopper). See col. 3, lines 27-39. Therefore, a strong need exists for a practicable stabilized pancreas product that can be used, for example, as a feed additive. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to stabilized pancreas products, feed additives comprising stabilized pancreas products, methods for producing, and methods of using stabilized pancreas products. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a pancreas product comprised of one or more pancreatic enzymes in their zymogen form. In other embodiments, the invention relates to stabilized pancreas products with specific amylase or protease activity. In another embodiment, the invention relates to feed additives comprising stabilized pancreas products. In other embodiments, the invention relates to feed rations comprising a stabilized pancreas product feed additive. In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of supplementing animal feed rations with stabilized feed products. Some embodiments encompass a method of supplementing animal feed rations with stabilized feed products before, during, and after periods of production change. In some embodiments, the period of production change is transition from a first food source to a second food source, the transition from a liquid to a solid food source, or the weaning of the young animal from the dam. In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of making stabilized pancreas products. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of making a stabilized pancreas product comprising the steps of emulsifying pancreas glands and blending the emulsified pancreas with an acidifier. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of making a stabilized pancreas product by mixing emulsified pancreas with a suitable carrier, and extruding the mixture. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of making a stabilized pancreas product comprising the steps of atomizing emulsified pancreas, and collecting the atomized pancreas. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is based on the surprising and unexpected discovery of a stabilized pancreas product that can be made in bulk quantities, that is simple to store and process, and that is useful, for example, as an animal feed additive to increase the utilization of nutrients in animals undergoing production changes. The present invention is widely applicable to a range of agriculture and food industries, including the aquaculture industry, beef and dairy cattle industries, commercial pet food industry, horse industry, poultry industry, and swine industry. Stabilized Pancreas Product One embodiment of the present invention provides a stabilized pancreas product that is useful, for example, as a feed additive. As used herein, “stabilized pancreas product” refers to a composition derived from substantially whole pancreas glands. These glands may be freed of the layers of mesentery or may be substantially freed of the superficial areolar tissue. Alternatively, the glands may be presented as excised without removal of the superficial mesentery tissue and fat. In either case, it is not necessary to remove the lipids from the stabilized pancreas products of the invention. As used herein, “stabilized” refers to certain qualities of the pancreas product, such as resistance to enzyme degradative hydrolysis, resistance to microbial and fungal spoilage, and resistance to fat oxidation. As such, stabilized pancreas products of the invention are resistant to enzyme degradative hydrolysis, resistant to microbial and fungal spoilage, and resistant to fat oxidation. Accordingly, stabilized pancreas products of the invention remain stable and resist autolysis or degradation upon exposure to air or water. Moreover, because of these qualities, the stabilized pancreas products of the invention do not require removal of fats or lipids or lyophilization. In one embodiment, a stabilized pancreas product according to the invention comprises pancreas that has not been hydrolyzed, but rather has been processed to stabilize the pancreatic enzymes. A more specific embodiment encompasses a stabilized pancreas product comprising pancreatic enzymes in zymogen form. As used herein, “zymogen” and “zymogen form” refer to the inactive or nearly inactive precursors of an enzyme. Enzymes synthesized as zymogens may be subsequently activated by cleavage of one or more specific peptide bonds. Such cleavage occurs, for instance, when the precursor of the proteolytic enzyme trypsin, trypsinogen, is hydrolyzed by the enzyme enteropeptidase. See, e.g., Berg et al. (Eds.), Biochemistry, 5th Ed., W.H. Freeman and Co., N.Y. (2002). A stabilized pancreas product according to the invention comprises pancreatic enzymes that do not undergo enzymatic degradation during storage. In one embodiment, a stabilized pancreas product retains at least about 75 percent of its original enzyme activity levels. In other embodiments, a stabilized pancreas product retains at least about 80 percent of its original enzyme activity levels; at least about 85 percent of its original enzyme activity levels; at least about 90 percent of its original enzyme activity levels; or at least about 95 percent of its original enzyme activity levels. In another embodiment, the stabilized pancreas product comprises pancreatic enzymes that do not undergo significant enzymatic degradation during storage over a period of not less than 2 days. In other embodiments, the stabilized pancreas product comprises pancreatic enzymes that do not undergo significant enzymatic degradation during storage over periods of not less than 10 and 30 days respectively. In yet another embodiment, the stabilized pancreas product comprises pancreatic enzymes that do not undergo significant enzymatic degradation during storage over a period of not less than a year. The stabilized pancreas product of the invention is provided in both wet and dry forms. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to dry stabilized pancreas products. More specific embodiments encompass dry stabilized pancreas products which range from about 1 percent to about 20 percent moisture content. In other embodiments, the invention is directed to wet stabilized pancreas products. More specific embodiments encompass wet stabilized pancreas products which range from about 20 percent to about 95 percent moisture content. In other embodiments, the stabilized pancreas product comprises a particular activated enzyme profile. As used herein, “activated enzyme profile” refers to the levels of enzymatic activity exhibited by the stabilized pancreas product when the product is appropriately activated. Several pancreatic enzymes may be of interest to those skilled in the art, such as the pancreatic enzyme classes currently listed as approved for use in livestock by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (“AAFCO”). These approved pancreatic enzyme classes include, among others, α-amylase, lipase and trypsin. Those skilled in the art would recognize, for example, protease zymogens may be activated by incubating the stabilized pancreas products with, among other thing, the contents of the small intestine. Other enzymes may be activated as is known in the art. The stabilized pancreas products of the invention may exhibit a variety of activated enzyme profiles. In one embodiment, a stabilized pancreas product exhibits amylase and protease activity. As used herein, “amylase activity” may be measured using techniques well known in the art, such as those disclosed in Cesca et al., Clin. Chim. Acta 26:437-44 (1969), and Von Worthington (Ed.), Worthington enzyme manual: enzymes and related biochemicals 399, Worthington Chemicals, Lakewood, N.J. (1993). In brief, one unit of a-amylase activity is equivalent to the amount of enzyme that catalyzes one micromol (1 μM) of glycosidic linkages in one minute under a set of prescribed conditions. In one method, a suitable substrate test may be conducted using Phadebas® Amylase test tablets (Pharmacia Diagnostics AB, Uppsala, Sweden) according to the instructions supplied by the manufacturer. First an aliquot of a test sample is diluted in reagent solution. The aliquot is warmed to 37 degrees Celsius and the amylase test tablet is added. The solution is incubated for a prescribed amount of time and the reaction is stopped by the addition of a sodium hydroxide solution. The solution is clarified either by centrifugation or filtration, and its absorbance is measured against a reagent blank. The absorbance of the sample is proportional to its α-amylase activity. Additionally, other techniques and methods for determining amylase activity are well known in the art. Such methods may be used where the amylase activities levels are compared to the enzyme levels of pancreatin and expressed as a percentage. As used herein, “protease activity” may be measured using techniques well known in the art, such as Gessesse A and B A Gashe, Biotechnol. Lett. 19(5):479-81 (1997). One unit of protease activity is equivalent to the amount of enzyme that liberates from the substrate one microgram of phenolic compound, as expressed as tyrosine equivalents, in one minute under a set of prescribed conditions. In one method, samples are activated by incubation with intestinal contents or a suspension of tissue collected from the small intestine. Once activated, samples are extracted in a sodium chloride solution and suitable filtered dilutions are prepared. After the temperatures of the dilutions and test reagents are equilibrated, a solution containing Hammarsten Casin (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) is thoroughly mixed with the diluted samples and incubated. After a prescribed period of time, a solution of trichloroacetic acid is added, and the samples continue to be incubated. After incubation, samples are filtered or centrifuged and its absorbance is measured against a reagent blank and a standard curve of L-tyrosine stock solutions. Additionally, other techniques and methods for determining protease activity are well known in the art. Such methods may be used where protease activities levels are compared to the enzyme levels of pancreatin and expressed as a percentage. Likewise, those skilled in the art may use known assay techniques to compare the enzyme activity level of a particular pancreatic enzyme of interest in the stabilized pancreas product with the enzyme activity level exhibited in pancreatin. The activity levels of trypsin and chymotrypsin may, for example, be compared using the assay protocol disclosed in Erlanger et al., Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 95:271-78 (1961). In another embodiment, the lipase activity levels are compared according to the protocols disclosed in I. G. Borlongan, Chanos Chanos Aquaculture 89:315-25 (1990), Gupta et al., Biotechnol. Appl. Biochem. 37:63-71 (2003), or Jahic et al., J Biotechnol. 102:45-53 (2003). As used herein, pancreatin conforms to the description promulgated by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. (Rockville, Md.). An exemplary pancreatin for use as a comparative baseline may, for instance, be obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Inc. (St. Louis, Mo.), as catalog number P-7545. One embodiment of the stabilized pancreas product of the invention comprises a particular activated enzyme profile. In some embodiments, the stabilized pancreas products comprise activated enzyme profiles, as compared on a dry matter basis to pancreatin, at least about 0 percent amylase activity, at least about 3 percent amylase activity, at least about 5 percent amylase activity, at least about 10 percent amylase activity, at least about 15 percent amylase activity, at least about 20 percent amylase activity, at least about 60 percent amylase activity, at least about 70 percent amylase activity, at least about 77 percent amylase activity, at least about 80 percent amylase activity, at least about 90 percent amylase activity, at least about 100 percent amylase activity, at least about 105 percent amylase activity, at least about 110 percent amylase activity, or at least about 120 percent amylase activity. In other embodiments, the stabilized pancreas product of the invention has an activated enzyme profile, as compared on a dry matter basis to pancreatin, of at least about 20 percent protease activity, at least about 30 percent protease activity, at least about 40 percent protease activity, at least about 70 percent protease activity, at least about 80 percent protease activity, at least about 90 percent protease activity, at least about 100 percent protease activity, at least about 110 percent protease activity, at least about 120 percent protease activity, at least about 130 percent protease activity, at least about 140 percent protease activity, at least about 180 percent protease activity, at least about 190 percent protease activity, at least about 200 percent protease activity, at least about 210 percent protease activity, or at least about 220 percent protease activity. In other embodiments, the stabilized pancreas product of the invention has an activated enzyme profile, as compared on a dry matter basis to pancreatin, of at least about 20 percent lipase activity, at least about 30 percent lipase activity, at least about 40 percent lipase activity, at least about 70 percent lipase activity, at least about 80 percent lipase activity, at least about 90 percent lipase activity, at least about 100 percent lipase activity, at least about 110 percent lipase activity, at least about 120 percent lipase activity, at least about 130 percent lipase activity, at least about 140 percent lipase activity, at least about 180 percent lipase activity, at least about 190 percent lipase activity, at least about 200 percent lipase activity, at least about 210 percent lipase activity, or at least about 220 percent lipase activity. In other embodiments, the invention includes a stabilized pancreas product having an activated enzyme profile that comprises a combination of any of the foregoing levels of amylase, protease, and lipase activity. Production of Stabilized Pancreas Product The invention also includes methods of producing a stabilized pancreas product from animal pancreas glands. In each method, the purpose of processing is to stabilize the pancreatic enzymes, i.e., to protect the resulting product from enzyme degradative hydrolysis, microbial and/or fungal spoilage, and/or fat oxidation. Each of the following production processes provides a different means of stabilizing the pancreas product of the invention. Animal pancreas glands may be obtained from a variety of sources, such as offal from the slaughter of animals. In one embodiment, pancreas glands are collected from pigs. In another embodiment, pancreas glands are collected from cattle. Those skilled in the art would also recognize that the pancreas glands of many additional animal species are obtainable from animals slaughtered in local abattoirs and slaughterhouses. However, the invention is not limited by the source of the pancreas glands. In one embodiment, the stabilized pancreas product is produced from emulsified pancreas glands. Pancreas glands may be emulsified by any means known in the art. For example, emulsification may be achieved using a plate grinder or similar instrument, with or without the addition of water. As a result, emulsified pancreas may contain from about 5 percent to about 95 percent dry matter. Those skilled in the art would recognize the dry matter content of the emulsified pancreas may vary according to the production process selected. For example, a spray drying process may require an emulsified pancreas with from about 5 percent to about 50 percent dry matter. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of making a stabilized pancreas product using an extrusion process. In brief, emulsified pancreas is blended with a carrier. There are many suitable carriers, for example, the feed ingredients, grains or fiber sources including their respective byproducts. More particularly, suitable carriers include corn and/or soy hulls. Optionally, a fiber source or byproduct thereof, such as hull fiber, cotyledon fiber, bran fiber, vegetable root fiber, or a combination thereof, may also be added to the blend. More particularly, soy hulls may be added to the blend as a fiber source. Other suitable fiber sources or byproducts include, but are not limited to, rice hull fiber, rice bran fiber, oat hull fiber, beet pulp, sunflower hull fiber, corn hull fiber, and soy cotyledon fiber. The blend is dried, for example, as it quickly passes through a series of heated locks under pressure. The blend is then sprayed into a collection apparatus. Optionally, the extruded stabilized pancreas product may be further dried with coolers and/or evaporation conveyers. In another embodiment, stabilized pancreas products of the invention are produced by spray drying. Any spray dryer known in the art may be used, including spray dryers with nozzles such as rotary atomizers and two fluid atomizers. In one embodiment, emulsified pancreas with from about 5 percent to about 50 percent dry matter is used in the spray drying production process. Powdered flow-aids may be optionally added to the emulsified pancreas to improve the spray-dry process. During this production process, emulsified pancreas may be heated to a liquid holding temperature from about 50 degrees Celsius to about 80 degrees Celsius, depending on the amount of dry matter in the emulsified pancreas. The emulsified pancreas may be forced under pressure through an atomizing nozzle into a drying chamber. Stabilized pancreas product then is collected from the drying chamber. The resulting stabilized pancreas product may comprise from about 80 percent to about 100 percent dry matter. In yet another embodiment, stabilized pancreas products are produced by blending with an acidifier to achieve stabilization microbiologically and enzymatically. In accordance with this production method, pancreas glands, or optionally emulsified pancreas, may be blended with a suitable fiber source or byproduct, such as the soy hulls, or other plant fiber sources described above. The blend is stabilized with an acidifier that lowers the mixture pH to a range of between either about 7.5 to about 3.5, about 7.0 to about 4.0, about 6.5 to about 4.0, or about 6 to about 4.5. Proprionic acid is an exemplary acidifier, and a wide variety of inorganic and organic acids, including acetic acid, may be used. This pH stabilization process produces a stabilized pancreas product with a range of dry matter content from about 5 percent to about 95 percent. Surprisingly, this pH stabilized pancreas product is exceptionally resistant to enzyme degradative hydrolysis, resistant to microbial and fungal spoilage, and resistant to fat oxidation. As such, a wet pH stabilized pancreas product may be stored and used similar to a forage, e.g. as silage of haylage. The stabilized pancreas products of the invention are ready to use as feed additives. However, the stabilized pancreas products may be further processed by various means known to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, the stabilized pancreas products of the invention comprise from about 5 percent dry matter to about 95 percent dry matter. In some embodiments, dry stabilized pancreas products may comprise from about 70 percent to about 95 percent dry matter. In other embodiments, wet stabilized pancreas products may comprise from about 5 percent to about 30 percent dry matter. In another embodiment, the stabilized pancreas products may be in the form of a mixed feed mash or as a top dressing. Alternatively, the stabilized pancreas products may be a dry powder. In one embodiment, the stabilized pancreas product is a dry powder containing less than about 20 percent moisture. Moreover, the stabilized pancreas products of the invention may be further processed and used as a component of a formulated feed ration. Use of Stabilized Pancreas Product Another embodiment of the invention provides a feed additive comprising the stabilized pancreas product. In one embodiment, the feed additive is mixed or formulated to form a complete feed ration which is orally administered to the animal. In another embodiment, the feed additive is mixed or formulated with one or more components of a free-choice diet. In yet another embodiment, the feed additive is applied to the feed ration, for example, (1) by thorough mixing prior to feeding, (2) by spraying onto feed ration using devices such as spray applicators, or (3) as a top-dressing on a feed ration. In another embodiment, the feed additive is administered in conjunction with the administration of feed supplements, e.g. mineral blocks. In another embodiment, a feed ration comprising a stabilized pancreas product may be of solid or liquid form. An exemplary solid feed ration may be formulated to contain about 0.1 percent (w/w) stabilized pancreas product feed additive. In other embodiments, solid feed rations may be formulated to contain from about 0.001 percent to about 1 percent stabilized pancreas product feed additive. An exemplary liquid feed ration may be formulated to contain about 0.1 percent (w/w) stabilized pancreas product feed additive. In other embodiments, liquid feed rations may be formulated to contain from about 0.001 percent to about 1 percent stabilized pancreas product feed additive. The feed ration may be prepared from a wide range of dietary ingredients. For example, those skilled in the art recognize that a feed ration's energy component may be based on grains and their byproducts, such as corn, sorghum, oats, barley, wheat, and rye. Likewise, a feed ration's protein component may be based on either animal or plant protein, such as heat-treated whole soybeans, spray dried plasma protein, and dried skim milk or whey. A feed ration's lipid component may be obtained from sources of feed grade fats and oils, including animal (grease, tallow), vegetable (corn oil and soy oil) and restaurant and processing byproducts (blends of fats and oils). A feed ration may also contain forage and nonforage fiber sources and/or their respective byproducts. In addition, the feed ration may be balanced using feed supplements, such as vitamins and minerals. The feed ration may include other components according to the dietary nutritional and/or medical needs of the animal. Feed rations of the present invention may be prepared by any method known in the art, such as grinding or rolling, pelleting, and/or heat processing. In one embodiment, the feed ration is formed into pellets. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,675 (“Energy conserving method and apparatus for pelleting particulate animal feed”). In brief, pellets may be formed by batching, mixing and pelleting steps carried out in known commercial equipment. This equipment may be combined in an installation consisting of a mixer which discharges into a surge bin, which in turn discharges into a pellet mill consisting of a variable-speed feeder, a steam conditioning chamber, and a die/roller assembly. Mash flows from the feeder through the conditioner, which discharges into the die/roller assembly where the stabilized pancreas product is extruded to form pellets. The pellets are then discharged from the pellet roll. A steam conditioning chamber is not essential to this exemplary process and may be optionally omitted. Production Changes In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods of using a stabilized pancreas product as a feed additive before, during, or after any period of production change. As used herein, “production change” is a term known in the art to denote a change from one feed to another or a change in environment. Production changes may be associated with the animal's life stage such as weaning from the dam, the onset and duration of pregnancy, or the accelerated finishing of animals. In another embodiment, stabilized pancreas product is used as a feed additive during times of production change caused by other factors, such as environmental factors. Environmental factors may include changes in the temperature or climate to which an animal is exposed, changes in the animal's housing, and changes in the animal's social group. In other embodiments, stabilized pancreas product is used as a feed additive before, during, or after a production change that occurs during a transition from one food source to another, such as occurs, for example, when a new lot of ration is used, when the relative quantity and/or type of ration components is changed, when an animal is fed a ration that is mixed or formulated using different food sources than the previous ration, or in any change from one feed ration to a different feed ration. In another embodiment, a stabilized pancreas product is used before, during, or after a period of production change in an animal undergoing a period of compensatory growth. A period of compensatory growth follows a period of feed nutrient restriction in most animals, and may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a grow-out cycle. Another embodiment of the invention relates to methods of using a stabilized pancreas product to augment an animal's endogenous production of pancreatic enzymes. Methods of the invention are useful during periods of production change wherein pancreatic enzyme production is not sufficient to meet demands set by substrate quantity in the small intestine. As used herein, “before a production change” denotes hours to days prior to the production change. In one embodiment, the invention relates to methods of using a stabilized pancreas product from about 1 hour to about 5 hours, up to about 1 day, before a production change. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods of using a stabilized pancreas product from about 1 day to about 2 days, up to about 1 week, before a production change. In a third embodiment, the invention relates to methods of using a stabilized pancreas product beginning about 1 week or longer prior to the production change. As used herein, “during a production change” refers to the hours and days over which a production change may occur. It refers to a variable length of time that begins with the a production change and may extend for hours and days depending on the nature and quality of the production change. For instance, this may occur over the course of hours where an animal is exposed to changes in the ambient temperature, or days if the animal is being transported long distances. In another embodiment, this may occur in a day where an animal is subjected to a transition from one food source to another food source. Other lengths of time may be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the nature and quality of the production change. As used herein, “after a production change” refers to the hours and days subsequent to the production change. In one embodiment, the invention relates to methods of using stabilized pancreas from about 1 day to about 2 days, up to about 1 week, after a production change. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods of using a stabilized pancreas product from about 1 week to about 2 weeks, or longer, after a production change. The methods of using a stabilized pancreas product of the invention may be practiced on any animal that possesses a pancreas or produces digestive enzymes. The methods of the invention relate to any animal that produces digestive enzymes of the classes of enzymes normally excreted by the pancreas (i.e. proteases, amylases, lipases). Specific embodiments of the invention relate to production changes in cat, cattle, deer, dog, fish, goat, horse, llama, pig, poultry, rabbit, and sheep. The invention also includes methods of using stabilized pancreas product at production changes specific to a given agricultural industry. For example, different agricultural industries may have specific periods of production change based upon the past, current, and future production methods of the industries. Examples are set forth below. Aquaculture. One production change in the aquaculture industry occurs when the fish gut matures to full functionality. Other production changes may include, but are not limited to, major temperature and aeration changes of the surrounding water. The stabilized pancreas product of the present invention is suitable for use in aquaculture feed rations whereas prior products were not because activated pancreatic enzymes in the prior art products undergo autolysis quickly once exposed to water. Thus, the present invention provides a ration comprising stabilized pancreas product that is suitable for administration to fish and other aquatic animals. In one embodiment, the stabilized pancreas product comprises pancreatic enzymes in their zymogen form. In another embodiment, the stabilized pancreas product is sufficiently stable when immersed in water so as to avoid dissolution and autolysis of the enzymes. Cattle. In cattle, periods of production change may include, but are not limited to, the transition from milk to solid feed in calves; the transition from feed rations containing high proportions of forage and low proportions of concentrate to feed rations containing low proportions of forage and high proportions of concentrate; the transition to feed rations containing high levels of starch; and the transition from pasture to feed rations containing high levels of grain in cattle undergoing feedlot finishing. Deer. Periods of production change in deer, such as axis, fallow, red and silka deer and elk, include the transition from milk to solid feed in calves Horses. In horses, production changes due to changes in diet, such as the transition from one feed source or ration to a different food source or ration, is particularly frequent as horses often change from a hay-based diet to a pasture-based diet. Likewise, a production change occurs when a horse transitions from one grain-based supplement to another grain-based supplement. Additionally, a period of production changes occurs during a period of stress in which digestive function is insufficient to prevent the passage of starch into the large intestine and cecum. Pig. In swine, periods of production change may include, but are not limited to, the postweaning transition period, flushing, gestation, the onset of lactation in sows, and accelerated finishing phase in growing-finishing pigs. Poultry. In poultry, a particularly crucial period of production change occurs as chicks are exposed to dry feed for the first time after birth. Other periods of production change include, but are not limited to, periods of molting in laying hens, and accelerated finishing in broilers and turkeys. The stabilized pancreas product may be used as a feed additive during or after periods of production change, and/or before the onset of such periods in anticipation thereof. The prospective use of the stabilized pancreas product may prevent complications arising from periods of production change or from the natural consequences of any change in an animal's diet. In one embodiment, stabilized pancreas product is mixed with a food source, such as milk replacer and/or starter feed, for young cattle in order to prevent the onset of scours or other natural consequences of transitioning from maternal milk to a solid feed ration. In another embodiment, stabilized pancreas product is mixed with the feed rations of companion animals, such as cats and dogs, to prevent or ameliorate the natural consequences of their diet and habits. In one embodiment, cats are fed a ration comprising stabilized pancreas product to prevent or ameliorate the accumulation of hairballs or gastric and intestinal trichobezoars. EXAMPLES The following examples are illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to be limitations thereon. Example 1 Pancreas Glands Porcine pancreas glands are obtained from the offal of abattoirs, slaughterhouses or a similar facility. The pancreas glands may be stored refrigerated or immediately emulsified. The glands are then emulsified using a plate grinder with water such that the emulsified pancreas contains approximately 25 percent dry matter. Optionally, fresh pancreas glands may be frozen and ground at a latter time. Example 2 Extrusion A stabilized pancreas product was produced by extrusion. Emulsified pancreas was blended with prepared soy hulls to a proportion of 35 percent emulsified pancreas to 65 percent soy hulls. The blend was forced through an extruder apparatus consisting of a series of steam locks with a metal surface temperature of 300 degrees Celsius. The blend passed through the apparatus in approximately 20 seconds and was sprayed into a collection apparatus. Example 3 Spray Drying A stabilized pancreas product was produced by spray drying. Emulsified pancreas containing approximately 62 percent moisture was fed through a number of heated atomizing nozzles mounted in a spinning drying chamber. Heated air was simultaneously fed to the drying chamber. The atomized pancreas product was dropped to the floor of the drying chamber where it was collected. Example 4 pH Stabilization A stabilized pancreas product was produced by a pH stabilization process. Emulsified pancreas was obtained with approximately 75 percent moisture content. Propionic acid was added to the emulsified pancreas until a pH of 4.5 was achieved. After the addition of the acid, the stabilized pancreas product turned gray and possessed a slightly-flowable to rubber-like viscosity. In another example, emulsified pancreas was obtained as above and blended with prepared soy hulls. The blended pancreas consisted of approximately 35 percent emulsified pancreas and 65 percent prepared soy hulls. Propionic acid was added at a rate of 10 pounds per ton to the emulsified pancreas blend until a pH of 4.5 was achieved. Example 5 Aquaculture Formulation A feed ration suitable for use in aquaculture may be formulated using the stabilized pancreas product. An exemplary formulation for a shrimp ration is: Ingredient Percent (w/w) of Formulation Wheat Flour 28.00 Soy Bean Meal 35.50 Fish Meal 20.00 Squid Meal 4.00 Lecithin 2.00 Corn Gluten Meal 6.00 Fish Oil 2.50 Misc. Vitamins and 1.00 Minerals Binder 0.90 Stabilized Pancreas 0.10 Product An exemplary formulation for a tilapia ration is: Ingredient Percent (w/w) of Formulation Wheat Flour 27.00 Soy Bean Meal 35.00 Corn 5.90 Rice Bran 10.00 Fish Meal 12.00 Misc. Vitamins and 1.00 Minerals Corn Gluten Meal 9.00 Stabilized Pancreas 0.10 Product Example 6 Cattle Formulation A feed ration suitable for use in cattle may be formulated using the stabilized pancreas product. An exemplary formulation for a milk replacer comprising a stabilized pancreas product is: Ingredient Percent (as-is) of Formulation Whey Protein Concentrate 33.00 Dried Whey 31.73 Dry Fat (7.7% crude 31.00 protein/60.3% crude fat) Calcium Carbonate 0.55 Dicalcium Phosphate 0.40 Misc. Vitamins, Minerals, 2.00 and Additives Stabilized Pancreas Product 0.32 Amino Acids 1.00 Example 7 Deer Formulation A feed ration suitable for use in deer may be formulated using the stabilized pancreas product. An exemplary formulation for a deer ration is: Ingredient Percent (w/w) of Formulation Fine Ground Corn 0.60 Wheat Midds 30.00 Soy Hulls 15.00 Malt Sprouts 10.00 Salt 17.00 Dehydrated Alfalfa 3.00 Calcium Carbonate 3.00 Distillers Grains with 21.00 Solubles Canola Meal 0.25 Trace Mineral 0.05 Stabilized Pancreas Product 0.10 Example 8 Horse Formulation A feed ration suitable for use in horses may be formulated using the stabilized pancreas product. An exemplary formulation for an equine ration is: Ingredient Percent (w/w) of Formulation Ground Corn 11.00 Ground Oats 23.00 Wheat Midds 30.55 Soy Bean Meal 0.25 Salt 0.60 Dehydrated Alfalfa 4.00 Calcium Carbonate 2.40 Distillers Grains with 20.00 Solubles Oil 2.50 Misc. Vitamins, Minerals, 5.25 and Additives Stabilized Pancreas Product 0.10 Amino Acids 0.35 Example 9 Poultry Formulation A feed ration suitable for use in poultry may be formulated using the stabilized pancreas product. An exemplary formulation for a domesticated turkey ration is: Ingredient Percent (w/w) of Formulation Finely Ground Corn 53.71 Wheat Midds 11.54 Meat and Bone Meal 8.00 Feather Meal 5.00 Malt Sprouts 10.00 Soy Bean Meal 6.40 Salt 0.15 Calcium Carbonate 0.44 Cereal Fines 4.10 Misc. Vitamins, Minerals, 0.42 and Additives Stabilized Pancreas Product 0.10 Amino Acids 0.14 Example 10 Pig Formulation A feed ration suitable for use in swine may be formulated using the stabilized pancreas product. An exemplary formulation for a swine ration is: Ingredient Percent (w/w) of Formulation Ground Corn 40.53 Dried Whey 25.00 Soy Bean Meal 22.00 Salt 0.05 Fat 5.00 Calcium Carbonate 0.22 Dicalcium Phosphate 0.90 Animal Protein Products 5.50 Misc. Vitamins, Minerals, and 0.70 Additives Stabilized Pancreas Product 0.10 Example 11 Enzyme Levels in Stabilized Pancreas Product This example compares the enzymatic activity of various preparations of stabilized pancreas product. The moisture content, protease activity, and amylase activity were determined for spray-dried, freeze-dried, extruded, and pH stabilized pancreas products. Table 1 sets forth the various protease and amylase activity levels of stabilized pancreas products of the present invention. For each preparation, the enzyme activity of pancreatin is used as a comparative baseline. In Table 1, “spray dried” refers to the procedure described in Example 3; “freeze dried” refers to lyophilized pancreas glands prepared by methods known in the art; “extrusion” refers to the procedure described in Example 2 and “pH stabilized” refers to stabilized pancreas product blended with a carrier of soy hulls as described in Example 4. All samples were stored under the conditions indicated in Table 1 for 6 days. For each preparation, 1 part stabilized pancreas product was mixed with 4 parts of mature pig small intestinal content at room temperature for 2 minutes. Aliquots of each preparation were diluted and examined to determine protease activity levels. Protease activity levels were determined as follows. For samples with less than approximately 1000 U/G, 10 g of samples were mixed in about 80 mL of 2 percent sodium chloride solution for approximately 30 minutes. The solution volume was increased to 100 mL with 2 percent sodium chloride solution and filtered through glass fiber filter paper (Glass Microfibre GF/A, Whatman plc, Florham Park, N.J.). 1 mL of sample solution and reagents were equilibrated at 40 degrees Celsius. 5 mL of 0.6 percent (w/v) casein substrate (Hammarten Casein, Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J.) was added to each sample and incubated at 40 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes. 5 mL of precipitation reagent (18.8 g of trichloroacetic acid, 18.1 g of anhydrous sodium acetate, and 18.8 g of acetic acid in distilled water to a volume of 1000 mL) was added. Samples were then incubated at 40 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes. Samples were immediately filtered through laboratory qualitative filter paper (Whatman Grade 1, Whatman plc, Florham Park, N.J.), cooled to room temperature and measured for absorbance at 660 nm. Sample absorbances were measured against enzyme blanks and a standard curve of tyrosine solutions liberated by Folin-Ciocalteau phenol reagent. α-amalyse activity levels were determined as follows. Reagent solution (9 g sodium chloride, 2 g bovine serum albumin, and 2.2 g of calcium chloride in distilled water to a volume of 1000 mL) and 0.5 M sodium hydroxide solution were prepared. Samples were prepared by dilution into 204 mL of reagent solution, and equilibrated to 37 degrees Celsius. A substrate Phadebas Amylase Test Tablet (Pharmacia Diagnostics, Uppsala, Sweden) was added to each sample, and mixed vigorously for 10 seconds. Samples were then incubated for 15 minutes. 1 mL of 0.5 M sodium peroxide solution was added, and the solution was immediately centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 10 minutes. Sample absorbance was measured at 620 nm against a reagent blank, and α-amalyse activity was determined according to the manufacturer's instructions. TABLE 1 Enzyme Levels in Stabilized Pancreas Products Protease Amylase (Dry Matter Basis) (Dry matter Basis) Percent Percent Sample Storage Moisture U/g Activity U/g Activity Pancreatin −20° C. 3.60 414, 243 100 18,174 100 Freeze-Dried #1 −80° C. 4.68 335, 742 81 19,167 105 Freeze-Dried #2 4° C. 4.92 387, 137 93 19,215 106 *Freeze-Dried −80° C. 6.32 732, 891 177 14,854 82 Blended with Soy Hulls *pH stabilized Ambient 25.27 856, 423 207 13,932 77 Temperature *Extruded Ambient 16.57 545, 334 132 603 3 Temperature Spray-Dried Ambient 1.98 138, 987 34 33 0 Temperature *Protein contained in blended soy hulls was not accounted for, thus, protease activity may exceed that of the pancreatin. Accordingly, the stabilized pancreas products shown in Table 1 retain similar, if not superior, protease activity levels as compared to pancreatin. In addition, the stabilized pancreas products shown in Table 1 retain similar, or reduced, amylase activity levels as compared to pancreatin. These results are particularly surprising considering the storage of the stabilized pancreas products at ambient temperatures over a period of 6 days. Such results exemplify the stability of the products of the invention. Example 12 Feed Trial in Weanling Pigs In this example, a feed trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of the freeze-dried pancreas at reducing post weanling-lag in pigs. Six treatment groups were fed rations containing (1) no pancreatin or stabilized pancreas product; (2), 0.1 percent (w/w) pancreatin; (3) 0.2 percent (w/w) pancreatin; (4) 0.1 percent stabilized pancreas product, (5) 0.2 percent stabilized pancreas product, and (6) 0.4 percent stabilized pancreas product. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design by the GLM procedure (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, N.C.). As shown in Table 2, the freeze-dried pancreas exhibits a positive, quadratic effect on both feed intake and weight gain during the first week postweaning. Both of these measures increase with the percent of freeze-dried pancreas in the diet. In a ration containing 0.2 percent freeze-dried pancreas, feed intake is improved by 31 percent and weight gain is improved by 83 percent. As shown in Table 3, freeze-dried pancreas has no effect on these measures during the subsequent two weeks. TABLE 2 Reduction of Post-Weaning Lag in Pigs During Week 1 Treatment 1 2 3 4 5 6 P-Values Pancreatin (percent) 0.00 0.10 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 Pancreatin Pancreas Freeze-Dried (percent) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.20 0.40 SEM Linear Quadratic Linear Quadratic Feed Intake 0.32 0.40 0.29 0.45 0.42 0.38 0.058 0.735 0.253 0.568 0.117 (lbs/day) Weight Gain 0.12 0.22 0.15 0.18 0.22 0.17 0.040 0.626 0.106 0.256 0.166 (lbs/day) Feed:Gain 4.26 2.19 3.50 2.97 2.49 2.69 0.808 0.513 0.107 0.224 0.377 (Ratio) TABLE 3 Reduction of Post-Weaning Lag in Pigs During Weeks 2-3 Treatment 1 2 3 4 5 6 P-Values Pancreatin (percent) 0.00 0.10 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 Pancreatin Pancreas Freeze-Dried (percent) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.20 0.40 SEM Linear Quadratic Linear Quadratic Feed Intake 0.91 0.89 0.76 0.92 0.97 0.90 0.72 0.165 0.559 0.980 0.542 (lbs/day) Weight Gain 0.72 0.68 0.70 0.73 0.77 0.77 0.058 0.769 0.721 0.460 0.950 (lbs/day) Feed:Gain 1.29 1.32 1.11 1.30 1.29 1.16 0.082 0.153 0.297 0.264 0.357 (Ratio) All publications, patents and patent applications identified above are herein incorporated by reference. The invention being thus described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same may be varied in many ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such variations are included within the scope of the invention to be claimed. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention provides a stabilized pancreas product, useful, for example, as an animal feed additive. 2. Background of the Invention Animals encounter periods of suboptimal utilization of feed, for example, during periods of change in production, such as the transition from one feed source or ration to a different food source or ration. These changes often result in the poor utilization of dietary nutrients, and result in less efficient production and increased feed costs. For example, the swine industry recognizes that nutrition and maximal utilization of feed are important as pigs generally grow much faster in proportion to their body weight than larger animals. See Ensminger, Animal Science, 9th Ed. Interstate Publishers, Inc., Danville, Ill. (1991). To promote efficient growth, swine may be fed a high-energy ration which is low in fiber. However, swine differ in the kind and amounts of nutrients needed according to a number of factors including age, function, disease state, nutrient interaction, and environment. See, for example, Hill et al., Tri - State Swine Nutrition Guide, Bull. No. 869-98, The Ohio State Univ., Columbus, Ohio (1998); and National Research Council, Nutrient Requirements of Swine, 10th Ed., Natl. Acad. Press, Washington, D.C. (1998). To meet these different needs, swine producers may formulate the base feed ration from a wide range of ingredients, including, but not limited to, grain concentrates, protein feeds, pasture, dry forages, silages, and downed crops. In addition, supplements may be used to ensure the ration provides the necessary nutritional requirements. Because each of these ingredients vary in availability, price, and amount or quality of nutrients contained, swine producers change feed ration formulations from time to time. For example, a swine producer may follow a complex schedule of different rations based upon the nutritional needs of each stage of the pig's life, the impact of environmental factors on those nutritional needs, and the availability of specific dietary ingredients. The weaning transition, that period during which pigs are weaned from the sow onto rations, involves some of the most profound nutritional and environmental changes of any life stage. See, e.g., Efird et al., J Anim. Sci. 55:1370 (1982). As a result, growth stasis, commonly referred to as postweaning lag, is frequently observed in weanling pigs. During postweaning lag, pigs may fail to gain, and may even lose, weight. Postweaning lag may cause significant losses in the swine industry where feed costs account for approximately sixty-five to seventy-five percent of total production costs. Swine producers attempt to minimize the period of postweaning lag through the use of specialized food sources and feed supplements, such as plasma and blood-derived protein, milk products, and soy concentrate, to feed weanling pigs in a phase-feeding program. These food sources and supplements are closely tailored to a weanling pig's nutritional needs, and, as such, may significantly increase the cost of the final feed ration. Thus, the weaning period and postweaning lag significantly impact the efficiency and cost of swine production. Although a large number of environmental stressors may contribute to the duration of the postweaning lag period, predominant factors are believed to be the change in feed form (from sow's milk to ration) and adjustment to new dietary ingredients. See McCracken et al., J Nutr. 125:2838 (1995); and Pierzynowski et al., J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. 16:287 (1993). During the weaning transition, pigs must adapt from a liquid-based diet consisting of sow's milk to a solid-based diet consisting of formulated animal rations. This change in diet and dietary nutrients, which may occur abruptly, often induces significant physiological responses in weanling pigs, including changes in the morphology of the small intestine and exocrine pancreas function, Cera et al., J Anim. Sci. 66:574 (1988); Cera et al., J. Anim. Sci. 68:384 (1990), and quantitative and qualitative changes in exocrine pancreas function, Lindemann et al., J Anim. Sci. 62:1298 (1986). Physiology and Function of the Pancreas . The pancreas is a significant accessory organ of digestion which functions as both an endocrine gland and as an exocrine secretory gland. See, e.g., Currie, Structure And Function Of Domestic Animals , Butterworths Pub., Boston, Mass. (1988). Located in the abdominal cavity in the mesentery, the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes which pass through one or more pancreatic ducts to the small intestine. A diverse array of pancreatic enzymes are known, and these enzymes are generally responsible for the hydrolytic processing of dietary nutrients into units capable of being absorbed by the small intestine. The pancreas secretes enzymes capable of processing each of the major nutrient classes—carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Examples of enzymes for processing each of these nutrient classes are respectively known as amylases, lipases, and proteases. Levels of pancreatic enzymes quantitatively and qualitatively change throughout the pig's life based upon the amount and composition of a pig's dietary nutrients. Ethridge et al., J Anim. Sci. 58:1396 (1984). In a non-pathogenic state, the pancreatic acini cells produce inactive forms of these digestive enzymes. Such forms are known as zymogens or proenzymes. Inactive digestive enzymes are sequestered within zymogen granules, and are activated by proteolytic cleavage, primarily by the enzyme trypsin, once they are secreted into the small intestine. The activation of trypsin, in turn, is orchestrated by trypsin inhibitors, present in acinar and ductal secretions, and duodenal enterokinase, an enzyme generally only present in portions of the small intestine. The combined affect of this regulation ensures that pancreatic enzymes are activated only where needed to effect the hydrolytic processing of dietary nutrients. Pancreatic Function During Periods of Major Production Changes. Several investigators have documented the development of the digestive capability of young pigs and the affect of a pig's age, weight, and ration on exocrine pancreas function. For example, Pierzynowski et. al., J Pediatr. Gastroenterol Nutr. 16:287 (1993), reported that the maturation of the exocrine pancreas function is more dependant on weaning than age. Initially, the digestive activity of pancreatic enzymes in weanling pigs is decreased as compared to suckling pigs. However, both basal and postprandial levels of amylases, lipases, proteases, and total pancreatic exocrine secretions increased with time in weanling pigs. These changes correlate strongly with changes in the weanling pig's diet but not with age. Limits of Exogenous Enzyme Therapy. Some swine producers have turned to exogenous enzymes as feed additives. The investigation and commercial exploitation of these enzymes has only recently become available through the use of advanced recombinant DNA technology and exogenous expression of enzymes in bacterial and other microbial systems. However, there are several factors limiting the usefulness of exogenous enzymes in animal feed. First, those skilled in the art have long recognized that exogenous enzymes are not needed to aid digestion in healthy animals. For example, Holden et al., Life Cycle Swine Nutrition , PM-489, 17th Rev., Iowa State Univ., Ames, Iowa (2000), states that pigs “produce adequate quantities of digestive enzymes for digestion of the proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids that they are capable of digesting.” Instead, those skilled in the art utilize exogenous enzymes in order to aid digestion of substances that animals are intrinsically incapable of digesting. For example, barley contains β-glucans, or water-soluble carbohydrates, which are poorly digested by the pig, and those skilled in the art have recognized that P-glucanase-containing feed rations can aid in the digestion of barley when it is used as a dietary ingredient. Second, each exogenous enzyme generally targets only a narrow range of substrates. Thus, use of exogenous enzymes to aid the digestion of a feed ration in general would require the complex mixing of feed ration containing specific combinations enzymatic substrates and exogenous enzymes. Such pairing would require a significant knowledge of available exogenous enzyme preparations, their specific substrate specificities, and the proper feed ration formulation and storage conditions. Swine producers using exogenous enzymes for this purpose therefore would have to make detailed ration formulation choices, thereby increasing production costs. Third, the efficacy of exogenous enzyme preparations is significantly altered during commercial processing and formulation of the feed ration. Commercial processing of animal feed often includes heating, extruding, and pelleting. Aggressive commercial processing of exogenous enzymes substantially destroys enzyme activity. Moreover, exogenous enzymes generally self degrade or catalyze the degradation of feed ingredients once the feed ration is formulated. Both of these events significantly reduce the time over which an enzyme-containing feed ration may be stored. In addition, the digestive system itself provides a significant challenge to the use of exogenous enzymes as feed additives. The feed of non-ruminant animals, such as pigs, must pass through the highly acidic confines of the stomach where digestion of proteins is initiated. Chyme from the stomach then passes the pylorus into the lumen of the small intestine. Although still highly acidic, chyme is quickly neutralized and made slightly alkaline. As such, the majority of digestive enzymes have pH optima at or above neutrality. Thus, the intrinsic characteristics of the digestive system itself requires that exogenous enzymes remain stable in highly acidic conditions, yet function optimally in slightly alkaline conditions. Pancreatin. Pancreatin is a pancreas-derived product that is prepared by drying and hydrolyzing swine pancreas. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,956,483 (“Preparing Pancreatin”). Pancreatin is made of dried, defatted pancreas. It is prepared from fresh or fresh-frozen pancreas. Normally the pancreas glands are minced and comminuted with the duodenum, which is added to activate the proteolytic enzymes or zymogens in the pancreas. Alternatively, proteolytic activity is sometimes established in the pancreatin preparation by the addition of active trypsin. The blend then undergoes activation of the enzymes. Thereafter, the pancreas is degreased and dried, generally by vacuum drying at room temperature. Pancreatin has been used in the animal industry primarily to treat digestive disturbances. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,624 (“Prevention of digestive disturbances in herbivores”); see also Russian Patent No. 829,115 (“Gastrointestinal disorder in calves”). Pancreatin also has been proposed as a feed additive. For example, Cortamira et al., Proc. of the 7 th Int. Symp. on Digestive Physiology in Pigs , Univ. Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta (1997), investigated the use of 0.01 to 0.03 percent processed pancreatin in swine feed. See also U.S. Pat. No. 2,878,123 (“Use of Proteolytic Enzymes in Poultry Feed”). Heretofore there has not been a practicable feed additive based on a stabilized pancreas product. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,313,705 discloses a low-temperature process for making a lyophilized pancreas-based medicament. See col. 1, lines 65 to 69. However, the process is cumbersome and impractical to replicate on a commercial scale for animal feed. See col. 2, lines 16-51. Additionally, the disclosed product undergoes autolysis under atmospheric conditions and requires special storage procedures (e.g., the use of a dehydrating stopper). See col. 3, lines 27-39. Therefore, a strong need exists for a practicable stabilized pancreas product that can be used, for example, as a feed additive. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to stabilized pancreas products, feed additives comprising stabilized pancreas products, methods for producing, and methods of using stabilized pancreas products. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a pancreas product comprised of one or more pancreatic enzymes in their zymogen form. In other embodiments, the invention relates to stabilized pancreas products with specific amylase or protease activity. In another embodiment, the invention relates to feed additives comprising stabilized pancreas products. In other embodiments, the invention relates to feed rations comprising a stabilized pancreas product feed additive. In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of supplementing animal feed rations with stabilized feed products. Some embodiments encompass a method of supplementing animal feed rations with stabilized feed products before, during, and after periods of production change. In some embodiments, the period of production change is transition from a first food source to a second food source, the transition from a liquid to a solid food source, or the weaning of the young animal from the dam. In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of making stabilized pancreas products. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of making a stabilized pancreas product comprising the steps of emulsifying pancreas glands and blending the emulsified pancreas with an acidifier. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of making a stabilized pancreas product by mixing emulsified pancreas with a suitable carrier, and extruding the mixture. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of making a stabilized pancreas product comprising the steps of atomizing emulsified pancreas, and collecting the atomized pancreas. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? | 20040730 | 20061226 | 20060202 | 86087.0 | A61K3854 | 0 | DRISCOLL, LORA E BARNHART | STABILIZED PANCREAS PRODUCT | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | A61K | 2,004 |
|
10,901,978 | ACCEPTED | Mouse scroll wheel module | A mouse scroll wheel module includes a retention part, a holding part sitting on the retention part to swing from front to back and from left to right, a revolving part installed on the holding part, a mechanical revolving encoder to receive output of encoded electronic signals as the revolving part rotates, and a circuit board for controlling a middle switch and right and left switches, fixed between the retention part and the holding part. The holding part comprises a swing base and a holder that supports the swing base. With the support of the holding part, the scroll wheel of the revolving part is able to rotate and swing laterally, making the currently selected window on the screen to scroll in four directions: up, down, left or right. | 1. A computer mouse scroll wheel module comprising a retention part, a holding part sitting on the retention part to swing from front to back and from left to right, and a revolving part installed on the holding part; wherein the scroll wheel module is characterized in that: the scroll wheel module having a mechanical revolving encoder to receive output of encoded electronic signals as the revolving part rotates, and a circuit board having a middle switch as well as left and right switches that is fixed between the retention part and the holding part; the holding part having a swing base and a holder that supports the swing base; a front and a rear shafts of the swing base are disposed respectively in a front slot and rear slots of the holder; a left cam-shaft and a right cam-shaft installed on the left and right sides of the holder are disposed on in holding slots on two corresponding pillars on the retention part; a left contact pin and a right contact pin extending outwards are disposed on left and right sides of the swing base while a middle contact pin is set at the rear bottom of the holder; the left and right contact pins correspond to the left and right witches on the circuit board while the middle contact pin corresponds to the middle switch on the circuit board; a traverse momentary stick on rear bottom of the swing base inserts into the holder; two momentary springs are set in the right and left fixing slots of momentary spring respectively, and the traverse momentary stick is inserted between these two momentary springs. 2. The computer mouse scroll wheel module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the revolving part having a scroll wheel, a rubber wheel and a bearing; the rubber wheel covers the outer edge of the scroll wheel while the bearing is capped at the end of a central shaft of the scroll wheel; the mechanical revolving encoder is disposed inside the scroll wheel to form a scroll wheel set that is installed in the holding slots on right and left sides of the swing base. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION I. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a computer mouse scroll wheel module and, more specifically, to a computer mouse module comprising a mechanical revolving encoder and a holding part, which consists of a swing base and a holder supporting the swing base. With the holding part, the scroll wheel of the revolving part is able to rotate and swing laterally so that the window on the screen can be scrolled up, down, left or right, accordingly. II. Description of the Prior Art Heretofore, it is known to construct a computer mouse to translate the motion of user's hand into signals that the computer can use. A computer mouse of such construction is typically used to move the cursor, point to a specific object on the screen, scroll up, down, left and right. A computer mouse of this kind usually has a scroll wheel or buttons for user to rotate or click by fingers. The rotation or click drives the components inside the mouse's body, and the movement of the components is to be translated into electronic signals sent to the computer. Computer mice with the heretofore known scroll wheel or buttons have a variety of patented designs. Refer to Taiwanese patent publication No. 320302-“Third Input Axle In Computer Mice” (application No. 85208070), a scroll wheel can be rotated to provide input translated into scrolling up or down in the currently selected window on the screen. The scroll wheel can also be swayed up and down to switch between scrolling modes. For Taiwanese patent publication No. 461548 (application No. 87208877)—“Improved Structure Of A Third Input Axle In Computer Mice”, a scroll wheel has more functions than just rotating to provide input. The scroll wheel hangs on a set of pillars with a restricting horizontal shaft going through the scroll wheel. At one end of the restricting shaft is there a small wheel, which can be pressed down so that the restricting shaft bends and bounces back laterally like a fishing rod. As the scroll wheel is pressed down to bend, the small wheel at the end bends down simultaneously to reach the power switch. In other words, the scroll wheel is able to bend to trigger the device to send signals. Refer to the “Improved Structure Of Key-Free Mouse” receiving Taiwanese patent publication No. 543872(application No. 90204174), the “Key-Free Mouse” receiving Chinese publication No. CN2476843Y (patent No. ZL01207387.3) and the “Key-Free Mouse” receiving patent U.S. Ser. No. 09/820,911, all disclose the same structure of computer mouse, in which a pin and a slot are pivoted to form a revolving axle oriented perpendicular to the mouse surface. The mouse body can therefore be swayed left or right to produce signals as the buttons do. The heretofore known computer mouse is typically designed to have a scroll wheel or buttons to sway in either the X direction or the Y direction, instead of having buttons to be pressed. Moreover, refer to the U.S. Patent application with publication No. 2003/0025673 A1—“Input Device Including A Wheel Assembly For Scrolling An Image In Multiple Directions”, the scroll wheel of the mouse has the technique of swaying in both X direction and Y direction as described in the above mentioned prior arts. Since these prior arts have elements and module designs different from each other, they can be patented separately. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide a simplified and easy-to-assemble computer mouse scroll wheel module that by applying a mechanical revolving encoder and a holding part comprising a swing base and a holder supporting the swing base, the scroll wheel of the revolving part is able to rotate and also sway laterally. The movement of the scroll wheel produces signals to be translated into scrolling up, down, left or right within the currently selected window on the screen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The structure and the technical means adopted by the present invention to achieve the above and other objects can be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scroll wheel module in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention; FIG. 3 is an explosive view of the present invention; FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a swing base in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 5 is a rear view of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a holder supporting a swing base in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 7 is a rear view of FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is top view of a mouse with the present invention; FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 8 along the line C-C; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mouse with present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFFERED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the present invention involves a computer mouse scroll wheel module, of which the components can be put together according to the fragmentary view drawn in FIG. 3. A circuit board 2 with a middle switch 3, right and left switches 4, 5 is set on the bottom cover (the retention part) 1. The circuit board 2 has a slot for accommodating the holding part, comprising a swing base 9 and a holder 6 supporting the swing base 9. At the front end of the swing base 9 is there a front shaft 91, and the rear a rear shaft 92. On the left side of the swing base 9 is there a left contact pin 94 extending outwards and the right side a right contact pin 95 extending outwards. In the rear bottom of the swing base 9 is there a traverse momentary stick 93. On both sides of the swing base 9 are there slots 96, 97 for holding the shaft of the scroll wheel. On one side of the swing base 9 is there an electric wire slot 98 for the mechanical revolving encoder 11. Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, in the front and the back of the holder 6 that supports the swing base 9, there are slots 61, 62 for holding the front and rear shafts 91, 92. On the left and right sides of the holder 6 are there left and right cam-shafts 64, 65. At the back of the holder 6 is there a fixing slot of momentary spring 66. At the rear bottom of the holder 6 is there a middle contact pin 63. The left and right cam-shafts 64, 65 of the holder 6 are installed in the holding slots on the two corresponding pillars 12 on the bottom cover 1. The front and rear shafts 91, 92 of the swing base 9 are seated respectively in the front and rear slots 61, 62 of the holder 6. The traverse momentary stick 93 on the swing base 9 inserts into the fixing slot of momentary spring 66 of the holder 6. Two momentary springs 7, 8 are set in the right and left fixing slots of momentary spring 66 respectively, and a traverse momentary stick 93 is inserted between these two momentary springs 7, 8. The left and right contact pins 94, 95 of the swing base 9 correspond to the left and right witches 4, 5 on the circuit board 2, and the middle contact pin 63 at the rear bottom of the holder 6 corresponds to the middle switch 3 on the circuit board 2. A set of scroll wheel is installed in the swing base 9 and comprises a scroll wheel 10, a mechanical revolving encoder 11, a rubber wheel 13 and a bearing 14. The revolving encoder 11 is fixed to the central shaft of the scroll wheel 10. The bearing 14 is capped at the end of the central shaft, and the rubber wheel 13 covers the outer edge of the scroll wheel 10. The whole set of the scroll wheel is to be installed in the holding slots 96, 97 of the swing base 9. The wire for electrical terminal 11a of the revolving encoder 11 is led from the electric wire slot 98 of the swing base 9. Finally, a top cap 15 covers on the swing base 9 to complete the installation of the computer mouse scroll wheel module. Referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the computer mouse comprises a scroll wheel module II installed inside the mouse's body I. Refer to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 10. As the scroll wheel 10 of the mouse module II is pushed in left or right direction, the swing base 9 sways in the same direction and makes the left/right contact pins 94/95 on the swing base 9 touch the left/right switches 4/5 on the circuit board 2, scrolling left or right within the currently selected window scrolls. Since the traverse momentary stick 93 goes into the fixing slot of momentary spring 66 in the holder 6 and sits between the two momentary springs 7, 8, the swing base 9 in the holder 6 is swayed as the scroll wheel 10 is pushed in left or right direction. As the scroll wheel 10 is released, the swing base 9 resumes its position in the holder 6 with the force of the momentary springs 7, 8. As the scroll wheel 10 is pressed down, the swing base 9 in the holder 6 descends along with the holder 6, leading the middle contact pin 63 at the bottom of the holder 6 to touch the middle switch 3 on the circuit board 2. The push of the scroll wheel 10 acts as the same function as the click of the third (center) button of the mouse. With rotation and push of the scroll wheel 10, the mouse is able to control the scrolling up or down within in the currently selected window. While only one embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that various modifications and changes could be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>I. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a computer mouse scroll wheel module and, more specifically, to a computer mouse module comprising a mechanical revolving encoder and a holding part, which consists of a swing base and a holder supporting the swing base. With the holding part, the scroll wheel of the revolving part is able to rotate and swing laterally so that the window on the screen can be scrolled up, down, left or right, accordingly. II. Description of the Prior Art Heretofore, it is known to construct a computer mouse to translate the motion of user's hand into signals that the computer can use. A computer mouse of such construction is typically used to move the cursor, point to a specific object on the screen, scroll up, down, left and right. A computer mouse of this kind usually has a scroll wheel or buttons for user to rotate or click by fingers. The rotation or click drives the components inside the mouse's body, and the movement of the components is to be translated into electronic signals sent to the computer. Computer mice with the heretofore known scroll wheel or buttons have a variety of patented designs. Refer to Taiwanese patent publication No. 320302-“Third Input Axle In Computer Mice” (application No. 85208070), a scroll wheel can be rotated to provide input translated into scrolling up or down in the currently selected window on the screen. The scroll wheel can also be swayed up and down to switch between scrolling modes. For Taiwanese patent publication No. 461548 (application No. 87208877)—“Improved Structure Of A Third Input Axle In Computer Mice”, a scroll wheel has more functions than just rotating to provide input. The scroll wheel hangs on a set of pillars with a restricting horizontal shaft going through the scroll wheel. At one end of the restricting shaft is there a small wheel, which can be pressed down so that the restricting shaft bends and bounces back laterally like a fishing rod. As the scroll wheel is pressed down to bend, the small wheel at the end bends down simultaneously to reach the power switch. In other words, the scroll wheel is able to bend to trigger the device to send signals. Refer to the “Improved Structure Of Key-Free Mouse” receiving Taiwanese patent publication No. 543872(application No. 90204174), the “Key-Free Mouse” receiving Chinese publication No. CN2476843Y (patent No. ZL01207387.3) and the “Key-Free Mouse” receiving patent U.S. Ser. No. 09/820,911, all disclose the same structure of computer mouse, in which a pin and a slot are pivoted to form a revolving axle oriented perpendicular to the mouse surface. The mouse body can therefore be swayed left or right to produce signals as the buttons do. The heretofore known computer mouse is typically designed to have a scroll wheel or buttons to sway in either the X direction or the Y direction, instead of having buttons to be pressed. Moreover, refer to the U.S. Patent application with publication No. 2003/0025673 A1—“Input Device Including A Wheel Assembly For Scrolling An Image In Multiple Directions”, the scroll wheel of the mouse has the technique of swaying in both X direction and Y direction as described in the above mentioned prior arts. Since these prior arts have elements and module designs different from each other, they can be patented separately. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide a simplified and easy-to-assemble computer mouse scroll wheel module that by applying a mechanical revolving encoder and a holding part comprising a swing base and a holder supporting the swing base, the scroll wheel of the revolving part is able to rotate and also sway laterally. The movement of the scroll wheel produces signals to be translated into scrolling up, down, left or right within the currently selected window on the screen. | 20040730 | 20071016 | 20060202 | 99665.0 | G09G508 | 0 | TRAN, MY CHAU T | MOUSE SCROLL WHEEL MODULE | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | G09G | 2,004 |
|
10,902,062 | ACCEPTED | Floor strip | A thin decorative thermosetting laminate of postforming quality is glued to a longitudinal carrier to form a floor strip. The laminate has a thermosetting resin as well as hard particles impregnated therein to increase the abrasion resistance of the laminate. The carrier generally has a cross section of a dilatation, transition or a finishing profile, depending on the intended use of the floor strip. The floor strip has a tab portion on a surface that engages a channel on a floor tile or a reducer. The tab portion locks the floor strip into place and prevents movement of the floor tile or the reducer with respect to the floor strip. | 1.-21. CANCELLED 22. A process for the production of a profiled floor, said process comprising gluing a thin decorative thermosetting laminate of postforming quality comprising hard particles which impart abrasion resistance to the thermosetting laminate on a longitudinal carrier comprising a rib extending along a longitudinal axis thereof, a plane extending orthogonal to the rib having an engaging surface and an upper surface, and at least one tab portion on the engaging surface and extending away from the engaging surface, said upper surface having at least two opposite rounded off edges, and postforming the thermosetting laminate on the longitudinal carier, wherein, in said gluing step, the thermosetting laminate is glued on the upper surface and the rounded off edges to form a floor profile. 23. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 22, comprising providing a water resistant carrier as the carrier. 24. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 22, wherein the gluing step is carried out under heat and pressure. 25. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 22, further comprising impregnating at least an upper most sheet of the laminate with hard particles selected from the group consisting of silica, aluminum oxide, diamond, silicon carbide and combinations thereof, the hard particles having an average size of 1-80 μm. 26. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 25, wherein the hard particle size is 5-60 μm. 27. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 22, further comprising impregnating the laminate with a thermosetting resin. 28. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 27, wherein the thermosetting resin is melamine-formaldehyde. 29. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 22, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay of α-cellulose. 30. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 29, further comprising impregnating the overlay with a thermosetting resin. 31. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 22, wherein the carrier has a profile selected from the group consisting of a dilatation, a transition and a finishing profile. 32. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 22, wherein the at least one tab portion has a shape selected from the group consisting of a general hook shape, and a lip is formed at a point of the hook, a generally bulbous shape having a plurality of vertically spaced, upwardly facing teeth, a frustum-shape with a large base distal the engaging surface, a generally rectangular shape, and a pair of polygonal shaped extensions. 33. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 22, wherein the abrasion resistance is measured as an IP-value and the IP-value lies within the interval of 3,000-10,000 revolutions. 34. A process for the production of a profiled floor, said process comprising gluing a thin decorative thermosetting laminate of postforming quality comprising hard particles which impart abrasion resistance to the thermosetting laminate on a longitudinal carrier having a rectangular cross-section and at least two opposite rounded off edges on an upper surface, wherein in said gluing step, the thermosetting laminate of postforming quality in one piece is glued on the upper surface and the rounded off edges to form a laminate coated carrier, and subsequently machining the laminate coated carrier into one or more profiles each having at least one engagement surface located opposite the upper surface with a tab portion extending from the engagement surface, wherein each profile may be the same or different cross section from the laminate coated carrier to produce a floor profile. 35. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 34, comprising providing a water resistant carrier as the carrier. 36. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 34, wherein the gluing step is carried out under heat and pressure. 37. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 34, further comprising impregnating at least an upper most sheet of the laminate with hard particles selected from the group consisting of silica, aluminum oxide, diamond, silicon carbide and combinations thereof, the hard particles having an average size of 1-80 μm. 38. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 37, wherein the hard particle size is 5-60 μm. 39. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 34, further comprising impregnating the laminate with a thermosetting resin. 40. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 39, wherein the thermosetting resin is melamine-formaldehyde. 41. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 34, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay of α-cellulose. 42. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 41, further comprising impregnating the overlay with a thermosetting resin. 43. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 34, wherein the carrier has a profile selected from the group consisting of a dilatation, a transition and a finishing profile. 44. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 34, wherein the at least one tab portion has a shape selected from the group consisting of a general hook shape, and a lip is formed at a point of the hook, a generally bulbous shape having a plurality of vertically spaced, upwardly facing teeth, a frustum-shape with a large base distal the engaging surface, a generally rectangular shape, and a pair of polygonal shaped extensions. 45. The process for the production of the profiled floor according to claim 34, wherein the abrasion resistance is measured as an IP-value and the IP-value lies within the interval of 3,000-10,000 revolutions. 46. A molding comprising: a longitudinal carrier, and a thermosetting laminate affixed to said carrier. 47. The molding of claim 46, wherein said molding has a T-shaped cross section. 48. The molding of claim 46, wherein said molding has an L-shaped cross section. 49. The molding of claim 46, wherein the carrier comprises fibre board. 50. The molding of claim 46, wherein the carrier comprises medium density fibre board. 51. The molding of claim 46, wherein the carrier comprises high density fiberboard. 52. The molding of claim 46, wherein the carrier comprises particle board. 53. The molding of claim 46, wherein the core is water resistant. 54. The molding of claim 46, wherein the molding is a finishing molding. 55. The molding of claim 46, wherein the molding is a dilitation profile. 56. The profile of claim 46, wherein the molding is a transition molding. 57. The profile of claim 46, wherein the laminate comprises hard particles. 58. The profile of claim 57, wherein the hard particles comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of silica, aluminium oxide, and silicon carbide. 59. The profile of claim 46, wherein the laminate has an IP value of at least 3,000 revolutions. 60. The profile of claim 46, wherein the laminate has an IP value of at least 6,000 revolutions. 61. The profile of claim 46, wherein the laminate comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a decor sheet, a monochromatic layer, and a printed layer. 62. The profile of claim 46, wherein the laminate comprises glass fibers. 63. A floor comprising the molding of claim 46 and at least one other flooring element. 64. The floor of claim 60, further comprising at least one floor element of thermosetting laminate, wherein the abrasion resistance of the at least one floor element is equivalent to an abrasion resistance of the molding. 65. The floor of claim 60, further comprising at least one floor element of thermosetting laminate, wherein the at least one floor element comprises a decorative upper surface, the decorative surface has at least one color or pattern wherein the thermosetting laminate of the molding comprises a decorative surface, wherein the decorative surface has at least one color or pattern corresponding to the at least one color and pattern of the decorative surface of the at least one other floor element. | CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/817,391, filed Apr. 25, 1997 and a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/986,414, filed Nov. 8, 2001, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process for the production of a floor strip such as a dilatation profile, a transition profile or a finishing profile. The present invention also relates to the features of the floor strip. 2. Description of the Related Art It is previously known to produce floor strips such as metal strips, wood veneer coated strips and strips of homogeneous wood. However, such floor strips generally do not adequately match the pattern of the other portions of the floor. Thus, there is a strong desire to bring about a floor strip with the same pattern as on a floor of thermosetting laminate. During the last few years these floors have become very usual. For instance they are made with a wood pattern, marble pattern and fancy pattern. Possibly you can use a homogeneous wood strip or a wood veneer-coated strip for a few of the wood patterned floors. Previously known strips do not go well together with all the other floor patterns. These floor strips are provided in a floor system in order to provide a transition or edge to the floor, such as at the corner of the wall or between rooms. They may also be provided between rooms having different types of flooring, such as carpet and tile, or different heights or textures of tiles. However, conventional floor strips do not adequately provide a transition between differing floor types because they cannot adequately cover the gap between the differing floor coverings or the differing heights of the tiles. However, it also a problem for sellers of floor strips to inventory differing types of transition profiles, especially in a pattern or color to match a single floor. Thus, there exists a need to provide a single floor strip which can satisfy a number of differing requirements, such a being useful as a finishing profile, a dilatation profile, and a transition profile. SUMMARY OF INVENTION The purpose of the present invention is to provide a floor strip with improved abrasion resistance and features to overcome the problems in the art. According to the present invention it has quite surprisingly been possible to meet the above needs and bring about a process for the production of floor strips such as a dilatation profile, a transition profile or a finishing profile. The process comprises glueing, preferably under heat and pressure a thin decorative thermosetting laminate of post-forming quality having an abrasion resistance measured as IP-value >3000 revolutions, preferably >6000 revolutions, on a longitudinal carrier, which carrier preferably consists of a fibre board or a particle board with a rectangular cross-section and at least two opposite rounded-off edges. The post-forming laminate is glued in one piece on the upper side and two long sides of the carrier via the rounded-off edges, whereupon one or more floor profiles having the same or different cross-section is machined from the laminate coated carrier. According to another embodiment the carrier can be provided with a rectangular cross-section with three rounded-off edges. From the same body, the laminate clad carrier, several profiles with varying shape can be machined. Usually a milling machine is used for machining the different kinds of profiles from the laminate coated carrier. The carrier may also be molded to achieve various profiles which may be required. Additionally, the carrier is preferably water resistant or even waterproof. In a preferred embodiment the carrier consists of a high density fibre board made of fine fibres, such as known in the industry as medium density fiberboard (MDF) or high density fiberboard (HDF). Advantageously, a heat and moisture resistant glue is used at the glueing. Preferably the glueing is carried out under heat and pressure. For instance, the pressure can be regulated by means of rollers which press the laminate against the carrier. The temperature can, for instance, be regulated with heating nozzles which can give an even current of warm air. Suitably the post-forming laminate consists of at least one monochromatic or patterned paper sheet impregnated with a thermosetting resin, preferably melamine-formaldehyde resin and preferably one or more sheets for instance of parchment, vulcanized fibres or glass fibres. The last mentioned sheets are preferably not impregnated with any thermosetting resin, but the thermosetting resin from the sheets situated above will enter these sheets at the laminating step, where all sheets are bonded together. Alternatively, the sheet can be a metallic foil or a layer of paint. Generally the term post-forming laminate means a laminate which is so flexible that it can be formed at least to a certain extent after the production thereof. Ordinary qualities of thermosetting decorative laminates are rather brittle and cannot be regarded as post-forming laminates. Usually the post-forming laminate includes at least one uppermost transparent paper sheet made of α-cellulose and impregnated with a thermosetting resin, preferably melamine-formaldehyde resin. This so-called overlay is intended to protect an underlying decor sheet from abrasion. Often at least one of the paper sheets of the postforming laminate impregnated with thermosetting resin, preferably the uppermost one, is coated with hard particles, e.g., those having a Moh's hardness of at least 6, preferably between 6 and 10, similar to the Moh's hardness of at least silica, aluminium oxide, diamond and/or silicon carbide. The hard particles have an average particle size of about 1-80 μm, preferably about 5-60 μm evenly distributed over the surface of the paper sheet. In a preferred embodiment the hard particles are applied on the resin impregnated paper surface before the resin has been dried. The hard particles improve the abrasion resistance of the laminate. Hard particles are used in the same way at the production of laminates which are subject to a hard wear such as flooring laminates. The abrasion resistance of the post-forming laminates is tested according to the European standard EN 438-2/6: 1991. According to this standard the abrasion of the decor sheet of the finished laminate to the so-called IP-point (initial point) is measured, where the starting abrasion takes place. The IP-value suitably lies within the interval 3000-20000, preferably 3000-10000 revolutions. Thus, the manufacturing process according to the invention makes it possible to produce laminate clad profiles with the same surface pattern and about the same abrasion resistance as the laminate floorings they are intended to be used together with. The carriers for the floor strips to which the post-forming laminate is glued can be made of differing profiles to accommodate the specific circumstance, namely whether a dilatation, transition or finishing profile is required. The profile, for example a dilatation profile, comprises a general T-shape whereby a first plane extending vertically along the length of the floor strip intersects about in the middle of a second horizontally oriented plane. A profile removes about half of the second plane to form a rotated upside down L-shape, which is used adjacent a wall or on a stepped surface. A dilatation profile is similar to a finishing profile, but the second plane is oriented off of horizontal or it is divided into two planes, one at a different level than the other, or one side is removed altogether, which provides a smoother transition between uneven tiles, a carpet and tile, or differing tile textures. The pattern of the profiles can also be adapted to other flooring materials than laminate floorings, such as parquette floorings and soft plastic floorings. In order to overcome the problems associated with transitioning between carpet and tile, differing textures of tiles or differing heights of tiles, the second plane may have a tab portion on its tile/carpet engaging surface depending orthogonally away from the second plane and displaced away from the first plane. The tab is used to engage a reducer that extends between the floor surface and the engagement surface of the second plane. The reducer is configured to maintain a horizontal orientation of the second plane and provide a smoother transition between the tile surfaces in the finishing, transition or dilatation profile when they are used between uneven tile surfaces, differing tile textures or between carpet and tile. The tab portion fits into a groove on the upper surface of the reducer in mating fashion to create a solid lock between them. Alternatively, the tab portion may be engaged into the edge of a tile panel on the floor. In this situation, the tiles adjacent to the transition area may require a groove cut into them near the transition. Such allows the tab portion to maintain a firm and locked relationship with the tile surface and provide a better transition between the tile surface and the respective profile. Further, a tab portion may be provided on both sides of the second plane respective to the first plane to further smooth the transition area between the first tile surface, the floor strip and the second surface. The design of the tab may come in varying styles, there may be a straight block type tab, a t-nut type, various interlocking styles and a channel type arrangement. Such types depend on the particular requirements of the tiling circumstance. This inventive floor strip according to the above may be used as a transition piece between various tongue and groove panels to provide a smooth and aesthetic transition between floor sections having dissimilar surfaces, such as those between a carpeted area and a tiled area, a thin tile area and a hardwood floor, two tile areas having differing textures, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be explained further in connection with the embodiment example below and the enclosed figures of which: FIG. 1 illustrates a post-forming laminate glued to a longitudinal carrier, FIG. 2 illustrates a dilatation profile with a post-forming laminate glued thereto, FIG. 3 illustrates a finishing profile with a post-forming laminate glued thereto, FIG. 4 illustrates a transition profile with a post-forming laminate glued thereto, FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a dilatation profile extending between uneven tile surfaces, FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate an assembled view of a locking tab/reducer assembly, FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate an assembled view of a non-locking tab/reducer assembly, FIG. 8 illustrates an assembled view of a dilatation profile having two tab portions locking with edge panels, FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention, FIGS. 10-14 illustrate tab designs according to other embodiments of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the figures of illustrating a floor strip 100, the thickness of the post-forming laminate 1 has been magnified as compared to the size of the carrier 2 and the profiles, e.g. 3-5 respectively, to better illustrate that a post-forming laminate 1 is glued to the carrier 2 and the profiles 3-5 respectively. Of course the FIGS. 1-4 only show one embodiment of the carrier 2 and the profiles 3-5 respectively which can be produced according to the invention. Various other designs are possible as shown in the other drawing figures. For example in one embodiment, a roll of transparent so-called overlay paper of α-cellulose with a surface weight of 25 g/m2 is impregnated with an aqueous solution of melamine-formaldehyde resin to a resin content of 70 percent by weight calculated on dry impregnated paper. Immediately after the impregnation, aluminium oxide particles with an average particle size of 50 μm are applied to the upper side of the paper in an amount of 7 g/m2 by means of a doctor-roll placed above the paper web. Thus, the hard aluminium oxide particles are then applied to the still-wet melamine-formaldehyde resin which has not dried. The impregnated paper web is then fed continuously into a heating oven, where the solvent in the resin evaporates. Simultaneously, the resin is partially cured to so-called B-stage. Thereby the aluminium oxide particles are enclosed in the resin layer and accordingly concentrated to the surface of the product obtained which is usually called a prepreg. The prepreg web obtained is then rolled again. A roll of conventional non-transparent decor paper with a decor pattern printed thereon and having a surface weight of 80 g/m2 is treated in the same way as the overlay paper except for the fact that no aluminium oxide particles are applied and that the resin content was 50 percent by weight calculated on dry impregnated paper. A roll of unimpregnated parchment with a surface weight of 120 g/m2 is used at the production of the post-forming laminate. The two prepreg webs impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resin and the unimpregnated parchment web are then pressed between two press bands of a continuous laminating press to a decorative post-forming laminate. At the pressing, a prepreg web of α-cellulose is placed on top with the side with the hard particles directed upwards. Underneath follows a prepreg web of decor paper and at the bottom a web of parchment. The prepreg webs and the parchment web are pressed together at a pressure of 35 kp/cm2 and at a temperature of 170° C. The decorative post-forming laminate obtained is then cut with roller knives to strips of suitable length and width. A longitudinal carrier 2 with a rectangular cross-section and two opposite rounded-off edges according to FIG. 1 are machined from a fibre board or other substrate material by means of a milling machine. The fibre board is a water resistant board of so-called MDF-quality (medium density fibre board quality) or, alternatively, HDF quality (high density fibre board quality), made of finely divided fibres with an adhesive to bond the fibres together. A strip of post-forming laminate 1 is now glued under heat and pressure to the longitudinal carrier 2 with a heat and moisture resistant glue. The pressure is regulated with rolls which press the laminate against the carrier and the temperature 1 is regulated with heating nozzles which blow an even current of warm air. Following the above process, the abrasion resistance of the post-forming laminate obtained was measured. Then a value for the IP-point amounting to 7000 revolutions was obtained. The different structures and designs of the profiles for floor strip 100, namely the dilatation, finishing and transition will now be described with respect to FIGS. 2-9. A dilation profile 3 according to FIG. 2 can be machined from the laminate clad carrier by milling. Two finishing profiles 4 according to FIG. 3 or one transition profile 5 according to FIG. 4 can be produced from the same carrier. This results in a rational and cost-saving production. Alternatively, the carriers can be the shape as shown in FIGS. 2-9 before the post-forming of the laminate is commenced. FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of one of the preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein floor strip 100 is attached between two differing sets of tiles, thin tile 70 and thicker tongue and groove tiles 80 and 81 (shown in mating relationship), all on a subfloor 500. FIG. 6A shows the components of FIG. 5 assembled together. In these figures, floor strip 100 is a dilatation profile having a T-shape, with a first plane 50 arranged vertically in use and a second plane 60 oriented horizontally and connecting to the first plane along its mid-section forming a “T.” The second plane overhangs the first plane on a first side 61 and a second side 62. A tab 180 extends from the bottom plane of first side 61 of the second plane. Due to the differing heights of the tiles 70 and 80/81, a reducer 90 will be required to provide a smooth transition. Reducer 90 has a height corresponding to the height difference between the tiles and also has a groove 91 on its upper surface for acceptance, in a locking manner, of tab 180. Upon assembly of tiles 70, 80 and 81 and floor strip 100, the tab fits into groove 91 and then the reducer is assembled in mating position between an edge 71 of tile 70 and the first side 61 of the second plane. The design of the tab and reducer prevents the reducer from laterally moving in relation to floor strip 100 in an assembled condition. Although a simple tongue and groove design is shown, other engagement means may be used (See FIGS. 9A-9F, discussed below) which have locking designs which lock the floor strip and reducer together. At each of these mating portions, glue may be used to additionally secure the components together. The reducers 90 (as well as the reducers of the subsequent described embodiments) may carry on an exposed outer surface a pot forming laminate (not shown) in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-4. Reducer 90 may have alternate designs, which are illustrated in FIGS. 6B and 6C. Reducer 90, shown in FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, has a sloped portion 93, which provides a more gradual transition between a tiled floor section having a higher height than an adjacent floor tile section. On the other hand, Reducer 95, shown in FIG. 6C, has a vertical side 96, which would provide more of a small step between the different tile floor sections. Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, whereby instead of tab 180 locking into a reducer, it provides a back stop for a reducer 97 which does not have any groove. Other aspects of this embodiment are congruent to those of the previous embodiment and will not be repeated herein. Reducer 97 is more or less a rectangular box design having one sloped side 109 which as in the previous embodiment provides a gradual transition between floor heights. Reducer 97 does not have a groove, rather the back side 99 is abutted against tab 180 when floor strip 100 and reducer 97 are in their assembled positions, as shown in FIG. 7A. A glue or other adhesive may be used to maintain the parts in their positions and prevent reducer 97 from laterally moving in relation to floor strip 100. Alternatively, reducer 98 may be used in place of reducer 97. Reducer 98 has a rectangular box shape which provides a step between floor heights rather than in a sloped fashion. A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, floor strip 100 is used between two adjacent floor tile sections having similar heights. Further, both first side 61 and second side 62 of the second plane 60 have tabs 180 and 181, respectively. Tiles 200 and 210 have grooves 201 and 211 respectively. Tabs 180 and 181 fit into grooves 201 and 211 by a tongue and groove style, however, other engagement styles may be used (See FIGS. 9A-9F below) which either positively lock the parts together or simple provide a guide for assembly. Such a design does not require the use of a reducer between the tile and the floor strip. The tab and reducer groove need not be a simple tongue and groove design, as outlined in FIGS. 5-8. These were described merely by way of example using floor strip 100 with tab portion 180 as shown in FIG. 9. Alternatives of the tab on the floor strip in conjunction with a reducer are shown in FIGS. 10-14. Additionally, the reducers described in conjunction with the invention as a spacer between uneven floor tiles is not necessary. Should the tiles have similar height, a reducer may be removed and such slots which are described in the reducer may also be cut into the appropriate floor tile for positive locking or prevention of associated movement. In FIG. 10A, a tab 1800 on floor strip 101 has the shape of a t-nut. An associated reducer 1000 has a shape similar to the t-nut cut through its longitudinal length thereof. Tab 1800 fits into the reducer 1000 by sliding the tab into an end portion of the reducer and along the length of the reducer. Such a design allows for a positive locking in a lateral direction while allowing movement along the longitudinal axis of the floor strip. The designs of the tab portion as shown in FIGS. 11A, 12A and 14A show a tab portion that snaps into the associated reducer. In FIG. 11A, a tab 1800 of floor strip 102 has a pair of upwardly facing angled teeth 1850 and 1851. A reducer 1100 used in association with tab 1800 has a slot 1105 cut there through having an opening congruent to the design of the tab. When tab 1800 and reducer 1100 are assembled together, floor strip 102 is placed atop the reducer. Upon sufficient pressure on the floor strip, tabs 1801 will snap into the slot 1105. Teeth 1850 and 1851 prevent tab 1801 from being removed from slot 1105 of reducer 1100 providing a positive locking together. Tabs 1802, 1820 and 1803 shown in FIGS. 12A and 14A, have a similar design for the upwardly facing teeth as shown in FIG. 11A, but have a differing number of teeth. Similarly, reducers 1200 and 1400, used in association with these tabs respectively, also have slots 1205 and 1405 which are congruent to the associated tabs. A tile 1225 also has a slot near its edge for acceptance of the tab 1820. Each slot design allows for the tab portion to be snapped into the associated slot for a positive locking between the tab and the slot. Although the slot drawn in these figures has a shape congruent to the shape of the associated tab, such is not required. The slot must only be of sufficient design whereby the tab can snap into the slot and whereby the design of the slot prevents removal of the tab. FIG. 12B also shows a floor strip 103 having a pair of tabs whereby the tabs snap into both a reducer and the associated tile. However, such a specific case is not required. Floor strip 103 may be snapped into a pair of tiles or a pair of reducers. In FIG. 13A, floor strip 104 has a pair of spaced tabs 1380 and 1381 having a generally triangular profile and extending along the length of the floor strip. Tabs 1380 and 1381 provide a channel by which reducer 1300 is held between the tabs under floor strip 104. Such a design prevents lateral movement of reducer 1300 in relation to floor strip 104. Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, such explanation is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only, and is not to be taken by way of limitation. Other modifications of the above examples may be made by those having ordinary skill which remain within the scope of the invention. For instance, the examples are described with reference to a dilatation profile for the carrier of the floor strip. However, such tab and reducer designs work just as well with a finishing profile as well as a transition profile, and whether used on carpet or floor tiles. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process for the production of a floor strip such as a dilatation profile, a transition profile or a finishing profile. The present invention also relates to the features of the floor strip. 2. Description of the Related Art It is previously known to produce floor strips such as metal strips, wood veneer coated strips and strips of homogeneous wood. However, such floor strips generally do not adequately match the pattern of the other portions of the floor. Thus, there is a strong desire to bring about a floor strip with the same pattern as on a floor of thermosetting laminate. During the last few years these floors have become very usual. For instance they are made with a wood pattern, marble pattern and fancy pattern. Possibly you can use a homogeneous wood strip or a wood veneer-coated strip for a few of the wood patterned floors. Previously known strips do not go well together with all the other floor patterns. These floor strips are provided in a floor system in order to provide a transition or edge to the floor, such as at the corner of the wall or between rooms. They may also be provided between rooms having different types of flooring, such as carpet and tile, or different heights or textures of tiles. However, conventional floor strips do not adequately provide a transition between differing floor types because they cannot adequately cover the gap between the differing floor coverings or the differing heights of the tiles. However, it also a problem for sellers of floor strips to inventory differing types of transition profiles, especially in a pattern or color to match a single floor. Thus, there exists a need to provide a single floor strip which can satisfy a number of differing requirements, such a being useful as a finishing profile, a dilatation profile, and a transition profile. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF INVENTION <EOH>The purpose of the present invention is to provide a floor strip with improved abrasion resistance and features to overcome the problems in the art. According to the present invention it has quite surprisingly been possible to meet the above needs and bring about a process for the production of floor strips such as a dilatation profile, a transition profile or a finishing profile. The process comprises glueing, preferably under heat and pressure a thin decorative thermosetting laminate of post-forming quality having an abrasion resistance measured as IP-value >3000 revolutions, preferably >6000 revolutions, on a longitudinal carrier, which carrier preferably consists of a fibre board or a particle board with a rectangular cross-section and at least two opposite rounded-off edges. The post-forming laminate is glued in one piece on the upper side and two long sides of the carrier via the rounded-off edges, whereupon one or more floor profiles having the same or different cross-section is machined from the laminate coated carrier. According to another embodiment the carrier can be provided with a rectangular cross-section with three rounded-off edges. From the same body, the laminate clad carrier, several profiles with varying shape can be machined. Usually a milling machine is used for machining the different kinds of profiles from the laminate coated carrier. The carrier may also be molded to achieve various profiles which may be required. Additionally, the carrier is preferably water resistant or even waterproof. In a preferred embodiment the carrier consists of a high density fibre board made of fine fibres, such as known in the industry as medium density fiberboard (MDF) or high density fiberboard (HDF). Advantageously, a heat and moisture resistant glue is used at the glueing. Preferably the glueing is carried out under heat and pressure. For instance, the pressure can be regulated by means of rollers which press the laminate against the carrier. The temperature can, for instance, be regulated with heating nozzles which can give an even current of warm air. Suitably the post-forming laminate consists of at least one monochromatic or patterned paper sheet impregnated with a thermosetting resin, preferably melamine-formaldehyde resin and preferably one or more sheets for instance of parchment, vulcanized fibres or glass fibres. The last mentioned sheets are preferably not impregnated with any thermosetting resin, but the thermosetting resin from the sheets situated above will enter these sheets at the laminating step, where all sheets are bonded together. Alternatively, the sheet can be a metallic foil or a layer of paint. Generally the term post-forming laminate means a laminate which is so flexible that it can be formed at least to a certain extent after the production thereof. Ordinary qualities of thermosetting decorative laminates are rather brittle and cannot be regarded as post-forming laminates. Usually the post-forming laminate includes at least one uppermost transparent paper sheet made of α-cellulose and impregnated with a thermosetting resin, preferably melamine-formaldehyde resin. This so-called overlay is intended to protect an underlying decor sheet from abrasion. Often at least one of the paper sheets of the postforming laminate impregnated with thermosetting resin, preferably the uppermost one, is coated with hard particles, e.g., those having a Moh's hardness of at least 6, preferably between 6 and 10, similar to the Moh's hardness of at least silica, aluminium oxide, diamond and/or silicon carbide. The hard particles have an average particle size of about 1-80 μm, preferably about 5-60 μm evenly distributed over the surface of the paper sheet. In a preferred embodiment the hard particles are applied on the resin impregnated paper surface before the resin has been dried. The hard particles improve the abrasion resistance of the laminate. Hard particles are used in the same way at the production of laminates which are subject to a hard wear such as flooring laminates. The abrasion resistance of the post-forming laminates is tested according to the European standard EN 438-2/6: 1991. According to this standard the abrasion of the decor sheet of the finished laminate to the so-called IP-point (initial point) is measured, where the starting abrasion takes place. The IP-value suitably lies within the interval 3000-20000, preferably 3000-10000 revolutions. Thus, the manufacturing process according to the invention makes it possible to produce laminate clad profiles with the same surface pattern and about the same abrasion resistance as the laminate floorings they are intended to be used together with. The carriers for the floor strips to which the post-forming laminate is glued can be made of differing profiles to accommodate the specific circumstance, namely whether a dilatation, transition or finishing profile is required. The profile, for example a dilatation profile, comprises a general T-shape whereby a first plane extending vertically along the length of the floor strip intersects about in the middle of a second horizontally oriented plane. A profile removes about half of the second plane to form a rotated upside down L-shape, which is used adjacent a wall or on a stepped surface. A dilatation profile is similar to a finishing profile, but the second plane is oriented off of horizontal or it is divided into two planes, one at a different level than the other, or one side is removed altogether, which provides a smoother transition between uneven tiles, a carpet and tile, or differing tile textures. The pattern of the profiles can also be adapted to other flooring materials than laminate floorings, such as parquette floorings and soft plastic floorings. In order to overcome the problems associated with transitioning between carpet and tile, differing textures of tiles or differing heights of tiles, the second plane may have a tab portion on its tile/carpet engaging surface depending orthogonally away from the second plane and displaced away from the first plane. The tab is used to engage a reducer that extends between the floor surface and the engagement surface of the second plane. The reducer is configured to maintain a horizontal orientation of the second plane and provide a smoother transition between the tile surfaces in the finishing, transition or dilatation profile when they are used between uneven tile surfaces, differing tile textures or between carpet and tile. The tab portion fits into a groove on the upper surface of the reducer in mating fashion to create a solid lock between them. Alternatively, the tab portion may be engaged into the edge of a tile panel on the floor. In this situation, the tiles adjacent to the transition area may require a groove cut into them near the transition. Such allows the tab portion to maintain a firm and locked relationship with the tile surface and provide a better transition between the tile surface and the respective profile. Further, a tab portion may be provided on both sides of the second plane respective to the first plane to further smooth the transition area between the first tile surface, the floor strip and the second surface. The design of the tab may come in varying styles, there may be a straight block type tab, a t-nut type, various interlocking styles and a channel type arrangement. Such types depend on the particular requirements of the tiling circumstance. This inventive floor strip according to the above may be used as a transition piece between various tongue and groove panels to provide a smooth and aesthetic transition between floor sections having dissimilar surfaces, such as those between a carpeted area and a tiled area, a thin tile area and a hardwood floor, two tile areas having differing textures, etc. | 20040730 | 20060627 | 20050106 | 58617.0 | 2 | KATCHEVES, BASIL S | FLOOR STRIP | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,902,257 | ACCEPTED | Oral care implement | An oral care implement has an improved handle for control. The handle may include a gripping region having a grip surface with a plurality of spaced slot openings exposing portions of the base. In one construction, the handle may have an inclined portion and a grip body extending through a base of the handle. The grip body forms opposite finger grips on the inclined portion of the handle. In one construction, the handle may include a grip element which provides shifting of a mass centroid of the handle during use. In another construction, the handle includes a resilient grip body and the handle includes an aperture extend through the handle. Aperture has an inclined surface for engaging a resilient grip body. | 1. An oral care implement comprising: a base with a gripping region and an oral engaging region; and a gripping member at least partially overlying the gripping region of the base and having a grip surface provided with at least one opening exposing a portion of the base. 2. The oral care implement according to claim 1, in which the gripping member comprises an elastomeric material. 3. The oral care implement according to claim 2, in which the exposed portion of the base are recessed in the grip surface to define a cavity in the opening. 4. The oral care implement according to claim 3, in which the base further includes at least one projection which has an outer surface, and the exposed portion of the base is the outer surface of the projection. 5. The oral care implement according to claim 2 wherein a plurality of the openings are provided in the grip surface. 6. The oral care implement according to claim 5, in which the grip surface further includes a concaved region disposed between each pair of adjacent openings. 7. The oral care implement according to claim 6, in which the base further includes a plurality of projections and a base surface extending between the projections, wherein the base surface between each adjacent pair of said projections has a groove disposed between the projections, and wherein the groove is disposed below the concaved regions. 8. The oral care implement of claim 5, in which the openings are elongate, transverse slots. 9. The oral care implement according to claim 8, in which the slots have varying lengths along a longitudinal direction of the gripping region. 10. The oral care implement according to claim 5 wherein the base includes an aperture, and a resilient grip body is fixed in the aperture to define finger gripping surfaces on opposite sides of the base. 11. The oral care implement according to claim 10, in which the exposed portions of the base are recessed in the grip surface. 12. The oral care implement according to claim 11, in which the base includes a rear segment and a front segment that is inclined to the rear segment. 13. The oral care implement according to claim 12 wherein the aperture is formed in the front segment. 14. The oral care implement according to claim 2 further including an independent, resilient grip body extending through the base. 15. The oral care implement according to claim 14, in which the grip body is of a softer material than said gripping member. 16. The oral care implement according to claim 15 wherein the aperture and grip body received therein has a width at its largest dimension which is more than one half of the width of the base at the same location. 17. The oral care implement according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of the openings are provided in the grip surface. 18. The oral care implement according to claim 17, in which the exposed portions of the base are recessed in the grip surface. 19. The oral care implement according to claim 1, wherein the base includes an aperture, and a resilient grip body is fixed in the aperture to define finger gripping surfaces on opposite sides of the base. 20. The oral care implement according to claim 19 wherein the aperture and grip body received therein has a width at its largest dimension which is more than one half of the width of the base at the same location. 21. The oral care implement according to claim 1, in which the handle includes first and second sections and an intermediate section that connects the first and second sections, wherein the intermediate section is narrower than the first and second sections. 22. The oral care implement according to claim 21, in which the first section is inclined relative to the second section. 23. The oral care implement according to claim 1, in which the exposed portion of the base is recessed in the grip surface to define a cavity in the opening. 24. The oral care implement according to claim 1, in which the gripping member is composed of a softer material than the base. 25. The oral care implement according to claim 24, in which the exposed base portions are recessed relative to the grip surface. 26. The oral care implement according to claim 1, in which the oral engaging region includes teeth cleaning elements. 27. An oral care implement comprising: a base with a gripping region and an oral engaging region, the gripping region including a rear segment and a front segment inclined relative to the rear segment; and a grip body extending through the base, the grip body forming opposite finger gripping surfaces on the inclined portion of the base. 28. The oral care implement according to claim 27, in which the grip body comprises an elastomeric material. 29. The oral care implement according to claim 27, in which the grip body is configured to counterbalance forces acting on the handle. 30. The oral care implement according to claim 27, in which the grip body has a hardness of about 8-24 Shore A. 31. The oral care implement according to claim 30, in which the handle further includes a resilient grip surface on the base, wherein the resilient grip surface has a hardness of about 13-50 Shore A. 32. The oral care implement according to claim 27 wherein front segment is inclined to the rear segment at about 5-40 degrees. 33. The oral care implement according to claim 27 wherein the aperture and grip body received therein has a width at its largest dimension which is more than one half of the width of the base at the same location. 34. The oral care implement according to claim 27 wherein each said finger gripping surface includes a plurality of projections. 35. An oral care implement comprising: a base with gripping region and an oral engaging region, the gripping region including an aperture extending through the base; and a resilient grip body disposed in the aperture and extending through the base to define finger gripping surfaces on opposite sides of the base, the grip body further having a centroid that is shiftable within the aperture by user pressure to opposite sides of the base. 36. The oral care implement according to claim 35, in which the grip body comprises an elastomeric material. 37. The oral care implement of claim 34, in which the grip element is disposed in a widest portion of the base. 38. The oral care implement according to claim 34, in which the grip element has hardness of about 8-24 Shore A. 39. The oral care implement according to claim 34 wherein the aperture is defined by side surfaces that are inclined toward a central portion of the aperture to define a narrowed rounded edge surface. 40. An oral care implement comprising: a base with a gripping region and an oral engaging region, the gripping region including an aperture extending through the base, the aperture being defined by at least one inclined sidewall that defines a narrowed edge surface within the aperture; and a resilient grip body being molded into the aperture, the grip body defining grip surfaces exposed on opposite sides of the base. 41. The oral care implement according to claim 40, in which the grip body comprises an elastomeric material. 42. The oral care implement according to claim 40, in which the handle includes first and second sections and an intermediate section that connects the first and second sections, wherein the intermediate section is narrower than the first and second sections. 43. The oral care implement according to claim 40 wherein the grip body has a hardness of about 8-25 Shore A. 44. The oral care implement according to claim 43, further including a grip surface on the base, the grip surface having hardness of about 13-40 Shore A. 45. The oral care implement according to claim 40 wherein the grip body has a hardness of about 11-15 Shore A. 46. The oral care implement according to claim 40, in which the grip body is disposed in the widest portion of the base. 47. An oral care implement comprising: a base with a gripping region and an oral engaging region, the gripping region including an aperture extending through the base; and a resilient grip body secured within the aperture to extend through the base and define a gripping surface on opposite sides of the base to be gripped by a thumb of a user and one finger, the grip body being configured to dampen the forces applied to the oral engaging region by the user holding the gripping region. 48. The oral care implement according to claim 47 wherein the aperture and grip body received therein has a width at its largest dimension which is more than one half of the width of the base at the same location. 49. The oral care implement according to claim 47 wherein the aperture is defined by side surfaces that are inclined toward a central portion of the aperture to define a narrowed rounded edge surface. 50. The oral care implement according to claim 49 wherein the grip body defines a centroid that is shiftable to opposite sides of the rounded edge surface upon application of pressure by the user. 51. The oral care implement according to claim 47 wherein the grip body has a hardness of about 8-25 Shore A. 52. The oral care implement according to claim 47, in which the grip element is disposed in a widest portion of the base. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation in part of co-pending PCT Application No. PCT/US2003/029497 (designating the U.S.), filed Sep. 17, 2003, entitled “Toothbrush With Gripping Area” (Attorney Docket No. IR 6989-00), which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/412,290, filed Sep. 20, 2002. This application also is a continuation in part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/189,729, filed Sep. 10, 2003. The contents of the above-noted applications are each expressly incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally pertains to an oral care implement, and in particular, to an implement with an improved handle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Oral care implements, especially toothbrushes, are used by many people on a daily basis. With such devices, a handle is usually provided to be grasped and manipulated by the user as needed. However, many handles are simply linear rods of relatively rigid material which are neither comfortable nor given to easy manipulation. Further, use of an oral care implement may commonly occur under wet conditions, which can cause the handle to be slippery. Accordingly, there is a need for an oral care implement that provides for improved control and greater comfort for the user. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention pertains to an oral care implement with an improved handle that provides greater comfort and improved control during use. In one aspect of the invention, the handle includes a gripping region formed by a grip member having a plurality of spaced openings that expose portions of an underlying base. In a preferred embodiment, the grip member is an elastomer and the exposed base portions are recessed in the slots. This construction provides a reliable, slip-resistant and comfortable portion to be grasped. In one other aspect of the invention, the handle has a resilient grip body that extends through the handle to be gripped by the user's finger and thumb. In a preferred embodiment, the grip body is fit into a large opening in a base where the mass of the grip body can be shifted by pressure on either side for greater comfort and control, and to dampen the pressure applied by the brush. Moreover, the grip body also preferably includes a friction surface to resist slippage. In one other aspect of the invention, the handle includes an inclined segment that offsets the head of the implement relative to a palm gripping region for better control and manipulation of the toothbrush or other implement. A grip body is preferably positioned along the inclined segment to further enhance the comfort and control felt by the user. In another aspect of the invention, the handle includes a large aperture into which a resilient grip body is stably fixed. The aperture has a sidewall geometry shaped for securely engaging the resilient grip body while facilitating an easy molding process. In a preferred construction, the sidewall geometry includes at least one inclined surface which defines a narrowed portion of the aperture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description in consideration of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an oral care implement according to one or more aspects of an illustrative embodiment; FIG. 2 is a rear view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a front view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a side view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a section view of the oral care implement taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3; FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a base of an oral care implement of FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a partial front view of the base of FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a top axial view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1; and FIG. 9 is a bottom axial view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGS. 1-9 illustrate an oral care implement in the form of a toothbrush 100 having an improved handle 103 and a head 105 with bristles or other tooth engaging elements. While reference is made to a toothbrush with an improved handle, other oral care implements, such as inter-proximal picks, flossing tools, plaque scrapers, tongue and soft tissue cleansers/massagers and the like, may use the same handle. It is also to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Handle 103 is provided for the user to reliably grip and manipulate the toothbrush. Handle 103 includes ergonomic features which provide a high degree of control for the user while maintaining comfort. In a preferred construction (FIGS. 1-9), handle 103 includes a base 300, a grip body 403, and a gripping member 407. These components cooperatively form a grip portion 400 by which the user holds and manipulates the toothbrush. For optimum comfort and control, grip portion 400 includes three segments 111, 113, 115. A rear segment 115 forms a portion that generally fits comfortably within the palm of the user. A front segment 111 forms a portion that generally fits comfortably between the user's thumb and index finger. A narrow transition segment 113 connects the front and rear segments 111, 115. In a preferred construction, front segment 111 is inclined relative to rear segment 115 to define an inclined portion positioned for comfortable gripping and to facilitate a desired offset positioning of the head relative to the palm gripping region 115. The angle θ of the incline is preferably 23 degrees, but may range approximately between 5-40 degrees. This feature allows improved control of the handle during brushing in which the head 105 can be more desirably positioned within the mouth to engage the tooth cleaning elements 200 against the teeth. In the preferred embodiment, front and rear segments 111, 115 are widened sections that are joined by a narrowed portion 113 to form an undulating structure which is more reliably and comfortably held within the user's hand. Further, this wide construction of the palm and finger gripping regions 111, 115 requires less fine motor control by the user and is, hence, easier to hold and manipulate. In addition, front segment 111 transitions into neck 116 which, in turn, supports head 105. In a preferred embodiment, base 300 includes a gripping region 301 that corresponds to grip portion 400, the neck 116, and the head 105 to define an oral engaging region. Under a normal use position, grip portion 400 is grasped by a user with the fingers engaging the handle 103 so that the thumb is on one side and the index finger and other fingers are positioned on the opposite side. Front segment 111 of grip portion 400 includes grip body 403 having opposing sides 405, 404 preferably for engaging the thumb and index finger of a user. Grip portion 400 further includes a rear segment 115 which enables reliable gripping of the toothbrush 100 with the third through the fifth fingers of the user's hand in a normal use position. While a normal use position is discussed, the features of the toothbrush could be employed by a user having less fingers or a user which holds the toothbrush in other ways. In one preferred construction, front section 111 includes a soft, resilient grip body 403 fixed within aperture 303 of base 300. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, front section 111 has the widest transverse dimension of any other part of handle 103. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, aperture 303 occupies more than one-half of the transverse dimension across front section 111 of handle 103. Nevertheless, other constructions are possible. As an example only, grip body 403 may occupy a smaller portion of the transverse dimension, such as one-third of the transverse dimension of front section 111. Nevertheless, the width and length of aperture 303 may be adjusted as desired and other parts of handle 103 may be as wide as or wider than front segment 111. Referring to FIGS. 5-7, in one construction, aperture 303 extends through base 300 to mount grip body 403. Aperture 303 includes a sidewall geometry 305 for the retaining and dynamic positioning of the resilient grip body 403 during use of the toothbrush. While grip body 403 is preferably molded into aperture 303, it could be premolded and mounted into aperture 303. In a preferred construction, grip member 403 is a soft, resilient element formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) which fills the aperture 303. To provide optimum comfort as well as control benefits, the elastomeric material preferably has a hardness durometer measurement ranging between A11 to A15 Shore hardness. Nevertheless, the hardness of the elastomer could also range between A8 to A24 Shore hardness. Other materials outside this hardness range could also be used. As an example, one preferred elastomeric material is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, other manufacturers can supply the SEBS material and other materials could be used. Referring to FIGS. 1-5, resilient grip body 403 preferably has a generally bulbous shape that bulges out of aperture 303 and which resembles an oval or elliptical shape. The bulbous shape of the resilient grip body 403 enables the user to reliably roll and control the handle 103 between the thumb and index fingers during use. Grip body 403 could also be non-bulging or have any number of shapes, such as circular, a true oval shape and the like. Referring to FIGS. 5-7, aperture 303 preferably includes a peripheral shoulder or rim 304 for supporting grip body 403. Sidewall 305 of aperture 303 extends between opposing outer surfaces of base 300 and includes inclined surfaces 309, 310 inside of the periphery of aperture 303. The inclined surfaces 309, 310 extend from the outer surfaces towards a rounded edge surface 311 which is the narrowest part of the aperture 303. This construction, in conjunction with the soft, resilient nature of grip member 403, provides a weight shifting feature which improves control of the handle 103 during use. Resilient grip body 403 further helps attenuate the brushing force applied to the oral surfaces to prevent gum recession, loss of tooth enamel or to provide for a more comfortable brushing experience. When the toothbrush is used against the oral surfaces, such as the teeth, reaction forces are transferred to the resilient grip body 403. The elastomeric material dampens the forces against the head 105 which reduces the brush pressure applied to the teeth and soft tissue surfaces, such as the gums. In a preferred construction, elastomeric material of the resilient grip body 403 is enabled to flow and shift within aperture 303. Net pressure applied by the user's fingers is transferred to grip body 403 so that the inclined surface 309, 310 enables the elastomeric material to flow to the narrowest portion of the aperture. Hence, some of the elastomeric material squeezes past rounded edge surface 311 to the other side of the aperture while under pressure. The shifting of the material to the other side of the aperture causes a slight shift in the mass centroid of the resilient member 403 to counter balance the brushing forces. Thus, grip body 403 balances handle 103 enabling it to “float” in the hand of the user and reduce the brushing forces applied by the head 105. In one preferred construction, grip body 403 has a multiplicity of finger grip protrusions 411 (FIGS. 1-5). Finger grip protrusions 411 provide a tactile feature to increase the friction on the user's finger surfaces and thus enhance the user's ability to grip the handle, particularly under wet conditions. Finger grip protrusions 411 are preferably provided in a desired conical or frusto-conical shape for improved grip performance. Of course, other roughened surfaces could be used. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, rear segment 115 is preferably formed by base 300 and gripping member 407. In one preferred embodiment, base 300 defines a relatively rigid support structure which is at least partially overlain by an elastomeric gripping member 407. While gripping member 407 is shown as a single unitary member or layer, it could be formed by separate independent parts or sections. Base 300 along rear segment 115 includes at least one projection, and preferably a plurality of spaced projections. While the projections could have virtually any shape, they are preferably in the form of spaced, elongate, transverse projections or ribs 315. In the preferred embodiment, ribs 315 are generally parallel with respect to each other and generally symmetrical in relation to the longitudinal axis a-a of rear segment 115. The projections 315 are preferably linear and span laterally between the longitudinal sides 313, 314 of handle 103, although they may have different transverse lengths. The transverse length of each projection 315 generally matches the width at the longitudinal location along the handle 103; although the ribs are preferably slightly short of the actual width of handle segment 115 at any one location so as to be covered on the sides by gripping member 407. Since ribs 315 span the width of segment 115, they each have varying lengths due to the variations in the width of handle segment 115. While nine projections are shown, the inventive aspects may be obtained by other numbers of projections. In a preferred arrangement, a receiving region 317 is defined between each of the adjacent transverse projections 315. The receiving regions 317 are configured to retain and hold a layer of suitable gripping member 407, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or other similar materials used in oral care products. In a preferable construction, receiving regions 317 have a transverse arcuate base surface 319 with a transverse groove or depression 321. The arcuate base surface 319 extends between the longitudinal sides of base 300. When a gripping member 407 is applied to the base, grooves 321 create concaved regions 413 in grip surface 410 to improve the tactile performance of the toothbrush handle (see FIG. 4). While horizontal or straight projections 315 are illustrated, the projections 315, alternatively, may be any number of shapes or orientations with respect to the longitudinal axis a-a. For example, the projections 315 may be chevron shaped, circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular, or triangular or other shapes. The orientation of the projections 315 may also be off-axis from the longitudinal axis a-a to form an asymmetrical relationship. The projections 315 may be regularly or randomly spaced on base 300 for the intended gripping performance. As shown in FIG. 7, a peripheral portion of base 300 has a peripheral groove 323 arranged to receive and hold a layer of the grip material for suitable use with the toothbrush. Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, gripping member 407 is fixed to base 300 to provide several gripping features to improve performance. In one aspect, gripping member 407 has a grip surface 410 with at least one and preferably a plurality of spaced openings, preferably in the form of elongate transverse slots 415, which expose portions of base 300. In this way, the outline shape of slots 415 is formed by the peripheral shape of projections 315 of base 300 (FIGS. 6 and 7). To form slots 415, suitable injection molding equipment mates with the top surfaces of the projections 315 to prevent overmolding of ribs 315 and any undesired deflection of base 300 during the molding process. This enables the top surfaces of the projections 315 to be exposed after the molding process. To provide comfort as well as control benefits, the elastomeric material of the grip surface 410 may have a hardness durometer measurement ranging between A13 to A50 Shore hardness, although materials outside this range may be used. A preferred range of the hardness durometer rating is between A25 to A40 Shore hardness. While an injection molded construction is preferred, a suitable deformable thermoplastic material, such as TPE, may be formed in a thin layer and attached to base 300 with an appropriate adhesive or by other means. Irrespective of the manufacturing process, ribs 315 are preferably recessed relative to gripping surface 410, i.e., a suitable thickness of elastomeric material is used to control the depth of the slot 415 as measured from the top of the grip surface 410 to the top of the projection (e.g., the exposed portion of base 300). In a preferred construction, the depth of the slots along axis a—a is about 0.5 mm. These transverse slots 415 prevent slippage of the handle 103 by enabling portions of the user's fingers to slightly protrude into the depth of the slot 415. Additionally, slots 415 channel water away from the fingers tips during wet operational conditions. Air is also able to enter the slots during brushing to provide some evaporative effect. In another aspect, the grip surface 410 includes concaved regions 413 between each slot 415 to further improve the grip performance of handle 103. The concaved regions 413 are preferably created by a suitable thickness of the elastomeric material during the injection molding process filling into the transverse grooves 321 in base 300, but could be formed by other means (FIGS. 6 and 7). While base surface 319 is preferably arcuate in a transverse direction, the base surface may be horizontal or take on other shapes. In one preferred construction, resilient grip body 403 has a different hardness as compared to the hardness of the grip surface 410. Generally, the material of grip body 403 is softer than the material forming the grip surface 410. In this manner, the handle 103 may be provided different grip features to complement the particular control need. For example, the handle 103 may have a soft forward portion with a shock absorption advantage and a slightly harder aft portion with a comfort and control advantage. The material of the resilient grip body 403 and grip surface 410 are preferably each a thermoplastic elastomer. The inventive aspects may be practiced for a manual toothbrush or a powered toothbrush. In operation, the previously described features, individually and/or in any combination, improve the control and grip performance of oral implements. Other constructions of toothbrush are possible. For example, head 105 may be replaceable or interchangeable on handle 103. Head 105 may include various oral surface engaging elements, such as inter-proximal picks, brushes, flossing element, plaque scrapper, tongue cleansers and soft tissue massages. While the various features of the toothbrush 100 work together to achieve the advantages previously described, it is recognized that individual features and sub-combinations of these features can be used to obtain some of the aforementioned advantages without the necessity to adopt all of these features in an oral care implement. While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Oral care implements, especially toothbrushes, are used by many people on a daily basis. With such devices, a handle is usually provided to be grasped and manipulated by the user as needed. However, many handles are simply linear rods of relatively rigid material which are neither comfortable nor given to easy manipulation. Further, use of an oral care implement may commonly occur under wet conditions, which can cause the handle to be slippery. Accordingly, there is a need for an oral care implement that provides for improved control and greater comfort for the user. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention pertains to an oral care implement with an improved handle that provides greater comfort and improved control during use. In one aspect of the invention, the handle includes a gripping region formed by a grip member having a plurality of spaced openings that expose portions of an underlying base. In a preferred embodiment, the grip member is an elastomer and the exposed base portions are recessed in the slots. This construction provides a reliable, slip-resistant and comfortable portion to be grasped. In one other aspect of the invention, the handle has a resilient grip body that extends through the handle to be gripped by the user's finger and thumb. In a preferred embodiment, the grip body is fit into a large opening in a base where the mass of the grip body can be shifted by pressure on either side for greater comfort and control, and to dampen the pressure applied by the brush. Moreover, the grip body also preferably includes a friction surface to resist slippage. In one other aspect of the invention, the handle includes an inclined segment that offsets the head of the implement relative to a palm gripping region for better control and manipulation of the toothbrush or other implement. A grip body is preferably positioned along the inclined segment to further enhance the comfort and control felt by the user. In another aspect of the invention, the handle includes a large aperture into which a resilient grip body is stably fixed. The aperture has a sidewall geometry shaped for securely engaging the resilient grip body while facilitating an easy molding process. In a preferred construction, the sidewall geometry includes at least one inclined surface which defines a narrowed portion of the aperture. | 20040730 | 20060523 | 20050303 | 72633.0 | 1 | SPISICH, MARK | ORAL CARE IMPLEMENT | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,902,533 | ACCEPTED | Support console with pivotable support plate | In a support console with a pivotable support structure for the position adjustable mounting of an apparatus such a minicomputer, a support plate is pivotally supported on a console column which is provided at an end thereof with a base receiving a suction membrane and a membrane operating mechanism is operatively connected to the suction membrane and disposed enclosed in the console column with only an operating lever extending from the interior of the console column to the outside for actuating the suction structure. | 1. A support console with a support plate (3) pivotally supported on the console for adjustably supporting small apparatus such as handheld computers, said support console comprising a base (1), a support column (2) extending from the base (1), and supporting the support plate (3), said support plate (3) having means for engaging an apparatus, a vacuum suction structure with a membrane disposed in the support column and, respectively, the base for attaching the support console to a support surface, said support column further including an operating mechanism (53-57) for the vacuum suction structure in the base (1) of the console and having an opening through which only an operating lever (51) of the operating mechanism extends to the outside of the column for actuating the suction structure in the base (1) of the support console. 2. A support console according to claim 1, wherein the operating mechanism includes a shaft (53) connected to the membrane (52), a lift cam (53) formed on the operating lever (51) which is connected to the shaft (53) and a return spring (55) biasing the shaft toward the membrane (52), all disposed within the column (2) of the console. 3. A support console according to claim 1, wherein the support plate (3) is pivotally supported on the console by a hinge structure (4) including two serially arranged hinges with a first hinge shaft (41) extending normal to the longitudinal axis of the console column 2 and a second hinge shaft (43) extending normal to a plane receiving the first hinge shaft (41) and means of locking the hinges in any selected position. 4. A support console according to claim 3, wherein the means for locking the hinges comprises in each case a clamping wheel (42, 44) for axially compressing the hinges into frictional engagement positions. 5. A support console according to claim 3, wherein the first hinge (41) includes an engagement structure comprising a pivot member (45) with a circular engagement section (46) and a corresponding counter element (47) mounted on the console column (2) with engagement projections for engagement with recesses formed in the circular engagement section (46). 6. A support console according to claim 5, wherein the counter element (47) is mounted onto the console column (2) by a resilient connecting web. 7. A support console according to claim 5, wherein the counter element (47) is movably supported on the console column (2) and a spring is provided for biasing the counter element (47) toward the circular engagement section (46). 8. A support console according to claim 7, wherein the force of the spring is adjustable by an adjustment screw. 9. A support console according to claim 1, wherein the support plate (3) includes four claws (31) and any apparatus to the supported on the support plate (3) is provided with corresponding counter elements for engagement with the claws (31). | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a support console with a pivotable support plate for the position-adjustable support of small apparatus such as minicomputers known under the designation “PDA” (Personal Data Assistant), mobile navigation apparatus, cellular telephones and similar equipment. Such support consoles are used particularly in motor vehicles for supporting equipment of the type referred to above on a dashboard or on a center console in an orientation and position which is adjustable so as to make their use convenient depending on the spatial relation of the user and mounting location of the support console. A support console is already known which comprises a support leg and a support plate mounted on the support leg by way of a ball joint. The support plate is therefore pivotable and rotatable relative to the support leg so that an apparatus mounted onto the support plate can be adjusted in a simple manner to any desired angular and pivotal position. It is the object of the present invention to provide a support console of the type referred to above, which can be easily attached at a suitable location, which is easily position-adjustable but provides for firm support of an apparatus mounted thereon and which has a clean attractive appearance. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a support console with a pivotable support structure for the position adjustable mounting of apparatus such as a minicomputer, a support plate is pivotally supported on a console column which is provided at an end thereof with a base receiving a suction membrane and a membrane operating mechanism is operatively connected to the suction membrane and disposed enclosed in the console column with only an operating lever extending from the interior of the console column to the outside for actuating the suction structure within the console column. The arrangement according to the invention provides for a support structure for the support joint arrangement of the console in the form of a hollow column, in which a suction mechanism is enclosed for the mounting of the support console onto a support surface. The hollow column provides not only for a rigid warp-free support, but it also accommodates the suction mechanism invisibly and well protected from adverse influences. The arrangement provides for a universal position adjustability of the apparatus supported by the support console in any desired orientation and permits a locking of the position which can be maintained even when the support console is subjected to vibrations as they may occur specifically if the console is mounted in a motor vehicle. The invention will be described below in greater detail below on the basis of the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a support console according to the invention in a perspective view, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the support console as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the support console as shown in FIG. 1 taken along a cross-sectional plane rotated by 90° with respect to that of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a side view of the support console according to the invention showing an additional pivot structure, and FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show part of the support console according to the invention with certain modifications. DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS In the relatively simple embodiment of the support console according to the invention as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the support console comprises a base 1 with a hollow column 2 projecting upwardly therefrom and a support plate 3 mounted onto the column 2 by a joint structure 4. In the interior of the column 2 and the base 1 a vacuum suction mechanism 5 is disposed of which in FIG. 1 only the operating lever 51 projecting through an opening in the column 2 is visible. Furthermore, the embodiment of the support console as shown in FIG. 1 is shown disposed on a base plate 6, which is not necessary if the support console can be mounted onto a smooth surface, but which is used for mounting the console onto another uneven surface. Then the base plate 6 is screwed or cemented or otherwise firmly attached to such other surface and provide for a smooth surface for the mounting of the console onto the base plate 6 by the vacuum suction mechanism 5. The base plate 6 may be mounted in a motor vehicle for example onto a center console, the dashboard or another suitable place. The base plate 41 is only used when no smooth surface is available that is the available surfaces are grained for example so that a vacuum suction device will not hold. If a smooth surface is available, the suction device can be directly attached to the smooth surface. However, the rimmed base plate 2 also prevents sideward sliding of the support console 2 for example under the influence of centrifugal forces and vibrations. FIG. 1 further shows that the support plate 2 is provided at its top side with an arrangement of four projecting claws 31, which co-operate with corresponding counter elements of an apparatus carrier to be mounted onto the support plate 3 so that the apparatus carrier can be rapidly coupled to the support plate 3. The joint mechanism 4 is very simple in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3. It includes only one hinge axis 41 and clamping wheels 42 for locking the support plate 3 in a selected inclination position. The clamping wheels frictionally engage the joint parts so that they are locked together in the selected position. The cross-sectional views of FIGS. 2 and 3 show the arrangement of the vacuum suction mechanism 5 in the hollow space within the support console 2. A vacuum suction device formed by a flexible membrane 52 is connected to a shaft 53 which is provided with a transverse rod 54 and is biased by a compression spring 55 disposed in a guide sleeve 56 downwardly in the release position of the vacuum suction device. The opposite ends of the shaft 53 project from the guide sleeve 56 and support cams 57 of the forked operating lever 51. When the operating lever 51 is pushed downwardly (into the position as shown in FIGS. 1-3), the cams riding on the base 1 raise the transverse rod 54 and the shaft 53 and, together therewith lift the center of the membrane 52 to generate a vacuum between the support surface (the base plate) and the membrane to thereby firmly engage the column 2 and its base 1 with the support surface. The suction membrane 52 of the suction mechanism 5 is disposed in the hollow space of the base 1 whereas the operating mechanism of the suction mechanism is arranged in the hollow space of the console column 2. The vacuum suction mechanism including its operating structure is therefore invisible in the interior of the support console. The console column 2 forms—as apparent from the drawings—a stable, rigid, warp-free connection between the base 1 and the joint mechanism 3, so that the support plate 3, that is the shaft 41 of the mechanism 3, remains free of vibrations even during shocks and shakes of a vehicle thereby providing a stable support structure for the support plate 3 and any apparatus mounted thereon. At the same time, the support console forms a compact closed structure with an appealing appearance. In the embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 4, the joint structure 4 between the support plate 3 and the column 2 comprises an additional hinge with a hinge shaft 43, which extends normal to a plane receiving the hinge shaft 41 of the hinge shown also in FIGS. 1-3 and which is provided with a clamping wheel 44 for locking the hinge. In this way, the support plate 3 can be pivoted and be inclined in any direction. In addition, the console can be rotated (after the release of the suction device) about its vertical axis, that is, the axis of the circular base 1. The base plate 6 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is not shown in FIG. 4. FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show an embodiment of FIG. 4, without the base area of the support console and the vacuum suction mechanism. In this embodiment, instead of a clamping structure for the hinge shaft 41 an arresting structure is provided which facilitates the adjustment of the inclination angle in small angular steps. To this end, the hinge element of the console 2 is provided with a notched circular section 46, which cooperates with a corresponding engagement structure 47 on the console 2 and which includes a circular segment with a number of engagement cams 48. The engagement structure 47 is resiliently supported on the console 2 and biased toward the notched circular section 46 so that the circular section 46 and the engagement cams engage one another automatically and pivoting from one engagement position to another can be achieved simply by applying a sufficiently large pivot force. The engagement structure is resiliently supported preferably by a web (not visible) which is mounted on the console 2. The whole arrangement consists preferably of a plastic material with a certain elasticity which permits a resilient displacement of the engagement structure. Of course, other arrangements are possible such as a slide support arrangement for the engagement structure 47 and means such as a leaf spring or another spring for biasing the engagement structure 47 toward the notched circular section 46. In this case, the engagement force could be adjustable by a control screw. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention relates to a support console with a pivotable support plate for the position-adjustable support of small apparatus such as minicomputers known under the designation “PDA” (Personal Data Assistant), mobile navigation apparatus, cellular telephones and similar equipment. Such support consoles are used particularly in motor vehicles for supporting equipment of the type referred to above on a dashboard or on a center console in an orientation and position which is adjustable so as to make their use convenient depending on the spatial relation of the user and mounting location of the support console. A support console is already known which comprises a support leg and a support plate mounted on the support leg by way of a ball joint. The support plate is therefore pivotable and rotatable relative to the support leg so that an apparatus mounted onto the support plate can be adjusted in a simple manner to any desired angular and pivotal position. It is the object of the present invention to provide a support console of the type referred to above, which can be easily attached at a suitable location, which is easily position-adjustable but provides for firm support of an apparatus mounted thereon and which has a clean attractive appearance. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In a support console with a pivotable support structure for the position adjustable mounting of apparatus such as a minicomputer, a support plate is pivotally supported on a console column which is provided at an end thereof with a base receiving a suction membrane and a membrane operating mechanism is operatively connected to the suction membrane and disposed enclosed in the console column with only an operating lever extending from the interior of the console column to the outside for actuating the suction structure within the console column. The arrangement according to the invention provides for a support structure for the support joint arrangement of the console in the form of a hollow column, in which a suction mechanism is enclosed for the mounting of the support console onto a support surface. The hollow column provides not only for a rigid warp-free support, but it also accommodates the suction mechanism invisibly and well protected from adverse influences. The arrangement provides for a universal position adjustability of the apparatus supported by the support console in any desired orientation and permits a locking of the position which can be maintained even when the support console is subjected to vibrations as they may occur specifically if the console is mounted in a motor vehicle. The invention will be described below in greater detail below on the basis of the accompanying drawings. | 20040729 | 20070220 | 20050303 | 83005.0 | 5 | BAXTER, GWENDOLYN WRENN | SUPPORT CONSOLE WITH PIVOTABLE SUPPORT PLATE | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,902,684 | ACCEPTED | Coordinated lift system with user selectable RF channels | A coordinated lift system with user selectable RF channels coordinates the raising and lowering of a vehicle relative to a surface by using wireless communications. The lift system includes at least two lift mechanisms each having support frame, including a post, a carriage, an actuating device, and a control device with a channel selector switch. The carriage is slidably mounted on the post and is configured to support a portion of the vehicle. The actuating device is engaged between the support frame and the carriage and is activated to move the carriage relative to the post. The control device is interfaced with the actuating device and includes an RF transceiver to enable communication by RF signals with the other control device. The channel on which the transceiver operates is user selectable in the field. A rechargeable battery may provide power to the control device to allow for increased mobility of the lift system. | 1. A wireless lift system for coordinated lifting of a structure and comprising: (a) a first lift mechanism and a second lift mechanism; (b) each of said first and second lift mechanisms including a support frame including a vertical guide member, a carriage slidingly engaged with said guide member and adapted to supportively engage a structure to lift and/or lower the structure, an actuator engaged between said support frame and said carriage, and a controller coupled to said actuator and programmed to enable selective activation of said actuator to thereby lift and/or lower said structure; (c) each lift mechanism including a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to the controller associated therewith to enable wireless communication between controllers of said lift mechanisms; (d) the controller of each lift mechanism being programmed to enable cooperation of said lift mechanisms by way of the RF transceivers thereof to enable coordinated lifting and/or lowering of said structure; (e) each RF transceiver including circuitry to enable operation on any of a plurality or RF channels; and (f) each RF transceiver having a channel selector switch coupled thereto and operable to enable field selection of one of said RF channels. 2. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein each lift mechanism includes: (a) a rechargeable battery coupled to said actuator by way of said controller to thereby selectively provide operating power thereto. 3. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein each lift mechanism includes: (a) said actuator including a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic pump communicating hydraulic fluid to said cylinder under pressure; and (b) a rechargeable battery coupled to said hydraulic pump by way of said controller to thereby selectively provide operating power to said hydraulic pump. 4. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein: (a) said carriage is adapted to engage a tire of a vehicle to thereby lift said vehicle. 5. A system as set forth in claim 1 and including: (a) an additional lift mechanism substantially similar to said first and second lift mechanisms and capable of operation in coordination therewith. 6. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein: (a) said controller is programmed to prevent operation of either of said lift mechanisms unless both are set to the same RF channel. 7. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said selector switch includes: (a) a plurality of two-state switches coupled to said controller and capable of being set in combinations representing binary numbers; (b) said controller being programmed to associate each possible binary number with a particular RF channel; and (c) said controller being programmed to read a binary number corresponding to a pattern in which said two-state switches are set and to select an RF channel associated said binary number. 8. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein each lift mechanism includes: (a) a height sensor engaged between said support frame and said carriage and communicating to said controller a height signal corresponding a location of said carriage relative to said support frame to thereby enable said coordinated lifting and/or lowering of said structure. 9. A wireless lift system for coordinated lifting of a structure and comprising: (a) a plurality of lift mechanisms, each lift mechanism being manually movable and including a support frame including a vertical guide member and a carriage slidingly engaged with said guide member and adapted to supportively engage a structure to lift and/or lower the structure; (b) each lift mechanism including a hydraulic cylinder engaged between said support frame and said carriage, a hydraulic pump communicating hydraulic fluid with said hydraulic cylinder, and a rechargeable battery coupled to said hydraulic pump and selectively providing operating power therefor; (c) each lift mechanism including a controller coupling said battery to said hydraulic pump and programmed to enable selective activation of said hydraulic pump to thereby cause lifting and/or lowering of said structure; (d) each lift mechanism including a height sensor engaged between said support frame and said carriage and communicating to said controller a height signal corresponding a location of said carriage relative to said support frame; (e) each lift mechanism including a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to the controller associated therewith to enable wireless communication between controllers of said lift mechanisms; (f) the controller of each lift mechanism being programmed to enable cooperation of said lift mechanisms by way of the RF transceivers thereof to enable coordinated lifting and/or lowering of said structure; (g) each RF transceiver including circuitry to enable operation on any of a plurality or RF channels; and (h) each RF transceiver having a channel selector switch coupled thereto and operable to enable field selection of one of said RF channels. 10. A system as set forth in claim 9 wherein: (a) said carriage is adapted to engage a tire of a vehicle to thereby lift said vehicle. 11. A system as set forth in claim 9 wherein: (a) said controller is programmed to prevent operation of any of said lift mechanisms unless all transceivers thereof are set to a same RF channel. 12. A system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said selector switch includes: (a) a plurality of two-state switches coupled to said controller and capable of being set in combinations representing binary numbers; (b) said controller being programmed to associate each possible binary number with a particular RF channel; and (c) said controller being programmed to read a binary number corresponding to a pattern in which said two-state switches are set and to select an RF channel associated said binary number. 13. A wireless lift system for coordinated lifting of a vehicle and comprising: (a) a plurality of lift mechanisms, each lift mechanism including a support frame including a vertical guide member and a carriage slidingly engaged with said guide member and adapted to supportively engage a tire of a vehicle to lift and/or lower the vehicle; (b) each lift mechanism including a hydraulic cylinder engaged between said support frame and said carriage, a hydraulic pump communicating hydraulic fluid with said hydraulic cylinder, and a rechargeable battery coupled to said hydraulic pump and selectively providing operating power therefor; (c) each lift mechanism including a controller coupling said battery to said hydraulic pump and programmed to enable selective activation of said hydraulic pump to thereby cause lifting and/or lowering of said structure; (d) each lift mechanism including a height sensor engaged between said support frame and said carriage and communicating to said controller a height signal corresponding a location of said carriage relative to said support frame; (e) each lift mechanism including a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to the controller associated therewith to enable wireless communication between controllers of said lift mechanisms; (f) the controller of each lift mechanism being programmed to enable cooperation of said lift mechanisms by way of the RF transceivers thereof to enable coordinated lifting and/or lowering of said vehicle; (g) each RF transceiver including circuitry to enable operation on any of a plurality or RF channels, said controller being programmed to prevent operation of any of said lift mechanisms unless all transceivers thereof are set to a same RF channel; and (h) each RF transceiver having a channel selector switch coupled thereto and operable to enable selection of one of said RF channels. 14. A system as set forth in claim 13 wherein said selector switch includes: (a) a plurality of two-state switches coupled to said controller and capable of being set in combinations representing binary numbers; (b) said controller being programmed to associate each possible binary number with a particular RF channel; and (c) said controller being programmed to read a binary number corresponding to a pattern in which said two-state switches are set and to select an RF channel associated said binary number. 15. A lift system as set forth in claim 13 wherein each lift mechanism includes: (a) a plurality of wheels mounted on said support frame and a handle connected to said support frame to enable selective manual movement of said lift mechanism. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) and 37 C.F.R. 1.78(a)(4) based upon copending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/491,953 for COORDINATED LIFT SYSTEM WITH SELECTABLE RF CHANNELS, filed Aug. 1, 2003. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a coordinated lift system and, more particularly, to a coordinated lift system incorporating at least two lift mechanisms that communicate by wireless signals on user selected RF channels to coordinate lift mechanisms in the raising and lowering of a vehicle. The need to lift a vehicle from the ground for service work is well established. For instance, it is often necessary to lift a vehicle for tire rotation or replacement, steering alignment, oil changes, brake inspections, exhaust work, and other automotive maintenance. Traditionally, lifting a vehicle has been accomplished through the use of equipment that is built-in to the service facility, such as either lift units with the hydraulic actuator(s) installed below the surface of the floor or two and four post type lift systems installed on the floor surface. These built-in units are located at a fixed location at the service facility and adapted to engage the vehicle frame to lift the vehicle from the ground. However, built-in units tend to be relatively expensive and are sometimes not as useful as they might otherwise be due to their immobility. In an effort to increase the versatility and mobility of lift devices and reduce the need to invest in permanently mounted lifting equipment, devices commonly known as a mobile column lifts (MCL's) have been developed. Apparatus for lifting a vehicle using multiple MCL's is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,079 to Berends et al. The lifting device in the Berends patent includes using a number connecting lines or wires to provide electrical power and control of the MCL's. The lines or wires that are connected between the MCL's allow the vehicle to be raised or lowered in a coordinated fashion. However, the lines and wires used to connect the MCL's extend across and are looped within the working area. The presence of the wires and lines in the work area poses a hazard to people working near the vehicle, and the connecting lines may be damaged by vehicles driving over them. Another apparatus for lifting a vehicle using multiple MCL's is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,461. The '461 lifting device includes multiple MCL's that are coordinated by coded wireless signals, such as RF (radio frequency) signals, and powered by rechargeable batteries in each lift unit. By these means, the lifting devices in the '461 patent eliminate the need for both power cables and control cables. However, the wireless system of '461 does not allow the user to select the frequency of operation of transceivers of the control units of the lift devices. For this reason, two systems may not be usable simultaneously in a given location without the possibility of interference. Further, if signal interference occurs at a specific location, the frequency on which the system is operating cannot be changed in the field to avoid such interference. Accordingly, there remains a need for a control unit for a wireless mobile lift system with intercommunication frequencies which can be user selected in the field to avoid interference from other lift systems or from unknown sources. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a lift system that coordinates the raising and lowering of a vehicle or other structure relative to a surface using sets of mobile column lift units, each having self-contained battery power, and wirelessly coordinated through the use of RF signals which are communicated on RF channels conveniently selectable in the field by the user. In general, the lift system includes at least two lift mechanisms, each including a support frame, a post or vertical guide member, a carriage slidably mounted on the post, an actuating device engaged between the support frame and the carriage, and a controller or control device. The carriage is adapted to engage and support a portion of the vehicle, such as a vehicle tire. The actuating device, such as a hydraulic cylinder with a hydraulic pump and suitable valves, is selectively activated to move the carriage relative to the post. The control device is interfaced with the actuating device and includes wireless transceiver circuitry, such as an RF transceiver including circuitry to operate one any of a plurality of RF channels. The control devices on the lifting mechanisms communicate with one another by wireless RF signals to coordinate the movement of each carriage along the posts to raise or lower the vehicle relative to the surface. The purpose of such coordination is to maintain the vehicle, or other structure, in a substantially level plane during lifting and lowering. The control device further includes channel selector switching whereby any one of the available radio frequency channels may be conveniently selected by the user in the field. Additionally, the control device include a height sensor, a digital display, and a stop mechanism. The height sensor is engaged between the support frame and the carriage and is used to determining the position of the carriage relative to the post. The stop mechanism operates to prevent movement of the carriage relative to the post of any lift mechanism of a coordinated set. Each lift unit includes a rechargeable battery, such as a marine type lead-acid battery, that provides portable power to the control device and the actuating device to move the loaded carriage relative to the post. The present invention may include a separate remote control device capable of communicating with the control device using wireless signals to raise or lower the vehicle relative to the surface without being stationed to a particular location. The present invention provides method for the coordinated lifting and lowering of a vehicle relative to a surface. The method generally includes providing first and second lift mechanisms, placing the first and second lift mechanisms in contact with a portion of the vehicle, such as a vehicle wheel, selecting a particular RF channel on each control device, sending a wireless control signal from the first lift mechanism, receiving the wireless signal at the second lift mechanism wherein wireless signal instructs the second lift mechanism to move the vehicle relative to the surface, and moving the vehicle using the first lift mechanism in coordination with the second lift mechanism. The method also includes steps such as the entry of the number of lift mechanisms to be used in the lifting operation and the wireless querying of the lift mechanisms to determine the actual number of lift mechanisms present, prior to enabling coordinated operation of the lift mechanisms. Each of the lift mechanisms preferably includes surface engaging wheels and a tongue or handle which enable the lift mechanisms to be moved manually to the required location. Each lift mechanism may also include carriage adapters to expand the range of vehicle wheels which the carriage may usefully engage. Alternatively, other carriage adapters may be provided for lifting structures other than vehicles, such as aircraft, shipping containers, housing construction subassemblies, and the like. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of lift mechanisms according to the present invention, shown supporting a vehicle in a raised position. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing input and output components associated with the control devices of each of the lift mechanisms of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a portion of the operation of the control device of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a continuation of flowchart in FIG. 3 illustrating a portion of the operation of the control device, the wireless communications being shown in broken lines. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating communications between a master control device, slave control devices, and associated output device, the wireless communications being shown in broken lines. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a control device of a lift mechanism. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of RF channel selection switches for the lift mechanisms of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Referring now to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIG. 1, numeral 10 generally designates a coordinated lift system with user selectable RF channels which embodies the present invention. Generally, the lift system 10 includes four lift mechanisms, or mobile column lifts (MCL's), 12 that communicate by wireless signals to coordinate the movement of a vehicle 14 relative to a surface, such as pavement, a garage floor, or the like. It should be understood and appreciated that the number of lift mechanisms 12 used in the present invention may vary depending on the type of vehicle being lifted. Typically, the lift mechanisms 12 are used in pairs. For example, six lift mechanisms may be used to lift a three axle vehicle for service. Furthermore, it should be understood that lift system 10 is not limited for use with vehicles, but also may be used to raise or lower other objects relative to the surface, such as aircraft, industrial machinery, shipping containers, construction subassemblies, and the like. Each lift mechanism 12 includes a support frame formed by a post or guide 18 upstanding from a base 20. The base 20 includes a pair of flanges legs that are joined to one another by a cross piece 24. A pair of front wheels 26 are rotatably mounted at an end of the legs 22. A pair of main or rear wheels 28 are rotatably mounted adjacent to cross piece 24. The wheels 26, 28 enable the lift mechanism 12 to be rolled along the surface and placed in a position to support vehicle 14. A handle 30 is linked to the wheels 26, 28 and may be moved about a pivot point established adjacent to wheels 28. The handle 30 may be used to place wheels 28 in contact with the surface so that lift mechanism 12 may be rolled into position. Once the lift mechanism 12 is in a desired position, the handle 30 is then used to raise wheels 28 so that they are no longer in contact with the surface. The illustrated wheels 26 are preferably mounted on spring loaded mechanisms (not shown) which are overcome by the weight of the vehicle 14 so that the legs 22 securely contact the floor surface during lifting. The lift mechanism 12 is thereby placed in a stable position for raising and lowering the vehicle 14. The post 18 is mounted to cross piece 24 and extends upwardly therefrom. The lifting mechanism 12 includes a carriage 32 that is slidably mounted on the post 18. Specifically, carriage 32 includes a pair of spaced apart, upright slot portions 34 that engage a flanges of the post 18 to guide the carriage 32 in movement along the post 18. The carriage 32 includes a pair of forks 36 that extend outwardly from slot portions 34 and are adapted to support a portion of vehicle 14. In particular, the illustrated forks 36 are adapted to support the vehicle 14 at a wheel. However, it should be understood that carriage 32 may also be adapted to engage and support the frame or any other portion of vehicle 14 or other type of structure with the system 10 is intended to lift. The carriage 32 may be moved relative to the post 18 using a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 38. The cylinder 38 is engaged between the support frame, by way of the post 18 or base 20, and the carriage 32 in such a way that extension and retraction of the cylinder 38 moves the carriage 32 upwardly or downwardly along the post 18. A power unit or motorized hydraulic pump 39, in combination with suitable valves (not shown), is used to move a fluid into the cylinder in such a manner to cause the cylinder 38 to extend, as will be described in further detail below. Extension of the cylinder 38 causes carriage 32 move upwardly relative to the surface. As fluid is removed from the cylinder 38, the cylinder moves downwardly and carriage 32 is lowered by gravity. It should be understood that hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 38 could alternatively be replaced by a pneumatic actuator, a motorized jackscrew, or an equivalent kind of actuator. Further, it is considered within the scope of the present invention to use a double acting cylinder to move the carriage 32 relative to the post 18. Each lift mechanism 12 includes a control box 40 or control unit configured to control activation of the local lift cylinder 38 and to communicate with the other control boxes 40 in lift system 10 by wireless signals to coordinate the raising and/or lifting of vehicle 14. The control unit 40 includes a controller or control processor 35 (FIG. 7), such as a microprocessor which is programmed to perform its desired control and communication functions. A wireless transceiver, such as a radio frequency (RF) transceiver 37, is also mounted in the control box 40 and includes an externally mounted antenna 44 to radiate RF signals to transceivers 37 in other control boxes 40 and to receive signals therefrom. A rechargeable battery 42 provides electrical power to components within the control box 40 through a power switch 43 and also provides operating power for the hydraulic pump 39 to activate the lift cylinder 38, so that each lift mechanism 12 can operate without power cables or control cables. The transceiver 37 includes circuitry which provides for operation on one of a plurality of RF channels which can be selected by the user in the field, as will be described in more detail below. The control box 40, shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, is interfaced to a number of components, designated as input components 46. One input component is a height sensing detector or sensor 48 which determines the height of the carriage 32 relative to the surface and relays such information to control box 40. The illustrated height sensor 48 is preferably a relative position sensor, such as one which employs an optical detector of spaced openings, markings, or the like. Such an optical detector (not shown) could be used with either a rotary or a linear set of markings. Alternatively, an absolute type of position encoder could be employed, the particulars of which would be familiar to one skilled in the art. Other input components include an emergency stop switch 50, an interlock function switch 52, a mode selector switch 54, an up/down motion switch 56, and a communication channel selector switch 57. The emergency stop button 50 enables a user to instruct the control box 40 to stop moving carriage 32 relative to post 18. For safety, the interlock function switch 52 is required to be engaged before lifting or lowering of the carriage 32 can occur. When the lift system 10 is in a synchronized mode for coordinated lifting, the interlock function 52 also allows a user to specify which one of the control boxes 40 will be a master control box. Once a master control box is selected, the remaining control boxes 40 are designated as slave control boxes and operate under user control actions initiated at the master control box. A more detailed discussion of the coordinated operation of the lift mechanism 12 will be provided below. The mode selector switch 54 allows the control box 40 to be toggled between an off mode and a synchronized mode. The motion switch 56 selects the direction of movement and causes the control box 40 to initiate raising or lowering of the carriage 32 relative to the surface. The emergency stop, interlock or motion input components 46 described above may alternatively be activated by a remote control device 58 by use of a wireless link. The channel selector switch 57 enables the user to select which RF channel the system 10 will use to communicate among the individual lift units 12. It should be appreciated that it is within the scope of the present invention to provide for other input devices such as, but not limited to, a level sensor (not shown) adapted to determine the orientation of a post 18 relative to vertical. The control box 40 is interfaced to a number of components which may be referred to as output components 59. The illustrated output components 59 may include the hydraulic pump 39, a lowering valve solenoid 62, a holding valve solenoid 64, and a safety release solenoid 66. The output components 59 are are used to control the movement of carriage 32 relative to post 18. In particular, the hydraulic pump 39 moves fluid within the cylinder to raise carriage 32, as further controlled by valves (not shown) associated with the solenoids 62, 64, and 66. The lowering valve solenoid 62 is activated to release fluid from the cylinder to thereby lower carriage 32 toward the surface under the influence of gravity. The holding valve solenoid 64 normally maintains the position of carriage 32 relative to post 18. The safety release solenoid 66 is a backup mechanism that normally functions upon the failure of cylinder assembly 38 to prevent carriage 32 from inadvertently falling downwardly toward the ground. During the normal lowering operation of the lift system 10, both the holding valve solenoid 64 and the safety release solenoid 66 may be activated to release the carriage 32 and allow it to move relative to post 18. The control box 40 includes display 68 which displays information such as, but not limited to, the height of one or more of the lift mechanisms 12, the selected RF channel on which the control boxes 40 are communicating, the state of charge of the battery 42, status codes, error codes, and any other information essential to operation of the system 10. In operation, one or more lift mechanisms 12 are first placed in a position to support a portion of the vehicle 14. In particular, the forks 36 are placed on opposite sides of a vehicle tire in a support position. As previously stated, in order to provide a mobile and convenient lift system 10, each of the lift mechanisms 12 is powered by rechargeable battery 42. Energy stored in the battery 42 provides the power required for the operation of the lift mechanism 12 and the control box 40. The battery 42 may be recharged when the lift mechanism 12 is not in actual operation, that is, not actually lifting or lowering a vehicle. The synchronized mode of operation allows input commands at one control box 40 to influence other control boxes within the system 10 to provide a coordinated lift of vehicle 14. Coordination of the lifting operation is required to maintain the lifted vehicle 14 in a substantially level orientation, that is, to avoid tipping the vehicle or other load. Initially, referring to FIG. 3, each control box 40 is set to a selected RF channel at step 69, using the channel selector switch 57. The control box 40 on one of the lift mechanisms 12 is turned on at step 70 and proceeds to perform steps 74 and 76 where the height is checked and displayed. At step 78, the mode selector switch 54 is set to the synchronized mode position, if it is not already in such a position. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, at step 88 a determination is made as to which of control boxes 40 will take part in the coordinated lift of vehicle 14. Preferably, the number of lift mechanisms 12 to be used is entered into the master control box. At this point all participating control boxes 40 should be set to the same channel. Next, any other lift mechanisms 12 that will take part in the lift should be set up. Set-up includes setting the control box 40 to the same channel, step 69, and turning the unit on, step 70. If no other control boxes 40 are turned on, then lift mechanism 12 proceeds to step 90 where it scans for the selected radio frequency channel and signals the height. In addition, the control box 40 may displays its height as the operator sets up the other participating lift mechanisms in step 90. Once a control box 40 is placed in synchronized mode, it searches to communicate with one or more lift mechanisms 12 at the selected frequency. Once the other control boxes have been turned on, the lift system 10 moves to step 92 at which each of the control boxes 40 are communicating at the same selected radio frequency. Each of the height sensors 48 provides a height measurement to its respective control box 40, and the control boxes 40 provide the height measurement on the display. In step 92, the control boxes 40 search for other control boxes 40 on the selected channel. If interference occurs or there is an unclear data exchange between the lift mechanisms 12, an error message or signal loss is shown on the display 68 and the user is prompted to reset the system and select another channel. If this action occurs, the user must turn off the control boxes 40 at step 93 and start the process from the beginning at step 69 by selecting a different RF channel. This process may be repeated until a clear channel is located. However, if no interference occurs, the lift system moves from step 90 to step 102, or from step 92 to step 102. In step 102, each of the control boxes 40 waits for a command from its own box, remote control 58, or one of the other control boxes by wireless communication. The first control box 40 which is activated is designated as the master control box 94, and the remaining control boxes 40 are designated as slave control boxes 96, as shown in FIG. 5. If none of the control boxes 40 receive a command, then the process proceeds to step 104 where master control box 94 may be established by selecting the interlock function 52 on any one of the control boxes 40. If the interlock function is not selected, then the process returns to step 102 where each of the lift mechanisms 12 waits for a command. If the interlock is selected, then the operator chooses to raise or lower the vehicle at the master control box 94 as shown in step 105. With additional reference to FIG. 5, the master control box 94 proceeds to command the slave control boxes 96 to raise or lower by one or more wireless signals 98 at step 118 by operation of the up/down motion switch 56, and waits for a response from each of the slave control boxes 96 at step 106. Once the wireless signals are sent via the selected channel by the master control box 94 at step 118, the slave control boxes 96 wait to receive a command at step 102. If one or more of the slave boxes 96 do not receive the wireless signal from the master control box 94, the process remains at step 102. However, if the slave control boxes 96 receive wireless signal 98 from the master control box 94, then the slave control boxes 96 must determine whether to raise, lower or hold the vehicle at step 107. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, if the wireless signal 98 provides an instruction to raise vehicle 14, the master control box 94 and each of the slave control boxes 96 activate their respective pump 39 to cause the cylinder assembly 38 to move the vehicle in an upward direction. If the wireless signal 98 provides an instruction to lower the vehicle 14, the master control box 94 and each of the slave control boxes 96 activates their lowering valve solenoid 62, holding valve solenoid 64, and safety release solenoid 66 to cause the cylinder assembly 38 to move the vehicle downwardly, as shown at step 110. The pump 39 and the lowering valve solenoid 62 are preferably activated in intervals when the lift mechanisms 12 are raising and lowering the vehicle from the surface respectively. However, it should be understood and appreciated that the intervals may be of such a short duration that the lift mechanisms 12 operate to smoothly raise or lower the vehicle relative to the surface. The operation of the pump and lowering valve solenoid 62 may alternatively be conducted in a substantially continuous manner without any apparent intervals. Notwithstanding whether the vehicle 14 is being raised or lowered as described in steps 108 and 110, the height sensors 48 on each lift mechanism 12 determine the new height of the carriage relative to the surface, convey that information to their respective control boxes 94, 96, provide the height on displays 68 and wait for another command as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The slave control boxes 96 then send the height information by wireless signals 112 to the master control box 94. At step 114, the master control box 94 compares its own height measurement with the height measurements sent by the slave control boxes 96 during the lifting or lowering of the vehicle 14 and determines if an adjustment is needed at step 116. If the heights of each of the slave control boxes 96 are within a predetermined tolerance range, the master control box 94 sends a signal to all of the lift mechanisms continue to lift or lower the vehicle at step 118. Once the vehicle 14 has reaches a desired height, the lift system 10 may then proceed from step 118 and return to step 102 where the slave control boxes 96 wait for a further command. Alternatively, if the master control box 94 receives a signal 112 that indicates that one or more of the other lift mechanisms 12 are not at the proper height and an adjustment is need, the master control box 94 will determine the rate of speed at which the lift mechanisms 12 must operate in order to maintain synchronism or coordination in the lift of the vehicle 14, instructs the slow mechanisms to catch up in step 120 by one or more wireless signals 122, and returns to step 102. It should be appreciated from the above descriptions that two separate lift systems 10 may be used in close proximity. Initially, in step 69, the two separate lift systems 10 must be set to different RF channels. However, once the separate systems 10 are placed on different channels, the remaining steps are the same as described above. The above described process for coordinating the lift of a structure using a plurality of actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders, provides an exemplary method of coordinating or synchronizing the cylinders, using wireless links between the lift mechanisms 12. Other methods for coordinating multiple lifting actuators using controllers interconnected by cables are known within the art, and information concerning one such method can be obtained by reference to U.S. Pat. No. 4,777,798, which is incorporated herein by reference. The channel selection switching 57 may be a multiposition rotary switch as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 shows an alternative to a rotary switch. In FIG. 7, four two-state switches 100, such as on/off switches, are interfaced to a port 102 of the controller 35. The two states of four such switches provides for sixteen switch state combinations. Each switch combination represents a binary number which is associated with a particular RF channel. The controller 35 reads the state of the switches 100 and sets the channel of the transceiver 37 according to the binary number read. The switches 100 may, for example, be toggle switches which are mounted on an externally accessible panel of the control box 40. In order to provide for a safe working environment for a user, the lift system 10 includes safety features to prevent inadvertent movement of the vehicle 14. Specifically, the lift system 10 may provide for security features to prevent extraneous signals from interfering with the communications between the control boxes 40. For example, each control box 40 may have a unique identifier associated therewith, wherein each communication sent by that control box 40 includes its unique identifier. The unique identifier may be in the form of a serial number. The receiving control boxes 40 may react to a communication from another control box 40 only if it the included serial number is recognized. This type of security feature prevents outside interference causing undesired activation of the lift mechanism 12. In addition, the lift system 10 may also utilize other types of safety features, such as special encoding or encryption of the signals, or the like. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the safety release solenoid 66 may activate an independent mechanical latch (not shown) during the lowering function to prevent a carriage 32 on a lift mechanism 12 from falling to the surface upon a failure the cylinder assembly 38. Furthermore, the emergency stop button 50 may also be activated at any point from any lift mechanism during the raising or lowering of vehicle 14 to stop further movement of carriage 32 relative to post 18. The present invention provides a lift system 10 that includes a plurality of lifting mechanisms 12 that communicate with each other using wireless signals to raise or lower a vehicle in a coordinated fashion. The channel selection capability allows the user to easily reset the system 10 to a different channel if local interference occurs or the channel initially selected. Further, the use of selectable RF channels allows multiple systems to be conveniently used simultaneously in close proximity. Additionally, the channel selection capability provides for increased mobility and allows the lifting mechanisms 12 to be moved to different locations without the concern for interfering signals. It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to a coordinated lift system and, more particularly, to a coordinated lift system incorporating at least two lift mechanisms that communicate by wireless signals on user selected RF channels to coordinate lift mechanisms in the raising and lowering of a vehicle. The need to lift a vehicle from the ground for service work is well established. For instance, it is often necessary to lift a vehicle for tire rotation or replacement, steering alignment, oil changes, brake inspections, exhaust work, and other automotive maintenance. Traditionally, lifting a vehicle has been accomplished through the use of equipment that is built-in to the service facility, such as either lift units with the hydraulic actuator(s) installed below the surface of the floor or two and four post type lift systems installed on the floor surface. These built-in units are located at a fixed location at the service facility and adapted to engage the vehicle frame to lift the vehicle from the ground. However, built-in units tend to be relatively expensive and are sometimes not as useful as they might otherwise be due to their immobility. In an effort to increase the versatility and mobility of lift devices and reduce the need to invest in permanently mounted lifting equipment, devices commonly known as a mobile column lifts (MCL's) have been developed. Apparatus for lifting a vehicle using multiple MCL's is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,079 to Berends et al. The lifting device in the Berends patent includes using a number connecting lines or wires to provide electrical power and control of the MCL's. The lines or wires that are connected between the MCL's allow the vehicle to be raised or lowered in a coordinated fashion. However, the lines and wires used to connect the MCL's extend across and are looped within the working area. The presence of the wires and lines in the work area poses a hazard to people working near the vehicle, and the connecting lines may be damaged by vehicles driving over them. Another apparatus for lifting a vehicle using multiple MCL's is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,461. The '461 lifting device includes multiple MCL's that are coordinated by coded wireless signals, such as RF (radio frequency) signals, and powered by rechargeable batteries in each lift unit. By these means, the lifting devices in the '461 patent eliminate the need for both power cables and control cables. However, the wireless system of '461 does not allow the user to select the frequency of operation of transceivers of the control units of the lift devices. For this reason, two systems may not be usable simultaneously in a given location without the possibility of interference. Further, if signal interference occurs at a specific location, the frequency on which the system is operating cannot be changed in the field to avoid such interference. Accordingly, there remains a need for a control unit for a wireless mobile lift system with intercommunication frequencies which can be user selected in the field to avoid interference from other lift systems or from unknown sources. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides a lift system that coordinates the raising and lowering of a vehicle or other structure relative to a surface using sets of mobile column lift units, each having self-contained battery power, and wirelessly coordinated through the use of RF signals which are communicated on RF channels conveniently selectable in the field by the user. In general, the lift system includes at least two lift mechanisms, each including a support frame, a post or vertical guide member, a carriage slidably mounted on the post, an actuating device engaged between the support frame and the carriage, and a controller or control device. The carriage is adapted to engage and support a portion of the vehicle, such as a vehicle tire. The actuating device, such as a hydraulic cylinder with a hydraulic pump and suitable valves, is selectively activated to move the carriage relative to the post. The control device is interfaced with the actuating device and includes wireless transceiver circuitry, such as an RF transceiver including circuitry to operate one any of a plurality of RF channels. The control devices on the lifting mechanisms communicate with one another by wireless RF signals to coordinate the movement of each carriage along the posts to raise or lower the vehicle relative to the surface. The purpose of such coordination is to maintain the vehicle, or other structure, in a substantially level plane during lifting and lowering. The control device further includes channel selector switching whereby any one of the available radio frequency channels may be conveniently selected by the user in the field. Additionally, the control device include a height sensor, a digital display, and a stop mechanism. The height sensor is engaged between the support frame and the carriage and is used to determining the position of the carriage relative to the post. The stop mechanism operates to prevent movement of the carriage relative to the post of any lift mechanism of a coordinated set. Each lift unit includes a rechargeable battery, such as a marine type lead-acid battery, that provides portable power to the control device and the actuating device to move the loaded carriage relative to the post. The present invention may include a separate remote control device capable of communicating with the control device using wireless signals to raise or lower the vehicle relative to the surface without being stationed to a particular location. The present invention provides method for the coordinated lifting and lowering of a vehicle relative to a surface. The method generally includes providing first and second lift mechanisms, placing the first and second lift mechanisms in contact with a portion of the vehicle, such as a vehicle wheel, selecting a particular RF channel on each control device, sending a wireless control signal from the first lift mechanism, receiving the wireless signal at the second lift mechanism wherein wireless signal instructs the second lift mechanism to move the vehicle relative to the surface, and moving the vehicle using the first lift mechanism in coordination with the second lift mechanism. The method also includes steps such as the entry of the number of lift mechanisms to be used in the lifting operation and the wireless querying of the lift mechanisms to determine the actual number of lift mechanisms present, prior to enabling coordinated operation of the lift mechanisms. Each of the lift mechanisms preferably includes surface engaging wheels and a tongue or handle which enable the lift mechanisms to be moved manually to the required location. Each lift mechanism may also include carriage adapters to expand the range of vehicle wheels which the carriage may usefully engage. Alternatively, other carriage adapters may be provided for lifting structures other than vehicles, such as aircraft, shipping containers, housing construction subassemblies, and the like. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. | 20040729 | 20070522 | 20050303 | 62365.0 | 2 | COLON SANTANA, EDUARDO | COORDINATED LIFT SYSTEM WITH USER SELECTABLE RF CHANNELS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,903,057 | ACCEPTED | Low friction rotary knife | A power operated knife comprises a blade supporting structure supporting an annular blade for rotation about a central axis. The blade and blade supporting structure are engagable along bearing contact locations that are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the axis so that the blade is stabilized both radially and axially as the knife operates. The blade supporting structure comprises a split blade housing member that is radially expandible and contractible to receive the blade. The split blade housing member and blade engage along relatively short lines of bearing contact that serve to minimize friction and blade heating when the knife operates. The bearing locations are spaced apart both circumferentially around the blade perimeter and in the direction of the axis so that the blade position is stabilized during operation of the knife. | 1-17. (canceled) 18. A support structure for an annular knife blade, the support structure comprising an annularly curved, split blade support member extending substantially continuously about a central axis, said blade support member defining a first and second plurality of bearing locations, the bearing locations of said first plurality of bearing locations spaced apart circumferentially proceeding about said axis, the bearing locations of said second plurality of bearing locations spaced apart circumferentially proceeding about said axis, and said bearing locations of said first plurality of bearing locations spaced axially from said bearing locations of said second plurality of bearing locations. 19. The support structure claimed in claim 18 wherein said first and second plurality of bearing locations are defined by bearing beads that project radially inwardly from said blade support member. 20. The support structure claimed in claim 18 wherein said first and second plurality of bearing locations are defined by bearing surfaces of radially inwardly opening grooves in said support structure. 21. A blade support structure for a rotatable annular knife blade, said blade support structure comprising bearing locations extending circumferentially about a central axis, at least a first bearing location defining a bearing contact line in a plane that is transverse to said axis, and at least a second bearing location defining a second bearing contract line that is spaced axially from said first bearing contact line. 22. The blade support structure claimed in claim 21 wherein said at least first and second bearing contact lines are formed by a bearing bead projecting radially inwardly from said blade support structure. 23. The blade support structure claimed in claim 21 wherein said bearing contact lines are formed by a plurality of bearing beads projecting radially inwardly from said blade support structure. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to power operated rotary knives and more particularly to a power operated rotary knife wherein a rotatable annular blade is supported for rotation about a central axis by a blade support structure providing bearing contact that minimizes blade vibration and heating. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Power operated rotary knives have been in wide-spread use in meat packing and other commercial food processing facilities. These knives usually comprised a handle and a blade housing that supported an annular knife blade. The knife blade was driven about its central axis relative to the blade housing by a motor via a gear train. The knife blade comprised an annular body, a blade section projecting axially from the body and driving gear teeth projecting axially from the body oppositely from the blade section. The blade housing maintained the blade in position relative to the knife as the blade rotated. The blade was subjected to various forces created by both the drive transmission and the cutting action of the knife. In some knives the blade housing defined a blade supporting race in the form of a peripheral groove that was rectilinear in cross sectional shape for receiving the blade body and gear teeth. These blade housings were frequently split and were resiliently expandable to receive the blade. The blade body and gear teeth were shaped to confront the axially opposite blade race sides with running clearance just sufficient to prevent the blade from binding in the groove. Consequently the blade and blade housing were slidably engaged over relatively wide contact areas. In some other knives the blade housings had a radially inwardly extending lip that defined a frustoconical surface engaging a frustoconical blade surface to prevent the blade from separating axially from the blade housing. In such cases, the knives also comprised a shoe that pivoted into engagement with the blade. The shoes also provided frustoconical surfaces that wedged the blade toward the blade housing and retained the blade in place. Some prior art rotary knives tended to vibrate undesirably in use because the blade rotation axis was permitted to shift relative to the blade housing. Put another way, the blade tended to bounce around within the blade housing so that the entire knife vibrated. In the knives where the blade was secured to the knife by confronting wedging surfaces, the blade vibration caused the blade to shift axially into undesired contact with the blade housing. This axial blade movement contributed both to knife vibration and blade heating. In order to constrain the blade to rotate about an axis that was relatively fixed with respect to the blade housing, the blade housing diameter was adjusted to minimize the radial clearance between the radially outer blade body and gear surfaces and the radially outer race surface. This reduced vibration. Although vibration was reduced, other problems were created. First, where the blade housing was adjusted to provide a tight running clearance, heat generated by frictional contact between the blade and blade support was often sufficient to begin to cook the product being trimmed. The heated product created a sticky build-up on the knife parts that generated even more friction heat. In some circumstances, when the housing diameter was adjusted, the race became slightly out of round, or out of plane. This condition tended to contribute to both vibration and overheating. The usual approach to ameliorating these problems was to assemble the blade and housing with running clearances that were tight enough to keep vibration at tolerable levels yet open enough to avoid overheating. Another practice used to reduce vibration and heating was to operate the knife at relatively low rotational speeds. User effort required to operate the knife increased with lowered operating speeds because the slicing action was reduced. Despite these efforts, the prior art knives tended to both vibrate and run hot. Where operated at low speeds, the vibration and friction heating were accompanied by increased user effort. The present invention provides a new and improved annular blade for a rotary knife wherein the blade is supported for rotation about a central axis at a plurality of line contact bearing locations, resulting in a knife that exhibits minimal vibration and heating and may be operated at relatively high speeds so that user effort is reduced. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the power operated knife comprises a blade supporting structure supporting an annular blade for rotation about a central blade axis. The blade and blade supporting structure are engagable along bearing contact locations that are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the axis so that the blade is stabilized both radially and axially as the knife operates. The rotary knife blade comprises an annular body disposed about the central axis and an annular blade section projecting from the body. The body defines blade bearing surfaces that converge proceeding toward each other. In the preferred knife the blade supporting structure comprises a split blade housing member that is radially expandable and contractible to receive the blade. The housing member is provided with bead sections that are spaced circumferentially apart about the blade periphery, project into a bearing race formed in the blade, and engage the blade bearing faces as the knife operates. The split blade housing member is adjusted so the blade and housing engage along relatively short lines of bearing contact that serve to minimize blade-housing friction—and consequential blade and housing heating—when the knife operates. The spaced bead sections stabilize the blade as it rotates by providing a series of bearing locations that are spaced apart both circumferentially around the blade perimeter and in the direction of the axis. The blade rotation axis is thus maintained substantially stationary relative to the knife so that knife operation is virtually vibration free. Because the blade is suspended by the bearing locations, the blade and housing remain spaced apart except at the bearing locations even if the blade housing suffers from out-of-round and/or “out-of-plane” distortions. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment made in reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a power operated knife incorporating a blade constructed according to the invention; FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the knife of FIG. 1 with portions illustrated in cross section; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a blade support structure forming part of the knife of FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG. 4 is an elevational view seen approximately from the plane indicated by the line 4-4 of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a view seen approximately from the plane indicated by the line 5-5 of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view seen approximately from the plane indicated by the line 6-6 of FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of part of the blade support structure of FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view seen approximately from the plane indicated by the line 8-8 of FIG. 4; FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view of part of the knife shown in FIG. 1 seen approximately from the plane indicated by the line 9-9 of FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is a view, similar to FIG. 5, showing a modified knife embodying the invention; FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross sectional view of part of the blade support structure of FIG. 10 seen approximately from the plane indicated by the line 11-11; FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross sectional view of part of the blade support structure of FIG. 10 seen approximately from the plane indicated by the line 12-12; FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross sectional view of part of the blade support structure of FIG. 10 seen approximately from the plane indicated by the line 13-13; FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view, similar to FIG. 9, of the modified knife with the blade assembled to the blade support. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of part of another modified knife embodying the invention; and, FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view seen approximately from the plane indicated by the line 16-16 of FIG. 15. DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES CONTEMPLATED FOR PRACTICING THE INVENTION A power operated knife 10 constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings as comprising a handle 12, a headpiece 14, a blade support structure 16 and an annular blade 20. The knife 10 is connected to a remote electric motor via a flex shaft 21 that extends into the handle 12 and transmits drive from the motor to the blade 20. The motor and flex shaft may be of any conventional or suitable construction and are not illustrated or described in detail. The flex shaft is sufficiently supple that the user of the knife, grasping the handle, moves the knife with ease and accuracy while slicing or trimming meat, or removing meat from bones, etc. The handle 12 and headpiece 14 may be of any conventional or suitable construction and are therefore not described in detail. Although an electric motor driven knife is disclosed, the knife could as well contain a pneumatic motor in the handle 12 and be connected to a compressed air supply by a suitable hose. The blade support structure 16 supports the blade 20 for rotation about its central axis 22 with the blade and blade support structure engagable at least at bearing locations that are spaced axially apart (i.e. spaced apart proceeding in the direction of the axis 22). In a preferred embodiment the bearing locations are defined by circumferential line segments. The bearing line segments assure that the blade and blade support structure engage only along extremely small contact areas. The axially spaced apart bearing line segments assure that the blade is positively supported against lateral and axial vibrations relative to the blade support structure while frictional resistance to blade rotation afforded by the bearing contact is minimized—thus minimizing heat build-up in the knife. As best illustrated by FIG. 9, the axially spaced bearing locations suspend the blade so that the blade and blade support structure remain spaced apart except for the bearing locations. The illustrated blade support structure 16 forms a split ring-like structure that comprises an annularly curved body section 30 extending about the blade 20 and an axially extending mounting section 32 for securing the blade support structure 16 to the headpiece. See FIGS. 2-4. The body section 30 extends substantially completely about the blade with the split 33 centered with respect to the headpiece. The mounting section 32 extends axially from the body section 30 and detachably connects the body section to the headpiece. The mounting section 32 is illustrated as a circularly curved wall-like structure that confronts the headpiece with the split 33 extending centrally through it. The mounting section 32 defines open ended mounting slots 34 on opposite sides of the split 33 that receive mounting screws 36 (FIG. 2) for securing the blade support structure in place on the headpiece. The slots 34 are significantly wider than the screw thread diameters. The mounting screw heads 38 are substantially wider than the slots. The screw heads engage the mounting section 32 on both sides of the associated mounting slots 34 to securely clamp the blade support structure in place against the headpiece when the screws are tightened down. The mounting section central portion 40 essentially covers the adjacent headpiece face and, as such, covers a blade driving pinion gear 41 (FIG. 2) that is mounted in the headpiece and driven from the flex shaft 21. The central portion face that confronts the headpiece is machined to provide a planar face confronting the pinion gear 41 so the central portion wall thickness gradually diminishes proceeding toward the split 33 (see FIG. 3). The curved headpiece face and the confronting curved mounting section faces on opposite sides of the central portion 40 define mating grooves and lands that extend circumferentially relative to the blade support structure to assure that the blade support structure is securely aligned with and supported by the headpiece. The body section 30 retains the blade assembled to the knife while supporting the blade for stable, low friction, high speed rotation despite the application of various forces encountered during knife operation. The body section 30 defines a circumferentially extending groove, or groove-like space, 42 that receives the blade 20 when the blade is assembled to the knife (see FIGS. 7 and 9). The groove is formed in part by a radial body section wall 44 disposed in a plane that extends normal to the blade axis 22, an outer peripheral wall 46 that extends about the blade periphery, and a blade retaining bearing structure 47 that extends radially inwardly from the wall 46 for engagement with the blade 20. The walls 44 and 46 are cut away on either side of the split 33 to provide a semicircular clearance space 48 (FIGS. 3, 4 and 6) for the pinion gear 41. The blade 20 comprises an annular body 50 disposed about the central axis 22 and an annular blade section 52. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention (FIG. 9) the body 50 defines first and second axial ends 56, 58. The blade section 52 projects axially from the first axial end 56. The body 50 is comprised of gear teeth 60 forming the second axial body end 58 remote from the blade section 52, a wall 62 defining a radially outer surface 64 disposed between the body ends 56, 58, and an annular bearing race, or groove, 66 opening in the surface 64. The illustrated gear teeth 60 are cut through the wall 62 to form a ring gear extending about the body end 58. The gear teeth 60 are disposed in the blade support groove 42 adjacent its walls 44, 46 so the pinion gear and the ring gear mesh in the clearance space 48. The ring gear runs in mesh with the driving pinion gear 41 when the knife 10 operates. The bearing race 66 receives the bearing structure 47 so that the blade body 50 is secured to the blade support structure by the bearing race and bearing structure engagement along bearing locations that are spaced axially apart and firmly support the blade against axial and radial shifting during use. The bearing race 66 extends into the wall 62 and is spaced axially from the blade section 52 in that the surface 64 extends between the bearing structure 47 and the blade section 52. The bearing race 66 comprises a first and second bearing surfaces 70, 72 that converge proceeding toward each other. In the illustrated knife the race extends radially inwardly into the wall 62. The bearing surface 70 converges proceeding away from the second axial end 58, and the second bearing surface 72 converges proceeding toward the first bearing surface 70. In the illustrated blade, the surfaces 70, 72 are frustoconical. As shown, they are joined at their radially inner ends by a short axially extending annular surface 74 that serves to minimize the race depth and does not engage the bearing structure 47. The blade section 52 is of conventional or suitable construction and, as illustrated, is formed by radially inner and outer surfaces 90, 92 that converge toward each other proceeding away from the body 50 toward a cutting edge 94 at the projecting blade end. In the illustrated knife the edge 94 is formed by the juncture of the surface 90 and a surface 96 that extends between the surfaces 90, 92. The surfaces 90, 92 are illustrated as continuous with the blade body 50 and since the surfaces 90, 92 converge, the wall thickness of the blade section is less than that of the body 50. Although a particular blade configuration is disclosed, various annular blade configurations are commonly used in power operated knives depending on the particular use to which the knife is put. Any such blade configuration may be used with a knife embodying the invention. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment of the invention the blade and blade support structure engage along lines of bearing contact at a first plurality of circumferentially spaced apart bearing locations disposed in a plane that is transverse to the axis 22, and at a second plurality of circumferentially spaced apart bearing locations disposed in a second plane that is spaced from the first plane and extends transverse to the axis 22. In the illustrated knife 10 the bearing structure 47 is formed by at least three radially inwardly projecting beads 100 that are spaced circumferentially apart about the blade support structure. See FIGS. 5, and 7-9. Each illustrated bead has a semicircular cross sectional shape (see FIG. 9) so that each bead firmly engages the frustoconical surfaces 70, 72 along the respective arcuate bearing contact line segments 102, 104 (FIG. 9). In the illustrated knife, four beads 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, are formed about the blade support body section. The use of multiple beads assures that, when the blade support structure is tightened about the blade, spaced apart beads move into snug engagement with the blade bearing race. This relationship exists even where the blade support structure suffers from out-of-round or out-of-plane distortions created during manufacturing or as a result of improper blade support structure size adjustment. In the knife illustrated by FIGS. 1-9 the blade support structure is initially formed with a continuous, radially inwardly extending bead. The bead sections 100a-d are formed by a machining operation that removes sections of the original bead, leaving a cylindrically curved surface spaced from the blade periphery. The beads 100a, 100b extend from opposite sides of the split 33 and support the blade against gear induced reaction forces that urge the blade 20 away from the pinion gear 41 when the knife is operating. The blade race surface 70 thus tends to bear forcefully on the beads 100a, 100b in the vicinity of the pinion gear 41. The beads 100a, 100b are relatively longer than the beads 100c, 100d so that the gear reaction loads are distributed relatively widely. Although the gear reaction loads tend to force the blade 20 in a direction away from the pinion gear, the beads 100a, 100b prevent axial blade deflection and remain in bearing engagement with both race bearing surfaces 70, 72. This constrains the circumferential section of the blade 20 near the pinion gear against axial and radial shifting. In the blade support structure 16 illustrated by FIG. 8, the beads 100a, 100b subtend equal arcs of about 58° around the axis 22. The beads 100c, 100d are disposed diametrically opposite from the beads 100a, 100b and remote from the headpiece. See FIG. 8. The beads 100a-d bear firmly on the surfaces 70, 72 to maintain the blade 20 radially centered on the axis 22 and fixed against displacement in an axial direction. When the knife is being operated to slice meat or fat from a larger animal part the circumferential section of the blade in the vicinity of the beads 100c, 100d tends to be forced toward the radial blade support member wall 44. Engagement between the bearing face 72 and the beads 100c, 100d precludes axial blade deflection from forces exerted by slicing and trimming meat, etc. The radial component of deflection force is reacted against by the beads 100a, 100b to maintain the blade radially stabilized. The illustrated beads 100c, 100d subtend arcs of about 34° around the axis 22, respectively. FIGS. 10-14 are illustrative of a modified knife that embodies the present invention. The knife of FIGS. 10-14 is constructed like the knife 10 except for the blade support structure 120 and blade 122. Accordingly, only the blade support structure 120 and blade 122 are illustrated and described in detail to the extent they differ from the blade support structure 16 and blade 20. Reference should be made to FIGS. 1-9 and the associated description for details of the remaining parts of the knife of FIGS. 10-14. Parts of the blade support structure 120 and blade 122 that are the same as parts of the blade support structure 16 and blade 20 are indicated by corresponding primed reference characters. The blade support structure 120 supports the blade 122 for rotation about its central axis 124 with the blade and blade support structure engagable at least at spaced apart bearing locations proceeding in the direction of the axis 124. The axially spaced bearing locations suspend the blade so that the blade and blade housing remain spaced apart except for the bearing locations. See FIG. 14. The blade support structure 120 is constructed substantially like the blade support structure 16 except that its outer peripheral wall 130 defines a series of circumferentially spaced apart, radially thickened wall sections 132. The wall sections 132 define radially inwardly facing frustoconical bearing faces 133, 134 that are substantially centered on the axis 124 and converge proceeding in opposite axial directions. These bearing faces are engaged by bearing bead surfaces on the blade along narrow lines of contact. In the preferred embodiment the bearing faces 133, 134 form walls of inwardly opening grooves formed in each thickened wall section 132. The portions of the peripheral wall 130 between the thickened sections are relieved and spaced away from the blade bead surfaces at all times (FIG. 13). The blade support structure 120 may be formed by machining a radially inwardly opening groove completely around the inner periphery of the peripheral wall 130 to define the bearing faces 133, 134. The thickened sections are then formed by machining the wall 130 to provide relieved, thin wall sections 135 between the sections 132 (see FIGS. 11-13). The blade support structure illustrated in FIG. 11, et seq. has four thickened sections. Two sections 132 extend oppositely from the split 33′ in the blade support structure 120. The remaining two thickened sections are located on the diametrically opposite side of the blade support structure. The bearing faces may be distributed about the axis 124 in any suitable pattern. Further, there may be more or fewer than four thickened sections. The blade 122 is like the blade 20 except that the bearing race 66 of the blade 20 is replaced by a bearing bead 140 extending continuously about the blade periphery and projecting radially into contact with the bearing faces 133, 134. The bead 140 has a semicircular cross sectional shape so it defines bearing surfaces that converge proceeding toward each other and contacts the support housing bearing faces 133,134 along lines of bearing contact 102′, 104′ that extend the length of the grooves. The bearing contact line segments assure that the blade and blade support structure engage only along extremely small contact areas. The axially spaced apart bearing contact line segments assure that the blade is positively supported against radial and axial vibrations relative to the blade support structure while frictional resistance to blade rotation afforded by the bearing contact is minimized. The blade support structure 120 is tightened about the blade with the bearing faces 133, 134 contacting the bead 140 and suspending the blade so it does not make contact with the blade supporting structure except at the lines of bearing contact (FIG. 14). When positioned as desired, the blade support structure 120 is fixed in position by clamping screws like the screws 36. FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate still another knife construction that is the same as the knife 10 of FIGS. 1-9 except for the blade support structure 160. The blade support structure 160 is constructed the same as the blade support structure 16 except that six bearing bead sections 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e, and 200f are provided to establish bearing contact with the blade, rather than the four bearing beads provided by the blade support structure 16. The blade used with the blade support 160 is identical to the blade 20 and is therefore not illustrated. Parts of the blade support structure 160 that are identical to parts of the blade support structure 16 are indicated by corresponding reference characters and are not described further. The bearing bead sections 200a, 200b extend from opposite sides of the split 33 and support the blade against gear induced reaction forces that urge the blade 20 away from the pinion gear 41 when the knife is operating. The beads 200a, 200b occupy the same arc lengths as the beads 100a, 100b and are relatively longer than the beads 200c-200f so that the gear reaction loads are distributed relatively widely. Although the gear reaction loads tend to force the blade 20 in a direction away from the pinion gear, the beads 200a, 200b prevent axial blade deflection and remain in bearing engagement with both blade race bearing surfaces 70, 72. The circumferential section of the blade 20 near the pinion gear is constrained against axial and radial shifting by the bead and race engagement. In the blade support 160 illustrated by FIGS. 15 and 16, the beads 200a, 200b subtend equal arcs of about 58° around the axis 22. The beads 200c, 200d are disposed diametrically opposite from the beads 200a, 200b and remote from the knife headpiece. The beads 200c, 200d are identical to the beads of the knife of FIGS. 1-9 and are spaced apart the same arc length i.e. each subtends an arc of about 34° around the axis 22 and the beads are spaced about 34° apart. The bead 200e is centered between the beads 200a, 200c while the bead 200f is centered between the beads 200b, 200d. See FIG. 15. The beads 200e, 200f subtend arcs of about 35°, respectively. The beads 200c-f bear firmly on the blade bearing race surfaces 70, 72 to maintain the blade 20 radially centered on the axis 22 and fixed against axial displacement. The beads 200a-f coact with the bearing faces 70, 72 and with each other to preclude both axial and radial blade vibrations. Any tendency for one circumferential portion of the blade 20 to deflect axially creates an axial and a radial component of reaction force applied to the blade by the bead engaging the affected circumferential blade portion. The radially directed force, which might otherwise shift the blade radially away from the bead, is reacted against by one or more beads located on the diametrically opposed side of the blade so that no radial blade motion occurs. This obviates blade vibrations. Knives equipped with the blade support structure 160 may exhibit a longer effective blade life than those equipped with the blade support structure 16. When the beads 100a-100d wear as a result of extensive use, the blade 20 might be able to contact the blade support body section 30 in the space between the beads 100a and 100c, or between the beads 100b and 100d during use. This would cause blade wear and necessitate eventual replacement. When knives equipped with the blade support structure 160 experience the same amount of wear on the beads 200a-d, the bead 200e or the bead 200f preludes the blade 20 from contacting the body section 30, thus avoiding blade wear. The amount of heat generated by the blade support structure 160 has not been observed to be greater than that generated by the blade support structure 16. The beads 100 and 200 that are illustrated in connection with FIGS. 1-9, and FIGS. 15 and 16, respectively, are located symmetrically about a line 202 extending through the split 33 and the diametrically opposite side of the blade support body section 30. It should be appreciated that the beads 100a-d or the beads 200a-f could be distributed in different configurations about the body section 30, and have different arc lengths from those noted above, depending on what use the knife 10 is to be put. Furthermore, three beads, five beads, or more than six beads, might be employed depending on knife usage. In theory, even a single bead, extending substantially about the blade 20, could be employed in the knife 10 so long as the blade 20 was supported substantially about its periphery at axially spaced bearing locations. In practice, such a construction is problematical because the blade support structure would have to be radially expansible to permit blade removal and replacement. Adjusting the blade support structure diameter so that the blade is uniformly and firmly engaged by a single bead about its periphery is difficult. The blade tends to be engaged at one or two random locations resulting in radial and axial blade vibration. Furthermore, where the blade is snugly engaged by the support structure substantially about its periphery, blade heating during use is greater than experienced with multiple bearing beads because the single bead contacts the bearing surfaces 70, 72, over longer lengths. While different embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, the invention is not to be considered limited to the precise constructions shown. Various modifications, adaptations, and uses of the invention may occur to those having ordinary skill in the business of constructing power operated rotary knives. The intention is to cover hereby all such modifications, adaptations and uses that fall within the scope or spirit of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Power operated rotary knives have been in wide-spread use in meat packing and other commercial food processing facilities. These knives usually comprised a handle and a blade housing that supported an annular knife blade. The knife blade was driven about its central axis relative to the blade housing by a motor via a gear train. The knife blade comprised an annular body, a blade section projecting axially from the body and driving gear teeth projecting axially from the body oppositely from the blade section. The blade housing maintained the blade in position relative to the knife as the blade rotated. The blade was subjected to various forces created by both the drive transmission and the cutting action of the knife. In some knives the blade housing defined a blade supporting race in the form of a peripheral groove that was rectilinear in cross sectional shape for receiving the blade body and gear teeth. These blade housings were frequently split and were resiliently expandable to receive the blade. The blade body and gear teeth were shaped to confront the axially opposite blade race sides with running clearance just sufficient to prevent the blade from binding in the groove. Consequently the blade and blade housing were slidably engaged over relatively wide contact areas. In some other knives the blade housings had a radially inwardly extending lip that defined a frustoconical surface engaging a frustoconical blade surface to prevent the blade from separating axially from the blade housing. In such cases, the knives also comprised a shoe that pivoted into engagement with the blade. The shoes also provided frustoconical surfaces that wedged the blade toward the blade housing and retained the blade in place. Some prior art rotary knives tended to vibrate undesirably in use because the blade rotation axis was permitted to shift relative to the blade housing. Put another way, the blade tended to bounce around within the blade housing so that the entire knife vibrated. In the knives where the blade was secured to the knife by confronting wedging surfaces, the blade vibration caused the blade to shift axially into undesired contact with the blade housing. This axial blade movement contributed both to knife vibration and blade heating. In order to constrain the blade to rotate about an axis that was relatively fixed with respect to the blade housing, the blade housing diameter was adjusted to minimize the radial clearance between the radially outer blade body and gear surfaces and the radially outer race surface. This reduced vibration. Although vibration was reduced, other problems were created. First, where the blade housing was adjusted to provide a tight running clearance, heat generated by frictional contact between the blade and blade support was often sufficient to begin to cook the product being trimmed. The heated product created a sticky build-up on the knife parts that generated even more friction heat. In some circumstances, when the housing diameter was adjusted, the race became slightly out of round, or out of plane. This condition tended to contribute to both vibration and overheating. The usual approach to ameliorating these problems was to assemble the blade and housing with running clearances that were tight enough to keep vibration at tolerable levels yet open enough to avoid overheating. Another practice used to reduce vibration and heating was to operate the knife at relatively low rotational speeds. User effort required to operate the knife increased with lowered operating speeds because the slicing action was reduced. Despite these efforts, the prior art knives tended to both vibrate and run hot. Where operated at low speeds, the vibration and friction heating were accompanied by increased user effort. The present invention provides a new and improved annular blade for a rotary knife wherein the blade is supported for rotation about a central axis at a plurality of line contact bearing locations, resulting in a knife that exhibits minimal vibration and heating and may be operated at relatively high speeds so that user effort is reduced. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the power operated knife comprises a blade supporting structure supporting an annular blade for rotation about a central blade axis. The blade and blade supporting structure are engagable along bearing contact locations that are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the axis so that the blade is stabilized both radially and axially as the knife operates. The rotary knife blade comprises an annular body disposed about the central axis and an annular blade section projecting from the body. The body defines blade bearing surfaces that converge proceeding toward each other. In the preferred knife the blade supporting structure comprises a split blade housing member that is radially expandable and contractible to receive the blade. The housing member is provided with bead sections that are spaced circumferentially apart about the blade periphery, project into a bearing race formed in the blade, and engage the blade bearing faces as the knife operates. The split blade housing member is adjusted so the blade and housing engage along relatively short lines of bearing contact that serve to minimize blade-housing friction—and consequential blade and housing heating—when the knife operates. The spaced bead sections stabilize the blade as it rotates by providing a series of bearing locations that are spaced apart both circumferentially around the blade perimeter and in the direction of the axis. The blade rotation axis is thus maintained substantially stationary relative to the knife so that knife operation is virtually vibration free. Because the blade is suspended by the bearing locations, the blade and housing remain spaced apart except at the bearing locations even if the blade housing suffers from out-of-round and/or “out-of-plane” distortions. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment made in reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification. | 20040730 | 20080311 | 20050818 | 92557.0 | 2 | CHOI, STEPHEN | BLADE HOUSING FOR LOW FRICTION ROTARY KNIFE | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,903,155 | ACCEPTED | Run-time updating of prediction hint instructions | The present invention provides a system and method for runtime updating of hints in program instructions. The invention also provides for programs of instructions that include hint performance data. Also, the invention provides an instruction cache that modifies hints and writes them back. As runtime hint updates are stored in instructions, the impact of the updates is not limited by the limited memory capacity local to a processor. Also, there is no conflict between hardware and software hints, as they can share a common encoding in the program instructions. | 1. A computer system comprising a hint updater for runtime modification of hints in program instructions. 2. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said hint updater is a program in computer-readable media. 3. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said hint updater includes firmware. 4. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said hint updater resides on an integrated circuit with a processor. 5. A system as recited in claim 1 where at least one of said hints is a pre-fetch hint. 6. A system as recited in claim 5 wherein said pre-fetch hint is an instruction pre-fetch hint. 7. A system as recited in claim 6 wherein one of said instructions is a branch instruction including said pre-fetch hint. 8. A system as recited in claim 5 wherein one of said instructions is a branch instruction and another of said instructions includes said pre-fetch hint, said hint updater modifying said pre-fetch hint as a function of an outcome of execution of said branch instruction. 9. A system as recited in claim 8 wherein said hint updater also updates said branch instruction as a function of said outcome. 10. A system as recited in claim 5 wherein said pre-fetch hint is a data pre-fetch hint. 11. A system as recited in claim 5 wherein said hints specify addresses and address offsets. 12. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said hint updater updates a copy of an instruction stored in main memory. 13. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said hint updater updates a copy of an instruction stored in a cache. 14. A system as recited in claim 13 further comprising said cache, said cache writing back said instruction after it is updated. 15. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said hints includes value-prediction hints. 16. A computing method comprising runtime modification of hints in program instructions. 17. A method as recited in claim 16 where at least one of said hints is a pre-fetch hint. 18. A method as recited in claim 17 wherein said pre-fetch hint is an instruction pre-fetch hint. 19. A method as recited in claim 18 wherein one of said instructions is a branch instruction including said pre-fetch hint. 20. A method as recited in claim 18 wherein one of said instructions is a branch instruction and another of said instructions includes said pre-fetch hint, said hint updater modifying said pre-fetch hint as a function of an outcome of execution of said branch instruction. 21. A method as recited in claim 20 wherein said hint updater also updates said branch instruction as a function of said outcome. 22. A method as recited in claim 17 wherein said pre-fetch hint is a data pre-fetch hint. 23. A method as recited in claim 17 wherein said hints specify addresses and address offsets. 24. A method as recited in claim 16 wherein said hint updater updates a copy of an instruction stored in main memory. 25. A method as recited in claim 16 wherein said hint updater updates a copy of an instruction stored in a cache. 26. A system as recited in claim 25 further comprising said cache, said cache writing back said instruction after it is updated. 27. A method as recited in claim 16 wherein at least one of said hints includes value-prediction hints. 28. Computer readable media comprising a program having a hint instruction including hint-performance data reflecting the runtime performance of a hint. 29. Computer readable media as recited in claim 28 wherein said hint is a pre-fetch hint. 30. Computer readable media as recited in claim 29 wherein said hint is a data pre-fetch hint. 31. Computer readable media as recited in claim 29 wherein said hint is an instruction pre-fetch hint. 32. Computer readable media as recited in claim 31 wherein said hint instruction is a branch instruction including said hint. 33. Computer readable media as recited in claim 31 wherein said hint instruction is a hint-type no-op instruction. 34. Computer readable media as recited in claim 28 wherein said instruction includes said hint. 35. Computer readable media as recited in claim 28 wherein said program includes another instruction that includes said hint. 36. An instruction cache that modifies hint data in instructions and writes them back. 37. An instruction cache as recited in claim 36 wherein said hint data relates to value prediction. 38. An instruction cache as recited in claim 36 wherein said hint data relates to pre-fetching. 39. An instruction cache as recited in claim 38 wherein said hint data relates to data pre-fetching. 40. An instruction cache as recited in claim 38 wherein said hint data relates to instruction pre-fetching. 41. An instruction cache as recited in claim 40 wherein said hint data relates to branch prediction. 42. A system comprising: an execution unit for executing programs that include branch instructions and hint instructions that include branch-prediction hint data for said branch instructions, said execution unit making pre-fetch determinations as a function of said hint data; a branch tracker for capturing branch outcomes when said branch instructions are executed; and a hint updater for updating said hint data in said hint instructions so that different pre-fetch determinations can be made for different instances in which a given branch instruction is executed. 43. A system as recited in claim 42 wherein at least one of said hint instructions is not a branch instruction. 44. A system as recited in claim 42 wherein at least one of said hint instructions is one of said branch instructions. 45. A system as recited in claim 42 wherein said execution unit, said branch tracker, and said hint updater are fabricated on a monolithic integrated circuit. 46. A system as recited in claim 42 wherein said hint updater includes a hint-updater program. 47. A system as recited in claim 42 further comprising an instruction cache, said hint updater modifying copies of hint instruction in said instruction cache. 48. A system as recited in claim 47 wherein said instruction cache that writes modified hint instructions back to main memory. 49. A system as recited in claim 42 wherein said hint updater modifies instructions in main memory. 50. A system as recited in claim 42 wherein said branch tracker writes branch history data to memory and said hint updater is a program provides an analysis of said branch history data and modifies said hint instructions as a function of said analysis. 51. A method of executing a program of instructions comprising: making pre-fetch determinations as a function of branch-prediction hints in said program of instructions; pre-fetching instructions in accordance with said pre-fetch determinations; tracking execution of said program so as to provide branch result data representing the outcomes of branch instructions of said program; and modifying said instructions so as to modify said branch prediction hints as a function of said result data so that different pre-fetch determinations are made for different execution instances of a given branch instruction. 52. A method as recited in claim 51 wherein at least one of said hints is located in a branch instruction and said modifying involves modifying said branch instruction. 53. A method as recited in claim 51 wherein at least one of said hints is located in an hint-type instruction other than a branch instruction and said modifying said hint-type instruction. 54. A method as recited in claim 51 wherein said modification is performed on a copy of said instruction in main memory. 55. A method as recited in claim 51 wherein said modification is performed on a copy of said instruction in an instruction cache. 56. A method as recited in claim 55 further comprising writing back said instruction modified in cache to main memory. 57. A method as recited in claim 51 further comprising writing said branch prediction data to main memory, said modifying involving providing an analysis of said branch prediction data as stored in main memory and modifying said instructions as a function of said analysis. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to computers and, more particularly, to computers that execute branch instructions. A major objective of the invention is to enhance performance by improving predictions required for speculative processing, e.g., as used for pre-fetching data and instructions. Related art is discussed below to help explain a problem addressed by the present invention. Related art labeled as “prior art” is admitted prior art; related art not labeled as “prior art” is not admitted prior art. Much of modern progress is associated with the pervasiveness of computers that manipulate data in accordance with programs of instructions. Given a never-ending demand for increased speed, the computer industry has taken pains to minimize delays in processing. In some cases, operations can be performed out of program order so the results are available as soon as they are required. For example, certain instructions and data can be pre-fetched into a cache before their execution is required; when they are called for, they can be accessed quickly from a cache instead more slowly from main memory. Many operations are not fully specified or known until the results of logically preceding operations are known. For example, an address pre-fetch might require determination of the results of a conditional branch instruction that has not yet been executed. In such cases, some speculative pre-processing can be performed advantageously when the outcome of the prerequisite operations can be predicted with sufficient success. In a software approach to prediction, a program can include prediction hints in the instructions themselves. Typically, a compiler program provides these either in response to a programmer's specifications or in accordance with the program's analysis of the program structure. For example, a branch instruction can include a field that denotes “this branch is usually (or, alternatively, rarely) taken”. In a hardware approach to prediction, processing results can be tracked and the resulting processing history can be used to predict future results. For example, if a branch instruction has resulted in repeated returns to the beginning of a loop, the processor can pre-fetch the beginning of the loop the next time the branch instruction is encountered. The hardware approach has access to recent runtime data, which is not available at compilation time. On the other hand, the compiler has access to the program as a whole, while the hardware typically has access to only a small portion of a program at a time. In practice, a processor should be able to access prediction results within a processor cycle or two. However, the memory available to store such results within this time requirement is very limited. As programs have grown exponentially over time, the portion of a program that can be represented by stored prediction results is growing smaller. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a system and method for runtime updating of hints in program instructions. The invention also provides for programs of instructions that include hint performance data. Also, the invention provides an instruction cache that modifies hints and writes them back. As runtime hint updates are stored in instructions, the impact of the updates is not limited by the limited memory capacity local to a processor. Also, there is no conflict between hardware and software hints, as they can share a common encoding in the program instructions. These and other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the description of specific embodiments below with reference to the following drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The figures below depict specific embodiments of the invention and are not depictions of the invention itself. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first computer system in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a second computer system in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a third computer system in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method of the invention practiced in the context of the systems of FIGS. 1-3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the invention, a computer system AP1 comprises a processor 101, memory 103, and a hint updater 105. In this embodiment, hint updater 105 includes firmware that translated branch history data into hints to be incorporated in hint-type instructions. Processor 101 includes an execution unit 111, an address generator 113, and a prediction-result tracker 115. Address generator 113 generates addresses for accessing locations in memory holding programs, e.g., a program 117 and data 121. Execution unit 111 executes instructions fetched from memory 103. Prediction-result 115 tracks the results of conditional branch instructions. Upon compilation, program 117 includes instructions with branch-prediction hints. For example, program 117 includes direct branch instructions that specify a condition for branching, a branch-target (i.e., branch-to) address, and a three-bit hint value, as indicated for direct branch instruction 121, shown in FIG. 1. The compiler can introduce these hints either as directed by a programmer's source code or by its own analysis of the program structure. During execution, address generator 113 uses these hints to pre-fetch instructions that are likely to be branch targets in the near future. When a branch instruction is executed, prediction tracker 115 determines whether or not the branch is actually taken. Hint updater 105 uses these branch-determination results to update hint information in program 117 as stored in memory 103. In system AP1, each direct branch instruction has a three-bit branch prediction field indicating seven levels of branch prediction and a “don't track” indication. This field can be thought of as a counter that is initiated when the program is compiled. Generally, each time a branch is taken, hint updater increments the branch-prediction value up to a maximum; each time the branch is not taken, the updater decrements the branch prediction value down to a minimum. Each direct branch instruction includes a 3-bit branch-prediction field that encodes branch prediction information as shown in the following Table I. TABLE I Hint encoding Count Meaning 011 very likely to branch 010 moderately likely to branch 001 somewhat likely to branch 000 equally likely to branch or not branch 100 somewhat unlikely to branch 101 moderately unlikely to branch 110 very unlikely to branch 111 do not track branching At program compilation, the compiler program sets these bits for each direct branch instruction either according to its analysis of the program structure or as directed by the programmer. During program execution, processor 101 generally pre-fetches branch targets when the branch instruction reads “001”, “010” or “011” and does not pre-fetch otherwise. However, for intermediate values such as “100”, “000” and “001”, the pre-fetch algorithm can take into account the availability of time and space required for the fetching. Prediction-result tracker 115 tracks the result of each branch instruction. Hint updater 105 increments up to the maximum value (011 binary, 3 decimal) each time a branch is taken and decrements the hint count down to the minimum value (110 binary, −3 decimal) each time a branch is not taken. It is the copy of an instruction stored in memory 103 that is updated, as opposed to some ephemeral copy in a pipeline or execution unit. The next time the instruction is called, the new hint information guides the branch prediction to determine whether or not to pre-fetch. The exception is that if the field reads “111” (“do not track branching”), no change occurs. In system AP1, both the software and hardware approaches to prediction are used. Moreover, the hardware-generated hints are encoded in the “language” of the software-generated hints, so compatibility issues between the approaches are minimized. Since the run-time hints are stored in the program instructions themselves, the storage capacity available for storing the hints can scale with the program size. A run-time result obtained early in program execution can benefit much later executions. Thus, the invention provides the relevancy advantage of the hardware approach to prediction and the capacity advantage of the software approach to prediction with negligible conflict between the approaches. In system AP1, hint updater 105 is basically a firmware device that is separate from both processor 101 and memory 103. Alternatively, a hint updater can be hardware or software; also, it can reside in memory on or on-chip with the processor. In addition to handling direct branch instructions, it can handle pre-fetching for indirect branch instructions (e.g., instructions with addresses that must be calculated), and data. In addition, the predictions are not limited to those that are used for pre-fetching, but can be used, for example, to make speculative calculations on a predicted operand. A second embodiment of the invention in the form of a second computer system AP2 is shown in FIG. 2. System AP2 includes a processor 201, memory 203, a data cache 205, and an instruction cache 207. Processor 201 includes an execution unit 211, an instruction pipeline 213, an address generator 215, a prediction-result tracker 217, and a hint updater 219. Memory 213 stores a program 221 and data 223. When processor 201 executes a branch instruction, tracker 217 captures the result including whether or not the branch was taken and, in the case of an indirect branch instruction, e.g., 231, the branch-target address. Hint updater 219, in this case, built into processor 201, updates a copy of the instruction in instruction cache 207. In the case of a direct branch instruction, a hint field is incremented or decremented as it is for system AP1 in FIG. 1. In the case of indirect branch instruction, it is an immediately preceding hint-type no-op instruction 233 that is updated. The hint-type no-op instruction 233 specifies a predicted branch-target address, an address offset, and a hint count. The hint count can be set so that branches for the indirect branch instruction are not tracked; in that case, the branch-target address and offset fields are meaningless. A programmer or compiler can set an initial branch-target address, offset, and 3-bit hint count. During execution, hint updater 219 increments (up to a maximum) the counter when a branch is taken to a predicted branch-target address and decrements (down to a minimum) when the branch is not taken or is taken to an address that is not predicted. If the programmer or compiler does not provide an initial address and offset, the hint count can set to zero or to a negative number. Hint updater 219 works with instructions that use the same branch-target address repeatedly and with instructions for which successive branch-target addresses form an arithmetic series. In the former case, the offset value is zero; in the later case, the offset value is the difference in bytes between successive addresses. If the difference in bytes exceeds the eight-bit coding range for the offset value, the possible existence of an arithmetic series is ignored. This algorithm is further explained by example below. In an example with an indirect branch instruction in which tracking is enabled but the hint count is zero, a branch upon execution results in the hint count in a hint-type no-op instruction being incremented to one. The captured branch-target address is written in the branch-target (“branch-to) address field of the hint-type no-op. The offset is set or maintained at zero. These changes are made to the copy of the hint-type instruction in instruction cache 207. The updated instruction is written back to program memory according to a write-back strategy if the copy in cache is to be invalidated or replaced. Note that instruction cache 207 differs from conventional instruction caches in providing for write-back. In an alternative embodiment, the hint updater copies the updated instruction to a data cache so that the data cache handles the write back. An initialized hint-type no-op specifies no branch-target address, the offset value is meaningless, and the hint count is zero. Upon first execution of the associated indirect branch instruction, if the branch is not taken, the hint count is decremented to a value of negative one. If a branch is taken, the branch-target address is entered in the branch-target address field, the offset value is set to zero, and the hint count is set to one. The following discussion assumes a branch has been taken. When the hint instruction is next executed, the indicated branch-target address is fetched if it is not already represented in the instruction cache. If, when the corresponding branch instruction is executed, it is determined that the instruction does not take the branch, the counter is decremented, in this case to zero. If a branch is taken to the predicted address, the hint count is incremented. If a branch is taken to a different address, the new branch-target address replaces the former one in the branch-target field of the hint-type no-op instruction. If the new address is within 128 bytes of the former address, an eight-bit offset value is entered that reflects the displacement and the hint count is incremented, in this case to two. If the new address is outside the 8-bit offset range, zero offset is retained and the hint count is decremented. In the case of an instruction with a specified branch-target address and a non-zero offset and hint count, the specified predicted address is the sum of most recently taken branch-target address plus the offset. If this branch is taken, a new address (the old address plus the offset) replaces the former address, the offset is maintained, and the hint count is incremented up to a maximum value of 3. If the previously taken branch-target address (as identified by the predicted address less the offset) is taken, it overwrites the previously predicted branch-target address and the hint count is set to two and the offset is set to zero. If a new address for which an 8-bit offset can be specified is the branch-target address, this is entered as the new branch-target address, the newly determined offset is entered, and the count is set to two. If an out of range branch occurs, the new address, zero offset and count of one are entered. Whenever a branch is not taken, the hint count is decremented down to a minimum of −3. If it is decremented to zero or below (down to negative three), the specified branch-target address is not pre-fetched. System AP2 also provides for pre-fetching data. A data pre-fetch hint instruction 235 specifies a pre-fetch address, an offset, a history, and a decision. The pre-fetch address and offset work like the branch-target address and offset for instruction 233. However, instead of a hint count, data pre-fetch instruction 235 has a history field and a decision field. This history field is effectively a 24-bit shift register is which each bit value corresponds to a result of the prediction. The decision field includes a decision bit indicating whether the prediction should be followed or not. A characteristic of the extended raw history over the count is that the former is more resistant to temporary failures of a prediction. The presence of the decision bit relieves the processor of the actual pre-fetch decision, while the history preserves information for the hint updater to use in setting the decision bit. TABLE II Instructions Used by System AP2 Instruction [parameters] Comments Branch-D Direct branch instruction [condition, branch-target address, branch prediction (3- bit)]. Branch-I Indirect branch instruction (hint [condition, pointer location]. is in separate instruction, see next instruction). Hint-type NOP Applies to next indirect branch [Branch-target address, address instruction in program order. offset, and hint count (3-bits).] Data Pre-fetch Applies upon execution, not [pre-fetch address, offset, necessarily tied to a particular history, decision] load instruction. In systems AP1 and AP2, branch history is represented in the instructions themselves. The storage demands on the prediction-result tracker and the hint updater are minimal. Thus, these embodiments combine the advantages execution-time branch tracking for a program as a whole, rather only for that part that can be managed locally. In a third illustrated embodiment of the invention, the prediction history is not limited to data that can be represented in the instructions themselves. Computer system AP3 comprises a processor 301, memory 303, an instruction cache 305, and a data cache 307. Processor 301 includes an execution unit 311, an instruction pipeline 313, an address generator 315, and a prediction tracker 317. Memory 303 stores an application program 321, data 323, and operating system 325, prediction history data 327, and a hint-updater program 329. In system AP3, prediction tracker 317 stores prediction results as branch history data 327 in memory 303. The prediction can be whether or not certain data or instructions are actually required, whether or not the result of a calculation was predicted accurately, or whether or not some other predicted action or event occurred. An operating system 325 periodically interrupts application program 321 with hints and launches hint-updater program 329. Hint-updater program 329 analyzes branch history data 327 and determines the changes that need to be made to the hints in application program 321. The instructions needing changing are copied from instruction cache 305 to data cache 307, and then modified in data cache 307. The hint-modified cache copies of instructions can be written back to main memory according to the same rules applied to other data in data cache 307. Once the changes have been effected, operating system 335 resumes application program 331. Systems AP1, AP2, and AP3 (FIGS. 1-3) all use program instructions for storing prediction history data in some form or other. This greatly expands the storage space available for prediction history relative to systems that are limited to on-processor storage. In many cases, these embodiments just make better use of instructions, e.g., no-op instructions, and do not require any expansion of program code. On the other hand, the amount of history data that can be stored in instructions without expanding the program (potentially reducing performance) is limited. System AP3 overcomes this limitation by allowing for prediction history data to be stored in memory but outside the program. This allows more a more detailed history to be maintained. In particular, system AP3 more readily provides for more generalized hint-type instructions, such as prediction hint instruction 341. The parameters are a prediction, an action to be taken if the prediction is correct (and perhaps an action if the prediction fails), prediction history data, and a decision. The prediction history data can be expanded each representing a prediction result. This allows more precise statistics and also allows for patterns to be identified; both of these factors can lead to better predictions. The better prediction can be encoded as a single decision bit-either the prediction is true or false. Note that the history data can actually be stored in branch history 327, and the history field need only point to the location in which that history data is stored. In this case, the amount of history data is not constrained by the instruction width. Note that parallel processing can be used to avoid the suspension of program 321 when updater 329 is running. For example, an auxiliary processor on the same integrated circuit as processor 301 can run updater 329. Alternatively, another processor in a symmetric or asymmetric multiprocessor system can run updater 329 while program 321 is running. In an alternative embodiment, prediction history can be stored elsewhere, e.g., “on-chip” with the processor. For data not being used to affect instructions as they are being executed, extremely fast access times are not required. Therefore, the memory for prediction history can be larger (as it need not be fast and need not be very close to the execution unit). This alternative avoids some of the memory accesses required by system AP3. A method embodiment of the invention is flow-charted in FIG. 4. Variations of method M1 can be practiced in the contexts of systems AP1, AP2, and AP3 (of FIGS. 1-3). Step S1 involves including prediction hints in program instructions. The programmer(s) and/or compiler program are the likely sources of pre-runtime hints. In the case of branch instructions, the hints can include indications of which branches are likely to be taken and, (in the case of indirect branch instructions), which addresses are likely to be branch targets. In addition, offset values can be provided for indirect branch targets and data addresses that progress in an arithmetic fashion. Depending on the instruction format, the hints can be included in the branch instructions or other instructions to which the hints relate; in other cases, they can occur in hint-type no-op instructions that precede the subject instruction either immediately or otherwise. Program execution begins with step S2. As the program is executing, prediction results are tracked at step S3. The prediction results specify whether or not a prediction is validated and, can provide a value, e.g., a branch target address for an indirect branch instruction. In systems AP1 and AP2 the tracking is a hardware only operation. In system AP3, step S3 also involves storing a prediction history in main memory. Hints are updated at step S4. The “hint updater” can be part of the processor (as in system AP2), a program in memory (as in system AP3), or hardware or firmware separate from both, as in system AP1. An important distinction from other approaches is that the modification is to the instructions in their stored form—not just en route in an instruction pipeline or in an execution unit. The hint update results in an instruction that can be called again and handled differently because of coding in the program instructions themselves. The hints can be inserted into a subject instruction or into some other instruction designed to hint the subject instruction. In step S4, the changes can be made in main memory as they are in system AP1, in a cache only, or in both, or in a cache that is written back to main memory (as in systems AP2 and AP3). In the latter case, substeps S4A and S4B can be distinguished: step 4A involves updating instructions in cache, while step S4B involves writing back updated instructions to main memory. The invention also provides for updating instructions in the cache and not writing back to main memory. In the case of system AP2, the cache size limits the amount of program code that can benefit from updating; however, in system AP3, branch results are stored in memory, so the memory space available to history data is generally much greater. Herein two instructions are not the “same” if they occupy different positions in a program, even if the instructions are otherwise identical. For two execution instances of an instruction to involve the same instruction implies that both instances are based on the same instruction at the same position in the program. At step S5, updated hint instructions are fetched (from cache or main memory) for execution at step S6. The instructions have been modified in a manner that will not affect substantive results, but actions based on the predictions can be affected at step S7. The invention provides for generating hints “runtime”, which means during execution of a program or an interruption thereof. The hints can be decisions (e.g., “pre-fetch the branch target”) or factors (e.g., historical data) that can contribute to a decision to perform an action before it is known that the action will be required (or, in other words, before it is known that prerequisites for the action will be met). For example, a “pre-fetch hint” is a hint where the action is to fetch certain data or instructions before they are required according to the program order. For another example, a “value prediction” hint predicts a result of a calculation that has yet to be performed. “Hint performance data” is data representing with high or low precision how often a prediction represented in a hint is confirmed or disconfirmed. An “outcome of execution”, as the phrase used herein, encompasses confirmation upon execution of a prediction embodied in a hint. The outcome can also include other information such as a target address or a calculated value. An “execution instance” of an instruction refers to an instance in which an instruction is executed. An instruction can have multiple execution instances over time if the address at which it is stored is called repeatedly. Two identical instances of the same instruction type at different positions in the program order do not constitute two execution instances of the same instruction. Also herein, “write back” means copying an instruction or data from a cache to a higher-level cache or to some other memory, typically main memory. These and other variations upon and modification to the illustrated embodiments are provided for by the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to computers and, more particularly, to computers that execute branch instructions. A major objective of the invention is to enhance performance by improving predictions required for speculative processing, e.g., as used for pre-fetching data and instructions. Related art is discussed below to help explain a problem addressed by the present invention. Related art labeled as “prior art” is admitted prior art; related art not labeled as “prior art” is not admitted prior art. Much of modern progress is associated with the pervasiveness of computers that manipulate data in accordance with programs of instructions. Given a never-ending demand for increased speed, the computer industry has taken pains to minimize delays in processing. In some cases, operations can be performed out of program order so the results are available as soon as they are required. For example, certain instructions and data can be pre-fetched into a cache before their execution is required; when they are called for, they can be accessed quickly from a cache instead more slowly from main memory. Many operations are not fully specified or known until the results of logically preceding operations are known. For example, an address pre-fetch might require determination of the results of a conditional branch instruction that has not yet been executed. In such cases, some speculative pre-processing can be performed advantageously when the outcome of the prerequisite operations can be predicted with sufficient success. In a software approach to prediction, a program can include prediction hints in the instructions themselves. Typically, a compiler program provides these either in response to a programmer's specifications or in accordance with the program's analysis of the program structure. For example, a branch instruction can include a field that denotes “this branch is usually (or, alternatively, rarely) taken”. In a hardware approach to prediction, processing results can be tracked and the resulting processing history can be used to predict future results. For example, if a branch instruction has resulted in repeated returns to the beginning of a loop, the processor can pre-fetch the beginning of the loop the next time the branch instruction is encountered. The hardware approach has access to recent runtime data, which is not available at compilation time. On the other hand, the compiler has access to the program as a whole, while the hardware typically has access to only a small portion of a program at a time. In practice, a processor should be able to access prediction results within a processor cycle or two. However, the memory available to store such results within this time requirement is very limited. As programs have grown exponentially over time, the portion of a program that can be represented by stored prediction results is growing smaller. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides a system and method for runtime updating of hints in program instructions. The invention also provides for programs of instructions that include hint performance data. Also, the invention provides an instruction cache that modifies hints and writes them back. As runtime hint updates are stored in instructions, the impact of the updates is not limited by the limited memory capacity local to a processor. Also, there is no conflict between hardware and software hints, as they can share a common encoding in the program instructions. These and other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the description of specific embodiments below with reference to the following drawings. | 20040730 | 20130514 | 20060202 | 94846.0 | G06F900 | 0 | FENNEMA, ROBERT E | RUN-TIME UPDATING OF PREDICTION HINT INSTRUCTIONS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
|
10,903,247 | ACCEPTED | Woman's clothing having a function of protecting a breast | The women's clothing of the present invention is preferably a sports brassiere to be worn in athletic activities. This brassiere comprises a front fabric portion for covering the chest section including the right and left breasts of a wearer, a back fabric portion which elastically stretches in the horizontal direction in a state of tension produced when wearing the brassiere, and a back shoulder fabric portion connected to the front fabric portion at the right and left shoulder portions of the wearer. The front fabric portion is constituted by layering two pieces of fabric and interposing a breasts protective fabric material therebetween. In the back shoulder fabric portion, the right and left shoulder portions are united in the rear center of the back shoulder fabric portion so as to be narrower than the space between the right and left shoulder portions. Also the back shoulder fabric portion has the Y-like shape, T-like shape, or X-like shape; but the shape of the back fabric portion is made such that its width becomes narrower at the middle, thus the disadvantage of “riding up” is not produced in the rear center. | 1. A women's clothing with a breasts protective function, comprising: a front fabric portion which elastically stretches in a state of tension produced when wearing the clothing, and covers the chest section including the right and left breasts of a wearer, and in which the upper sections of the right and left top regions where the nipples are positioned in a worn state extend to the right and left shoulder portions of the wearer; a back fabric portion in which both ends thereof are connected to the both underarm portions of the front fabric portion, and which stretches elastically at least in the horizontal direction in a state of tension produced when wearing the clothing, to fit to the back of the wearer; and a back shoulder fabric portion which extends upward from the upper edge of said back fabric portion, and is connected to said front fabric portion at the right and left shoulder portions of the wearer, and in which a contractive force is reduced more than said back fabric portion, wherein in said back shoulder fabric portion, the right and left shoulder portions are united in the rear center of the back shoulder fabric portion so as to be narrower than the space between said right and left shoulder portions; this splits and extends upward to the right and left from this rear center, and, from this rear center to the lower part of the back shoulder fabric portion, is made to become wider towards the upper edge of said back fabric portion. 2. A women's clothing with a breasts protective function, comprising: a front fabric portion which elastically stretches in a state of tension produced when wearing the clothing, and covers the chest section including the right and left breasts of a wearer, and in which the upper sections of the right and left top regions where the nipples are positioned in a worn state extend to the right and left shoulder portions of the wearer; a back fabric portion in which both ends thereof are connected to the both underarm portions of the front fabric portion, and which stretches elastically at least in the horizontal direction in a state of tension produced when wearing the clothing, to fit to the back of the wearer; and a back shoulder fabric portion which extends upward from the upper edge of said back fabric portion, and is connected to said front fabric portion at the right and left shoulder portions of the wearer, and in which a contractive force is reduced more than said back fabric portion, wherein said front fabric portion comprises a fabric material for covering the chest section, and a breasts protective fabric material which elastically stretches in a state of tension produced when wearing the clothing, and wherein in said back shoulder fabric portion, the right and left shoulder portions are united in the rear center of the back shoulder fabric portion so as to be narrower than the space between said right and left shoulder portions; this splits and extends upward to the right and left from this rear center, and, from this rear center to the lower part of the back shoulder fabric portion, is made to become wider towards the upper edge of said back fabric portion. 3. A women's clothing with a breasts protective function, comprising: a front fabric portion which elastically stretches in a state of tension produced when wearing the clothing, and covers the chest section including the right and left breasts of a wearer, and in which the upper sections of the right and left top regions where the nipples are positioned in a worn state extend to the right and left shoulder portions of the wearer; a back fabric portion in which both ends thereof are connected to the both underarm portions of the front fabric portion, and which stretches elastically at least in the horizontal direction in a state of tension produced when wearing the clothing, to fit to the back of the wearer; and a back shoulder fabric portion which extends upward from the upper edge of said back fabric portion, and is connected to said front fabric portion at the right and left shoulder portions of the wearer, and in which a contractive force is reduced more than said back fabric portion, wherein said front fabric portion is constituted by layering two pieces of fabric and interposing between the two pieces of fabric the breasts protective fabric which extends upward from at least said top region and is connected to the back shoulder fabric portion, and wherein in said back shoulder fabric portion, the right and left shoulder portions are united in the rear center of the back shoulder fabric portion so as to be narrower than the space between said right and left shoulder portions; this splits and extends upward to the right and left from this rear center, and, from this rear center to the lower part of the back shoulder fabric portion, is made to become wider towards the upper edge of said back fabric portion. 4. The women's clothing according to claim 1, wherein the rear central portion of the upper edge of said back fabric portion is positioned lower than the underarm portions. 5. The women's clothing according to claim 2, wherein the rear central portion of the upper edge of said back fabric portion is positioned lower than the underarm portions. 6. The women's clothing according to claim 3, wherein the rear central portion of the upper edge of said back fabric portion is positioned lower than the underarm portions. 7. The women's clothing according to claim 1, wherein the upper edge of said back fabric portion curves downward, and the lower edge of same is linear in the horizontal direction. 8. The women's clothing according to claim 2, wherein the upper edge of said back fabric portion curves downward, and the lower edge of same is linear in the horizontal direction. 9. The women's clothing according to claim 3, wherein the upper edge of said back fabric portion curves downward, and the lower edge of same is linear in the horizontal direction. 10. The women's clothing according to claim 1, wherein the width of said back fabric portion is narrowest at the rear central portion thereof and becomes wider towards the underarm portions. 11. The women's clothing according to claim 2, wherein the width of said back fabric portion is narrowest at the rear central portion thereof and becomes wider towards the underarm portions. 12. The women's clothing according to claim 3, wherein the width of said back fabric portion is narrowest at the rear central portion thereof and becomes wider towards the underarm portions. 13. The women's clothing according to claim 1, wherein an under tape material having a larger contractive force than that of the fabric material constituting said back fabric portion is stitched on the lower edge of said front fabric portion and the lower edge of said back fabric portion. 14. The women's clothing according to claim 2, wherein an under tape material having a larger contractive force than that of the fabric material constituting said back fabric portion is stitched on the lower edge of said front fabric portion and the lower edge of said back fabric portion. 15. The women's clothing according to claim 3, wherein an under tape material having a larger contractive force than that of the fabric material constituting said back fabric portion is stitched on the lower edge of said front fabric portion and the lower edge of said back fabric portion. 16. The women's clothing according to claim 1, wherein said back fabric portion has a configuration in which a first fabric material having a small contractive force is stitched on a second fabric material having a large contractive force, and said back shoulder fabric material is constituted by said first fabric material. 17. The women's clothing according to claim 2, wherein said back fabric portion has a configuration in which a first fabric material having a small contractive force is stitched on a second fabric material having a large contractive force, and said back shoulder fabric material is constituted by said first fabric material. 18. The women's clothing according to claim 3, wherein said back fabric portion has a configuration in which a first fabric material having a small contractive force is stitched on a second fabric material having a large contractive force, and said back shoulder fabric material is constituted by said first fabric material. 19. The women's clothing according to claim 16, wherein said second fabric material is a power net stitched on a skin side of said first fabric material. 20. The women's clothing according to claim 17, wherein said second fabric material is a power net stitched on a skin side of said first fabric material. 21. The women's clothing according to claim 18, wherein said second fabric material is a power net stitched on a skin side of said first fabric material. 22. The women's clothing according to claim 1, wherein said back shoulder fabric portion has a Y-like shape, T-like shape, or X-like shape. 23. The women's clothing according to claim 2, wherein said back shoulder fabric portion has a Y-like shape, T-like shape, or X-like shape. 24. The women's clothing according to claim 3, wherein said back shoulder fabric portion has a Y-like shape, T-like shape, or X-like shape. | TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a women's clothing with breasts protective function, and is more preferably applied to a sports brassiere to be worn in athletic activities. BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been provided various types of brassieres that are suitable to sports. For example, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 57-154705 discloses a sports brassiere where the whole circumferences of the cups are enclosed by a stretchy net tape. Further, Laid-open Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 59-125910 discloses a sports brassiere with a stretchy thin net cloth fixed with curving on the underarm portions. They both absorb an inertial force produced on the bust during an athletic activity by means of the stretchy net material, to control the bust moving wildly up and down, side to side, and back and forth. Moreover, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. Hei-9-296308 discloses a sports brassiere which has a wire underneath and is provided with a pocket portion in the lower part of each cup to store a bust pad. According to the explanation of this, it is possible to prevent peripheral muscle from being fed with an unreasonable burden, even if the breasts bounce during a vigorous athletic activity. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 11-286803 discloses a brassier which controls movement of the breasts during an athletic activity by providing cup portions with a stretchy protective tape. This brassiere is excellent in terms of being able to control the movement of the breasts without giving a pressure onto the chest and breasts of a wearer, and is commercialized and extensively used as a sports brassiere. The sports brassieres in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 57-154705 and Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 59-125910 are insufficient in the functions for controlling movement of the bust, and the sports brassiere in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 9-296308 gives a pressure onto the chest section. The sports brassiere in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 11-286803 improves, mainly, the structures of the cup portions, whereby it is possible to control the movement of the bust and to reduce the pressure given onto the chest section including the bust. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a women's clothing with a breasts protective function for controlling movement of the bust during an athletic activity, while reducing a burden given onto the chest or shoulders of a wearer, by improving mainly the structures of sections other than the cup portions. The women's clothing with a breasts protective function of the present invention comprises: a front fabric portion which elastically stretches in a state of tension produced when wearing the clothing, and covers the chest section including the right and left breasts of a wearer, and in which the upper sections of the right and left top regions where the nipples are positioned in a worn state extend to the right and left shoulder portions of the wearer; a back fabric portion in which both ends thereof are connected to the both underarm portions of the front fabric portion, and which stretches elastically at least in the horizontal direction in a state of tension produced when wearing the clothing, to fit to the back of the wearer; and a back shoulder fabric portion which extends upward from the upper edge of the back fabric portion, and is connected to the front fabric portion at the right and left shoulder portions of the wearer, and in which a contractive force is reduced more than the back fabric portion, wherein in the back shoulder fabric portion, the right and left shoulder portions are united in the rear center of the back shoulder fabric portion so as to be narrower than the space between the right and left shoulder portions; this splits and extends upward to the right and left from this rear center, and, from this rear center to the lower part of the back shoulder fabric portion, is made to become wider towards the upper edge of the back fabric portion. In the women's clothing according to the present invention, the front fabric portion preferably comprises a fabric material for covering the chest section, and a breasts protective fabric material which elastically stretches in a state of tension produced when wearing the clothing. In the women's clothing according o the present invention, the front fabric portion preferably is constituted by layering two pieces of fabric and interposing between the two pieces of fabric the breasts protective fabric which extends upward from at least the top region and is connected to the back shoulder fabric portion. In the women's clothing according to the present invention, the rear central portion of the upper edge of the back fabric portion is preferably positioned lower than the underarm portions. In the women's clothing according to the present invention, the upper edge of the back fabric portion curves downward, and the lower edge of same is preferably linear in the horizontal direction. In the women's clothing according to the present invention, the width of the back fabric portion is preferably narrowest at its rear central portion and becomes wider towards the underarm portions. In the women's clothing of the present invention, an under tape material having a larger contractive force than that of the fabric material constituting the back fabric portion is preferably stitched on the lower edge of the front fabric portion and the lower edge of the back fabric portion. In the women's clothing according to the present invention, the back fabric portion preferably has a configuration in which a first fabric material having a small contractive force is stitched on a second fabric material having a large contractive force, and the back shoulder fabric material preferably is constituted by the first fabric material. In the women's clothing according to the present invention, the second fabric material is preferably a power net stitched on a skin side of the first fabric material. In the women's clothing according to the present invention, the back shoulder fabric portion preferably has a Y-like shape, T-like shape, or X-like shape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the sports brassiere according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the brassier; FIG. 3 is a plan view in which the brassiere is spread planimetrically, and the fabric material of the front side is illustrated by a dashed line, while the fabric material of the back side by a solid line; FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the shape of the back shoulder fabric portion by planimetrically spreading a brassiere different from the example of FIG. 3, where the fabric material of the front side is illustrated by a dashed line, and the fabric material of the back side by a solid line; FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the shape of the back shoulder fabric portion by planimetrically spreading a brassiere different from the examples of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, where the fabric material of the front side is illustrated by a dashed line, and the fabric material of the back side by a solid line; FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the shape of the back fabric portion by planimetrically spreading a brassiere different from the example of FIG. 3, where the fabric material of the front side is illustrated by a dashed line, and the fabric material of the back side by a solid line; FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the shape of the back fabric portion by planimetrically spreading a brassiere different from the examples of FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, where the fabric material of the front side is illustrated by a dashed line, and the fabric material of the back side by a solid line; and FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the shape of the back fabric portion by planimetrically spreading a brassiere which is different from the examples of FIG. 3, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, where the fabric material of the front side is illustrated by a dashed line, and the fabric material of the back side by a solid line. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a front fabric portion 2 comprises cup portions for covering the chest section including the right and left breasts, and a front shoulder portion extending to the left and right shoulder portions of a wearer. The front fabric portion 2 is constituted by layering two pieces of fabric, a skin side front fabric 21 and fore side front fabric 22, and stretchy under tapes 23 constituting a part of the front fabric portion 2 are stitched on the lower edge of the front fabric portion 2. A contractive force in the longitudinal direction of these under tapes 23 is increased by placing a rubber or the like, which is not shown in the figure, inside the under tapes 23. A stretchy bias tape 24 is stitched on the upper edge portion of the front shoulder portion of the front fabric portion 2. Except for the seam portions on the lower edge portion on which the under tape 23 is stitched, the upper edge portion on which the bias tape 24 is stitched, and the back fabric portion 4 at the underarms, two pieces of fabric 21, 22 that constitute the front fabric portion 2 are not sewn or stitched together; which means that this is in the form of “a pouch with no mouth.” In the pouch constituted by these two pieces of fabric 21, 22, a tape-like breasts protective fabric material 1 that extends radially is sandwiched, as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 1. This breasts protective fabric material 1 made of a stretchy material is a tape material formed in the radial pattern, and is interposed between the skin side front fabric 21 and fore side front fabric 22, as shown in FIG. 2. A middle tape portion 10 of the breasts protective fabric material 1 is fitted to the nipple when the brassiere is being worn, and by centering this, five tape portions 11 to 15 extend. Specifically, an anteroinferior tape portion 11 is disposed along the line that connects the top region where the nipple is positioned and the anterior center side lower part region where the anterior center side lower part of the breast is positioned; an anterosuperior tape portion 12 is disposed along the line that connects the top region and a anterior center side upper part region where the anterior center side upper part of the breast is positioned; an underarm lower tape portion 13 is disposed along an underarm line that connects the top region and the underarm side lower part region where the underarm side lower part of the breast is positioned; an underarm upper tape portion 14 is disposed along the line that connects the top region and the underarm side upper part region where the underarm side upper part of the breast is positioned; and an upper breast tape portion 15 is disposed along the line that connects the top region and the breast upper part region where an upper part of the nipple of the breast is positioned. Further, ends of the anteroinferior tape portion 11 and the underarm lower tape portion 13 are stitched on the under tape 23 at the lower edge of the front fabric portion 2, the anterosuperior tape portion 12 is stitched on the bias tape 24 at the anterior center side upper edge of the front fabric portion 2, the underarm upper tape portion 14 is stitched on the bias tape 24 at the underarm side upper edge of the front fabric portion 2, and the upper breast tape portion 15 is brought into contact with and stitched on the upper edge of the back shoulder fabric portion 3 at the shoulder portion of the wearer. Note that the front shoulder portions of the front fabric portion 2 extend to the shoulder portions as the widths of the front shoulder portion narrow gradually towards the upper part of the top regions where the right and left nipples are positioned when the brassiere is being worn, and the width of the front shoulder portion narrows just before the shoulder portion to the same degree as the width of the upper breast tape portion 15. Moreover, the width of the upper breast tape portion 15 as well is formed such that the width thereof narrows gradually upward, thereby alleviating the pressure onto the shoulder of the wearer. For example, the upper breast tape portion 15 is 3.3 cm wide in the proximity of the top region, but narrows upward from the middle and becomes 2.6 cm wide at the tip portion. In the breasts protective fabric material 1, only the ends of the five tape portions 11 to 15 extending radially are stitched on the front fabric portion 2, while other portions can move freely with respect to the fabric 21, 22 of the front fabric portion 2. Moreover, the breasts protective fabric material 1 stretches more easily than the fabric 21, 22 of the front fabric portion 2, and is formed by a material with a large contractive force, whereby it is possible to follow complicated and vigorous movement of the breasts during an athletic activity. As above, in the brassier of the present embodiment, the breasts protective fabric material 1 with the radially extending five tape portions 11 to 15 is provided so as to be able to move freely with respect to the fabric 21, 22 of the front fabric portion 2, and, the width of the upper breast tape portion 15 narrows towards the tip, thereby allowing the breasts to move freely in a certain range, and at the same time dispersing the counterforce of the breasts, which is generated by controlling the movement of the breasts, to the underarms and shoulders of the wearer. Therefore, even in a case of particularly large breasts, big movement of the bust can be controlled with no unreasonable burden to be produced on the shoulders, and without giving a pressure onto the chest section. As shown in FIG. 2, the skin side front fabric 21 is sectioned by a cup fabric 211 that covers the breasts and an under fabric 212 that covers the underneath of the breasts, between which a stretch tape 213 made of a net material is stitched so as to follow the lower edge of the verge's line of the breasts when the brassiere is being worn. Because of this provided stretch tape 213, the cup portions are fitted nicely to the breasts, and the function for controlling the movement of the breasts is further improved. Next, the configurations of the back shoulder fabric portion 3 and back fabric portion 4 will be explained in detail. FIG. 3 is a plan view in which the brassiere according to the preferred embodiment is spread, and the fabric material of the front side is illustrated by a dashed line, while the fabric material of the back side by a solid line. FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 are also plan views with illustrations of the same sort. Characteristics of the present invention are expressed most clearly also in these plan views. The right and left upper edges of the back shoulder fabric portion 3 are connected to the upper edges of the right and left front shoulder portions of the front fabric portion 2 by means of stitching. From here, the tip (lower end) of the back shoulder fabric portion 3 extending downward on the back of the wearer continues to the upper edge of the back fabric portion 4. Both ends of the back fabric portion 4 are connected to the underarm portions of the front fabric portion 2 by means of stitching, are stretched elastically to the vertical and horizontal directions in a state of tension produced when wearing the brassiere, and are fitted to the back of the wearer. Note that the back fabric portion 4 is comprises an integral fabric such as a power net and is not separated right and left, thus the rear center is not provided with a hook as the connector. A stretchy under tape 43 configuring a part of the back fabric portion 4 is stitched on the lower edge of the back fabric portion 4. The contractive force of the under tape 43 is strengthened by placing a rubber or the like therein, as with the under tapes 23 in the front fabric portion 2. The back shoulder fabric portion 3 is formed by a single cloth having stretchability and a contractive force, and this cloth is also a material for the outside of the back fabric portion 4. In other words, this cloth constituting the back shoulder fabric portion 3 extends from the upper edge of the back fabric portion 4 to the lower edge of the back fabric portion 4 at the lower part, and the skin side of the fabric is stitched with the abovementioned power net, which leads that the contractive force of the back fabric portion 4 becomes larger than that of the back shoulder fabric portion 3. Specifically, the difference between the contractive forces in cases where both the back shoulder fabric portion 3 and back fabric portion 4 are formed to have the same width and are stretched by the same length may be, desirably, 1.5 to 5 times, and more preferably 2 to 3 times. As indicated by the solid line in FIG. 3, the back shoulder fabric portion 3 is cut into a U-like shape at the rear center from the sides and the top, and wide straps extend by forming the Y-like shape from the rear center of the wearer towards the right and left shoulder portions. The width of the rear center in the horizontal direction is made narrower than the space between the right and left straps on the shoulder portions of the wearer, and this narrowness is obvious when comparing it with the front fabric portion 2 illustrated by the dashed line. Specifically, the width of the back shoulder fabric portion 3 at a section where the width is narrowest (length denoted by W1 in FIG. 3) may be, desirably, 7 to 20%, and more preferably 10 to 15%, with respect to the entire width of the back shoulder fabric portion 3. The shape of the back shoulder fabric portion 3 may be in the “T-like shape” of FIG. 4 or “X-like shape” of FIG. 5, instead of the “Y-like shape” of FIG. 3. In the case of the “T-like shape” of FIG. 4, the rear center is thin and long in the vertical direction, and the wide straps extend to the directions of right and left shoulder portions from the upper portion of the rear center. In the case of the “X-like shape” of FIG. 5, there is formed a whole 39 in the lower side of the rear center of the back shoulder fabric portion 3. In both cases, the width of the back shoulder fabric portion 3 at its narrowest part may be, desirably, 7 to 20%, and more preferably 10 to 15%, with respect to the entire width of the back shoulder fabric portion 3, as with the case of FIG. 3. In the examples shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the shape of the back fabric portion 4 is such that the lower edge on which the under tape 43 is stitched is made substantially linear, and the upper edge continuing to the back shoulder fabric portion 3 forms a curved line with downward curving. Further, the length of the lower edge of the back fabric portion 4 in the horizontal direction is made shorter than the length of the upper edge of same in the horizontal direction, and moreover, the length of the lower edge of the back fabric portion 4 in the horizontal direction is made shorter than the length of the lower edge of the front fabric portion 2 in the horizontal direction. Since the upper edge of the back fabric portion 4 forms a curved line with downward curving, the width of the back fabric portion 4 is made wide at both sides, and is made narrow at the middle. Also, the width in the vertical direction of the back shoulder fabric portion 3 continuing to the upper edge of the back fabric portion 4 becomes wider gradually from both right and left sides. Therefore, even when forming the back shoulder fabric portion 3 into Y-, T-, or X-like shape in order to improve the functionality of physical mobility, it is possible to prevent a disadvantage that the rear center of the back shoulder fabric portion 3 rides up at the back of the wearer. The brassiere according to the preferred embodiment comprises, in the front fabric portion 2, the breasts protective fabric material 1 in the radial pattern and is made such that the weight of the breasts and the counterforce when the breasts bounce are introduced to the upper ends of the back shoulder fabric portion 3 through the breasts protective fabric material 1. Thus, by forming the back shoulder fabric portion 3 into the Y-, T- or X-like shape to allow the wearer to easily move the upper body (especially the arms), the rear center rides up at the back of the wearer. However, the width of the back fabric portion 4 is made wider on the both sides, and the width in the vertical direction of the back shoulder fabric portion 3 is made to become wider gradually from the right and left sides towards the center, thus the disadvantage of “riding up” is not produced. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper edge of the back fabric portion 4 is made substantially linear, thus the functionality of preventing “riding up” becomes somewhat less. However, the width in the vertical direction of the back shoulder fabric portion 3 is made to become wider gradually from the right and left sides towards the center, and moreover, the back shoulder fabric portion 3 in the both right and left ends as well is made to have a fixed width in the vertical direction, thus the disadvantage of “riding up” can be lessened. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the upper edge of the back fabric portion 4 is in the form of a broken line consisting of three straight lines, and the width in the middle section of the back fabric portion 4 is made approximately half of the entire length of the back fabric portion 4. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the upper edge of the back fabric portion 4 is in the form of a broken line consisting of two straight lines, and the width in the middle section of the back fabric portion 4 is made to become narrower gradually. Therefore, as with the examples shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, it is possible to prevent the disadvantage that the rear center of the back shoulder fabric portion 3 “rides up.” The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, and can be changed accordingly within a scope in which the essence of the present invention is not lost. | <SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>Conventionally, there has been provided various types of brassieres that are suitable to sports. For example, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 57-154705 discloses a sports brassiere where the whole circumferences of the cups are enclosed by a stretchy net tape. Further, Laid-open Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 59-125910 discloses a sports brassiere with a stretchy thin net cloth fixed with curving on the underarm portions. They both absorb an inertial force produced on the bust during an athletic activity by means of the stretchy net material, to control the bust moving wildly up and down, side to side, and back and forth. Moreover, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. Hei-9-296308 discloses a sports brassiere which has a wire underneath and is provided with a pocket portion in the lower part of each cup to store a bust pad. According to the explanation of this, it is possible to prevent peripheral muscle from being fed with an unreasonable burden, even if the breasts bounce during a vigorous athletic activity. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 11-286803 discloses a brassier which controls movement of the breasts during an athletic activity by providing cup portions with a stretchy protective tape. This brassiere is excellent in terms of being able to control the movement of the breasts without giving a pressure onto the chest and breasts of a wearer, and is commercialized and extensively used as a sports brassiere. The sports brassieres in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 57-154705 and Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 59-125910 are insufficient in the functions for controlling movement of the bust, and the sports brassiere in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 9-296308 gives a pressure onto the chest section. The sports brassiere in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 11-286803 improves, mainly, the structures of the cup portions, whereby it is possible to control the movement of the bust and to reduce the pressure given onto the chest section including the bust. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the sports brassiere according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the brassier; FIG. 3 is a plan view in which the brassiere is spread planimetrically, and the fabric material of the front side is illustrated by a dashed line, while the fabric material of the back side by a solid line; FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the shape of the back shoulder fabric portion by planimetrically spreading a brassiere different from the example of FIG. 3 , where the fabric material of the front side is illustrated by a dashed line, and the fabric material of the back side by a solid line; FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the shape of the back shoulder fabric portion by planimetrically spreading a brassiere different from the examples of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , where the fabric material of the front side is illustrated by a dashed line, and the fabric material of the back side by a solid line; FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the shape of the back fabric portion by planimetrically spreading a brassiere different from the example of FIG. 3 , where the fabric material of the front side is illustrated by a dashed line, and the fabric material of the back side by a solid line; FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the shape of the back fabric portion by planimetrically spreading a brassiere different from the examples of FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 , where the fabric material of the front side is illustrated by a dashed line, and the fabric material of the back side by a solid line; and FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the shape of the back fabric portion by planimetrically spreading a brassiere which is different from the examples of FIG. 3 , FIG. 6 , and FIG. 7 , where the fabric material of the front side is illustrated by a dashed line, and the fabric material of the back side by a solid line. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? | 20040730 | 20060725 | 20060202 | 57841.0 | A41C300 | 0 | HALE, GLORIA M | WOMAN'S CLOTHING HAVING A FUNCTION OF PROTECTING A BREAST | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | A41C | 2,004 |
|
10,903,330 | ACCEPTED | Alarm system with thin profile | An alarm system includes a housing that substantially encloses a plurality of sensors and an alarm-signal generator. The housing has a thin profile and may be mountable in various locations, such as on a window surface. The thin profile of the housing allows the alarm system to be attached to the surface of a first window and capable of being located between the first window surface and a second window surface upon relative motion between the first window surface and the second window surface. | 1. An alarm system comprising: a vibration sensor configured to sense vibration of the alarm system and configured to output a first signal upon sensing said vibration; a magnetic sensor configured to sense changes in distance between the alarm system and a signal-generating device and configured to output a second signal upon sensing said changes in distance; a speaker; control circuitry coupled to the vibration sensor, to the magnetic sensor, and to the speaker, wherein said control circuitry is configured to cause an audible alarm through said speaker in response to receiving said first signal or said second signal; and a housing substantially enclosing the vibration sensor, the magnetic sensor, the speaker, and the control circuitry, wherein said housing comprises a thin profile and is attachable to a first window surface such that said housing is capable of being located between the first window surface and a second window surface upon relative motion between the first window surface and the second window surface. 2. The alarm system of claim 1, wherein said housing has a profile of about 0.5 inch or less. 3. The alarm system of claim 1, wherein said housing has a profile of about 0.375 inch or less. 4. The alarm system of claim 1, wherein said housing has a profile of about 0.25 inch or less. 5. The alarm system of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive layer for attaching a lower portion of said housing to said first window surface. 6. The alarm system of claim 1, wherein said speaker is configured to emit an audible alarm of at least 70 decibels. 7. The alarm system of claim 1, further comprising a switch configured to select between at least an active state of said alarm system and an inactive state of said alarm system. 8. The alarm system of claim 1, wherein the housing is further configured to substantially enclose a power supply of said alarm system. 9. A self-contained alarm system comprising: a plurality of sensors; an alarm-signal generator; and a housing, wherein said plurality of sensors and said alarm signal generator are disposed within said housing, and wherein said housing comprises a thin profile and is mountable on a first window surface such that said housing is capable of being located between the first window surface and a second window surface upon relative motion between the first window surface and the second window surface. 10. The self-contained alarm system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a vibration sensor. 11. The self-contained alarm system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a magnetic sensor. 12. The self-contained alarm system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises both a magnetic sensor and a vibration sensor. 13. The self-contained alarm system of claim 9, wherein said housing comprises a thin profile of about 0.375 inch or less. 14. The self-contained alarm system of claim 9, wherein said alarm-signal generator is configured to generate an audible alarm. 15. The self-contained alarm system of claim 14, wherein said audible alarm is at least 70 decibels. 16. The self-contained alarm system of claim 9, wherein said alarm-signal generator is configured to generate a visual alarm. 17. A self-contained alarm system comprising: a plurality of sensors; an alarm-signal generator; and a housing, wherein said plurality of sensors and said alarm signal generator are disposed within said housing, and wherein said housing comprises a profile of less than about 0.5 inch. 18. The self-contained alarm system of claim 17, wherein the profile of said housing is less than about 0.25 inch. 19. An alarm system comprising: a plurality of means for sensing; a means for generating an alarm signal; and a means for housing said plurality of means for sensing and said means for generating an alarm signal, wherein said means for housing comprises a thin profile and is mountable on a first window surface such that said means for housing is capable of being located between the first window surface and a second window surface upon relative motion between the first window surface and the second window surface. 20. A method of installing a security device on a window assembly, said method comprising: attaching a signal-generating element to a first location of a window assembly having a first window and a second window, wherein the surfaces of said first window and said second window are in substantially parallel planes; and attaching a self-contained alarm system to the surface of said first window, wherein said alarm system is configured to sense a signal emitted by said signal generating element, and wherein said alarm system comprises a thin profile and is capable of being located between the first window surface and the surface of said second window upon relative motion between the first window surface and the second window surface. | REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/491,391, filed on Jul. 31, 2003, and entitled “ALARM SYSTEM WITH THIN PROFILE,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to alarm systems, and more particularly, to alarm systems having a thin profile. 2. Description of the Related Art Alarm systems generally are used to secure an area from unwanted intrusion. For example, alarm systems are often found in dwellings, places of business, and other locations where safety is a concern or where the protection of personal property is desired. Typically, an alarm system triggers a perceptible signal, such as a sound or a light, when the area protected by the alarm system has been breached. Conventional alarm systems use sensors, such as motion sensors, to detect the breaches of security. Oftentimes, these breaches of security occur through entryways, such as a door of a building, or through windows. Conventional alarm systems often include components that are large, unsightly, or obstructive. For example, alarm systems that are installed to monitor the security of a window often require components that must be affixed to the window and/or window pane and that obstruct the relative movement of window surfaces. In addition, typical alarm systems require that physical modifications, such as the drilling of holes, be made to a window or surrounding area to install components of the alarm system. Furthermore, conventional alarm systems often include wiring or unsightly components connecting sensors to a central monitoring system. Such conventional alarm are often difficult to install or maintain and can require significant labor during installation or maintenance of the system. This often increases the cost of purchasing, installing, and/or maintaining the alarm system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the invention improve upon conventional alarm systems with the use of a plurality of sensors and a housing having a thin profile. Features of embodiments of the invention allow for unobstructed use of a secured window, quick and easy installation and maintenance, and reduced manufacturing and production costs over conventional alarms. In one embodiment, an alarm system includes a vibration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a speaker, control circuitry, and a housing. The vibration sensor senses vibration of the alarm system and is configured to output a first signal upon sensing the vibration. The magnetic sensor is configured to sense changes in distance between the alarm system and a signal-generating device and is configured to output a second signal upon sensing the changes in distance. The control circuitry is coupled to the vibration sensor, to the magnetic sensor, and to the speaker, and is configured to cause an audible alarm through the speaker in response to receiving the first signal or the second signal. The housing substantially encloses the vibration sensor, the magnetic sensor, the speaker, and the control circuitry, and comprises a thin profile. For example, the thin profile of the housing allows the alarm system to be attached to a first window surface such that the housing is capable of being located between the first window surface and a second window surface upon relative motion between the first window surface and the second window surface. In another embodiment of the invention, a self-contained alarm system includes a plurality of sensors, an alarm-signal generator, and a housing. The plurality of sensors and the alarm signal generator are disposed within the housing. In addition, the housing comprises a thin profile and is mountable on a first window surface such that the housing is capable of being located between the first window surface and a second window surface upon relative motion between the first window surface and the second window surface. In another embodiment of the invention, a self-contained alarm system comprises a plurality of sensors, an alarm-signal generator, and a housing, wherein the plurality of sensors and the alarm signal generator are disposed within the housing, and wherein the housing comprises a profile of less than about 0.5 inch. In another embodiment, an alarm system comprises a plurality of means for sensing, a means for generating an alarm signal, and a means for housing the plurality of means for sensing and the means for generating an alarm signal. The means for housing comprises a thin profile and is mountable on a first window surface such that the means for housing is capable of being located between the first window surface and a second window surface upon relative motion between the first window surface and the second window surface. In another embodiment, a method of installing a security device on a window assembly comprises: attaching a signal-generating element to a first location of a window assembly having a first window and a second window, wherein the surfaces of the first window and the second window are in substantially parallel planes; and attaching a self-contained alarm system to the surface of the first window, wherein the alarm system is configured to sense a signal emitted by the signal generating element, and wherein the alarm system comprises a thin profile and is capable of being located between the first window surface and the surface of the second window upon relative motion between the first window surface and the second window surface. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of an alarm system having a thin profile; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the alarm system; FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of one embodiment of the alarm system; FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of alarm circuitry of the alarm system, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of an alarm process executed by the alarm system; FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate elevational views of a window assembly and the alarm system, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate elevational views of a window assembly and the alarm system, according to another embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate elevational views of a window assembly and the alarm system, according to yet another embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the alarm system being positioned between two window surfaces. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The features of embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings summarized above. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings, associated descriptions, and specific implementation are provided to illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. In addition, methods and functions described herein are not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described blocks or states may be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed, or multiple blocks or states may be combined in a single block or state. FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an alarm system 10. The alarm system 10 comprises a housing 12 having an upper portion 14 and a lower portion 16. The housing 12 is structured to enclose at least a portion of alarm circuitry, which is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4. In certain embodiments of the invention, the housing 12 advantageously has a thin profile. The term “profile” as used herein is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense and includes without limitation the thickness of at least one dimension of the alarm system 10. For example, the term “profile” may relate to the width, length, and/or height of the housing 12 of the alarm system 10. A thin profile advantageously facilitates placement of the alarm system 10 in locations with limited space, such as between windows. For example, in one embodiment, the housing 12 preferably has a profile of approximately 0.5 inch (1.27 centimeters) or less. In other embodiments, the housing 12 has a profile of approximately 0.375 inch (0.95 centimeters) or less. In yet other embodiments, the housing 12 advantageously has a profile of approximately 0.25 inch (0.635 centimeters) or less. In other embodiments of the invention, the housing 12 may have a profile of greater than 0.5 inch. In one embodiment, the upper portion 14 is coupled to the lower portion 16. The upper portion 14 may be marked with a symbol 18 that indicates to a user the proper orientation of the alarm system 10. For example, the alarm system 10 may need to be oriented in a particular direction in order to function correctly (e.g., internal sensors may require a certain orientation). In one embodiment, the symbol 18 is an arrow. In other embodiments, the symbol 18 may comprise words, characters, illustrations, indentations, or the like that indicate to the user the proper positioning of the alarm system 10. In other embodiments of the invention, the alarm system 10 is not orientation-dependent. In one embodiment, the upper portion 14 defines one or more vents 20. The vents 20 advantageously provide a location for sound, such as that created by the alarm circuitry or an alarm-signal generator, to escape from the housing 12. The upper portion 14 may also define an indicator opening 22 that permits viewing of an indicator, such as a light, that displays the status of the alarm system 10. For example, the indicator may display whether the alarm system 10 is activated or deactivated, or may display the battery status of the alarm system 10. The alarm system 10 also comprises a control switch 24. In one embodiment, the control switch 24 preferably is coupled with the alarm circuitry and extends through an opening in the upper portion 14 of the housing 12. The control switch 24 preferably has a plurality of positions. For example, the control switch 24 may comprise an “OFF” position that indicates when the alarm system 10 is deactivated. The control switch 24 may also comprise a plurality of decibel-level positions that indicate the loudness of an alarm signal emitted or caused by the alarm system 10. In one embodiment of the invention, the control switch comprises a 70-decibel position and a 90-decibel position. In other embodiments, another number of levels may be used or the magnitude of the decibel options may differ. When the control switch 24 is in one of the plurality of decibel positions, the alarm system 10 preferably is activated, and upon being triggered, the alarm system 10 sounds an audible alarm at the selected decibel level. It is contemplated that in other embodiments of the invention the control switch 24 may take on forms or configurations other than a switch. For example, the control switch 24 may comprise a rotatable knob that allows for a continuous range of possible outputs. In other embodiments, the control switch 24 may comprise a touch screen, a sliding control, or other interface that allows for a user to select between different modes of operation of the alarm system 10. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the upper portion 14 further comprises a removable portion 26. The removable portion 26 comprises a plurality of tabs 28, 30, 32 that communicate with a plurality of slots 34, 36, 38 defined in the lower portion 16 to retain the removable portion 26 in a closed configuration. In certain embodiments, the removable portion 26 advantageously comprises a plurality of ridges 40 to facilitate sliding the removable portion 26 relative to the lower portion 16 to allow the removable portion 26 to be removed. In other embodiments of the invention, the removable portion 26 may be configured without tabs or may be configured so as to be partially removable from the alarm system 10. For example, the removable portion 26 may be attached by a hinge to the lower portion 16 or to the remainder of the upper portion 14. In one embodiment, the removable portion 26 allows access to a power source 42 of the alarm system 10 when the removable portion 26 is at least partially removed. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of one embodiment of the alarm system 10. The lower portion 16 of the housing 12 preferably comprises a layer of adhesive 44 to facilitate mounting the alarm system 10. Such suitable adhesives are generally known in the art and may be applied directly to the lower portion 16 or may be provided by a suitable material, such as dual-sided sticky-backed tape. In one embodiment, the adhesive 44 of the lower portion 16 facilitates mounting the alarm system 10 to a window surface. The lower portion 16 may also comprise a warning label 46. When the alarm system 10 is mounted to a window surface, the warning label 46 preferably is viewable from an opposite side of the window surface. In this respect, the warning label 46 serves as a deterrent by providing notification to would-be intruders that the area is secure and/or protected by the alarm system 10. FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of an alarm circuitry 48 of the alarm system 10. The alarm circuitry 48 includes a vibration sensor 50, a magnetic sensor 52, an alarm-signal generator 54, the power source 42, the control switch 24, and an indicator light 56. The alarm circuitry 48 also comprises control circuitry 58 that is coupled to at least one of the other components of the alarm circuitry 48. The vibration sensor 50 is configured to detect vibration or movement. For example, the vibration sensor 50 may detect movement or vibration of an apparatus to which the alarm system 10 is attached or which the alarm system 10 is configured to monitor, such as a window or a door. In other embodiments, the vibration sensor 50 senses vibration of the alarm system 10. The vibration sensor 50 preferably sends a signal to the control circuitry 58 upon detection of vibration. The control circuitry 58 then triggers the alarm-signal generator 54 to activate the alarm. In one embodiment of the invention, the vibration sensor 50 comprises a piezoelectric material, which piezoelectric materials are known in the art. For example, the vibration sensor 52 may comprise a piezoelectric crystal. When the piezoelectric material is exposed to vibration (e.g., vibration of the alarm system 10), the piezoelectric material undergoes a compression or distortion and, as a result, produces an electric field. This electric field is then used in activating or in causing to activate the alarm-signal generator 54. In addition, certain piezoelectric materials vibrate when a particular voltage is applied to the material, which vibration results in a perceptible sound. Thus, the piezoelectric material can be advantageously used in sensing vibration (e.g., in the vibration sensor 50) and/or in generating an alarm signal (e.g., in the alarm-signal generator 54). In one embodiment of the invention, the vibration sensor 50 outputs a signal to the control circuitry 58 if the magnitude of the vibration sensed is above a threshold amount. In other embodiments of the invention, the vibration sensor 50 outputs a signal that is based on characteristics of the vibration being sensed, and the control circuitry 58 determines whether the alarm-signal generator 54 should be activated. For example, vibrations of certain frequencies may be filtered out so that they do not activate the alarm-signal generator 54. The magnetic sensor 52 preferably detects relative movement of the alarm system 10 with respect to another device. In one embodiment, the magnetic sensor 52 comprises a reed switch. The magnetic sensor 52 advantageously detects motion of the alarm system 10 toward or away from a signal-generating element (not shown). For example, the alarm system 10 having the magnetic sensor 52 may be located on a window while the signal-generating element is located on another surface, such as a second window, a window sill, or a window pane. In one embodiment, the signal-generating element causes an electromagnetic field that is detectable by the magnetic sensor 52. When the distance between the magnetic sensor 52 and the signal-generating element changes, the electromagnetic field at the magnetic sensor 52 also changes. The magnetic sensor 52 preferably is coupled to the control circuitry 58 and sends a signal to the control circuitry 58 upon detection of relative movement between the alarm system 10 and the signal-generating element. Upon detection of relative movement, the control circuitry 58 preferably triggers the alarm-signal generator 54 to activate the alarm. In one embodiment, the signal-generating element comprises a permanent magnet and can be mounted to a metallic surface by magnetic force. The magnetic signal-generating element may also be marked to facilitate proper orientation of the alarm system 10 relative to the magnetic signal-generating element. In one embodiment of the invention, the magnetic signal-generating element and the alarm system 10 are located in close proximity to each other, such as within a few inches, during normal use. It is contemplated that the alarm circuitry 48 may comprise more or fewer sensors than the two sensors depicted in FIG. 4. In addition, in other embodiments of the invention, other types of sensors may be used. For example, in one embodiment a sound sensor could be used to detect sounds that could trigger the alarm. In other embodiments, optical sensors may be used to detect motion. While embodiments have been described with exemplary types of sensors, any type or combination of sensors may be used. For example, the alarm system 10 may comprise a magnet, and an external magnetic sensor may be used to detect motion of the alarm system 10. The alarm-signal generator 54 is configured to generate an alarm when triggered or activated by the control circuitry 58. The term “alarm-signal generator” as used herein is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense and includes without limitation any device, component, apparatus, system or method of generating, causing, emitting or transmitting a signal that indicates the occurrence of some event or condition. In one embodiment of the invention, the alarm-signal generator 54 generates or transmits an audible alarm upon being triggered by the control circuitry 58 in response to a signal received from one of the plurality of sensors 50, 52. For example, the alarm-signal generator 54 may comprise a speaker. In one embodiment, the alarm-signal generator 54 is configured to generate alarms at a plurality of decibel levels. For example, the alarm-signal generator 54 may generate an alarm at approximately 70 decibels. In other embodiments, the alarm-signal generator 54 generates an alarm at approximately 90 decibels, or more. The power source 42 preferably provides power to the control circuitry 58 and to other components of the alarm circuitry 48. In one embodiment, the power source 42 comprises one or more batteries. For example, the power source 42 may comprise three 1.5-volt alkaline button cell batteries. In other embodiments, other types of batteries may be used, such as lithium ion batteries, solar cell batteries, and the like. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the power source 42 may comprise other types of devices or systems that can provide power to the alarm circuitry 48. In certain embodiments, the power source 42 is accessed by removing the removable portion 26 of the alarm system 10 as described above. In some embodiments, the power source 42 may comprise a primary power source and a secondary power source, wherein the secondary power source preferably provides back-up power to the primary power source. With continued reference to FIG. 4, the indicator light 56 provides an alert as to certain conditions of the alarm system 10. For example, the indicator light 56 may comprise a light-emitting diode (LED) that illuminates when the power source 42 is low. In certain embodiments, the indicator light 56 illuminates when the alarm system 10 is active and turns off when the alarm system 10 is inactive or has run out of power. In other embodiments, the indicator light 56 blinks when the power source 42 is low. In further embodiments of the invention, the alarm-signal generator 54 may chirp, or generate other audible sounds, when the power source 42 is low. As discussed above, the indicator light 56 is advantageously visible through the indicator opening 22 in the housing 12. The control circuitry 58 is configured to communicate with the sensors 50, 52, the alarm-signal generator 54, the control switch 24, and the indicator light 56. The control circuitry 58 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or and/or software. For example, the control circuitry 58 may comprise various logic gates coupled so as to perform the functions described above. The control circuitry 58 is advantageously powered by the power source 42. In some embodiments, the alarm system 10 is a self-contained system with all components of the alarm circuitry 48 disposed or substantially contained within the housing 12. A self-contained alarm system 10 may be a stand-alone system or work in connection with a signal-generating element located outside of the housing 12. For example, in some embodiments, a self-contained alarm system 10 is a stand-alone system having all components of the alarm circuitry 48 substantially enclosed by the housing 12, and no interaction with a signal-generating element is needed for activation of the alarm. In other embodiments, a self-contained alarm system 10 has all the components of the alarm circuitry 48 located within the housing 12, and the alarm system 10 interacts with a signal-generating element located outside of the housing 12. It is also contemplated that all the components of the alarm circuitry 48 need not be enclosed by the housing 12. For example, certain components of the alarm circuitry 48 may be located within the housing 12 and may communicate with other components of the alarm circuitry 48 that are located outside the housing 12. For example, in some embodiments, a sensor 50 or 52 of the alarm circuitry 48 may be located within the housing 12, while other components of the alarm circuitry 48, such as, for example, the alarm-signal generator 54, may be located outside of the housing 12. In other embodiments, components of the alarm circuitry 48 that are located in the housing 12 can be coupled to, or in communication with, a central alarm control system (not shown) having other components of the alarm circuitry 48. In yet other embodiments of the invention, a central alarm control system is advantageously coupled to, or in communication with, a plurality of alarm systems 10. In some embodiments, the alarm system 10 can be remotely activated or controlled. The components of the alarm circuitry 48 can also be separated into multiple subcomponents or can be separated into multiple devices that reside at different locations and that communicate with each other, such as through wired or wireless communications (e.g., radio frequency communication). Multiple components may also be combined into a single component. It is also contemplated that the components described herein may be integrated into a fewer number of modules. One module may also be separated into multiple modules. FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an alarm process 100 for the alarm system 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The alarm process 100 begins with State 102, wherein it is determined if the alarm system 10 is powered on. If the alarm system 10 is not powered on, the alarm process 100 remains in State 102. If the alarm system 10 is powered on, the alarm process 100 moves to State 104. At State 104, it is determined whether the alarm system 10 is armed. In certain situations, a user of the alarm system 10 may want the alarm system 10 to be in an “unarmed” state. For example, a home user may want to open a window or a door without having the alarm system 10 trigger an alarm. In one embodiment of the invention, the control switch 24 allows the user to select an “unarmed” state. In other embodiments, the alarm system 10 may be preprogrammed to enter an armed or an unarmed state according to an established schedule. For example, the alarm system 10 may automatically enter an armed state at a certain time each day, such as at 11:00 P.M. If the alarm system 10 is not in an armed state, the alarm process 100 remains in State 104. If the alarm system 10 is armed, the alarm process 100 moves to a State 106. At State 106, the alarm process 100 determines if the alarm system 10 senses vibration. For example, the vibration sensor 50 may be used to sense vibration of the alarm system 10 or vibration of an object being monitored. If vibration is sensed, the alarm process 100 moves to a State 110, wherein an alarm is activated. The alarm may comprise any signal, notification, or output that indicates that the alarm system 10 has been triggered. In one embodiment, the alarm comprises an audible alert, such as a loud noise. In other embodiments, the alarm comprises a visual alert, such as a flashing light. In yet other embodiments, the alarm comprises a signal that is sent to a monitoring system or device that records the signal and manages or coordinates a response, such as the dispatching of persons to the site of the triggered alarm system 10. Multiple alarms may also be activated that comprise at least one of the above-described alarms or that comprise other devices or methods for emitting an alert. If no vibration is sensed, the alarm process 100 moves to a State 108, wherein it is determined if the magnetic sensor is triggered. In one embodiment, the alarm system 10 comprises the magnetic sensor 52, which is triggered by certain motions or movements, as described above. If the magnetic sensor is triggered, then the alarm process 100 moves to State 110 and activates the alarm. If the magnetic sensor is not triggered, the alarm process 100 returns to State 106 to monitor for vibration. Embodiments of the alarm system 10 are able to be used in a variety of locations or to monitor a variety of objects. For example, in one embodiment, the alarm system 10 is configured to mount or attach to a window surface. In such an embodiment, a securing material, such as the adhesive 44, allows for the lower portion 16 of the alarm system 10 to easily mount to the window surface. As a result, physical modifications, such as the drilling of holes or the insertion of screws or nails, to the window or window assembly (e.g., window sill) are not needed to install the alarm system 10. In one embodiment, the thin profile of the alarm system 10, allows for the alarm system 10 to be mounted to a window without obstructing the functioning (e.g., sliding) of the window, an associated screen, or another associated window. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate one method of monitoring a window assembly utilizing embodiments of the alarm system 10 that sense vibration. As illustrated, the alarm system 10 is affixed to a stationary window 200. In one embodiment, the alarm system 10 is affixed with an adhesive or other material as described previously. Using an adhesive allows for the alarm system 10 to be easily attached to the window 200 without the need for extra tools and without requiring a substantial amount of time or effort to complete the installation process. When the alarm system 10 is armed, or in the state of monitoring the window, vibrations of the widow 200 may cause the alarm system 10 to activate an alarm. For example, FIG. 6B illustrates the window 200 being broken, such as by a rock or a would-be intruder. The vibrations resulting from the breaking of the window 200 are sensed by the alarm system 10, and as a result, the alarm is activated. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate one method of monitoring a window assembly utilizing embodiments of the alarm system 10 that sense movement. For example, such embodiments of the alarm system 10 may comprise the magnetic sensor 52. As illustrated, the alarm system 10 is affixed to a moveable window 202. In one embodiment, the alarm system is affixed with an adhesive or other like material. A signal-generating element 204 is affixed or mounted to a stationary surface 206. The signal-generating element 204 may comprise a magnet or other type of device that is capable of emitting and/or receiving a signal, as was discussed previously. The stationary surface 206 may comprise any apparatus, object or device that normally remains in a fixed position, such as a window pane, a wall, or a stationary window. When the alarm system 10 is armed, or in the state of monitoring the window, movement of the alarm system 10 away from or toward the signal-generating element 204 causes the alarm system 10 to activate an alarm. In other embodiments, movement of the signal-generating element 204 away from or toward the alarm system 10 activates an alarm. For example, FIG. 7B illustrates the moveable window 202 being slid away from the signal-generating element 204, which is affixed to the stationary surface 206. This movement is sensed by the alarm system 10, and as a result, an alarm is activated. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate another method of monitoring a window assembly utilizing embodiments of the alarm system 10 that sense movement. As illustrated, the alarm system 10 is affixed to a second window 208, and the signal-generating element 204 is affixed to the moveable window 202. When the alarm system 10 is armed, and the moveable window 202 is opened or moved, the alarm system 10 activates an alarm, as is illustrated in FIG. 8B. In other embodiments, the alarm system 10 may be affixed to the moveable window 202, and the signal-generating element may be affixed to the second window 208. FIGS. 8A and 8B also illustrate one of the advantages of embodiments of the alarm system 10 having a thin profile. The thin profile of the alarm system housing 12 allows the moveable window 202 to slide past the second window 208, and other structures, without obstruction, while the alarm system 10 is attached to the second window 208. As illustrated in FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the thin-profile housing 12 allows for the alarm system 10 to fit between two windows, such as the moveable window 202 and the second window 208, having surfaces that are in approximately parallel planes. While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to alarm systems, and more particularly, to alarm systems having a thin profile. 2. Description of the Related Art Alarm systems generally are used to secure an area from unwanted intrusion. For example, alarm systems are often found in dwellings, places of business, and other locations where safety is a concern or where the protection of personal property is desired. Typically, an alarm system triggers a perceptible signal, such as a sound or a light, when the area protected by the alarm system has been breached. Conventional alarm systems use sensors, such as motion sensors, to detect the breaches of security. Oftentimes, these breaches of security occur through entryways, such as a door of a building, or through windows. Conventional alarm systems often include components that are large, unsightly, or obstructive. For example, alarm systems that are installed to monitor the security of a window often require components that must be affixed to the window and/or window pane and that obstruct the relative movement of window surfaces. In addition, typical alarm systems require that physical modifications, such as the drilling of holes, be made to a window or surrounding area to install components of the alarm system. Furthermore, conventional alarm systems often include wiring or unsightly components connecting sensors to a central monitoring system. Such conventional alarm are often difficult to install or maintain and can require significant labor during installation or maintenance of the system. This often increases the cost of purchasing, installing, and/or maintaining the alarm system. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Embodiments of the invention improve upon conventional alarm systems with the use of a plurality of sensors and a housing having a thin profile. Features of embodiments of the invention allow for unobstructed use of a secured window, quick and easy installation and maintenance, and reduced manufacturing and production costs over conventional alarms. In one embodiment, an alarm system includes a vibration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a speaker, control circuitry, and a housing. The vibration sensor senses vibration of the alarm system and is configured to output a first signal upon sensing the vibration. The magnetic sensor is configured to sense changes in distance between the alarm system and a signal-generating device and is configured to output a second signal upon sensing the changes in distance. The control circuitry is coupled to the vibration sensor, to the magnetic sensor, and to the speaker, and is configured to cause an audible alarm through the speaker in response to receiving the first signal or the second signal. The housing substantially encloses the vibration sensor, the magnetic sensor, the speaker, and the control circuitry, and comprises a thin profile. For example, the thin profile of the housing allows the alarm system to be attached to a first window surface such that the housing is capable of being located between the first window surface and a second window surface upon relative motion between the first window surface and the second window surface. In another embodiment of the invention, a self-contained alarm system includes a plurality of sensors, an alarm-signal generator, and a housing. The plurality of sensors and the alarm signal generator are disposed within the housing. In addition, the housing comprises a thin profile and is mountable on a first window surface such that the housing is capable of being located between the first window surface and a second window surface upon relative motion between the first window surface and the second window surface. In another embodiment of the invention, a self-contained alarm system comprises a plurality of sensors, an alarm-signal generator, and a housing, wherein the plurality of sensors and the alarm signal generator are disposed within the housing, and wherein the housing comprises a profile of less than about 0.5 inch. In another embodiment, an alarm system comprises a plurality of means for sensing, a means for generating an alarm signal, and a means for housing the plurality of means for sensing and the means for generating an alarm signal. The means for housing comprises a thin profile and is mountable on a first window surface such that the means for housing is capable of being located between the first window surface and a second window surface upon relative motion between the first window surface and the second window surface. In another embodiment, a method of installing a security device on a window assembly comprises: attaching a signal-generating element to a first location of a window assembly having a first window and a second window, wherein the surfaces of the first window and the second window are in substantially parallel planes; and attaching a self-contained alarm system to the surface of the first window, wherein the alarm system is configured to sense a signal emitted by the signal generating element, and wherein the alarm system comprises a thin profile and is capable of being located between the first window surface and the surface of the second window upon relative motion between the first window surface and the second window surface. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. | 20040730 | 20070306 | 20050331 | 98055.0 | 1 | LA, ANH V | ALARM SYSTEM WITH THIN PROFILE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,903,399 | ACCEPTED | System and method for preventing transmission during message reception | A communication controller in a device on a network automatically prevents transmission of data onto the network in response to a transmit request from a CPU of the device if a message is being received or has been received but not read or acknowledged. | 1. A circuit for preventing message transmission onto a network while a message is being received from the network, the system comprising: a receiver circuit for receiving messages from a network; a receive message buffer for storing received message objects each received message object having an associated unread status attribute indicating either TRUE or FALSE, circuit having a receive pending attribute that is set to TRUE if the unread state attribute of any received message object stored in the receive message buffer is set to TRUE; a transmit message buffer for storing data to be transmitted; a transmitter that transmits the data in the transmit message buffer on response to a transmit request only if the receive pending attribute is set to FALSE. 2. A method of controlling message transmission onto a network, the method comprising: receiving a transmission request from software; storing data to be transmitted; receiving messages from the network; storing message objects based upon messages received in a receive buffer; producing a receive pending attribute associated with a received message objects, the receive pending attribute being set to TRUE automatically upon receipt of a message object, the receive pending attribute indicating that any message object stored in a receive buffer has not been read; testing status of the receive pending attribute; and processing the transmission request depending on status of the receive pending attribute. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein processing the transmission request comprises: transmitting the data stored if the receive pending attribute is FALSE; and notifying the software that the transmission request was successful. 4. The method of claim 3 and further comprising: notifying the software when the transmission of the data is complete. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein processing the transmission request comprises: notifying the software that the transmission request failed if the receive pending parameter is TRUE. 6. A device for communicating over a communication medium, the device comprising: a medium attachment unit (MAU) for receiving and transmitting messages on the communication medium; a central processing unit (CPU) for processing data contained in messages received and creating data to be contained in messages to be transmitted; and a communication controller for interfacing between the MAU and the CPU, the communication controller maintaining received message objects for messages received, and controlling transmission of data in response to a transmit request from the CPU if a receive pending attribute associated with the received message objects indicates that there are no unread received messages. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a communications controller for use in field instruments and other devices of process control systems. In particular, the present invention is a system and method for low latency data packet reception and processing in a communications controller. In a typical industrial plant, a distributed control system (DCS) is used to control many of the industrial processes performed at the plant. Typically, the plant has a centralized control room having a computer system with user input/output (I/O), disc I/O, and other peripherals as are known in the computing art. Coupled to the computing system are a controller and a process I/O subsystem. The process I/O subsystem includes I/O ports which are connected to various field devices throughout the plant. Field devices include various types of analytical equipment, silicon pressure sensors, capacitive pressure sensors, resistive temperature detectors, thermocouples, strain gauges, limit switches, on/off switches, flow transmitters, pressure transmitters, capacitance level switches, weigh scales, transducers, valve positioners, valve controllers, actuators, solenoids, and indicator lights. The term “field device” encompasses these devices, as well as any other device that performs a function in a distributed control system. Traditionally, analog field devices have been connected to the control room by two-wire twisted pair current loops, with each device connected to the control room by a single two-wire twisted pair. Analog field devices are capable of responding to or transmitting an electrical signal within a specified range. In a typical configuration, it is common to have a voltage differential of approximately 20-25 volts between the two wires of the pair and a current of 4-20 milliamps running through the loop. An analog field device that transmits a signal to the control room modulates the current running through the current loop, with the current proportional to the sensed process variable. On the other hand, an analog field device that performs an action under control of the control room is controlled by the magnitude of the current through the loop, which is modulated by the I/O port of the process I/O system, which in turn is controlled by the controller. Traditional two-wire analog devices having active electronics can also receive up to 40 milliwatts of power from the loop. Analog field devices requiring more power are typically connected to the control room using four wires, with two of the wires delivering power to the device. Such devices are known in the art as four-wire devices and are not power limited, as are two-wire devices. In contrast, traditional discrete field devices transmit or respond to a binary signal. Typically, discrete field devices operate with a 24-volt signal (either AC or DC), a 110- or 240-volt AC signal, or a 5-volt DC signal. Of course, a discrete device may be designed to operate in accordance with any electrical specification required by a particular control environment. A discrete input field device is simply a switch which either makes or breaks the connection to the control room, while a discrete output field device will take an action based on the presence or absence of a signal from the control room. Historically, most traditional field devices have had either a single input or a single output that was directly related to the primary function performed by the field device. For example, the only function implemented by a traditional analog resistive temperature sensor is to transmit a temperature by modulating the current flowing through the two-wire twisted pair, while the only function implemented by a traditional analog valve positioner is to position a valve between an open and closed position, inclusive, based on the magnitude of the current flowing through the two-wire twisted pair. More recently, hybrid systems that superimpose digital data on the current loop have been used in distributed control systems. One hybrid system is known in the control art as the Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) and is similar to the Bell 202 modem specification. The HART system uses the magnitude of the current in the current loop to sense a process variable (as in the traditional system), but also superimposes a digital carrier signal upon the current loop signal. The carrier signal is relatively slow, and can provide updates of a secondary process variable at a rate of approximately 2-3 updates per second. Generally, the digital carrier signal is used to send secondary and diagnostic information and is not used to realize the primary control function of the field device. Examples of information provided over the carrier signal include secondary process variables, diagnostic information (including sensor diagnostics, device diagnostics, wiring diagnostics, and process diagnostics), operating temperatures, temperature of the sensor, calibration information, device ID numbers, materials of construction, configuration or programming information, etc. Accordingly, a single hybrid field device may have a variety of input and output variables and may implement a variety of functions. HART is an industry standard nonproprietary system. However, it is relatively slow. Other companies in the industry have developed proprietary digital transmission schemes which are faster, but these schemes are generally not used by or available to competitors. More recently, a newer control protocol has been defined by the Instrument Society of America (ISA). The new protocol is generally referred to as Fieldbus. Fieldbus is a multi-drop serial digital two-way communications protocol intended for connecting field instruments and other process devices such as monitoring and simulation units in distributed control systems. Fieldbus allows enhanced digital communication over previous process control loop methods while maintaining the ability to power process devices coupled to the Fieldbus loop and while meeting intrinsic safety requirements. Two reasonably standardized industrial Fieldbus protocols are Foundation Fieldbus and Profibus. The physical layer of the Fieldbus protocols are defined by Instrument Society of America standard ISA-S50.02-1992, and its draft two extension dated 1995. The Fieldbus protocol defines two subprotocols. An H1 Fieldbus network transmits data at a rate up to 31.25 kilobits per second (Kbps) and provides power to field devices coupled to the network. The H1 physical layer subprotocol is defined in Clause 11 of the ISA standard, part two approved in September 1992. An H2 Fieldbus network transmits data at a rate up to 2.5 megabits per second (Mbps), does not provide power to field devices connected to the network, and is provided with redundant transmission media. Fieldbus provides significant capabilities for digitally communicating immense amounts of process data. Thus, there is a continuing need to develop process control devices capable of maximizing fieldbus communication efficiency. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A communication controller of a device on a network automatically controls transmission of data so that transmission does not occur while a message is being received. As messages are received, the communication controller stores received message objects which include attributes indicating whether the object has been read. If any received message object indicates an unread message, the communication controller will not execute a transmit request. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram of a process control system with digital communication between devices over a communication medium segment. FIG. 2 shows a message format for communications between devices of the process control system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a device of the process control system. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a communication controller of the device of FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Process Control System Overview The present invention relates to a communication controller for use in field instruments and other devices of process control systems. The purpose of the communication controller is to perform a substantial portion of the link layer processing of messages and timer management, thereby freeing the application processor or CPU to perform other functions. For the purpose of this detailed description, the communication controller will be described in the context of a system using the Foundation Fieldbus communications protocol, although it has general applicability to packet-based communication protocols. The fieldbus physical layer defines the electrical characteristics of the physical means of transmission and reception of the communications protocol data in the form of a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PhPDU). In addition, the fieldbus physical layer specifies the symbol encoding, message framing, and error detection method. The ISA fieldbus standard defines three signaling speeds and two modes of coupling. For purposes of this description, the invention will be described in the context of the H1 physical layer defined in clause 11 of ISA S50.02 Standard, Part 2. That clause covers a 31.25 Kbps, voltage mode, wire medium, with a low-power option. This option allows for a device connected to the communications medium to receive its operational power from the communications medium. The physical layer can be capable of meeting the intrinsic safety requirements for hazardous environments. The protocol operates on low-grade twisted pair cable and supports multiple devices, in accordance with the voltage and current limitations which are defined by the standard. FIG. 1 shows a typical process control system 10 including segment 12, power supply 14 and five devices: Link Active Scheduler (LAS) device 20, Link Master (LM) device 22, and basic devices 24, 26, and 28. Segment 12 can support up to thirty-two devices on a single pair of wires. Typically, segment 12 will have from four to sixteen devices, based on loop execution speed, power, and intrinsic safety requirements. LAS device 20 maintains a central schedule for all the communication between devices on segment 12. LAS device 20 improves the overall communication reliability by sending Compel Data (CD) Data Link Protocol Data Units (DLPDUs) to each device to transmit back cyclic data which is then scheduled to do so. LAS device 20 serves as the local source of Data Link time (DL-time) on segment 12. A DLPDU is the data content of the PhPDU message that is communicated across segment 12. LM device 22 is configured to take over the responsibilities of LAS device 20 should LAS device 20 fail or become inoperable. Although only LM device 22 is shown in FIG. 1, more than one Link Master device can be present on a segment. This allows for the case if both the Link Active Scheduler and the first Link Master were to fail, then the second Link Master can take over for the Link Active Scheduler. Once the Link Active Scheduler is disabled, the Link Master takes over the functionality of the Link Active Scheduler. Each device has a unique address called the V(TN), which represents the local node-ID(This Node). In the example shown in FIG. 1, LAS device 20 has address V(TN)=20; LM device 22 has address V(TN)=22; basic device 24 has address V(TN)=A5; basic device 26 has address V(TN)=F3; and basic device 28 has address V(TN)=F5. LAS device 20 sends Pass Token (PT) and Probe Node (PN) messages to all devices on segment 12. Each of the other devices (LAS device 22 and basic devices 24, 26, 28) send Return Token (RT) and Probe Response (PR) messages back to LAS device 20, as appropriate. Each basic device 24, 26, 28 only needs to see its own PT and PN messages that are sent by LAS device 20. PT and PN messages have a designation address (DA) encoded in the second byte of the DLPDU. LAS device 20 passes a token (PT) or probes a node (PN) one at a time to all devices on segment 12. Once basic device 24, 26, or 28 receives a PT message with a designation address equal to that device's unique address (DA=V(TN)), it then will respond back to LAS device 20 with an RT message. If basic device 24, 26, or 28 receives a PN DLPDU with DA=V(TN), it is required to respond back with a PR message. The transmission of PT and PN messages from LAS 20 and RT and PR messages to LAS 20 creates several messages on segment 12 that a particular basic device 24, 26, 28 does not need to receive and take action on. Each basic device 24, 26, 28 only needs to respond to PT and PN messages addressed to that particular device. Constantly getting interrupted by PT and PN messages from LAS 20 that are addressed to other devices, as well as RT and PR messages from other devices addressed to LAS device 20, can create undue processing time to handle these “nuisance interrupts.” With basic devices 24, 26, and 28, DLPDU filtering can be used to reduce the number of interrupts that the basic device has to process. On the other hand, LAS device 20 must process every message on segment 12. All devices on segment 12 transmit data onto segment 12 as a Manchester encoded baseband signal. With Manchester encoding, “0” and “1” are represented by transitions that occur from low-to-high and high-to-low, respectively, in the middle of the bit period. For fieldbus, the nominal bit time is 32 microseconds (μsec), with the transition occurring at 16 μsec. The Manchester encoding rules have been extended to include two additional symbols, non-data plus (N+) and non-data minus (N−), wherein no transition occurs during the bit period and the Manchester encoded baseband signal remains high (N+) or low (N−). Message Format FIG. 2 shows the format of a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PhPDU) used to transmit messages over segment 12. The PhPDU includes a preamble, a Start Delimiter (SD) a Data Link Protocol Data Unit (DLPDU) and an End Delimiter (ED). The preamble is the first several bits of the PhPDU message. The fieldbus specification allows for one to eight bytes of preamble. The device receiving the message uses the preamble to synchronize with the incoming message. As shown in FIG. 2, the sequence of the first byte of the preamble is 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0. The Start Delimiter (SD) immediately follows the preamble. There is one SD per message. The fieldbus specification requires that the SD have non-character data (N+ and N−), which always appear in the SD message in complementary pairs. This encoding scheme makes the SD unique and impossible to confuse with the data portion (DLPDU) of the message. The sequence shown in FIG. 2 for the SD is 1 N+N−1 0 N−N+0. The DLPDU is a variable length message. It contains a Frame Control (FC) byte as its first byte and a Frame Check Sequence (FCS) check sum as its final two bytes. The length of DLPDU is variable, with a minimum of three bytes (in the case of an RT message) up to a jabber limit of, for example, about 300 bytes. The End Delimiter (ED) follows the DLPDU. It represents the last byte of any PhPDU message transmitted over segment 12. Similar to the SD, the ED includes non-character data in complementary pairs. This encoding scheme makes the ED unique and impossible to confuse with the DLPDU. The sequence shown in FIG. 2 for the End Delimiter is 1 N+N−N+N−1 0 1. FIG. 2 also shows a Carrier Detect signal. The purpose of the Carrier Detect signal is to indicate when (a) an incoming PhPDU message is present on segment 12 or (b) a device is transmitting a message onto segment 12. Start of Transmit (SOT) occurs at the moment that a Transmit Enable (TxE) goes active, i.e., when the preamble of a PhPDU message is first presented to segment 12. Start of Activity (SOA) occurs after the Carrier Detect signal goes active and has been stable for at least one bit time or two bit times (approximately 16 to 32 μsec). This time depends on when the Carrier Detect goes active with respect to the internal clock of the device receiving the message. This allows the communication controller of the device to ignore noise glitches that are most apt to occur at the front end of the preamble. Additional time is used to synchronize with the bit boundaries to eliminate the potential for short noise bursts on segment 12 being misinterpreted as activity. For a transmitted message, SOA occurs once the Transmit Enable goes active (i.e., the preamble of the PhPDU is presented to segment 12). Start of Message (SOM) occurs at the beginning of the first bit of when the FC byte is detected for a received message. SOM_xmt is the Start of Message Transmit, which occurs at the beginning of the first bit of when the FC byte is detected for a transmitted message. SOMf is an SOM of a received filtered DLPDU. This occurs when the communication controller within the device has detected enough information to make the determination that the incoming message is to be filtered. End of Message (EOM) occurs at the end of the last bit of the ED being encountered in a received message. End of Transmission (EOT) occurs at the end of the last bit of the ED a transmitted message. End of Activity (EOA) occurs when the Carrier Detect has gone inactive. The EOA occurs for both transmitted and received DLPDUs. Device Architecture FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the communications portion of basic device 24, which is representative of the architecture in each of devices 20-28. Basic device 24 includes central processing unit (CPU) 30, random access memory (RAM) 32, flash memory 34, communications controller 36, and medium attachment unit (MAU) 38. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, CPU 30 is a microprocessor such as Motorola 68LC302, Motorola Mcore 2075, Motorola PowerPC 850, Atmel Thumb processor AT91M40800 and others. CPU 30 is an 8-bit or higher processor. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, communication controller 36 is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip that serves as an interface between MAU 38 and CPU 30. It transmits and receives encoded Manchester data to and from external analog circuitry connected to segment 12. After receiving the serial data from MAU 38, communication controller 36 decodes the data, forms the data into bytes, strips off the preamble, SD, and ED, (and, optionally, the FCS bytes) and provides the message data for the link layer to read. For data transmission, communication controller 36 receives bytes of DLPDU data from the link layer and adds the preamble, the SD, optionally generates the FCS, and adds the ED. Communication controller 36 then forms serially encoded Manchester data, which is sent to MAU 38 for transmission on segment 12. Communication between communication controller 36 and MAU 38 is provided through four signals: RxS, RxA, TxS, and TxE. RxS is the received Manchester Encoded serial data. RxA is the Carrier Detect signal for received data. TxS is the transmitted encoded serial data. TxE is the transmit enable signal. In other embodiments of the invention, communication controller 36 can be formed on a common integrated circuit with CPU 30. In addition, RAM 32 and flash memory 34 may be combined with CPU 30 in some embodiments. In the case of LAS device 20, CPU 30, RAM 32 and flash memory 34 may be a part of a host computer system of process control system 10. MAU 38 provides the network connection to segment 12. MAU 38 may be an integrated circuit, or discrete components can be used to form MAU 38. Communication Controller 36 FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of communication controller 36. In this embodiment, communication controller 36 includes debounce circuit 42, digital phase lock loop (PLL) 44, front end state machine 46, receive message filtering 48, receive first-in-first-out (FIFO) memory 50, transmit state machine 52, transmit FIFO memory 54, receive/transmit event manager 58, registers 60, clock generation circuitry 62, oscillator 64, timers 68, and CPU interface circuitry 70. When an incoming message is detected by MAU 38, a Carrier Detect signal is provided to communication controller 36 at the RxA input, and the incoming asynchronized Manchester data is provided at the RxS input. The RxA and RxS inputs are presented to front end state machine 46. Digital PLL 44 recovers and regenerates the clock from the incoming serial Manchester encoded data. This regenerated clock is then used to clock front end state machine 46. Front end state machine 46 detects the incoming serial bit stream RxS. It strips off the preamble, SD, and ED, and stores the DLPDU into receive FIFO memory 50. Front end state machine 46, together with receive message filtering 48, can be configured to filter out specific frame controls, plus Probe Node (PN) and Pass Token (PT) messages addressed to other devices. Front end state machine 46 keeps track of the number of bytes that have been written into receive FIFO memory 50. The FCS is automatically verified at the end of each message, and can be optionally stored into receive FIFO memory 50. Front end state machine 46 also provides signals representing specific events it has detected. These include the SOM, SOMf, EOM, SOA, and EOA event pulses. Front end state machine 46 is activated when the RxA line goes active. Front end state machine 46 then synchronizes with the edges of the preamble field and decodes the Manchester encoded data of the RxS signal. The SOA event indicates that front end state machine 46 has started. Once the preamble has been detected, front end state machine 46 waits for the Start Delimiter (SD) sequence. After the SD has been detected, front end state machine 46 converts the serial data stream into octets, and writes them to receive FIFO memory 50 in 8-bit bytes. Front end state machine 46 continues writing new octets of data into receive FIFO memory 50 until the End Delimiter (ED) is detected, or until receive FIFO memory 50 is full. When the ED has been detected, front end state machine 46 waits for the RxA line to go inactive, which is indicated by the EOA event. With the RxA line inactive, front end state machine 46 returns to its initial state. It remains in that initial state until the next activity on fieldbus segment 12 (i.e., until a Carrier Detect signal is provided at RxA again). Filtering circuitry is used by basic devices to reduce IRQ loading on messages that are not important to the device. In contrast, a device configured as an LAS must receive all messages on the segment and therefore must have filtering disabled. When filtering is disabled, all received messages will be stored in receive FIFO memory 50 and will be passed on to registers 60 and then to CPU 30. SOMf is a Start Of Message signal for a received filtered DLPDU. It occurs when front end state machine 46 has determined that the received message has detected enough information to determine that the incoming message is to be filtered. With filtering enabled, messages that are filtered are not stored in received FIFO memory 50. For filtered messages, SOMf will not be generated, therefore no event or IRQ will occur. Examples of filtered messages are Return Token (RT), idle, Request Interval (RI) and Probe Response (PR) DLPDU messages. These are identified based upon the Frame Control (FC) byte and will always be rejected with filtering enabled. Pass Token (PT) and Probe Node (PN) messages will be accepted if the destination address in the message matches the address for the device. If the destination address does not match, then the PT and PN messages are rejected. The ability to filter message types based on the FC byte and based upon the destination address reduces the software interrupt loading by limiting the number of interrupt requests (IRQs) that CPU 30 must process. Front end state machine 46 and receive FIFO memory 50 are used to parse the serial data frames from MAU 38. CPU 30 reads the data from receive FIFO memory 50 and places it in its local memory space to decode the received DLPDU. Receive FIFO memory 50 is 63 bytes by eight bits wide. Receive FIFO memory 50 will store all of the DLPDU bytes up to three complete received messages (up to a total of 63 bytes). Front end state machine 46 decodes the serial data stream from the filtered RxS signal, and converts it to an 8-bit parallel formatted byte. After the formation of the byte, front end state machine 46 creates a write pulse that stores the coded data into the location that is pointed to by a write pointer. After the write operation is complete, the write pointer is incremented to store the next DLPDU byte. CPU 30 interfaces with a read pointer to receive FIFO memory 50. Any read from the receive FIFO register of registers 60 (which contains the actual DLPDU data) places the 8-bit data from receive FIFO memory 50 immediately onto the data bus for reading by CPU 30. After the read operation is complete, the read pointer is incremented. This can be continued until receive FIFO memory 50 is empty. To prevent an overflow condition from occurring in receive FIFO memory 50, there is a register within registers 60 that allows an IRQ to be generated if receive FIFO memory 50 is approaching a full condition. The threshold for generating the IRQ is configurable. Transmit state machine 52 reads the DLPDU data to be transmitted from transmit FIFO memory 54. The preamble, SD, and ED are automatically inserted. To start transmit state machine 52, the interPDU trigger or, optionally, the Next Scheduled Event trigger needs to be activated to commence the transmit operation. Transmit state machine 52 keeps track of the number of bytes that have been transmitted. An error status will be indicated if there is an underflow or transmitted count violation. The FCS can be optionally transmitted automatically as the last two bytes of the DLPDU. Transmit state machine 52 encodes the Manchester serial data supplied through interface circuitry 70 on the TxS line to MAU 38 to be presented on segment 12. Transmit state machine 52 also asserts the Transmit Enable (TxE) line at the instant that the first bit the first preamble is sent until the last bit of the ED occurs. Transmit state machine 52 also generates the Start Of Transmission (SOT) event signal when it asserts the TxE line, and generates the End Of Transmission (EOT) event signal when the TxE line returns to inactive. Transmit FIFO memory 54 stores all of the DLPDU bytes that are required for a message to be transmitted, up to a total of 63 bytes. A configurable threshold can be set to send an IRQ telling CPU 30 when transmit FIFO memory 54 is almost empty. In that way, if more than 63 bytes are required to be transmitted, CPU 30 is notified so that it can add more data to transmit FIFO memory 54. This continues until all DLPDU bytes have been written. CPU 30 writes to transmit FIFO memory 54 using a write pointer, while transmit state machine 52 reads bytes from transmit FIFO memory 54 using a read pointer. Communication controller 36 works on events, and must be capable of handling the occurrence of multiple events. Examples of events include an SOM, EOM, or EOA for a received message or an EOT for a transmitted message. Receive/transmit event manager 58 manages all of the events that occur for up to a total of three received messages and one transmitted message. As shown in FIG. 4, receive/transmit manager 58 includes three received message objects labeled rcvmsg1, rcvmsg2, and rcvmsg3, and one transmit message object labeled xmtmsg. In addition, receive/transmit manager 58 includes message queue manager (MsgQmngr) 80, event manager (EventMngr) 82, transmit manager (xmtmngr) 84, and event MUX 86. Receive FIFO memory 50 is capable of storing the DLPDU bytes for up to three complete received messages. Each of those three messages has a corresponding object rcvmsg1, rcvmsg2, and rcvmsg3. Each object contains the status of all of the IRQs, message errors, and time stamping that occur for its corresponding received message. This information constitutes the event data for that message. The status of all IRQs, message errors, and time stamping that occur for a transmit message are stored in the xmtmsg object. The stored information constitutes the event data for the transmitted message. MsgQmngr 80 controls the selection and the enabling of the three received message objects. Only one received message object can be active at a time. MsgQmngr 80 allows the events to be associated with the active received message object. In the case of a fourth message being received before the other three messages have been acknowledged by CPU 30, MsgQmngr 80 disables any further messages from being received until the event data has been read or acknowledged. EventMngr 82 manages the order of occurrence of events. As events occur, event manager 82 assigns each event an order of occurrence identification (OOO_ID). This allows CPU 30 to read the events one at a time as they occur. CPU 30 must acknowledge each event as it occurs. After the first event has been acknowledged, the subsequent event will be ready for CPU 30 to read. Xmtmngr 84 monitors the InterPDU trigger (InterPDU_trig) and the Next Scheduled Event trigger and initiates the Transmit Trigger Command (Xmt_Trig_Cmd) to transmit state machine 52 to cause the next message to begin to be transmitted. Communication controller 36 includes registers 60. These registers, designated Reg00-Reg3F, can be written to and read from by CPU 30. Interrupts (IRQs) are also handled through registers 60. Clock generation circuitry 62 receives an external clock and either uses that clock or the clock signals from its internal oscillator 64 to generate all necessary clock signals for communication controller 36. Clock generation circuitry 62 preferably has the capability of currently adjusting both its node timer and its octet timer clock rates. This allows communication controller 36 to synchronize the relationship of its Node Time with the Link Address Scheduler (LAS 20). Octet Time is used for internal message timing, while Node Time is used to share a common sense of time across segment 12. Timer 68 will be divided into two groups, representing different senses of time. A first set of timers, called segment timers, operates based on a variable clock rate produced by clock generation circuitry 62 under software control from CPU 30. A second set of timers, called message timers, operates on a fixed rate clock. There are two segment timers in communication controller 36. The first segment timer is a Node Timer, which has a clock tick rate of 31.25 μsec (32 kHz). The Node Timer is used to implement the Next Function Block Execution Time, Link Schedule Time V(LST), and Data Link Time (DL-Time). The second segment timer is the Octet Timer, which has a clock tick rate of 2 μsec (500 kHz). The Octet Timer is used for the Next Scheduled Event trigger (which interfaces to transmit state machine 52 for transmitting messages at a specific time). When the clock rate is adjusted, the Node and Octet timers will track one another at the same rate. This is because the clock signals driving the Node Timer and the Octet Timer are derived from a common variable clock. The message timers are started and stopped based upon fieldbus message events (transmit and receive). The message timers include an inactivity timer, an interPDU delay timer, a receive reply timer, a transmit reply timer, a delegated token recovery timer. The inactivity timer is a decrementing counter. It is used for measuring the idle time between two PhPDUs. The inactivity timer works on both filtered and non-filtered received messages as well as any transmitted messages on segment 12. When commanded to start, the inactivity timer will decrement every 16 μsec. The inactivity timer starting point is determined from a configurable set point preloaded into one of registers 60. The decrementing of the inactivity timer can be cancelled or stopped via events that are related to either a received or transmitted message. If the timer ever reaches 0 or expires, an IRQ will be generated. The inactivity timer will remain at 0 until the IRQ is acknowledged. If the IRQ remains high, no additional message events that occur will effect the inactivity timer until this IRQ is acknowledged. The interPDU delay timer is an incrementing counter. It is used in conjunction with a V(MID) threshold register to implement the fieldbus V(MID) minimum-interPDU delay that insures a minimum time duration (or gap time) of non-transmission between a transmitted or received message. The interPDU timer is affected by both filtered and non-filtered received messages as well as any transmitted messages on the segment 12. When there is no fieldbus activity, the interPDU timer will continuously increment. Once the count value equals or exceeds a predetermined value stored in one of registers 60, the InterPDU trigger signal will go active. This signal is used for determining that the interPDU delay time has been met. This signal interfaces to xmtmngr 84 to give the command that a transmitted DLPDU can commence. The receive reply timer is a decrementing counter. It is used to allow a subscribing device to monitor for an immediate response to a Compel Data (CD) DLPDU. It is also used for a device to monitor its own address when coming online. When commanded to start, the receive reply timer will decrement every 16 μsec. The receive reply timer starting point is determined from a configurable 16-bit set point preloaded into one of registers 60. The decrementing of the receive reply timer can be cancelled or stopped via either a SOM or SOT event. If the receive reply timer ever reaches 0 or expires, an IRQ will be generated. The receive reply timer will remain at 0 until the IRQ is acknowledged. If the IRQ remains high, no additional message events that occur will affect the receive reply timer until this IRQ is acknowledged. The transmit reply timer is a decrementing counter. It allows a device to monitor for an immediate response after transmitting one of several DLPDUs (e.g., compel data, pass token). When commanded to start, the transmit reply timer will decrement every 16 μsec. The transmit reply timer starting point is determined from a configurable set point preloaded into one of registers 60. The decrementing of the transmit reply timer can be cancelled or stopped via either a SOM event or SOT event of any transmitted DLPDU except that of a Probe Node (PN). If the transmit reply timer ever reaches 0 or expires, an IRQ will be generated. The transmit reply timer will remain at 0 until the IRQ is acknowledged. If the IRQ remains high, no additional message events that occur will affect the transmit reply timer until this IRQ is acknowledged. The delegated token recovery timer is a decrementing counter. It is used for monitoring the idle time of receiving a delegated token from another device. The delegated token recovery timer works on both filtered and non-filtered received messages as well as any transmitted messages on segment 12. When commanded to start, the delegated token recovery timer will decrement every 16 μsec. The delegated token recovery timer starting point is determined from a configurable set point preloaded into one of registers 60. The decrementing of the delegated token recovery timer can be cancelled or stopped via events that are related to either a received or transmitted message. If the delegated token recovery timer ever reaches 0 or expires, an IRQ will be generated. The delegated token recovery timer will remain at 0 until this IRQ is acknowledged. If the IRQ remains high, no additional message events that may happen to occur will affect the delegated token recovery timer until this IRQ is acknowledged. Preventing Message Transmission During Message Reception The Fieldbus data link layer protocol specification, ANSI/ISA-S50.02-1997 Part 4, section 6.2.6 states that a device holding the dominant token (i.e., the device that will transmit next) on the Fieldbus network must drop that token, and therefore cancel any pending transmission, if it receives new data while waiting to begin transmitting. The dominant token holder waits to begin transmission on segment 12 for two reasons. First, the required interval of minimum DLPDU delay, V(MID), has not yet passed. Second, the software ruiming on CPU 30 is busy preparing the next DLPDU to send. Communication controller 36 supports both reception and transmission of DLPDUs. Communication controller 36 prevents the transmission of a DLPDU if a new DLPDU is received prior to the start of transmission, even if the software in CPU 30 is as yet unaware of the new DLPDU reception. Communication controller 36 notifies the software that the transmission was prevented. The present invention fills a “timing window” that exists from the time a new DLPDU is received by communication controller 36 until the time that the software in CPU 30 becomes aware that the DLPDU was received. During this timing window, any attempt by the software to start transmission will be prevented by communication controller 36. The automatic prevention of transmission is achieved by adding a Boolean attribute “Unread” to each object (rcvmsg1, rcvmsg2, and revmsg3) in receive/transmit event manager 58 that represents a received DLPDU. The “Unread” attribute is not directly accessible by software. In other words, it cannot be written to or read from received message objects rcvmsg1, rcvmsg2, or rcvmsg3 by CPU 30. Received message object rcvmsg1 contains all data (IRQ's, status, and error messages) associated with a first received message. Similarly, rcvmsg2 contains all event data associated with a second received message, and rcvmsg3 contains all event data associated with a third received message. Upon the beginning of reception of a DLPDU, the “Unread” attribute in the associated received message object is set to TRUE. When software in CPU 30 accesses any readable attribute of the received message object, the “Unread” attribute in that object is set to FALSE. If the received message object is acknowledged, either externally by the software in CPU 30 or internally by communication controller 36, the “Unread” attribute in that received message object is set to FALSE. An additional Boolean attribute called “Receive Pending” is produced by the received message object. “Receive Pending” is TRUE if any of the “Unread” attributes of the three received message objects is TRUE. In other words, the “Receive Pending” attribute represents the logic OR of the three individual “Unread” attributes. If software in CPU 30 makes a request to begin transmission, the ability to transmit will depend upon the status of the “Receive Pending” attribute. If “Receive Pending” is FALSE, communication controller 36 allows transmission to begin. The software is notified that the transmit request was successful, and later the software is notified that the transmission is complete. If the “Receive Pending” attribute is TRUE, communication controller 36 does not allow transmission to begin. Instead, communication controller 36 notifies the software that the transmit request failed. After each transmit request, the software checks registers 60 to see whether the request was successful. If the request was successful, the software continues to hold the dominant token and waits for transmission to complete. If the transmit request was unsuccessful, the software immediately drops the dominant token. The present invention eliminates the software timing window which exists between the time that a new DLPDU is first received and the time when the software becomes aware that the new DLPDU has been (or is being) received. Either transmission starts without a receive DLPDU waiting for the software to acknowledge it, or transmission is denied and communication controller 36 later reports a received DLPDU to CPU 30. The present invention makes it possible for software to successfully request a response DLPDU transmission prior to the end of activity (EOA) of a received immediate response request DLPDU to improve Fieldbus network performance. Since the received immediate response request DLPDU has already been accessed by software, “Receive Pending” will be FALSE at the moment the response DLPDU transmission request is made. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to a communications controller for use in field instruments and other devices of process control systems. In particular, the present invention is a system and method for low latency data packet reception and processing in a communications controller. In a typical industrial plant, a distributed control system (DCS) is used to control many of the industrial processes performed at the plant. Typically, the plant has a centralized control room having a computer system with user input/output (I/O), disc I/O, and other peripherals as are known in the computing art. Coupled to the computing system are a controller and a process I/O subsystem. The process I/O subsystem includes I/O ports which are connected to various field devices throughout the plant. Field devices include various types of analytical equipment, silicon pressure sensors, capacitive pressure sensors, resistive temperature detectors, thermocouples, strain gauges, limit switches, on/off switches, flow transmitters, pressure transmitters, capacitance level switches, weigh scales, transducers, valve positioners, valve controllers, actuators, solenoids, and indicator lights. The term “field device” encompasses these devices, as well as any other device that performs a function in a distributed control system. Traditionally, analog field devices have been connected to the control room by two-wire twisted pair current loops, with each device connected to the control room by a single two-wire twisted pair. Analog field devices are capable of responding to or transmitting an electrical signal within a specified range. In a typical configuration, it is common to have a voltage differential of approximately 20-25 volts between the two wires of the pair and a current of 4-20 milliamps running through the loop. An analog field device that transmits a signal to the control room modulates the current running through the current loop, with the current proportional to the sensed process variable. On the other hand, an analog field device that performs an action under control of the control room is controlled by the magnitude of the current through the loop, which is modulated by the I/O port of the process I/O system, which in turn is controlled by the controller. Traditional two-wire analog devices having active electronics can also receive up to 40 milliwatts of power from the loop. Analog field devices requiring more power are typically connected to the control room using four wires, with two of the wires delivering power to the device. Such devices are known in the art as four-wire devices and are not power limited, as are two-wire devices. In contrast, traditional discrete field devices transmit or respond to a binary signal. Typically, discrete field devices operate with a 24-volt signal (either AC or DC), a 110- or 240-volt AC signal, or a 5-volt DC signal. Of course, a discrete device may be designed to operate in accordance with any electrical specification required by a particular control environment. A discrete input field device is simply a switch which either makes or breaks the connection to the control room, while a discrete output field device will take an action based on the presence or absence of a signal from the control room. Historically, most traditional field devices have had either a single input or a single output that was directly related to the primary function performed by the field device. For example, the only function implemented by a traditional analog resistive temperature sensor is to transmit a temperature by modulating the current flowing through the two-wire twisted pair, while the only function implemented by a traditional analog valve positioner is to position a valve between an open and closed position, inclusive, based on the magnitude of the current flowing through the two-wire twisted pair. More recently, hybrid systems that superimpose digital data on the current loop have been used in distributed control systems. One hybrid system is known in the control art as the Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) and is similar to the Bell 202 modem specification. The HART system uses the magnitude of the current in the current loop to sense a process variable (as in the traditional system), but also superimposes a digital carrier signal upon the current loop signal. The carrier signal is relatively slow, and can provide updates of a secondary process variable at a rate of approximately 2-3 updates per second. Generally, the digital carrier signal is used to send secondary and diagnostic information and is not used to realize the primary control function of the field device. Examples of information provided over the carrier signal include secondary process variables, diagnostic information (including sensor diagnostics, device diagnostics, wiring diagnostics, and process diagnostics), operating temperatures, temperature of the sensor, calibration information, device ID numbers, materials of construction, configuration or programming information, etc. Accordingly, a single hybrid field device may have a variety of input and output variables and may implement a variety of functions. HART is an industry standard nonproprietary system. However, it is relatively slow. Other companies in the industry have developed proprietary digital transmission schemes which are faster, but these schemes are generally not used by or available to competitors. More recently, a newer control protocol has been defined by the Instrument Society of America (ISA). The new protocol is generally referred to as Fieldbus. Fieldbus is a multi-drop serial digital two-way communications protocol intended for connecting field instruments and other process devices such as monitoring and simulation units in distributed control systems. Fieldbus allows enhanced digital communication over previous process control loop methods while maintaining the ability to power process devices coupled to the Fieldbus loop and while meeting intrinsic safety requirements. Two reasonably standardized industrial Fieldbus protocols are Foundation Fieldbus and Profibus. The physical layer of the Fieldbus protocols are defined by Instrument Society of America standard ISA-S50.02-1992, and its draft two extension dated 1995. The Fieldbus protocol defines two subprotocols. An H1 Fieldbus network transmits data at a rate up to 31.25 kilobits per second (Kbps) and provides power to field devices coupled to the network. The H1 physical layer subprotocol is defined in Clause 11 of the ISA standard, part two approved in September 1992. An H2 Fieldbus network transmits data at a rate up to 2.5 megabits per second (Mbps), does not provide power to field devices connected to the network, and is provided with redundant transmission media. Fieldbus provides significant capabilities for digitally communicating immense amounts of process data. Thus, there is a continuing need to develop process control devices capable of maximizing fieldbus communication efficiency. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A communication controller of a device on a network automatically controls transmission of data so that transmission does not occur while a message is being received. As messages are received, the communication controller stores received message objects which include attributes indicating whether the object has been read. If any received message object indicates an unread message, the communication controller will not execute a transmit request. | 20040730 | 20081028 | 20060202 | 87554.0 | G06F1516 | 0 | HARRELL, ROBERT B | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING TRANSMISSION DURING MESSAGE RECEPTION | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
|
10,903,412 | ACCEPTED | Thumb drive with retractable USB connector | A thumb drive has an on-board memory for storing digital information, a male USB connector coupled to the on-board memory for connecting to a USB port of a computer appliance, and an extension/retraction mechanism coupled to the connector and on-board memory for extending the connector from an enclosure of the drive and for retracting the connector when not in use. In various embodiments a light is also provided for use with finding female USB ports for connection, and as a utility light. | 1. A thumb drive comprising: on-board memory for storing digital information; a male USB connector coupled to the on-board memory for connecting to a USB port of a computer appliance; and an extension/retraction mechanism coupled to the connector and on-board memory for extending the connector from an enclosure of the drive and for retracting the connector when not in use. 2. The thumb drive of claim 1 wherein the extension/retraction mechanism comprises a set of guides within a body of the thumb drive for translating the coupled memory and USB connector, and a slide button extending through an opening in the body and connected to the coupled USB port and on-board memory, wherein a user may translate the coupled memory and USB connector along the guides by urging the slide button from outside the body. 3. The thumb drive of claim 2 wherein the opening through the body comprises detents which provide, in concert with the slide button, detention of the coupled memory and USB connector in a fully extended or a fully withdrawn position. 4. The thumb drive of claim 1 wherein the on-board memory is digital flash memory. 5. The thumb drive of claim 4 wherein memory capacity is equal to or exceeds 256 Mbytes. 6. The thumb drive of claim 1 further comprising a light integrated into the body and directed in the same direction as extending the USB connector, and an on-board power supply for energizing the light. 7. The thumb drive of claim 6 comprising a set of guides within a body of the thumb drive for translating the coupled memory and USB connector, and a slide button extending through an opening in the body and connected to the coupled USB port and on-board memory, wherein a user may translate the coupled memory and USB connector along the guides by urging the slide button from outside the body, and wherein depressing the button also turns on the light. 8. The thumb drive of claim 1 further comprising internal control elements for managing MP3 player functions for the thumb drive, a display for displaying downloaded song titles, and user-operable controls for selecting and playing songs recorded as audio files in the on-board memory as audio output at an output connector. 9. The thumb drive of claim 8 further comprising a set of ear buds or earphones compatible with the output connector, and one or both of a built-in speaker and a microphone for a user to record digital audio files directly into the on-board memory. 10. A thumb drive comprising: on-board memory for storing digital information; a male USB connector coupled to the on-board memory and having an engagement direction for connecting to a USB port of a computer appliance; and a light element positioned to provide light substantially in the engagement direction of the male USB connector. 11. The thumb drive of claim 10 further comprising an on-board power supply for powering the light element. 12. The thumb drive of claim 10 wherein the light element comprises one or the other of one or more high-intensity LEDs or an incandescent bulb. 13. The thumb drive of claim 10 further comprising an extension/retraction mechanism coupled to the connector and on-board memory for extending the connector from an enclosure of the drive and for retracting the connector when not in use. 14. The thumb drive of claim 13 wherein the extension/retraction mechanism comprises a set of guides within a body of the thumb drive for translating the coupled memory and USB connector, and a slide button extending through an opening in the body and connected to the coupled USB port and on-board memory, wherein a user may translate the coupled memory and USB connector along the guides by urging the slide button from outside the body. 15. The thumb drive of claim 14 wherein the opening through the body comprises detents which provide, in concert with the slide button, detention of the coupled memory and USB connector in a fully extended or a fully withdrawn position. 16. The thumb drive of claim 10 wherein the on-board memory is digital flash memory. 17. The thumb drive of claim 16 wherein memory capacity is equal to or exceeds 256 Mbytes. 18. The thumb drive of claim 10 further comprising internal control elements for managing MP3 player functions for the thumb drive, a display for displaying downloaded song titles, and user-operable controls for selecting and playing songs recorded as audio files in the on-board memory as audio output at an output connector. 19. The thumb drive of claim 18 further comprising a set of ear buds or earphones compatible with the output connector, and one or both of a built-in speaker and a microphone for a user to record digital audio files directly into the on-board memory. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS The present application claims priority to provisional application number 60/528,645 filed Dec. 10, 2003 which is incorporated in its entirety by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is in the field of computer mass storage devices, and pertains more particularly to solid-state USB connectable drives. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the computer arts there continues to be motivation for increased density and ease-of-use in mass storage devices. A solid state device known now in the art as a thumb drive was relatively recently introduced advancing the standard for both density and ease-of-use, and such hot-plug drives are made by several manufacturers. A common feature of thumb drives as known in the art is a male USB connector, and functionality to hot-plug and remove, that is, without turning off the computer to which the drive is connected and disconnected. Another common feature is a plastic protective cover for the male USB connector. Although the advance in the mass storage art with the advent of thumb drives is dramatic, there are still some problems with such a system. For example, the plastic covers for use on the male USB connectors are not very secure, and tend to come loose and be lost. As a remedy, many manufacturers provide two and sometimes three plastic covers with each device sold, often with different colors. Still another problem is that USB ports on computers are not universally easily visible and accessible. Some such ports are on the back of tower cases which are often placed under desks or other furniture, so finding an unused USB female port for connecting the male USB connector of a thumb drive is often not trivial. When a female port is out of sight or in a darkened area, the connection must often be made by feel alone. Still further, when the thumb drive is connected to a computer, the plastic protective cover is removed, and is easily misplaced. There are also other functions that may be accomplished with the considerable memory available with thumb drives, and their relatively easy connectivity to personal computers and other computerized appliances. One such function is as an MP3 player, to download MP3 files, such as music files, from a computerized appliance, and an ability to play these files into an ear piece, headphone or amplifier from the thumb drive. Therefore what is clearly needed is a way to dispense with the plastic covers and still protect the male USB connector for thumb drives, a way to aid in the search for unused USB ports, and aid in the engagement of the male USB connector of the thumb drive with the female port on the computer, and a way to use the thumb drive as an MP3 player. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In an embodiment of the invention a thumb drive is provided, comprising on-board memory for storing digital information, a male USB connector coupled to the on-board memory for connecting to a USB port of a computer appliance, and an extension/retraction mechanism coupled to the connector and on-board memory for extending the connector from an enclosure of the drive and for retracting the connector when not in use. In one embodiment the extension/retraction mechanism comprises a set of guides within a body of the thumb drive for translating the coupled memory and USB connector, and a slide button extending through an opening in the body and connected to the coupled USB port and on-board memory, wherein a user may translate the coupled memory and USB connector along the guides by urging the slide button from outside the body. The opening through the body may comprise detents which provide, in concert with the slide button, detention of the coupled memory and USB connector in a fully extended or a fully withdrawn position. The on-board memory may be digital flash memory, and may have a capacity of 256 Mbytes or more. In some embodiments a light is also included integrated into the body and directed in the same direction as extending the USB connector, and there is an on-board power supply for energizing the light. In some embodiments the drive may include a set of guides within a body of the thumb drive for translating the coupled memory and USB connector, and a slide button extending through an opening in the body and connected to the coupled USB port and on-board memory, wherein a user may translate the coupled memory and USB connector along the guides by urging the slide button from outside the body, and wherein depressing the button also turns on the light. Also in some embodiments there may be internal control elements for managing MP3 player functions for the thumb drive, a display for displaying downloaded song titles, and user-operable controls for selecting and playing songs recorded as audio files in the on-board memory as audio output at an output connector. In many of these embodiments there may be a set of ear buds or earphones compatible with the output connector, and one or both of a built-in speaker and a microphone for a user to record digital audio files directly into the on-board memory. In another aspect of the invention a thumb drive is provided, comprising on-board memory for storing digital information, a male USB connector coupled to the on-board memory and having an engagement direction for connecting to a USB port of a computer appliance, and a light element positioned to provide light substantially in the engagement direction of the male USB connector. There may be an on-board power supply for powering the light element. Further the light element may comprise one or the other of one or more high-intensity LEDs or an incandescent bulb. In some embodiments there may also be an extension/retraction mechanism coupled to the connector and on-board memory for extending the connector from an enclosure of the drive and for retracting the connector when not in use. The extension/retraction mechanism may comprise a set of guides within a body of the thumb drive for translating the coupled memory and USB connector, and a slide button extending through an opening in the body and connected to the coupled USB port and on-board memory, wherein a user may translate the coupled memory and USB connector along the guides by urging the slide button from outside the body. In some cases the opening through the body may have detents which provide, in concert with the slide button, detention of the coupled memory and USB connector in a fully extended or a fully withdrawn position. Further, the on-board memory may be digital flash memory with a capacity equal to or exceeding 256 Mbytes. Also in some embodiment the drive may comprise internal control elements for managing MP3 player functions for the thumb drive, a display for displaying downloaded song titles, and user-operable controls for selecting and playing songs recorded as audio files in the on-board memory as audio output at an output connector. In these embodiments there may be a set of ear buds or earphones compatible with the output connector, and one or both of a built-in speaker and a microphone for a user to record digital audio files directly into the on-board memory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a thumb drive according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the connector retracted. FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the thumb drive of FIG. 1a with the connector partly extended. FIG. 1c is a perspective view of the thumb drive of FIG. 1a with the connector fully extended. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a thumb drive according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3a is an exploded view of the thumb drive of FIG. 2. FIG. 3b, c, and d show details for detenting in an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4a and 4b are a diagrams showing one way a protective cover may be implemented. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a thumb drive according to yet another embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In one embodiment of the invention a thumb drive has a manually extendable and retractable male USB connector. FIG. 1a is a perspective view of such a drive 101 according to an embodiment of the invention. Drive 101 has in this example a physical opening 102 generally rectangular in shape, matching the rectangular cross section of a male USB connector. Port 102 is closed, when the connector is withdrawn within a body of the thumb drive, by a retractable physical closure, such as a flap gate 103, which may be hinge mounted in one embodiment to allow passage of a male USB connector. It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that there are a variety of ways a closure may be implemented for opening 102. Such a closure may be made of a number of different materials, such as rubber or plastic materials, and may be implemented in a number of different ways. For example, the gate could be a solid metal or rigid plastic material, and a mechanism for opening and closing may be provided also in a number of different ways. Further to the above description, a sliding button 104 is implemented through an opening in a wall of a case for the drive. This button in one embodiment has two functions. Firstly the button is implemented in a manner to turn on a flashlight element 105 when the button is depressed. Secondly, the button is detented in a way that when depressed it may be pushed forward, causing an internal mechanism to translate forward, urging a male USB connector to extend through port 102, and to lock in place as extended. The locking in place in one embodiment is a function of the detenting of the button mechanism. It will also be apparent to the skilled artisan that such a manual operator for translation of a mechanism to extend the male connector through opening 102 may be implemented in several ways as well, such as by a knob or a slide. In one embodiment, for example, the retractable connector is spring-loaded into the case of the thumb drive with a detent for keeping it retracted until a user trips the detent. A similar detent keeps the connector in an extended position until the user pushes the connector back into the case. Light 105 in one embodiment is offset to one side of the thumb drive as shown, and is provided for aiding in finding a USB port on a candidate computer. The light may also be used as a utility flashlight for a number of other purposes. The skilled artisan will understand that there are a variety of ways control for the light may be provided in addition to the slide button 104, such as by a separate switch implemented through the body of the thumb drive. FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the thumb drive of FIG. 1 with a USB male connector extended part way through port 102. It may be seen that the relative position of slide button 104 corresponds to the relative extension of the USB port 106. FIG. 1c is a perspective view of the thumb drive of FIG. 1a and 1b with male connector 106 fully extended and locked into place. In some embodiments of the invention a connection ring 107 may be provided to facilitate attachment to a neck cord or key ring. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a thumb drive 208 in yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment a body shape is implemented that provides a more comfortable and secure grip when using the drive. Many of the elements for the embodiment shown by FIG. 2 are the same as for the embodiment shown by FIGS. 1a-1c. There is a molded body that, in this case, is made in two separate parts 213 and 214, joining along a line 215. A raised portion 209 of the upper section 213 provides a housing for a light 216, which may be one or a cluster of high-intensity LEDs or an incandescent bulb, for example. A spring-loaded button 211 is implemented through an opening 210 in section 213 for on-off input for the light 216 and slide operation for a male USB connector that may be caused to extend through door 212 by urging button 211 forward. Detents implemented in opening 210 provide for restraining the USB connector in extended or retracted position, as further described below. FIG. 3a is a partially exploded perspective view of thumb drive 208 of FIG. 2, showing some further detail of inner components. Section 213 is shown disconnected from section 214 and raised to show additional inner detail. Within the thumb drive a module 301 comprises flash memory, in quantity of perhaps 256 Mbytes, or more. Module 301 also comprises button 211 implemented in a structure 302 that allows the button to be depressed and to make electrical contact to energize light 216 through a connection path 303 from an on-board battery source 304. The battery can be any one of many sorts, such as a rechargeable battery. The internal flash memory of module 301 is coupled to I/O contacts of a USB male connector 305 which is built into module 301. Internal connections, microprocessor, and firmware applying the microprocessor to functions of the apparatus are not shown, but will be apparent to those with skill in the art, as these mostly exist in the commercial arena at the time of filing the present application. Module 301 in this an some other embodiments is implemented within the shell of portions 213 and 214 restrained between molded-in tracks, such that the module may be translated from a position wherein USB male connector 305 is fully withdrawn, to a position wherein the USB connector is fully extended, and back again. Detents molded into upper portion 213 in conjunction with opening 210 provide for retention at the fully withdrawn and near the fully extended positions, in concert with depressing button 211. To extend or withdraw one may depress button 211 and release it at the end of the movement. When USB connector 305 extends, door 212 is urged aside in a manner that when the USB connector is again withdrawn, the door closes again. FIG. 3b shows one edge 306 of opening 210 of portion 213 in elevation. This edge of the opening is formed into lands at two elevations, these being lands 308 and 310 at a lower level and lands 309 and 311 at a higher level. FIG. 3c shows button 211 and structure 302 implemented on module 301. As previously described, structure 302 allows button 211 to be depressed to make electrical contact to illuminate light 216. Button 211 further has a land 312, also seen in FIG. 3a in perspective that engages one of lands 308-311 in assembly, depending on the relative extension of connector 305. FIG. 3d shows edge 306 with lands 308-311 with button 211 superimposed at four different positions (a) through (d) representing four different extensions of connector 305. With button 211 in position (a) the male USB connector is fully retracted within the body of the thumb drive. Because button 211 is spring-loaded upward, this provides a detent that holds the connector retracted until a specific action by the user. To move the connector forward, that is, to extend the connector, a user depresses button 211 such that land 312 of the button is below land 310 of edge 306. This depressing of button 211 makes electrical contact turning on light 216. Now module 301 may be moved forward by urging button 211 forward to extend USB connector 305. Land 310 ensures that the light stays on if the button is released. Land 308 allows the user to move connector 305 to a maximum forward position, passing land 309, at which point the light will stay lit. This allows for the user to release the button while looking for a female USB port for connection, and keeps the light on. When the female USB port is found and male connector 305 is inserted, the action of insertion will retract the male connector in the thumb drive until the spring-loaded button clicks up to land 309, providing a detent near the fully extended poison with the light off and the thumb drive connected to the appliance having the female USB port. The skilled artisan will be aware that the detent mechanisms described above with reference to FIGS. 3b-3d are exemplary of one such mechanism that might be used, and that are there are a variety of other ways the detents may be provided. One simple rendition of a door 112 or 212 is shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b. In this example a rubber-like panel 112 is affixed behind an opening between upper and lower portions 113 and 114. As connector 305 is extended from the poison shown in FIG. 4a the rubber-like panel is simply urged aside, until with full extension, panel 112 is positioned as shown in FIG. 4b. When connector 305 is again withdrawn panel 112 springs back to an upright position as shown in FIG. 4a, closing the opening to dust and debris, for example. It will be apparent to those with skill in the art that the door for the opening through which the male USB connector protrudes, such as panel 112 in FIG. 4a and 4b, is not in and of itself the patentable feature of the invention, but a convenience to protect the internal details of the novel thumb drive when the connector is withdrawn. Simple examples of such a door have been provided, but there are a further variety of ways such a protective door might be implemented. There might be, for example, a rigid door hinged in some manner, and the door may or may not be closed by a spring detent. There are many other possibilities as well. In embodiments of the invention described above there is no need for a protective plastic cap for the male USB connector as is common in the art at the time of filing the present application, and the light integrated into the thumb drive in some embodiments provides real aid to a user in finding and connecting to unused USB ports. The light has other uses as a simple utility flashlight as well. In another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 5, further enhancement is provided such that a thumb drive 501 may also operate as a music repository and player, such as an MP3 player. In this embodiment the memory capacity of the thumb drive is controlled in the same manner that is done in the art for MP3 players and the like, so that music and other audio material may be downloaded to the unique thumb drive from a computer device, and may be played back to a user. For this purpose a display 502 is provided, which may be an LED (light-emitting diode) or an LCD (liquid crystal display) is provided, and additional firmware for internal microprocessor control is provided to manage storage of audio files, such as MP3 files, for songs, and to display and render the songs at a user's command. Appropriate controls, such as buttons 503 for scrolling through a playlist, are provided, and audio rendition is through line 504 to a set of ear-buds 505. Earphones may be used as well, or any set of battery-powered or conversion unit powered speakers, such as those sorts of speakers used with PCs from a soundcard. In some embodiments a microphone 506 is also provided, and controls are provided for a user to record such as memorandums and notes, using the thumb drive as a personal digital recorder. A small, built-in speaker 507 may also be implemented in some embodiments. In various embodiments of the invention different features may be combined. For example, in one embodiment a retractable male USB connector is provided, but there is no light and no MP3 capability. In another there is a light, but no MP3 and no retractable connector. In yet another embodiment the light and the retractable connector are combined as shown in various embodiments described above. Different embodiments may incorporate any different combination of features. It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that there are a broad variety of changes that may be made in the embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, there are a broad variety of materials that may be used for various elements of the thumb drive in embodiments of the invention. The controls in those embodiments that provide audio playback can be done in several ways. There are various ways the extendable male connector may be implemented, and the like. There are a wide variety as well of ways the control functions may be implemented. Therefore the invention should only be limited by the claims which follow. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In the computer arts there continues to be motivation for increased density and ease-of-use in mass storage devices. A solid state device known now in the art as a thumb drive was relatively recently introduced advancing the standard for both density and ease-of-use, and such hot-plug drives are made by several manufacturers. A common feature of thumb drives as known in the art is a male USB connector, and functionality to hot-plug and remove, that is, without turning off the computer to which the drive is connected and disconnected. Another common feature is a plastic protective cover for the male USB connector. Although the advance in the mass storage art with the advent of thumb drives is dramatic, there are still some problems with such a system. For example, the plastic covers for use on the male USB connectors are not very secure, and tend to come loose and be lost. As a remedy, many manufacturers provide two and sometimes three plastic covers with each device sold, often with different colors. Still another problem is that USB ports on computers are not universally easily visible and accessible. Some such ports are on the back of tower cases which are often placed under desks or other furniture, so finding an unused USB female port for connecting the male USB connector of a thumb drive is often not trivial. When a female port is out of sight or in a darkened area, the connection must often be made by feel alone. Still further, when the thumb drive is connected to a computer, the plastic protective cover is removed, and is easily misplaced. There are also other functions that may be accomplished with the considerable memory available with thumb drives, and their relatively easy connectivity to personal computers and other computerized appliances. One such function is as an MP3 player, to download MP3 files, such as music files, from a computerized appliance, and an ability to play these files into an ear piece, headphone or amplifier from the thumb drive. Therefore what is clearly needed is a way to dispense with the plastic covers and still protect the male USB connector for thumb drives, a way to aid in the search for unused USB ports, and aid in the engagement of the male USB connector of the thumb drive with the female port on the computer, and a way to use the thumb drive as an MP3 player. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In an embodiment of the invention a thumb drive is provided, comprising on-board memory for storing digital information, a male USB connector coupled to the on-board memory for connecting to a USB port of a computer appliance, and an extension/retraction mechanism coupled to the connector and on-board memory for extending the connector from an enclosure of the drive and for retracting the connector when not in use. In one embodiment the extension/retraction mechanism comprises a set of guides within a body of the thumb drive for translating the coupled memory and USB connector, and a slide button extending through an opening in the body and connected to the coupled USB port and on-board memory, wherein a user may translate the coupled memory and USB connector along the guides by urging the slide button from outside the body. The opening through the body may comprise detents which provide, in concert with the slide button, detention of the coupled memory and USB connector in a fully extended or a fully withdrawn position. The on-board memory may be digital flash memory, and may have a capacity of 256 Mbytes or more. In some embodiments a light is also included integrated into the body and directed in the same direction as extending the USB connector, and there is an on-board power supply for energizing the light. In some embodiments the drive may include a set of guides within a body of the thumb drive for translating the coupled memory and USB connector, and a slide button extending through an opening in the body and connected to the coupled USB port and on-board memory, wherein a user may translate the coupled memory and USB connector along the guides by urging the slide button from outside the body, and wherein depressing the button also turns on the light. Also in some embodiments there may be internal control elements for managing MP3 player functions for the thumb drive, a display for displaying downloaded song titles, and user-operable controls for selecting and playing songs recorded as audio files in the on-board memory as audio output at an output connector. In many of these embodiments there may be a set of ear buds or earphones compatible with the output connector, and one or both of a built-in speaker and a microphone for a user to record digital audio files directly into the on-board memory. In another aspect of the invention a thumb drive is provided, comprising on-board memory for storing digital information, a male USB connector coupled to the on-board memory and having an engagement direction for connecting to a USB port of a computer appliance, and a light element positioned to provide light substantially in the engagement direction of the male USB connector. There may be an on-board power supply for powering the light element. Further the light element may comprise one or the other of one or more high-intensity LEDs or an incandescent bulb. In some embodiments there may also be an extension/retraction mechanism coupled to the connector and on-board memory for extending the connector from an enclosure of the drive and for retracting the connector when not in use. The extension/retraction mechanism may comprise a set of guides within a body of the thumb drive for translating the coupled memory and USB connector, and a slide button extending through an opening in the body and connected to the coupled USB port and on-board memory, wherein a user may translate the coupled memory and USB connector along the guides by urging the slide button from outside the body. In some cases the opening through the body may have detents which provide, in concert with the slide button, detention of the coupled memory and USB connector in a fully extended or a fully withdrawn position. Further, the on-board memory may be digital flash memory with a capacity equal to or exceeding 256 Mbytes. Also in some embodiment the drive may comprise internal control elements for managing MP3 player functions for the thumb drive, a display for displaying downloaded song titles, and user-operable controls for selecting and playing songs recorded as audio files in the on-board memory as audio output at an output connector. In these embodiments there may be a set of ear buds or earphones compatible with the output connector, and one or both of a built-in speaker and a microphone for a user to record digital audio files directly into the on-board memory. | 20040729 | 20051227 | 20050616 | 59121.0 | 29 | NGUYEN, PHUONG CHI THI | THUMB DRIVE WITH RETRACTABLE USB CONNECTOR | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,903,439 | ACCEPTED | User experience enforcement | In order to provide for efficient security of a remote presentation (such as a remote display) on a client which presents user interface data from a remote server, all requests for action to be performed on the client are examined to determine if they are requests for user interface (UI) presentation. If the request is for UI presentation, it is verified to ensure that the request is valid—e.g., that it comes from an approved source. If the request is a valid UI request, then the request is served. If a UI request cannot be verified, the request is served, if possible, without presenting the user interface data from the request—e.g., by hiding visual data, or playing audio data at zero or minimal volume. Otherwise, the request is not serviced and the connection from the client to the server may be terminated. | 1. A method for presenting user interface data received via a connection from a source, said method comprising: receiving a request for performing at least one action; determining if said request is a user interface presentation request; determining the validity of said request if said request is a user interface presentation request; and presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request if said request is a valid user interface presentation request. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said presenting act comprises transmitting said user interface data from a server to a presenter that is located at said client, said presenter being operable to render said user interface data. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: if said request is a user interface presentation request, but said request is not a valid user interface presentation request, servicing said user presentation request without presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request. 4. The method of claim 3, where said user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request is display data, and where said servicing of said user presentation request without presenting user interface data comprises: hiding a display of said user interface data underneath other presentation data. 5. The method of claim 3, where said user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request is display data, and where said servicing of said user presentation request without presenting user interface data comprises: minimizing a display of said user interface data. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: if said request is a user interface presentation request, but said request is not a valid user interface presentation request, and determining whether said request can be serviced without presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request, and if said request cannot be serviced without presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface, ignoring said request. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: if said request is a user interface presentation request, but said request is not a valid user interface presentation request, and determining whether said request can be serviced without presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request, and if said request can not be serviced without presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface, terminating a connection to said source. 8. The method of claim 1, where said step of presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request if said request is a valid user interface presentation request comprises: presenting visual information on a video display. 9. The method of claim 1, where said step of presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request if said request is a valid user interface presentation request comprises: presenting audio information on an audio speaker. 10. The method of claim 1, where said determining the validity of said request if said request is a user interface presentation request comprises: storing identities of at least one specific process which can send valid user interface presentation requests; and determining if a request has been sent by one of said specific processes. 11. The method of claim 1, where said method further comprises: sending experience validity data regarding the integrity of a module implementing said method. 12. The method of claim 11, where said experience validity data comprises a signed binary image of said module. 13. A computer readable medium comprising computer executable modules having computer executable instructions for presenting user interface data received via a connection from a source, said instructions for performing acts comprising: receiving a request for performing at least one action; determining if said request is a user interface presentation request; determining the validity of said request if said request is a user interface presentation request; and presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request if said request is a valid user interface presentation request. 14. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein said presenting act comprises transmitting said user interface data from a server to a presenter that is located at said client, said presenter being operable to render said user interface data. 15. The computer readable medium of claim 13, said acts further comprising: if said request is a user interface presentation request, but said request is not a valid user interface presentation request, servicing said user presentation request without presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request. 16. The computer readable medium of claim 15, where said user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request is display data, and where said servicing of said user presentation request without presenting user interface data comprises: hiding a display of said user interface data underneath other presentation data. 17. The computer readable medium of claim 15, where said user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request is display data, and where said servicing of said user presentation request without presenting user interface data comprises: minimizing a display of said user interface data. 18. The computer readable medium of claim 13, said acts further comprising: if said request is a user interface presentation request, but said request is not a valid user interface presentation request, and determining whether said request can be serviced without presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request, and if said request can not be serviced without presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface, ignoring said request. 19. The computer readable medium of claim 13, said acts further comprising: if said request is a user interface presentation request, but said request is not a valid user interface presentation request, and determining whether said request can be serviced without presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request, and if said request can not be serviced without presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface, terminating a connection to said source. 20. The computer readable medium of claim 13, where said presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request if said request is a valid user interface presentation request comprises: presenting visual information on a video display. 21. The computer readable medium of claim 13, where said presenting user interface data pursuant to said user interface presentation request if said request is a valid user interface presentation request comprises: presenting audio information on an audio speaker. 22. The computer readable medium of claim 13, where said determining the validity of said request if said request is a user interface presentation request comprises: storing identities of at least one specific process which can send valid user interface presentation requests; and determining if a request has been sent by one of said specific processes. 23. The computer readable medium of claim 13, where said acts further comprise: sending experience validity data regarding the integrity of at least one of said modules. 24. The computer readable medium of claim 23, where said experience validity data comprises a signed binary image of at least one of said modules. 25. A system for managing the presentation of user interface data generated by a source, the system comprising: a core experience module that generates information renderable by a presenter; and an experience enforcement module, said experience enforcement module operably connected to said core experience module, said experience enforcement module receiving a request for performing actions, determining if said request is a user interface presentation request, determining the validity of said request if said request is a user interface presentation request, and providing said request to said presenter if said request is a valid user interface presentation request. 26. The system of claim 25, where said presenter comprises: a video display. 27. The system of claim 25, where said presenter comprises: an audio speaker. 28. The system of claim 25, where said experience enforcement module further comprises: storage for storing the identities of at least one specific process which can send valid user interface presentation requests to said system; and validity checker for determining if a request has been sent by one of said specific processes. 29. The system of claim 25, where said experience enforcement module further comprises: an experience enforcement validity data sender sending experience validity data relating to said core experience module and operably connected to said source. 30. The system of claim 25, where said experience enforcement validity data comprises a signed image of said core experience module. 31. The system of claim 25, wherein said core experience module and said experience enforcement module are located at a server, and wherein said presenter is located at a client that is communicatively connected to said server. 32. The system of claim 25, wherein, if said request is not a valid user interface presentation request, then said experience enforcement module generates a modified form of said request, and wherein said modified form is provided to said presenter. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the remote provision of media and related media services from one computing device to a remote computing device. More particularly, the invention relates to the protection of presentation of user interface data on a remote computing device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Remote computing gives a computing system the capability to serve operating system-based applications from the computing system to remote devices. FIG. 1 generally illustrates how remote computing operates between a server and a client device. Server 10 and client device 20 (sometimes called an “endpoint”) communicate over any network connection 30, whether wired or wireless. In one embodiment, this “remoting” communication is provided through a specific protocol, such as Microsoft Corporation's Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or another protocol, running over a connection, such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), utilizing Microsoft Corporation's Terminal Services to manage the connection. The connection in this embodiment maybe referred to as the RDP connection. Microsoft Corporation's Terminal Services creates a virtual environment that represents all resource needed to present user interface data to a client device 20 and process user input from the client device 20. This virtual environment is also known as session 11. When using RDP and Terminal Services, in order for display information to be displayed on the client device 20, on the server 10 RDP uses its own video driver to render the display output by constructing the rendering information into network packets using RDP protocol. These packets are then sent over the network connection 30 to the client device 20. On the client, RDP receives rendering data and interprets the packets into corresponding graphics device interface API calls. For the input path, client mouse and keyboard events are redirected from the client to the server. Thus, more generally, application 15 executes on the server 10 in a session 11. User interface data 40, representing data to be presented on client device 20 in connection with session 11 representing application 15, is transmitted to the client device 20. This user interface data 40 can include media data (e.g. a recorded video presentation) and/or user control data (e.g. a menu for controlling a recorded video presentation). Further more a session 11 can represent the set of applications that will be present on the client device 20. For any Server 10, there can be multiple sessions presenting user interface data to client devices. In this embodiment, the session which represents the set of user experience to be rendered on the client is managed by the server; however, one can imagine an embodiment in which this management is done on the client. The user interface data 40 is then rendered or displayed, e.g., on display 25 on client device 20. While a display is discussed and shown in FIG. 1, any presentation of a user interface, e.g. by visual or audio displays or otherwise, may be used. The user of client device 20 who is viewing a menu, for example, displayed as part of user interface data 40, can respond (e.g. in order to perform operations in connection with server 10 as if the application 15 were running locally). This is done via input 45 to client device 20 respecting application 15, which is transmitted back to server 10. The input 45 is received by the remote computing server software on the server 10, and the operation is performed on server 10 on behalf of client device 20, possibly changing the user interface data 40 which is to be displayed or otherwise presented on client device 20. In this way, the user input helps control the transmission and presentation of the user interface data 40. As discussed above, media data is transmitted and presented as part of the user interface data 40 on client device 20. The user interface data 40 presented on client device 20 creates what is termed a media experience. The media experience unifies the different information (e.g. media data providing, e.g., video and audio displays, and user control data to control the presentation of media data) presented on client device 20. Thus, for example, menus used to control different types of media data may be coordinated in order to increase usability and the general aesthetic appeal of the media experience. Multiple media experiences can each be instantiated and received by respective endpoint client devices. Each media experience is controlled by at least one server. User interfaces data presented on client device 20 can include graphics that typically compose a user control interface. Other non-graphical control data may also be presented, e.g. audio data dealing with user control. In order to control the media experience, typical actions that a remote user may desire to carry out via the user interfaces include commands over media data, such as stop, fast forward, and rewind. In addition, the user may be provided with controls to perform conventional computer commands to enable actions such as resizing replay windows, adjusting volume, and adjusting picture quality. User input may be provided via, e.g., a keyboard connected to the client device 20, via a remote associated with client device 20, or via any other input means. As discussed, media data is also presented as part of a media experience. Media data consists of presentation data for presentation on the client device 20. The following is a nonexhaustive list of exemplary media data which may be included in a media experience: a streaming media presentation, including video and/or audio presentation(s), a television program, including a cable television (CATV), satellite, pay-per-view, or broadcast program, a digitally compressed media experience, a radio program, a recorded media event (sourced by a VCR, DVD player, CD player, personal video recorder or the like), a real-time media event, a camera feed, etc. The media data may be in any format or of any type which can be presented on client device 20, such as music (formatted as MP3s, WMVs, etc.), streaming audio/video, photos (formatted as JPEGS, GIFs, etc.), movie files (formatted as MOVs, MPEG, etc.), advertisements, broadcast media (radio, TV, cable, etc.), graphics data, etc. Thus, a user with local PC located in a home office could use that PC to watch a streaming video program from the Internet on a television (a first remote endpoint device) in the family room. Moreover, using the same PC, a second user could simultaneously watch on another television set (a second remote endpoint device presenting second media experience) a video stored on the local PC. It is noted that these scenarios can be further extended to a myriad of circumstances. For instance, a third user could simultaneously observe a camera feed inputted into local PC that is remoted to a third remote endpoint device. A fourth user could use local PC to remote a fourth instantiation of a media experience to watch a remoted television program on a monitor (also an endpoint device) that does not include a TV tuner. Because, as discussed above, the media experience is intended to enable a simple, rich user interface that integrates media data along with the user control functionality necessary to control the media data presentation, it is important that the media experience be protected from unauthorized presentations of user interface data. Such unauthorized presentations may be derived from an attack by a hacker or other adversary, attempting to interfere with or preempt all or part of the media experience, either via the server 10 or via the network connection 30. Additionally, such unauthorized presentations may be a result of rogue software on server 10. While the software application(s) which are intended to control the presentation of the media experience on the client device 20 can be programmed to function to provide the media experience according to some predetermined plan, providing the aforementioned simple, rich user interface, there may be other software on server 10 which attempts to provide user interface data 40 for display on the client device 20. Where such displays do not conform to the unified media experience intended, this will interfere with the aforementioned goals for consistency, usability and aesthetic appeal of the media experience. Generally, where remoting is not being performed, one method in which unauthorized processes can be prevented from performing unauthorized activity is to examine each process and verify that it is authorized. One such verification technique is to have authorized applications be verifiable through a digital signature. Thus, for example, before a process is allowed to perform an activity, the image of the executable associated with the process is examined to determine if it is digitally signed by an acceptable authority. Only if it is so signed is the process allowed to perform the activity. Alternatively, when the determination is made that a process is not properly signed, that process may be terminated. However, using this technique to prevent unauthorized activity on a remote client device session 11 presents several disadvantages. Firstly, the server 10 may not include the processing power to analyze every process and determine whether it is verifiable. If many processes produce traffic which is detected by the server 10, this may cause performance problems. Secondly, where the technique requires that unverifiable processes be terminated, and where it is possible to allow each remote client device session 11 to terminate processes, permitting them to do so may lead to instability if verification in a remote client devices session 11 terminates processes as unauthorized which are used by the server 10 under some alternate policy. It would thus be desirable to have a technique to restrict the presentation of user interface data on a remote device to authorized processes, while overcoming drawbacks such as those described above. The present invention addresses the aforementioned needs and solves them with additional advantages as expressed herein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention allows for the enforcement of the integrity of the media experience without the drawbacks described above. In order to provide for efficient security of a remote presentation (such as a remote display) on a client which presents user interface data from a remote server, all requests for actions that are to be performed on the client are examined to determine if they are requests for user interface presentation. If the request is a request for user interface presentation, it is verified to ensure that the request is valid. For example, the request may be analyzed to verify that it comes from an approved source. This verification may be achieved by cryptographic techniques such as digital signatures. If the request is a user interface request which is verifiable, then the request is served. If the request is a user interface request which cannot be verified, the request is served, if possible, without presenting the user interface data from the request. For example, visual data may be hidden and audio data may be played at zero or minimal volume. Otherwise, the request is not serviced and the connection from the client to the server is, in one embodiment, terminated. Thus, according to one embodiment, a request is generated by the server for performing an action. If the request is a user interface presentation request, its validity is determined. If the request can be determined to be valid, then the user interface data from the request is transmitted to the client's computer for presentation on the client, e.g., for rendering on the video display or speakers. Additionally, a module on the client may also provide verification of the client to the server. The client is verified by some means such that the interface 40 between server and client should not be compromised. Securing this connections should be familiar to someone with prior knowledge in the field of cryptography. Other features of the invention are described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings exemplary constructions of the invention; however, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating remote computing with a server and a client device; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing environment in which aspects of the invention may be implemented; FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a client device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for presenting user interface data received via a connection from a source according to one embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for presenting user interface data received via a connection from a source according to one embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS Exemplary Computing Environment FIG. 2 shows an exemplary computing environment in which aspects of the invention may be implemented. The computing system environment 100 is only one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the invention. Neither should the computing environment 100 be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment 100. The invention is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, embedded systems, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like. The invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network or other data transmission medium. In a distributed computing environment, program modules and other data may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices. With reference to FIG. 2, an exemplary system for implementing the invention includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a computer 110. Components of computer 110 may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit 120, a system memory 130, and a system bus 121 that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit 120. The processing unit 120 may represent multiple logical processing units such as those supported on a multi-threaded processor. The system bus 121 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus (also known as Mezzanine bus). The system bus 121 may also be implemented as a point-to-point connection, switching fabric, or the like, among the communicating devices. Computer 110 typically includes a variety of computer readable media. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by computer 110 and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CDROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can accessed by computer 110. Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer readable media. The system memory 130 includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 131 and random access memory (RAM) 132. A basic input/output system 133 (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer 110, such as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM 131. RAM 132 typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processing unit 120. By way of example, and not limitation, FIG. 2 illustrates operating system 134, application programs 135, other program modules 136, and program data 137. The computer 110 may also include other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only, FIG. 2 illustrates a hard disk drive 140 that reads from or writes to non-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive 151 that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk 152, and an optical disk drive 155 that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile optical disk 156, such as a CD ROM or other optical media. Other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the exemplary operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM, and the like. The hard disk drive 141 is typically connected to the system bus 121 through a non-removable memory interface such as interface 140, and magnetic disk drive 151 and optical disk drive 155 are typically connected to the system bus 121 by a removable memory interface, such as interface 150. The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 2, provide storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer 110. In FIG. 2, for example, hard disk drive 141 is illustrated as storing operating system 144, application programs 145, other program modules 146, and program data 147. Note that these components can either be the same as or different from operating system 134, application programs 135, other program modules 136, and program data 137. Operating system 144, application programs 145, other program modules 146, and program data 147 are given different numbers here to illustrate that, at a minimum, they are different copies. A user may enter commands and information into the computer 110 through input devices such as a keyboard 162 and pointing device 161, commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball or touch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 120 through a user input interface 160 that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor 191 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 121 via an interface, such as a video interface 190. In addition to the monitor, computers may also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers 197 and printer 196, which may be connected through an output peripheral interface 195. The computer system 110 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 180. The remote computer 180 may be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer system 110, although only a memory storage device 181 has been illustrated in FIG. 2. The logical connections depicted in FIG. 2 include a local area network (LAN) 171 and a wide area network (WAN) 173, but may also include other networks. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet. When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer system 110 is connected to the LAN 171 through a network interface or adapter 170. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer system 110 typically includes a modem 172 or other means for establishing communications over the WAN 173, such as the Internet. The modem 172, which may be internal or external, may be connected to the system bus 121 via the user input interface 160, or other appropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer system 110, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. By way of example, and not limitation, FIG. 2 illustrates remote application programs 185 as residing on memory device 181. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used. User Experience Enforcement FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a client device session 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention. According to one embodiment, in order to enforce a user experience for presentation on the client device, an experience enforcement module 310 is included in the client device session 11. Client device session 11 preferably exists on the server as a virtualized session that represents the data to be rendered on the actual client device. The experience enforcement module 310 handles presentation data managed by the client device session 11. In one exemplary embodiment, remoting service 340 is a source connected to the client device 20 via a RDP connection as described above; however, this invention is not limited to use with such a RDP connection or Microsoft Corporation's Terminal Services for the remoting service. (Remoting service 340 exists on the server side, and its counterpart on the client side is external source 350. External source 350 is the connection to the host and represents the data to and from the server. This data include presentation data as well as user input data. In an example embodiment, external source 350 is the object that implements the remote desktop protocol (RDP), and it send that data appropriately to client for handling.) For all activity received from the remoting service 340 sent to the session 11, the experience enforcement module 310 determines whether any incoming process calls for a user interface activity. That is, the experience enforcement module 310 determines whether the process indicates an activity which is attempting to present data to the user, that is, whether it is a user interface (UI) process 15. This may be done in a variety of ways. In a system which is running according to some varieties of Microsoft Corporation's Windows operating system, the applications programming interface (API) can provide information regarding whether the process is a UI process. If the incoming process is attempting to present data to the user represented by the session 11, a check of the UI process 15 (e.g., application 15 shown in FIG. 1) is performed in order to verify that that process is valid for the experience which is to be presented on client device 20 by core experience module 320. This check may also be performed before the experience enforcement module 310 has determined that the process is a UI process. If the process is a UI process and is valid for the experience, the presentation of data is allowed to proceed. The UI data which is the subject of the request is passed to the remoting service 340 via the session to client device 20. The UI data is then handled by the Presenter 330. Presenter 330 actually presents the data to the user, e.g. by displaying it on a monitor or other visual display device or playing it on audio speakers associated with the client device 20. According to one embodiment, if the process is not valid for the experience, the data presentation requested by the process is suppressed. If the process is requesting visual data be presented on client device 20, suppressing the visual data is accomplished, if possible, by generating instructions that would cause presenter 330 at the client to close, hide, or move the presentation. For example, a window to be displayed on presenter 330 according to a process which is not valid for the experience may be minimized, moved behind an existing valid window (e.g. using z-order layering), or moved off of the screen. An audio presentation to be played according to a process which is invalid for the experience may be suppressed by reducing the volume of the playback. Alternate types of data to be presented on client device 20 may be suppressed in other, similar ways. Such suppression allows the process to continue functioning normally, without an indication that the suppression has occurred. It may be, however, that such suppression of the data to be presented by an invalid process is not possible. For example, the suppression of a window to be displayed by a process may call for the window to be placed in the background, overlapped completely by a window from a valid process. However, if the process attempts to foreground the window, such foregrounding should not be allowed to occur. In such cases, or in any other cases where the user interface data from the invalid UI process does not admit to being suppressed, the session with the external source 350 is terminated and restarted. Validation of the Process In order to validate the process, it is contemplated that any software authentication technique, including cryptographic techniques, may be used. In one embodiment, at the initiation of the core experience module 320 and the experience enforcement module 310, a trusted chain of software is verified which ensures that the experience enforcement module 310 can be trusted to validate processes for the session from the operating system and distinguish valid processes from ones that are not verifiable. Once the chain of trust is established, the binary signature for a process attempting to provide user interface data is examined. If it is verified and valid for the experience, then the presentation of the user interface data is allowed to proceed. If not, then the presentation of the data suppressed. In one embodiment, if such suppression is not possible, the session connecting the client device 20 is terminated and restarted. In an alternate embodiment, when a certain number of such terminations occur, the session connecting the client device 20 is ended and not restarted. Generally, the core experience module 320 contains information regarding valid processes which should be allowed to present user interface data for the session. The experience enforcement module 310 additionally receives information regarding which processes are to be considered valid for the experience. Such information is provided by the server operating system. The information should be received in a manner which is verifiable by the experience enforcement module 310. In one embodiment, the chain of trusted software, once verified, can be used to receive information about valid processes which can present UI to the experience. This information includes a list of valid processes for presenting UI to the experience, and may be updated as processes are created or removed from the list of valid processes. According to one embodiment, the experience enforcement module 320 also participates in a verification process for the remoting service. Periodically, the experience enforcement provides verification information to the remoting service by sending experience verification information to the service, shown as arrow 312. This experience verification information, in one embodiment, includes a signed image of the core experience module 320. The remoting source 340 can use this information to verify that the experience enforcement module 310 has not been compromised. In such an embodiment, if the remoting service 340 does not receive correct experience verification information from the experience enforcement module 310, or if no information is received within a certain period of time, the remoting service 340 terminates communications with the client 20. Methods of Presenting User Interface Data FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for presenting user interface data according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 4, step 400, first, a request is received for performing an action. A determination is made as to whether said request is a user interface presentation request, decision step 410. If it is, the validity of the request is determined, decision step 420. If the request is a valid user interface presentation request, the user interface data is presented 430. In one embodiment, presenting the user interface data means that the data that represents instructions to presenter 330 (shown in FIG. 3) are delivered to the client. In one embodiment, if the request is not valid, then it is determined whether the request can be serviced without presenting user interface data, decision step 423. If the request can be serviced without presenting user interface data, step 425, then it is serviced without presenting user interface data. This may be done, for example, by sending instructions to the client that cause the display area to be minimized or hidden underneath other display data, or, for audio UI data, sending instructions that cause the audio to be played at a minimal or zero volume. If the request cannot be serviced without presenting the user interface data, then it is not serviced. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for presenting user interface data received via a connection from a source according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5, step 500, when a valid binary is received for the core experience module, the core experience is started. Then, in step 510, all user interface processes are reviewed. For each user interface process found 513, a check is performed of the validity of the process, step 520. For example, a runtime check may be performed of a digital signature for each executing binary implementing a user interface process to determine if the executing binary is valid to present UI. If a process is found which cannot be verified as valid, 523, then the UI is suppressed or the session providing the remote content to the client is terminated, 530. Additionally, when a new process to present UI is detected 540, the check 520 is performed to determine if the process is valid. If no UI processes are found 515 or if all UI processes are verified, then the process may be repeated periodically 550. Optionally, verification information for a module on the client may be presented to the remote server in order to continue the connection, step 545. CONCLUSION It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitations. Further, although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those who are skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may effect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Remote computing gives a computing system the capability to serve operating system-based applications from the computing system to remote devices. FIG. 1 generally illustrates how remote computing operates between a server and a client device. Server 10 and client device 20 (sometimes called an “endpoint”) communicate over any network connection 30 , whether wired or wireless. In one embodiment, this “remoting” communication is provided through a specific protocol, such as Microsoft Corporation's Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or another protocol, running over a connection, such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), utilizing Microsoft Corporation's Terminal Services to manage the connection. The connection in this embodiment maybe referred to as the RDP connection. Microsoft Corporation's Terminal Services creates a virtual environment that represents all resource needed to present user interface data to a client device 20 and process user input from the client device 20 . This virtual environment is also known as session 11 . When using RDP and Terminal Services, in order for display information to be displayed on the client device 20 , on the server 10 RDP uses its own video driver to render the display output by constructing the rendering information into network packets using RDP protocol. These packets are then sent over the network connection 30 to the client device 20 . On the client, RDP receives rendering data and interprets the packets into corresponding graphics device interface API calls. For the input path, client mouse and keyboard events are redirected from the client to the server. Thus, more generally, application 15 executes on the server 10 in a session 11 . User interface data 40 , representing data to be presented on client device 20 in connection with session 11 representing application 15 , is transmitted to the client device 20 . This user interface data 40 can include media data (e.g. a recorded video presentation) and/or user control data (e.g. a menu for controlling a recorded video presentation). Further more a session 11 can represent the set of applications that will be present on the client device 20 . For any Server 10 , there can be multiple sessions presenting user interface data to client devices. In this embodiment, the session which represents the set of user experience to be rendered on the client is managed by the server; however, one can imagine an embodiment in which this management is done on the client. The user interface data 40 is then rendered or displayed, e.g., on display 25 on client device 20 . While a display is discussed and shown in FIG. 1 , any presentation of a user interface, e.g. by visual or audio displays or otherwise, may be used. The user of client device 20 who is viewing a menu, for example, displayed as part of user interface data 40 , can respond (e.g. in order to perform operations in connection with server 10 as if the application 15 were running locally). This is done via input 45 to client device 20 respecting application 15 , which is transmitted back to server 10 . The input 45 is received by the remote computing server software on the server 10 , and the operation is performed on server 10 on behalf of client device 20 , possibly changing the user interface data 40 which is to be displayed or otherwise presented on client device 20 . In this way, the user input helps control the transmission and presentation of the user interface data 40 . As discussed above, media data is transmitted and presented as part of the user interface data 40 on client device 20 . The user interface data 40 presented on client device 20 creates what is termed a media experience. The media experience unifies the different information (e.g. media data providing, e.g., video and audio displays, and user control data to control the presentation of media data) presented on client device 20 . Thus, for example, menus used to control different types of media data may be coordinated in order to increase usability and the general aesthetic appeal of the media experience. Multiple media experiences can each be instantiated and received by respective endpoint client devices. Each media experience is controlled by at least one server. User interfaces data presented on client device 20 can include graphics that typically compose a user control interface. Other non-graphical control data may also be presented, e.g. audio data dealing with user control. In order to control the media experience, typical actions that a remote user may desire to carry out via the user interfaces include commands over media data, such as stop, fast forward, and rewind. In addition, the user may be provided with controls to perform conventional computer commands to enable actions such as resizing replay windows, adjusting volume, and adjusting picture quality. User input may be provided via, e.g., a keyboard connected to the client device 20 , via a remote associated with client device 20 , or via any other input means. As discussed, media data is also presented as part of a media experience. Media data consists of presentation data for presentation on the client device 20 . The following is a nonexhaustive list of exemplary media data which may be included in a media experience: a streaming media presentation, including video and/or audio presentation(s), a television program, including a cable television (CATV), satellite, pay-per-view, or broadcast program, a digitally compressed media experience, a radio program, a recorded media event (sourced by a VCR, DVD player, CD player, personal video recorder or the like), a real-time media event, a camera feed, etc. The media data may be in any format or of any type which can be presented on client device 20 , such as music (formatted as MP3s, WMVs, etc.), streaming audio/video, photos (formatted as JPEGS, GIFs, etc.), movie files (formatted as MOVs, MPEG, etc.), advertisements, broadcast media (radio, TV, cable, etc.), graphics data, etc. Thus, a user with local PC located in a home office could use that PC to watch a streaming video program from the Internet on a television (a first remote endpoint device) in the family room. Moreover, using the same PC, a second user could simultaneously watch on another television set (a second remote endpoint device presenting second media experience) a video stored on the local PC. It is noted that these scenarios can be further extended to a myriad of circumstances. For instance, a third user could simultaneously observe a camera feed inputted into local PC that is remoted to a third remote endpoint device. A fourth user could use local PC to remote a fourth instantiation of a media experience to watch a remoted television program on a monitor (also an endpoint device) that does not include a TV tuner. Because, as discussed above, the media experience is intended to enable a simple, rich user interface that integrates media data along with the user control functionality necessary to control the media data presentation, it is important that the media experience be protected from unauthorized presentations of user interface data. Such unauthorized presentations may be derived from an attack by a hacker or other adversary, attempting to interfere with or preempt all or part of the media experience, either via the server 10 or via the network connection 30 . Additionally, such unauthorized presentations may be a result of rogue software on server 10 . While the software application(s) which are intended to control the presentation of the media experience on the client device 20 can be programmed to function to provide the media experience according to some predetermined plan, providing the aforementioned simple, rich user interface, there may be other software on server 10 which attempts to provide user interface data 40 for display on the client device 20 . Where such displays do not conform to the unified media experience intended, this will interfere with the aforementioned goals for consistency, usability and aesthetic appeal of the media experience. Generally, where remoting is not being performed, one method in which unauthorized processes can be prevented from performing unauthorized activity is to examine each process and verify that it is authorized. One such verification technique is to have authorized applications be verifiable through a digital signature. Thus, for example, before a process is allowed to perform an activity, the image of the executable associated with the process is examined to determine if it is digitally signed by an acceptable authority. Only if it is so signed is the process allowed to perform the activity. Alternatively, when the determination is made that a process is not properly signed, that process may be terminated. However, using this technique to prevent unauthorized activity on a remote client device session 11 presents several disadvantages. Firstly, the server 10 may not include the processing power to analyze every process and determine whether it is verifiable. If many processes produce traffic which is detected by the server 10 , this may cause performance problems. Secondly, where the technique requires that unverifiable processes be terminated, and where it is possible to allow each remote client device session 11 to terminate processes, permitting them to do so may lead to instability if verification in a remote client devices session 11 terminates processes as unauthorized which are used by the server 10 under some alternate policy. It would thus be desirable to have a technique to restrict the presentation of user interface data on a remote device to authorized processes, while overcoming drawbacks such as those described above. The present invention addresses the aforementioned needs and solves them with additional advantages as expressed herein. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention allows for the enforcement of the integrity of the media experience without the drawbacks described above. In order to provide for efficient security of a remote presentation (such as a remote display) on a client which presents user interface data from a remote server, all requests for actions that are to be performed on the client are examined to determine if they are requests for user interface presentation. If the request is a request for user interface presentation, it is verified to ensure that the request is valid. For example, the request may be analyzed to verify that it comes from an approved source. This verification may be achieved by cryptographic techniques such as digital signatures. If the request is a user interface request which is verifiable, then the request is served. If the request is a user interface request which cannot be verified, the request is served, if possible, without presenting the user interface data from the request. For example, visual data may be hidden and audio data may be played at zero or minimal volume. Otherwise, the request is not serviced and the connection from the client to the server is, in one embodiment, terminated. Thus, according to one embodiment, a request is generated by the server for performing an action. If the request is a user interface presentation request, its validity is determined. If the request can be determined to be valid, then the user interface data from the request is transmitted to the client's computer for presentation on the client, e.g., for rendering on the video display or speakers. Additionally, a module on the client may also provide verification of the client to the server. The client is verified by some means such that the interface 40 between server and client should not be compromised. Securing this connections should be familiar to someone with prior knowledge in the field of cryptography. Other features of the invention are described below. | 20040730 | 20100824 | 20060202 | 65657.0 | G06F15173 | 0 | KE, PENG | USER EXPERIENCE ENFORCEMENT | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
|
10,903,452 | ACCEPTED | Generating software components from business rules expressed in a natural language | An embodiment of the present invention is a method for generating software components from one or more business rule statements expressed in a language. Symbols of a vocabulary of a language and business rule statements expressed using the symbols of the vocabulary of the language are received as input. The language has grammatical rules. Each of the business rule statements is parsed in accordance with the grammatical rules to generate a language-based structure. The language-based structure is processed to generate an expression model. The expression model is processed to generate a logical model. The logical model is processed to generate platform-independent implementation model in response to a user request for such generation. A target platform description is received. The platform-independent implementation model is processed to generate a platform-specific implementation model using the target platform description. Software components are generated from the platform-specific implementation model for deployment. | 1. A method comprising: receiving symbols of a vocabulary of a language and at least one rule statement expressed using the symbols of the vocabulary of the language, the language having grammatical rules; parsing the rule statement in accordance with the grammatical rules to generate a language-based structure of the rule statement; processing the language-based structure of the rule statement corresponding to an expression to generate an expression model; processing the expression model to generate a logical model; processing the logical model to generate a platform-independent implementation model in response to a request for such generation; receiving a target platform description; and processing the platform-independent implementation model using the target platform description to generate a platform-specific implementation model. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: processing the platform-specific model to generate software components for deployment. 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing feedback to a user regarding the rule statement to resolve logical inconsistency. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein parsing the rule statement comprises: breaking the rule statement into tokens; identifying, among the tokens, first tokens that correspond to terms, and, if the rule statement includes names, second tokens that correspond to the names; identifying, among the tokens, third tokens that correspond to connecting symbols; identifying, among the tokens, fourth tokens that correspond to key words and phrases; and constructing a parse tree representing the language-based structure of the rule statement. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the language-based structure of the rule statement corresponding to an expression to generate an expression model comprises: creating a model element for the expression; determining whether the expression has a logical connective; if the expression has no logical connective, marking the expression as a simple expression; identifying function form that corresponds to the expression; and processing the model element representing the expression; if the expression has a logical connective, creating a model element for the logical connective. 6. The method of claim 5 further comprising: if the expression has a logical connective, repeating recursively the operations in claim 5 for each of the propositions included in the expression that are connected by the logical connective, substituting each of the propositions as the expression in the operations. 7. The method of claim 5 wherein processing the model element representing the expression comprises: for a role in the expression, creating a role expression; determining whether the operator in the role expression is a pronominal operator; if the operator in the role expression is a pronominal operator referring to a discourse referent, creating a model element referencing the discourse referent; else, creating a model element representing the operator. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the expression model to generate a logical model comprises: processing terms included in the expression model to associate each of the terms with a type; processing a sentence form included in the expression model to associate the sentence form with a fact type; if the expression model includes a name, processing the name to map the name to a type, the name corresponding to a term of the processed terms. if the expression model includes a nominal restrictive form, processing the nominal restrictive form to map the nominal restrictive form to a fact type. if the expression model includes a mathematical function form, processing the mathematical function form to map the mathematical function form to a fact type. if the expression model includes an identity criterion, processing the identity criterion to map the identity criterion to a type; if at least one of the types has type specializations or generalizations, deriving the type specializations and generalizations for the one of the types; if at least one of the types has fact type specializations or generalizations, deriving the fact type specializations and generalizations for the one of the fact types; and if the expression model includes an expression, processing the expression to generate a logical formulation, the expression including at least one of a name, a term, a function form having at least a placeholder, and an identity criterion. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the logical model to generate a platform-independent implementation model comprises: generating a component interface model from the business rule if the business rule is an authorization rule to provide information or an authorization rule to request information; generating a database model from the logical model; and generating an execution model from the logical model. 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the target platform description comprises: specification of a component interface technology; specification of a database system; and specification of a programming platform. 11. A system comprising: a language parser for parsing at least one rule statement based on a vocabulary of a language and grammatical rules of the language to generate a language-dependent structure of the rule statement; an expression model generator for processing the language-dependent structure of the rule statement to generate an expression model; a logical model generator for processing the expression model to generate a logical model; a platform-independent implementation model generator for processing the logical model to generate a platform-independent implementation model in response to a request for such generation; and a platform-specific implementation model generator for receiving description of a target platform and processing the platform-independent implementation model using the description of the target platform to generate a platform-specific implementation model. 12. The system of claim 11 further comprising: a software component generator for generating and assembling software components for deployment on the target platform. 13. The system of claim 11 further comprising: a graphic user interface for receiving the rule statement and the vocabulary of the language; wherein the logical model generator is in communication with the language parser and the graphical user interface to provide feedback to a user regarding logical consistency of the rule statement. 14. An article of manufacture comprising: a machine-accessible medium including data that, when accessed by a machine, causes the machine to perform operations comprising: receiving symbols of a vocabulary of a language and at least one rule statement expressed using the symbols of the vocabulary of the language, the language having grammatical rules; parsing the rule statement in accordance with the grammatical rules to generate a language-based structure of the rule statement; processing the language-based structure of the rule statement corresponding to an expression to generate an expression model; processing the expression model to generate a logical model; processing the logical model to generate a platform-independent implementation model in response to a request for such generation; receiving a target platform description; and processing the platform-independent implementation model using the target platform description to generate a platform-specific implementation model. 15. The article of manufacture of claim 14 wherein the data further comprises data that, when accessed by the machine, causes the machine to perform operations comprising: processing the platform-specific model to generate software components for deployment. 16. The article of manufacture of claim 14 wherein the data further comprises data that, when accessed by the machine, causes the machine to perform operations comprising: providing feedback to a user regarding the rule statement to resolve logical inconsistency. 17. The article of manufacture of claim 14 wherein the data causing the machine to perform the operation of parsing the rule statement comprises data that, when accessed by the machine, causes the machine to perform operations comprising: breaking the rule statement into tokens; identifying, among the tokens, first tokens that correspond to terms, and, if the rule statement includes names, second tokens that correspond to the names; identifying, among the tokens, third tokens that correspond to connecting symbols; identifying, among the tokens, fourth tokens that correspond to key words and phrases; and constructing a parse tree representing the language-based structure of the rule statement. 18. The article of manufacture of claim 14 wherein the data causing the machine to perform the operation of processing the language-based structure of the rule statement corresponding to an expression to generate an expression model comprises data that, when accessed by the machine, causes the machine to perform operations comprising: creating a model element for the expression; determining whether the expression has a logical connective; if the expression has no logical connective, marking the expression as a simple expression; identifying function form that corresponds to the expression; and processing the model element representing the expression; if the expression has a logical connective, creating a model element for the logical connective. 19. The article of manufacture of claim 18 wherein the data causing the machine to perform the operation of processing the language-based structure of the rule statement corresponding to an expression to generate an expression model further comprises data that, when accessed by the machine, causes the machine to perform operations comprising: if the expression has a logical connective, repeating recursively the operations in claim 5 for each of the propositions included in the expression that are connected by the logical connective, substituting each of the proposition as the expression in the operations. 20. The article of manufacture of claim 18 wherein the data causing the machine to perform the operation of processing the model element representing the expression comprises data that, when accessed by the machine, causes the machine to perform operations comprising: for a role in the expression, creating a role expression; determining whether the operator in the role expression is a pronominal operator; if the operator in the role expression is a pronominal operator referring to a discourse referent, creating a model element referencing the discourse referent; else, creating a model element representing the operator. 21. The article of manufacture of claim 14 wherein the data causing the machine to perform the operation of processing the expression model to generate a logical model comprises data that, when accessed by the machine, causes the machine to perform operations comprising: processing terms included in the expression model to associate each of the terms with a type; processing a sentence form included in the expression model to associate the sentence form with a fact type; if the expression model includes a name, processing the name to map the name to a type, the name corresponding to a term of the processed terms. if the expression model includes a nominal restrictive form, processing the nominal restrictive form to map the nominal restrictive form to a fact type. if the expression model includes a mathematical function form, processing the mathematical function form to map the mathematical function form to a fact type. if the expression model includes an identity criterion, processing the identity criterion to map the identity criterion to a type; if at least one of the types has type specializations or generalizations, deriving the type specializations and generalizations for the one of the types; if at least one of the types has fact type specializations or generalizations, deriving the fact type specializations and generalizations for the one of the fact types; and if the expression model includes an expression, processing the expression to generate a logical formulation, the expression including at least one of a name, a term, a function form having at least a placeholder, and an identity criterion. 22. The article of manufacture of claim 14 wherein the data causing the machine to perform the operation of processing the logical model to generate a platform-independent implementation model comprises data that, when accessed by the machine, causes the machine to perform operations comprising: generating a component interface model from the business rule if the business rule is an authorization rule to provide information or an authorization rule to request information; generating a database model from the logical model; and generating an execution model from the logical model. 23. The article of manufacture of claim 14 wherein the target platform description comprises: specification of a component interface technology; specification of a database system; and specification of a programming platform. 24. A system comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor, the memory containing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive symbols of a vocabulary of a language and at least one rule statement expressed using the symbols of the vocabulary of the language, the language having grammatical rules; parse the rule statement in accordance with the grammatical rules to generate a language-based structure of the rule statement; process the language-based structure of the rule statement corresponding to an expression to generate an expression model; process the expression model to generate a logical model; process the logical model to generate a platform-independent implementation model in response to a request for such generation; receive a target platform description; and process the platform-independent implementation model using the target platform description to generate a platform-specific implementation model. 25. The system of claim 24 wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: process the platform-specific model to generate software components for deployment. 26. The system of claim 24 wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: provide feedback to a user regarding the rule statement to resolve logical inconsistency. 27. The system of claim 24 wherein the instructions causing the processor to parse the rule statement comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: break the rule statement into tokens; identify, among the tokens, first tokens that correspond to terms, and, if the rule statement includes names, second tokens that correspond to the names; identify, among the tokens, third tokens that correspond to connecting symbols; identify, among the tokens, fourth tokens that correspond to key words and phrases; and construct a parse tree representing the language-based structure of the rule statement. 28. The system of claim 24 wherein the instructions causing the processor to process the language-based structure of the rule statement corresponding to an expression to generate an expression model comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: create a model element for the expression; determine whether the expression has a logical connective; if the expression has no logical connective, mark the expression as a simple expression; identify function form that corresponds to the expression; and process the model element representing the expression; if the expression has a logical connective, create a model element for the logical connective. 29. The system of claim 28 wherein the instructions causing the processor to process the language-based structure of the rule statement to generate an expression model further comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: if the expression has a logical connective, repeat recursively the operations in claim 5 for each of the propositions included in the expression that are connected by the logical connective, substituting each of the proposition as the expression in the operations. 30. The system of claim 28 wherein the instructions causing the processor to process the model element representing the expression comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: for a role in the expression, creating a role expression; determine whether the operator in the role expression is a pronominal operator; if the operator in the role expression is a pronominal operator referring to a discourse referent, create a model element referencing the discourse referent; else, create a model element representing the operator. 31. The system of claim 24 wherein the instructions causing the processor to process the expression model to generate a logical model comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: process terms included in the expression model to associate each of the terms with a type; process a sentence form included in the expression model to associate the sentence form with a fact type; if the expression model includes a name, process the name to map the name to a type, the name corresponding to a term of the processed terms. if the expression model includes a nominal restrictive form, process the nominal restrictive form to map the nominal restrictive form to a fact type. if the expression model includes a mathematical function form, process the mathematical function form to map the mathematical function form to a fact type. if the expression model includes an identity criterion, process the identity criterion to map the identity criterion to a type; if at least one of the types has type specializations or generalizations, derive the type specializations and generalizations for the one of the types; if at least one of the types has fact type specializations or generalizations, derive the fact type specializations and generalizations for the one of the fact types; and if the expression model includes an expression, process the expression to generate a logical formulation, the expression including at least one of a name, a term, a function form having at least a placeholder, and an identity criterion. 32. The system of claim 24 wherein the instructions causing the processor to process the logical model to generate a platform-independent implementation model comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: generate a component interface model from the business rule if the business rule is an authorization rule to provide information or an authorization rule to request information; generate a database model from the logical model; and generate an execution model from the logical model. 33. The system of claim 24 wherein the target platform description comprises: specification of a component interface technology; specification of a database system; and specification of a programming platform. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to the following patent applications: Ser. No. 10/836,832 (Attorney Docket No. PQH03-057) entitled “Generating Programmatic Interfaces From Natural Language Expressions Of Authorizations For Provision Of Information”, filed on Apr. 30, 2004; Ser. No. 10/837,299 (Attorney Docket No. PQH03-058) entitled “Generating Programmatic Interfaces From Natural Language Expressions Of Authorizations For Request Of Information”, filed on Apr. 30, 2004; Ser. No. 10/860,672 (Attorney Docket No. PQH04-008) entitled “Generating A Logical Model Of Objects From A Representation Of Linguistic Concepts For Use In Software Model Generation”, filed on Jun. 3, 2004; and Serial Number (Attorney Docket No. PQH04-010) entitled “Generating A Database Model From Natural Language Expressions Of Business Rules”, filed on Jul. 27, 2004; all assigned to the same assignee as the present application, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention Embodiments of the invention relate to generation of software components from business rules expressed in natural language. 2. Description of Related Art Natural language used by humans to communicate tends to be contextual and imprecise. To automate natural language processing using computerized methods, certain rules are usually imposed to confine the natural language expressions to a well-defined format. There are several applications that can provide an environment where natural language expressions may be expressed in an unambiguous format. One such application is business language. Business language can be used to describe a business organization and the business rules that are applicable to the business organization. There are existing tools that help business people build formal business vocabularies. There are techniques developed by linguists for parsing well formed natural language statements into structures that represent the statements in terms of formal logics. There are various software-based approaches that assist people in moving from business requirements stated in business language into software designs, and from designs to implemented systems. For example, there are well documented techniques for generating a relational data model from a logical model of concepts and fact types, such as the techniques described in “Information Modeling and Relational Databases From Conceptual Analysis to Logical Design”, pages 412-454, by Terry Halpin, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2001. Examples of implementations of such generation are provided by database development tools such as Microsoft Visio (with Object Role Modeling) and InfoModeler of Asymetrix Corporation. For example, there are software tools that perform automated generation of an execution model from a logical model. Examples of such software tools include the product LINC from Unisys Corporation, ActiveQuery tool from Visio Corporation and Internet Business Logic from Reengineering LLC. However, these existing techniques only support some parts, but not all, of the transformation from business rules expressed in a natural language to software components. Currently, there does not exist a technique to provide an integrated system for automatically generating software components and databases from business rules expressed in a natural language. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention is a method for generating software components from one or more business rule statements expressed in a language. Symbols of a vocabulary of a language and rule statements expressed using the symbols of the vocabulary of the language are received as input. The language has grammatical rules. Each of the business rule statements is parsed in accordance with the grammatical rules to generate a language-based structure. The language-based structure is processed to generate an expression model. The expression model is processed to generate a logical model. The logical model is processed to generate platform-independent implementation model in response to a user request for such generation. A target platform description is received. The platform-independent implementation model is processed to generate a platform-specific implementation model using the target platform description. Software components are generated from the platform-specific implementation model for deployment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention may best be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrate embodiments of the invention. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment 100 of the system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process 200 for generating deployable software components from business rules expressed in a natural language. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process 300 for parsing a rule statement to produce a language-based structure of the rule statement. Process 300 is called by block 204 of process 200 (FIG. 2). FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment 400 of the process for processing the language-based structure of a rule statement to generate an expression model for the rule statement. Process 400 is called by block 206 of process 200 (FIG. 2). FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process 410 of process 400 (FIG. 4) for processing a model element representing a simple expression. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process 600 for processing the expression model to generate a logical model. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an Object Role Modeling (ORM) representation of a logical model that can be generated by an embodiment of the present invention, such as the logical model generator 140 in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 800 in which one embodiment of the invention can be practiced. DESCRIPTION An embodiment of the present invention is a method for generating software components from one or more business rule statements expressed in a language. Symbols of a vocabulary of a language and business rule statements expressed using the symbols of the vocabulary of the language are received as input. The language has grammatical rules. Each of the business rule statements is parsed in accordance with the grammatical rules to generate a language-based structure. The language-based structure is processed to generate an expression model. The expression model is processed to generate a logical model. The logical model is processed to generate platform-independent implementation model in response to a user request for such generation. A target platform description is received. The platform-independent implementation model is processed to generate a platform-specific implementation model using the target platform description. Software components are generated from the platform-specific implementation model for deployment. The use of the present invention allows business people to use their business language, not a programming language, in stating business rules. Business rules are stated as declarative statements of what a business requires, not as procedural instructions or steps performed in a process. The present invention supports business rules stated in any natural language (e.g., English, French, German, etc.). Embodiments of the present invention allow software components and databases to be generated from business rules without requiring any action from a human programmer. In one embodiment of the present invention, business rules are automatically checked for logical consistency so that business people are assisted in writing correct and useful business rules as input to the system. One embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-tier architecture where data and logic are in separate tiers. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in order not to obscure the understanding of this description. Many relevant linguistic concepts are used in the following description. These concepts are developed using a linguistic terminology that includes a number of terms. These terms include “expression”, “nominal expression”, “term”, “name”, “numerical literal”, “textual literal”, “role expression”, “sentence”, “simple sentence”, “complex sentence”, “function form”, “sentence form”, “parametric operator”, “interrogative operator”, “propositional interrogative”, “identification scheme”, “type”, “category”, “role”, “supertype”, and “subtype”. An expression is a symbol or combination of symbols that means something. The meaning can be anything, including a proposition, a rule, a number, etc. A nominal expression is an expression that names a thing or things. A symbol is something representing, in the sense of meaning, something else. A term is a symbol that denotes being of a type, i.e., a common noun. Examples: “car” denoting a category of vehicle; “bank account”. A name is a symbol and a nominal expression; a symbol that names an individual thing, i.e., a proper noun. Examples: “California” naming a state of the United States; “Unisys” naming the company Unisys. A numerical literal is a name that denotes a number using numerals. Example: “123” meaning the number 123. A textual literal is a symbol and a nominal expression; a symbol that represents words, punctuation, textual characters or a sequence of any of these by literal presentation, as in quotation marks. Example: “hello” representing the word “hello”. A role expression is a nominal expression that consists primarily of a term given in place of a placeholder in an expression based on a function form, and consists secondarily of an operator (e.g., quantifier, pronominal operator, parametric operator, interrogative operator) and an object modifier applied to the term together with any expression of instances specifically referenced by the term, or, if the denoted type's range is restricted using a nominal restrictive form, that nominal restrictive form along with the expression of each argument to the function delineated by that form. Examples: “a checking account” in the expression “a checking account has the overdraw limit ($1000.00)”; “the overdraw limit ($1000.00)” in the expression “a checking account has the overdraw limit ($1000.00)”. A mathematical expression is a category of nominal expression. It is stated using a mathematical form and includes a nominal expression for each placeholder of the mathematical form. A sentence is an expression that denotes a proposition (possibly an open or interrogative proposition). A simple sentence is a sentence that is stated using a single sentence form, that is, with no logical connectives. It includes a nominal expression for each placeholder' of the sentence form. Example: “Each person has a name”. A complex sentence is a sentence that combines other sentences using a logical connective such as “if”, “and”, “or”, etc. Example: “Each American citizen has a name and a social security number”. A function form is a symbol and an expression; a complex symbol that is a sequence of typed placeholders and words interspersed that delineates a function and serves as a form for invoking the function in expressions. Each typed placeholder appears in the sequence as a term denoting the placeholder's type specially marked in some way (such as by underlining). A nominal restrictive form is a category of function form. It is a function form that can be the form of a nominal expression and that includes a placeholder representing the function result of the delineated function. Examples: “doctor of patient” as form of expressing the doctor or doctors that a patient has; “patient seen by doctor” as form of expressing the patients that a doctor sees. A mathematical form is a category of function form. It is a function form that can be the form of a nominal expression and that does not include a placeholder representing the function result of the delineated function. Examples: “number+number” as in “2+3” giving 5; “number of days after date” as in “6 days after Dec. 25, 2003” giving another date. A sentence form is a category of function form that delineates a propositional function. Example: “vendor charges price for product”. A function signifier is a role of a signifier as part of a function form that appears in an expression based on the function form. It is a part of a function form that is not a placeholder. Examples: “sees” in “doctor sees patient”; “changes” and “for” in “vendor changes price for product” A placeholder is an open position with a designated type in a function form that stands in place of a nominal expression that would appear in an expression based on that form. A placeholder represents an argument or a result in the function delineated by the functional form. Examples: doctor and patient in “doctor sees patient”; vendor, price and product in “vendor changes price for product” An argument is an independent variable in a function. An object qualifier is a category of symbol. It is a symbol that, when used with a term, restricts the meaning of the term in some specific way. Example: the symbol “new” in “A doctor sees a new patient” A parametric operator is an operator that when expressed with a term denotes a discourse referent determined by future discourse context, with singular quantification. Example: “a given” in “Each medical receptionist is authorized to provide what doctor sees a given patient”. An interrogative operator is a category of operator that, when expressed with a term in a role expression, denotes a discourse referent determined by future discourse context. The role expression is thus a name for satisfiers in the encompassing sentence. Examples: the operator “what” in “What doctor sees what patient”; the operators “which” and “what” in “Which doctor sees what patient”. Note that “what” carries the meaning of “who”, “when”, “how”, “where”, “why”, etc. when used as an operator on a term. Examples: “what person”, “what time” or “what date”, “what method”, “what location”, “what purpose”, etc. A propositional interrogative is a category of operator. It is an operator that, when expressed with a proposition, denotes the truth-value of the proposition with regard to future discourse context. Example: the operator “whether” in “whether each doctor is licensed”. A propositional demonstrative is a category of symbol. It is a symbol that names a referent proposition thereby forming a demonstrative expression. Examples: the word “that” in “The Orange County Register reports that Arnold is running”; the word “who” in “A customer who pays cash gets a discount” Note: the propositional demonstrative turns a sentence into a nominal expression. A pronominal operator is a category of operator. It is an operator that, when expressed with a term, denotes a discourse referent determined by discourse context and has universal extension. Examples: the word “the” in “a person is French if the person is from France”. the word “that” in “a person is French if that person is from France”. the word “the” in “the social security number of a person identifies the person”. Note that a pronominal operator refers to something in discourse or immediately to some attributive role, and invokes universal quantification over each value of the referent. A discourse context is a discourse that surrounds a language unit and helps to determine its interpretation. Example: In the rule expression, “By default, a monthly service charge ($1.95) applies to an account if the account is active”, the role expression “the account” is interpreted in consideration of every other symbol in the rule expression, and is thereby mapped to the referent expressed as “an account”. Note that discourse context is the means by which the pronominal operator “the” gets meaning. Discourse context is linear, therefore, references tend to refer backwards. A function is a mapping of correspondence between two sets. Examples: number+number (Addition) name of person A propositional function is a category of function. It is a function that maps to truth values. Examples: the function delineated by “vendor sells product”; the function delineated by “customer is preferred” A proposition is what is meant by a statement that might be true of false. A fact is a proposition that is accepted as true. An elementary proposition is a category of proposition. It is a proposition based on a single propositional function and a single thing for each argument of the function (no quantified arguments, no open arguments). An elementary fact is a fact that is also an elementary proposition. An elementary fact type is a category of type. It is a subtype of elementary fact that is defined by a propositional function. Examples: the type defined by the propositional function delineated by “vendor sells product”. A fact type is a type that is a classification of facts. A fact type may be represented by a form of expression such as a sentence form, restrictive form or a mathematical form. A fact type has one or more roles, each of which is represented by a placeholder in a sentence form. Each instance of a fact type is a fact that involves one thing for each role. Example: a fact type ‘person drives car’ has placeholders person and car. An instance of the fact type is a fact that a particular person drives a particular car. An operator is a symbol that invokes a function on a function. Examples: some, each definitely, possibly A logical connective is a symbol that invokes a function on truth values. Examples: and, or if, only if, if and only if given that implies A quantifier is a category of operator. It is an operator that invokes a quantification function, a linguistic form that expresses a contrast in quantity, as “some”, “all”, or “many”. Examples: some, each, at most one, exactly one, no. Note that a quantifier for an individual quantification function should not be confused with a name for such a function. A quantifier is not a noun or noun phrase, but an operator. For example, the quantifier “some” is a symbol that invokes the quantification function named “Existential Quantification”. A quantification function is a category of function. It is a function that compares the individuals that satisfy an argument to the individuals that satisfy a proposition containing that argument. Examples: the meaning of “some” in “Some person buys some product”; the meaning of “each” in “Each person is human” An existential quantification is the instance of quantification function that is satisfied where at least one individual that satisfies an argument also satisfies a proposition containing that argument. Examples: the meaning of “some” in “Some customer pays cash”. the meaning of “a” in “Each customer buys a product” A universal quantification is the instance of quantification function that is satisfied if every individual that satisfies an argument also satisfies a proposition containing that argument. Examples: the meaning of “each” in “Each customer buys a product” A singular quantification is the instance of quantification function that is satisfied if exactly one individual that satisfies an argument also satisfies a proposition containing that argument. Example: the meaning of “exactly one” in “Each employee has exactly one employee number” A negative quantification is the instance of quantification function that is satisfied if no individual that satisfies an argument also satisfies a proposition containing that argument. Example: the meaning of “no” in “No customer buys a product” A rule is an authoritative, prescribed direction for conduct. For example, one of the regulations governing procedure in a legislative body or a regulation observed by the players in a game, sport, or contest. Examples: see categories of rule Note that a rule is not merely a proposition with a performative of Prescription or Assertion. A rule is made a rule by some authority. It occurs by a deliberate act. An assertion rule is a category of rule, a rule that asserts the truth of a proposition. Examples: Each terminologist is authorized to provide what meaning is denoted by a given signifier; Each customer is a person A constraint rule is a category of rule, a rule that stipulates a requirement or prohibition. Examples: It is required that each term has a exactly one signifier; It is permitted that a person drives a car on a public road only if the person has a driver's license; It is prohibited that ajudge takes a bribe. A default rule is a category of rule, a rule that asserts facts of some elementary fact type on the condition that no fact of the type is otherwise or more specifically known about a subject or combination of subjects. Examples: By default, the shipping address of a customer is the business address of the customer. By default, the monthly service charge ($1.95) applies to an account if the account is active. Note that a default rule is stated in terms of a single propositional function, possibly indirectly using a nominal restrictive form based on the propositional function. A default value is given for one argument. The other arguments are either universally quantified or are related to a condition of the rule. For each combination of possible things in the other arguments, if there is no elementary fact that is otherwise or more specifically known, and if the condition (if given) is satisfied, then the proposition involving those arguments is taken as an assertion. Note that if two default rules potentially assert facts of the same elementary fact type about the same subject thing and one of the rules is stated for a more specific type of the thing, then that rule is used (because it is more specifically stated). An identity criterion, also called identification scheme or reference scheme, is a scheme by which a thing of some type can be identified by facts about the thing that relate the thing to signifiers or to other things identified by signifiers. The identifying scheme comprises of the set of terms that correspond to the signifiers. Example: an employee may be identified by employee number. A type is a classification of things (often by category or by role). A category is a role of a type in a categorization relation to a more general type. The category classifies a subset of the instances of the more general type based on some delimiting characteristic. Example: checking account is a category of account. A role is a role of a type whose essential characteristic is that its instances play some part, or are put to some use, in some situation. The type classifies an instance based, not on a distinguishing characteristic of the instance itself (as with a category), but on some fact that involves the instance. Example: destination city is a role of a city. A supertype is a role of a type used in relation to another type such that the other type is a category or role of the supertype, directly or indirectly. Each instance of the other type is an instance of the supertype. Examples: animal is a supertype of person (assuming person is a category of animal) and person is a supertype of driver (assuming driver is a role of a person). A subtype is a role of a type used in relation to another type such that the subtype is a category or role of the other type, directly or indirectly. Each instance of the subtype is an instance of the other type. This is the inverse of supertype. Examples: person is a subtype of animal (assuming person is a category of animal) and driver is a subtype of person (assuming driver is a role of a person). In one embodiment, the invention is implemented using an object-oriented technique. The object-oriented technique is a method to represent a system using objects and associations between objects. The technique involves the use of “class”, “association”, “attribute”. Although these terms are commonly known, they are defined in the following for clarification. A class is an abstract concept representing a real world thing of interest to the system, such as a person, a router in a network, etc. A class is a template that defines the behavior and attributes that a particular type of object possesses. A class can be the base for other classes. The behavior of the object is the collective set of operations that the object can perform, which are defined in the respective class. The state of the object is defined by the values of its attributes at any given time. An association represents a relationship between objects. An attribute represents some aspect of an object. For example, the color of an automobile, the date of birth of a person. Each attribute has a type that defines the range of values that the attribute can have. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment 100 of the system of the present invention. The system 100 comprises an optional graphic user interface 110, a language parser 120, an expression model generator 130, a logical model generator 140, a platform-independent implementation model generator 150, a platform-specific implementation model generator 160 and a software components generator 170. The system 100 may be implemented by software or hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The optional graphical user interface 110 receives as input a set of symbols of a language given as a vocabulary, details about each of these symbols, and a set of rule statements expressed with the vocabulary. Details about each of the symbols may include synonymy (that is, symbols representing the same concept), generalization relationships between the terms, relationships between names of individual things and terms for the types of those things, and identity criteria. The identity criteria, also called reference schemes or identification schemes, are specified as names of properties that are used to identify things denoted by a term. The rule statements are in a linguistic form having a predefined syntax or format. A rule statement may represent an authorization to request or to provide information. The graphical user interface 110 passes what it receives as input to the language parser 120. The graphical user interface 110 is optional since the vocabulary and the rule statements can be inputted directly to the language parser 120 under other forms, e.g., as XML documents, or word processing documents, or as output from a business rule repository. The use of the graphical user interface 110 allows a user and the language parser 120 to receive feedback from the logical model generator 140 in order to assist the user in writing better rule statements and to help resolve any logical inconsistencies in the rule statements. The language parser 120 receives as input the set of symbols of a natural language, information regarding the symbols, and the set of rule statements expressed using the set of symbols. The structure of each of the rule statements is dictated by the grammatical rules of the language. The language parser 120 parses each of the rule statements in accordance with the grammatical rules of the language and outputs a language-based structure that identifies the symbols used and their interrelationships with respect to the sentence structure. The language parser 120 reports how words in each statement are categorized into the following categories: a. Terms defined in the vocabulary; b. Names defined in the vocabulary for individual things; c. Connecting symbols of function forms defined in the vocabulary; d. Key words and phrases such as articles (e.g., “a”, “an” and “the”), quantifiers (e.g., “each” and “some”), and logical connectives (e.g., “and”, “or”, “if”); e. Words that are not recognized. The language parser 120 also reports where rule statements fail to conform to the grammatical rules of the language. The expression model generator 130 receives as input the language-based structure of each rule statement and generates a language-neutral expression model that represents the expression of each rule statement independently of the ordering of symbols or of the grammatical structure. The expression model generator 130 outputs the language-neutral expression model as packages of elements representing linguistic concepts. The language-neutral expression model provides a representation of logical relationships in terms of symbols from the vocabulary. The expression model generator 130 functions may include some or all the tasks described herein in connection with generating an expression model in terms of processes. The logical model generator 140 receives as input the packages of elements representing specifications of the rule statements in terms of linguistic concepts and generates a logical model that represents the semantics of each of the rule statements in terms of formal logics. The logical model provides a representation of logical relationships in terms of concepts that are represented by the symbols of the vocabulary. The logical model generator 140 functions may include some or all the tasks described herein in connection with generating a logical model in terms of processes. In creating the logical model, the logical model generator 140 performs the following operations: a. Relating synonymous terms to a single concept; b. Relating synonymous forms and related noun forms to a single fact type; c. Relating synonymous names to a single instance; d. Relating each instance to its corresponding concept; e. Determining identifying fact types for concepts; f. Determining generalizations between concepts; g. Reporting logical inconsistencies, if any. Upon receipt of a user request, but only if there are no logical inconsistencies, the platform-independent implementation model generator 150 generates a platform-independent implementation model in three parts: (a) a component interface model, (b) a database model, and (c) an execution model. Upon receipt of a user request for component generation, the platform-specific implementation model generator 160 accepts, as input, a description of a target platform that includes: a. A specific component interface technology (e.g., NET, SOAP, J2EE, etc.) b. A specific database system (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle) c. A specific programming platform (e.g., NET, J2EE, COBOL, etc.) From the platform-independent implementation model and the description of the target platform, the software components generator 170 generates a corresponding platform-specific implementation model for the specified target platform. From the platform-specific implementation model, the components generator 170 generates software components and assembles them into a package of software components that is deployable on the specified target platform. One embodiment of the invention may be described as a process which is usually depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. A loop or iterations in a flowchart may be described by a single iteration. It is understood that a loop index or loop indices or counter or counters are maintained to update the associated counters or pointers. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process terminates when its operations are completed. A process may recursively call itself. When the called process terminates, control is returned to the calling process. When all the recursive calls have ended, control is returned to the initial calling process. A process may correspond to a method, a program, a procedure, etc. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process 200 for generating deployable software components from business rules expressed in a natural language. Upon Start, process 200 receives a vocabulary and rule statements as input (block 202). Textual input may be provided via any of well known ways such as the following: (a) a custom user interface; (b) XML documents; (c) Word processing documents (e.g., Microsoft Word); (d) output from a business rule repository (such as Rule Track from Business Rules Solutions). The input of the vocabulary is structured in order to distinguish one symbol from another and to indicate the properties of each symbol. Business rules are given as textual statements that have been written according to the grammatical rules of the language being used. Business rules must be precise and must be stated using the given vocabulary. Process 200 parses the rule statements to generate a language-based structure (block 204). Grammatical structure of each of the rule statements is determined based on the grammatical rules of the language being used. Symbols used in the statement of each business rule are matched to symbols of the given vocabulary. Automated parsing of natural language is a well-known discipline as exemplified by existing tools such as the Microsoft grammar checker that is part of Microsoft Word. Process 200 then generates an expression model from the language-based structure resulting from the parsing operation (block 206). The expression model represents the same information as the language-based structure except that the ordering of symbols and the grammatical structure are omitted and logical operations such as quantification, conjunction, disjunction, implication, etc. are identified and replaced by corresponding equivalents in formal logics. In addition, rules are identified as being either assertions or requirements. The expression model refers to the actual symbols used to express the rules, but does so without consideration of the characteristics of the language. Thus, the expression model is language-neutral. This transformation involves straightforward substitution of grammatical elements with formal logics elements and is easily accomplished by anyone skilled in the art of programming with data structures. For example, an operator such as “and” is replaced by a model element representing logical conjunction, and a quantifier such as “some” is replaced by a model element representing existential quantification. Note that operators and quantifiers have already been identified as such in the language-based structure, so the transformation is straightforward. Next, process 200 generates a logical model from the expression model (block 208). The logical model represents concepts rather than symbols. Rules are represented at a conceptual level in terms of logical operations and concepts. There can be many terms for the same concept. The expression model refers to terms, while the logical model refers to the concepts that are represented by those terms. The expression model refers to sentence forms, while the logical model refers to fact types that are represented by the sentence forms. Each generalization between concepts (where one concept is a specialization of another) is determined transitively. Identity criteria are represented as relationships between concepts, that is, types of facts about individuals in the extension of a concept. A technique for processing the expression model to generate a logical model is described in detail in the co-pending application Ser. No. 10/860,672 (Attorney Docket No. PQH04-008) entitled “Generating A Logical Model Of Objects From A Representation Of Linguistic Concepts For Use In Software Model Generation”, filed on Jun. 3, 2004. After generating the logical model, process 200 checks whether there is a user request to generate an application model, i.e., a model of an automated implementation of the business rules (block 210). If there is no such request, process 200 goes back to block 202. Otherwise, if there is such request, but only if the logical model has no logical inconsistencies, process 200 generates a model of an automated implementation of the business rules (block 212). This model is platform-independent, meaning that it is independent of any particular type of computer platform, computer language or system software. For example, the same platform-independent model is equally applicable on a Windows machine using NET and C# or on a Sun Microsystems machine using J2EE and Java. In one embodiment of the invention, the platform-independent implementation model has three parts: 1. Component interface model, which is an object-oriented interface model 2. Database model, which is a relational information model 3. Execution model, which is a method of execution represented as logical steps and relational operations Embodiments of the technique for generating the component interface model (the first part of the platform-independent implementation model) from business rules that state authorizations to request or to provide information are described in the co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10/836,832 (Attorney Docket No. 03-057) entitled “Generating Programmatic Interfaces From Natural Language Expressions Of Authorizations For Provision Of Information”, filed on Apr. 30, 2004 and Ser. No. 10/837,299 (Attorney Docket No. 03-058) entitled “Generating Programmatic Interfaces From Natural Language Expressions Of Authorizations For Request Of Information”, filed on Apr. 30, 2004. There are well documented techniques for generating a relational data model (the second part of the platform-independent implementation model) from a logical model of concepts and fact types, such as the techniques described in “Information Modeling and Relational Databases From Conceptual Analysis to Logical Design”, pages 412-454, by Terry Halpin, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2001. Examples of implementations of this generation are provided by database development tools such as Microsoft Visio (with Object Role Modeling) and InfoModeler of Asymetrix Corporation. In addition, a new technique for generating a database model from business rules represented by logical concepts and fact types is described in detail in the co-pending application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. PQH04-010) entitled “Generating A Database Model From Natural Language Expressions Of Business Rules”, filed on Jul. 27, 2004. The automated generation of an execution model (the third part of the platform-independent implementation model) from a logical model is well understood and widely practiced. Examples of software tools that perform such generation include LINC from Unisys Corporation, ActiveQuery tool from Visio Corporation and Internet Business Logic from Reengineering LLC. After generating the platform-independent implementation model, process 200 checks whether there is a user request to generate software components deployable on a target platform (block 214). If there is no such request, process 200 terminates. Otherwise, process 200 accepts, as input, a description of a target platform (block 216). A target platform is specified as follows: a. A specific component interface technology (e.g. NET, SOAP, J2EE, etc.) b. A specific database system (e.g. SQL Server, Oracle) c. A specific programming platform (e.g. NET, J2EE, COBOL, etc.) Process 200 then transforms the platform-independent implementation model into a platform-specific implementation model that uses the features of the target platform, middleware, database system and programming language (block 218). Automation of this type of transformation is widely understood and is performed by numerous software development tools, such as the product LINC of Unisys Corporation and the product ArcStyler of the company Interactive Objects. From the platform-specific implementation model, process 200 generates software components and assembles them into a deployable package (block 220). Generation of software components into a deployable package from well-formed models of interfaces, component execution and database has been a pervasive aspect of case tools and high-level programming systems for many years. For example, the Unisys LINC product has been performing such generation for many years. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process 300 for parsing a rule statement to produce a language-based structure of the rule statement. Process 300 is called by block 204 of process 200 (FIG. 2). Upon Start, process 300 breaks the rule statement into tokens (block 302). Process 300 identifies among the tokens those that correspond to terms, and names if any, using the vocabulary (block 304). Process 300 identifies tokens that correspond to connecting symbols, using the vocabulary (block 306). Process 300 identifies key words and phrases including articles, quantifiers, and logical connectives (block 308). Then, process 300 constructs a parse tree representing the sentence structure of the rule statement in accordance with the grammatical rules of the language (block 310). FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment 400 of the process for processing the language-based structure of a rule statement to generate an expression model for the rule statement. Process 400 is called by block 206 of process 200 (FIG. 2). Upon Start, process 400 creates a model element to represent the expression (block 402). Process 400 determines whether there is a logical connective in the expression, i.e., whether the expression is a complex expression (block 404). If there is a logical connective in the expression, process 400 creates a model element to represent the logical connective (block 412), then, for each of the two propositions in the expression that are connected by the logical connective, process 400 recursively calls itself, passing the proposition as the new expression (block 414). Note that each of the propositions could be itself a complex expression. After all the recursive calls have ended, process 400 terminates. If there is no logical connective in the expression, process 400 marks the expression as simple expression (block 406). Process 400 identifies the function form that corresponds to the expression (block 408). The function form can be a sentence form or a nominal restrictive form or a mathematical function form. Process 400 processes the model element representing the expression (block 410), then terminates. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process 410 of process 400 (FIG. 4) for processing a model element representing a simple expression. Upon Start, process 410 creates a role expression for a role in the expression (block 502). Recall that a role expression includes an operator that can be a pronominal operator, a quantifier, a parametric operator, or interrogative operator. Process 410 determines whether the operator in the role expression is a pronominal operator (block 504). If it is, process 410 creates a model element to refer to the discourse referent, i.e., the role expression that is determined from the discourse context to be the one referred to by the pronominal operator (block 506) and continues at block 510. Otherwise, process 410 creates a model element to represent the operator (block 508), then continues at block 510. Process 410 repeats block 502 onward to block 510 for each of the remaining roles of the expression (block 510). Process 410 then terminates. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process 600 for processing the expression model to generate a logical model. Upon Start, process 600 obtains the expression model (block 602). Process 600 processes the terms included in the expression model to associate each of the terms with a type (block 604). Process 600 processes any names included in the expression model to map each of the names to a type via an association with a modeled instance, each of the names being associated with a term of the processed terms (block 606). Process 600 processes any sentence forms included in the expression model to associate each of the sentence forms with a fact type (block 608). Process 600 processes any mathematical function forms included in the expression model to map each of the mathematical function forms to a fact type via an association with a mathematical function (block 610). Process 600 processes any nominal restrictive forms included in the expression model to a fact type via an association with a nominal restrictive function (block 612). Process 600 processes any identity criteria included in the expression model to map each of the identity criteria to a type via an association with a type identity set (block 614). Then, process 600 derives type specializations and generalizations, if any, for the types (block 616) and derives fact type specializations and generalizations, if any, for the fact types (block 618). Process 600 processes the expressions included in the expression model to generate logical formulations (block 620). Then, process 600 terminates. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an Object Role Modeling (ORM) representation of a logical model that can be generated by an embodiment of the present invention, such as the logical model generator 140 in FIG. 1. ORM is a well-known method for designing and querying database models at the conceptual level, where the application is described in terms easily understood by non-technical users. In FIG. 7, the objects shown on the right hand side, namely, Expression, Name, Term, Identity Criterion, Placeholder, Mathematical Function Form, Nominal Restrictive Form, and Sentence Form are linguistic elements, i.e., expression model elements, that are provided as inputs to the logical model generator. The remaining objects shown in FIG. 7 are logical objects generated by an embodiment of the present invention. A line with two rectangular boxes in the middle connecting two objects represents an association between the two objects, with the rectangular boxes indicating the nature of the relationship. For example, a sentence form represents a fact type, and a fact type is represented by a sentence form. A Fact Type is a subclass of the class Type (this relationships is indicated by an arrow between the two objects). Two sentence forms represent the same fact type if they are the same in every way, or if they differ only in that their placeholder terms are synonymous instead of identical, or if they have been explicitly defined as being synonymous. Fact type specialization is inferred when a sentence form is the same as another sentence form except that its represented roles differ only in having types that are specializations of the corresponding other role types. Once the logical model of business types and fact types has been created from the business vocabulary, expressions in the expression model (i.e., the linguistic model), such as expressions of business rules, are translated to logical formulations (block 320 of FIG. 3). Expressions are represented in the linguistic model as compositions of references to logical operations and to symbols such as names, terms and function forms and their placeholders. The generation of a logical formulation from an expression is a straightforward transformation in which the following substitutions are made: (1) each name is replaced by the modeled instance that it represents; (2) each term is replaced by the type that it represents; (3) each function form is replaced by the fact type that it represents; (4) each placeholder used with a function form is replaced by the one role that it either represents directly or maps to indirectly by way of representing an argument or result; and (5) each identity criterion is replaced by the type identity set that it represents. The following is an example to further illustrate the technique of generating software components from business rule statements. There are 5 rule statements in the example. However, for simplicity and clarity reasons, only the results from parsing Rule 5, Rule 1, and Rule 3 (in this order), i.e., their language-dependent structures (i.e., their grammatical structures) are shown. For the same reasons, for the remaining processes of the technique of the present invention, only the results from processing Rule 5 are shown, namely, the expression model, the logical model, the platform-independent implementation model in 3 parts (component interface model, database model, execution model), the platform-specific implementation model, and the deployable package of software components. Example 1.A Symbols in a Vocabulary Terms business actor interrogative employee id manager supervisor Name President Fact Type Sentence Forms business actor may provide interrogative business actor may request interrogative employee has id employee is supervised by manager manager supervises employee employee is under manager manager is over employee 1.B Details Symbols Representing the Same Concepts “manager” is a synonym for “supervisor” “employee is supervised by manager” represents the same concept as “manager supervises employee” “employee is under manage” represents the same concept as “manager is over employee” Generalization Relationships “employee” is a category of “business actor” “manager” is a role of “employee” “id” is a role of “text” Names Related to Terms for Types “President” is an instance of “employee” Identification Schemes An “employee” is identified by “id” 1.C Rule Statements Rule 1: It is required that each employee has exactly one id. Rule 2: It is prohibited that an employee is a manager over the employee. Rule 3: An employee is under a manager if the manager supervises the employee or the manager is over a manager that supervises the employee. Rule 4: Each employee may request what manager is over the employee. Rule 5. The President may provide a new employee has what id and what manager supervises the employee. 2. Grammatical Structure Rule 5: New Employee Authorization Assertion: The President may provide a new employee1 has what id2 and what manager3 supervises the employee1 Proposition: business actor may provide interrogative Nominal Expression: the President Definite article: the Name: president Verb phrase: may provide Compound interrogative Interrogative: employee has id Proposition: employee has id Nominal Expression: a new employee Indefinite Article: a Modifier: new Term: employee Verb phrase: has Nominal Expression: what id Interrogative Operator: what Term: id Connective: and Interrogative manager supervises employee Proposition manager supervises employee Nominal expression: what manager Interrogative Operator: what Term: manager Verb Phrase: supervises Nominal Expression: the employee Definite article: the Term: employee Rule 1: One Name Rule Constraint: It is required that each employee1 has exactly one id2 Key phrase: it is required that Proposition: employee has id Nominal Expression: each employee Quantifier: each Term: employee Verb Phrase: has Nominal Expression: exactly one id Quantifier: exactly one Term: id Rule 3: Over/Under Definition Rule Rule Text: An employee1 is under a manager2 if the manager2 supervises the employee1 or the manager2 is over a manager3 that supervises the employee1 Assertion: employee is under manager Proposition: employee is under manager Nominal Expression: an employee Indefinite article: an Term: employee Verb Phrase: is under Nominal Expression a manager Indefinite article: a Term: manager Condition: if Compound Proposition: Proposition: Nominal Expression: the manager Definite article: the Term: manager Verb Phrase: supervises Nominal Expression: the employee Definite article: the Term: manager Connective: or Proposition: manager is over employee Nominal Expression: the manager Definite article: the Term: manager Verb Phrase: is over Nominal Expression: a manager Indefinite article: a Term: manager Functional Restriction: manager that supervises the employee Demonstrative: that Phrase Text: supervises Nominal Restriction: the employee Definite article: the Term: employee 3. Expression Model Rule 5: New Employee Authorization Assertion: The President may provide a new employee1 has what id2 and what manager3 supervises the employee1 Rule id=“00ae5ea7bc1a” type=“AssertionExpression” Name=“new employee authorization” RuleAssertsTruthOfExpression factExpression_id=“a949218851ac” Expression id=“a949218851ac” type=“SentenceExpression” ExpressionIsStatedUsingSentenceForm sentenceForm_id=“0dd4eaae04c3” SentenceForm reading=“business actor may provide interrogative” ExpressionHasValueForPlaceholder valueExpression_id=“2d497e22b3ec” -placeholder=1 Expression id=“2d497e22b3ec” type= “InstanceNameExpression” InstanceNameExpressionRefersToInstanceName Name=“president” ExpressionHasValueExpressionForPlaceholder valueExpression_id=“6820dc6082d1” -placeholder=2 Expression id=“6820dc6082d1” type=“RoleExpression” ExpressionHasValueGivenByValueExpression -valueExpression_id=“feaa87daeb9a” type=“FactsAsValuesExpression” FactsAsValuesExpressionTakesFactsFromFactExpression -factExpression_id=“d7ea79f48d6a” Expression id=“d7ea79f48d6a” type=“BinaryLogicalExpression” BinaryLogicalExpressionHasLogicalOperator Operator=“conjunction” Comment: ‘new employee has what id’ part ExpressionTakesAsFirstArgument Expression_id=“a9ba67113e91” -type=“SentenceExpression” ExpressionIsStatedUsingSentenceForm -sentenceForm_id=“190fe704c0d8” reading=“employee has id” ExpressionHasValueExpressionForPlaceholder -valueExpression_id=“6e180346e28c” placeholder=1 Expression id=“6e180346e28c” type=“RoleExpression” TypeNameIsInRoleExpression typeName_id=“ddac362abaca” -nameText=“employee” RoleExpressionIsForNewInstance -roleExpression_id=“6e180346e28c” ExpressionHasValueExpressionForPlaceholder -valueExpression_id=“16c0996abe2a” placeholder=2 Expression id=“16c0996abe2a” type=“RoleExpression” TypeNameIsInRoleExpression typeName_id=“abbd13e97212” -nameText=“id” RoleExpressionAsksWhat roleExpression_id=“16c0996abe2a” Comment: ‘what manager supervises the employee’ part ExpressionTakesAsSecondArgument Expression_id=“87a4f50c106d” -type=“SentenceExpression” ExpressionIsStatedUsingSentenceForm -sentenceForm_id=“ab3040b474ca” reading=“manager supervises -employee ExpressionHasValueExpressionForPlaceholder -valueExpression_id=“a26e37cf80c2” placeholder=1 Expression id=“a26e37cf80c2” type=“RoleExpression” TypeNameIsInRoleExpression typeName_id=“009267d177a1” -name=“manager” RoleExpressionAsksWhat roleExpression_id=“a26e37cf80c2” ExpressionHasValueExpressionForPlaceholder -valueExpression_id=“b9163008c321” placeholder=2 Expression id=“b9163008c321” type=“RoleExpression” RoleExpressionBindsToRoleExpression -roleExpression_id=“6e180346e28c” 4. Logical Model Concept concept-1: for term business actor concept-2: for interrogative concept-3: for term employee concept-4: for term manager, supervisor concept-5: for term id concept-6: for term text Individual Concepts for Instances instance-1: for name President instance-1 is an instance of concept-3 Fact Type concept-7: for business actor[role-1] may provide interrogative [role-2] concept-8: for business actor[role-3] may request interrogative [role-4] concept-9: for employee [role-5] has id [role-6] concept-10: for employee [role-7] is supervised by manager [role-8], manager [role-8] supervises employee [role-7] concept-11: for employee [role-9] is under manager [role-10], manager [role-10] is over employee [role-9] Reference Schemes: reference scheme for concept-3: scheme uses role-6 Generalizations: concept-3 is a category of concept-1 concept-4 is a category of concept-3 concept-5 is a role of concept-6 Logical model for rule: New Employee Authorization Rule Name=“new employee authorization” RuleAssertsTruthOfExpression “SentenceExpression” ExpressionIsStatedUsingFactType factType=”concept-7” ExpressionHasValueForPlaceholder instanceName=”instance-1” placeholder=1 ExpressionHasValueForPlaceholder type=“RoleExpression” placeholder=2 ExpressionHasValueGivenBy type=“FactsAsValuesExpression” FactsAsValuesExpressionTakesFactsFrom type=“BinaryLogicalExpression” BinaryLogicalExpressionHasLogicalOperator Operator=“conjunction” Comment: ‘new employee has what id’ part ExpressionTakesAsFirstArgument type=“SentenceExpression” ExpressionIsStatedUsingFactType factType=“concept-9” ExpressionHasValueForPlaceholder type=“concept-3” placeholder=1 ExpressionHasValueForPlaceholder type=“concept-5” placeholder=2 Comment: ‘what manager supervises the employee’ part ExpressionTakesAsSecondArgument type=“SentenceExpression” ExpressionIsStatedUsingSentenceForm factType=“concept- 10” ExpressionHasValueForPlaceholder type=“concept-4” placeholder=1 ExpressionHasValueForPlaceholder type=“concept-3” placeholder=2 5. Platform-Independent Implementation Model 5.A Component Interface Model The following interfaces are generated for the management chain example: interface ManagementChainComponent { public ManagerOverEmployee Rule4Operation (Employee employee) public void Rule5Operation(NewEmployee newEmployee) } interface Employee { text: id } interface ManagerOverEmployee { Manager-Collection: manager-collection //Note: Manager-Collection is a collection of Employee (each of whom is a manager) objects } interface NewEmployee { text: id Manager-Collection: manager-collection //Note: Manager-Collection is a collection of Employee (each of whom is a manager) objects } 5.B Database Model table Employee { Identity-type: identity_column; Text: id } table Manager_Supervises_Employee { Identity-type identity_from_Employee_for_employee //Note: The above is a foreign key to the identity of employee table representing the employee Identity-type identity_from_Employee_for_manager //Note: The above is a foreign key to the identity of employee table representing the manager } 5.C Execution Model Execution model for method of Rule5Operation: If the user providing the information is the President then: //comment: check rule 1 If the newEmployee has no id, then abort the transaction. If the id of the newEmployee is already an id of a known employee, then abort the transaction. Accept the (new) fact that an employee exists that has the id For each manager in the manager-collection of the newEmployee, Accept a (new) fact that the manager supervises the employee //Comment: verify rule 2 based on rule 3 If the new employee supervises that same employee or the employee is over a manager that supervises the employee, then abort the transaction. Commit the transaction Otherwise Reject the provided information 6. Platform-Specific Implementation Model Given that the target platform is the .NET platform and the target database is Microsoft SQL Server, the following interfaces and SQL database are generated: .NET specific Component Interfaces //.NET interfaces for ManagementChain using System; using System.Collections; namespace ManagementChain { interface ManagementChainComponent { ManagerOverEmployee Rule4Operation (Employee employee); void Rule5Operation(NewEmployee newEmployee); } interface Employee { string ID {get; set;} } interface ManagerOverEmployee { ICollection ManagerCollection {get; set;} } interface NewEmployee { string ID {get; set;} ICollection ManagerCollection {get; set;} } } SQL Server Specific Database Script create table Employee ( identity_column int, id nvarchar(32), primary key (identify_column) ) create table Manager_Supervises_Employee ( employee int foreign key references Employee(identity_column), manager int foreign key references Employee(identity_column), primary key (employee, manager) ) 7. Deployable Package The deployment package consists of a database script that creates the database and in installation file that installs the executables. For example, the deployable component for the Microsoft windows environment consists of an install.msi component which includes: ManagementChain.sql—the SQL script that creates the database ManagementChain.dll—the .NET executable component This concludes the above example. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 800 in which one embodiment of the invention can be practiced. The computer system 800 includes a processor 812, a memory 814, and a mass storage device 816. The computer system 800 receives a stream of input representing a set of business rules and a vocabulary of a natural language, processes the business rules and the vocabulary in accordance to the method of the present invention, and outputs a platform-independent implementation model in three parts. When a target platform description is also provided, the system 800 transforms the platform-independent implementation model into a platform-specific implementation model and generates a deployable package of software components from the platform-specific implementation model. The processor 812 represents a central processing unit of any type of architecture, such as embedded processors, mobile processors, micro-controllers, digital signal processors, superscalar computers, vector processors, single instruction multiple data (SIMD) computers, complex instruction set computers (CISC), reduced instruction set computers (RISC), very long instruction word (VLIW), or hybrid architecture. The memory 814 stores system code and data. The memory 814 is typically implemented with dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static random access memory (SRAM). The system memory may include program code or code segments implementing one embodiment of the invention. The memory 814 includes an implementation model and components generator 815 of the present invention when loaded from the mass storage 816. The implementation model and components generator 815 implements all or part of the system 100 shown in FIG. 1. The implementation model and components generator 815 may also simulate the functions of system 100 described herein. The implementation model and components generator 815 contains instructions that, when executed by the processor 812, cause the processor to perform the tasks or operations as described above. The mass storage device 816 stores archive information such as code, programs, files, data, databases, applications, and operating systems. The mass storage device 816 may include compact disk (CD) ROM, a digital video/versatile disc (DVD), floppy drive, and hard drive, and any other magnetic or optic storage devices such as tape drive, tape library, redundant arrays of inexpensive disks (RAIDs), etc. The mass storage device 816 provides a mechanism to read machine-accessible media. The machine-accessible media may contain computer readable program code to perform tasks as described above. Elements of an embodiment of the invention may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software or any combination thereof. When implemented in software or firmware, the elements of an embodiment of the present invention are essentially the code segments to perform the necessary tasks. The software/firmware may include the actual code to carry out the operations described in one embodiment of the invention, or code that emulates or simulates the operations. The program or code segments can be stored in a processor or machine accessible medium or transmitted by a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave, or a signal modulated by a carrier, over a transmission medium. The “processor readable or accessible medium” or “machine readable or accessible medium” may include any medium that can store, transmit, or transfer information. Examples of the processor readable or machine accessible medium include an electronic circuit, a semiconductor memory device, a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable ROM (EROM), a floppy diskette, a compact disk (CD) ROM, an optical disk, a hard disk, a fiber optic medium, a radio frequency (RF) link, etc. The computer data signal may include any signal that can propagate over a transmission medium such as electronic network channels, optical fibers, air, electromagnetic, RF links, etc. The code segments may be downloaded via computer networks such as the Internet, Intranet, etc. The machine accessible medium may be embodied in an article of manufacture. The machine accessible medium may include data that, when accessed by a machine, cause the machine to perform the operations described above. The machine accessible medium may also include program code embedded therein. The program code may include machine-readable code to perform the operations described above. The term “data” herein refers to any type of information that is encoded for machine-readable purposes. Therefore, it may include program, code, data, file, etc. While the invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative instead of limiting. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>1. Field of the Invention Embodiments of the invention relate to generation of software components from business rules expressed in natural language. 2. Description of Related Art Natural language used by humans to communicate tends to be contextual and imprecise. To automate natural language processing using computerized methods, certain rules are usually imposed to confine the natural language expressions to a well-defined format. There are several applications that can provide an environment where natural language expressions may be expressed in an unambiguous format. One such application is business language. Business language can be used to describe a business organization and the business rules that are applicable to the business organization. There are existing tools that help business people build formal business vocabularies. There are techniques developed by linguists for parsing well formed natural language statements into structures that represent the statements in terms of formal logics. There are various software-based approaches that assist people in moving from business requirements stated in business language into software designs, and from designs to implemented systems. For example, there are well documented techniques for generating a relational data model from a logical model of concepts and fact types, such as the techniques described in “ Information Modeling and Relational Databases From Conceptual Analysis to Logical Design ”, pages 412-454, by Terry Halpin, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2001. Examples of implementations of such generation are provided by database development tools such as Microsoft Visio (with Object Role Modeling) and InfoModeler of Asymetrix Corporation. For example, there are software tools that perform automated generation of an execution model from a logical model. Examples of such software tools include the product LINC from Unisys Corporation, ActiveQuery tool from Visio Corporation and Internet Business Logic from Reengineering LLC. However, these existing techniques only support some parts, but not all, of the transformation from business rules expressed in a natural language to software components. Currently, there does not exist a technique to provide an integrated system for automatically generating software components and databases from business rules expressed in a natural language. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>An embodiment of the present invention is a method for generating software components from one or more business rule statements expressed in a language. Symbols of a vocabulary of a language and rule statements expressed using the symbols of the vocabulary of the language are received as input. The language has grammatical rules. Each of the business rule statements is parsed in accordance with the grammatical rules to generate a language-based structure. The language-based structure is processed to generate an expression model. The expression model is processed to generate a logical model. The logical model is processed to generate platform-independent implementation model in response to a user request for such generation. A target platform description is received. The platform-independent implementation model is processed to generate a platform-specific implementation model using the target platform description. Software components are generated from the platform-specific implementation model for deployment. | 20040730 | 20111101 | 20060202 | 73756.0 | G06F1728 | 0 | ADESANYA, OLUJIMI A | GENERATING SOFTWARE COMPONENTS FROM BUSINESS RULES EXPRESSED IN A NATURAL LANGUAGE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
|
10,903,456 | ACCEPTED | Mower suspension system and method | In some embodiments, the present invention provides a mower including a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, at least one front wheel coupled to the front portion of the frame, and two drive wheels on substantially opposite sides of the rear portion of the frame. Each drive wheel is coupled to the frame by a first link pivotably coupled at one end to the front portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel, and a second link pivotably coupled at one end to the rear portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel. The mower also includes at least one spring positioned to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction. Each of the drive wheels are movable upward and downward relative to the frame. | 1. A mower, comprising: a frame having a front portion and a rear portion; at least one front wheel coupled to the front portion of the frame; two drive wheels on substantially opposite sides of the rear portion of the frame, each drive wheel coupled to the frame by a first link pivotably coupled at one end to the front portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel; and a second link pivotably coupled at one end to the rear portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel; and at least one spring positioned to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction, each of the drive wheels movable upward and downward relative to the frame. 2. The mower of claim 1, wherein the two drive wheels are coupled to each other by a beam. 3. The mower of claim 2, further comprising a third link coupling the rear portion of the frame and the beam, wherein the third link is oriented substantially transversely to a longitudinal axis passing from the front portion to the rear portion of the frame. 4. The mower of claim 2, wherein the at least one spring is coupled to the beam and the rear portion of the frame to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction. 5. The mower of claim 1, further comprising a flange coupled to each of the drive wheels, wherein the first link is coupled to an upper portion of the flange, and wherein the second link is coupled to a lower portion of the flange. 6. The mower of claim 1, wherein the first link is at least as long as the second link. 7. The mower of claim 1, wherein the first link is located entirely above a rotational axis of each drive wheel, and wherein the second link is located entirely below a rotational axis of each drive wheel. 8. The mower of claim 1, further comprising a cutter deck coupled to the frame. 9. The mower of claim 8, wherein the cutter deck is coupled to at least one of the first and second links for upward and downward movement with the first and second links. 10. The mower of claim 1, wherein the at least one front wheel is longitudinally spaced from the two drive wheels to define a wheelbase length of the mower, and wherein the first link is pivotably coupled to the front portion of the frame at a location longitudinally spaced from the drive wheels between about 50% and about 90% of the wheelbase length. 11. The mower of claim 1, further comprising at least one longitudinal beam located in the front portion of the frame, the beam being substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis passing from the front portion to the rear portion of the frame, wherein the at least one front wheel includes first and second front wheels positioned on opposite sides of the front portion of the frame and spaced to define a track width of the mower, the first and second wheels being pivotably coupled to the at least one longitudinal beam about a first longitudinal pivot axis and a second longitudinal pivot axis, respectively, for upward and downward movement independent of each other, at least one of the first and second longitudinal pivot axes being laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis between about 0% and about 20% of the track width. 12. A mower, comprising: a frame including a front portion; a rear portion; and at least one longitudinal beam located in the front portion of the frame, the beam being substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis passing from the front portion to the rear portion of the frame; and first and second wheels positioned on opposite sides of the front portion of the frame and spaced to define a track width of the mower, the first and second wheels being pivotably coupled to the at least one longitudinal beam about a first longitudinal pivot axis and a second longitudinal pivot axis, respectively, for upward and downward movement independent of each other, at least one of the first and second longitudinal pivot axes being laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis between about 0% and about 20% of the track width. 13. The mower of claim 12, further comprising: a first suspension arm pivotably coupling the first wheel to the at least one longitudinal beam; and a second suspension arm pivotably coupling the second wheel to the at least one longitudinal beam. 14. The mower of claim 13, wherein each of the first and second suspension arms include first and second transverse portions disposed respectively at opposite ends of the suspension arm, and a longitudinal portion coupling the first and second transverse portions. 15. The mower of claim 14, wherein the first and second transverse portions of the suspension arms are pivotably coupled to the at least one longitudinal beam. 16. The mower of claim 12, further comprising: a first spring positioned to bias the first wheel in a downward direction; and a second spring positioned to bias the second wheel in a downward direction. 17. The mower of claim 12, further comprising a cutter deck coupled to the frame. 18. The mower of claim 17, wherein the cutter deck is coupled to the first and second wheels for upward and downward movement with the first and second wheels. 19. The mower of claim 12, further comprising: two drive wheels on substantially opposite sides of the rear portion of the frame, each drive wheel coupled to the frame by a first link pivotably coupled at one end to the front portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel; and a second link pivotably coupled at one end to the rear portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel; and at least one spring positioned to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction, each of the drive wheels movable upward and downward relative to the frame. 20. A mower, comprising: a frame including a front portion; a rear portion; and at least one longitudinal beam located in the front portion of the frame, the beam being substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis passing from the front portion to the rear portion of the frame; first and second wheels positioned on opposite sides of the front portion of the frame and spaced to define a track width of the mower, the first and second wheels being pivotably coupled to the at least one longitudinal beam about a first longitudinal pivot axis and a second longitudinal pivot axis, respectively, for upward and downward movement independent of each other, at least one of the first and second longitudinal pivot axes being laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis between about 0% and about 20% of the track width; first and second drive wheels on substantially opposite sides of the rear portion of the frame, each drive wheel coupled to the frame by a first link pivotably coupled at one end to the front portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel; and a second link pivotably coupled at one end to the rear portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel; at least one spring positioned to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction, each of the drive wheels movable upward and downward relative to the frame; a cutter deck coupled to the first and second front wheels and to the first and second drive wheels, the cutter deck movable upward and downward responsive to upward and downward movement of the first and second front wheels relative to the frame and to upward and downward movement of the first and second drive wheels relative to the frame. 21. The mower of claim 20, wherein the two drive wheels are coupled to each other by a beam. 22. The mower of claim 21, further comprising a third link coupling the rear portion of the frame and the beam, wherein the third link is oriented substantially transversely to a longitudinal axis passing from the front portion to the rear portion of the frame. 23. The mower of claim 21, wherein the at least one spring is coupled to the beam and the rear portion of the frame to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction. 24. The mower of claim 20, further comprising a flange coupled to each of the drive wheels, wherein the first link is coupled to an upper portion of the flange, and wherein the second link is coupled to a lower portion of the flange. 25. The mower of claim 20, wherein the first link is at least as long as the second link. 26. The mower of claim 20, wherein the first link is located entirely above a rotational axis of each drive wheel, and wherein the second link is located entirely below a rotational axis of each drive wheel. 27. The mower of claim 20, wherein the cutter deck is coupled to each of the first and second drive wheels by at least one of the first and second links. 28. The mower of claim 20, wherein the first and second wheels are longitudinally spaced from the first and second drive wheels to define a wheelbase length of the mower, and wherein the first link is pivotably coupled to the front portion of the frame at a location longitudinally spaced from the drive wheels between about 50% and about 90% of the wheelbase length. 29. The mower of claim 20, further comprising: a first suspension arm pivotably coupling the first wheel to the at least one longitudinal beam; and a second suspension arm pivotably coupling the second wheel to the at least one longitudinal beam. 30. The mower of claim 29, wherein each of the first and second suspension arms include first and second transverse portions disposed respectively at opposite ends of the suspension arm, and a longitudinal portion coupling the first and second transverse portions. 31. The mower of claim 30, wherein the first and second transverse portions of the suspension arms are pivotably coupled to the at least one longitudinal beam. 32. The mower of claim 20, further comprising: a first spring positioned to bias the first wheel in a downward direction; and a second spring positioned to bias the second wheel in a downward direction. 33. A method of assembling a mower, the method comprising: providing a frame having a first end, a second end, and opposite sides, the frame defining a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end; positioning at least one wheel toward the first end of the frame; positioning at least two additional wheels on the opposite sides of the frame, respectively, toward the second end of the frame; pivotably coupling each of the at least two additional wheels to a portion of the frame disposed closer to the first end of the frame than the second end with a first link; and pivotably coupling each of the at least two additional wheels to a portion of the frame disposed closer to the second end of the frame than the first end with a second link. 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising coupling the at least two additional wheels to each other with a beam. 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising coupling a third link at one end to the frame and at an opposite end to the beam, wherein the third link is oriented substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis. 36. The method of claim 33, further comprising biasing the two additional wheels in a downward direction with at least one spring. 37. The method of claim 33, wherein the first link is at least as long as the second link. 38. The method of claim 33, further comprising: positioning a cutter deck beneath the frame; and coupling the cutter deck to the two additional wheels, the cutter deck movable upward and downward responsive to upward and downward movement of the two additional wheels relative to the frame. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein coupling the cutter deck to the two additional wheels includes coupling the cutter deck to at least one of the first and second links on each side of the cutter deck. 40. The method of claim 33, wherein the at least one wheel is longitudinally spaced from the two additional wheels to define a wheelbase length, wherein pivotably coupling the first link includes pivotably coupling the first link to a portion of the frame toward the first end and longitudinally spaced from the two additional wheels between about 50% and about 90% of the wheelbase length. 41. The method of claim 33, further comprising providing toward the first end of the frame at least one longitudinal beam substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis, wherein positioning at least one wheel toward the first end of the frame includes positioning a first wheel and a second wheel on opposite sides of the frame, respectively, toward the first end of the frame to define a track width between the first and second wheels; and pivotably coupling the first and second wheels to the at least one longitudinal beam about a first longitudinal pivot axis and a second longitudinal pivot axis, respectively, for upward and downward movement independent of each other, at least one of the first and second longitudinal pivot axes being laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis between about 0% and about 20% of the track width 42. A method of assembling a mower, the method including: providing a frame having a first end, a second end, and opposite sides, the frame defining a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end; providing toward the first end of the frame at least one longitudinal beam substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis; positioning a first wheel and a second wheel on opposite sides of the frame, respectively, toward the first end of the frame to define a track width between the first and second wheels; and pivotably coupling the first and second wheels to the at least one longitudinal beam about a first longitudinal pivot axis and a second longitudinal pivot axis, respectively, for upward and downward movement independent of each other, at least one of the first and second longitudinal pivot axes being laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis between about 0% and about 20% of the track width. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein pivotably coupling the first and second wheels includes pivotably coupling first and second suspension arms, respectively, to the at least one longitudinal beam. 44. The method of claim 42, further comprising biasing the first and second wheels in a downward direction by first and second springs, respectively. 45. The method of claim 42, further comprising: positioning a cutter deck beneath the frame; and coupling the cutter deck to the first and second wheels, the cutter deck movable upward and downward responsive to upward and downward movement of the first and second wheels relative to the frame. 46. The method of claim 42, further comprising: positioning a third wheel and a fourth wheel on opposite sides of the frame, respectively, toward the second end of the frame; pivotably coupling each of the third and fourth wheels to a portion of the frame disposed closer to the first end of the frame than the second end with a first link; and pivotably coupling each of the third and fourth wheels to a portion of the frame disposed closer to the second end of the frame than the first end with a second link. 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the first and second wheels are longitudinally spaced from the third and fourth wheels to define a wheelbase length, wherein pivotably coupling the first link includes pivotably coupling the first link to a portion of the frame toward the first end and longitudinally spaced from the third and fourth wheels between about 50% and about 90% of the wheelbase length. 48. A method of decreasing longitudinal and lateral movement of a cutter deck of a mower, the method comprising: providing a frame having a first end, a second end, and opposite sides, the frame defining a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end; positioning a first wheel and a second wheel on the opposite sides of the frame, respectively, toward the first end of the frame to define a track width of the mower between the first and second wheels; pivotably coupling the first and second wheels about a first longitudinal pivot axis and a second longitudinal pivot axis, respectively, for upward and downward movement independent of each other, at least one of the first and second longitudinal pivot axes being laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis between about 0% and about 20% of the track width; positioning a third wheel and a fourth wheel on the opposite sides of the frame, respectively, toward the second end of the frame, the third and fourth wheels being longitudinally spaced from the first and second wheels to define a wheelbase length of the mower; pivotably coupling the third and fourth wheels about a first lateral pivot axis and a second lateral pivot axis, respectively, located between the first and third wheels, at least one of the first and second lateral pivot axes being longitudinally spaced from the third and fourth wheels between about 50% and about 90% of the wheelbase length; positioning the cutter deck beneath the frame, the cutter deck having a rotatable cutter, a first end facing the first end of the frame, and a second end facing the second end of the frame; coupling opposite sides of the first end of the cutter deck with the first and second wheels, respectively, the first end of the cutter deck being responsive to upward and downward movement of the first and second wheels; and coupling opposite sides of the second end of the cutter deck with the third and fourth wheels, respectively, the second end of the cutter deck being responsive to upward and downward movement of the third and fourth wheels. 49. The method of claim 48, further comprising coupling the third and fourth wheels to each other with a beam. 50. The method of claim 49, further comprising coupling a third link at one end to the frame and at an opposite end to the beam, wherein the third link is oriented substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis. 51. The method of claim 48, further comprising biasing the third and fourth wheels in a downward direction with at least one spring. 52. The method of claim 48, wherein the first link is at least as long as the second link. 53. The method of claim 48, wherein coupling the cutter deck to the third and fourth wheels includes coupling the cutter deck to at least one of the first and second links on each side of the cutter deck. 54. The method of claim 48, wherein pivotably coupling the first and second wheels includes pivotably coupling first and second suspension arms, respectively, to the at least one longitudinal beam. 55. The method of claim 48, further comprising biasing the first and second wheels in a downward direction by first and second springs, respectively. | RELATED APPLICATIONS This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/285,350 filed on Oct. 31, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/879,800 filed on Jun. 12, 2001 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,510,678, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/384,534 filed on Aug. 27, 1999 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,025, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/359,537 filed on Jul. 22, 1999 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,318, which in turn is a continuation-in-part patent application of (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/144,499, filed Aug. 31, 1998 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,893, which in turn claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/063,362 filed on Oct. 28, 1997; (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/119,818 filed on Jul. 21, 1998 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,242, which in turn claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/053,403 filed on Jul. 22, 1997 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/063,362, filed on Oct. 28, 1997; and (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/898,801, filed on Jul. 23, 1997 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,333, which in turn claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/022,865 filed on Jul. 26, 1996, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is described with respect to its use on lawn mowers, particularly self-propelled machines fitted with rotating blades for cutting grass and other vegetation. Numerous mowers exist in the marketplace for grass and vegetation. However, many of these mowers can produce uneven cuts and deliver unwanted stresses from the terrain to the driver and mower, resulting in driver fatigue and discomfort, mower wear and tear, more frequent repairs, and a shorter mower life. In many typical mowers, the cutter deck is suspended as either a ground-following deck or a floating deck. A ground-following deck typically rides on caster wheels (e.g., a set of two or four caster wheels in many cases) and follows the contours of the ground. A floating deck is often suspended beneath the frame between the front and rear wheels, such as by chains, sets of links and other elements. Other floating decks are suspended in various manners over the ground at a location in front of, behind, or beside the lawn mower frame. The floating deck is raised when skids, wheels, rollers, or other elements attached to the deck contact the lawn surface. The height of a floating cutter deck from the surface being cut is often defined at least in part by the elevation of the mower's frame. Generally, the intent for such a deck suspension system is to avoid continuing contact with the earth surface. When a cutter deck travels over uneven terrain having a strong grade, the cutter deck can contact the earth surface, and can cause the lawnmower blade(s) therein to scalp the surface being cut. Cutter decks are generally designed to avoid scalping by rising or floating upwardly. This generally works for certain kinds of earth unevenness, but some scalping still occurs on severe terrain. Even if scalping can be avoided, cutter deck height relative to the earth surface can vary widely. This is also undesirable because it results in an unequal height of the cut grass. A significant number of lawnmowers have wheels that are rigidly attached to the mower frame. Unfortunately, when a mower having such a suspension encounters uneven terrain, the mower frame can respond with significant upward and downward movement. With regard to lawnmower front wheels, many conventional lawn mower designs either rigidly connect the front wheels to the frame as just mentioned or employ a single axle to which the front wheels are attached. In some cases, the single axle can pivot about a point between the wheels, thereby generating slightly improved performance. Whether rigidly secured to the frame or connected to a common axle, such front suspension designs either do not eliminate the undesirable upward and downward frame movement described above, or only do so to a very limited extent. For example, if one wheel of such a mower rises in response to a rise in terrain, the single axle would cease to be parallel with the earth surface, generating forces that bring the frame and cutter deck also out of a parallel relationship with the earth surface. The resulting cut of the grass is uneven and unsatisfactory. In these and other conventional mowers, improved spring suspension systems are employed to reduce the amount of vertical frame motion when one or more wheels encounter unevenness in the earth surface being traversed. These spring systems improve traction of such mowers by maintaining improved contact between the wheels and the surface being traversed. However, these spring suspension systems can cause or allow the frame to roll relative to the cutting surface, such as, for example, when a mower is turned sharply or navigates a steep hillside. When a frame rolls, a floating cutter deck (and in many cases, even a ground-following cutter deck) rolls with the frame, resulting in one side of the cutter deck being closer to the cutting surface than the other. Consequentially, the cut of the grass is uneven and unsatisfactory. In order to address cutting quality, rider comfort, and suspension wear problems, many conventional lawn mowers employ suspensions having one or more springs. Although such spring suspensions do represent an improvement and can help to address these problems, significant room for improvement still exists. For example, heavy riders or heavy mower accessories (e.g., grass catchers) tend to exert extra stress on the suspension springs, potentially causing the suspension springs to “bottom out” or to provide a limited range of spring motion. In either case, an uncomfortable ride results because the spring has limited or no capacity to absorb shock. As a result, an increased amount of shock is transferred to the mower and operator. The increase in shock can significantly shorten the life of the mower and can be a cause of more frequent mower maintenance and repair. Substituting a stiffer spring for heavy loading situations is an unattractive solution for many reasons, such as an uncomfortable ride in a light loading situation and additional low-level vibrations transmitted to the frame. In light of the shortcomings and problems of prior art lawn mowers described above, a need exists for a lawn mower having a suspension system that improves floating cutter deck and/or ground-following cutter deck motion, results in better cutting performance and quality, is relatively simple and inexpensive in construction, can limit undesirable frame movement (such as frame roll and large vertical frame movement), provides a more comfortable ride, and can help prevent mower damage from vibration and shock. Each embodiment of the present invention provides one or more of these results. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Some embodiments of the present invention address one or more of the problems and limitations of the prior art by a unique connection assembly of the front wheels to the lawn mower frame. In some embodiments, the connection assembly for each front wheel includes a first suspension arm connected to the front of the frame and a second suspension arm connected to the side of the frame. The first suspension arm can be connected to the front of the frame at or near the longitudinal center of the frame, while the second suspension arm can be connected to the side of the frame a distance from the front of the frame. Either or both suspension arms can be mounted to the frame via plates secured to the frame. In some embodiments, the suspension arms are pivotably connected to the frame. Either or both suspension arms can be connected directly to a wheel yoke, can be connected to a support plate extending between the suspension arms, or can be connected to the wheel yoke and to a support plate extending between the suspension arms. In some embodiments, front suspension assemblies are employed that have one or more springs positioned to bias the associated front wheel in a downward direction. The spring(s) can be located between the frame and the support plates (where used), can be located between either or both of the arms and the frame, or in still other manners to generate the same desired force. If desired, each suspension assembly can be provided with a spring, air bag, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, or other such device that compensates for heavy loads upon the suspension assemblies (i.e., “load compensation adjusters”). In some embodiments, the load compensation adjusters are adjustable to change the resistance to downward force provided by the associated suspension assemblies. As described above, many conventional lawn mowers suffer from scalping and uneven cutting problems when the lawn mowers traverse uneven surfaces. Some embodiments of the present invention substantially reduce scalping and uneven cutting by suspending each of the front wheels independently from the front frame of the lawn mower with the structure described above. Upon wheel contact with uneven ground such as a steep upward or downward grade, the front wheels are therefore able to move generally vertically without greatly altering the relationship of the frame with respect to the surface traversed, or at least with reduced movement of the frame. In this manner, roll and pitch of the frame can be significantly reduced, resulting in a higher-quality cut and an improved ride. By employing a two-arm spring suspension assembly connected as described above, the inventors have discovered that far less damaging vibration, shock, and impact received by the front wheels are transmitted to the frame and to the operator. By reducing the transmission of such vibration, shock, and impact shock to the frame, the life of the lawn mower is considerably extended and the need for maintenance and repair is decreased. In some embodiments of the present invention, the cutter deck is connected to the front and/or rear suspensions, and therefore move with vertical movement of the front and/or rear suspensions. In this manner, the cutter deck can follow the terrain traversed by the mower by following the vertical movement of the mower wheels. In these and other embodiments, the front and/or rear suspension systems can be independent, and can be connected to a beam, subframe, or other structure that is pivotably coupled to the mower frame, thereby transmitting upward and downward force to the independent suspensions as well as to the pivoting beam, subframe, or other structure. Regardless of whether the cutter deck is also connected to these independent suspensions, this arrangement can result in improved suspension and cutter deck movement. Due to decreased vibration, shock, and impact transmitted by various embodiments of the present invention, a lawn mower provided with a suspension according to some embodiments of the present invention can be operated at quicker speeds, resulting in increased lawn mower efficiency and decreased time needed to cut a surface. Also, the relatively simple design of some wheel suspensions according the present invention enables the suspension to be included in lawn mowers with little impact upon manufacturing and sales costs. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a mower including a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, at least one front wheel coupled to the front portion of the frame, and two drive wheels on substantially opposite sides of the rear portion of the frame. Each drive wheel is coupled to the frame by a first link pivotably coupled at one end to the front portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel, and a second link pivotably coupled at one end to the rear portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel. The mower also includes at least one spring positioned to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction. Each of the drive wheels are movable upward and downward relative to the frame. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a mower including a frame having a front portion, a rear portion, and at least one longitudinal beam located in the front portion of the frame. The beam is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis passing from the front portion to the rear portion of the frame. The mower also includes first and second wheels positioned on opposite sides of the front portion of the frame and spaced to define a track width of the mower. The first and second wheels are pivotably coupled to the at least one longitudinal beam about a first longitudinal pivot axis and a second longitudinal pivot axis, respectively, for upward and downward movement independent of each other. At least one of the first and second longitudinal pivot axes is laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis between about 0% and about 20% of the track width. In yet other embodiments, the present invention provides a mower including a frame having a front portion, a rear portion, and at least one longitudinal beam located in the front portion of the frame. The beam is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis passing from the front portion to the rear portion of the frame. The mower also includes first and second wheels positioned on opposite sides of the front portion of the frame and spaced to define a track width of the mower. The first and second wheels are pivotably coupled to the at least one longitudinal beam about a first longitudinal pivot axis and a second longitudinal pivot axis, respectively, for upward and downward movement independent of each other. At least one of the first and second longitudinal pivot axes is laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis between about 0% and about 20% of the track width. The mower also includes first and second drive wheels on substantially opposite sides of the rear portion of the frame. Each drive wheel is coupled to the frame by a first link pivotably coupled at one end to the front portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel, and a second link pivotably coupled at one end to the rear portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel. The mower further includes at least one spring positioned to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction. Each of the drive wheels is movable upward and downward relative to the frame. The mower also includes a cutter deck coupled to the first and second front wheels and to the first and second drive wheels. The cutter deck is movable upward and downward responsive to upward and downward movement of the first and second front wheels relative to the frame and to upward and downward movement of the first and second drive wheels relative to the frame. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of assembling a mower. The method includes providing a frame having a first end, a second end, and opposite sides, the frame defining a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The method also includes positioning at least one wheel toward the first end of the frame, positioning at least two additional wheels on the opposite sides of the frame, respectively, toward the second end of the frame, pivotably coupling each of the at least two additional wheels to a portion of the frame disposed closer to the first end of the frame than the second end with a first link, and pivotably coupling each of the at least two additional wheels to a portion of the frame disposed closer to the second end of the frame than the first end with a second link. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a method of assembling a mower. The method includes providing a frame having a first end, a second end, and opposite sides, the frame defining a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The method also includes providing toward the first end of the frame at least one longitudinal beam substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis, positioning a first wheel and a second wheel on opposite sides of the frame, respectively, toward the first end of the frame to define a track width between the first and second wheels, and pivotably coupling the first and second wheels to the at least one longitudinal beam about a first longitudinal pivot axis and a second longitudinal pivot axis, respectively, for upward and downward movement independent of each other. At least one of the first and second longitudinal pivot axes is laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis between about 0% and about 20% of the track width. In yet other embodiments, the present invention provides a method of decreasing longitudinal and lateral movement of a cutter deck of a mower. The method includes providing a frame having a first end, a second end, and opposite sides, the frame defining a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The method also includes positioning a first wheel and a second wheel on the opposite sides of the frame, respectively, toward the first end of the frame to define a track width of the mower between the first and second wheels. The method further includes pivotably coupling the first and second wheels about a first longitudinal pivot axis and a second longitudinal pivot axis, respectively, for upward and downward movement independent of each other. At least one of the first and second longitudinal pivot axes is laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis between about 0% and about 20% of the track width. The method further includes positioning a third wheel and a fourth wheel on the opposite sides of the frame, respectively, toward the second end of the frame. The third and fourth wheels are longitudinally spaced from the first and second wheels to define a wheelbase length of the mower. The method also includes pivotably coupling the third and fourth wheels about a first lateral pivot axis and a second lateral pivot axis, respectively, located between the first and third wheels. At least one of the first and second lateral pivot axes is longitudinally spaced from the third and fourth wheels between about 50% and about 90% of the wheelbase length. The method further includes positioning the cutter deck beneath the frame. The cutter deck has a first end facing the first end of the frame and a second end facing the second end of the frame. The method also includes coupling opposite sides of the first end of the cutter deck with the first and second wheels, respectively. The first end of the cutter deck is responsive to upward and downward movement of the first and second wheels. The method further includes coupling opposite sides of the second end of the cutter deck with the third and fourth wheels, respectively. The second end of the cutter deck is responsive to upward and downward movement of the third and fourth wheels. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lawn mower having a front suspension system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the lawn mower of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a sectional perspective view of the front suspension system of the lawn mower illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG. 4 is a sectional perspective view of the front suspension system of the lawn mower illustrated in FIGS. 1-3; FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the lawn mower of FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a rear suspension system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the rear suspension system of FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a partial side elevation view of a portion of the rear suspension system illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7; FIG. 9 is a partial rear elevation view of a portion of the rear suspension system illustrated in FIG. 6; FIG. 10 is a partial rear elevation view of a portion of a rear suspension system according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of a pre-compressed spring used the rear suspension system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a cutaway view of a load compensation adjuster according to an embodiment of the invention, shown installed in the rear suspension system of FIGS. 6-9; FIG. 13 is an elevation view of the load compensation adjuster of FIG. 12; FIG. 14 is an elevation view of a shock absorber embodiment of the load compensation adjuster of the present invention; FIG. 15 is an elevation view of an air shock embodiment of the load compensation adjuster of the present invention; FIG. 16 is an elevation view of an airbag embodiment of the load compensation adjuster of the present invention; FIG. 17 is an elevation view of an airbag embodiment of the load compensation adjuster of the present invention; FIG. 18 is a partial view of a front or rear suspension system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 19 is a partial view of a front or rear suspension system according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a mower having a front suspension system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a mower having a front suspension system according to another embodiment present invention; FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the mower frame and front wheel independent suspension assemblies shown in FIG. 21; FIG. 23 is an assembled perspective view of the mower frame and front wheel independent suspension assemblies shown in FIGS. 21 and 22; FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the mower deck lift assembly shown in FIG. 21; FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the mower frame and front wheel independent suspension assemblies shown in FIGS. 21-24; FIG. 26 is a front view of the mower frame and front wheel independent suspension assemblies shown in FIGS. 21-24; FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a mower having a front suspension system according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the mower frame and front wheel independent suspension assemblies shown in FIG. 27; FIG. 29 is an assembled perspective view of the mower frame and front wheel independent suspension assemblies shown in FIGS. 27 and 28; FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the mower deck lift assembly shown in FIG. 27; FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a mower having a front suspension system according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the mower frame and front wheel independent suspension assemblies shown in FIG. 30; FIG. 33 is an assembled perspective view of the mower frame and front wheel independent suspension assemblies shown in FIGS. 31 and 32; FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of the mower deck lift assembly shown in FIG. 31; FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of a mower having front wheel independent suspension assemblies and a rear wheel suspension assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 36 is a rear perspective view of the mower of FIG. 35; FIG. 37 is an exploded front perspective view of the mower frame and front wheel independent suspension assemblies shown in FIG. 35; FIG. 38 is an assembled front perspective view of the mower frame and front wheel independent suspension assemblies shown in FIG. 35; FIG. 39 is a top plan view of the mower frame and front wheel independent suspension assemblies shown in FIG. 35; FIG. 40 is a front view of the mower frame and front wheel independent suspension assemblies shown in FIG. 35; FIG. 41 is an exploded rear perspective view of the mower frame and rear wheel suspension assembly shown in FIG. 36; FIG. 42 is an assembled rear perspective view of the mower frame and rear wheel suspension assembly shown in FIG. 36; FIG. 43 is a top plan view of the mower frame and rear wheel suspension assembly shown in FIG. 36; FIG. 44 is a rear view of the mower frame and rear wheel suspension assembly shown in FIG. 36; FIG. 45 is a side view of the mower frame and rear wheel suspension assembly shown in FIG. 36; FIG. 46 is a front perspective view of a mower deck and a mower deck lift assembly shown in the mower of FIG. 35; FIG. 47 is a front view of the mower frame and front wheel independent suspension assemblies shown in FIG. 35, illustrating one of the front wheel independent suspension assemblies in a jounced position; FIG. 48 is a side view of the mower frame and rear wheel suspension assembly shown in FIG. 35, illustrating the rear wheel suspension assembly in a jounced position; FIG. 49 is a front perspective view of a mower having a rear wheel suspension assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 50 is a rear perspective view of the mower of FIG. 49; FIG. 51 is an exploded rear perspective view of the mower frame and rear wheel suspension assembly shown in FIG. 49; FIG. 52 is an assembled rear perspective view of the mower frame and rear wheel suspension assembly shown in FIG. 49; FIG. 53 is a top plan view of the mower frame and rear wheel suspension assembly shown in FIG. 49; FIG. 54 is a rear view of the mower frame and rear wheel suspension assembly shown in FIG. 49; FIG. 55 is a side view of the mower frame and rear wheel suspension assembly shown in FIG. 49; FIG. 55 is a front perspective view of a mower deck and a mower deck lift assembly shown in the mower of FIG. 49; and FIG. 56 is a side view of the mower frame and rear wheel suspension assembly shown in FIG. 49, illustrating the rear wheel suspension assembly in a jounced position. Before any features of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including”, “having”, and “comprising” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The use of letters to identify elements of a method or process is simply for identification and is not meant to indicate that the elements should be performed in a particular order. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a lawn mower 10 includes a seat 12 connected to a chassis 14. Chassis 14 in turn rests on a main frame 16. Two rear wheels 18 are connected to main frame 16 by the independent suspension (not shown) as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/119,818. Two front wheels 22 are connected to main frame 16 via a front suspension system, shown generally at 24. A floating cutter deck 20 is preferably suspended beneath main frame 16 by rear suspension chains 26 and front suspension chains 28. Each rear suspension chain 26 is preferably connected to a rear wheel bracket 30 which is “wheel-side” of the rear independent suspension system. Each front suspension chain is preferably connected to a deck height adjustment mount 32 which is part of front suspension section 24. Suspending cutter deck 20 from the “wheel-side” of the front and rear independent suspensions ensures that cutter deck 20 moves vertically up and down in response to the vertical motion of front wheels 22 and rear wheels 18, which in turn are responsive to the terrain being mowed. Scalping and uneven cuts of the grass are thus prevented. Although the mower of the present invention can be equipped with either a ground-following cutter deck or a floating cutter deck, using a floating cutter deck with a mower having independent suspension requires additional considerations. Rolling of a lawn mower chassis is induced under certain situations. Among them are: (a) when the mower changes direction while traveling forward and centrifugal force acts laterally at the center of gravity of the machine; (b) when the mower traverses a slope and the gravitational force vector shifts direction relative to the plane of the mower wheel tread, and (c) when the mower travels over a surface undulation, lifting or lowering one or both wheels on one side, thereby rotating the mower chassis in space. Conventional mowers typically use wheels that are rigidly connected to the chassis. In these mowers, the chassis cannot roll relative to the wheels; therefore, there is no rolling of types (a) and (b). Other conventional mowers have a pivoting front or rear axle at one end, with an opposing end axle rigidly attached to the chassis. In these mowers, the rigidly attached axle limits the chassis roll which the pivoting axle otherwise permits to the extent the chassis is sufficiently rigid. The mower of the present invention, preferably having both front and rear independent wheel suspension systems, beneficially minimizes any rolling of the machine when a wheel passes over certain small bumps and depressions—type (c) rolling. Nonetheless, larger bumps and depressions can induce rolling. As will be explained below, the suspension configuration of FIG. 9 is prone to rolling of types (a) and (b). If cutter deck 20 of mower 10 is suspended from the chassis, rolling may adversely affect the essential mower function, that is, cutting grass to an even height. In particular, when the chassis rolls and one side moves closer to the earth surface, a cutter deck suspended from the chassis also moves closer to the surface. Therefore, the preferable embodiment of the present invention couples the motion of the cutter deck to the motion of a sprung wheel rather than directly to the chassis, thereby reducing the change in cutter deck height relative to the mowed surface when the chassis rolls. Due to the large cutting width preferred in commercial mowers and the distance between the front wheels 22, rocks or other uneven terrain features that are avoided by front wheels 22 can damage cutter deck 20. Cutter deck 20 therefore preferably includes a front roller 34, a rear roller 36 (partially hidden by rear wheel 18 in FIG. 2), and front caster wheels 38 that protect cutter deck 20 from damage. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, front suspension system 24 includes a longitudinal suspension strut 40 that is connected to main frame 16 via an upper suspension strut 42 and a lower suspension strut 44. Front wheel 22 is connected to longitudinal strut 40 via a trunnion 23. Upper and lower suspension struts 42, 44 pivotably connect to main frame 16 at a plurality of main frame pivot points 46 and pivotably connect to longitudinal suspension strut 40 at a plurality of front suspension pivot points 48. A spring 50 is fixed between a spring bracket 52 of upper suspension strut 42 and a front transverse member 54 of main frame 16 so that upward movement of suspension system 24 compresses spring 50 between spring bracket 52 and front transverse member 54. Upper and lower suspension struts 42, 44 are preferably of equal length so that the suspension travel does not change the perpendicularity of front wheel 22 to the ground. As front wheels 22 move vertically up and down in response to the terrain, the front of cutter deck 20, being connected to longitudinal suspension strut 40 via adjustment mount 32, moves vertically up and down in response to the vertical motion of front wheels 22. Main frame 16 is isolated from the vertical motion of front wheels 22 by front suspension system 24. Referring to FIGS. 6-9, a rear suspension system for mower 10 includes a motor mount 86 connected to main frame 16 via upper links 62 and lower links 64. Two struts 78 join an upper frame member 74 of main frame 16 to a lower frame member 76 of main frame 16. Upper and lower links 62, 64 are connected to struts 78 at main frame pivot points 66 and to motor mount 86 at rear suspension pivot points 68. Upper and lower links 62, 64 are shown in this embodiment as being of equal length. A spring 72 is captured between a spring bracket 70 of upper frame member 74 and a motor 80. FIG. 8 additionally shows an optional disk 84 on a wheel hub 82 that is used with disk brakes instead of the more conventional band-drum brakes typically used on prior art lawn mowers. Referring specifically to FIG. 9, a roll center is an imaginary point about which a mower with movable suspension elements tends to roll when subjected to lateral forces. A roll axis of the mower runs through the front and rear roll centers. The location of a roll center R for the rear wheel suspension system is determined by examining the intersection of an upper link phantom line 90 and a lower link phantom line 89. Line 90 runs through the pivot points for upper link 62 while line 89 runs through the pivot points for lower link 64. A ground contact phantom line 88 runs from a ground contact point 92, representing the contact between rear wheel 18 and ground 94, to the intersection of lines 90 and 89. In the embodiment described above, where upper and lower links 62, 64 are of equal length, lines 90 and 89 intersect at infinity. Line 88 therefore intersects lines 90 and 89 at infinity; line 88 is thus parallel to lines 90 and 89. The intersection of line 88 with a vertical plane passing through a center of gravity (mass) of the mower is the location of roll center R. In this embodiment, roll center R is substantially lower in elevation than the center of gravity CG of the mower. The location of roll center R can be moved vertically by changing the lengths and angles of the link assemblies. With roll center R significantly below center of gravity CG, the mower tends to sway or rock to the side when turning. Sway bars (not shown), also known as anti-sway or anti-roll bars, are optionally added to this equal-link-length suspension to inhibit swaying during turning. Such bars are typically torsion bars or other elastic structure which, when one wheel moves closer to the chassis, resist such motion with a force, the reaction to which is applied to the opposite wheel. Notwithstanding the tendency to roll, the FIG. 9 suspension provides a better vehicle ride and absorption of bumps compared to an unequal link-length suspension. The FIG. 9 suspension also minimizes lateral motion when the mower load changes, such as when an operator mounts or dismounts the mower, removes a grass-catcher bag, or when there are changes in the mower's vertical momentum due to uneven terrain. Referring to FIG. 10, an embodiment is shown with unequal link lengths. An upper link 62′ is shorter than a lower link 64′, with the lengths of links 62′, 64′ preferably determined such that the roll center R and the center of gravity CG substantially coincide. As shown in the figure, phantom lines 90′ and 89′ intersect at R, so ground contact line 88′ intersects the vertical plane passing through the center of gravity CG at the center of gravity CG. This configuration minimizes the roll tendency of the mower during turning. Referring to FIG. 11, a way of pre-compressing spring 72 is shown. Pre-compression is desirable to lessen the movement of the mower chassis when the mower operator mounts and dismounts the mower. Pre-compression is preferably accomplished by pivotably attaching a threaded guide rod 96 to motor 80. Rod 96 extends through a hole 97 in spring bracket 70 with a nut 98 on the threaded end of rod 96. Nut 98 is preferably adjustable so that the amount of pre-compression can be changed when required. Referring to FIGS. 12-13, a load compensation adjuster such as overload spring 100 is installed inside spring 72. If suspension spring 72 is a closed, ground end, compression spring with a right hand helix, overload spring 100 is preferably a closed, ground end, compression spring with a left-hand helix. Overload spring 100 fits inside spring 72 and is approximately one inch shorter in length than spring 72. The shorter length of overload spring 100 allows spring 72 to operate at its existing rate, but when spring 72 is compressed more than one inch, overload spring 100 begins to help carry the extra weight. Overload spring 100 is preferably wound with coils in the opposite direction from spring 72. The characteristics of the preferred embodiment of overload spring 100 is detailed in Table 1. Spring type compression spring, closed and grounded end Material chrome silicon Wire Diameter 0.2340 in. Mean Diameter 1.0160 in. Inside diameter 0.7820 in. Outside Diameter 1.2500 in. Total Coils 15.6984 in. Pitch 0.3308 in. Pitch Angle 5.9177 deg. Weight 0.6120 lbs. Free Length 5.0000 in. Solid Height 3.6734 in. Load Rate (lbs./in.) @ 0 lbs. 5.00 in. (free length) @150 lbs. 4.50 in. @300 lbs. 4.00 in. @398 lbs. 3.67 in. (solid height) Referring to FIG. 14, load compensation adjustment is achieved using an alternative embodiment such as a shock absorber 102 inside spring 72 in place of overload spring 100. This arrangement is commonly referred to as a coil-over suspension. Referring to FIG. 15, load compensation adjustment is achieved using an alternative embodiment such as an air shock 104 instead of shock absorber 102, although not depicted inside spring 72 in the figure. Using air shock 104 allows adjustment of the spring tension by raising or lowering the air pressure, thereby determining the spring load or tension. Referring to FIG. 16, load compensation adjustment is achieved by using an alternative embodiment such as an airbag 106 to replace overload spring 100 inside spring 72. Airbag 106 can be inflated or deflated for the desired suspension, either by the user or pre-inflated at the factory. Referring to FIG. 17, an alternative embodiment for load compensation adjustment includes an airbag 108 which could replace the spring within a spring combination by acting as a variable compression spring. As the air in airbag 108 becomes compressed, the force required to compress it further increases. Referring to FIG. 18, a torsion bar suspension is shown connected to wheel hub 82 at the left rear wheel location for mower 10. A first torsion bar 112 is hooked to lower link 64 at one end, while another end attaches to an adjuster 114, which permits adjustment of the tension of torsion bar 112. In similar fashion, a second torsion bar 110 is hooked to the lower link 64 on the right side of mower 10, with the other end of torsion bar 110 being attached to an adjuster 116 which is connected to lower link 64 on the left side of mower 10. The right side wheel hub and upper and lower links are not shown in FIG. 18. The torsion bars 110, 112 replace the springs 72 to provide the rear wheel suspension. Load compensation is done with adjusters 114, 116. Although the torsion suspension is shown for the rear wheels, it can be used on the front wheels as well. For the front suspension system shown in FIG. 4, front transverse member 54 and springs 50 are replaced by the torsion bars in the manner just described with respect to the rear suspension system. Referring to FIG. 19, an alternative embodiment of the front suspension system includes a torsion bar 118 attached to lower suspension strut 44 near the lower main frame pivot point 46. Torsion bar 118 is approximately 1.5 to 2.5 feet (45 to 76 cm) long and extends lengthwise to attach to main frame 16. A similar arrangement provides the front suspension for the other front wheel. Referring to FIG. 20, in another embodiment of the present invention, a main frame 122 is connected to a pivoting subframe 124 that incorporates a front suspension system. Pivoting subframe 124 includes a left half subframe 124a which is hingeably connected to a right half subframe 124b. Two hinges, such as a front clevis joint 135 and a rear clevis joint 137, connect left and right half subframes 124a, 124b to each other. A front pivot pin 146 acts as the clevis pin for front clevis joint 135 while a rear pivot pin 148 acts as the clevis pin for rear clevis joint 137. Front pivot pin 146 is connected to a front transverse member 147 of main frame 122 via a front pivot plate 144, while rear pivot pin 148 is connected to a rear transverse member 149 of main frame 122 via a rear pivot plate 142. A left spring pocket 140a, connected to an extension of main frame 122, houses a left spring 138a that abuts a front transverse portion 151a of left half subframe 124a, while a right spring pocket 140b, connected to an extension of main frame 122, houses a right spring 138b that abuts a front transverse portion 151b of right half subframe 124b. Thus, when a left caster wheel 136a rolls into a dip, left half subframe 124a moves with it, not affecting right half subframe 124b or main frame 122. Similarly, when a right caster wheel 136b rolls into a dip, right half subframe 124b moves with it, not affecting left half subframe 124a or main frame 122. Thus, three of the four mower wheels are on the ground at any given time, resulting in a stable, smooth ride with little or no scalping caused by the cutter deck. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, rear suspension chains 153 for a cutter deck 150 are attached to rear wheel brackets 155 via a cutter deck lift assembly 156, while front suspension chains 158 for cutter deck 150 are attached via cutter deck lift assembly 156 to main frame 122. The weight distribution in a lawn mower of this type is approximately 75% in the rear and 25% in the front. Thus, whereas the rear of the cutter deck is preferably connected to the rear wheel brackets instead of the main frame to avoid scalping during sharp turns or over rough terrain, the front of the cutter deck is preferably connected directly to the main frame in this embodiment. FIGS. 21-26 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. The lawn mower 200 illustrated in FIGS. 21-26 includes a motor 202, a motor cover 204, a chassis 212, a front frame 214, a pair of front wheels 222, a pair of rear wheels 206 (only one of which is visible in FIG. 21), a cutter deck 208, a seat 210, and a pair of front wheel independent suspension assemblies 216. The particular type of lawn mower 200 illustrated in FIG. 21 is presented by way of example only. In this regard, the suspension systems of the present invention can be employed on any type of riding or non-riding lawn mower. In the type of lawn mower illustrated in FIG. 21, the motor 202 is mounted to the chassis 212 and is covered by the motor cover 204. Also, the chassis 212 is mounted to the front frame 214, which can be a separate frame connected to a rear frame (not shown) in any conventional manner or can define a front portion of a single frame of the lawn mower 200. In some embodiments, the lawn mower 200 simply has a single frame 214 upon which the motor 202 is mounted (whether by a chassis 212 or otherwise). With reference to FIGS. 21 and 24, the rear wheels 206 of the lawn mower 200 can be mounted to the chassis 212 by a pair of rear wheel independent suspension assemblies 207, although the rear wheels 206 can instead be rigidly mounted to the mower front frame 214, can be connected to an axle that is pivotable with respect to the front frame 214, or can be attached to the front frame 214 in any other manner. Examples of rear wheel independent suspensions 207 are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference insofar as it relates to rear wheel independent suspension systems. The cutter deck 208 of the lawn mower 200 can be in any location with respect to the front and rear wheels 222, 206 and with respect to the front frame 214. However, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21, the cutter deck 208 is positioned between the front and rear wheels 222, 206. The cutter deck 208 contains at least one cutter (not shown) for cutting grass or other vegetation on a surface, and in some embodiments can be raised and lowered with respect to the ground. The cutter deck 208 can be a floating or ground-following cutter deck. The cutter deck 208 according to the present invention can be directly or indirectly connected to the frame of the lawn mower 200 in a number of different manners, some of which provide different types of cutter deck movement and cutter deck performance. For example, the cutter deck 208 can be suspended entirely from the frame of the lawn mower 200, can be suspended at the front and rear from front and rear independent suspension systems, can be suspended from the front by front independent suspension systems while being suspended from the rear by the frame of the lawn mower 200, or can be suspended from the rear by rear independent suspension systems while being suspended from the front by the frame of the lawn mower 200. Examples of the latter three types of cutter deck suspensions are provided in the embodiments of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 27-30, 31-34, and 21-26, respectively. The floating cutter deck 208 illustrated in FIG. 21 is presented by way of example only. In this embodiment, the cutter deck 208 is connected to and suspended from the front frame 214. Connection to the rear independent suspension assemblies 207 permits the cutter deck 208 to follow upward and downward movement of the rear wheels 206 in response to changing terrain elevation, thereby maintaining the cutter deck 208 in a more stable relationship with respect to the ground even as the lawn mower 200 traverses uneven terrain. With continued reference to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 21-26, the front end of the cutter deck 208 is not responsive to upward and downward movement of the front wheels 222. However, the rear end of the cutter deck 208 follows the upward and downward movement of the rear wheels 206 by virtue of the cutter deck's connection to the rear independent suspension assemblies 207. Such connection can be established in a number of different manners, such as the bolts 213 coupled at one end to respective brackets 219 on the rear end of the cutter deck 208 and to respective crank arms 221 pivotably coupled to the rear independent suspension assemblies 207. In other embodiments, the cutter deck 208 can be coupled to the rear independent suspension assemblies 207 in any other manner desired, such as by securing chains, cables, links, straps, bars, or other elements to the cutter deck 208 and to the rear independent suspension assemblies 207. Further examples of manners in which the rear of the cutter deck 208 can be directly or indirectly connected to the rear independent suspension assemblies 207 are provided below with regard to front independent suspension assemblies in FIGS. 27-30. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 27-30, the mower 400 suspends the cutter deck 408 at one end from one or more front independent suspension assemblies 416, and at another end from one or more rear independent suspension assemblies 407. The cutter deck 408 can be connected to the front suspension assemblies 416 for suspension therefrom in a number of different manners, such as by securing chains, cables, links, straps, bars, or other elements to the cutter deck 408 and to the suspension assemblies 416. Such elements can be connected to the suspension assemblies by bolts, screws, hooks, pins, or other fasteners, by inter-engaging elements, and in some cases by permanent connections such as welding, brazing, and the like. As will be described in greater detail below, the elements employed to suspend the cutter deck 408 from the suspension assemblies 416 can be connected directly to the suspension assemblies or can be connected thereto via a deck lifting device (such as that shown in FIGS. 27 and 30). In this regard, the elements employed to suspend the cutter deck 408 from the suspension assemblies 416 can be connected to one or movable or immobile levers, bars, or other elements connected to the suspension assemblies 416. The elements employed to suspend the cutter deck 408 from the suspension assemblies 416 can be connected to the cutter deck 408 in any manner desired, including the manners of connection described above with reference to connections to the suspension assemblies 416. By way of example only, the cutter deck 408 illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 30 is suspended by chains, each of which are connected at one end to an eyebolt on the cutter deck 408 and at another end to a crank arm 451 pivotably connected to a corresponding suspension assembly 416 via a mounting block 450. The mounting blocks 450 can be integral with or welded to the second suspension arms 448, and in other embodiments can be connected in other suitable manners, such as by clamping, bolting, and the like. In still other embodiments, the crank arm 451 can be pivotably connected to the suspension arm 448 by a post of the crank arm 451 received within an aperture in the suspension arm 448 (or vice versa). It will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that the chains employed to suspend the cutter deck 408 in such embodiments can be coupled directly or indirectly to the suspension arm 448 (or any other location on the independent suspension assembly 416) in a number of other manners, each of which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. As mentioned above, the rear of the cutter deck 408 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27-30 is suspended from the rear independent suspension assemblies 407. The rear of the cutter deck 408 can be connected to the rear independent suspension assemblies in any of the manners described above with reference to the same connection in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 21-26, and the connections described above between the front of the cutter deck 408 and the front independent suspension assemblies 416. By way of example only, and with particular reference to FIG. 30, the rear of the cutter deck 408 can be suspended by chains 410 connected to bolts 453 on the cutter deck 408 and to rear crank arms 452 pivotably connected to the rear independent suspension assemblies 407. By virtue of the suspended connections of the cutter deck 408 from the front suspension assemblies 416, 417 (and if desired, from the rear independent suspension assemblies 407), the cutter deck 408 can follow upward and downward movement of the wheels 422, 406 in response to changing terrain elevation, thereby maintaining the cutter deck 408 in a more stable relationship with respect to the ground even as the lawn mower 400 traverses uneven terrain. In yet another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 31-34, the cutter deck 508 is suspended at one end from front independent suspension assemblies 516, and at another end from the frame 514. The front of the cutter deck 508 can be suspended from the front independent suspension assemblies 516 in any of the manners described above with regard to cutter deck suspension in the earlier embodiments. By way of example only, the front end of the cutter deck 508 is coupled to suspension arms 548 of the front independent suspension assemblies 516 via front crank arms 551 pivotably coupled to the front independent suspension assemblies (such as by front mounting blocks 550 welded to the suspension arms 548 or otherwise connected thereto in any suitable manner, such as by clamping, brazing, or integrally-forming the front mounting blocks 550 with the suspension arms 548). As a result, the front end of the cutter deck 508 is responsive and follows upward and downward movement of the front wheels 522. With continued reference to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 31-34, the rear end of the cutter deck 508 can be suspended from the frame 514 in any of the manners described above with regard to cutter deck suspension in earlier embodiments. By way of example only, the rear end of the cutter deck 508 is coupled to the frame 514 via rear crank arms 552 pivotably coupled to the frame 514 (such as by rear mounting blocks 553). As a result, the rear end of the cutter deck 508 is not responsive to upward and downward movement of the rear wheels 506. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 21-34, the cutter deck 208, 408, 508 is attached to the front and/or rear independent suspension systems in any manner desired, such as by chains or cables, by links, hinges or joints, by conventional fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, hooks, clips, and the like. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 21-26, the cutter deck 208 is coupled to the front frame 214 and rear independent suspension assemblies 207 via deck hanger assemblies 209 that include conventional threaded fasteners 213 passed through brackets 219 on the cutter deck 208. As another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27-30, the deck hanger assemblies 409 include conventional fasteners such as, for example, eyebolts, that are used in conjunction with chains to couple the cutter deck 408 to the front and the rear suspension assemblies 416, 407. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 30-34, the deck hanger assemblies 509 include conventional fasteners such as, for example, U-bolts, that used in conjunction with chains to couple the cutter deck 508 with the front suspension assemblies 516 and the frame 514. The deck hanger assemblies 209, 409, 509 can be attached directly to the front and/or rear independent suspension assemblies (such as to arms, flanges, or other portions of the front and/or rear independent suspension assemblies, within apertures in the front and/or rear independent suspension assemblies, and the like), or can be indirectly connected thereto by cutter deck lifting assemblies 211, 411, 511. For example, the deck hanger assemblies 209, 409, 509 in the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 21-34 are connected to bell cranks, arms, or other elements movable by a user to lift and lower the cutter deck 208, 408, 508 with respect to the ground. Such bell cranks, arms, and other elements can be lifted and lowered by levers, pedals, cranks, motors, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, or by any other manual or powered device. Still other devices and elements for raising and lowering a cutter deck 208, 408, 508 are well known to those skilled in the art and are not therefore described further herein. With reference again to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 22-26, the mower 200 can have a chassis 212, a front frame 214 (or front portion of a main frame 214), and a pair of front wheel independent suspension assemblies 216. The front frame 214 can be connected to the chassis 212 by a plurality of bolts or other threaded fasteners 218. Other manners of fastening the front frame 214 to the chassis 212 can instead be used. By way of example only, the front frame 214 can be connected to the chassis 212 by screws, rivets, pins, welding or brazing, inter-engaging elements, and the like, and can even be integral with the chassis 212 in some embodiments. For purposes of reference in the following description, a substantially horizontal axis 220 runs through the center of the front frame 214 and chassis 212 to divide the front frame 214 and chassis 212 into two sides. In some embodiments, the front frame 214 has opposite sides and has a front, each of which are defined by one or more beams, rods, bars, plates, or other structural members. For example, the front frame 214 in the illustrated embodiment is defined by tubular side beams 215 and a tubular front beam 217 connected together by welds (although any other manner of connecting these elements together can instead be employed, including those mentioned above with regard to connection of the chassis 212 and frame 214). The side beams 215 in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 21-26 are substantially parallel to the horizontal axis 220, while the front beam 217 is substantially orthogonal to the horizontal axis 220. However, any other relative orientations of these beams 215, 217 can instead be employed. As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the frame 214 of the present invention can be constructed of a wide variety of structural elements. In some embodiments, these elements include tubular beams as mentioned above. Tubular beams provide a relatively strong and lightweight framework for the lawn mower 200 compared to other structural members that can be employed. In other embodiments however, the front frame 214 can be constructed partially or entirely of different structural members, including without limitation bars, rods, non-tubular beams having any cross-sectional shape (e.g., L-shapes, I-shapes, C-shapes, etc.), plates, and the like. Accordingly, as used herein and in the appended claims, the term “beam” (whether referring to the front beam 217, a side beam 215, or any other beam of the front frame 214) is intended to encompass all of these structural members. With continued reference to FIG. 22, the illustrated lawn mower 200 has a pair of front wheel independent suspension assemblies 216 connected to the front frame 214. Although the independent suspension assemblies 216 can be different in structure, elements, and/or connection, both independent suspension assemblies 216 in the illustrated embodiment contain identical components and are mirror images of each other with respect to the horizontal axis 220. Each of the independent suspension assemblies 216 has a ground-contacting wheel 222. However, the independent suspension assemblies 216 can instead have other types of rolling devices, including without limitation rollers, balls, and tires connected in any conventional manner for rotation and for support of the front frame 214. For example, each of the caster wheels 222 can be supported by an axle 224 attached to an inverted yoke 226. Other types of rolling element mounting methods are possible, such as a bent axle extending outward and upward from the axis of rotation of the rolling element for connection to the rest of the independent suspension assembly 216. In some embodiments, each front wheel 222 is capable of pivoting about a vertical or substantially vertical axis. In this regard, the front wheels 222 can be pivotably connected to the rest of the front independent suspension assemblies 216 in a number of different manners. For example, the yokes 226 of the caster wheels 222 in the illustrated embodiment are pivotably connected to the rest of the front independent suspension assemblies 216 by posts 228 extending vertically or substantially vertically from each yoke 226. These yokes 226 are pivotably connected to the rest of their respective suspension assemblies 216 in any conventional manner. By way of example only, a seal 230, washer 237, and bearings 232, 235 are received on the posts 228 in the illustrated embodiment, and enable the posts 228 and yokes 226 to pivot with respect to the front frame 214. Each front independent suspension assembly 216 illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 21-26 has a first suspension arm 246 connecting the associated front wheel 222 to a front of the frame 214 and a second suspension arm 248 connecting the associated front wheel 222 to a side of the front frame 214. The posts 228 in the illustrated embodiment are pivotably connected to the suspension arms 246, 248 by being received within and connected to a joint 236 connected to the suspension arms 246, 248. Each joint 236 can take a number of different forms, and in the embodiment of FIGS. 21-26 is a cylindrical member within which the post 228 is received. Each post 228 is preferably secured within a corresponding joint 236 by a nut 238 or other threaded fastener screwed upon a threaded end of the post 228 as best shown in FIG. 22. If desired, additional hardware can help secure this connection. For example, one or more cotter pins 240 can be clipped to the nut 238 and/or post 228, can be received within an aperture or recess within the nut 238 and/or post 228, or can be connected to the post 228 in any other conventional manner to prevent disconnection of the nut 238 from the post 228. As another example, one or more washers 237 can be provided as needed to distribute force and secure the connection of the posts 228 to the joints 236. As an alternative to the use of a cylindrical joint 236 as described above in order to connect the post 228 of each front independent suspension assembly 216 to the suspension arms 246, 248, the joint 236 can be a socket within which an end of the post 228 is received, can be defined by an aperture in either or both suspension arms 246, 248, and the like. Any conventional joint structure can be employed to establish this connection of the post 228 and wheel 222, each of which falls within the spirit and scope of the present invention. An advantage of a cylindrical joint 236 as described above is the ability to receive bearings 232, 235 therein and to house and protect the bearings 232, 235. In this regard, other elements and structure can be used to enable the wheels 222 to pivot properly. For example, depending upon the type of joint 236 employed, ball bearings, roller bearings, sleeves or linings made of low-friction material, and other elements can be used as desired (with or without lubricating material). In the illustrated embodiment, two sets of roller bearings 232, 235 are received within the joint 236, and can be seated within lips, ledges, or other structure of the joint 236. However, any other manner of retaining these and other types of bearings can be used, depending at least partially upon the type of joint 236 employed to connect the wheels 222 with respect to the rest of the front independent suspension assemblies 216. Although a threaded connection is employed in some embodiments to secure the post 228 with respect to the rest of the front independent suspension assembly 216, it should be noted that a number of other type of connections can be used. By way of example only, the post 228 can be snap-fit, press-fit, or screwed into the joint 236 (or within a collar, lug, socket, or other fitting within the joint 36), can be assembled on opposite ends or sides of the joint 236 using any conventional fasteners, and the like. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to protect the joint 236 and its components from dirt, debris, and other foreign materials and to retain any lubricant material therein. To this end, the joint 236 can be capped, can be received within a boot, grommet, housing, or shroud, and the like. For example the joint in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21-26 is covered with a cap 242. As mentioned above, each front independent suspension assembly 216 in the embodiment of FIGS. 21-26 has a first suspension arm 246 connecting a front wheel 222 to a front of the frame 214 and a second suspension arm 248 connecting the front wheel 222 to a side of the front frame 214. The first suspension arms 246 can be connected at a common location on the front of the frame 214 (whether by a common bolt 264 or other fastener, by another common connection, or otherwise). Alternatively, the first suspension arms 246 can be connected to the front of the frame 214 at different locations along the front of the frame 214. In some embodiments, the first and second suspension arms 246, 248 are elongated tubular elements connected to form an acute angle therebetween. However, the first and second suspension arms 246, 248 can instead be bars, beams, or other elongated elements that connected to define an angle therebetween (and in some embodiments, an acute angle therebetween). The suspension arms 246, 248 can have any relative length. In the illustrated embodiment for example, the first suspension arm 246 is shorter than the second suspension arm 248. The suspension arms 246, 248 in the embodiment of FIGS. 21-26 are welded to the joint 236. In other embodiments, the suspension arms 246, 248 can be connected to the joint 236 in any other manner, including without limitation by brazing, by one or more conventional fasteners such as screws, bolts, rivets, clamps, clips, and the like, by pin and aperture, finger and slot, hook and aperture, and other types of connections, by threaded, press-fit, or snap-fit connections, by inter-engaging elements, and the like. As an alternative to direct connection to the joint 236, either or both suspension arms 246, 248 can be indirectly connected to the joint 236, such as by connection to a brace, strut, plate, reinforcement or other element connected to the joint 236, by connection of the first suspension arm 246 directly to the joint 236 and by connection of the second suspension arm 248 to the first suspension arm 246 (or vice versa), and the like. The use of two suspension arms 246, 248 of each front independent suspension enables connection of each front independent suspension assembly 216 to two different locations on the front frame 214: (i) one location at the front of the frame 214 and one location at the side of the front frame 214, (ii) two locations at the front of the frame 214, or (iii) two locations at the side of the front frame 214. Although two suspension arms 246, 248 are preferred for this purpose, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the same results can be achieved by using other elements and structures. For example, the suspension arms 246, 248 can be replaced by a single arm having a shape similar to the shape formed by two separate suspension arms 246, 248. Also, the suspension arms 246, 248 can be supplemented by additional suspension arms to form a double wishbone suspension system, including upper first and second suspension arms and lower first and second suspension arms. As an alternative to the manner of connection illustrated in FIGS. 21-23, 25, and 26, such upper and lower first suspension arms may be connected to the front of the frame 214 or the side of the front frame 214 along with the upper and lower second suspension arms. Additionally, the upper and lower first and second suspension arms can all be connected to the front of the frame 214. As yet another example, a plate can be shaped to connect to the front of the frame 214 and to extend around a front corner of the frame 214 for connection to a side of the front frame 214. Still other elements and structure can be employed to connect the joint 236 to the front and side of the front frame 214, or to connect the joint 236 to only the front or only the side of the front frame 214, each of which falls within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of the suspension arms 246, 248 can be connected directly to the front frame 214 in a number of different manners. In some embodiments, the suspension arms 246, 248 are pivotably connected to the front frame 214 to enable upward and downward movement of the front independent suspension assemblies 216. Any type of pivotable connection can be employed, such a ball and socket connection, a pivot and aperture connection, a hinge connection, and the like. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that still other manners of pivotal connection are possible. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 21-26, both suspension arms 246, 248 are pivotably connected to the front frame 214 by bolts 264 as will be described in greater detail below. Although direct connection to the front frame 214 is possible, the suspension arms 246, 248 in some embodiments are connected to plates, bars, rods, or other elements shaped to provide an improved interface between the suspension arms 246, 248 and the front frame 214. More specifically, the suspension arms 246, 248 in many embodiments are oriented at an angle with respect to that part of the front frame 214 to which they connect, thereby making such a connection more difficult. Therefore, the suspension arms 246, 248 of some embodiments are connected to elements shaped to better establish an angled connection to the front frame 214. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 21-26 for example, the first suspension arm 246 is connected to a suspension front plate 250 on the front of the front frame 214, while the second suspension arm 248 is connected to a suspension side plate 251 of the side of the front frame 214. The suspension front and side plates 250, 251 in this exemplary embodiment are welded to the front frame 214, but can be connected thereto by fasteners or in any of the manners described above with reference to the connection between the first and second suspension arms 246, 248 and the joint 236. In some embodiments, the suspension front and side plates 250, 251 can even be integral with the front frame 214, such as by being stamped, molded, pressed, cast, or otherwise defined by a part of the front frame 214. Each first suspension arm 246 can be pivotably connected to the front of the frame 214 (and in some cases, to a common suspension front plate 250 as shown in FIGS. 21-26 or to respective suspension front plates) by a front pivot assembly 252. As mentioned above, the front pivot assembly 252 can take a number of different forms. In the illustrated embodiment for example, the front pivot assembly 252 includes a ball joint 260 attached the first suspension arm 246 by a threaded fastener such as a nut 258 threaded onto a threaded extension of the ball joint 260, a pair of joint seals 262, and a bolt 264 passed through apertures in the ball joint 260 and joint seals 262. If desired, a spacer 266 can be located between the ball joint 260 and the front plate 250 to provide clearance between the ball joint 260 and the front plate 250. The ball joint 260 can instead be connected to the first suspension arm 246 by being threaded into a threaded aperture therein, by one or more conventional fasteners, or in any of the manners described above with reference to the connection between the first and second suspension arms 246, 248 and the joint 236. Although not required, the joint seals 262 can be employed for purposes of keeping the ball joint 260 free of dirt, debris, and foreign matter. A bolt 264 can be employed for pivotable connection to the ball joint 260 as described above. However, the bolt 264 can be replaced by any other element received within the ball joint 260, including without limitation a pin or rod, a headed post, extension, or any other element extending into the ball joint 260 from the front plate 250 or frame 214. In other embodiments, a ball joint socket 260 be attached to the front plate 250 or frame 214 and can pivotably receive a pin, rod, headed post, extension, or other element attached to the first suspension arm 246. The bolt 264 of the front pivot assembly 252 can extend into an aperture in the suspension front plate 250 and can be secured therein by a nut 268 or other conventional fastener. As discussed above, the suspension front plate 250 can be shaped to connect the first suspension arm 246 at an angle with respect to the front of the frame 214. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a number of different front plate shapes can be employed to establish this angled connection. By way of example only, the suspension front plate 250 can have a wing, flange, arm, tab, or other portion 253 that provides a mounting location disposed at an angle with respect to the front of the frame 214. In embodiments in which both front independent suspension systems are connected to a common suspension front plate 250 (see FIGS. 21-26), the suspension front plate 250 can have two such portions 253 providing two mounting locations disposed at respective angles with respect to the front of the frame 214. For different suspension and handling characteristics of the lawn mower 200, the first suspension arm 246 in some embodiments can be connected to the suspension front plate 250 in one of two or more provided locations. By way of example only, the bolt 264 in the illustrated embodiment can be passed through one of a series of apertures in the suspension front plate 250 (e.g., arranged in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line, in a curved line, and the like). Connection to each different aperture can thereby provide a different resting position of the front independent suspension assembly 216 to provide different handling characteristics of the lawn mower 200. With continued reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, the second suspension arm 248 in the illustrated embodiment is mounted to the front frame 214 by a side pivot assembly 270. The side pivot assembly 270 in the illustrated embodiment has the same or similar elements as the front pivot assembly 252. The second suspension arm 248 can be connected to the front frame 214 via a suspension side plate 251. In some embodiments, the second suspension arm 248 is connected to a wing, flange, extension, tab, or other portion 272 of the suspension side plate 251 disposed at an angle with respect to the side of the front frame 214 for the same reasons discussed above. A bolt 264 can be received within a ball joint 260, joint seals 262, a spacer 276, and an aperture 274 in the suspension side plate 251, and can be retained therein by a nut 268. The alternative assemblies and elements described above with reference to the connection between the first suspension arm 246 and the suspension front plate 250 (or directly to the front frame 214 in other embodiments) apply equally to the connection between the second suspension arm 248 and the suspension side plate 251 or front frame 214. The front and side pivot assemblies 252 and 270 allow the suspension arms 246, 248 to move in a substantially upward and downward vertical direction relative to the front frame 214. Depending at least partially upon the lengths of the first and second suspension arms 246, 248 and the location of their direct or indirect connection to the front frame 214, other movement such as curved or horizontal movement is possible. In some embodiments of the present invention, it is desirable to strengthen the front independent suspension assemblies 216 and/or to provide additional structure to which other elements, structure, and devices of the front independent suspension assemblies 216 can be connected. Such additional structure can include one or more plates, rods, bars, tabs, wings, extensions, bosses, platforms, struts, and other framework connected to the first suspension arm 246, the second suspension arm 248, and/or the joint 236. These elements and structure can be connected to the suspension arms 246, 248 and joint 236 in any conventional manner, including those manners described above with reference to the connection between the first and second suspension arms 246, 248 and the joint 236. In the illustrated embodiment for example, a support plate 278 is positioned between the first suspension arm 246 and the second suspension arm 248 (either below the arms 246, 248 as illustrated in FIGS. 21-26, above the arms 246, 248, or on substantially the same level as the arms 246, 248) and can be welded to both arms 246, 248. Some embodiments of each front independent suspension assembly 216 according to the present invention have a shock absorber 302 and/or a suspension spring 288. The shock absorber 302 and the suspension spring 288 can be connected between the front frame 214 and the front independent suspension assembly 216 to absorb shock transmitted from the wheels 222 and to bias the front independent suspension assembly 216 in a downward direction. The shock absorber 302 can be a conventional hydraulic shock absorber. However, the shock absorber 302 can take a number of other forms, including without limitation an air shock, an airbag, a coil, torsion, or other spring, and the like. Although the shock absorber 302 can be connected in any conventional manner to the front frame 214 and to any part of the front independent suspension assembly 216, the shock absorber 302 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 21-26 is located between and connected to the support plate 278 and the front frame 214 (or a fixture on the front frame 214). In this regard, the shock absorber 302 can be welded or brazed to the support plate 278 and front frame 214, can be connected thereto with bolts, screws, rivets, pins, clips, clamps, or other conventional fasteners, or can be connected thereto in any other manner desired. In some embodiments, the shock absorber 302 can be received through an aperture 280 in the support plate 278 for connection to a bottom or underside portion thereof. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 21-26, the shock absorber 302 has a top mount 304 and a bottom mount 306, each mount 304 and 306 having an aperture 308 and 310, respectively, to receive fasteners 312 and 324 therethrough. The fasteners 312, 324 (which can be bolts as shown in the figures or can be any other conventional fastener desired) can be received through one or more apertures 286, 322 in the support plate 278 and a bracket 320 extending from the front frame 214 and through the apertures 308, 310 in the top and bottom mounts 304, 306 of the shock absorber 302. In some embodiments such as that shown in the figures, the support plate 278 can be shaped to define a bracket 282 for connection to the bottom mount 306 of the shock absorber 302. Nuts 318, 332 or other fasteners can be employed to secure the fasteners 312, 324 once installed. Additional hardware such as spacers 314, 316, 328, 330 and washers 326 can be employed as needed to connect the shock absorber 302 to the front frame 214 and to the rest of the front independent suspension assembly 216. The suspension spring 288 in the embodiment of FIGS. 21-26 is a coil spring that can be retained in position in a number of manners in order to bias the rest of the front independent suspension assembly 216 in a downward direction. In some embodiments for example, the suspension spring 288 is received upon a spring retainer 284 on the support plate 278 and upon a spring retainer 290 connected to the front frame 214. The spring retainers 284, 290 can be clips, clamps, or other elements employed to hold the spring 288 in place. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 21-26, the spring retainers 284, 290 are inserts that are received within the ends of each spring 288 and are connected to the support plate 278 and the front frame 214 in any conventional manner. In other embodiments, the spring retainers 284, 290 can be sockets within which the ends of the springs 288 are received, recesses in the support plate 278 and front frame 214 (or structure attached thereto), clamps, brazing, or welds holding either or both ends of the spring 288 in place, and the like. Any other manner of holding the springs 288 in place can instead be employed as desired. As an alternative to connection of a spring retainers 284, 290 directly to the support plate 278 and front frame 214, either or both of these retainers 284, 290 can be connected to an adjusting element or device for changing the amount of compression of the spring 288. For example, the upper end of the springs 288 in the illustrated embodiments each seat against an adjusting plate 292 received within a spring seat 294 defined by the front frame 214 or connected to the front frame 214 in any conventional manner. The spring seat 294 can be provided with an aperture 296 within which is received an adjustment screw 298 or other threaded fastener. The screw 298 can be received through the spring seat aperture 296 and into an aperture in the adjusting plate 292 so that turning the screw 298 causes the adjusting plate 292 to compress or reduce the compression upon the spring 288. If desired, one or more guides 299 can extend from the adjusting plate 292 to be received within extensions of the spring seat aperture 296 or dedicated apertures in order to prevent the adjusting plate 292 from turning with the screw 298. Once the screw 298 has been turned to move the adjusting plate 292 to a desired position, a nut 300 can be tightened on the screw 298 to hold the screw 298 and adjusting plate 292 in place. Although the spring seat 294, adjusting plate 292, adjustment screw 298, and nut 300 are described above as being associated with an upper end of the spring 288, this type of adjustment mechanism can also or instead be provided on the bottom end of the spring 288. In addition, it should be noted that a number of other spring adjustment mechanisms exist and can be used to adjust compression of the springs 288 in the present invention. Each of these alternative spring adjustment mechanisms falls within the spirit and scope of the present invention. As the front independent suspension assemblies 216 of the lawn mower 200 travel in generally upward and downward vertical directions due to the front and side pivot assemblies 252 and 270 traversing uneven terrain, the shock absorbers 302 (if used) dampen the shock delivered to the mower front frame 214, chassis 212, and operator. This creates a more comfortable ride for the operator, thereby allowing the operator to run the mower 200 at more efficient speeds. The front independent suspension assemblies 216 can also absorb a significant amount of vertical movement caused by the uneven terrain, thereby preventing much of the vertical movement of the front frame 214 and chassis 212. As a result, vertical movement of the cutter deck 208 can be reduced to improve the cutting performance of the lawn mower 200. In addition, when one of the front wheels 222 runs over a large rock, bump, dip, hole, or otherwise experiences a change in elevation causing the wheel 222 to move vertically upward or downward, the improved front independent suspension assembly 216 of the present invention dampen the effect on the other wheels. Thus, the wheels maintain better contact with the ground, giving the lawn mower 200 better traction. In many respects, the front suspension systems 416, 516 employed in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 27-30 and 31-34 are similar in construction and operation to those described above with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 21-26. Accordingly, with the exceptions described below and those discussed earlier, reference is hereby made to the description of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 21-26 for details regarding the suspension systems 416, 516 illustrated in FIGS. 27-30 and 31-34. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 27-30, the shock absorber 402 of each front suspension system 416 is located within the spring 488 of the same system 416. This shock absorber and spring assembly 454 is connected to the front suspension arm 446, and can be secured thereto with flanges, bosses, plates, or other structure as desired. In addition, this shock absorber and spring assembly 454 is connected to the frame 414 via a bracket 456 extending from the frame 414, and is connected to the first suspension arm 446 via a bracket 455. Although the connection locations of the shock absorber and spring assembly 454 can be located to position the shock absorber and spring assembly 454 in a substantially vertical orientation, in some embodiments (such as that shown in FIGS. 27-30), the shock absorber and spring assembly 454 is instead oriented at acute angle toward the frame 414. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 31-34, the shock absorber 502 of each front independent suspension system 516 is located within the spring 588 of the same system 516. The shock absorber and spring assembly 554 is connected to the second suspension arm 548, and can be secured thereto with flanges, bosses, plates, or other structure as desired. In addition, this shock absorber and spring assembly 554 is connected to a pivotable mount 560, such as by using similar hardware and methods of attachment as the shock absorber 302 of FIGS. 21-26 or in any other suitable manner. The pivotable mount 560 can take a number of different forms, each having a point about which the pivotable mount 560 pivots responsive to force exerted by the shock and spring assemblies 554 in upward and downward movement of the front independent suspension systems 516. By way of example only, the pivotable mount 560 can be a beam, bar, rod, tube, plate, plate structure (see FIGS. 31-34), frame, or other element capable of pivoting about a pivot point and to which the front independent suspension systems 516 are connected. In some embodiments such as that shown in FIGS. 31-34, the pivotable mount 560 is pivotable about an axis near or at a central longitudinal axis of the mower 500 (although other pivot locations are possible). Also, in some embodiments of the present invention such as that shown in FIGS. 31-34, the shock absorber and spring assemblies 554 are connected at opposite ends of the pivotable mount 560 (although the shock absorber and spring assemblies 554 need not necessarily be connected at ends of the pivotable mount 560 to function as desired). In some embodiments, the pivotable mount 560 is pivotably coupled to the frame 514 via conventional fasteners, and is responsive to upward and downward movement of both front wheels 522. One or more spacers and other fastening elements can be employed to pivotably connect the pivotable mount 560 to the frame 514. By connecting the front suspension systems 516 to the frame 514 via a pivotable mount 560 as just described, the motion of each front suspension system 516 can be at least partially dependent upon the motion of the other front suspension system 516 (e.g., upward movement of one front wheel 522 generating downward force upon the other front wheel 522). In some embodiments, the shock absorber and spring assemblies 554 are replaced by one or more bars, tubes, beams, or other structure absorbing little or no motion of either front wheel 522, thereby transmitting motion of one front wheel 522 to the other front wheel 522. However, a higher degree of independent movement of the front wheels 522 is enabled by connecting the front wheel suspension systems 516 to the pivotable mount 560 via shock absorbers 502 and/or springs 588, both of which can dampen the transmission of one wheel's motion to the pivotable mount 560 and to the other front wheel 522. In some embodiments, the connection of the front independent suspension systems 516 to a pivotable mount 560 as described above provides improved traction for the rear wheels 506 of the mower 500. One having ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that a number of the elements and structure in the embodiments described can be replaced by other elements and structure performing the same functions and still falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, while a number of lawn mower embodiments used in connection with the present invention have the cutter deck positioned between the front and rear wheels, the present invention is also applicable to mowers having a cutter deck cantilevered from the chassis so that it is located forward or rearward of the front or rear wheels, respectively. Also, the springs 288, 488, 588 described above and illustrated in the figures are helical compression springs. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other types of springs can instead be employed with the front independent suspension assemblies 216, 416, 516 of the present invention, such as torsion bars and other torsion springs, leaf springs, and the like. Each of these alternative springs can be positioned between the frame 214, 414, 514 and the front independent suspension assemblies 216, 416, 516 in order to provide the desired downward force upon the front wheels 222, 422, 522. Furthermore, the various embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 21-34 can include alternate elements and alternate structure that are different in appearance and/or form than those illustrated, but that still perform the same or similar functions. Such alternate elements and structure fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. FIGS. 35-48 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the lawn mower 600 includes a motor 604, a main frame 608, a pair of front wheels 612, a pair of rear wheels 616, a cutter deck 620, a seat 624, a pair of front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628, and a rear wheel suspension assembly 632. The particular type of lawn mower 600 illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 36 is presented by way of example only. In this regard, the suspension systems 628, 632 of the present invention can be employed on any type of riding or non-riding lawn mower. The cutter deck 620 of the lawn mower 600 can be in any location with respect to the front and rear wheels 612, 616 and with respect to the frame 608. However, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 36, the cutter deck 620 is positioned between the front and rear wheels 612, 616. The cutter deck 620 contains at least one cutter (not shown) for cutting grass or other vegetation on a surface, and in some embodiments can be raised and lowered with respect to the ground. The cutter deck 620 is substantially similar to the cutter deck 208 described above in connection with the mower 200 of FIGS. 21-26, and will not be described again in detail. As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the cutter deck 620 is connected to and suspended from the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628 and the rear wheel suspension assembly 632. Connection to the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628 and the rear wheel suspension assembly 632 permits the cutter deck 620 to follow upward and downward movement of the front wheels 612 and the rear wheels 616, respectively, in response to changing terrain elevation, thereby maintaining the cutter deck 620 in a more stable relationship with respect to the ground even as the lawn mower 600 traverses uneven terrain. As shown in FIG. 46, the cutter deck 620 can be attached to the respective suspension assemblies 628, 632 in any manner desired, such as by chains or cables, by links, hinges or joints, by conventional fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, hooks, clips, and the like. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 46, the cutter deck 620 is coupled to the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628 and the rear wheel suspension assembly 632 via deck hanger assemblies 640 that include conventional fasteners such as, for example, eyebolts 644, that are used in conjunction with chains 648 to couple the cutter deck 620 to the front and the rear suspension assemblies 628, 632. The deck hanger assemblies 640 can be attached directly to the front and/or rear suspension assemblies 628, 632 (such as to arms, flanges, or other portions of the front and/or rear suspension assemblies 628, 632, within apertures in the front and/or rear suspension assemblies 628, 632, and the like), or can be indirectly connected thereto by a cutter deck lifting assembly 652. For example, the deck hanger assemblies 640 are connected to forward and rear cranks 656a, 656b, arms, or other elements movable by a user to lift and lower the cutter deck 620 with respect to the ground. Such cranks 656a, 656b, arms, and other elements can be lifted and lowered by levers, pedals, cranks, motors, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, or by any other manual or powered device. Still other devices and elements for raising and lowering a cutter deck 620 are well known to those skilled in the art and are not therefore described further herein. With reference again to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 36, the mower 600 has a front end 660, a rear end 664, and opposite sides. For purposes of reference in the following description, a substantially longitudinal axis 668 runs through the center of the frame 608 from the front end 660 to the rear end 664 to divide the frame 608 into two sides. In addition, a substantially lateral axis 672 runs through the frame 608 from side to side to divide the frame 608 into a front portion and a rear portion. In some embodiments, the front portion of the frame 608 is defined by one or more beams, rods, bars, plates, or other structural members. For example, with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38, the front portion of the frame 608 includes two tubular longitudinal beams 676. The longitudinal beams 676 as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 37 and 38 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 668 and are closely spaced to the longitudinal axis 668. However, any other relative orientations of these longitudinal beams 676 can instead be employed. Alternatively, other embodiments of the present invention can employ only a single longitudinal beam 676. As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the frame 608 of the present invention can be constructed of a wide variety of structural elements. In some embodiments, these elements include tubular beams as mentioned above. Tubular beams provide a relatively strong and lightweight framework for the mower 600 compared to other structural members that can be employed. In other embodiments however, the frame 608 can be constructed partially or entirely of different structural members, including without limitation bars, rods, non-tubular beams having any cross-sectional shape (e.g., L-shapes, I-shapes, C-shapes, etc.), plates, and the like. Accordingly, as used herein and in the appended claims, the term “beam” (whether referring to the longitudinal beams or any other beam of the frame 608) is intended to encompass all of these structural members. With continued reference to FIGS. 37 and 38, the illustrated mower 600 has a pair of front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628 connected to opposite sides of the frame 608. Although the independent suspension assemblies 628 can be different in structure, elements, and/or connection, both independent suspension assemblies 628 in the illustrated embodiment contain identical components and are mirror images of each other with respect to the longitudinal axis 668. Each of the independent suspension assemblies 628 has a ground-contacting wheel 612 that is substantially similar to the caster wheels 222 described above in connection with the mower 200 of FIGS. 21-26, and thus will not be described again in detail. However, the independent suspension assemblies 628 can instead have other types of rolling devices, including without limitation rollers, balls, and tires connected in any conventional manner for rotation and for support of the frame 608. Each front wheel independent suspension assembly 628 illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 35-48 has a suspension arm 680 coupling the associated front wheel 612 to the longitudinal beams 676. Each of the suspension arms 680 can be coupled to the frame 608 in any number of different manners. In some embodiments, the suspension arms 680 are pivotably coupled to the frame 608 to enable upward and downward movement of the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628. Any type of pivotable connection can be employed, such a ball and socket connection, a pivot and aperture connection, a hinge connection, and the like. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that still other manners of pivotal connection are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the suspension arms 680 are pivotably coupled to the longitudinal beams 676 by a plurality of L-shaped brackets 684. The brackets 684 can be coupled to the longitudinal beams 676 using any of a number of different methods including welding, for example. Alternatively, other embodiments of the present invention can directly connect the suspension arms 680 to the longitudinal beams 676. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward-most mounts of the suspension arms 680 are coupled to the longitudinal beams 676 by a forward plate 688 and an L-shaped bracket 684. Like the L-shaped brackets 684, the forward plate 688 can be coupled to the longitudinal beams 676 or other portions of the frame 608 using any of a number of different methods including welding, for example. As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, each suspension arm 680 is generally U-shaped and includes a first transverse portion 692, a second transverse portion 696, and a longitudinal portion 700 coupling the first and second transverse portions 692, 696. Respective cylindrical joints 704 are coupled to the free ends of the first and second transverse portions 692, 696. The joints 704 can be configured to receive one or more bushings 708 and/or spacers as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The cylindrical joints 704 can be positioned between opposing brackets 684 or the bracket 684 and the forward plate 688, and fasteners 712 (e.g., bolts, pins, etc.) can be passed through apertures in the brackets 684 and the forward plate 688, and through the bushings 708 and/or spacers in the cylindrical joints 704 to pivotably couple the suspension arm 680 to the brackets 684 and the plate 688. A retainer 716 (e.g., a nut, a cotter pin, etc.) can be coupled to the fastener 712 to secure the fastener 712 to the brackets 684 and the plate 688. With continued reference to FIGS. 37 and 38, joints 720 are coupled to the respective suspension arms 680 to receive the front wheels 612. The joints 720 and the components received in the joints 720 to rotatably support the front wheels 612 are substantially similar to those described above in connection with the mower 200 of FIGS. 21-26, and will not be described again in detail. The mower 600 can employ alternative structure to the joints 720, as described above in connection with the mower 200 of FIGS. 21-26, to couple the front wheels 612 to the suspension arms 680. In some embodiments of the present invention, it is desirable to strengthen the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628 and/or to provide additional structure to which other elements, structure, and devices of the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628 can be connected. Such additional structure can include one or more plates, rods, bars, tabs, wings, extensions, bosses, platforms, struts, and other framework connected to the suspension arms 680, and/or the joint 720. These elements and structure can be connected to the suspension arms 680 and joint 720 in any conventional manner, including those manners described above with reference to the connection between the first and second suspension arms 246, 248 and the joint 236. In the illustrated embodiment for example, support plates 724 are coupled to the respective suspension arms 680 to support respective forward cranks 656a (see FIG. 46) of the cutter deck lift assembly 652. The forward cranks 656a are thereby mounted to the suspension arms 680 to pivot with the suspension arms 680 relative to the frame 608. Some embodiments of each front wheel independent suspension assembly 628 according to the present invention have shock absorbers 728 and/or suspension springs 732. The shock absorbers 728 and the suspension springs 732 can be connected between the frame 608 and the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628 to absorb shock transmitted from the wheels 612 and to bias the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628 in a downward direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the shock absorber 728 and the spring 732 are constructed as a single unit, or as a shock absorber and spring assembly 736. Such a shock absorber assembly 736 positions the spring 732 over the shock absorber 728 and captures the spring 732 between opposite ends of the shock absorber 728. The shock absorber 728 can be a conventional hydraulic shock absorber. However, the shock absorber 728 can take a number of other forms, including without limitation an air shock, an airbag, a coil, torsion, or other spring, and the like. Although the shock absorber 728 can be connected in any conventional manner to the frame 608 and to any part of the front wheel independent suspension assembly 628, the shock absorber 728 as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 is located between and connected to the suspension arm 680 and the frame 608 (or a fixture or an extension on the frame 608). In this regard, the shock absorber 728 can be welded or brazed to the support plate 724 and frame 608, can be connected thereto with bolts, screws, rivets, pins, clips, clamps, or other conventional fasteners, or can be connected thereto in any other manner desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the shock absorber 728 has a top mount 740 and a bottom mount 744, each mount 740, 744 having an aperture, respectively, to receive fasteners 748 therethrough. The fasteners 748 (which can be bolts as shown in the figures or can be any other conventional fastener desired) can be received through one or more apertures in one or more tabs 752 coupled to the suspension arm 680, through one or more apertures in a bracket 756 extending from the frame 608, and through the apertures in the top and bottom mounts 740, 744 of the shock absorber 728. In some embodiments, the support plate 724 can be shaped to define a bracket for connection to the bottom mount 744 of the shock absorber 728. Nuts or other retainers 760 can be employed to secure the fasteners 748 once installed. Additional hardware such as spacers and washers can be employed as needed to connect the shock absorber 728 to the frame 608 and to the rest of the front wheel independent suspension assembly 628. With reference to FIG. 39, the cylindrical joints 704 on each suspension arm 680 are substantially aligned to yield a common longitudinal pivot axis 764 for each suspension arm 680. Alternatively, the first and second transverse portions 692, 696 can have different lengths such that the cylindrical joints 704 on the suspension arm 680 define different longitudinal pivot axes. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal pivot axes 764 located in close proximity to the longitudinal axis 668 of the frame 608. As shown in FIG. 39, the lateral spacing between the front wheels 612 defines a track width W of the mower 600. In the illustrated embodiment, the respective longitudinal pivot axes 764 of the suspension arms 680 are laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis 668 a dimension D1 between about 0% and about 20% of the track width W of the mower 600. In such an embodiment where the respective longitudinal pivot axes 764 of the suspension arms 680 are laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis 668 a dimension D1 of about 0% of the track width W, the pivot axes 764 of the respective suspension arms 680 are coaxial with the longitudinal axis 668. In some embodiments, the suspension arms 680 can be longitudinally offset to allow the cylindrical joints 704 of the respective suspension arms 680 to align with the longitudinal axis 668 so that the suspension arms 680 can pivot about respective pivot axes 764 common or coaxial to the longitudinal axis 668. This provides several advantages over a mower configuration having the respective pivot axes 764 laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis 668 greater than 20% of the track width W. With reference to FIG. 40, the orientation of the suspension arms 680 and the shock absorber and spring assemblies 736 relative to the frame 608 provide a roll center R in close proximity to the center of gravity CG of the mower 600. This configuration decreases the roll tendency of the mower 600 during turning. As the respective pivot axes 764 are moved farther from the longitudinal axis 668, the separation of the roll center R and the center of gravity CG of the mower 600 increases, resulting in less desirable handling characteristics of the mower 600. In addition, by locating the pivot axes 764 of the respective suspension arms 680 between about 0% and about 20% of the track width W of the mower 600 from the longitudinal axis 668, relatively long transverse portions 692, 696 of the suspension arms 680 result. By laterally spacing the front wheels 612 a greater distance from the respective pivot axes 764, the front wheels 612 follow an arc having a larger radius of curvature during upward and downward movement relative to the frame 608. As a result, the front wheels 612 experience less lateral movement during upward and downward movement of the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628. In the illustrated embodiment of the mower 600, less lateral movement of the front wheels 612 can result in less tilting of the front wheels 612 relative to the ground as the suspension arms 680 move upward and downward. With reference to FIG. 47, opposite sides of the cutter deck 620 are shown coupled to respective suspension arms 680 via deck hanger assemblies 640 and the cutter deck lifting assembly 652. Specifically, the forward cranks 656a of the cutter deck lifting assembly 652 are mounted to the respective suspension arms 680 to pivot with the suspension arms 680. For the same reasons discussed above with reference to the front wheels 612, the forward cranks 656a and the cutter deck 620 will experience less lateral or side-to-side movement during upward and downward movement of the front wheels 612 and the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628. As a result, deviation in the cutting path of the cutter deck 620 can be decreased. With reference to FIGS. 41 and 42, the rear wheel suspension assembly 632 of the mower 600 is shown. Generally, the rear wheel suspension assembly 632 allows upward and downward movement of the rear wheels 616 relative to the frame 608. As shown in FIG. 41, the rear wheel suspension assembly 632 includes on the opposite sides of the frame 608 a first link 768 and a second link 772 controlling upward and downward movement of the respective rear wheels 616. In addition, the first and second links 768, 772 transmit longitudinal forces generated during acceleration or braking to the frame 608 when the rear wheels 716 are configured as drive wheels 716. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear wheels 716 are configured as drive wheels 716, and each drive wheel 716 is rotatably coupled to a hydraulic motor 776 coupled to a flange 780. The hydraulic motors 776 are powered by one or more hydraulic pumps (not shown) driven by the motor 604, as understood by those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the drive wheels 716 can receive torque from common or separate axles or shafts rotatably coupled to a transmission driven by the motor 604. With continued reference to FIGS. 41 and 42, the first link 768 pivotably couples the drive wheel 716 to the front portion of the frame 608. More particularly, the first link 768 is pivotably coupled to the front portion of the frame 608 at one end and to an upper portion of the flange 780 at an opposite end. The first link 768, like the suspension arms 680 in the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628, can be made from a tubular beam. Alternatively, other embodiments of the mower 600 can utilize links or beams made of different structural members, including without limitation bars, rods, non-tubular beams having any cross-sectional shape (e.g., L-shapes, I-shapes, C-shapes, etc.), plates, and the like. The first link 768 can be pivotably coupled to the front portion of the frame 608, or to a location on the frame 608 disposed closer to the front end 660 of the frame 608 than the rear end 664, by a pivot assembly 784. The pivot assembly 784 can take a number of different forms. In the illustrated embodiment for example, the pivot assembly 784 includes a ball joint 788 coupled to the first link 768 by a threaded fastener 792 fixed to the first link 768. The ball joint 788 includes a threaded extension to engage the threaded fastener 792 to secure the ball joint 788 to the first link 768. A bolt 796 is passed through apertures in the ball joint 788 to couple the first link 768 to the frame 608. If desired, a spacer can be located between the ball joint 788 and the frame 608 to provide clearance between the ball joint 788 and the frame 608. The bolt 796 can be employed for pivotable connection to the ball joint 788 as described above. However, the bolt 796 can be replaced by any other element received within the ball joint 788, including without limitation a pin or rod, a headed post, extension, or any other element extending into the ball joint 788 from the frame 608. The first link 768 can use a similar pivot assembly 784 to pivotably couple the opposite end of the link 768 with the flange 780. As discussed above with reference to the mounting of the suspension arms 680 to the frame 608, the first link 768 can either directly connect to the front portion of the frame 608, or the first link 768 can pivotably couple to a plate, tab, bracket, or other structure coupled to a side of the front portion of the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, a bracket 800 is fixed to the frame 608 by a welding process, for example, to mount the pivot assembly 784 and the front end of the first link 768. With continued reference to FIGS. 41 and 42, the second link 772 pivotably couples the drive wheel 616 to the rear portion of the frame 608. More particularly, the second link 772 is pivotably coupled to the rear portion of the frame 608 at one end and to a lower portion of the flange 780 at an opposite end. Like the first link 768, the second link 772 can be made from a tubular beam or any other structure described above in connection with the first link 768. The second link 772 can be pivotably coupled to the rear portion of the frame 608, or to a location on the frame 608 disposed closer to the rear end 664 of the frame 608 than the front end 660, by a pivot assembly 784 substantially similar to the pivot assemblies 784 utilized on the first link 768. As such, like reference numerals will be used to describe like parts. In the illustrated embodiment, the two drive wheels 616 are coupled to each other by a beam or a solid axle 804. Specifically, the flanges 780 of the respective drive wheels 616 are coupled to each other by the solid axle 804. In the illustrated embodiment, the solid axle 804 is constructed from several pieces to form a boxed structure. Alternatively, the solid axle 804 can be constructed in any of a number of different ways to couple together the drive wheels 616. In alternative embodiments of the mower 600, the solid axle 804 can be separated into two distinct halves, such that the drive wheels 616 are allowed to move relative to the frame 608 independently of each other. Shock absorber and spring assemblies 808 can be used with the rear wheel suspension assembly 632 to control upward and downward movement of the solid axle 804 and the drive wheels 616. The shock absorber and spring assemblies 808 are substantially similar to those used in the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628 and will not be described again in detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the shock absorber and spring assemblies 808 are coupled between the solid axle 804 and the frame 608. As described above, brackets can be coupled to the solid axle 804 to provide a mounting for the shock absorber and spring assemblies 808. Alternatively, the shock absorber and spring assemblies 808 can be coupled to the solid axle 804 and the frame 608 using any of the structure and methods disclosed above in connection with the shock absorber and spring assemblies 736 in the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628. With continued reference to FIGS. 41 and 42, a third link 812 is coupled at one end to the solid axle 804 and at an opposite end to the frame 608. The third link 812 is oriented substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis 668, such that the third link 812 can control or limit lateral movement of the solid axle 804 and the drive wheels 616. Both ends of the third link 812 utilize pivot assemblies 784 like those described above in connection with the first and second links 768, 772 to pivotably couple to the solid axle 804 and the frame 608. With reference to FIG. 43, the ball joints 788 coupling the first links 768 to the front portion of the frame 608 are substantially aligned to yield a common lateral pivot axis 816 for each first link 768. Alternatively, the first links 768 on the respective opposite sides of the frame 608 can have different lengths such that the ball joints 788 coupled to the frame 608 define different longitudinal pivot axes. As shown in FIG. 45, the longitudinal spacing between the front wheels 612 and the rear wheels 616 defines a wheelbase length L of the mower 600. In the illustrated embodiment, the respective lateral pivot axes 816 of the first links 768 are longitudinally spaced from the rear wheels 616 a dimension D2 between about 50% and about 90% of the wheelbase length L of the mower 600. This provides several advantages over a mower configuration having the respective pivot axes 816 longitudinally spaced from the rear wheels 616 less than about 50% of the wheelbase length L. For example, relatively long first links 768 are the result of locating the pivot axes 816 at least 50% of the wheelbase length L from the rear wheels 616. The relatively long first links 768 cause the rear wheels 616 to follow an arc having a larger radius of curvature during upward and downward movement of the rear wheels 616 relative to the frame 608. As a result, the rear wheels 616 experience less longitudinal movement during upward and downward movement of the rear wheel suspension assembly 632, which can have undesirable effects on the handling characteristics of the mower 600. In addition, as shown in FIG. 48, opposite sides of the cutter deck 620 are shown coupled to respective first links 768 via deck hanger assemblies 640 and the cutter deck lifting assembly 652. Specifically, rear cranks 656b of the cutter deck lifting assembly 652 are mounted to the respective first links 768 to pivot with the first links 768. For the same reasons discussed above with reference to the rear wheels 616, the rear cranks 656b and the cutter deck 620 will experience less longitudinal or front-to-rear movement during upward and downward movement of the rear wheels 616 and the rear wheel suspension assembly 632. As a result, uneven cutting or deviation in the cutting path of the cutter deck 620 can be decreased. As the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628 and the rear wheel suspension assembly 632 of the lawn mower 600 travel in generally upward and downward vertical directions, the shock absorbers 728 (if used) dampen the shock delivered to the frame 608 and operator. This creates a more comfortable ride for the operator, thereby allowing the operator to run the mower 600 at higher speeds. The front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628 and the rear suspension assembly 632 can also absorb a significant amount of vertical movement caused by the uneven terrain, thereby preventing much of the vertical movement of the frame 608. As a result, vertical movement of the cutter deck 620 can be reduced to improve the cutting performance of the lawn mower 600. In addition, when one of the front wheels 612 or the rear wheels 616 runs over a large rock, bump, dip, hole, or otherwise experiences a change in elevation causing the wheel 612 or 616 to move vertically upward or downward, the improved front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628 or rear wheel suspension assembly 632 of the present invention dampen the effect on the other wheels 612, 616. Thus, the wheels 612, 616 maintain better contact with the ground, giving the lawn mower 600 better traction. Although the illustrated mower 600 includes an independent front suspension and a solid-axle rear suspension, alternate embodiments of the mower can utilize rear wheel independent suspension assemblies configured substantially similar to the illustrated front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628. Likewise, other embodiments of the mower can utilize a front solid-axle suspension assembly like the illustrated rear wheel suspension assembly 632. Further, in yet other embodiments, the mower can utilize the independent suspension assemblies in the rear end of the mower and the solid-axle suspension assembly in the front end of the mower. FIGS. 49-57 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, the lawn mower 820 includes a motor 824, a main frame 828, a pair of front wheels 832, a pair of rear wheels 836, a cutter deck 840, a seat 844, and a rear wheel suspension assembly 848. The particular type of lawn mower 820 illustrated in FIGS. 49-57 is presented by way of example only. In this regard, the rear wheel suspension assembly 848 of the present invention can be employed on any type of riding or non-riding lawn mower. The cutter deck 840 is positioned between the front and rear wheels 832, 836. The cutter deck 840 is substantially similar to the cutter deck 208 described above in connection with the mower 200 of FIGS. 21-26 and with the cutter deck 620 of the mower 600 of FIGS. 35-48, and will not be described again in detail. As shown in FIGS. 49, 50, and 56, the cutter deck 840 can be attached to the frame 828 in any manner desired, such as by chains or cables, by links, hinges or joints, by conventional fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, hooks, clips, and the like. For example, the cutter deck 840 is coupled to the frame 828 via deck hanger assemblies 852 like those described above in connection with the mower 200 of FIGS. 21-26 and the mower 600 of FIGS. 35-48. The deck hanger assemblies 852 can be attached directly to the frame 828 (such as to arms, flanges, or other portions of the frame 828, or can be indirectly connected thereto by a cutter deck lifting assembly 856. The cutter deck lifting assembly 856 is substantially similar to the cutter deck lifting assemblies 211, 652 described above in connection with the mower 200 of FIGS. 21-26 and the mower 600 of FIGS. 35-48, and will not be described again in detail. As shown in FIGS. 49, 50, 56, and 57, the front of the cutter deck 840 is connected to and suspended from the frame 828. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear of the cutter deck 840 is connected to the rear wheel suspension assembly 848 to permit the cutter deck 840 to follow upward and downward movement of the rear wheels 836 in response to changing terrain elevation, thereby maintaining the cutter deck 840 in a more stable relationship with respect to the ground even as the lawn mower 820 traverses uneven terrain. Specifically, rear cranks 860 of the cutter deck lifting assembly 856 are coupled to the frame 828 via respective levers 864. The levers 864 are pivotably coupled to the frame 828 in a similar fashion as front cranks 868 of the cutter deck lifting assembly 856. The rear cranks 860 are pivotably coupled to the lower portions of the levers 864, while the upper portions of the levers 864 are connected to the rear wheel suspension assembly 848 via links 872. With reference to FIG. 57, one of the rear wheels 836 and rear wheel suspension assembly 848 are shown in a jounced position. When the rear wheel 836 jounces, the lever 864 is pivoted in a counter-clockwise direction, thereby causing the rear of the cutter deck 840 to move upwardly with the rear wheel 836 and rear wheel suspension assembly 848. Likewise, when the rear wheel 836 rebounds, the lever 864 is pivoted in a clockwise direction, thereby allowing the rear of the cutter deck 840 to move downwardly with the rear wheel 836 and rear wheel suspension assembly 848. With reference again to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 49 and 50, the mower 820 has a front end 876, a rear end 880, and opposite sides. For purposes of reference in the following description, a substantially longitudinal axis 884 (see FIG. 52) runs through the center of the frame 828 from the front end 876 to the rear end 880 to divide the frame 828 into two sides. In addition, a substantially lateral axis 888 runs through the frame 828 from side to side to divide the frame 828 into a front portion and a rear portion. As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the frame 828 of the present invention can be constructed of a wide variety of structural elements. In some embodiments, these elements include tubular beams as mentioned above. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 49-57 includes front wheels 832 coupled to the frame 828 without utilizing a suspension of any kind. Specifically, the frame 828 includes a transverse beam 892 in the front end 876, and joints 896 are coupled to the free ends of the transverse beam 892 to rotatably support the front wheels 832. The joints 896 are substantially similar to those described above in connection with the mower 200 of FIGS. 21-26 and the mower 600 of FIGS. 35-48, and will not be described again in detail. Alternatively, any of the front or rear wheel suspension assemblies 628, 632 described above in connection with the mower 600, or any of the front or rear wheel suspension assemblies described above in connection with any of the other mowers 10, 200, 400, 500 can be utilized to couple the front wheels 832 to the frame 828. With reference to FIGS. 51 and 52, the rear wheel suspension assembly 848 of the mower 820 is shown. Generally, the rear wheel suspension assembly 848 allows upward and downward movement of the rear wheels 836 relative to the frame 828. As shown in FIG. 51, the rear wheel suspension assembly 848 includes on the opposite sides of the frame 828 respective links or control arms 900 controlling upward and downward movement of the rear wheels 836. In addition, the control arms 900 transmit longitudinal forces generated during acceleration or braking to the frame 828 when the rear wheels 836 are configured as drive wheels 836. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear wheels 836 are configured as drive wheels 836, and each drive wheel 836 is rotatably coupled to a hydraulic motor 904 coupled to a flange 908. The hydraulic motors 904 are powered by one or more hydraulic pumps (not shown) driven by the motor 824, as understood by those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the drive wheels 836 can receive torque from common or separate axles or shafts rotatably coupled to a transmission driven by the motor 824. The control arms 900 pivotably couple the drive wheels 836 to the frame 828. In the illustrated embodiment, the control arms 900 are made from one or more pieces of substantially flat plates. Alternatively, the control arms 900 can be made from tubular beams. The control arms 900 are pivotably coupled the frame 828 by respective pivot assemblies 912. The pivot assemblies 912 can take a number of different forms. In the illustrated embodiment for example, each pivot assembly 912 includes a joint 916 having one or more bushings 920 and/or spacers for receiving a fastener 924 (e.g., a bolt, a pin, etc.). The control arms 900 can either directly connect to the frame 828, or the control arms 900 can pivotably couple to a plate, tab, bracket, or other structure coupled to a side of the frame 828. In the illustrated embodiment, brackets 928 are fixed to the side of the frame 828 by a welding process, for example, to mount the pivot assemblies 912 and the control arms 900. Alternatively, pivot assemblies like those described above with reference to the first and second links 768, 772 of the mower 600 of FIGS. 35-48 can be used in place of the pivot assemblies 912. As shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, the two drive wheels 836 are coupled to each other by a solid axle 932. In the illustrated embodiment, the solid axle 932 is in the form of an L-shaped bracket. Alternatively, the solid axle 932 can be in the form of a tubular beam, for example. Alternatively, the solid axle 932 can be constructed in any of a number of different ways to couple together the drive wheels 836. The flanges 908 of the respective drive wheels 836 are coupled to each other by the solid axle 932. In alternative embodiments of the mower, the solid axle 932 can be separated into two distinct halves, or the solid axle 932 can be omitted entirely such that the drive wheels 836 are allowed to move relative to the frame 828 independently of each other. Although not shown, the mower 820 can include a third link, like that described above in connection with the mower 600 of FIGS. 35-48, to locate the solid axle 932 and substantially prevent lateral movement of the solid axle 932 and the drive wheels 836. Shock absorber and spring assemblies 936 can be used with the rear wheel suspension assembly 848 to control upward and downward movement of the solid axle 932 and the drive wheels 836. The shock absorber and spring assemblies 936 are substantially similar to those described above in connection with the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628 and the rear wheel suspension assembly 632 of the mower 600 of FIGS. 35-48, and will not be described again in detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the shock absorber and spring assemblies 936 are coupled between the respective control arms 900 and the frame 828. As described above, brackets can be coupled to either of the frame 828 or the control arms 900 to provide a mounting for the shock absorber and spring assemblies 936. Alternatively, the shock absorber and spring assemblies 936 can be coupled to the solid axle 932 and the frame 828 using any of the structure and methods disclosed above in connection with the shock absorber and spring assemblies 736, 808 in the front wheel independent suspension assemblies 628 and the rear wheel suspension assembly 632 of the mower 600 of FIGS. 35-48. Although the illustrated mower 820 includes a solid-axle rear suspension, alternate embodiments of the mower can utilize rear wheel independent suspension assemblies configured substantially similar to any of the front wheel independent suspension assemblies described herein. Likewise, other embodiments of the mower can utilize a front solid-axle suspension assembly like any of the solid-axle rear wheel suspension assemblies described herein. The present invention is also applicable to lawn mowers having more or fewer than four wheels and to lawn mowers designed for the operator to walk or ride behind or in front of the mower. By way of example only, the present invention finds applicability to walk-behind mowers, push mowers, and mowers with seats cantilevered forward or rearward of the front or rear wheels, respectively. Accordingly, the embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is described with respect to its use on lawn mowers, particularly self-propelled machines fitted with rotating blades for cutting grass and other vegetation. Numerous mowers exist in the marketplace for grass and vegetation. However, many of these mowers can produce uneven cuts and deliver unwanted stresses from the terrain to the driver and mower, resulting in driver fatigue and discomfort, mower wear and tear, more frequent repairs, and a shorter mower life. In many typical mowers, the cutter deck is suspended as either a ground-following deck or a floating deck. A ground-following deck typically rides on caster wheels (e.g., a set of two or four caster wheels in many cases) and follows the contours of the ground. A floating deck is often suspended beneath the frame between the front and rear wheels, such as by chains, sets of links and other elements. Other floating decks are suspended in various manners over the ground at a location in front of, behind, or beside the lawn mower frame. The floating deck is raised when skids, wheels, rollers, or other elements attached to the deck contact the lawn surface. The height of a floating cutter deck from the surface being cut is often defined at least in part by the elevation of the mower's frame. Generally, the intent for such a deck suspension system is to avoid continuing contact with the earth surface. When a cutter deck travels over uneven terrain having a strong grade, the cutter deck can contact the earth surface, and can cause the lawnmower blade(s) therein to scalp the surface being cut. Cutter decks are generally designed to avoid scalping by rising or floating upwardly. This generally works for certain kinds of earth unevenness, but some scalping still occurs on severe terrain. Even if scalping can be avoided, cutter deck height relative to the earth surface can vary widely. This is also undesirable because it results in an unequal height of the cut grass. A significant number of lawnmowers have wheels that are rigidly attached to the mower frame. Unfortunately, when a mower having such a suspension encounters uneven terrain, the mower frame can respond with significant upward and downward movement. With regard to lawnmower front wheels, many conventional lawn mower designs either rigidly connect the front wheels to the frame as just mentioned or employ a single axle to which the front wheels are attached. In some cases, the single axle can pivot about a point between the wheels, thereby generating slightly improved performance. Whether rigidly secured to the frame or connected to a common axle, such front suspension designs either do not eliminate the undesirable upward and downward frame movement described above, or only do so to a very limited extent. For example, if one wheel of such a mower rises in response to a rise in terrain, the single axle would cease to be parallel with the earth surface, generating forces that bring the frame and cutter deck also out of a parallel relationship with the earth surface. The resulting cut of the grass is uneven and unsatisfactory. In these and other conventional mowers, improved spring suspension systems are employed to reduce the amount of vertical frame motion when one or more wheels encounter unevenness in the earth surface being traversed. These spring systems improve traction of such mowers by maintaining improved contact between the wheels and the surface being traversed. However, these spring suspension systems can cause or allow the frame to roll relative to the cutting surface, such as, for example, when a mower is turned sharply or navigates a steep hillside. When a frame rolls, a floating cutter deck (and in many cases, even a ground-following cutter deck) rolls with the frame, resulting in one side of the cutter deck being closer to the cutting surface than the other. Consequentially, the cut of the grass is uneven and unsatisfactory. In order to address cutting quality, rider comfort, and suspension wear problems, many conventional lawn mowers employ suspensions having one or more springs. Although such spring suspensions do represent an improvement and can help to address these problems, significant room for improvement still exists. For example, heavy riders or heavy mower accessories (e.g., grass catchers) tend to exert extra stress on the suspension springs, potentially causing the suspension springs to “bottom out” or to provide a limited range of spring motion. In either case, an uncomfortable ride results because the spring has limited or no capacity to absorb shock. As a result, an increased amount of shock is transferred to the mower and operator. The increase in shock can significantly shorten the life of the mower and can be a cause of more frequent mower maintenance and repair. Substituting a stiffer spring for heavy loading situations is an unattractive solution for many reasons, such as an uncomfortable ride in a light loading situation and additional low-level vibrations transmitted to the frame. In light of the shortcomings and problems of prior art lawn mowers described above, a need exists for a lawn mower having a suspension system that improves floating cutter deck and/or ground-following cutter deck motion, results in better cutting performance and quality, is relatively simple and inexpensive in construction, can limit undesirable frame movement (such as frame roll and large vertical frame movement), provides a more comfortable ride, and can help prevent mower damage from vibration and shock. Each embodiment of the present invention provides one or more of these results. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Some embodiments of the present invention address one or more of the problems and limitations of the prior art by a unique connection assembly of the front wheels to the lawn mower frame. In some embodiments, the connection assembly for each front wheel includes a first suspension arm connected to the front of the frame and a second suspension arm connected to the side of the frame. The first suspension arm can be connected to the front of the frame at or near the longitudinal center of the frame, while the second suspension arm can be connected to the side of the frame a distance from the front of the frame. Either or both suspension arms can be mounted to the frame via plates secured to the frame. In some embodiments, the suspension arms are pivotably connected to the frame. Either or both suspension arms can be connected directly to a wheel yoke, can be connected to a support plate extending between the suspension arms, or can be connected to the wheel yoke and to a support plate extending between the suspension arms. In some embodiments, front suspension assemblies are employed that have one or more springs positioned to bias the associated front wheel in a downward direction. The spring(s) can be located between the frame and the support plates (where used), can be located between either or both of the arms and the frame, or in still other manners to generate the same desired force. If desired, each suspension assembly can be provided with a spring, air bag, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, or other such device that compensates for heavy loads upon the suspension assemblies (i.e., “load compensation adjusters”). In some embodiments, the load compensation adjusters are adjustable to change the resistance to downward force provided by the associated suspension assemblies. As described above, many conventional lawn mowers suffer from scalping and uneven cutting problems when the lawn mowers traverse uneven surfaces. Some embodiments of the present invention substantially reduce scalping and uneven cutting by suspending each of the front wheels independently from the front frame of the lawn mower with the structure described above. Upon wheel contact with uneven ground such as a steep upward or downward grade, the front wheels are therefore able to move generally vertically without greatly altering the relationship of the frame with respect to the surface traversed, or at least with reduced movement of the frame. In this manner, roll and pitch of the frame can be significantly reduced, resulting in a higher-quality cut and an improved ride. By employing a two-arm spring suspension assembly connected as described above, the inventors have discovered that far less damaging vibration, shock, and impact received by the front wheels are transmitted to the frame and to the operator. By reducing the transmission of such vibration, shock, and impact shock to the frame, the life of the lawn mower is considerably extended and the need for maintenance and repair is decreased. In some embodiments of the present invention, the cutter deck is connected to the front and/or rear suspensions, and therefore move with vertical movement of the front and/or rear suspensions. In this manner, the cutter deck can follow the terrain traversed by the mower by following the vertical movement of the mower wheels. In these and other embodiments, the front and/or rear suspension systems can be independent, and can be connected to a beam, subframe, or other structure that is pivotably coupled to the mower frame, thereby transmitting upward and downward force to the independent suspensions as well as to the pivoting beam, subframe, or other structure. Regardless of whether the cutter deck is also connected to these independent suspensions, this arrangement can result in improved suspension and cutter deck movement. Due to decreased vibration, shock, and impact transmitted by various embodiments of the present invention, a lawn mower provided with a suspension according to some embodiments of the present invention can be operated at quicker speeds, resulting in increased lawn mower efficiency and decreased time needed to cut a surface. Also, the relatively simple design of some wheel suspensions according the present invention enables the suspension to be included in lawn mowers with little impact upon manufacturing and sales costs. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a mower including a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, at least one front wheel coupled to the front portion of the frame, and two drive wheels on substantially opposite sides of the rear portion of the frame. Each drive wheel is coupled to the frame by a first link pivotably coupled at one end to the front portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel, and a second link pivotably coupled at one end to the rear portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel. The mower also includes at least one spring positioned to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction. Each of the drive wheels are movable upward and downward relative to the frame. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a mower including a frame having a front portion, a rear portion, and at least one longitudinal beam located in the front portion of the frame. The beam is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis passing from the front portion to the rear portion of the frame. The mower also includes first and second wheels positioned on opposite sides of the front portion of the frame and spaced to define a track width of the mower. The first and second wheels are pivotably coupled to the at least one longitudinal beam about a first longitudinal pivot axis and a second longitudinal pivot axis, respectively, for upward and downward movement independent of each other. At least one of the first and second longitudinal pivot axes is laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis between about 0% and about 20% of the track width. In yet other embodiments, the present invention provides a mower including a frame having a front portion, a rear portion, and at least one longitudinal beam located in the front portion of the frame. The beam is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis passing from the front portion to the rear portion of the frame. The mower also includes first and second wheels positioned on opposite sides of the front portion of the frame and spaced to define a track width of the mower. The first and second wheels are pivotably coupled to the at least one longitudinal beam about a first longitudinal pivot axis and a second longitudinal pivot axis, respectively, for upward and downward movement independent of each other. At least one of the first and second longitudinal pivot axes is laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis between about 0% and about 20% of the track width. The mower also includes first and second drive wheels on substantially opposite sides of the rear portion of the frame. Each drive wheel is coupled to the frame by a first link pivotably coupled at one end to the front portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel, and a second link pivotably coupled at one end to the rear portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel. The mower further includes at least one spring positioned to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction. Each of the drive wheels is movable upward and downward relative to the frame. The mower also includes a cutter deck coupled to the first and second front wheels and to the first and second drive wheels. The cutter deck is movable upward and downward responsive to upward and downward movement of the first and second front wheels relative to the frame and to upward and downward movement of the first and second drive wheels relative to the frame. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of assembling a mower. The method includes providing a frame having a first end, a second end, and opposite sides, the frame defining a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The method also includes positioning at least one wheel toward the first end of the frame, positioning at least two additional wheels on the opposite sides of the frame, respectively, toward the second end of the frame, pivotably coupling each of the at least two additional wheels to a portion of the frame disposed closer to the first end of the frame than the second end with a first link, and pivotably coupling each of the at least two additional wheels to a portion of the frame disposed closer to the second end of the frame than the first end with a second link. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a method of assembling a mower. The method includes providing a frame having a first end, a second end, and opposite sides, the frame defining a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The method also includes providing toward the first end of the frame at least one longitudinal beam substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis, positioning a first wheel and a second wheel on opposite sides of the frame, respectively, toward the first end of the frame to define a track width between the first and second wheels, and pivotably coupling the first and second wheels to the at least one longitudinal beam about a first longitudinal pivot axis and a second longitudinal pivot axis, respectively, for upward and downward movement independent of each other. At least one of the first and second longitudinal pivot axes is laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis between about 0% and about 20% of the track width. In yet other embodiments, the present invention provides a method of decreasing longitudinal and lateral movement of a cutter deck of a mower. The method includes providing a frame having a first end, a second end, and opposite sides, the frame defining a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The method also includes positioning a first wheel and a second wheel on the opposite sides of the frame, respectively, toward the first end of the frame to define a track width of the mower between the first and second wheels. The method further includes pivotably coupling the first and second wheels about a first longitudinal pivot axis and a second longitudinal pivot axis, respectively, for upward and downward movement independent of each other. At least one of the first and second longitudinal pivot axes is laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis between about 0% and about 20% of the track width. The method further includes positioning a third wheel and a fourth wheel on the opposite sides of the frame, respectively, toward the second end of the frame. The third and fourth wheels are longitudinally spaced from the first and second wheels to define a wheelbase length of the mower. The method also includes pivotably coupling the third and fourth wheels about a first lateral pivot axis and a second lateral pivot axis, respectively, located between the first and third wheels. At least one of the first and second lateral pivot axes is longitudinally spaced from the third and fourth wheels between about 50% and about 90% of the wheelbase length. The method further includes positioning the cutter deck beneath the frame. The cutter deck has a first end facing the first end of the frame and a second end facing the second end of the frame. The method also includes coupling opposite sides of the first end of the cutter deck with the first and second wheels, respectively. The first end of the cutter deck is responsive to upward and downward movement of the first and second wheels. The method further includes coupling opposite sides of the second end of the cutter deck with the third and fourth wheels, respectively. The second end of the cutter deck is responsive to upward and downward movement of the third and fourth wheels. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims, and drawings. | 20040730 | 20060919 | 20050707 | 71430.0 | 1 | FABIAN-KOVACS, ARPAD | MOWER SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND METHOD | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,903,501 | ACCEPTED | Pattern matching architecture | A pattern matching unit includes a selection unit to divide an input datum and one or more reference templates into input bit-fields corresponding reference bit-fields, respectively. The number of bits in the input and reference bit-fields is programmable. A distance unit is also included to determine one or more distance measures between the input bit-fields and the corresponding reference bit-fields. The distance measures associated with reference bit-fields are combined into one or more net distance measures corresponding to the one or more reference templates. | 1. An apparatus comprising: a selection unit to divide an input datum into input bit-fields and to divide one or more reference templates into corresponding reference bit-fields, wherein the number of bits in the input bit-fields and the reference bit-fields is programmable; and a distance unit to determine one or more distance values between the input bit-fields and the corresponding reference bit-fields and to combine the one or more distance values associated with the reference bit-fields into one or more net distance values corresponding to the one or more reference templates. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the number of bits in the input datum and the reference templates is programmable. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distance unit is adapted to apply one or more weighting factors to the distance values associated with each reference template before they are combined into the one or more net distance values. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distance unit is adapted to be configurable to determine one or more types of distance values and net distance values that include at least one of exact bit match, hamming distance, Euclidean distance, mean magnitude distance, and correlation distance. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a memory to store the input datum and the reference templates, and wherein the apparatus is implemented on a single integrated circuit. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a host interface to exchange the input datum, the reference templates, control data, and status data with the apparatus. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the host interface is memory mapped or input/output (I/O) mapped. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a classifier unit to classify the one or more net distance values according to one or more selectable classification criteria. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the selectable classification criteria include one or more of best match, worst match, mean match, and median match. 10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a cascade unit to receive other net distance values and compare the other net distance values with the one or more classified net distance values according to the one or more selectable classification criteria. 11. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a decision unit to generate one or more decision flags based on a comparison of the one or more classified net distance values to one or more boundary criteria. 12. A method comprising: dividing an input datum into input bit-fields according to a programmable bit-field width; dividing one or more reference templates into reference bit-fields according to the bit-field width, wherein the reference bit-fields correspond to the input bit fields; determining distance values between the input bit-fields and the corresponding reference bit-fields; and combining the distance values associated with the reference bit-fields into one or more net distance values corresponding to the one or more reference templates. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising configuring the number of bits in the input datum and the reference templates. 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising applying one or more weighting factors to the distance values associated with each reference template before combining them into the one or more net distance values. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein one or more types of distance values and net distance values are determined including one or more of exact bit match, hamming distance, Euclidean distance, mean magnitude distance, and correlation distance. 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising classifying the one or more net distance values according to one or more selectable classification criteria. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the selectable classification criteria include one or more of best match, worst match, mean match, and median match. 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising comparing other net distance values with the classified net distance values to further classify the classified net distance values in conjunction with the other net distance values. 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising generating one or more decision flags based on comparing the one or more classified net distance values to one or more boundary criteria. 20. A system comprising: a dynamic random access system memory coupled to store instructions for execution by a processor; and a pattern matching unit to determine, in response to a processor request, a set of distance measures between an input datum and a set of reference templates and to identify the reference templates that best match the input datum according to one or more classification criteria, wherein the pattern matching unit includes a selection unit and a distance unit, wherein the selection unit is adapted to divide an input datum into input bit-fields and to divide one or more reference templates into corresponding reference bit-fields, wherein the number of bits in the input bit-fields and the reference bit-fields is programmable, and wherein the distance unit is adapted to determine one or more distance values between the input bit-fields and the corresponding reference bit-fields and to combine the one or more distance values associated with the reference bit-fields into one or more net distance values corresponding to the one or more reference templates. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the number of bits in the input datum and the reference templates is programmable. 22. The system of claim 20, wherein the distance unit is adapted to apply one or more weighting factors to the distance values associated with each reference template before they are combined into the one or more net distance values. 23. The system of claim 20, wherein the pattern matching unit further includes a memory mapped or input/output (I/O) mapped host interface to exchange the input datum, the reference templates, control data, and status data with the processor. 24. The system of claim 20, wherein the pattern matching unit further includes a classifier unit to classify the one or more net distance values according to one or more selectable classification criteria. 25. An article comprising a machine-accessible medium containing instructions that if executed enable a system to: divide an input datum into input bit-fields according to a programmable bit-field width; divide one or more reference templates into reference bit-fields according to the bit-field width, wherein the reference bit-fields correspond to the input bit fields; determine distance values between the input bit-fields and the corresponding reference bit-fields; and combine the distance values associated with the reference bit-fields into one or more net distance values corresponding to the one or more reference templates. 26. The article of claim 25, further comprising instructions that if executed enable the system to configure the number of bits in the input datum and the reference templates. 27. The article of claim 25, further comprising instructions that if executed enable the system to determine one or more types of distance values and net distance values including one or more of exact bit match, hamming distance, Euclidean distance, mean magnitude distance, and correlation distance. 28. The article of claim 25, further comprising instructions that if executed enable the system to classify the one or more net distance values according to one or more selectable classification criteria including one or more of best match, worst match, mean match, and median match. | BACKGROUND Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to pattern recognition, and more specifically to rapid matching of data to reference templates or patterns. In a general pattern matching process, reference templates are compared to input data to determine which reference template best matches the input data. One pattern matching architecture is a general purpose computer running pattern recognition software. This architecture has the following advantages: a) it can accommodate a variety of pattern comparison algorithms due to the software implementation; and b) a large number of reference templates can typically be used since the number of reference templates is usually limited only by the amount of computer system memory. However, this architecture suffers from the following drawbacks: slow performance, high electrical power consumption, too large for many applications, expensive, and complex software. Such architectures are not well suited for applications that need rapid pattern matching or that must meet the low power and portability requirements of embedded applications. Another pattern matching architecture uses a content addressable memory that includes an embedded hardware comparator in each memory cell to compare the contents of its memory location to a corresponding bit of the input data according to the embedded comparator's comparison function. This architecture has the advantages of being fast (due to its hardware implementation) and relatively small. However, it suffers from a number of disadvantages: 1) limitations regarding the type and complexity of comparison algorithms that can be used, 2) relatively high power consumption, 3) highly complex design at the memory cell level, and 4) not scalable to a large number of reference templates. Implementing a hardware comparator for each memory cell is expensive, precludes more complex comparison criteria, and limits the flexibility of implementing multiple comparison criteria. For example, such a pattern recognition architecture would typically only include an exact bit match comparison to determine which stored reference template, if any, matched all of the bits of the input data. More complex comparison criteria would be too complex and/or expensive to use in this architecture. Although the foregoing architectures are suitable for some pattern recognition applications, other applications need a pattern matching architecture that is fast, provides a choice of multiple comparison algorithms (including more complex algorithms), and consumes relatively low power. Thus, a need exists for improved pattern matching architectures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a pattern matching unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the flexible comparison and classification unit of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control unit of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a cascaded pattern matching architecture according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer system with which embodiments of the present invention may be used. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a pattern matching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A method, apparatus, and system for a pattern matching architecture are described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring embodiments of the invention. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Some example pattern matching applications are authentication (such as face, voice, fingerprint, signature, and iris matching), inventory (such as barcodes and radio frequency identification), communication (such as speech, audio, image recognition and compression, and header parsing), and industrial control (such as part inspection and predictive maintenance). Input data from such an application may be compared to a set of reference patterns or templates according to one or more comparison algorithms to generate various distance measures between the real-time data and the reference templates. A distance measure is a determination of the difference between two data according to a distance formula or algorithm. Some example distance measures are bit exact match, hamming distance, Euclidean distance, mean magnitude distance, and correlation distance. Some distance measures may be used in some applications but not others. Certain applications may use multiple types of distance measures. Thus, an ability to choose a variety of one or more distance measures may be implemented. In some applications, after the distance measures are generatedthe distance measures may be further processed or classified to determine which reference templates of the selected set best compares to the input data according to one or more classification criteria. For example, it may be determined which reference templates are the best match, worst match, mean match, and/or median match for a given input datum. The types of decisions to be made based on the “matches” may vary with the application, so a pattern matching architecture that provides selectable classifications of distance measures may be implemented. Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a block diagram of a pattern matching unit 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The pattern matching unit 100 may provide an ability to select a set of one or more distance measures to be generated (e.g., bit exact match, hamming distance, Euclidean distance, mean magnitude distance, and/or correlation distance), may provide an ability to classify the distance measures according to one or more selected classification criteria (e.g., best match, worst match, mean match, and/or median match), and may include a look-up table mechanism with associated logical and arithmetic comparison mechanisms for matching an input datum to a set of reference templates and providing the index of the matching template(s) based on user selections. In one embodiment, the pattern matching unit 100 may be integrated within a memory device such that the on-chip memory may be used to store large sets of reference templates that can be accessed very rapidly without occupying a host bus. In one embodiment, the pattern matching unit 100 may be embedded into processor as a pattern matching accelerator. In one embodiment, an embedded pattern matching unit 100 may be mapped to a compare instruction of the processor to provide fast, flexible, complex data comparison and classification while allowing the processor to perform other tasks. Such a processor may advantageously use an embedded pattern matching unit 100 for various applications, such as pattern recognition, branch prediction, intelligent caching, adaptive matched filtering, and instruction level encryption. Still referring to FIG. 1, an input buffer 106 may receive input data via inputs 102 and store the input data for subsequent processing by a flexible comparison and classification unit 108. In one embodiment, the input buffer 106 is dual ported or double buffered to allow asynchronous loading of new input data even as previous input data are being retrieved for processing by the flexible comparison and classification unit 108. A template memory 104 may be used to receive reference patterns or templates from inputs 102 and store the reference templates for subsequent processing by the flexible comparison and classification unit 108. In one embodiment, the template memory 104 may be dual ported or double buffered to allow the reference templates to be loaded and accessed simultaneously. In various embodiments, the template memory 104 may be based on various memory technologies to match the requirements of memory size, power, speed, non-volatility, etc of the target application. For example, the template memory 104 may be implemented with semiconductor devices such as read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), flash memories, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs). Still referring to FIG. 1, data or vectors from the input buffer 106 and template memory 104 may be presented to the inputs of the flexible comparison and classification unit 108. As will be described in more detail later in connection with FIG. 2, the flexible comparison and classification unit 108 may be configured to compare and classify different data widths, divide or slice the input data and reference templates into sub-fields or dimensions for comparison and classification, perform a variety of types of comparisons to generate a variety of different distance measures between the input data and reference templates (e.g., bit exact match, hamming distance, Euclidean distance, mean magnitude distance, and/or correlation distance), aggregate or combine the distance measures for the various dimensions of the input data to generate net distance measures, and classify the net distance measures according to one or more selected criteria (e.g., best match, worst match, mean match, and/or median match). The flexible comparison and classification unit 108 may also include a mechanism to make one or more decisions based on the identified matches and certain boundary conditions, and indicate those decisions via one or more decision flags 124. The flexible comparison and classification unit 108 may also include a cascade PMU input 112 to allow cascading of multiple pattern matching units 108 to accommodate larger numbers of reference templates or vector dimensions for comparison. Further details of one embodiment of the flexible comparison and classification unit 108 will be described later in connection with FIG. 2. Still referring to FIG. 1, an output buffer 116 may store the output 126 from the flexible comparison and classification unit 108 and may provide the buffered results 118 to a multiplexor 120. The output 126 from the flexible comparison and classification unit 108 may include the index value of the identified reference template matches, the matching reference templates, the associated net distance measures, and/or other relevant match data. In one embodiment, the output buffer 116 is a first-in-first-out (FIFO) stack. In one embodiment, the multiplexor 120 receives the buffered results 118 from the output buffer 116 and also receives the output 126 directly from the flexible comparison and classification unit 108. In one mode (e.g., standalone PMU mode), the multiplexor 120 may provide the buffered results 118 to the final PMU output 122. In another mode (e.g., a cascade PMU mode), the multiplexor 120 may provide the output of the flexible comparison and classification unit 108 directly to the final PMU output 122. The final PMU output 122 may be provided to host system or other device as the final comparison/classification output of the flexible comparison and classification unit 108. In one embodiment, the output buffer 116 may work in conjunction with a control unit 110 to generate appropriate flags (e.g., underflow, overflow, half-full) to provide status information to the host system. Such flags may enable the host system to poll the flags periodically and respond after a selected number of input vectors have been compared and classified. In this manner, the host system may perform other tasks while the pattern matching unit 100 compares and classifies a set of input vectors. Still referring to FIG. 1, the control unit 110 may provide various configuration options for the pattern matching unit 100. For example, the control unit 110 may control the data sizes/widths, the numbers and/or widths of vector dimensions into which input data and reference templates will be divided, the selection of one or more distance measures to be generated in each comparison, the selection of one or more classification criteria to be used, and the selection of various pattern matching unit modes, such as cascade modes, etc. The control unit 110 may also control the sequencing of data processing and transfer among the various units of the pattern matching unit 100. The control unit 110 may also provide an external interface for a host system or other device to interact with the pattern matching unit 100. In one embodiment, the external interface is a memory mapped interface. In one embodiment, the external interface is an input/output (I/O) mapped interface. Further details of one embodiment of the control unit 110 will be described later in connection with FIG. 3. Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a more detailed block diagram of the flexible comparison and classification unit 108 of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. A bit-field selection unit 206 may be configured to handle different sizes or bit widths of input data 204 and reference templates 202 from the input buffer 106 and template memory 104, respectively. The input data 204 and reference templates 202 may represent data or vectors that may have various dimensions or sub-fields. The bit-field selection unit 206 may be configured to slice or divide the input data 204 and reference templates 202 into one or more bit fields of configurable size representing various dimensions of the vectors. For example, the input data 204 and reference templates 202 could be 32-bit vectors comprising four dimensions of red, green, blue, and intensity of color display pixel data. In this case, the bit-field selection unit 206 could be configured to handle 32-bit data widths and to divide or slice the 32-bit input data 204 and 32-bit reference templates 202 into four 8-bit chunks or bit-fields, representing the following vector dimensions: 8-bits red (R); 8-bits of green (G); 8-bits of blue (B); and 8-bits intensity (I). Still referring to FIG. 2, a comparison unit 208 may compare each bit-field or dimension of the input data 204 to the corresponding bit-field or dimension of the reference template 202 according to one or more comparison algorithms to generate one or more distance measures, depending on the configuration. In one embodiment, the comparison unit 208 may multiply the distance measure for each dimension with a corresponding weighting factor, which may be retrieved from an internal register. For example, a particular color vector matching application may determine that red and luminance are more important comparison dimensions than blue and green. In this case, weighting factor values of 0.90, 0.30, 0.40, and 0.95 could be used for the red, green, blue, and luminance dimensions, respectively. In one embodiment, the comparison unit 208 may aggregate or combine the distance measures (with or without having applied the weighting factors, depending on the configuration) from all of the bit-fields or dimensions to generate a net distance measure between the input data 204 and the reference template 204. Depending on the target application, an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to use one or more comparison algorithms to generate one or more distance measures. Some useful distance measures are bit exact match, hamming distance, Euclidean distance, mean magnitude distance, and correlation distance. These distance measures will now be briefly described. A bit exact comparison determines whether there is an exact bit-for-bit match between two data being compared by comparing each of the corresponding bits of the two data. For example, input vector ‘0101 1101’ is a bit exact match of reference template ‘0101 1101’ but is not a bit exact match of reference template ‘0101 1100’. A hamming distance measure may be determined by dividing the total number of corresponding bits that match by the total bit width (total number of matching bits/total bit width). For example, the hamming distance between input vector ‘1011 0110 1010’ and reference template ‘0101 1101 0111’ is 3/12 or 0.25 (because, starting at the right position, the 2nd, 7th, and 9th corresponding bits match and the data bit-width is 12-bits). Euclidean distance can be computed using the formula (X−Y)2 for vectors having a single dimension, or ∑ i = 1 n ( X i - Y i ) 2 for vectors having n dimensions or sub-fields X1 . . . Xn and Y1 . . . Yn. Mean magnitude distance can be computed using the formula |X−Y| for vectors having a single dimension, or ∑ i = 1 n X i - Y i for vectors having n dimensions or sub-fields X1 . . . Xn and Y1 . . . Yn. Correlation distance can be computed using the formula X·Y for vectors having a single dimension, or ∑ i = 1 n X i · Y i for vectors having n dimensions or sub-fields X1 . . . Xn and Y1 . . . Yn. Still referring to FIG. 2, the comparison unit 208 may compare each input datum 204 to multiple reference templates 202 and provide the net distance measures associated with each input datum to a classification unit 210. The classification unit 210 may be configured to identify the reference templates 202 that match the input datum 204 according to one or more selected classification criteria. For example, the classification unit 210 may be configured to determine which of the reference templates are the best match, worst match, mean match and/or median match for each input datum. The best match is the reference template of a set having a net distance measure that compares most favorably to the input datum 204 according to a given classification criteria. The worst match is the reference template having a net distance measure that compares least favorably to the input datum 204 according to a given classification criteria. The mean match is the reference template having a net distance measure that is closest to the average of a set of net distance measures. The median match is the reference template having a net distance measure that is closest to the median of a set of net distance measures. In one embodiment, the flexible comparison and classification unit 108 may log the index value of the reference template and net distance measures corresponding to the identified matches. Still referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment the flexible comparison and classification unit 108 may include a depth expansion unit 212 to classify selected matches from cascaded pattern matching units. For example, multiple pattern matching units 100 (of FIG. 1) may be cascaded to increase speed (e.g., multiple units processing a given input datum in parallel) or increase the number of reference templates available for comparison. When the depth expansion mode is selected, the depth expansion unit 212 may compare its classified matches to those of other pattern matching units provided on cascaded PMU input 214 to determine the best overall matches from the selected matches of the multiple pattern matching units 100. When the depth expansion mode is not selected, the depth expansion unit 212 may simply copy its input to its output 218. Further details of one embodiment of a cascaded pattern matching architecture will be described later in connection with FIG. 4. Still referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment the flexible comparison and classification unit 108 may also include a decision unit 220. The decision unit 220 may receive the output 218 from the depth expansion unit 212 (which may include the identified matches and associated distance measure) and may also receive one or more boundary criteria 222 indicating decision criteria or thresholds. The decision unit 220 may compare the output 218 to the boundary criteria 222 and generate one or more decision flags 224 to indicate various decisions by the pattern matching unit 100 based on the comparison. For example, in a fingerprint matching application the decision unit 220 may be configured to assert a ‘fingerprint match’ flag if the value of the closest net Euclidean distance measure is less than a predetermined value. In one embodiment, the decision unit 220 may be used in a pattern matching unit 100 that is intended for standalone use in embedded applications. Various control inputs 216 may also be provided to control the timing, sequencing, and overall functions of the flexible comparison and classification unit 108. Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a block diagram of the control unit 110 of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. An external interface 308 allows a host system or other device to interact with the pattern matching unit 100 via address 302, data 304, and read/write 306 signals. Using the external interface 308, a host device or system can store templates in the template memory 104, load data to the input buffer 106, and read results from the output buffer 116. Communication internal to the pattern matching unit 100 of address and data information provided by the host via address inputs 302 and data inputs 304 may be done via an internal address bus 310 and an internal data bas 312. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may provide a memory mapped interface for the pattern matching unit 100 that uses four locations of a host system's memory space. Example mappings are shown in Table 1. TABLE 1 Location 1 Read/Write Template Memory Location 2 Write Input Buffer/Read Output Buffer Location 3 Write Control Registers/Read Status Registers Location 4 Read/Write Debug Registers In one embodiment, the control registers 314 may include the following: a) start address for templates in template memory 104; b) number of templates to be compared; c) bit-field width per dimension; d) number of vector dimensions per vector; e) depth expansion on/off; and f) selection of distance measures. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may include status registers 316 that may include various flags (e.g., done/not done, cascade mode, memory check). In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may include debug registers 318 to provide various debug operations. Still referring to FIG. 3, a configuration and timing decoder 320 provides configuration information 326 to the pattern matching unit 100. Sequencer 322 provides control signals 324 to control the timing and operation of the various functional blocks of the pattern matching unit 100. Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is a block diagram of a cascaded pattern matching architecture 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows how multiple pattern matching units 100 (of FIG. 1) can be cascaded to increase speed (e.g., multiple units processing one or more input data in parallel) and/or increase the number of reference templates available for comparison. Input data is provided via inputs 102(a), 102(b), and 102(c) to pattern matching units 100(a), 100(b), and 100(c), respectively. The pattern matching units 100(a), 100(b), and 100(c) may be connected in a cascade mode by connecting the final PMU output 122(a) of pattern matching unit 100(a) to the cascade PMU input 122(b) of pattern matching unit 100(b) and the final PMU output 122(b) of pattern matching unit 100(b) to the cascade PMU input 112(c) of pattern matching unit 100(c). In this embodiment the depth expansion units 212 of each of the pattern matching units 100(a), 100(b), and 100(c) work together to determine the best overall matches compared and classified by the multiple pattern matching units 100 and provide the best overall match data on final PMU output 122(c). In one embodiment, a cascade architecture may be used to allow comparison of a larger number of reference templates. For example, the same input data could be compared in parallel to different sets of reference templates stored in multiple cascade-connected pattern matching units. In one embodiment, the same sets of reference templates could be stored in multiple cascade-connected pattern matching units to increase the speed in which a set of input data may be compared and classified. Embodiments may be implemented in logic circuits, state machines, microcode, or some combination thereof. Embodiments may be implemented in code and may be stored on a storage medium having stored thereon instructions which can be used to program a computer system to perform the instructions. The storage medium may include, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs), compact disk rewritables (CD-RWs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor devices such as read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), flash memories, electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, network storage devices, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions. Example embodiments may be implemented in software for execution by a suitable computer system configured with a suitable combination of hardware devices. Referring now to FIG. 5, shown is a block diagram of computer system 500 with which embodiments of the invention may be used. In one embodiment, computer system 500 includes a processor 510, which may include a general-purpose or special-purpose processor such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, a programmable gate array (PGA), and the like. As used herein, the term “computer system” may refer to any type of processor-based system, such as a desktop computer, a server computer, a laptop computer, or the like, or other type of host system. The processor 510 may be coupled over a host bus 515 to a memory hub 530 in one embodiment, which may be coupled to a system memory 520 (e.g., a dynamic RAM) via a memory bus 525. The memory hub 530 may also be coupled over an Advanced Graphics Port (AGP) bus 533 to a video controller 535, which may be coupled to a display 537. The AGP bus 533 may conform to the Accelerated Graphics Port Interface Specification, Revision 2.0, published May 4, 1998, by Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, Calif. A pattern matching unit 100 (of FIG. 1) may be coupled to the memory hub 530 via memory bus 525. In this embodiment, the pattern matching unit 100 may be a memory mapped device. In another embodiment, the pattern matching unit 100 may be an input/output (I/O) mapped device. In one embodiment, the pattern matching unit 100 may be embedded into the processor 510 as a pattern matching accelerator. In one embodiment, an embedded pattern matching unit 100 may be mapped to a compare instruction of the processor 510 to provide fast, flexible, complex data comparison and classification while allowing the processor 510 to perform other tasks. The processor 510 may advantageously use the pattern matching unit 100 for various applications, such as pattern recognition, branch prediction, intelligent caching, adaptive matched filtering, and instruction level encryption. The memory hub 530 may also be coupled (via a hub link 538) to an input/output (I/O) hub 540 that is coupled to a input/output (I/O) expansion bus 542 and a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus 544, as defined by the PCI Local Bus Specification, Production Version, Revision 2.1 dated June 1995. The I/O expansion bus 542 may be coupled to an I/O controller 546 that controls access to one or more I/O devices. As shown in FIG. 5, these devices may include in one embodiment storage devices, such as a floppy disk drive 550 and input devices, such as keyboard 552 and mouse 554. The I/O hub 540 may also be coupled to, for example, a hard disk drive 556 and a compact disc (CD) drive 558, as shown in FIG. 5. It is to be understood that other storage media may also be included in the system. The PCI bus 544 may also be coupled to various components including, for example, a network controller 560 that is coupled to a network port (not shown). Additional devices may be coupled to the I/O expansion bus 542 and the PCI bus 544, such as an input/output control circuit coupled to a parallel port, serial port, a non-volatile memory, and the like. Although the foregoing description makes reference to specific components of the system 500, it is contemplated that numerous modifications and variations of the described and illustrated embodiments may be possible. More so, while FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a system such as a personal computer, it is to be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in a specialized pattern recognition device, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or the like. Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is a flow diagram illustrating a pattern matching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Configuration options may allow the selection of one or more distance measures or comparison algorithms to be used in comparing input data to reference templates or patterns, and may also allow the selection of one or more classification criteria that may be used to identify one or more reference templates that “best” match a given input datum according to the one or more selected criteria (block 602). Configuration options may allow the selection of the bit width or size of the dimensions of the input data and reference templates, and may also allow the selection of the size and/or number of dimensions for each input data and reference template (block 604). In one embodiment, configuration options may provide for selection of the overall bit width of the input data and reference templates and the number of dimensions for each input data and reference template. After the configuration options are set, the pattern matching process proceeds by fetching an input datum that is to be compared and classified (block 606). A reference template against which the input datum will be compared is also fetched (block 608). To provide flexibility in comparing data having multiple dimensions, the input datum and reference template may each be divided into multiple dimensions or bit-fields (block 610) according to the configuration options to allow distance measures to be determined for each corresponding dimension of the input datum and reference template (block 612). Once the distance measures for each dimension have been determined, one or more weighting factors may be applied to the distance measures associated with the one or more dimensions (block 614). Then the distance measures may be aggregated or combined into a net distance measure for that input datum and reference template (block 616). Blocks 608 through 616 may be repeated until a given reference datum has been compared to all of the selected reference templates (diamond 618). If the input datum has been compared to all of the reference templates, the net distance measures may be classified according to the selected classification criteria to determine which distance measures (and corresponding reference templates) “best” match the input datum (block 620). In one embodiment, the matches identified in block 620 may be compared against one or more boundary criteria and one or more decisions may be made based on the comparisons (block 622). Thus, a method, apparatus, and system for a pattern matching architecture have been described. While the present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of this present invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to pattern recognition, and more specifically to rapid matching of data to reference templates or patterns. In a general pattern matching process, reference templates are compared to input data to determine which reference template best matches the input data. One pattern matching architecture is a general purpose computer running pattern recognition software. This architecture has the following advantages: a) it can accommodate a variety of pattern comparison algorithms due to the software implementation; and b) a large number of reference templates can typically be used since the number of reference templates is usually limited only by the amount of computer system memory. However, this architecture suffers from the following drawbacks: slow performance, high electrical power consumption, too large for many applications, expensive, and complex software. Such architectures are not well suited for applications that need rapid pattern matching or that must meet the low power and portability requirements of embedded applications. Another pattern matching architecture uses a content addressable memory that includes an embedded hardware comparator in each memory cell to compare the contents of its memory location to a corresponding bit of the input data according to the embedded comparator's comparison function. This architecture has the advantages of being fast (due to its hardware implementation) and relatively small. However, it suffers from a number of disadvantages: 1) limitations regarding the type and complexity of comparison algorithms that can be used, 2) relatively high power consumption, 3) highly complex design at the memory cell level, and 4) not scalable to a large number of reference templates. Implementing a hardware comparator for each memory cell is expensive, precludes more complex comparison criteria, and limits the flexibility of implementing multiple comparison criteria. For example, such a pattern recognition architecture would typically only include an exact bit match comparison to determine which stored reference template, if any, matched all of the bits of the input data. More complex comparison criteria would be too complex and/or expensive to use in this architecture. Although the foregoing architectures are suitable for some pattern recognition applications, other applications need a pattern matching architecture that is fast, provides a choice of multiple comparison algorithms (including more complex algorithms), and consumes relatively low power. Thus, a need exists for improved pattern matching architectures. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>Various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a pattern matching unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the flexible comparison and classification unit of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control unit of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a cascaded pattern matching architecture according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer system with which embodiments of the present invention may be used. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a pattern matching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? | 20040730 | 20081014 | 20060202 | 63075.0 | G06F724 | 0 | MAI, TAN V | PATTERN MATCHING ARCHITECTURE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
|
10,903,722 | ACCEPTED | MRAM storage device | A MRAM storage device comprises a substrate, on/above of which a plurality of word lines, a plurality of bit lines, a plurality of memory cells, and a plurality of isolation diodes are provided. Each memory cell forms a resistive cross point of one word line and one bit line, respectively. Each memory cell is connected to one isolation diode such that a unidirectional conductive path is formed from a word line to a bit line via the corresponding memory cell, respectively. The substrate, at least a part of the word lines or at least a part of the bit lines, and the isolation diodes are realized as one common monocrystal semiconductor block. | 1. MRAM storage device comprising: a substrate; a plurality of word lines; a plurality of bit lines; a plurality of memory cells; and a plurality of vertical access devices; wherein each memory cell forms a resistive cross point of one word line and one bit line, respectively; wherein each memory cell is connected to one vertical access device such that a unidirectional conductive path is formed from a word line to a bit line via the corresponding memory cell, respectively; and wherein the substrate, at least a part of the word lines and at least a part of the vertical access device are realized as one common monocrystal semiconductor block. 2. The MRAM storage device of claim 1, wherein each memory cell together with its corresponding vertical access device constitutes a pillar extending perpendicular to the directions of the word lines and the bit lines. 3. The MRAM storage device of claim 2, wherein an upper part of each pillar is constituted by the memory cell, and a lower part of each pillar is constituted by the vertical access device. 4. The MRAM storage device of claim 1, wherein the word lines comprise read word lines and write word lines. 5. The MRAM storage device of claim 4, wherein each memory cell together with its corresponding vertical access device constitutes a pillar extending perpendicular to the directions of the word lines and the bit lines, wherein the pillars are provided on the read word lines. 6. The MRAM storage device of claim 5, wherein an upper part of each pillar is constituted by the memory cell, and a lower part of each pillar is constituted by the vertical access device, wherein the vertical access devices contact the read word lines. 7. The MRAM storage device of claim 4, wherein the write word lines show different horizontal positions than the read word lines, and that the write word lines show overlapping vertical positions with respect to the vertical positions of the memory cells, so that each memory cell is sandwiched by two write word lines being electrically isolated from the memory cells. 8. The MRAM storage device of claim 4, wherein the write word lines are located above the memory cells and show different horizontal positions than the read word lines. 9. The MRAM storage device of claim 4, wherein the write word lines are located above the memory cells and show the same horizontal positions than the read word lines. 10. The MRAM storage device of claim 4, wherein additional read word lines which show different horizontal positions than the read word lines, and which show overlapping vertical positions with respect to the vertical positions of the memory cells, so that each memory cell is sandwiched by two write word lines being electrically connected to the memory cells. 11. The MRAM storage device of claim 1, wherein junctions between the substrate and read word lines being directly provided onto the substrate form diodes, respectively. 12. The MRAM storage device of claim 1, wherein said vertical access device is an isolation diode. 13. The method for fabricating a MRAM storage device having a substrate, a plurality of word lines, a plurality of bit lines, a plurality of memory cells, and a plurality of vertical access devices, wherein each memory cell forms a resistive cross point of one word line and one bit line, wherein each memory cell is connected to one vertical access device such that a unidirectional conductive path is formed from a word line to a bit line via the corresponding memory cell, the method comprising: implanting into a monocrystal wafer of a first conductive type a laminated structure comprising a bottom layer of a second conductive type, a middle layer of the second conductive type and a top layer of the first conductive type such that the upper surface of the top layer corresponds to the surface of the wafer; etching the laminated structure at least to a depth corresponding to the bottom of the bottom layer to partition the laminated structure into a plurality of parallel stripes extending in a first horizontal direction (H1); and etching the stripes at least to a depth corresponding to the bottom of the middle layer to partition each stripe into a plurality of vertically extending pillars, each pillar comprising a part of the top layer and a part of the middle layer, wherein each junction between a part of the top layer and a part of the middle layer constitutes one of the insulating diodes. 14. The method for fabricating a MRAM storage device of claim 13, further including filling spaces between the pillars with an insulating material. 15. MRAM storage device comprising: a substrate; a plurality of word lines; a plurality of bit lines; a plurality of memory cells; and a plurality of vertical access devices; wherein each memory cell forms a resistive cross point of one word line and one bit line, respectively; wherein each memory cell is connected to one vertical access device such that a unidirectional conductive path is formed from a word line to a bit line via the corresponding memory cell, respectively; and wherein the substrate, at least a part of the bit lines and at least a part of the vertical access device are realized as one common monocrystal semiconductor block. 16. An MRAM storage device comprising: a substrate; a plurality of word lines above the substrate; a plurality of bit lines over the substrate; a plurality of memory cells over the substrate; and a plurality of vertical access devices over the substrate; wherein each memory cell forms a resistive cross point of one word line and one bit line; wherein each memory cell is connected to one vertical access device such that a unidirectional conductive path is formed from a word line to a bit line via the corresponding memory cell; and wherein the substrate, at least part of the word lines, at least part of the bit lines and at least part of the vertical access devices are all one common monocrystal semiconductor block. 17. The MRAM storage device of claim 16, wherein each memory cell together with its corresponding vertical access device constitutes a pillar extending perpendicular to the directions of the word lines and the bit lines. 18. The MRAM storage device of claim 17, wherein an upper part of each pillar is constituted by the memory cell, and a lower part of each pillar is constituted by the vertical access device. 19. The MRAM storage device of claim 16, wherein the word lines comprise read word lines and write word lines. 20. The MRAM storage device of claim 19, wherein each memory cell together with its corresponding vertical access device constitutes a pillar extending perpendicular to the directions of the word lines and the bit lines, wherein the pillars are provided on the read word lines. | BACKGROUND The present invention relates generally to random access memory for data storage. More specifically, the present invention relates to a magnetic random access memory device that includes improved unidirectional elements to limit leakage current within the array. Magnetic random access memory (MRAM) is a non-volatile memory that shows considerable promise for long-term data storage. Performing read and write operations on MRAM devices are much faster than performing read and write operations on conventional memory devices such as DRAM and flash and order of magnitude faster than long-term storage device such as hard drives. In addition, the MRAM devices are more compact and consume less power than other conventional storage devices. A typical MRAM device includes an array of memory cells. Word lines extend across rows of the memory cells and bit lines extend along columns of the memory cells. Each memory cell is located at a cross point of a word line and a bit line. A memory cell stores a bit of information as an orientation of magnetization. The magnetization of each memory cell assumes one of two stable orientations at any given time. These two stable orientations, parallel and anti-parallel, represent logic values of “0” and “1”. The magnetization orientation effects the resistance of a memory cell such as a spin-tunnelling device. For instance, resistance of a memory cell is a first value R if the magnetization orientation is parallel and resistance of the memory cell is increased to a second value R+ΔR if the magnetization orientation is changed from parallel to anti-parallel. The magnetization orientation of a selected memory cell and, therefore, the logic state of the memory cell may be read by sensing the resistance state of the memory cell. The memory cells thus form a memory array of resistive cross points. Applying a voltage to a selected memory cell and measuring a sense current that flows through the memory cell one may sense the resistance state. Ideally, the resistance would be proportional to the sense current. Sensing the resistance state of a single memory cell in an array, however, can be unreliable. All memory cells in the array are coupled together through many parallel paths. The resistance seen at one cross points equals the resistance of the memory cell at that cross point in parallel with resistances of memory cells in the other rows and columns of the array. Moreover, if the memory cell being sensed has a different resistance due to the stored magnetization, a small differential voltage may develop. This small differential voltage can give raise to a parasitic current, which is also known as leakage current. The parasitic or leakage current becomes large in a large array and, therefore, can obscure the sense current. Consequently, the parasitic current can prevent the resistance from being sensed. Unreliability in sensing the resistance state is compounded by many factoring variations, variations in operating temperatures, and aging of the MRAM devices. These factors can cause the average value or resistance in the memory cell to vary. The prior art has attempted to reduce leakage current through various designs. One approach involves adding a unidirectional element, such as a diode, to limit the current path in one direction. FIG. 1 illustrates such an embodiment. A MRAM device 1 comprises several rows 2 (bit lines) and columns 3 (word lines) which form an array having several cross points 4. At each cross point 4 a memory cell 5 is provided. Further, at each cross point 4, a diode 6 being connected to the memory cell 5 is provided. The memory cell 5, together with the diode 6, forms a conductive path between one row 2 and one column 3. The diode 6 limits current flow in one direction. In order to achieve low leakage currents, the quality of the diodes 6 must be very high. However, high quality diodes are difficult to produce. In particular diodes being manufactured using polysilicon deposition processes are known as leaky diodes. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a MRAM storage device having isolation diodes which show only a very small leakage current. SUMMARY According to one embodiment of the present invention, a MRAM storage device comprises a substrate on/above of which a plurality of word lines, a plurality of bit lines, a plurality of memory cells, and a plurality of vertical access devices are provided. Each memory cell forms a resistive cross point of one word line and one bit line, respectively. Further, each memory cell is connected to one vertical access device such that a unidirectional conductive path is formed from a word line to a bit line via the corresponding memory cell (and via the respective diode), respectively. The substrate, at least a part of the word lines or at least a part of the bit lines, (at least parts of ) the vertical access device are realized as one common monocrystal semiconductor block. “Vertical access device” means any device that is arranged such that the direction of the current flow passing through the access device is vertical. In one embodiment, the vertical access device is an isolation diode. However, other access devices like vertical MOS devices (the gate being a ring around the pillar), JFETs (Junction FET), bipolar transistors or thyristors, Schottky diodes etc., could be used. For sake of simplicity, in the following description, the invention is discussed by way of example, the vertical access device being an isolation diode. However, the invention is not restricted to this example. In one embodiment of the invention, the isolation diodes are not separately formed on a substrate using deposition processes, but formed within a monocrystal semiconductor wafer (“integrated” into the monocrystal semiconductor wafer). This means that a first part of a structured wafer constitutes the substrate, second parts of the structured wafer constitute the isolation diodes, and third parts of a structured wafer constitute word lines or bit lines. Since the quality of monocrystal semiconductor devices are very high, leakage currents can be prevented very effectively. In one embodiment, each memory cell together with its corresponding isolation diode form a pillar extending perpendicular to the directions of the word lines and the bit lines. An upper part of each pillar may be constituted by the memory cell, and a lower part of each pillar may be constituted by the isolation diode. In one embodiment, the word lines comprise both read word lines and write word lines. Each memory cell together with its corresponding isolation diode may form a pillar extending perpendicular to the directions of the word lines and the bit lines, wherein the pillars are provided on the read word lines. An upper part of each pillar may be constituted by a memory cell, and a lower part of each pillar may be constituted by an isolation diode, wherein the isolation diodes contact the read word lines. The write word lines may show different horizontal positions than the read word lines, and overlapping vertical positions with respect to the vertical positions of the memory cells, so that each memory cell is sandwiched by two write word lines being electrically isolated from the memory cells. The write word lines may also be located above the memory cells and show different horizontal positions than the read word lines. Alternatively, the write word lines may be located above the memory cells and show the same horizontal positions than the read word lines. In a further embodiment, additional read word lines that show different horizontal positions than the read word lines, and that show overlapping vertical positions with respect to the vertical positions of the memory cells may be provided, so that each memory cell is sandwiched by two read word lines. The conductive types of respective semiconductor regions may be chosen such that junctions between the substrate and read word lines being provided on the substrate from diodes, respectively. Those diodes serve to isolate the read word lines (which are realized as semiconductor regions) from the substrate. One embodiment of the invention further provides a method for fabricating a MRAM storage device. The method includes, implanting a laminated structure into a part of a monocrystal semiconductor wafer of a first conductive type, said laminated structure comprising a bottom layer of a second conductive type, a middle layer of the second conductive type and a top layer of the first conductive type, structuring the laminated structure at least to a depth corresponding to the bottom of the bottom layer to partition the laminated structure into a plurality of parallel stripes extending in a first horizontal direction, and structuring the stripes at least to a depth corresponding to the bottom of the middle layer to partition each stripe into a plurality of vertically extending pillars, each pillar comprising a part of the top layer and a part of the middle layer, wherein each junction between a part of the top layer and a part of the middle layer within a pillar constitutes one of the isolating diodes. The spaces between the pillars may be filled with an isolating material. Then the memory cells may be provided onto the isolating diodes. Further, word lines/bit lines may be provided on/adjacent to/above the memory cells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the present invention and many of the intended advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts. The conductive types of all semiconductor areas in all embodiments may be inversed. FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic drawing of a MRAM storage device according to the prior art. FIG. 2 illustrates a first production step of a MRAM storage device fabricating method according to the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a second production step of a MRAM storage device fabricating method according to the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth production step of a MRAM storage device fabricating method according to the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a first embodiment of a MRAM storage device according to the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of a MRAM storage device according to the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates a third embodiment of a MRAM storage device according to the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a MRAM storage device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. In the following description, making reference to FIGS. 2-4, one embodiment of the MRAM storage device fabricating method according to the present invention will be given. As it is illustrated in FIG. 2, a laminated structure 10 is implanted into a part of a monocrystal semiconductor wafer 11 of a first conductive type. The laminated structure 10 comprises a bottom layer 12 (n+-type), a middle layer 13 (n−-type), and a top layer 14 (p+-type). The semiconductor wafer 11 is of the p−-type. The laminated structure 10 may for example be generated by respective doping processes. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the laminated structure 10 is structured by using for example etching processes such that a plurality of parallel stripes 15 are obtained, which extend in a first horizontal direction, H1, respectively. The structuring depth is chosen such that resulting trench depths between the parallel stripes 15 reach to at least the vertical position of the bottom of the bottom layer 12 (the lower surface of the bottom layer 12), so that the parallel stripes 15 are only connected via a substrate 16 (the remaining part of the semiconductor wafer 11 below the laminated structure 10) with each other. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the parallel stripes 15 are structured at least to a depth corresponding to the bottom of the middle layer 13 (the upper surface of the bottom layer 12) to partition each stripe 15 into a plurality of vertically extending pillars 17, wherein each pillar 17 comprises a part of the top layer 14 and a part of the middle layer 13, and wherein each junction 18 between the corresponding part of the top layer 14 and the corresponding part of the middle layer 13 within one pillar 17 constitutes one isolating diode. The space between the pillars 17/between stripes RWL (read word lines) of the bottom layer 12 which extend in the first horizontal direction HI may be filled with a suitable material, for instance with an insulating material. The insulating diodes formed at each junction 18 within the pillars 17 are monocrystal semiconductor diodes that show good properties with respect to leakage current prevention and can be fabricated very accurately since available methods for structuring monocrystal semiconductor blocks are very accurate. The remaining stripes of the bottom layer 12 are used as read word lines and are isolated from the substrate 16 since a junction 19 between the bottom of the stripes of the bottom layer 12 and the upper surface of the substrate 16 forms an isolating diode. It can be said that the substrate 16, the read word lines RWL as well as the isolation diodes (pillars 17) are realized as one common monocrystal semiconductor block (parts of the original wafer 11). The arrangement illustrated in FIG. 4 serves as a “basis” of the embodiments of an MRAM storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 5-8. In FIG. 5, several memory cells 5 are provided, wherein each memory cell 5 shows a pillar-like form. A lower surface of the memory cell 5 contacts an upper surface of the top layer 14 of each isulating diode (pillar 17). An upper surface of each memory cell 5 contacts a bit line BL, said the bit lines BL extending along a second horizontal direction H2 which is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction H1. Each memory cell 5 constitutes, together with its corresponding isolation diode (pillar 17) a common pillar extending perpendicular to the directions of the word lines and the bit lines, wherein the pillars are located on the read word lines RWL. That is, an upper part of each common pillar is constituted by the memory cell 5, and a lower part of each pillar is constituted by the isolation diode (pillar 17), wherein the isolation diodes (pillars 17) contact the read word lines RWL. In FIG. 5, also write word lines SWWL are shown having different horizontal positions than the read word lines RWL, and having overlapping vertical positions with respect to the vertical positions of the memory cells 5, so that each memory cell 5 is sandwiched by two write word lines SWWL being electrically isolated from the memory cells 5. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the write word lines SWWL may also be located above the memory cells 5 as well as above the bit lines BL and show horizontal positions being different from that of the read word lines RWL. Alternatively, the horizontal positions of the write word lines SWWL may be identical to the horizontal positions of the read word lines RWL as illustrated in FIG. 7. The use of the write word lines results from the fact that the resistance of the read word lines RWL is relatively high. Therefore, in order to read the magnetization state of one memory cell 5, the read word lines RWL are used, whereas the write word lines SWWL are used to write magnetization states into the memory cells 5, that is, to change their magnetization state. To change the magnetization state of a memory cell 5, a current flows through the write word lines SWWL, thereby generating a magnetic field. The magnetic fields of the two write word lines SWWL sandwiching a respective memory cell 5 are used to change the magnetization state of said memory cell 5. The use of two different kinds of word lines reduces the power consumption of the MRAM device, since the electrical resistance of the write word lines SWWL is low compared to that of the read word lines RWL. FIG. 8 illustrates a very similar arrangement compared to that of FIG. 5. The only difference is that additional read word lines ARWL are used that show different horizontal positions than that of the read word lines RWL. Further, the additional read word lines ARWL show overlapping vertical positions with respect to the vertical positions of the memory cells 5, so that each memory cell is sandwiched by two additional write word lines being electrically connected to the memory cells. Each memory cell 5 may be electrically connected to one or two ARWLs, respectively. The material of the ARWLs may, for example, consist of dope silocon. The use of additional read word lines ARWL reduces the power consumption of the MRAM storage device. In the following description, further aspects of the invention will be discussed. As has become apparent, the present invention describes how to build a 4F2 MRAM cell that includes a diode integrated into the silicon substrate. A MRAM memory cell can be divided into two parts: a) a diode which can be considered as the select device as it allows the selection of a particular memory cell within the memory cell matrix by applying appropriate voltage levels on row control wires and column control wires, and b) a memory cell (MTJ) that is placed on top of the diode. The present invention describes a possibility to realize the diode as well as the memory cell on a very small area. The circuit of FIG. 1 illustrates diodes to prevent leakage currents (Ileak) and improve signal/noise ratios. In order to fully suppress Ileak, two conditions must be fulfilled: a) All diodes, except the selected one has to be set into a forward polarization mode. This means that all unselected rows must have an applied voltage as low as possible and must have a positive voltage in order to backward bias all the unselected diodes. The selected row should have an applied positive voltage that remains lower than the voltage on unselected columns, and the selected column must have a voltage lower than the voltage of the selected row in order to forward bias the (unique) selected diode. b) The diodes must not leak when being polarized in a backward mode. If conditions a) and b) are fulfilled, the current that flows from a row driver to a column sink will have a maximum signal/noise ratio depending only of the parasitic elements along the corresponding conductive path and the information that is stored into the MTJ (memory cell). Known MRAM storage devices (see for instance document US 2003/0185038) show layout structures that include memory cells (MTJ) and diodes over metallizations. However, in order to produce such MRAM storage devices, diodes have to be built using polysilicon deposition processes, which means that very leaky diode devices are produced which do not fulfil condition b). The efficiency of storing/writing processes may be very moderate since leakage effects of several thousands of diodes could influence the read/write signal. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a p+ layer has been implanted on the top and of a wafer, and a deep n+ layer has been implanted at the bottom. These two implants are standard processes in CMOS technology as they are needed to build p-channel transistors and to prevent latch-up. A mask is used to define stripes and then to edge the silicon material of the wafer down to the substrate as illustrated in FIG. 3. A second mask defines stripes being perpendicular to the first stripes, and the silicon is etched down to the n+ layer, which results in the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 4. Empty volumes are filled with an insulator such as silicon dioxide, for example. The insulating filling may be done twice, after each etching process. Alternatively, the insulator filling can be down in one step, after the second etching process. This depends on the capability to properly deposit insulator material. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a matrix of pillars is the result, said pillars being connected together in rows by the n+ remaining stripes (RWL) at the bottom of the structure. Each of the pillars constitutes a p+/n− diode made from the silicon substrate (monocrystal). The electrical characteristics of this diodes are as good as any (parasitic) diode which “automatically” exists within each p-channel semiconductor device. When appropriate voltages (positive) are applied, the parasitic diode between the n+ stripes and the grounded substrate is always backward polarized and is actually a parasitic capacitor with no effect on the functionality other than introducing propagation delays. As a consequence, the n+-stripes can be used as read word lines by the MTJ array. At best, the diode array dimensions are one active pitch in each direction. In other words, the diode area with isolation can be as small as 4F2. In the following, three possible examples of integrations of an MTJ device (memory cell) over the newly defined diode structure are discussed. These examples are not limitative with respect to the present invention and other MTJ approaches such as rotational switching for instance can be used as well. In all examples no polysilicon is needed as there is no transistor in the cell and as polysilicon is too resistive to carry the currents needed to program the memory cell. In one embodiment, splitted write word lines on metal level (SWWL) are used. The memory cells (MTJ) are built over the metal and will need a self-aligned “deep wire” to keep the minimum 2F width on the row direction assuming that the metal rules are compatible which is normally the case. That is, the deep wire under the MTJ can be patterned by using the metal of the splitted write word lines as a mask. The bit lines are connected to the MTJs and are extending along the perpendicular direction in the second metal layer. The column direction pitch can be limited to one metal pitch, and if the rules of this metal layer are good enough, the 2F size can be reached as well as on the row direction. The dimensions of the first example (FIG. 5) can be realized as small as 4F2, using deep wire and the proposed diode production process. As illustrated in FIG. 6, splitted write word lines are used, wherein the bit lines are still connected to the memory cells (MTJs) underneath the SWWL. One advantage of this embodiment is that there is no need for a deep wire, and the diode and the MTJ can be etched at the same time (assuming it is possible to properly etch the silicon and the metallic elements of the MTJ during the same process steps). The production process is apparently simpler than that of the first example, but the SWWLs are much more away from the MTJ, which means a loss in efficiency during the write operations. The dimension considerations are the same as above. In this embodiment, there are less constraints due to the absence of a deep wire (buried wire). The example illustrated in FIG. 6 is similar to the second example except for the write word lines that use the standard mechanism (directly on top of the MTJ). As far as efficiency and the conclusions about dimensions are concerned, the same considerations as above apply. As the buried n+ layer may be resistive and thanks to the fact that polysilicon remains unused and thus available, the electrical properties of the RWL can be easily improved by adding a poly strap to the n+-RWL, as indicated in FIG. 8. The method for manufacturing the array of diodes as disclosed in the present invention is compatible with several processes for manufacturing memory cells (MTJ). Another feature of this manufacturing process is that the new “cross point” cell does not have any electrical path between bit lines and write word lines. An immediate consequence is that there are no ohmic losses through the entire MTJ array during the write operations. This will allow much larger matrices and thus more efficient circuit efficiencies. The process complexity is limited to two metal layers and thus all the layers from active to the last metal could have pitches limited to 2F (as on DRAM dedicated processes) and ensure a true 4F2 area for the memory cell. Other devices than a diode could be used as access devices, as long as they are vertical to keep all the cell density. Similar array arrangements could be done with vertical MOS devices (the gate being a ring around the pillar), JFETs, bipolar transistors or thyristors, Schottky diodes etc. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present invention relates generally to random access memory for data storage. More specifically, the present invention relates to a magnetic random access memory device that includes improved unidirectional elements to limit leakage current within the array. Magnetic random access memory (MRAM) is a non-volatile memory that shows considerable promise for long-term data storage. Performing read and write operations on MRAM devices are much faster than performing read and write operations on conventional memory devices such as DRAM and flash and order of magnitude faster than long-term storage device such as hard drives. In addition, the MRAM devices are more compact and consume less power than other conventional storage devices. A typical MRAM device includes an array of memory cells. Word lines extend across rows of the memory cells and bit lines extend along columns of the memory cells. Each memory cell is located at a cross point of a word line and a bit line. A memory cell stores a bit of information as an orientation of magnetization. The magnetization of each memory cell assumes one of two stable orientations at any given time. These two stable orientations, parallel and anti-parallel, represent logic values of “0” and “1”. The magnetization orientation effects the resistance of a memory cell such as a spin-tunnelling device. For instance, resistance of a memory cell is a first value R if the magnetization orientation is parallel and resistance of the memory cell is increased to a second value R+ΔR if the magnetization orientation is changed from parallel to anti-parallel. The magnetization orientation of a selected memory cell and, therefore, the logic state of the memory cell may be read by sensing the resistance state of the memory cell. The memory cells thus form a memory array of resistive cross points. Applying a voltage to a selected memory cell and measuring a sense current that flows through the memory cell one may sense the resistance state. Ideally, the resistance would be proportional to the sense current. Sensing the resistance state of a single memory cell in an array, however, can be unreliable. All memory cells in the array are coupled together through many parallel paths. The resistance seen at one cross points equals the resistance of the memory cell at that cross point in parallel with resistances of memory cells in the other rows and columns of the array. Moreover, if the memory cell being sensed has a different resistance due to the stored magnetization, a small differential voltage may develop. This small differential voltage can give raise to a parasitic current, which is also known as leakage current. The parasitic or leakage current becomes large in a large array and, therefore, can obscure the sense current. Consequently, the parasitic current can prevent the resistance from being sensed. Unreliability in sensing the resistance state is compounded by many factoring variations, variations in operating temperatures, and aging of the MRAM devices. These factors can cause the average value or resistance in the memory cell to vary. The prior art has attempted to reduce leakage current through various designs. One approach involves adding a unidirectional element, such as a diode, to limit the current path in one direction. FIG. 1 illustrates such an embodiment. A MRAM device 1 comprises several rows 2 (bit lines) and columns 3 (word lines) which form an array having several cross points 4 . At each cross point 4 a memory cell 5 is provided. Further, at each cross point 4 , a diode 6 being connected to the memory cell 5 is provided. The memory cell 5 , together with the diode 6 , forms a conductive path between one row 2 and one column 3 . The diode 6 limits current flow in one direction. In order to achieve low leakage currents, the quality of the diodes 6 must be very high. However, high quality diodes are difficult to produce. In particular diodes being manufactured using polysilicon deposition processes are known as leaky diodes. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a MRAM storage device having isolation diodes which show only a very small leakage current. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>According to one embodiment of the present invention, a MRAM storage device comprises a substrate on/above of which a plurality of word lines, a plurality of bit lines, a plurality of memory cells, and a plurality of vertical access devices are provided. Each memory cell forms a resistive cross point of one word line and one bit line, respectively. Further, each memory cell is connected to one vertical access device such that a unidirectional conductive path is formed from a word line to a bit line via the corresponding memory cell (and via the respective diode), respectively. The substrate, at least a part of the word lines or at least a part of the bit lines, (at least parts of ) the vertical access device are realized as one common monocrystal semiconductor block. “Vertical access device” means any device that is arranged such that the direction of the current flow passing through the access device is vertical. In one embodiment, the vertical access device is an isolation diode. However, other access devices like vertical MOS devices (the gate being a ring around the pillar), JFETs (Junction FET), bipolar transistors or thyristors, Schottky diodes etc., could be used. For sake of simplicity, in the following description, the invention is discussed by way of example, the vertical access device being an isolation diode. However, the invention is not restricted to this example. In one embodiment of the invention, the isolation diodes are not separately formed on a substrate using deposition processes, but formed within a monocrystal semiconductor wafer (“integrated” into the monocrystal semiconductor wafer). This means that a first part of a structured wafer constitutes the substrate, second parts of the structured wafer constitute the isolation diodes, and third parts of a structured wafer constitute word lines or bit lines. Since the quality of monocrystal semiconductor devices are very high, leakage currents can be prevented very effectively. In one embodiment, each memory cell together with its corresponding isolation diode form a pillar extending perpendicular to the directions of the word lines and the bit lines. An upper part of each pillar may be constituted by the memory cell, and a lower part of each pillar may be constituted by the isolation diode. In one embodiment, the word lines comprise both read word lines and write word lines. Each memory cell together with its corresponding isolation diode may form a pillar extending perpendicular to the directions of the word lines and the bit lines, wherein the pillars are provided on the read word lines. An upper part of each pillar may be constituted by a memory cell, and a lower part of each pillar may be constituted by an isolation diode, wherein the isolation diodes contact the read word lines. The write word lines may show different horizontal positions than the read word lines, and overlapping vertical positions with respect to the vertical positions of the memory cells, so that each memory cell is sandwiched by two write word lines being electrically isolated from the memory cells. The write word lines may also be located above the memory cells and show different horizontal positions than the read word lines. Alternatively, the write word lines may be located above the memory cells and show the same horizontal positions than the read word lines. In a further embodiment, additional read word lines that show different horizontal positions than the read word lines, and that show overlapping vertical positions with respect to the vertical positions of the memory cells may be provided, so that each memory cell is sandwiched by two read word lines. The conductive types of respective semiconductor regions may be chosen such that junctions between the substrate and read word lines being provided on the substrate from diodes, respectively. Those diodes serve to isolate the read word lines (which are realized as semiconductor regions) from the substrate. One embodiment of the invention further provides a method for fabricating a MRAM storage device. The method includes, implanting a laminated structure into a part of a monocrystal semiconductor wafer of a first conductive type, said laminated structure comprising a bottom layer of a second conductive type, a middle layer of the second conductive type and a top layer of the first conductive type, structuring the laminated structure at least to a depth corresponding to the bottom of the bottom layer to partition the laminated structure into a plurality of parallel stripes extending in a first horizontal direction, and structuring the stripes at least to a depth corresponding to the bottom of the middle layer to partition each stripe into a plurality of vertically extending pillars, each pillar comprising a part of the top layer and a part of the middle layer, wherein each junction between a part of the top layer and a part of the middle layer within a pillar constitutes one of the isolating diodes. The spaces between the pillars may be filled with an isolating material. Then the memory cells may be provided onto the isolating diodes. Further, word lines/bit lines may be provided on/adjacent to/above the memory cells. | 20040730 | 20070220 | 20060202 | 70503.0 | H01L21336 | 0 | FENTY, JESSE A | MRAM STORAGE DEVICE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H01L | 2,004 |
|
10,903,759 | ACCEPTED | Valve system for a rapid response power conversion device | An apparatus and method providing a system configured to transfer energy from an internal combustion engine to drive a load. The system includes a rapid response component, a valve system and an actuator. The rapid response component is configured to be operatively coupled to a combustion portion of the internal combustion engine. The rapid response component also is configured to draw a portion of energy from the combustion in the internal combustion engine and transfer the portion of energy as a fluid including pulsitile fluid flow. The valve system is operatively coupled to the rapid response component and is operable to receive the pulsitile fluid flow from the rapid response component and controllably direct the pulsitile fluid flow from the rapid response component. The actuator is operatively coupled to the valve system and is configured to be operatively coupled to the load. The actuator is operable to receive the fluid from the valve system to drive the load operatively coupled thereto. | 1. A valve/actuator system configured to control pulsitile fluid flow from a rapid response component associated with an internal combustion engine, the valve/actuator system comprising: a gate valve, configured to be operatively coupled to the rapid response component, having an opened and closed configuration to match the pulsitile fluid flow from the rapid response component; a proportional valve, operatively coupled to said gate valve, operable to selectively restrict said pulsitile fluid flow from said gate valve to provide a selectively restricted fluid flow from said proportional valve; a directional valve, operatively coupled to said proportional valve, operable to receive said selectively restricted fluid flow from said proportional valve and selectively direct a selectively directed fluid flow; and an actuator, operatively coupled to said directional valve, operable to receive the selectively directed fluid flow from said directional valve to drive a load coupled to said actuator. 2. The valve/actuator system of claim 1, wherein said gate valve, said proportional valve and said directional valve act in conjunction to manipulate the pulsitile fluid flow received from the rapid response component to drive said load coupled to said actuator. 3. The valve/actuator system of claim 1, wherein said gate valve, said proportional valve and said directional valve act in conjunction as a synchronized pulsitile valve system operable to handle the pulsitile flow from the rapid response component. 4. The valve/actuator system of claim 3, wherein said synchronized pulsitile valve system comprises a synchronized modulatable, pulsitile valve system operable to handle modulatable, pulsating fluid flow from the rapid response component. 5. The valve/actuator system of claim 1, wherein said gate valve is interconnected and synchronized with the operation of at least one of the rapid response component and the internal combustion engine so that said gate valve opens and closes to match said pulsitile fluid flow. 6. The valve/actuator system of claim 1, wherein said gate valve is operatively coupled to said actuator to receive exhaust fluid flow from said actuator. 7. The valve/actuator system of claim 1, further comprising an accumulator, coupled to said proportional valve, operable to accumulate excess fluid from said pulsitile fluid flow restricted by said proportional valve. 8. The valve/actuator system of claim 1, further comprising a gate controller interconnected between said gate valve and the internal combustion engine, said gate controller operable to open and close said gate valve to correspond with said pulsitile fluid flow. 9. The valve/actuator system of claim 8, wherein said gate controller includes a cam member interconnected to the internal combustion engine. 10. The valve/actuator system of claim 8, wherein said gate controller includes an electrical switch timed to open and close said gate valve to correspond with the pulsitile fluid flow. 11. The valve/actuator system of claim 1, further comprising a proportional controller interconnected to said proportional valve, said actuator and the internal combustion engine to selectively control the pulsitile fluid flow with respect to said load coupled to said actuator. 12. The valve/actuator system of claim 1, further comprising a directional controller, interconnected to said directional valve, operable to control said selectively directed fluid flow from said directional valve to direct said actuator and to drive said load coupled to said actuator. 13. The valve/actuator system of claim 12, wherein said directional controller includes a digital directional controller. 14. The valve/actuator system of claim 1, wherein said directional valve includes a four-way valve operable to drive said actuator and said load. 15. The valve/actuator system of claim 1, wherein said actuator includes a piston slidable in a cylinder, said piston operable to reciprocate and drive said load. 16. A system configured to drive a load by transferring energy from an internal combustion engine having a chamber and a piston with a combustion portion in the chamber, the chamber having at least one fuel inlet to supply fuel thereto and an exhaust outlet, the fuel configured to at least partially facilitate combustion in the combustion portion of the chamber to provide energy therein and to act upon the piston, said system comprising: a rapid response component, configured to be operatively coupled to the combustion portion of the chamber, said rapid response component configured to draw a portion of said energy from said combustion in said chamber and transfer said portion of said energy as a fluid including pulsitile fluid flow; a valve system, operatively coupled to said rapid response component, operable to receive said pulsitile fluid flow from said rapid response component and controllably direct said pulsitile fluid flow from said rapid response component; and an actuator, operatively coupled to said valve system and configured to be operatively coupled to the load, said actuator operable to receive said fluid from said valve system to drive the load operatively coupled thereto. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein said rapid response component is configured to draw said portion of said energy from said chamber during a time period from a proximate instant of said combustion and prior to the piston of the internal combustion engine reciprocating to a position at a median between a top dead center position and a bottom dead center position. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein said rapid response component is operable to pulsate to provide said pulsitile fluid flow at selected cycles of one or more cycles so that said selected cycles are non-continuous compared to that of the piston in the internal combustion engine configured to substantially continuously reciprocate in the chamber. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein said selected cycles of said pulsitile fluid flow are modulatable with respect to each other. 20. The system of claim 16, wherein said valve system comprises at least a gate valve, a proportional valve and a directional valve. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein said gate valve, said proportional valve and said directional valve act in conjunction to manipulate said pulsitile fluid flow received from said rapid response component to drive the load coupled to said actuator. 22. The system of claim 20, wherein said gate valve is operatively coupled to said rapid response component and includes an open and closed configuration to match said pulsitile fluid flow from said rapid response component. 23. The system of claim 22, wherein said proportional valve is operatively coupled to said gate valve and is operable to selectively restrict said pulsitile fluid flow from said gate valve to provide a selectively restricted fluid flow. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein said directional valve is operatively coupled to said proportional valve and is operable to receive said selectively restricted fluid flow from said proportional valve and selectively direct a selectively directed fluid flow. 25. The system of claim 24, wherein said actuator is operatively coupled to said directional valve and is operable to receive said selectively directed fluid flow from said directional valve to drive said load coupled to said actuator. 26. The system of claim 23, further comprising an accumulator, operatively coupled to said proportional valve, operable to accumulate excess fluid from said pulsitile fluid flow restricted by said proportional valve. 27. The valve system of claim 20, wherein said gate valve, said proportional valve and said directional valve act in conjunction as a synchronized pulsitile valve system operable to handle said pulsitile fluid flow from said rapid response component. 28. The valve system of claim 27, wherein said synchronized pulsitile valve system comprises a synchronized modulatable, pulsitile valve system operable to handle modulatable, pulsating fluid flow from said rapid response component. 29. A method of transferring energy from a rapid response component associated with an internal combustion engine to drive a load, the method comprising: operating the internal combustion engine so that the rapid response component pulsates with respect to combustion in the internal combustion engine to pump a fluid from the rapid response component; obtaining a pulsitile fluid flow from the rapid response component; opening and closing a gate valve operatively coupled to the rapid response component to match said pulsitile fluid flow; selectively restricting said pulsitile fluid flow through a proportional valve operatively coupled to said gate valve; and selectively directing said fluid to at least one actuator operatively coupled to the load with a directional valve operatively coupled to the proportional valve. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein said obtaining said pulsitile fluid flow comprises pulsating said pulsitile fluid flow at selective cycles of one or more cycles so that said selected cycles are modulatable with respect to each other. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein said pulsating comprises modulating said selective cycles by changing a timing of combustion in the internal combustion engine. 32. The method of claim 30, wherein said pulsating comprises modulating said selective cycles by changing an amount of fuel for combustion in the internal combustion engine. | Priority of application No. 60/303,053 filed Jul. 5, 2001, and application Ser. No. 10/190,336 filed Jul. 5, 2002 in the United States Patent Office is hereby claimed. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to valve systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method of transferring energy through a valve system from combustion in an internal combustion engine. 2. Related Art Primary power sources that directly convert fuel into usable energy have been used for many years in a variety of applications including motor vehicles, electric generators, hydraulic pumps, etc. Perhaps the best known example of a primary power source is the internal combustion engine, which converts fossil fuel into rotational power. Internal combustion engines are used by almost all motorized vehicles and many other energetically autonomous devices such as lawn mowers, chain saws, and emergency electric generators. Converting fossil fuels into usable energy is also accomplished in large electricity plants, which supply electric power to power grids accessed by thousands of individual users. While primary power sources have been successfully used to perform these functions, they have not been successfully used independently in many applications because of their relatively slow response characteristics. This limitation is particularly problematic in powering robotic devices and similar systems which utilize a feedback loop which makes real time adjustments in movements of the mechanical structure. Typically, the power source in such a system must be able to generate power output which quickly applies corrective signals to power output as necessary to maintain proper operation of the mechanical device. The response speed of a power source within a mechanical system, sometimes referred to as bandwidth, is an indication of how quickly the energy produced by the source can be accessed by an application. An example of a rapid response power system is a hydraulic power system. In a hydraulic system, energy from any number of sources can be used to pressurize hydraulic fluid and store the pressurized fluid in an accumulator. The energy contained in the pressurized fluid can be accessed almost instantaneously by opening a valve in the system and releasing the fluid to perform some kind of work, such as extending or retracting a hydraulic actuator. The response time of this type of hydraulic system is very rapid, on the order of a few milliseconds or less. An example of a relatively slow response power supply system is an internal combustion engine. The accelerator on a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine controls the rotational speed of the engine, measured in rotations per minute (“rpms”). When power is desired the accelerator is activated and the engine increases its rotational speed accordingly. But the engine cannot reach the desired change in a very rapid fashion due to inertial forces internal to the engine and the nature of the combustion process. If the maximum rotational output of an engine is 7000 rpms, then the time it takes for the engine to go from 0 to 7000 rpms is a measure of the response time of the engine, which can be a few seconds or more. Moreover, if it is attempted to operate the engine repeatedly in a rapid cycle from 0 to 7000 rpms and back to 0 rpms, the response time of the engine slows even further as the engine attempts to respond to the cyclic signal. In contrast, a hydraulic cylinder can be actuated in a matter of milliseconds or less, and can be operated in a rapid cycle without compromising its fast response time. For this reason, many applications utilizing slow response mechanisms require the energy produced by a primary power source be stored in another, more rapid response energy system which holds energy in reserve so that the energy can be accessed instantaneously. One example of such an application is heavy earth moving equipment, such as backhoes and front end loaders, which utilize the hydraulic pressure system discussed above. Heavy equipment is generally powered by an internal combustion engine, usually a diesel engine, which supplies ample power for the operation of the equipment, but is incapable of meeting the energy response requirements of the various components. By storing and amplifying the power from the internal combustion engine in the hydraulic system, the heavy equipment is capable of producing great force with very accurate control. However, this versatility comes at a cost. In order for a system to be energetically autonomous and be capable of precise control, more components must be added to the system, increasing weight and cost of operation of the system. Another example of a rapid response power supply is an electrical supply grid or electric storage device such as a battery. The power available in the power supply grid or battery can be accessed as quickly as a switch can be opened or closed. A myriad of motors and other applications have been developed to utilize such electric power sources. Stationary applications that can be connected to the power grid can utilize direct electrical input from the generating source. However, in order to use electric power in a system without tethering the system to the power grid, the system must be configured to use energy storage devices such as batteries, which can be very large and heavy. As modem technology moves into miniaturization of devices, the extra weight and volume of the power source and its attendant conversion hardware are becoming major hurdles against meaningful progress. The complications inherent in using a primary power source to power a rapid response source become increasingly problematic in applications such as robotics. Further, transferring and controlling the energy from the rapid response source to a useable system is problematic as well. In order for a robot to accurately mimic human movements, the robot must be capable of making precise, controlled, and timely movements. This level of control requires a rapid response system such as the hydraulic or electric systems discussed above. Because these rapid response systems require power from some primary power source, the robot must either be part of a larger system that supplies power to the rapid response system or the robot must be directly fitted with heavy primary power sources or electric storage devices. Ideally, however, robots and other applications should have minimal weight, and should be energetically autonomous, not tethered to a power source with hydraulic or electric supply lines. To date, however, technology has struggled to realize this combination of rapid response, minimal weight, effective control, and autonomy of operation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing a system configured to transfer energy from an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes a chamber and a piston with a combustion portion in the chamber, the chamber having at least one fuel inlet to supply fuel thereto and an exhaust outlet. The fuel is operable to at least partially facilitate combustion in the combustion portion of the chamber to provide energy therein and to act upon the piston. The system includes a rapid response component, a valve system and an actuator. The rapid response component is configured to be operatively coupled to the combustion portion of the chamber. The rapid response component also is configured to draw a portion of the energy from the combustion in the chamber and transfer the portion of the energy as a fluid including pulsitile fluid flow. The valve system is operatively coupled to the rapid response component and is operable to receive the pulsitile fluid flow from the rapid response component and controllably direct said pulsitile fluid flow from the rapid response component. The actuator is operatively coupled to the valve system and is configured to be coupled to the load. The actuator is operable to receive the fluid from the valve system to drive the load coupled thereto. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing a valve/actuator system configured to control pulsitile fluid flow from a rapid response component associated with an internal combustion engine. The valve/actuator system includes a gate valve, a proportional valve, a directional valve and an actuator. The gate valve is configured to be operatively coupled to the rapid response component and includes opened and closed configurations to match the pulsitile fluid flow from the rapid response component. The proportional valve is operatively coupled to the gate valve and is operable to selectively restrict the pulsitile fluid flow from the gate valve to provide a selectively restricted fluid flow from the proportional valve. The directional valve is operatively coupled to the proportional valve and is operable to receive the selectively restricted fluid flow from the proportional valve and selectively direct a selectively directed fluid flow. The actuator is operatively coupled to the directional valve and is operable to receive the selectively directed fluid flow from the directional valve to drive a load coupled to said actuator. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as the present invention, the advantages of this invention may be ascertained from the following description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates is a schematic side view of a rapid response energy extracting system, depicting a chamber having a primary piston and a secondary piston, according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram associated with various partial schematic side views, depicting various forms of energy transfer through an energy transfer portion of the rapid response energy extracting system, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 illustrates a partial schematic side view of the rapid response energy extracting system, depicting a chamber having multiple compartments, according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical representation of physical response characteristics of the primary piston with respect to the secondary piston in terms of time, temperature and displacement of the primary and secondary pistons, according to the present invention; FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical representation of the physical response characteristics of the primary piston with respect to the secondary piston, depicting impulse modulation of the secondary piston, according to the present invention; FIG. 6 illustrates a graphical representation of the physical response characteristics of the secondary piston, depicting a combination of impulse and amplitude modulation of the secondary piston, according to the present invention; FIG. 7 illustrates a partial schematic side view of the rapid response energy extracting system, depicting the primary and secondary pistons in terms of linear displacement, according to the present invention; FIG. 7A illustrates a graphical representation of the linear displacement of the secondary piston with respect to heavier and lighter loads, according to the present invention; FIG. 8 illustrates a partial schematic side view of the rapid response energy extracting system, depicting a non-combustion system, according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 illustrates an elevation view of a representative use of the present invention, as used in a wearable exoskeleton frame; and FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of a valve system for transferring energy from the rapid response energy extracting system to an actuator for driving a load, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. Referring first to FIG. 1, a simplified schematic view of a rapid response energy extracting system 100 is illustrated. Such a system 100 may partially include a typical internal combustion (“IC”) engine, such as a four stroke spark ignition IC engine. Other types of engines may also be utilized with the present invention, such as compression ignition IC engines, two stroke IC engines, non-combustion engines or any other suitable engine. For purposes of simplicity, rapid response energy extracting system 100 is illustrated here in conjunction with a typical four stroke spark ignition IC engine, wherein a single chamber 110 is depicted with the present invention. The chamber 110 is defined by chamber walls 105 and includes one or more intake ports 112 for receiving a fuel 114 and an oxidizer such as air or oxygen, separately or as a mixture, and an out-take port 122 for releasing combustive exhaust gasses 124. Each of the intake port 112 and the out-take port 122 includes a valve (not shown), which are each configured to open and close at specified times to allow fuel 114 and exhaust 124 to enter and exit the chamber 110, respectively. The chamber 110 includes a primary piston 130, a secondary piston 140 and a combustion portion 120 therebetween. The primary piston 130 is interconnected to a piston rod 132, which in turn is interconnected to a crank shaft 134. The primary piston 130 is sized and configured to move linearly within the chamber 110 for converting linear movement 138 from the primary piston 130 to the crank shaft 134 into rotational energy 136. Such rotational energy 136 may be used to power a wide range of external applications, such as any type of application that typically utilizes an IC combustion engine. The linear movement 138 of the primary piston 130 takes place between a top dead center (“TDC”) position and a bottom dead center (“BDC”) position. The TDC position occurs when the piston 130 has moved to its location furthest from the crank shaft 134 and the BDC position occurs when the primary piston 130 has moved to its location closest to the crank shaft 134. The linear movement of the primary piston 130 between the TDC position and the BDC position may be generated by cyclic combustion in the combustion portion 120 of the chamber 110. Primary piston 130 may also move linearly within chamber 110 by other suitable means, such as an electric motor using energy from a battery. A four stroke cycle of an IC engine begins with the piston 130 located at TDC. As the piston 130 moves toward BDC, a fuel 114 and oxidizer or combustible mixture is introduced into the chamber 110 through intake port 112, which may include one or more openings and may also be a variable opening for varying the flow and amount of fuel 114 into the chamber 110. Once the fuel 114 enters the chamber 110, the intake port 112 is closed and the piston 130 returns toward TDC, compressing the combustible mixture and/or fuel 114 in the chamber 110. An ignition source 116, controlled by a controller 115, supplies a spark at which point the compressed fuel combusts and drives the piston 130 back to BDC. The controller 115 may also be configured to control the valves (pot shown) at the intake port 112 and the out-take port 122 to control the rate by which fuel 114 may feed the chamber 110. As the piston 130 returns again toward TDC, combustive exhaust gases 124 are forced through out-take port 122. The out-take port 122 is then closed, and intake port 112 is opened, and the four stroke cycle may begin again. In this manner, a series of combustion cycles powers the crank shaft 134, which provides rotational energy 136 to an external application. According to the present invention, chamber 110 also includes a secondary piston 140 having a secondary piston rod 142 extending therefrom. The secondary piston 140 includes a face, or energy receiving end 144, and the secondary piston rod 142 is coupled to an energy transferring portion 146. The energy receiving end 144 may be positioned in chamber 110 to face primary piston 130 so that the longitudinal movement of the primary piston 130 and the secondary piston 140 corresponds with a longitudinal axis of chamber 110. In an inactive position, the energy receiving end 144 of the secondary piston 140 may be biased in a substantially sealing, retracted position against a lip or some other suitable sealing means, biased by a spring or by another suitable biasing force, such as a pressure reservoir, so that the secondary piston 140 is biasingly positioned prior to introducing fuel into the combustion chamber 110 or prior to combustion during cyclic combustion of the system 100. One important aspect of the present invention is that the secondary piston 140 includes a substantially lower inertia than that of the primary piston 130. Such a substantially lower inertia positioned adjacent the combustion portion 120 of the chamber 110 facilitates a rapid response to combustion, which provides linear movement 148 of the secondary piston 140 along the longitudinal axis of the chamber 110. Because the inertia of the secondary piston 140 is much lower than the inertia of the primary piston 130, the secondary piston 140 can efficiently extract a large fraction of the energy created by the combustion before it is otherwise lost to inefficiencies inherent in IC engines. With this arrangement, the energy receiving end 144 of the secondary piston 140 is sized, positioned and configured to react to combustion in the chamber 110 so as to provide linear movement 148 to the energy receiving end 144 to then act upon the energy transferring portion 146 of the system 100. Referring now to FIG. 2, the energy transferring portion 146 may include and/or may be coupled with any number of energy conversion devices. In particular, the energy transferring portion 146 is configured to transfer the linear movement of the secondary piston 140 to any one of hydraulic energy, pneumatic energy, electric energy and/or mechanical energy. Transferring linear motion into such various types of energy is well known in the art. For example, in a hydraulic system 160, linear motion via the secondary piston rod 142 transferred to a hydraulic piston 164 in a hydraulic chamber 162 may provide hydraulic pressure and flow 168, as well known in the art. Similarly, in a pneumatic system 170, the secondary piston rod 142 may provide linear motion to a pneumatic piston 174 in a pneumatic chamber 172 to provide output energy in the form of pneumatic pressure and gas flow 178. Other systems may include an electrical system 180 and a mechanical system 190. As well known in the art, in an electrical system 180, the linear motion of secondary piston rod 142 may be interconnected to an armature with a coil wrapped therearound, wherein the armature reciprocates in the coil to generate an electrical energy output 188. Furthermore, in the mechanical system, linear motion from secondary piston rod 142 may be transferred to rotational energy 198 with a pawl 192 pushing on a crank shaft 194 to provide rotational energy 198. Additionally, the secondary piston rod 142 may be directly interconnected to the crank shaft 194 to provide the rotational energy 198. Other methods of converting energy will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, rotational electric generators, gear driven systems, and belt driven systems can be utilized by the energy transferring portion 146 the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a second embodiment of the rapid response energy extracting system 200. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except the chamber 210 defines a first compartment 254 and a second compartment 256 with a divider portion 250 disposed therebetween. The divider portion 250 defines an aperture 252 therein, which aperture 252 extends between the first compartment 254 and the second compartment 256. With this arrangement, the primary piston 230 is positioned in the first compartment 254 and the secondary piston 240 is positioned in the second compartment 256. The intake port 212 allows fuel 214 and/or combustible mixture to enter the first compartment 254. The fuel 214 and/or combustible mixture are pushed through the aperture 252 from the first compartment 254 into the second compartment 256 via the primary piston 230. The fuel 214 and/or combustible mixture is compressed at a combustion portion 220 of the chamber 210, which is directly adjacent the secondary piston 240. An ignition source 216 then fires the fuel for combustion, wherein the secondary piston 240 moves linearly, as indicated by arrow 248, with a rapid response to the combustion. The combustive exhaust 224 then exits through the out-take port 222. It should be noted that the first compartment 254 and second compartment 256 may be remote from each other, wherein the first and second compartments 254 and 256 may be in fluid communication with each other via a tube. In the second embodiment, the primary piston 230 may reciprocate via combustion or an electric power source to push the fuel 214 from the first compartment to the second compartment of chamber 210. By having a divider portion 250, the combustion at the combustion portion 220 of the chamber 210 can be at least partially, or even totally, isolated from the primary piston 230. Depending on the requirements of the system 200, the controller 215 may be configured to open or close aperture 252 at varying degrees to isolate combustion from the primary piston 230. As such, in the instance of total isolation, a maximum amount of energy to the secondary piston 240 may be transferred by a rapid response to combustion. It is also contemplated that the primary piston 230 in the first compartment 254 may include a positive displacement compressor and/or an aerodynamic compressor, such as a centrifugal compressor. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, a graphical diagram of the physical response characteristics of the secondary piston 140 with respect to the primary piston 130 is illustrated. Line 330 represents the linear movement 138 of the primary piston 130, reciprocating between the TDC 350 and the BDC 352 positions thereof. Line 330 illustrates one complete cycle, for a four cycle IC engine, in which the primary piston 130 travels between the TDC 350 and the BDC 352 positions twice, with one combustion event occurring immediately after the primary piston 130 reaches TDC the first time. Line 340 illustrates the linear displacement of the secondary piston 140. As indicated, the secondary piston 140 reaches substantially full displacement within at least 45 degrees, and even up to 30 degrees, of the primary piston 140 descending from TDC 350, wherein the secondary piston 140 completes one cycle much more rapidly than does the primary piston 130. Turning now to line 360, a relative indication of the temperature rise and fall in the chamber 110 due to combustion and heat loss, respectively, with respect to the linear positions of the primary piston 130 and the secondary piston 140 is shown. Immediately after ignition of the fuel 114 and/or combustible mixture, when the primary piston 130 is proximate the TDC 350 position, combustion facilitates a dramatic increase in temperature. As well known, IC engines are designed to convert the thermal energy created by combustion into linear movement of the primary piston, which is in turn converted into rotational energy in the drive shaft. However, much of the thermal energy created in conventional internal combustion engines is lost due to heat escaping into the engine walls surrounding the combustion chamber and in exhaust gases. Even the most efficient internal combustion engines rarely reach efficiency rates of more than 35%. Consequently, more than half of the energy available from the combusted fuel is lost in the form of heat through the walls and piston via conduction and radiation, as well as heat released through the exhaust. The heat rise and heat loss illustrated by the rising and dropping line 360, representing combustion, depicts the time during which energy is available in the form of thermal energy and the time in which the primary piston 130 should be extracting the thermal energy. Time t2 indicates the time period during which a majority of the thermal energy is available for conversion by the primary piston. Time t1 indicates the time period during which the primary piston 130 is moving from the TDC 350 to BDC 352 positions. It is during the period t1 that the primary piston 130 should be converting energy from the combustion process. As indicated by the difference between the two time periods t1 and t2, most of the thermal energy from the combustion escapes prior to the primary piston 130 reaching a median 354 of its travel between the TDC 350 to BDC 352 positions. However, according to the present invention, the secondary piston 140 substantially completes its useful energy extraction cycle before the expiration of time period t2. In particular, as indicated by line 340, at least 90% of the energy extracted by the secondary piston 140 is extracted within at least 45 degrees, and even at least 30 degrees, of the primary piston 140 descending from the TDC 350 position. Because the secondary piston 140 moves much more rapidly than does the primary piston 130, it can convert a much greater percentage of the thermal energy into linear motion before the thermal energy is lost to the heat sink formed by the walls, primary piston, and other components of the IC engine. Additionally, because the secondary piston 140 acts independently of the primary piston 130 and because the secondary piston 140 has a substantially lower inertia than the primary piston 130, the secondary piston 140 reacts to combustion with a very short response time without being inhibited by the primary piston 130. For example, an IC engine having operating characteristics running at 3000 revolutions per minute, t1 would be approximately 10 milliseconds, or 0.010 seconds, and t2 would be approximately 3 milliseconds. Because the secondary piston 140 can be operated independently of the primary piston 130, the secondary piston 140 can be operated with a response time of approximately 3 milliseconds or potentially even at a shorter response time. In other words, the secondary piston 140 can both begin and stop extracting energy from the combustion cycles of the system 100 within at least a 3 millisecond time period. Higher cycle rate can be achieved by operating the primary piston 130 at a higher speed (i.e., higher number of rpms). Turning to FIGS. 1 and 5, physical response characteristics, such as impulse modulation and superior bandwidth provided by the secondary piston 140 with respect to the primary piston 130, is illustrated. In particular, line 430 depicts the primary piston 130 reciprocating repeatedly or substantially continuously with a substantially fixed displacement between the TDC and BDC positions. As the primary piston 130 continuously reciprocates, the controller 115 is configured to control combustion at selective cycles of reciprocation of the primary piston 130. The reciprocation cycles of the primary piston 130 in which combustion is selected are illustrated in corresponding lines 440. Line 440 indicates a portion of energy extracted by the secondary piston 140 from the selected cycles of the primary piston 130 where the controller 115 controls or initiates combustion (i.e., amplitude modulation, impulse modulation, and frequency modulation). The flat portion 442 of line 440 corresponds to the absence of combustion, showing no displacement and energy extraction from the secondary piston 140. As shown, the primary piston 130 continuously reciprocates in the chamber 110, wherein the controller 115 selectively controls particular reciprocating cycles in which combustion occurs. As such, the cycles selected for combustion to facilitate the extraction of a portion of the combustion energy may include each reciprocation cycle of the primary piston or, as indicated, an impulse modulation. Such an impulse modulation provides thermal energy extracted over one or more selected cycles of the primary piston 130 as well as one or more sequence of selected cycles where no energy is extracted. As can be readily recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, the impulse modulation illustrates that the rate by which energy may be extracted and then stopped from extracting energy is extremely rapid. Such ability to extract energy and then rapidly stop extracting, and then again rapidly extract energy at selected cycles of the primary piston 130 provides a favorable bandwidth far superior to the bandwidth of the energy extraction and conversion of the primary piston 130. Thus, energy may be provided and stopped with a rapid response and with favorable bandwidth by the controller 115 controlling the combustion at selected cycles and the secondary piston 140 reacting to the combustion, as indicated by line 440. Furthermore, referencing FIGS. 1 and 6, the controller 115 may control the fuel 114 and combustion at selected cycles of the primary piston 130 so that the secondary piston 140 extracts a portion of the combustion energy to provide amplitude modulation and, further, impulse amplitude modulation 540. Further, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the controller 115 may control the fuel 114 and combustion at selected cycles so as to provide frequency modulation and even frequency, impulse modulation, or, even frequency, amplitude modulation. Turning to FIG. 7, there is illustrated relative linear movement with respect to the primary piston 630 and the secondary piston each in chamber 610. In particular, the linear movement 638 of the primary piston 630 in chamber 610 is substantially constant with a displacement D1. On the other hand, the linear movement 648 of the secondary piston may be variable in length referenced as displacement D2. Such variable length of displacement D2 of the secondary piston may change with respect to a load 650 of which the energy extracted by the secondary piston is acting upon. Other factors that effect the displacement D2 of the secondary piston 640 relate to inertia of the mass of secondary piston 640 and its piston rod 642. As previously set forth, the effective inertia of the primary piston 630, an crank assembly is greater than the effective inertia of the secondary piston 640 by a ratio of at least 5:1, and even at least 10:1, at least during the time period when a portion of energy is extracted from combustion by the secondary piston 640. Since the inertia of the secondary piston 640 is less than the inertia of the primary piston 630, the secondary piston 640 is able to react with a rapid response. In this manner, the displacement D2 of the secondary piston 640 is variable in length, in which the displacement D2 naturally matches and corresponds with at least the load 650 to which the extracted energy is acting upon as well as with respect to the combustion force acting on the secondary piston 640 at combustion. D2′ and D2″ represent a variety of lengths which form a continuum of values, corresponding to a continuous transmission system. This is illustrated in FIG. 7A, wherein D2′ corresponds to a heavier load, and D2″ relates to a lighter load, thereby eliminating the need for a separate transmission device as is typically required for an IC engine. Referencing FIG. 8, the rapid response energy extracting system 700 may be provided in a non-combustion engine, according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The system 700 includes a chamber 710 with a primary piston 730 and a secondary piston 740. Instead of internal combustion provided by fuel and oxygen, a fluid 714, such as a monopropellant or hydrogen peroxide, may enter through an intake port 712 of the chamber 710. The fluid 714 may pass through or over a reaction member 720, such as a catalyst or heat-exchanger. Such a catalyst may include silver, silver alloy, and/or a silver/ceramic material. As the fluid 714 passes over the reaction member 720, a rapid non-combustive reaction results, which may include rapid decomposition of the fluid 714 and/or vaporization of the fluid 714. As in the IC engine, such rapid non-combustive reaction causes a rapid response from the secondary piston 740 for extracting a portion of energy from the rapid non-combustive reaction. In this system, the primary piston 740 may reciprocate and function similar to the primary piston in the IC engine or, alternatively, the primary piston 730 may simply act as a means for pumping fluid in and out of the chamber 710. In each of the rapid response extracting systems 100, 200 and 700 as described in respective FIGS. 1, 3 and 8, pulsitile fluid flow can be provided from each of the systems respective secondary pistons 140, 240 and 740. However, in each of the systems the pulsitile fluid flow can change in modulation and frequency. Further, the load in which the energy of the pulsitile fluid flow is being directed can increase, decrease or remain constant. As such, a system for controlling and transferring the pulsitile fluid flow into usable energy that can handle a variable load is needed. Referring now to FIG. 10, an embodiment of a valve system 914 operable to transfer energy from a rapid response energy extracting system 900, as previously set forth, to an actuator 960 which is configured to drive a load 980 is illustrated. The valve system 914 is configured to control pulsitile fluid flow from a secondary piston 906 to facilitate driving the load 980. Such a secondary piston 906 can be associated with any one of the rapid response energy extracting systems 100, 200 and 700 as described in respective FIGS. 1, 3 and 8. The valve system 914 can include a gate valve 920, a proportional valve 930 and a directional valve 940 each acting in conjunction to control the pulsitile fluid flow from the secondary piston 906 to the actuator 960. Such a valve system 914 receives the pulsitile fluid flow and feeds the actuator 960 sequentially along a flow path 916 in the order of the gate valve 920, proportional valve 930 and then the directional valve 940. However, it is contemplated that such valve system 914 can be organized differently with variations thereof and include additional components and additional types of valves. The valve system can include a main controller 970 operatively interconnected to the system 914, the load 980 and each of the gate valve 920, proportional valve 930 and the directional valve 940. Such main controller 970 can include various controller components configured to control the timing and movement of each of the gate valve 920, proportional valve 930 and the directional valve 940, to thereby, control and facilitate the pulsitile fluid flow through the valve system 914 to facilitate the transfer of energy from the secondary piston 906 to drive the load 980. Such various controller components can include a gate controller 972, a proportional controller 974 and a directional controller 976 each configured to control the fluid flow through each of the respective gate valve 920, proportional valve 930 and the directional valve 940. As previously set forth, the secondary piston 906 reciprocates with linear movement as indicated by arrow 912 due to combustion in the combustion portion 908 of the chamber 902. Such reciprocation of the secondary piston 906 pumps a substantially non-compressible fluid, such as a hydraulic fluid or the like, to provide the pulsitile fluid flow. Such pulsitile fluid flow can be modulatable and vary with respect to frequency, which is regulatable by the controller 115 (FIG. 1), as previously set forth, to control the fuel input in the combustion portion 908 of the chamber 902. The gate valve 920 is operatively coupled to the secondary piston 906 or the rapid response energy extracting system 900 and includes an opened and closed configuration operable to match the pulsitile fluid flow from the secondary piston 906. The pulsitile fluid flow is pumped along flow path 916 and through a check valve 918 before entering the gate valve 920. Such a gate valve 920 can be any known suitable gate valve as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the gate valve 920 can include a gate chamber 924 with a gate spool 921 disposed therein. The gate spool 921 can include a first opening or channel 922 and a second opening or channel 923 each configured to allow the pulsitile fluid to flow therethrough. The chamber 924 can include various inlets and outlets, such as, a first inlet and outlet 925 and 926 and a second inlet and outlet 927 and 928. The gate spool can be configured to reciprocate with bi-linear movement within the chamber, as indicated by arrow 929. The first inlet and outlet 925 and 926 and the second inlet and outlet 927 and 928 are positioned in the chamber to correspond with the respective first opening 922 and second opening 923. Such corresponding position provides that as the gate spool 921 reciprocates in the chamber 924, the gate valve can be in either an opened position to allow fluid to flow through the gate valve 920 or a closed position to prevent fluid from flowing through the gate valve 920. For example, when the gate spool 921 is moved to the opened position, the first opening 922 is reciprocatedly positioned to correspond with the first inlet and outlet 925 and 926 and the second opening 923 is positioned to correspond with the second inlet and outlet 927 and 928. At the opened position, the fluid pulsatably flows from the secondary piston 906 and through the first opening 922 of the gate spool 921 toward the proportional valve 930 while fluid also flows simultaneously from the directional valve 940 through the second opening 923 of the gate spool to a first and/or second reservoir 990 and 992 and ultimately through a check valve 919 and back to the secondary piston 906. With this arrangement, the gate spool 921 in the gate valve 920 is configured to be moved in the opened position and the closed position to match the reciprocation of the secondary piston 906 to, thereby, allow the pulsitile fluid flow through the gate valve 920. The matching of the gate spool 921 with the timing of the pulsitile fluid flow is employed with the main controller 970, and specifically, the gate controller 972. Such gate controller 972 is configured to be operatively coupled to the secondary piston 906 and the gate valve 920 so that the gate controller 972 can bi-linearly move the gate spool 921 to the opened and closed position to match the pulsitile fluid flow. In another embodiment, bi-linear movement of the gate spool 921 can be employed with a cam mechanism 978. The cam mechanism 978 can be operatively coupled to the gate spool 921 and the rod interconnected to the primary piston 904. In this manner, as the primary piston reciprocates from combustion, the movement of the rod of the primary piston 904 operatively coupled to the cam mechanism 978 causes the cam mechanism 978 to move the gate spool 921. Such cam mechanism 978 can be configured so that the gate spool 921 is bi-linearly moved to correspond with the timing of the pulsitile fluid flow from the secondary piston 906. The proportional valve 930 is operatively coupled to the gate valve 920 and is configured to receive the pulsitile fluid flow from the gate valve 920. The proportional valve is operable to selectively restrict the pulsitile fluid flow from the gate valve to provide a selectively restricted fluid flow from the proportional valve. Such selective restriction of fluid flow means that fluid flow can be restricted proportionally as well as allow unrestricted fluid flow. Such a proportional valve 930 can be any suitable proportional valve configured to selectively restrict fluid flow and operable with a pulsitile fluid flow as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The proportional valve 930 can be configured to include a chamber 934 with a spool 932 disposed therein. The spool 932 can be configured to reciprocate bi-linearly within the chamber 934, as indicated by arrow 937. The spool can include an opening or channel 933 defined therein, which is configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough when the opening 933 is moved to a position corresponding with an inlet 935 and an outlet 936 defined in the chamber 934. The bi-linear movement of the spool 932 is operable via the main controller 970, and particularly, the proportional controller 974. Such main controller 970 is operatively coupled to the load 980 with a sensor 978 therebetween configured to sense the power necessitated to drive the load 980. For example, in the case where the load 980 increases, decreases or is constant, the proportional controller 974 can control the position of the spool 932 to facilitate unrestricted fluid flow or restricted fluid flow to provide a selected fluid flow from the proportional valve to match that which is required to drive the load. Any excess fluid, due to restricted fluid flow, can be fed into an accumulator 931. Such accumulator 931 can be configured to receive excess fluid flow and provide such excess fluid flow to the proportional valve 930 as needed with respect to that which is required by the load. The directional valve 940 is operatively coupled to the proportional valve 930 and is configured to receive the selective fluid flow from the proportional valve 930. Such a directional valve 940 is configured to selectively direct and provide a selectively directed fluid flow to the actuator 960. The directional valve 940 can be a four-way valve or any other suitable directional valve configured to drive an actuator 960 as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The directional valve 940 can include a directional chamber 944 and a directional spool 941 disposed therein. The spool 941 can include a first opening or channel 942 and a second opening or channel 943 defined therein each configured to allow fluid flow therethrough. The directional spool 941 is configured to reciprocate bi-linearly, as indicated by arrow 953, via the directional controller 976. The directional controller 976 is configured to positionally control the bi-linear movement of the directional spool 941 to selectively direct fluid flow from the directional valve. The first opening 942 and second opening 943 formed in the directional spool 941 are positioned in the spool 941 so that the spool 941 can reciprocate between and correspond with various inlets and outlets formed in the directional chamber 944 to manipulate and direct the fluid flow to and from the actuator 960. For example, the directional spool 941 reciprocates so that the first opening 942 allows fluid flow toward the actuator 960 through a first inlet and outlet 945 and 946 while simultaneously the second opening 943 allows fluid flow from the actuator 960 in the opposite direction through a second inlet and outlet 947 and 948. Likewise, the directional spool 940 can linearly move so that the first opening 942 allows fluid flow toward the actuator 960 through a third inlet and outlet 949 and 950 while simultaneously the second opening 943 allows fluid flow from the actuator 960 in the opposite direction through a fourth inlet and outlet 951 and 952. As such, the first and second openings 942 and 943 in the directional valve 940 are configured to be positioned with the lets and outlets to provide a fully opened channel for fluid to flow through without restriction. With this arrangement, the fluid flow through the first and second openings 942 and 943 and the above-described corresponding inlets and outlets in the directional valve 940 provides a selectively directed fluid flow to the actuator 960. The actuator 960 is operatively coupled to the directional valve and is configured to receive the selectively directed fluid flow from the directional valve 940, as previously set forth, to drive the load 980 coupled to the actuator 960. Such an actuator 960 can be any suitable type of actuator 960 configured to actuate with fluid as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The actuator 960 can include a chamber 961 with a piston 962 fixed to a rod 963 disposed therein. The piston 962 and rod 963 can bi-linearly reciprocate within the chamber 961, as indicated by arrow 966. As the piston 962 and rod 963 are reciprocated back and forth, fluid flow is directed in and out of the chamber 961 through a first and second flow valve 964 and 965. For example, when fluid enters through the first flow valve 964 from the first outlet 946 of the directional valve 940, the fluid moves the piston 962 to the left which also moves fluid out of the second flow valve 965 toward the second inlet 947 of the directional valve 940. The directional spool 941 then linearly moves to allow fluid to be directed from the third outlet 950 of the directional valve 940 to flow through the second flow valve 965 of the actuator 960, which fluid facilitates movement of the piston 962 to the right and moves the fluid out of the first flow valve 964 toward the fourth inlet 951 of the directional valve 940. The rod 963 of the actuator 960 is operatively coupled to the load 980 and can be coupled to an energy transfer member 982. The energy transfer member 982 can be configured to provide power to drive the load 980. Such power is transferred from the reciprocating movement of the rod 963, facilitated by the directed fluid flow through the actuator 960. The energy transfer member 982 can be configured to transfer the movement of the rod 963 into any one of mechanical energy, electrical energy, pneumatic energy and hydraulic energy, which depends on the configuration of such energy transfer member 982. Such energy transfer member 982 can be implemented and configured to operate with the actuator 960 by one of ordinary skill in the art. With the above described arrangement, the present invention provides a method for transferring energy from a rapid response energy extracting system having the secondary piston 906 associated with an internal combustion engine 900 for driving a load 980. In this method, the internal combustion engine 900 is operated so that the secondary piston 906 pulsates with respect to combustion in the internal combustion engine 900 to pump a fluid from the secondary piston 906, thereby, obtaining a pulsitile fluid flow. The pulsitile fluid flow is fed to the gate valve 920, which is operatively coupled to the secondary piston 906 and is configured to open and close to match the pulsitile fluid flow. The gate valve 920 feeds the pulsitile fluid flow to the proportional valve 930, which is operatively coupled to the gate valve 920 and is configured to selectively restrict the pulsitile fluid flow, thereby, obtaining a selectively restricted fluid flow. The proportional valve 930 feeds the selectively restricted fluid flow to the directional valve 940, operatively coupled to the proportional valve 930, which selectively directs fluid flow to the actuator 960. As such, the actuator 960 is reciprocatedly driven by the selectively directed fluid flow from the directional valve 940. As fluid is selectively directed into the actuator 960, fluid is also driven out of the actuator 960 and back to the directional valve 940, which is then fed back to the gate valve 920 and ultimately back to the secondary piston 906. The actuator 960 is operatively coupled to the load 980 and configured to drive the load 980. Such actuator 960 can be coupled to an energy transferring member 982 to transfer the reciprocating movement of the actuator 980 to power or energy for driving the load 980. Such energy transferring member 982, as previously set forth, can be any one of mechanical energy, electrical energy, pneumatic energy and hydraulic energy. While the preceding discussion focused on the characteristics of four stroke internal combustion engines as primary power sources, the present invention is not restricted to use with an internal combustion engine. The present invention can be utilized with any primary power source that delivers variable pulsating pressure. For example, two-stroke internal combustion engines, diesel engines, Stirling engines, external combustion engines and heat engines can all be used as primary power sources for the rapid response power conversion device. The above described present invention may be used to provide energetic autonomy to power sources used in robotics. Robots could be powered by self-contained fuel consumption devices which are not tethered to any primary power source. Because the present invention allows for direct conversion of fuel into rapid response energy, any intermediate storage device such as a large hydraulic accumulator or electric battery would no longer be necessary, eliminating large weight additions to the robot without sacrificing the speed with which the robot could access power. For example, the present invention could be used to provide energetic autonomy to power sources used in robotics. Robots could be powered by self-contained fuel consumption devices which are not tethered to any primary power source. Because the present invention allows for direct conversion of fuel into rapid response energy, any intermediate storage device such as a hydraulic accumulator or electric battery would no longer be necessary, eliminating large weight additions to the robot without sacrificing the speed with which the robot could access power. In addition to providing a lightweight, energetically autonomous rapid response power source for use in robotics, the present invention could be used in much the same way to assist human movement. Shown generally at 800 in FIG. 9 is a wearable exoskeletal frame for use by a human. A central control unit 802 can serve as a fuel storage device, power generation center and/or a signal generation/processing center. Shown at 804, attached at 808 to the joints of the exoskeleton 809 is an actuator 806. The cylinder (not shown) within the actuator can be extended or retracted to adjust the relative position of the upper and lower leg segments, 816 and 818, respectively, of the exoskeletal frame. The actuator 806 can be driven by a rapid response power conversion device 810. The rapid response power conversion device can be a small internal combustion engine supplied by fuel from fuel line 812 and controlled by an input/output signal line 814. The system can be configured such that an actuator and a power conversion device are located at each joint of the exoskeletal frame and are controlled by signals from the master control unit 802. Alternately, the system could be configured such that one or more master power conversion devices are located in the central control unit 802 for selectively supplying power to actuators located at each joint of the exoskeleton. Sensors (not shown) could be attached to various points of the exoskeleton to monitor movement and provide feedback. Also, safety devices such as power interrupts (not shown) can be included to protect the safety of the personnel wearing the exoskeletal frame. The wearable exoskeletal frame could be used in many applications. In one embodiment, the frame could be configured to assist military personnel in difficult or dangerous tasks. The energetically autonomous rapid response power conversion device can allow conventional primary power sources to be used to enhance the strength, stamina and speed of personnel without requiring that the personnel be tethered to a primary power source. The wearable frame could reduce the number of personnel required in dangerous or hazardous tasks and reduce the physical stress experienced by personnel when executing such tasks. The wearable frame could also be configured for application-specific tasks which might involve exposure to radiation, gas, chemical or biological agents. The wearable frame could also be used to aid physically impaired individuals in executing otherwise impossible tasks such as sitting, standing or walking. The rapid response power conversion device could serve as a power amplifier, amplifying small motions and forces into controlled, large motions and forces. By strategically placing sensors and control devices in various locations on the frame, individuals who are only capable of applying very small amounts of force could control the motion of the frame. Because the rapid response power conversion device is energetically autonomous, physically impaired individuals could be given freedom of movement without being tethered to a power source. The rapid response power conversion device would also be capable of producing the small, discrete movements necessary to imitate human movement. Safety devices such as power interrupts could be built into the system to prevent unintentional movement of the frame and any damage to the individual wearing the frame. In addition to the previous applications, the present invention can be used in any number of applications that require rapid response power without tethering the application to a primary power source. Examples can include power driven wheelchairs, golf carts, automobiles, skateboards, scooters, ultra-light aircraft, and other motorized vehicles, and generally any application which leverages mechanical energy and which would benefit by energetic autonomy. It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth above. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to valve systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method of transferring energy through a valve system from combustion in an internal combustion engine. 2. Related Art Primary power sources that directly convert fuel into usable energy have been used for many years in a variety of applications including motor vehicles, electric generators, hydraulic pumps, etc. Perhaps the best known example of a primary power source is the internal combustion engine, which converts fossil fuel into rotational power. Internal combustion engines are used by almost all motorized vehicles and many other energetically autonomous devices such as lawn mowers, chain saws, and emergency electric generators. Converting fossil fuels into usable energy is also accomplished in large electricity plants, which supply electric power to power grids accessed by thousands of individual users. While primary power sources have been successfully used to perform these functions, they have not been successfully used independently in many applications because of their relatively slow response characteristics. This limitation is particularly problematic in powering robotic devices and similar systems which utilize a feedback loop which makes real time adjustments in movements of the mechanical structure. Typically, the power source in such a system must be able to generate power output which quickly applies corrective signals to power output as necessary to maintain proper operation of the mechanical device. The response speed of a power source within a mechanical system, sometimes referred to as bandwidth, is an indication of how quickly the energy produced by the source can be accessed by an application. An example of a rapid response power system is a hydraulic power system. In a hydraulic system, energy from any number of sources can be used to pressurize hydraulic fluid and store the pressurized fluid in an accumulator. The energy contained in the pressurized fluid can be accessed almost instantaneously by opening a valve in the system and releasing the fluid to perform some kind of work, such as extending or retracting a hydraulic actuator. The response time of this type of hydraulic system is very rapid, on the order of a few milliseconds or less. An example of a relatively slow response power supply system is an internal combustion engine. The accelerator on a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine controls the rotational speed of the engine, measured in rotations per minute (“rpms”). When power is desired the accelerator is activated and the engine increases its rotational speed accordingly. But the engine cannot reach the desired change in a very rapid fashion due to inertial forces internal to the engine and the nature of the combustion process. If the maximum rotational output of an engine is 7000 rpms, then the time it takes for the engine to go from 0 to 7000 rpms is a measure of the response time of the engine, which can be a few seconds or more. Moreover, if it is attempted to operate the engine repeatedly in a rapid cycle from 0 to 7000 rpms and back to 0 rpms, the response time of the engine slows even further as the engine attempts to respond to the cyclic signal. In contrast, a hydraulic cylinder can be actuated in a matter of milliseconds or less, and can be operated in a rapid cycle without compromising its fast response time. For this reason, many applications utilizing slow response mechanisms require the energy produced by a primary power source be stored in another, more rapid response energy system which holds energy in reserve so that the energy can be accessed instantaneously. One example of such an application is heavy earth moving equipment, such as backhoes and front end loaders, which utilize the hydraulic pressure system discussed above. Heavy equipment is generally powered by an internal combustion engine, usually a diesel engine, which supplies ample power for the operation of the equipment, but is incapable of meeting the energy response requirements of the various components. By storing and amplifying the power from the internal combustion engine in the hydraulic system, the heavy equipment is capable of producing great force with very accurate control. However, this versatility comes at a cost. In order for a system to be energetically autonomous and be capable of precise control, more components must be added to the system, increasing weight and cost of operation of the system. Another example of a rapid response power supply is an electrical supply grid or electric storage device such as a battery. The power available in the power supply grid or battery can be accessed as quickly as a switch can be opened or closed. A myriad of motors and other applications have been developed to utilize such electric power sources. Stationary applications that can be connected to the power grid can utilize direct electrical input from the generating source. However, in order to use electric power in a system without tethering the system to the power grid, the system must be configured to use energy storage devices such as batteries, which can be very large and heavy. As modem technology moves into miniaturization of devices, the extra weight and volume of the power source and its attendant conversion hardware are becoming major hurdles against meaningful progress. The complications inherent in using a primary power source to power a rapid response source become increasingly problematic in applications such as robotics. Further, transferring and controlling the energy from the rapid response source to a useable system is problematic as well. In order for a robot to accurately mimic human movements, the robot must be capable of making precise, controlled, and timely movements. This level of control requires a rapid response system such as the hydraulic or electric systems discussed above. Because these rapid response systems require power from some primary power source, the robot must either be part of a larger system that supplies power to the rapid response system or the robot must be directly fitted with heavy primary power sources or electric storage devices. Ideally, however, robots and other applications should have minimal weight, and should be energetically autonomous, not tethered to a power source with hydraulic or electric supply lines. To date, however, technology has struggled to realize this combination of rapid response, minimal weight, effective control, and autonomy of operation. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing a system configured to transfer energy from an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes a chamber and a piston with a combustion portion in the chamber, the chamber having at least one fuel inlet to supply fuel thereto and an exhaust outlet. The fuel is operable to at least partially facilitate combustion in the combustion portion of the chamber to provide energy therein and to act upon the piston. The system includes a rapid response component, a valve system and an actuator. The rapid response component is configured to be operatively coupled to the combustion portion of the chamber. The rapid response component also is configured to draw a portion of the energy from the combustion in the chamber and transfer the portion of the energy as a fluid including pulsitile fluid flow. The valve system is operatively coupled to the rapid response component and is operable to receive the pulsitile fluid flow from the rapid response component and controllably direct said pulsitile fluid flow from the rapid response component. The actuator is operatively coupled to the valve system and is configured to be coupled to the load. The actuator is operable to receive the fluid from the valve system to drive the load coupled thereto. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing a valve/actuator system configured to control pulsitile fluid flow from a rapid response component associated with an internal combustion engine. The valve/actuator system includes a gate valve, a proportional valve, a directional valve and an actuator. The gate valve is configured to be operatively coupled to the rapid response component and includes opened and closed configurations to match the pulsitile fluid flow from the rapid response component. The proportional valve is operatively coupled to the gate valve and is operable to selectively restrict the pulsitile fluid flow from the gate valve to provide a selectively restricted fluid flow from the proportional valve. The directional valve is operatively coupled to the proportional valve and is operable to receive the selectively restricted fluid flow from the proportional valve and selectively direct a selectively directed fluid flow. The actuator is operatively coupled to the directional valve and is operable to receive the selectively directed fluid flow from the directional valve to drive a load coupled to said actuator. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. | 20040729 | 20060627 | 20060202 | 62582.0 | F02B7104 | 0 | ALI, HYDER | VALVE SYSTEM FOR A RAPID RESPONSE POWER CONVERSION DEVICE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | F02B | 2,004 |
|
10,903,785 | ACCEPTED | System and method for a secure I/O interface | A security processor performs all or substantially all security and network processing to provide a secure I/O interface system to protect computing hardware from unauthorized access or attack. The security processor sends and receives all incoming and outgoing data packets for a host device and includes a packet engine, coupled to a local data bus, to process the incoming and outgoing packets. The processor further comprises a cryptographic core coupled to the packet engine to provide encryption and decryption processing for packets processed by the packet engine. The packet engine also handles classification processing for the incoming and outgoing packets. A modulo engine may be coupled to the local data bus. | 1. A security processor to process incoming and outgoing packets, the security processor comprising: a switching system to send and receive packets; a packet engine, coupled to the switching system, to handle classification processing for the incoming and outgoing packets; and a cryptographic core, coupled to the packet engine, to provide encryption and decryption processing for packets received from the packet engine. 2. The security processor of claim 1 wherein the packet engine is further operable to handle security context management processing for the incoming and outgoing packets. 3. The security processor of claim 1 further comprising: a local data bus coupled to the switching system; and a modulo engine coupled to the local data bus. 4. The security processor of claim 1 wherein the packet engine is one of a plurality of packet engines and substantially all of the incoming and outgoing packets to the security processor transit one of the plurality of packet engines. 5. The security processor of claim 4 wherein the cryptographic core is one of a plurality of cryptographic cores coupled one-to-one to the plurality of packet engines and substantially all of the incoming and outgoing packets to the security processor transit a corresponding one of the plurality of cryptographic cores after transiting one of the plurality of packet engines. 6. The security processor of claim 4 wherein the incoming and outgoing packets are provided with a tag upon ingress to one of the plurality of packet engines and the tag determines the egress path within the security processor upon exit from the corresponding one of the plurality of cryptographic cores. 7. The security processor of claim 3 wherein the packet engine, the cryptographic core, and the modulo engine are formed on a single chip. 8. The security processor of claim 7 further comprising a control processor, coupled to the local data bus, for exception handling of the incoming and outgoing packets. 9. The security processor of claim 7 further comprising a key management engine coupled to the local data bus. 10. The security processor of claim 1 further comprising an intrusion detection system coupled between the cryptographic core and the packet engine. 11. The security processor of claim 7 wherein the security processor handles substantially all security processing for the incoming and outgoing packets. 12. The security processor of claim 11 wherein the security processor further handles substantially all network processing for the incoming and outgoing packets. 13. The security processor of claim 1 further comprising an intrusion detection system coupled between the cryptographic core and the packet engine. 14. A security processing system comprising: (a) a security processor comprising: a switching system to send outgoing and to receive incoming packets; a packet engine, coupled to the switching system, to handle classification processing for the incoming and outgoing packets; a cryptographic core, coupled to the packet engine, to provide encryption and decryption processing for packets received from the packet engine; and a local data bus coupled to the switching system; and (b) a memory coupled to the local data bus. 15. The security processing system of claim 14 further comprising a modulo engine coupled to the local data bus. 16. The security processing system of claim 15 further comprising a key management engine coupled to the local data bus. 17. The security processing system of claim 14 wherein the memory and the security processor are within the same cryptographic boundary. 18. The security processing system of claim 14 wherein the security processor is formed on a single chip. 19. The security processing system of claim 14 further comprising: a memory interface coupled to the local data bus, wherein the memory is coupled to the local data bus using the memory interface; and a translator coupled to the memory interface to perform translation of data received by the memory interface from the memory. 20. The security processing system of claim 19 wherein the translator performs steganographic translation of the received data. 21. The security processing system of claim 19 wherein the translator performs encryption translation of the received data. 22. The security processing system of claim 14 wherein the security processor is operable to (i) execute boot code to load firmware for execution by the security processor and (ii) authenticate the boot code using a mechanism internal to the security processor prior to operation of the security processor. 23. A security processor to connect a trusted network to an un-trusted network for data packet communication, the security processor comprising: a first interface to couple to the trusted network and to the un-trusted network; a second interface to couple to a host processor; a switching system operable to selectively couple to the first interface or the second interface; a local data bus, coupled to the switching system; a plurality of packet engines coupled to the switching system; a plurality of cryptographic cores each coupled to one of the plurality of packet engines; and a control processor, coupled to the local data bus, to control data packet flow within the security processor. 24. The security processor of claim 23 wherein the security processor is operable to act as a firewall to deny or accept a data packet and to implement a secure communication channel with another computing device in the un-trusted network. 25. The security processor of claim 24 wherein the security processor implements data packet security and authentication functions to support the secure communication channel. 26. A communication system comprising: a trusted network; and a secure interface coupled to the trusted network to carry all incoming and outgoing communications of the trusted network, wherein the secure interface comprises a security processor to handle substantially all security processing for the incoming and outgoing communications. 27. The communication system of claim 26 wherein the security processor performs substantially all network processing for data packet communications traveling to and from the trusted network. 28. The communication system of claim 27 wherein the secure interface handles substantially all security processing for the incoming and outgoing communications. 29. The communication system of claim 28 wherein the information security processing comprises IPSec processing. | RELATED APPLICATION This application is a non-provisional application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. sec. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/507,976, filed Oct. 2, 2003 (titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A SECURE I/O INTERFACE by John M. Davis et al.; attorney docket no. 4224-25PRV), which is incorporated by reference herein. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to data communications, and particularly to secure cryptographic communications, and more particularly to a secure input/output (I/O) interface system for a computing device such as, for example, a host computer communicating using internet protocol (IP) data packets or other datagrams. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Trusted internal computer networks are typically protected from un-trusted external computer networks by routers or other gateway systems that provide different types of firewall functionality. Security processing performed by related systems may also provide additional protection. For example, a computer in the internal network may establish a virtual private network (VPN) session with a computer in the external network. The host processor of the computer or a dedicated security processor coupled to the router or other gateway system typically performs the security processing necessary to support the VPN. In addition, a dedicated network processor may be coupled to the security processor and/or the host processor to handle network packet processing functions. Network interface cards (NIC) often provide a computer's physical connection to its trusted internal network. More specifically, a NIC connects a personal computer, server or workstation to a local area network (LAN) and has two primary interfaces: the network interface and the host bus interface. NICs are typically low-cost ASIC-based products designed for simple buffering and data transfer. It is desired that communications to and from a trusted computer be secure and that communication speeds be improved. However, providing firewall, network processing and security functionalities in different systems, which are often made by different manufacturers, provides increased opportunities for snooping or other techniques that may permit an unauthorized person to gain access to ongoing communications or to discover key or other security data when it is exchanged between subsystems. For example, if certain security functions associated with securing communications over a NIC are handled by the computer's host processor and/or by other computers on the internal network, then the communications may be more easily attacked or otherwise accessed or interfered with by an unauthorized person, who may attempt to exploit easier snooping access or other vulnerabilities presented by the processing of security functions by a host processor or another server on the network. The use of different systems to perform different portions of security and network processing also requires additional processing and interfaces for coordinating communications processing between the systems. Such additional processing and interfaces increase processing demands, which limits communication speed and increases the size of the chips and systems necessary to implement secure communications. As a specific example, when using a separate security processor and I/O card connected to a backplane bus of a host, input encrypted data is typically transferred using direct memory access (DMA) from the I/O card, under control of the host, to memory coupled to the host. Then, the data is transferred by DMA from the memory via the host to the security processor. After the data is decrypted, and possibly a public key generated, the data is transferred by DMA from the security processor to memory again via the host. Finally, the decrypted data is transferred by DMA from the memory to the I/O card for output to another destination. This large number of data transfers creates a bottleneck on the backplane bus, which includes multiple data transactions, many interrupts, and heavy usage of memory to store the data. The use of secure communications in broadband networks will increasingly require high-speed security and network processing. Further, the use of portable devices that securely connect to networks will require smaller chip and system sizes that can meet security and networking processing demands while at the same time retaining easy portability. In light of the foregoing, there is a general need for a secure I/O interface system and method that improve the security of communications to and from trusted hardware, improve communication speed, reduce the number of different systems required for secure communications, and reduce the extent of the bottleneck on the backplane bus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, for a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the figures: FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified functional block diagram of a system architecture suitable for use in implementing embodiments of a security processing system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a high-level simplified functional block diagram of a security processor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 illustrates a more-detailed functional block diagram of a network intrusion detection system used in a portion of the security processor of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of packet flow in the security processor of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 illustrates a data representation convention used herein; FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the GDMA block, which incorporates an EDMA block, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the EDMA block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the ER block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the OPC interfaces in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is an internal block diagram illustrating the OPC in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship of the ER block to the cryptographic core and memory in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between the ER block, the EDMA block, the cryptographic core, and memory in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The exemplification set out herein illustrates an embodiment of the invention in one form, and such exemplification is not intended to be construed as limiting in any manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following description and the drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the invention sufficiently to enable those skilled in the art to practice it. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process and other changes. Examples merely typify possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the sequence of operations may vary. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in or substituted for those of others. The scope of the invention encompasses the full ambit of the claims and all available equivalents. The present invention is described and claimed herein primarily with reference to the processing of “packets”. However, as used herein, it is intended that the term “packet” or “packets” have the meaning and scope of the more generic term “datagram” or “datagrams.” In one embodiment, the present invention provides, among other things, a system and method for connecting a trusted piece of hardware, such as, for example, a personal computer, server, router, personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular phone, network-enabled device or other computing or communication device, to a network using an I/O interface or system that provides improved security for all or substantially all communications received and sent by the trusted hardware. The secure I/O system preferably may perform all security and network processing necessary to maintain secure communications by the hardware with other devices on internal or external networks. Alternatively, it may perform the network security processing essential to be segregated from other processing to ensure safe (i.e., protected) and efficient system or device operation. For example, the secure I/O system permits establishing a VPN with a computer on an external network. The VPN may be established using, for example, the standard IPSec internet protocol security, as described in “Request for Comment” (RFC) 2401, 2402 and 2406, which are incorporated herein by reference. The secure I/O system of the present invention permits performing all or substantially all network processing functions and off-loads all or substantially all security functions associated with network address translation (NAT), the providing of a firewall, intrusion detection/protection system functionality, traffic proxying, and encryption from a host or network processor onto a single system or card, for example a NIC. This card may be inserted into each of the servers and other computers connected on an internal network. The security processing performed by the secure I/O system typically may include encryption, decryption, signing and verification of packets at, for example, 100 megabits per second full duplex and greater speeds. For example, the secure I/O system of the present invention may provide wire speed performance, for example, of about 2-3 gigabits per second firewall and VPN throughput. The secure I/O system may simplify the deployment of security solutions on open platforms and appliances. The elements that implement the various embodiments of the present invention are described below, in some cases at an architectural level. Many elements may be configured using well-known structures. The functionality and processes herein are described in such a manner to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to implement the functionality and processes within the architecture. FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified functional block diagram of a system architecture suitable for use in implementing a security processing system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Architecture 100 includes security processing system 102 comprising security processor 104, which may consolidate the processing of discrete or consolidated security functions and maintain the relationships and integrity of the stored security context and other information in memories 106, 108, and 110. Memories 106, 108 and 110 are coupled to security processor 104. Memories 106, 108 and 110 store, for example, cryptographic keys and other data used in security functions by security processor 104, and also store security associations and connection entries used in maintaining multiple security sessions with other computers. Memories 106, 108 and 110 also may be used to buffer inbound or outbound data packets awaiting security processing by security processor 104. Memory 108 may be used to support classification processing by security processor 104. Security processing system 102 is preferably contained within cryptographic boundary 112 and provides a secure I/O interface for computing or communications hardware as described above. Cryptographic boundary 112 preferably complies with Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) 140-2 titled “Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules”, issued May 25, 2001, by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which is incorporated by reference herein. Security processing system 102 may be coupled to internal network 116 by I/O interface 114 and to external network 120 by I/O interface 118. Interfaces 114 and 118 may perform physical (PHY) layer processing to convert a digital bit stream to or from an analog or photonic signal for transmission over a physical medium such as, for example, copper wire pairs, co-axial cable, fiber or air. Interfaces 114 and 118 are, for example, streaming data interfaces such as a Packet-Over-SONET Physical-Layer Three (POS/PHY3) type streaming interface, although 10/100 megabit (Mb) Ethernet, 1 Gigabit (Gb) Ethernet, UTOPIA, LX SPI-4 and other interface types may be suitable. By routing all or substantially all I/O to and from host processor 130 and/or internal network 116 through security processing system 102, host processor 130 and internal network 116 are substantially protected against unauthorized access or other security breaches, protecting the security information integrity, and providing processing and storage efficiency from information consolidation. IP data packets are received from and transmitted to external network 120 and internal network 116 over interfaces 114 and 118. In other embodiments, security processing system 102 may include a number of additional interfaces to internal or external networks. Security processor 104 performs, for example, routing of data packets from external network 120 to appropriate destinations in internal network 116 and handles IPSec processing for both inbound and outbound data packets. Security processor 104 preferably handles all network and security processing functions for the data packets to provide the most secure I/O interface. However, in alternative embodiments, certain selected networking and/or security functions may be handled by other processors such as, for example, host processor 130. Examples of network and security processing systems and methods, and related communications interfaces and protocols, suitable for implementation in and with security processing system 102 are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/880,701 (entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HIGH-SPEED PROCESSING IPSEC SECURITY PROTOCOL PACKETS” filed by Lee P. Noehring et al. on Jun. 13, 2001) and Ser. No. 10/160,330 (entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING SECURITY PACKET PROCESSING” filed by Lee P. Noehring et al. on May 30, 2002), which applications are incorporated by reference herein. Security processing system 102 may process packets delivered from internal or external networks 116 or 120 or from host processor 130. System 102 may, for example, handle thousands of separate IPSec tunnels at various packet sizes from 64 bytes and higher at a throughput of, for example, about 300 Mb per second or greater. System 102 may handle transport or tunnel mode IPSec. Other computing devices may be coupled to external network 120. For example, user devices 122 and 124 may correspond to devices that may establish secure communication sessions with host processor 130 or another device on internal network 116. User device 124 may be protected using a secure I/O interface 126, which may be a hardware system similar to security processing system 102. User device 122 may use only its host processor and software to process secure communications through external network 120. Security processor 104 may handle both so-called fast path and slow path processing functions. Fast path functions include time-sensitive processing such as, for example, packet classification, modification and forwarding, and slow path functions include, for example, system management and alarm functions and time-insensitive packet processing functions such as route calculation, unknown address resolution, firewall rule management, and routing table management. Packet classification generally involves matching information from an incoming packet to a table of connection entries (which may include state and context elements, and relations to encryption associations) stored in, for example, memory 106 or 108. Security processing system 102 may be implemented, for example, as a stand-alone system box or as a card such as, for example, a NIC, that connects to a slot in the motherboard of a host system. Security processing system 102 may be coupled to host processor 130 using host bridge or interface 128. Host processor 130 may be coupled to hard drive 132, digital content input device 134, and authentication input device 136. Hard drive 132 may store, for example, a software application that communicates with the application program interface (API) of security processing system 102. Security processor 104 may send security-related information and data as requested to host processor 130, and may switch its I/O ports as requested by host processor 130. Host bridge 128 may couple security processor to host processor 130 of, for example, a personal computer, server, or other computing or communications device. Host bridge 128 may be, for example, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) interface, and in one embodiment, may be a 32 bit, 66 MHz PCI interface. Authentication input device 136 may be, for example, a physical key or token, a smart card, or a biometric identification sensor. Authentication input device 136 may enable the authentication of a user attempting to access host processor 130. Authentication input device 136 may be directly attached, for example, to a serial, network, or EEPROM interface of host processor 130 using a physically segregated or covered transmission channel. Authentication input device 136 may act as a mechanism for enabling or modifying the functions of security processor 104, or as an information-loading mechanism, used for example in loading keys, uncovering keys, or modifying rules for device operation. Digital content input device 134 may be, for example, a CD-ROM, portable storage device, or keyboard and provides digital data such as program code or security data to host processor 130. Security processor 104 may provide the first inspection of incoming data from external network 120 to determine, for example, if the data is encrypted or in plain text form, and the type of security processing required, as may be determined by reading the header or other content of incoming data packets, and to set up a secure channel or process to handle the data, as may be requested for a security policy. Security processing system 102 may include a unique identification (ID) number stored on a chip containing security processor 104 or stored in encrypted form in, for example, memory 110. Security processing system 102 may perform protected key generation in hardware, and protected keys are preferably never output from security processor 104 in plain text form. Security processing system 102 may also serve as a trusted hardware device to authenticate another hardware security token connected on, for example, a common network. Security processing system 102 may be authenticated using authentication input device 136 and may provide the cryptographic processing for such authentication. Security processing system 102 may communicate verification or other information regarding the authentication status of input device 136 to host processor 130. By performing all or most security and networking processing for I/O communications to host processor 130 in security processing system 102, a large proportion, for example, of greater than about 50-90 percent of VPN and firewall I/O data loops may be handled in security processing system 102 without intervention by host processor 130. In addition, all or most security and network exception processing may be handled by security processing system 102. Security Processor FIG. 2 illustrates a high-level simplified functional block diagram of security processor 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In other embodiments of the present invention, other security processor configurations may be used in the system architecture of FIG. 1. Security processor 104 is preferably, though not necessarily, formed on a single chip. Streaming interface 200 may be coupled for input and output to physical I/O interfaces 114 and 118 and supports fast path data flow to security processor 104. Host interface 206 may be coupled to physical host bridge 128 and supports slow path data flow and system management by host processor 130. Host interface 206 may be coupled to DMA interface 204. Both streaming interface 200 and DMA interface 204 may be coupled to switching system 208. Although only a single streaming and DMA interface are illustrated, more than one interface of each type may be used. For example, in one embodiment, streaming interface 200 may comprise three 10/100 Ethernet interfaces, and DMA interface 204 may comprise two DMA interfaces. Switching system 208 may be used to provide a switching mechanism to route packets and data to and from any of the I/O interfaces of security processor 104 and local data bus 210. Local data bus 210 may be coupled to DMA interface 204 and operate under control of local bus controller 222. Local memory interface 202 may be coupled to local data bus 210 and may couple security processor 104 to memories 106, 108, and 110, which are typically provided on one or more separate chips although operating portions of memories 106, 108 and/or 110 may be provided on-chip with security processor 104. In other embodiments, more than one local data bus 210 may be used. Local memory interface 202, and DMA interface 204 may be used, for example, by packet engines 228 to access memories 106 and 108 for classification processing and by control processor 212 for accessing firmware 214. Memory 106 may be, for example, a DDR SDRAM, and memory 108 may be, for example, an SRAM. Memory 106 may be made available to control processor 212 for operating system and code storage (for example, for firewall and internet key exchange (IKE) functionality, routing and network address translation (NAT) information, and firewall table entries). Memory 106 may be made available to packet engine 228 for access to specific firewall information, and stored security policies and associations. Memory 106 may be made available to cryptographic core 232 to store security association and key information. Memory 106 may also be made accessible via host interface 206 to host processor 130. Alternatively, a portion or all of the security association data may be stored in a memory, for example an SRAM (not shown), on-chip in security processor 104. Memory 108 may be made available to both control processor 212 and each packet engine 228. Memory 108 may be used to aid in rapid lookups supporting packet engine 228 in classification and forwarding decisions. Memory 110 may be, for example, flash memory to provide non-volatile storage, for example, for boot memory and certain key storage. The boot code used to load firmware for execution by security processor 104 may optionally be authenticated using a mechanism internal to security processor 104 prior to its operation. Switching system 208 may provide a flexible I/O system that allows packet processing engines or packet engines 228 to communicate high-speed data with several different types of interfaces including, for example, streaming interface 200 and direct memory access (DMA) interface 204. A non-limiting example of a switching system and method that are suitable for use with the present invention is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/172,814 (entitled FLEXIBLE I/O INTERFACE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A COMMON INTERFACE TO A PROCESSING CORE, filed by Swaroop Adusumilli et al. on Jun. 12, 2002), which is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, switching system 208 may be implemented using conventional switches. Switching system 208 may provide a common bus interface to packet engines 228. More specifically, switching system 208 may arbitrate between streaming and DMA interfaces to provide a common interface for packet engines 228 to permit communication of differing types of data over a plurality of bus types that implement different bus protocols and/or standards. The use of switching system 208 with DMA interface 204 may permit packets and other data to be routed using direct memory access among control processor 212, each of packet engines 228, and external memory such as memories 106 and 108. In one embodiment, individual packets may be routed within security processing system 102 using DMA. Switching system 208 may select the I/O port or interface, including host interface 206, to use for data packets based on the results of cryptographic or other security or network processing. For example, packets classified for forwarding to another destination after a security operation (such as encryption or new connection validation) could be directed to the proper egress port, while packet data requiring host inspection (such as IKE messages, or exception or initial packets for firewall classification) could be redirected to DMA interface 204. In contrast to prior systems that rely on external bus interfaces to re-direct packet traffic to varying packet processing devices, the present invention may permit simplifying or collapsing the schema and protocols used, for example, in firewall, routing, NAT and IPSec processing with the result that lookups, transforms, and other application activity are more efficient. Prior systems typically require context labeling or other data envelopment or tagging to manage packet workflow among varying processing devices. Switching system 208 may also include the ability to perform packet spanning. Spanning generally refers to a capability in managing network data flow that duplicates a selected traffic flow through an additional port for analysis by a traffic analyzer or intrusion detection system. The term “spanning” includes within its meaning, but is not necessarily limited to, functionality associated with the use of switched port analysis (often designated by the acronym “SPAN”). Unlike the all-or-nothing port duplication capabilities of typical existing network switches having a SPAN capability, the spanning function of switching system 208 may selectively identify flows of traffic and then stream duplicate packets or other datagrams via DMA interface 204 to control processor 212 or to, for example, another integral MIPS or associated control processor (not shown) that may be included in security processor 104. Typical data traffic that will not be spanned (i.e., non-spanned traffic) flows from one of packet engines 228 to, for example, an output packet cache (OPC). The OPC is an intermediate buffer to switching system 208 for outgoing packet traffic that will leave security processor 104 through DMA interface 204 or streaming interface 200. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the OPC interfaces. At the OPC, this outgoing packet traffic may be placed on an active list (for example, a list of 64-byte memory structures residing in the OPC) for transmission out of interface 204 or 200 (for example, a PDMA or GMII interface). The OPC may be implemented, for example, as an embedded memory structure or in external memory and may be coupled between a packet engine 228 and one of the external interfaces of security processor 104. The use of the spanning feature is preferably configurable and may be selected by the system or operator. This feature is preferably implemented primarily using the OPC. FIG. 10 is an internal block diagram illustrating the OPC. More specifically, the OPC may include an output packet buffer (OPB) memory (e.g., a RAM) for buffering output data, and a buffer control block (BCB). The BCB is typically a set of pointers stored in memory that each refer to memory locations of the output data. The BCB may maintain metadata such as, for example, start-of-packet, end-of-packet, error, sequence number, pointer to next BCB in chain, and other metadata. The BCB is preferably used to manage the active lists and the free list for the linked-list allocation scheme. When logically dictated during the operation of security processor 104 such as, for example, in the case of a five-tuple match result from a lookup engine, a NIDS engine match to packet type, or particular TCP state, or some other pattern within a datagram that is of interest to the system operator, a control bit or flag (sometimes referred to as a “SPAN bit” herein) may be set or some other notification may be sent by packet engine 228 to notify the BCB for packet data that is transiting the OPB memory, including the output device or interface that will be used. When a packet that will not be spanned (i.e., a “non-span packet”) is stored in the OPC, a “DONE” flag, for example, is set to zero for each such non-span packet, and each non-span packet may be queued for egress out through an appropriate interface (i.e., streaming interface 200 or DMA interface 204). After the memory pointed to by the BCB is drained (i.e., data is read or outputted out of that location into another location), the BCB “DONE” flag may be set to allow the memory to be overwritten. Alternatively, another method may be used to move output buffer data from the “active list” to the “free list”. When a spanned packet is sent to the OPC from packet engine 228, a separate bit may be set (this separate bit is referred to herein as a “SPAN” bit). The SPAN bit may be used to initiate alteration of the behavior of the OPC. The packet may be streamed out through the original targeted egress interface (e.g., streaming interface 200 or data interface 204), but before releasing the data memory area pointed to by the BCB, the data may be drained out via a designated interface, for example DMA interface 204 to control processor 212 or to host processor 130. After such a packet is successfully duplicated using DMA interface 204, the BCB may be set to free the memory to be overwritten as described above. In an alternate embodiment, the BCB or some other memory control mechanism could maintain an active list and a free list and place the active data blocks of OPB memory (i.e., re-map the pointers) from the active list to the free list when the packet data is streamed out. When the SPAN bit is set, the data would first be streamed to the alternate interface (such as, for example, DMA interface 204) in addition to its primary target output interface prior to moving the data blocks to the free list. After spanned data has been drained to control processor 212 or host processor 130, the spanned data is available to other processors or systems for any desired subsequent actions such as, for example, logging, analysis for intrusion detection, or transcription. The foregoing approach may be particularly useful for network intrusion detection functions. When one of the defined actions for a certain packet traffic type is to log the packet, the above approach permits security processor 104 to act substantially as an in-line tap, which permits selectively duplicating streams of data that may be of interest based on specific pre-selected criteria. When NIDS 302 returns a potential signature match to one of packet engines 228, and that packet engine 228 is able to verify that the potential signature match is a true positive match, packet engine 228 may set the SPAN bit for that packet so that it is duplicated to control processor 212 and/or host processor 130 as discussed above. This verification may, for example, be based on the protocol of the packet or other appropriate criteria. Control processor 212 and/or host processor 130, as is applicable, may then run further analysis on the packet or the packet stream, and/or may forward it to a centralized IDS collector for enterprise intrusion detection. Alternatively, the packet or packet stream may be re-directed or duplicated to host processor 130 for further processing. Such processing may include, for example, upper-layer cross-packet analysis, packet normalization, data mangling, or other operations. The packet may be forwarded out through the appropriate interface (e.g., streaming interface 200 or DMA interface 204) after such post-analysis or post-processing. Packet engines 228 may each be coupled to a cryptographic core 232. Packet engines 228 may each comprise microprocessors customized for packet operations such as, for example, packet processing and classification. Examples of packet engines suitable for use with the present invention are described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/880,701 (entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HIGH-SPEED PROCESSING IPSEC SECURITY PROTOCOL PACKETS” filed by Lee P. Noehring et al. on Jun. 13, 2001), which is incorporated by reference herein. Each packet engine 228 may, for example, process packets needing initial NAT processing and firewall table entry setup, process packets corresponding to existing NAT and firewall tables, and process IPSec packets. More specifically, each packet engine 228 may perform hash table lookups to a firewall connection table entry, which may contain state information, a rule to be applied to a packet, optional security association information, routing information (for example, for MAC overlay), and any application level gateway (ALG) packet mangling to be done. For outbound IPSec traffic, each packet engine 228 may provide a pointer to security association data for an IP packet, load a security association database entry into a local buffer located on or off-chip, construct and add an outer IP header and IPSec header, perform lifetime checks, and update an associated security association database (SAD) entry (for example, the sequence number and byte count). For inbound IPSec traffic, each packet engine 228 may locate an associated SAD entry by using a security policy index (SPI) number from the IPSec header or by an SAD address provided by the classification of the destination address, protocol and SPI. In order to use the SPI number, IKE firmware 214 may define the inbound SPI number from the API provided for security processor 104 during security association establishment. Packet engine 228 may then load the SAD entry into a local buffer, perform anti-replay checks and lifetime checks, and then update the SAD entry. Each cryptographic core 232 may remove tunnel IP headers, ESP or AH headers, and ESP trailers. The packet may then optionally be redirected through packet engine 228 for a firewall connection table lookup. Packet engines 228 in FIG. 2 represent one or more packet engines that may be provided in parallel in security processor 104. The optional presence of additional packet engines 228 is indicated in FIG. 2 by ellipsis 229. Input and output buffers 236 and 240 may be provided to couple each packet engine 228 to switching system 208. Buffers 236 and 240 may be, for example, FIFO buffers. In one embodiment, each of output buffers 240 may read control data prepended to the data payload as an in-band instruction set that determines the distribution direction or interface of the packet by switching system 208. Input and output buffers 236 and 240 may each have a size of, for example, 16-32 kilobytes (KB). An alternative is to have a direct control interface provided to couple each packet engine 228 to switching system 208, for out-of-band signaling of the packet data distribution direction. Roughly stating the foregoing in another way, instructions may be sent either from a packet engine 228 to switching system 208 either in-band, as prepended control words, or out-of-band, via a discrete control channel. Packet engines 228 may be interconnected at the packet level for passing a packet and associated context information to other functional blocks or to each other for specific processing. In parallel operation, the individual packet engines 228 may each independently process discrete packets and forward the packets to other devices, such as cryptographic processing cores or switches. Two or more microprocessors could, for example, be serialized to perform discrete functional tasks as the packet transits from one functional block to another. Packet engines 228, in conjunction with cryptographic cores 232 and under the common control of control processor 212, may perform, for example, firewall lookup and statistics, IPSec and secure sockets layer (SSL) processing, quality of service (QoS), traffic management, and public key processing. Packet engines 228 may be programmable through registers (not shown), which may be configured by an external driver or initialization program. Each packet engine 228 may perform any needed datagram modification prior to sending a packet out from security processor 104. For example, packet engine 228 may write a MAC destination address to a packet as it streams out of processor 104. In one embodiment, all incoming packets to security processor 104 may be initially processed by one of packet engines 228. Each packet engine 228 may classify the packet based upon a lookup table result and then may apply a variety of operations including, for example, forwarding with necessary transform parameters to cryptographic core 232, or forwarding to control processor 212 for application level processing. Such operations may further include overwriting portions of the packet with new data such as, for example, the media access control (MAC) header for forwarding and the IP header for NAT, and may also include dropping the packet, or passing the packet through security processor 104 to an egress interface, such as, for example, streaming interface 200, unchanged. Cryptographic cores 232 may provide security processing to perform, for example, IPSec and/or SSL processing. Each cryptographic core 232 may provide high-speed fixed function encryption and authentication hash processing for packet data. Each cryptographic core 232 may receive instructions and key address information affixed to a packet for applying appropriate transforms. Examples of cryptographic cores 232 suitable for use with the present invention are described in the following U.S. patent applications, all of which are incorporated herein by reference: Ser. No. 10/144,004 (entitled “SINGLE-PASS CRYPTOGRAPHIC PROCESSOR AND METHOD” filed by Satish N. Anand et al. on May 13, 2002); Ser. No. 10/144,332 (entitled “SECURITY ASSOClATION DATA CACHE AND STRUCTURE” filed by Satish N. Anand et al. on May 13, 2002); Ser. No. 10/144,195 (entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A HASH PROCESSING SYSTEM USING MULTIPLE HASH STORAGE AREAS” filed by Satish N. Anand on May 13, 2002); and Ser. No. 10/144,197 (entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A HASH PROCESSING SYSTEM USING INTEGRATED MESSAGE DIGEST AND SECURE HASH ARCHITECTURES” filed by Satish N. Anand on May 13, 2002). It should be noted that each cryptographic core 232 is preferably accessible only through a corresponding packet engine 228. Alternatively, several packet engines 228 may access a single cryptographic core in a round robin or other arbitrated flow mechanism. Accordingly, all or substantially all packet and data flow may return to the corresponding packet engine 228 from cryptographic core 232 prior to output from security processor 104. Also, in a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, all I/O data to security processor 104 transits one of cryptographic cores 232 whether or not the data needs encryption/decryption or other security processing. After exiting cryptographic core 232, a packet may be assigned its distribution directions (for example, to a destination of one of several streaming interfaces 200 or control processor 212) by packet engine 228 for distribution through switching system 208. Streaming interface 200, switching system 208, packet engines 228 and cryptographic cores 232 may provide fast path data flow for security processing system 102. This fast path data flow may provide both firewall and virtual private network (VPN) functionality along with network intrusion detection functionality as described further below. Control processor 212 and firmware 214 may provide all or substantially all control for these firewall, VPN and network intrusion functions. Initial packets for a data flow may transit from packet engine 228 and cryptographic core 232 to control processor 212 for an initial classification. Control processor 212 may perform firewall, NAT, and routing classification for the packet, and further may create a connection table and hash entry in memory 106 for use by packet engine 228 on subsequent packets in the data flow. This may include the building of more than one connection table entry, depending on the application. Examples of this include preemptively constructing inbound and outbound entries, as well as a data channel entry for certain protocols. Control processor 212 may also trigger IKE processing as a result of the classification of the initial packet. The connection table entries above provide a mechanism that allows the acceleration of security operations, such as firewall or NAT decision processing for packets. Connection entries may have a relationship (for example, one-to-one or many-to-one) to IPSec SAD entries in support of IPSec operations as a result of classification. Control processor 212 may provide control plane operations for security processing system 102 and may run an embedded operating system or simple task scheduler to handle complex packet applications such as, for example, firewall and intrusion detection system applications, a TCP/IP stack including routing functions, and support applications such as IKE and user interfaces for configuration, for example, from host processor 130. The use of control processor 212 in the foregoing manner may permit the complete containment of all key generation, public key and symmetric key encryption and decryption processing within the hardware of security processing system 102 and within cryptographic boundary 112. Control processor 212 allows the flexibility of general purpose processing for non-real-time, demand-driven or OS-based applications to be executed. Modulo/expo engine 216 may be coupled to local data bus 210 to provide processing for streaming and modular exponentiation. Control processor 212 may provide public key macro acceleration by providing pre-processing for modulo/expo engine 216, which would permit host processor 130 to request high-level public key acceleration calls that are handled completely by security processing system 102. Modulo/expo engine 216 may be made accessible to control processor 212 and also host processor 130. The interconnectivity of operations that may be provided by control processor 212, specifically the providing of key management functions, modulo/expo engine operation and local access to encrypted/protected memory, allows security processor 104 to keep all unprotected cryptographic keys and operations within the boundary of security processor 104. In other embodiments, a dedicated key management processor (not shown), which may be coupled to local data bus 210, and associated firmware may be integrated and made accessible to modulo/expo engine 216 in addition to or even in the absence of control processor 212. Firmware 214 may be executed by control processor 212 and may provide operating system software and other software to provide IKE and other functions and additional functions known to one of skill in the art. Control processor 212 may be, for example, a general purpose processor such as a 32-bit RISC processor. Other types of processors may also be used. Other software stored as part of firmware 214 may be used to permit control processor 212 to provide VPN, firewall, intrusion detection/prevention, and SSL protocol communications, virus protection, digital rights management, content filtering, access control, verifying of application integrity, and management of public key infrastructure (PKI) exchanges. Additional software stored as part of firmware 214 may permit a wide variety of data analysis functions including, for example, packet analysis, pattern matching, or other data analysis. Statistics may be generated by such functions and/or other functions and the results communicated to host processor 130 or another device (not shown) for central data collection of activity on devices coupled to internal network 116. Firmware 214 may include control plane software that runs on control processor 212. The control plane software may communicate with the data plane software using a set of application program interfaces (APIs) and a message-based protocol. The data plane software may include forwarding software responsible for performing high-speed packet processing that handles the data plane steady-state portion of networking applications, such as, for example, IP packet forwarding protocols. The functionalities provided by security processing system 102 may be changed and/or updated by updating firmware 214. Such updating may be done, for example, as new industry or government security standards are developed or modified. Also, the resources devoted to each of the security and networking processing functions may be customized for each host computing device or by the location of a device on a network, for example a location at either a gateway or at an edge of the network. Security processor 104 may include random number generator (RNG) 218 and timers, universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), and general purpose I/O 220 coupled to local data bus 210. RNG 218 may be a true digital random-number generator. RNG 218 may be made available to control processor 212 and also to host processor 130. Timers 220 may operate most operations in the core of security processor 104 and may run, for example, at a frequency of about 150 MHz. A separate reference clock (not shown) may be coupled to control processor 212, which may be bridged to the security processor 104 core, and run, for example, at about 250 MHz. Security processor 104 optionally may include anti-tamper system 224. Anti-tamper system is controlled by control processor 212 and may include detection circuits for voltage, temperature and physical probing forms of tampering. More specifically, anti-tamper system 224 may comprise hardware tamper circuits and firmware routines to check the integrity or health of stored flash content. The firmware routines may check the general integrity or health of the flash content using, for example, both DES-MAC or AES-MAC security methods or other hashing and authentication techniques. Anti-tamper system 224 may be implemented as a network of detection circuits tied to a fail-safe fault collector (not shown). Translator 226, which may be, for example, a steganography translator or another memory obfuscation device or encryption translator, such as an encryption filter, may optionally be coupled to local memory interface 202 to use known steganographic or encryption techniques, as applicable to the type of device 226 used, in the writing and reading of security keys and other data to and from memories 106, 108 and/or 110. For example, an encryption key of, for example, about 112 bits may be distributed in an SRAM memory 108 in a data block size of, for example, about 100,000 bits and only be retrievable from memory 108 using a translation algorithm implemented in software in translator 226. Encrypted Memory System A hardware encryption path may be included between local data bus 210 and a memory controller block in security processor 104. This path may consist of two main components: (i) an encryption DMA block (EDMA) that may be a write-only path between a local host and off-chip memory (e.g., memory 106) for securely storing SA (security association) keying material; and (ii) an “ER” block that may be a read path from the memory controller block to the block from which a calling function is originating (for example, a cryptographic function running in cryptographic core 232 that uses SA keys for IPSec processing). The hardware encryption path as described herein may in general be useful with any off-chip memory, including for example, memory 106, 108, or 110. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship in this embodiment between the ER block, the EDMA block, cryptographic core 232, and memory. The division of memory access shown could be physical (block connection) or logical (access to targeted address ranges that are encrypted). The EDMA block may consist of several blocks including an AES encryption block (e.g., 18-round AES with a 64-bit block size), an address expansion block, a control block, and a configuration block. The EDMA may sit between DMA interface 204 and an “AHB master block” (see FIGS. 6 and 7), which is coupled to the memory controller block (as discussed in more detail below). As discussed in more detail below and as illustrated in the figures, the AHB may be an internal AMBA host for the chip. AMBA refers to the Advanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture. The EDMA block monitors signals from, for example, DMA interface 204 to determine if the current write request from DMA interface 204 to the AHB master block is, for example, for an IPSec SA, and/or SSL SA, or for a transfer which does not contain any SA data. This distinction may be controlled by two control bits in a control word associated with DMA interface 204 and used for each transfer. If the transfer is for an IPSec SA, the EDMA logic may hold off the request going to the AHB master block until the AES block is ready e.g., when the initial 10 rounds of AES processing are complete). The AES block may use the SA source address and an internally generated key (K) to complete the initial 10 rounds. On completion of the 10 rounds, 64-bits, for example, of Cipher Text 0 (CT0) will be produced, and the write request will be allowed to pass to the AHB master block. The AHB master block will assert its read signal and the first 8 bytes of data (a Basic Command Word [BCW], which is control data not needing confidentiality protection) will be allowed to transfer as cleartext. On each of the remaining transfers, the AES block will step one round of the AES algorithm per each transfer, and the data will be XOR'ed with CTn (n=0 . . . 8) to produce a value EDMAK[Datan] (n=0 . . . 8) for a total transfer of 80-bytes, of which 72 bytes are encrypted. The EDMA preferably will not encrypt any transfer where the source address equals the destination address. The ER block may provide a path from memory 106 (e.g., off-chip SA DDR) to cryptographic core 232 for decrypting SA's that are located within memory 106. The ER block may consist of several blocks including an AES encryption block (e.g., 18-round, 64-bit AES), an address expansion block, a variable FIFO, a control block, and a configuration block. The ER block may be located between the calling functional block (e.g., cryptographic core 232 or another block) and memory 106. The ER block may be read-only, or it may be read-write, if necessary to, for example, copy back state information. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship in this embodiment of the ER block to the cryptographic core and memory. The ER block may monitor the calling functional block's request signals to memory 106. If the request is a read, the ER block will hold off the completion of the read by de-asserting its ready signal (“ER_rdy”) to a memory arbiter until the AES block is ready (i.e., when the initial 10 rounds of the AES algorithm are complete). The memory arbiter (e.g., a RAM arbiter) brokers access requests from the requesters of memory (e.g., a MIPS processor, one of packet engines 228, or cryptographic core 232). Signal ER_rdy may be transmitted to the memory controller (see the “CRA” block in FIG. 12) from the EDMA or the ER control element. The AES block may use the SA source address provided from the interface to cryptographic core 232 and the K key to complete the initial 10 rounds of the AES algorithm. On completion of the 10 rounds, 64-bits of Cipher Text 0 (CT0) will be produced and the ready signal (ER_rdy) may be asserted allowing the read request to pass to the memory arbiter. The memory arbiter will assert its data ready signal and the first 8-bytes of data (the BCW) will be allowed to transfer in the clear. On each of the remaining transfers, the AES block will step one round of the 64-bit AES algorithm per transfer, and the data will be XOR'ed with CTn (n=0 . . . 8) to produce values E1K[Datan] (n=0 . . . 8) for a total transfer of 80 bytes, of which 72 bytes are decrypted. More generally, the ER block may decrypt or encrypt to arbitrary offsets per each read or write request, intermingling data stored in the clear with data stored in an encrypted form so as to make a clear text delivery to the calling functional block. Now discussing an encrypted hardware path according to the present invention in more detail, an encrypted memory system may be implemented as a multi-block system tasked with the selective encryption of memory structures to protect data that may reside in off-chip memory (e.g., memory 106, 108, or 110, as mentioned above) from use by anything other than the intended block and/or logic that resides in the system itself. It is particularly useful in encryption devices and applications such as with the IP Security protocol where one wishes to achieve FIPS 140-2 level 2 or similar levels of protection for data and process contents. The specific embodiment of the present invention discussed here preferably has two primary blocks. First, the EDMA block may provide logic and a protected path from, for example, a host general purpose DMA interface to the memory controller. This is the path over which the encrypted data may be written to memory. The utility of the EDMA block is to provide a method of inserting data into memory, encrypting it enroute. Second, the ER block may provide a fast decryption path for data read from external memory. The ER block is accessible only to trusted requestor blocks within the chip, making retrieval and decryption of certain protected memory data discriminatory, based on purposeful hardware design. An encryption key K may be used for encryption and decryption of the externally stored data. K is preferably internally generated at initialization and not visible nor accessible outside the system. Data Representation Conventions FIG. 5 illustrates the data representation convention used herein for purposes of explanation. Other conventions may be used in different embodiments. Throughout the description herein, all data vectors and one-dimensional data structures are represented with the Most Significant Bit (MSb) in the leftmost position and the Least Significant Bit (LSb) in the rightmost position. All two-dimensional data structures are represented with the MSb in the upper leftmost position and the LSb in the lower rightmost position. EDMA Block (GDMA to Off-Chip Memory) The EDMA block may provide a write-only path between a local host or other data generating device and the off-chip memory for securely storing protected information, such as SA keying material. It may consist of several blocks that include an N round B block AES encrypt (where B is the width of the memory interface), address expansion, control, and configuration. An AES algorithm of 128-bit key size is typically used though other key sizes may be used with the appropriate adjustment in key expansion rounds. Likewise, some other streaming or block cipher may be used in an alternate implementation. The EDMA block sits between the interface from the data path and the bus to the memory controller. In one implementation the EDMA may be located between the “GDMA” block and the “AHB” block (see FIGS. 6-8). The GDMA (general purpose DMA) block may interface the internal or external host to the AHB. The AHB master is the mechanism for the functional block (e.g., the GDMA block or packet DMA [PDMA]) to take control of the bus for signalling and data transmission. Alternatively, in a multi-path (parallelizing) design, the EDMA block could be located between the GDMA Slice0 (gda_sclice0) and the GDMA multiplexer (mux) as illustrated in FIG. 6. The EDMA block monitors the incoming data bus (e.g., GDMA signals) to determine if the current write request is protected data or a transfer which does not contain any protected data. This distinction may be controlled by signaling, for example, two control bits in a GDMA control word for each transfer. The signaling may also determine whether or not there is an offset to the beginning of encryption, allowing a block-sized multiple of clear text to precede the encrypted data in a single transaction. If the transfer is to be encrypted, for instance for an IPSec SA, the EDMA logic will hold off the request going to the AHB Master until the AES is ready, that is when the initial 10 rounds of AES are complete, and the block multiple clear text offset is reached, if it exists. The AES block will use the incoming data's Source Address (M) and K key to complete the initial 10 rounds. On completion of the 10 rounds, B bits of Cipher Text 0 (CT0) will be produced and the write request will be allowed to pass to the AHB Master. The AHB Master (in this example) will assert its read signal and the first 8-bytes of data will be allowed to transfer. On each of the remaining transfers the AES block will step one round of the AES algorithm per transfer and the data will be XOR'ed with CTn (n=0 . . . i) to produce EK[Datan] for a total transfer of n×8 bytes being encrypted. The EDMA block will not encrypt any transfer where the source address equals the destination address. A more detailed block diagram is illustrated in FIG. 7. The sections below describe each of these blocks in more detail. RNDmix The RNDmix value will be initialized during the boot-up sequence as a 64-bit (or block size) random or pseudo-random number and then written to the EDMA RNDmix register. The RNDmix will be XOR'd with the cipher text XOR data and then be sent to the EDMA mux, providing additional mix protection to mitigate the weakness of “to 000 or FFF” writes to memory. AES64 Encryption Block The AES block preferably uses a reduced block size, 64-bit block AES (128-bit key) algorithm as defined in the Appendix to this application (AES64 Specification). Although the embodiment of the present invention is discussed in the context of this specific AES algorithm, one of skill in the art will recognize that other algorithms (e.g., other than AES) may be used in other embodiments. Although in the Appendix the number of rounds for the AES algorithm is defined as 10, for the EDMA or ER blocks the AES64 may be extended to support an 10+n round cipher, as determined by the size of the encrypted data transaction. For more detail, see the following table: PreAdd round 1 SubBytes round 1 ShiftRows round 1 MixColumn round 1 AddKey . . . round n SubBytes round n ShiftRows round n (No MixColumn On Last Round) round n AddKey The output of rounds 11 through n will produce CT0 through CTn which will be used to XOR with the eight byte blocks (for a 64-bit memory width) of the data transaction being written to off-chip memory. An initial, block multiple amount of data may be allowed to pass in the clear prior to the active encryption, based on any offset programmed into the transaction signaling. EDMA Address Expansion Block The address expansion block takes nm-bits of address data together with some amount of K data and produces block-sized bits of address expansion data for input to the AES block. The address expansion block may use S-Box and E-Box functions to accomplish the expansion, though other substitution or expansion algorithms may be used as long as they introduce sufficient variability. The address is typically expanded through the E-Box or some other expansion function. Some mixing bits are selected from K and run through a number of S-Box's or some other substitution function to produce data that will be XOR'd with the expanded address seed from the E-Box. The output from the XOR is then appended to the address (or data that is address dependant) to form a block-sized amount of output (ax_data[B:0]). In more detail, in formula form: ax_data[B:0]={gdma_EDMA_amemory[mi:0], Xi[(B−mi:0]}ER Block (Cryptographic Core to/from Security Association (SA) Memory) The ER block (e.g., for a four-channel slice) provides a read-only (e.g., IPSec) path from off-chip memory to the functional block or device reading the memory, for example, in the case where cryptographic core 232 would need to decrypt SA's that are located within off-chip memory. It may consist of several blocks that include an n-round, B-bit AES encrypt, address expansion, variable FIFO, control, and configuration. The ER block may be located between the memory-consuming function (e.g., cryptographic core 232) and off-chip memory as illustrated in more detail in FIG. 8. Multiple function blocks or devices may have their own or a shared ER block to memory. The ER block monitors the calling block's request signals to the off-chip memory. If the request is a read, the ER block will hold off the completion of the read by de-asserting its ready signal (ER_rdy) to a memory arbiter until the AES block is ready (i.e., when the initial 10 rounds of AES64 are complete). The AES block will use the memory Source Address provided from the cryptographic core interface and the K key to complete the initial 10 rounds of AES64. On completion of the 10 rounds, 64 bits of Cipher Text 0 (CT0) will be produced and the ready signal (ER_rdy) will be asserted allowing the read request to pass to the memory arbiter. The memory Arbiter will assert its data ready signal and the data will be allowed to transfer. If an offset is included in the request signal, then a block multiple of data may precede the decrypted information in the clear. On each of the remaining transfers the AES block will step one round of the AES algorithm per transfer and the data will be XOR'ed with CTn (n=0 . . . 8) to produce E1K[Datan] for a total transfer of 8×n bytes being decrypted. Host Configuration Interface (I/F) A host configuration interface provides read/write access to local configuration and status registers. RNDmix The RNDmix value will be initialized during the boot-up sequence as a 64-bit (or block size) random or pseudo-random number and then be written to the EDMA RNDmix register. The RNDmix will be XOR'd with the cipher text XOR data and then be sent to the EDMA mux, providing additional mix protection to mitigate the weakness of “to 000 or FFF” writes to memory. AES Encryption Block The AES block preferably uses a reduced-block size, 64-bit AES algorithm as defined in the Appendix to this application (AES Specification). Although the discussion in the Appendix defines the number of rounds as 10, for the ER block the AES block is able to support a 10+n round cipher, where n represents the number of bus width blocks of memory to be retrieved. ER Address Expansion Block The ER address expansion block may be implemented in the same way as the EDMA address expansion block. Network Intrusion Detection System FIG. 3 illustrates a more-detailed functional block diagram of a network intrusion detection system that may be used in a portion of security processor 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates, for example, three packet engines 228 in parallel and each connected to a cryptographic core 232. Network intrusion detection system (NIDS) 302 has taps 303 that may couple to the input/output of each of packet engine 228 and cryptographic core 232 pair. Signature database 304 is a defined set of patterns stored in on and/or off-chip memory. NIDS 302 attempts to match parts of the data stream (for example, the header, payload, or trailer) against the stored set of patterns. According to the present invention, by passing all I/O traffic to host processor 130 and/or internal network 116 through security processing system 102, and including NIDS 302 within system 102, undesirable intrusions may be detected in-line with such I/O traffic, such as, for example, it passes through an NIC. By being in-line in this manner, intrusions identified by NIDS 302 may be stopped in the I/O traffic flow and any further related improper intrusion prevented from passing to host processor 130 and/or internal network 116. Each computer or computing device (not shown) connected, for example, to internal network 116 may be protected by security processing system 102, such as, for example, using an NIC containing security processing system 102 for all I/O traffic for each device. Each such distributed NIC may communicate with a central server (not shown) connected to internal network 116 to accumulate performance, security, network processing and other data related to activities reported by each such security processing system 102. Additionally, such accumulated data may be processed and/or analyzed by the central server and then new or modified control signals sent to all, or a selected portion, of the security processing systems 102 of each device on internal network 116. Having a tap on each of the input and output paths to each cryptographic core 232 permits the capture of clear text packets either before or after encryption, depending on whether the packets are inbound or outbound. Thus, signature matching may be done on clear text data. NIDS 302 may flag a packet as having a potential signature match to a pattern in signature database 304. The flagged packet may either be dropped (and the flow of subsequent packets in the same data flow stopped) or continue to its next destination, with a logging report to host processor 130 in either case indicating the status of the packet. Also, in addition to being sent to its next destination, the flagged packet may be redirected or duplicated and receive further slow path processing by control processor 212. The logging report may be used to form an audit trail for collective or heuristic analysis and future packet inspection by a centralized intrusion detection system or other process or device. If a packet has been identified as undesirable, intrusion prevention may be provided by dropping related future packets in packet engines 228. NIDS 302 may be coupled to a separate control channel 305 coupled back to one or more, and preferably all, of packet engines 228. Control channel 305 is a special path to send packets that have been flagged by NIDS 302 to the control plane on local data bus 210 (and then optionally on to host processor 130) for logging or other administrative tasks, including, for example, providing data for use by a network administrator in managing and improving network intrusion detection and prevention by security processing system 102. Flagging of a packet or a packet data structure may be done by setting a bit flag in a control word corresponding to the packet. By examining this bit flag for a packet, control processor 212 may direct the packet to a certain location for logging. Results from packet classification performed by each packet engine 228 (for example, to determine that the packet is network file system (NFS) traffic) may be used to select from one of many rules sets or signature sets in signature database 304. Based on comparisons to the selected rules or signature sets, control channel 305 may indicate one or more types of initial potential intrusion violations associated with a packet. After indicating flagged packets to one or more of packet engines 228 through control channel 305, each packet engine 228 may further classify the packet by comparison to the one or more types of other potential intrusion violations provided for the packet by control channel 305, and use information from prior classification processing for the packet by the packet engine 228 to narrow or eliminate the set of potential intrusion violations. Packet/Data Flow FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of typical packet or data flow for one embodiment of security processing system 102. Each packet engine 228 may comprise a packet processor and a classification engine. Circles 404 and 406 generally correspond to the functionality provided by the classification engine and the packet processor, and such functionality is referred to herein as classification engine 404 and packet processor 406. Classification engine 404 may provide lookup and decision logic for, among other things, security policy database (SPD) lookup, firewall connection table lookup, NAT table lookup, routing, and limited application level gateway (ALG) rule application and data mangling. Any or all of the foregoing classification engine functions may be subsumed in a single connection table entry. Once an initial data flow is defined, the foregoing classification engine functions may be made integral to the data flow. Packet flow through security processing system 102 typically begins when a packet enters switching system 208 via one of streaming interfaces 200 or DMA interfaces 204. Each packet may be inserted into an active list waiting for the next available packet engine 228. The same active list may be an insertion path for control processor 212 to direct packet traffic into a packet engine 228. Regardless of destination, whether, for example, it is to streaming interface 200, host interface 206, control processor 212, or a loop through a packet engine 228, all packet data preferably flows to a packet engine 228 and then to a corresponding cryptographic core 232. Tagging of the packet upon ingress to the packet engine 228 may determine the egress path from cryptographic core 232. More specifically, the incoming and outgoing packets may be provided with a tag upon ingress to one of packet engines 228 and the tag may be used to determine the egress path upon exit from the corresponding cryptographic core 232. Classification hash lookup data and a detailed connection flow table and security policy/association data may be stored, for example, in memory 106. Upon receiving a packet, packet engine 228 may find a match in the connection table, fetch the connection information (including SAD information as appropriate), and apply the appropriate rules and transforms. This may include forwarding the packet to control processor 212. If no match is found in the connection table, then the packet is preferably forwarded to control processor 212. Outbound packets may be buffered after transit through packet engine 228 and cryptographic core 232 for sending out to streaming interface 200 or to host interface 206. Outbound packets may have made a single trip through packet engine 228 and core 232, may have made a second trip through packet engine 228 and core 232 after prior processing by control processor 212, or may have made a second trip through packet engine 228 for firewall inspection following decryption in cryptographic core 232. Initial packets needing classification to create a NAT lookup table entry and/or firewall connection table entry may be forwarded to control processor 212 for processing, then back to classification engine 404, and then to packet processor 406 prior to output from security processor 104 (unless dropped in accordance with the firewall rules in effect). If such initial packets also need IPSec processing, they may be forwarded to packet engine 228 after initial processing by control processor 212, then back to an egress interface. For packets that are already in an existing data flow, for example, already having connection table entries or NAT global mapping in existence, a successful lookup may result in a direct forwarding to packet processor 406 for modification, and then classification by classification engine 404 for egress from security processor 104. Outbound IPSec packets in an existing flow transit to packet engine 228 and cryptographic core 232 after egress classification and firewall packet processing. Inbound IPSec packets in an existing flow are forwarded to packet engine 228 and cryptographic core 232, then to the classification engine 404 and packet processor 406 for SPD validation, routing, and optionally, firewall and NAT processing prior to egress. APPENDIX An APPENDIX is included at the end of this application, which is incorporated by reference in full herein. The APPENDIX describes the AES64 algorithm referenced above. The APPENDIX presents information regarding a specific algorithm and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other implementations of the present invention may be made. CONCLUSION By the foregoing description, an improved secure I/O interface system and method have been described. The system and method may improve the security of communications to and from trusted hardware, improve communication speed, reduce the number of different systems required for secure communications, and reduce the extent of the bottleneck on the backplane bus. The foregoing description of specific embodiments reveals the general nature of the invention sufficiently that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt it for various applications without departing from the generic concept. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. The phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the invention embraces all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Trusted internal computer networks are typically protected from un-trusted external computer networks by routers or other gateway systems that provide different types of firewall functionality. Security processing performed by related systems may also provide additional protection. For example, a computer in the internal network may establish a virtual private network (VPN) session with a computer in the external network. The host processor of the computer or a dedicated security processor coupled to the router or other gateway system typically performs the security processing necessary to support the VPN. In addition, a dedicated network processor may be coupled to the security processor and/or the host processor to handle network packet processing functions. Network interface cards (NIC) often provide a computer's physical connection to its trusted internal network. More specifically, a NIC connects a personal computer, server or workstation to a local area network (LAN) and has two primary interfaces: the network interface and the host bus interface. NICs are typically low-cost ASIC-based products designed for simple buffering and data transfer. It is desired that communications to and from a trusted computer be secure and that communication speeds be improved. However, providing firewall, network processing and security functionalities in different systems, which are often made by different manufacturers, provides increased opportunities for snooping or other techniques that may permit an unauthorized person to gain access to ongoing communications or to discover key or other security data when it is exchanged between subsystems. For example, if certain security functions associated with securing communications over a NIC are handled by the computer's host processor and/or by other computers on the internal network, then the communications may be more easily attacked or otherwise accessed or interfered with by an unauthorized person, who may attempt to exploit easier snooping access or other vulnerabilities presented by the processing of security functions by a host processor or another server on the network. The use of different systems to perform different portions of security and network processing also requires additional processing and interfaces for coordinating communications processing between the systems. Such additional processing and interfaces increase processing demands, which limits communication speed and increases the size of the chips and systems necessary to implement secure communications. As a specific example, when using a separate security processor and I/O card connected to a backplane bus of a host, input encrypted data is typically transferred using direct memory access (DMA) from the I/O card, under control of the host, to memory coupled to the host. Then, the data is transferred by DMA from the memory via the host to the security processor. After the data is decrypted, and possibly a public key generated, the data is transferred by DMA from the security processor to memory again via the host. Finally, the decrypted data is transferred by DMA from the memory to the I/O card for output to another destination. This large number of data transfers creates a bottleneck on the backplane bus, which includes multiple data transactions, many interrupts, and heavy usage of memory to store the data. The use of secure communications in broadband networks will increasingly require high-speed security and network processing. Further, the use of portable devices that securely connect to networks will require smaller chip and system sizes that can meet security and networking processing demands while at the same time retaining easy portability. In light of the foregoing, there is a general need for a secure I/O interface system and method that improve the security of communications to and from trusted hardware, improve communication speed, reduce the number of different systems required for secure communications, and reduce the extent of the bottleneck on the backplane bus. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>The invention is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, for a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the figures: FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified functional block diagram of a system architecture suitable for use in implementing embodiments of a security processing system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a high-level simplified functional block diagram of a security processor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 illustrates a more-detailed functional block diagram of a network intrusion detection system used in a portion of the security processor of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of packet flow in the security processor of FIG. 2 ; FIG. 5 illustrates a data representation convention used herein; FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the GDMA block, which incorporates an EDMA block, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the EDMA block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the ER block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the OPC interfaces in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is an internal block diagram illustrating the OPC in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship of the ER block to the cryptographic core and memory in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between the ER block, the EDMA block, the cryptographic core, and memory in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? The exemplification set out herein illustrates an embodiment of the invention in one form, and such exemplification is not intended to be construed as limiting in any manner. | 20040730 | 20100323 | 20050407 | 65086.0 | 3 | TRAORE, FATOUMATA | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A SECURE I/O INTERFACE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,903,847 | ACCEPTED | Vehicle control system with user-guided calibration | A vehicle control system with user-guided calibration is presented. In one embodiment, a vehicle control system is presented comprising an output device and circuitry operative to provide an output, via the output device, that guides a user through a plurality of calibration steps in a particular order. The circuitry can additionally or alternatively be operative to determine which of the calibration steps, if any, to present as a next calibration step based on whether a given calibration step is successful. Other embodiments are provided, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or in combination with one another. | 1. A vehicle control system with user-guided calibration comprising: a vehicle control system, wherein calibration of the vehicle control system comprises a plurality of calibration steps and wherein at least one of the plurality of calibration steps must be performed before at least one other of the plurality of calibration steps in order for the vehicle control system to control state trajectory of a vehicle within a degree of performance; wherein the vehicle control system comprises: an output device; and circuitry operative to provide an output, via the output device, that guides a user through the plurality of calibration steps in a particular order to ensure that the at least one of the plurality of calibration steps is performed before the at least one other of the plurality of calibration steps. 2. The invention of claim 1, wherein the vehicle control system controls a ground vehicle. 3. The invention of claim 2, wherein the ground vehicle comprises a farm vehicle. 4. The invention of claim 2, wherein the ground vehicle comprises a rubber tire gantry crane. 5. The invention of claim 1, wherein the vehicle control system controls an air vehicle. 6. The invention of claim 1, wherein the vehicle control system controls a water vehicle. 7. The invention of claim 1, wherein the circuitry comprises a processor executing computer-executable instructions. 8. The invention of claim 1, wherein the output device comprises a display device. 9. The invention of claim 8, wherein the circuitry is operative to display, on the display device, a graphical user interface. 10. The invention of claim 9 further comprising a second display device, wherein the first-mentioned display device is dedicated to displaying the graphical user interface. 11. The invention of claim 1, wherein the output device comprises an audio output device. 12. The invention of claim 1, wherein the output device comprises an audio output device but not a display device. 13. The invention of claim 1, wherein the output device comprises both a display device and an audio output device. 14. The invention of claim 1 further comprising an input device. 15. The invention of claim 14, wherein the input device is integrated with the output device. 16. The invention of claim 14, wherein the input device and the output device are separate devices. 17. The invention of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is operative to provide a help menu. 18. The invention of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is operative to confirm that one or more of the plurality of calibration steps was completed successfully. 19. The invention of claim 1, wherein the output provides instructions for physical installation of the vehicle control system. 20. The invention of claim 1, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises one or more of the following: (a) user entry of physical vehicle parameters; (b) user entry of a relative position of a GPS antenna on a vehicle comprising the vehicle control system relative to another point on the vehicle; (c) a self-survey of relative positions of two or more GPS antenna on the vehicle; (d) a calibration of on-board inertial measurement units; (e) a confirmation that manual steering is operational after installation of automatic steering components; (f) a confirmation that automatic steering is operational after installation of automatic steering components; (g) a calibration of a sensor to detect when the user is trying to turn a steering wheel; (h) a calibration of a wheel angle sensor; (i) a calibration of a wheel angle actuator; (j) tuning of gains based on wheel angle sensing and actuation; (k) tuning of gains based on GPS-based heading sensing and actuation; (l) tuning of gains based on gyro-based heading sensing and actuation; and (m) tuning of gains based on vehicle position sensing and actuation. 21. The invention of claim 1, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises wheel angle calibration, and wherein the wheel angle calibration is based on an interactive plot display. 22. The invention of claim 1, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises wheel angle calibration, and wherein the wheel angle calibration is based on vehicle motion. 23. The invention of claim 1, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises wheel actuator calibration, and wherein the wheel actuator calibration is based on an interactive plot display. 24. The invention of claim 1, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises wheel actuator calibration, and wherein the wheel actuator calibration is based on automatically-generated steering commands. 25. The invention of claim 1, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises gain tuning, and wherein the output shows control system performance to provide the user with feedback to tune at least some of a plurality of calibration parameters. 26. The invention of claim 1, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises gain tuning that is performed automatically based on vehicle motion and automatically-generated steering commands. 27. The invention of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of calibration steps is performed automatically without user intervention. 28. The invention of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is operative to select a subset of calibration steps from a set of calibration steps based on an identified type of vehicle and guide a user through the subset of calibration steps. 29. The invention of claim 1, wherein the vehicle control system is calibrated using only sensors that are on a vehicle and that are used for vehicle control. 30. The invention of claim 1, wherein vehicle steering is calibrated using vehicle motion and vehicle motion sensors. 31. A vehicle control system with user-guided calibration comprising: a vehicle control system, wherein calibration of the vehicle control system comprises a plurality of calibration steps; wherein the vehicle control system comprises: an output device; and circuitry operative to provide an output, via the output device, that guides a user through the plurality of calibration steps, wherein the circuitry is operative to determine which of the calibration steps, if any, to present as a next calibration step based on whether a given calibration step is successful. 32. The invention of claim 31, wherein the circuitry is operative to skip a calibration step in response to an unsuccessful calibration step. 33. The invention of claim 31, wherein the circuitry is operative to skip a calibration step in response to a successful calibration step. 34. The invention of claim 31, wherein the circuitry is operative to return to a previous calibration step in response to an unsuccessful calibration step. 35. The invention of claim 31, wherein the circuitry is operative to repeat a calibration step in response to an unsuccessful calibration step. 36. The invention of claim 31, wherein the circuitry is operative to present a help menu in response to an unsuccessful calibration step. 37. The invention of claim 31, wherein the circuitry is operative to suspend calibration of the vehicle control system in response to an unsuccessful calibration step. 38. The invention of claim 31, wherein the vehicle control system controls a ground vehicle. 39. The invention of claim 38, wherein the ground vehicle comprises a farm vehicle. 40. The invention of claim 38, wherein the ground vehicle comprises a rubber tire gantry crane. 41. The invention of claim 31, wherein the vehicle control system controls an air vehicle. 42. The invention of claim 31, wherein the vehicle control system controls a water vehicle. 43. The invention of claim 31, wherein the circuitry comprises a processor executing computer-executable instructions. 44. The invention of claim 31, wherein the output device comprises a display device. 45. The invention of claim 44, wherein the circuitry is operative to display, on the display device, a graphical user interface. 46. The invention of claim 45 further comprising a second display device, wherein the first-mentioned display device is dedicated to displaying the graphical user interface. 47. The invention of claim 31, wherein the output device comprises an audio output device. 48. The invention of claim 31, wherein the output device comprises an audio output device but not a display device. 49. The invention of claim 31, wherein the output device comprises both a display device and an audio output device. 50. The invention of claim 31 further comprising an input device. 51. The invention of claim 50, wherein the input device is integrated with the output device. 52. The invention of claim 50, wherein the input device and the output device are separate devices. 53. The invention of claim 31, wherein the circuitry is operative to provide a help menu. 54. The invention of claim 31, wherein the circuitry is operative to confirm that one or more of the plurality of calibration steps was completed successfully. 55. The invention of claim 31, wherein the output provides instructions for physical installation of the vehicle control system. 56. The invention of claim 31, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises one or more of the following: (a) user entry of physical vehicle parameters; (b) user entry of a relative position of a GPS antenna on a vehicle comprising the vehicle control system relative to another point on the vehicle; (c) a self-survey of relative positions of two or more GPS antenna on the vehicle; (d) a calibration of on-board inertial measurement units; (e) a confirmation that manual steering is operational after installation of automatic steering components; (f) a confirmation that automatic steering is operational after installation of automatic steering components; (g) a calibration of a sensor to detect when the user is trying to turn a steering wheel; (h) a calibration of a wheel angle sensor; (i) a calibration of a wheel angle actuator; (j) tuning of gains based on wheel angle sensing and actuation; (k) tuning of gains based on GPS-based heading sensing and actuation; (l) tuning of gains based on gyro-based heading sensing and actuation; and (m) tuning of gains based on vehicle position sensing and actuation. 57. The invention of claim 31, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises wheel angle calibration, and wherein the wheel angle calibration is based on an interactive plot display. 58. The invention of claim 31, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises wheel angle calibration, and wherein the wheel angle calibration is based on vehicle motion. 59. The invention of claim 31, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises wheel actuator calibration, and wherein the wheel actuator calibration is based on an interactive plot display. 60. The invention of claim 31, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises wheel actuator calibration, and wherein the wheel actuator calibration is based on automatically-generated steering commands. 61. The invention of claim 31, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises gain tuning, and wherein the output shows control system performance to provide the user with feedback to tune at least some of a plurality of calibration parameters. 62. The invention of claim 31, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises gain tuning that is performed automatically based on vehicle motion and automatically-generated steering commands. 63. The invention of claim 31, wherein at least one of the plurality of calibration steps is performed automatically without user intervention. 64. The invention of claim 31, wherein the circuitry is operative to select a subset of calibration steps from a set of calibration steps based on an identified type of vehicle and guide a user through the subset of calibration steps. 65. The invention of claim 31, wherein the vehicle control system is calibrated using only sensors that are on a vehicle and that are used for vehicle control. 66. The invention of claim 31, wherein vehicle steering is calibrated using vehicle motion and vehicle motion sensors. 67. A vehicle control system with user-guided calibration comprising: a vehicle control system, wherein calibration of the vehicle control system comprises a plurality of calibration steps and wherein at least one of the plurality of calibration steps must be performed before at least one other of the plurality of calibration steps in order for the vehicle control system to control state trajectory of a vehicle within a degree of performance, wherein the plurality of calibration steps comprises a calibration of a sensor to detect when the user is trying to turn a steering wheel, a calibration of a wheel angle sensor, and a calibration of a wheel angle actuator; wherein the vehicle control system comprises: an output device; and circuitry operative to provide an output, via the output device, that guides a user through the plurality of calibration steps in a particular order to ensure that the at least one of the plurality of calibration steps is performed before the at least one other of the plurality of calibration steps, wherein the circuitry is further operative to determine which of the calibration steps, if any, to present as a next calibration step based on whether a given calibration step is successful. 68. The invention of claim 67, wherein the plurality of calibration steps further comprises tuning of gains based on wheel angle sensing and actuation. 69. The invention of claim 67, wherein the plurality of calibration steps further comprises tuning of gains based on GPS-based heading sensing and actuation. 70. The invention of claim 67, wherein the plurality of calibration steps further comprises user entry of physical vehicle parameters. 71. The invention of claim 67, wherein the plurality of calibration steps further comprises a calibration of on-board inertial measurement units. 72. The invention of claim 1, wherein the vehicle control system comprises at least one sensor to determine a state of the vehicle and at least one component to change the state of the vehicle. 73. The invention of claim 31, wherein the vehicle control system comprises at least one sensor to determine a state of a vehicle and at least one component to change the state of the vehicle. 74. The invention of claim 67, wherein the vehicle control system comprises at least one sensor to determine a state of the vehicle and at least one component to change the state of the vehicle. | BACKGROUND For the first time in history, microprocessor, control system, and satellite navigation technologies are being combined to put heavy machine control systems into the hands of agricultural users. In the year 2000, the first hands-free, sub-inch steering control systems were sold in North America. An example of such a system is the AutoFarm™ GPS 5001 AutoSteer™ System by IntergriNautics Corp., which is the assignee of the present invention. Today, thousands of farm vehicles are equipped with vehicle control systems to enable hands-free steering in operational fields. Designing a system to control the motion of vehicles with non-linear sensors and actuators, varying vehicle dimensions, varying dynamic responses, and differing actuators (e.g., steering mechanisms) can be very difficult. Due to the complex nature of farm vehicles and the challenges of steering a huge vehicle to sub-inch precision, accurate system calibration is important to ensure the highest level of vehicle performance. The order in which calibration steps are performed is important to properly calibrate a vehicle control system, and it is not generally obvious which calibration steps must be performed before others. Although some vehicle control systems have a graphical user interface to make the calibration process more user-friendly, the person performing the calibration must still know which calibration steps to perform before others. Accordingly, the calibration of vehicle control systems typically requires a trained expert, such as an engineer or highly-trained technician, who knows the proper order of the calibration steps. It is desired to simplify the installation and calibration procedures of vehicle control systems used on farm and other vehicles so calibration can be performed by a service mechanic or untrained user instead of an engineer or highly-trained technician. SUMMARY The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims. By way of introduction, the preferred embodiments described below provide a vehicle control system with user-guided calibration. In one embodiment, a vehicle control system is provided, wherein calibration of the vehicle control system comprises a plurality of calibration steps and wherein at least one of the plurality of calibration steps must be performed before at least one other of the plurality of calibration steps in order for the vehicle control system to control state trajectory of a vehicle within a degree of performance. The vehicle control system comprises an output device and circuitry operative to provide an output, via the output device, that guides a user through the plurality of calibration steps in a particular order to ensure that the at least one of the plurality of calibration steps is performed before the at least one other of the plurality of calibration steps. The circuitry can additionally or alternatively be operative to determine which of the calibration steps, if any, to present as a next calibration step based on whether a given calibration step is successful. Other embodiments are provided, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or in combination with one another. The embodiments will now be described with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle control system of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a vehicle control system of an embodiment in which a GPS receiver is located on a roof of a vehicle. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a vehicle control system of an embodiment in which a GPS receiver is located inside a vehicle. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a vehicle control system of an embodiment in which GPS and control system software and a GPS receiver are located on a roof of a vehicle. FIGS. 5-12 are illustrations of screen displays from a calibration wizard of an embodiment guiding a user through a system test. FIGS. 13-16 are illustrations of screen displays from a calibration wizard of an embodiment guiding a user through a GPS master antenna location entry calibration step. FIG. 17 is an illustration of a screen display from a calibration wizard of an embodiment guiding a user through a wheel base measurement entry calibration step. FIGS. 18-21 are illustrations of screen displays from a calibration wizard of an embodiment guiding a user through a GPS multi-antenna self-calibration step. FIGS. 22-23 are illustrations of screen displays from a calibration wizard of an embodiment guiding a user through a pressure transducer calibration step. FIGS. 24-28 are illustrations of screen displays from a calibration wizard of an embodiment guiding a user through a wheel angle sensor limit detection calibration step. FIGS. 29-38 are illustrations of screen displays from a calibration wizard of an embodiment guiding a user through a wheel angle sensor calibration step. FIGS. 39-49 are illustrations of screen displays from a calibration wizard of an embodiment guiding a user through a steering actuator calibration step. FIGS. 50-52 are illustrations of screen displays from a calibration wizard of an embodiment guiding a user through a control system gain tuning (on-path) calibration step. FIGS. 53-60 are illustrations of screen displays from a calibration wizard of an embodiment guiding a user through a control system gain tuning (line acquisition) calibration step. FIGS. 61-67 are illustrations of screen displays from a calibration wizard of an embodiment guiding a user through a wheel sensor calibration step for an electronically-steered tracked tractor. FIGS. 68-71 are illustrations of screen displays from a calibration wizard of an embodiment guiding a user through a wheel angle sensor calibration step for an electronically-steered rubber tire gantry crane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS General Overview Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle control system 10 of a preferred embodiment. The vehicle control system 10 comprises sensors 20 to determine the state of a vehicle, components 25 to change the state of the vehicle, circuitry (here, a processor 30 executing instructions stored in a computer-readable medium 35) that processes signals from the sensors 20 and controls the components 25 to change the state of the vehicle, and an output device 40. As used herein, the term “state” refers to a set of variables that describe the vehicle's condition at a given point in time. Examples of the vehicle's condition include, but are not limited to, position (e.g., x, y, and z coordinates of the vehicle), orientation (e.g., the direction the vehicle is facing), velocity (e.g., speed of the vehicle), and vehicle-type-specific variables (e.g., wheel angle for a ground vehicle, position of control surfaces for an air vehicle, and position of a rudder for a water vehicle). Accordingly, the state of a vehicle can be changed by, for example, moving a wheel of a ground vehicle or a rudder of a water vehicle. The state of a vehicle can also be changed by applying longitudinal (speed and position) control. In one embodiment, each of the components of the vehicle control system 10 is contained in or on a vehicle being controlled by the vehicle control system 10. The entities in FIG. 1 are coupled with each other (i.e., directly or indirectly through one or more named or unnamed components) in any suitable manner. Although shown as distinct entities in FIG. 1, one or more of the entities can be combined into one device. Further, although the plural “sensors” and “components” are used in FIG. 1, a single sensor and/or a single component can be used (e.g., a device that turns the rudder of a boat). Additionally, as described below, “circuitry” can take various forms. Calibration of the vehicle control system 10 comprises a plurality of calibration steps, which determine, through a process on the vehicle, vehicle-dependent variables that describe the vehicle. For example, calibration of a wheel angle sensor determines how voltage generated by the sensor relates to the actual wheel angle of the vehicle. A single calibration step can comprise one or more actions. For example, the step of calibrating a wheel angle sensor can comprise turning the wheel hard to the left and turning the wheel hard to the right. Additional examples of calibration steps include, but are not limited to, (a) user entry of physical vehicle parameters (such as, but not limited to, height, weight, wheel base length, and/or articulation joint location); (b) user entry of a relative position of a GPS antenna on a vehicle comprising the vehicle control system relative to another point on the vehicle, such as the pivot point; (c) a self-survey of relative positions of two or more GPS antenna on the vehicle; (d) a calibration of on-board inertial measurement units; (e) a confirmation that manual steering is operational after installation of automatic steering components; (f) a confirmation that automatic steering is operational after installation of automatic steering components; (g) a calibration of a sensor to detect when the user is trying to turn a steering wheel; (h) a calibration of a wheel angle sensor (e.g., based on an interactive plot display or on vehicle motion and automatically-generated steering commands); (i) a calibration of a wheel angle actuator (e.g., based on an interactive plot display or on vehicle motion and automatically-generated steering commands); (j) tuning of gains based on wheel angle sensing and actuation; (k) tuning of gains based on GPS-based heading sensing and actuation; (l) tuning of gains based on gyro-based heading sensing and actuation; and (m) tuning of gains based on vehicle position sensing and actuation. At least one of the calibration steps can be performed automatically without user intervention. For example, gain tuning can be performed automatically based on vehicle motion and automatically-generated steering commands. Further, when the calibration step includes gain tuning, control system performance can be provided to the user as feedback to tune at least some of a plurality of calibration parameters. The order in which calibration steps are performed is important to properly calibrate the vehicle control system 10. For example, in one embodiment, wheel angle sensor calibration needs to be performed before steering actuator calibration. If the calibration steps are performed out of order, the vehicle control system 10 cannot control state trajectory of the vehicle within a degree of performance. “State trajectory” refers to a sequence of states of the vehicle, and “performance” is a measure of the actual state of the vehicle versus the desired state of the vehicle. For example, if the degree of performance is one inch, proper calibration of the vehicle control system 10 ensures that the vehicle control system 10 controls the vehicle's position as it moves along a path to within one inch of a desired position. If the vehicle control system 10 is not properly calibrated, the vehicle control system 10 will not be able to control the state trajectory of the vehicle within the degree of performance, and, at worst, the vehicle's behavior might be unstable (i.e., random state trajectory). It should be noted that state trajectory does not necessarily imply movement; one of the sequences of states in a state trajectory can be to make no change in the state of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the computer readable medium 35 has stored therein computer-executable instructions to provide an output, via the output device 40, that guides a user through the plurality of calibration steps in the correct order to ensure proper calibration. The term “guide” is intended to broadly refer to any act that assists a user in performing the calibration steps in a particular order. In one embodiment, the output guides a user by presenting a visual wizard that automatically presents the appropriate screens to allow the user to step through the calibration steps in the proper order. A user can be guided in a “semi-automatic” manner as well. For example, instead of presenting screens in a step-by-step manner, the output can instruct the user which menu to select or which buttons to push to get to the next appropriate calibration step, where the user has the option of selecting a different menu or button if not properly guided. As described below, a guide can contain video and/or audio. The computer-executable instructions can be executed by the vehicle control system's processor 30 (as shown in FIG. 1) or by a separate processor (not shown in FIG. 1). Any type of processor can be used (e.g., a general processor, a digital signal processor, etc.). Further, instead of being implemented in software run by a processor, the functionality in the computer-executable instructions can be implemented purely in hardware form. Accordingly, for simplicity, the term “circuitry” is used to refer to a processor running computer-executable instructions, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, an analog circuit, or any other hardware device (running or not running software) that is now-known or later-developed, and any combination thereof. The output device 40 can take any suitable form. For example, the output device 40 can be a display device with or without an audio output device (e.g., a monitor) or an audio output device with or without a display device (e.g., a speaker). Although not required, the system can also include an input device, which can be separate from the output device 40 (e.g., a keyboard separate from a monitor) or integrated with the output device 40 (e.g., a touch screen monitor, a speaker with buttons or voice recognition capability). In a preferred embodiment, the output device 40 comprises a 10.4″sunlight-readable, color touch-screen VGA display that displays a graphical user interface (GUI) with virtual buttons. The GUI presents a “Calibration Wizard,” which is a step-by-step interactive screen display that guides a user through calibration steps in the correct order, with appropriate help menus and error checking throughout the process. In an alternate embodiment, a second display device is used in addition to the first display device, wherein the first display device is dedicated to displaying the graphical user interface, and the second display device is used to display other information regarding the vehicle control system 10. The first or second display device can take the form of a laptop computer. The computer readable medium 35 can take any suitable form, including, but not limited to, a hard drive, an optical disc (e.g., CD or DVD), a floppy disk, and a solid-state memory. Although the singular “medium” is used in FIG. 1, computer readable medium 35 can comprise one or more than one component. Additionally, the computer readable medium 35 and/or processor 30 executing its instructions can be located external to the vehicle. For example, a processor external to the vehicle can execute the instructions and send the resulting output to the output device 40 on the vehicle using a wireless transmission. As discussed above, when executed, the computer-executable instructions stored in the computer-readable medium 35 guide a user through the plurality of calibration steps to ensure that the calibration steps are performed in the proper order. There are several advantages associated with this calibration technique. First, because the correct order of calibration steps is enforced by software, an untrained, partially untrained, or unskilled user can calibrate the vehicle control system 10. This allows precision machine control systems to be used in environments where trained experts are not readily available to install the systems and maintain high performance operation. This avoids requiring a trained expert to perform the calibration and further avoids the person performing the calibration to rely on a manual or memory to perform the calibration steps in the correct order. Another advantage of this user-guided calibration technique is that vehicle control systems can be expanded into new markets. The ease of calibration may attract new dealers for vehicle control systems, and a vehicle control system manufacturer may be able to ship vehicle control systems directly to customers. There are various alternatives that can be used with this embodiment. For example, instead of or in addition to the instructions for enforcing the proper order of calibration steps, the computer-readable medium 35 can contain computer-executable instructions that guide a user through the calibration steps by determining which calibration steps, if any, to present as a next calibration step based on whether a given calibration step is successful. For example, if a given calibration step is unsuccessful, the software can return to a previous calibration step (e.g., the step that immediately precedes the given step or a step that is X steps before the given step), repeat the given calibration step, or skip a subsequent calibration step (e.g., the step that immediately follows the given step or a step that is X steps ahead of the given step). If the given calibration step is successful, the software can present that subsequent calibration step, or a subsequent step can be skipped when a given calibration step is successful. Additionally, the software can suspend calibration of the vehicle control system 10 and/or present a help menu in response to an unsuccessful calibration step. The computer-readable medium 35 can store additional computer-executable instructions. For example, software can be provided to output instructions via the output device 40 to assist a user in the physical installation of the vehicle control system 10. As another example, software can be provided for selecting a subset of calibration steps from a set of calibration steps based on an identified type of vehicle. In this way, instead of sending a software package to a user that is customized for his particular vehicle, a manufacturer can send a generic software package to the user and let the software customize the presentation based on the user's vehicle. Calibration Wizard Example for Automatic Steering of Farm Tractors The following is an example of a calibration wizard used to calibrate a vehicle control system for the automatic steering of farm tractors. A description of the hardware configuration is first presented, followed by a discussion of the various screen shots generated by the wizard. In this preferred embodiment, the vehicle control system is calibrated using only sensors that are on a vehicle and that are used for vehicle control, and vehicle steering is calibrated using vehicle motion and vehicle motion sensors. While the following example is illustrated in terms of a farm vehicle (e.g., a tractor), it should be noted that these preferred embodiments can be used with any type of vehicle and for any type of application. Examples of suitable vehicles include, but are not limited to, a ground vehicle, an air vehicle (e.g., a plane, a blimp), a water vehicle (e.g., a ship, a submarine), a farm vehicle (e.g., a wheeled, tracked, or articulated tractor), a construction vehicle (wheeled, tracked, or articulated), a rubber tire gantry crane, an automobile, a tractor, a haul truck, a dozer, a drill, a shovel, and a road grader. Examples of suitable applications include, but are not limited to, automatic steering of farm tractors, automatic aircraft landing, and autonomous operations of mining and construction equipment. Also, it should be noted that items that are mentioned as being required or important in this particular embodiment may not be required or important in other embodiments. Accordingly, none of the limitations described in these embodiments should be read into the claims unless explicitly recited therein. Hardware Configuration Examples FIGS. 2-4 are block diagrams illustrating various hardware configurations that can be used in the following automatic farm tractor steering example. The system illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises a central unit 42 containing a computer 44 located within a vehicle. The computer 44 is coupled with a display and touch screen 45, inertial measurement sensors and other devices 50, and steering interface electronics 55, which are coupled with steering hardware 60. The steering interface electronics 55 drive the steering sensors and actuators (including, for example, a proportional hydraulic valve, a pressure transducer, and a potentiometer wheel angle sensor) and can communicate with computers on the vehicle. The computer 44 is also coupled with a radio modem 70 with a radio modem antenna 75 and one or more GPS receivers 80 with one or more GPS antennas 85, which are located on the roof 90 of the vehicle. (In the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the GPS receiver(s) 115 is located in the central unit 120, with the GPS antenna(s) 125 mounted on the roof of the vehicle and connected to the GPS receiver 115 inside the vehicle.) The components in this system are connected using any of a number of forms well known in industry, including, but not limited to, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, CAN, Ethernet, USB, and Wireless. Other components can be connected into this system, such as, but not limited to, variable rate spray controller, seeding monitors, yield monitors, and any number of other devices that are currently available in the industry. If desired, these components (e.g., tractor, sprayer, harvester, or gantry crane components) can also be automated. In a preferred embodiment, three GPS antennas are used with one GPS receiver in order to measure position, roll, pitch, and yaw. In another preferred embodiment, two GPS antennas are used with one GPS receiver to measure position, roll, and yaw only. In yet another preferred embodiment, one GPS antenna is used with one GPS receiver to measure position only. In any case, a tilt sensor or accelerometer can be added to measure roll and pitch, and a one-, two-, or three-axis gyroscope can be added to measure roll rate, pitch rate, and/or yaw rate. Further, the radio modem 70 and radio modem antenna 75, which can be any other data receiver, can be used to receive differential correction information and receive and transmit any other information. In a preferred embodiment, the radio modem 70 and radio modem antenna 75 are used to receive RTK corrections from a nearby base station receiver and to transmit the state of the vehicle and other vehicle information to off-vehicle devices. In another embodiment, a satellite receiver is used to receive differential corrections via satellite. The computer 44 contains GPS software 95 that interacts with the GPS receiver 80, GUI software 100 that presents the calibration wizard described below on the display device 45, controller software 105 that sends commands to the various devices of the system, and other software 100 that performs functions such as diagnostics, I/O management, disk access, and other applications not related to calibration. In operation, the computer 44 receives information about the state of the vehicle from the radio modem 70, GPS receiver 80, inertial measurement sensors 50, and the steering interface electronics 55 (in this embodiment, the steering interface electronics 55 includes a sensor that measures the angle of a wheel and an actuator that can be used to change the angle of a wheel). After calibration, the computer 44 can change the state of the vehicle using the controller software 105 to control the steering interface electronics 55 to actuate various steering hardware 60. Turning now to the alternate configuration shown in FIG. 4, this configuration is similar to the ones shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 with some notable exceptions. First, the GPS software 135 and control system software 140 are located on the roof 145 of the vehicle, along with the GPS receiver 150. The computer 155 in the vehicle is now strictly responsible for presenting the user interface using the GUI software 160. The display device 165 in this embodiment preferably meets the ISO-11783 Part 6 specification for a universal virtual terminal. Preferably, the devices in this embodiment are connected through a bus connection that enables devices and components to be easily added to or removed from the overall system. This is nominally a CAN bus and, more specifically, a CAN bus conforming to the ISO-11783 specification. Overview of the Ground Vehicle Steering System Calibration Wizard Under some circumstances, such as initial system installation, user reset of system calibration, or adding a new vehicle to the system memory, the calibration wizard software is initialized. Once the software is initialized, the calibration wizard interactively guides a user through the vehicle steering calibration process the next time that the user elects to begin the calibration process or when the user attempts to engage the automatic steering functions of the vehicle. Automatic steering of a ground vehicle requires several calibration steps, which depend on the sensors that are installed on the vehicle. The example below illustrates the calibration steps used for the hardware configuration described above. Steps can be added or removed from this process in a straightforward manner to incorporate new sensors (such as inertial measurement sensors) or to remove certain sensors (such as a GPS heading sensor). The calibration steps to be performed are also highly dependent on the vehicle type. For example, a farm tractor or bulldozer with tracks may not include a wheel angle sensor, and an articulated farm tractor may require the user to enter measurements of the articulation point as well as the wheel base length. The calibration steps to be performed are also highly dependent on the environment in which the vehicle is calibrated. For example, in most circumstances, it may be straightforward to drive a grain harvester in circles on a fallow field, but due to operational and environmental constraints, it may be impossible to move a rubber tire gantry crane (RTG) more than 100 feet in a straight line. If the calibration is halted for any reason, such as a user cancellation, a sensor failure, or a power failure, the computer is preferably able to recall which steps of the calibration have been performed successfully and which have not. By periodically storing the state of the calibration in memory, the user is able to automatically resume the calibration at a later time without having to repeat the steps that have already been performed. In the following examples, the calibration wizard is initialized when the user adds a new vehicle to the system database and then selects that vehicle. The calibration wizard may also be initialized manually via a user interface or automatically in response to a replaced component, an added component, or a component that is recognized by the computer as being out of calibration. Part of the function of the calibration wizard is to select the correct calibration steps to perform, and the correct order in which to perform the steps, based on the type of vehicle being calibrated and based on which calibrations have already been successfully or unsuccessfully performed on the vehicle. Wheeled Tractor In this example, a calibration wizard is used to calibrate the steering of a wheeled tractor. The calibration is composed of the following steps, which are described below: Step 1: System Test Step 2: GPS Master Antenna Location Entry Step 3: Wheel Base Measurement Entry Step 4: GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration Step 5: Pressure Transducer Calibration Step 6: Wheel Angle Sensor Limit Detection Step 7: Wheel Angle Sensor Calibration Step 8: Steering Actuator Calibration Step 9: Control System Gain Tuning—On-Path Step 10: Control System Gain Tuning—Line Acquisition Step 1—System Test In this example, and in the other examples below, it is highly desirable to perform a System Test before beginning the calibration process. The System Test is performed to ensure that the basic vehicle functions required for calibration are working correctly. This is a convenience issue since the calibration preferably must be halted mid-process if a necessary sensor or actuator is not working properly. This is also a safety issue since the manual steering functions are tested at this stage, and it is possible that the installation of the system components may have affected the user's ability to manually steer the vehicle. First, the system guides the user through a process that confirms that the manual vehicle steering system still functions properly after the automatic steering components have been installed on the vehicle (FIG. 5). The user is simply asked to turn the wheels manually and confirm that they are working. Since this step is designed to catch any safety hazards before the user begins driving the vehicle and to catch an error in mechanical hardware installation, it is generally preferred that this be the first step in the calibration wizard. If the user indicates a problem with the manual steering of the system, a troubleshooting screen appears offering potential solutions to the problem. Next, the system guides the user through a process that confirms that the automatic vehicle steering function is operational. General instructions are provided to the user (FIG. 6) and then the user is provided with buttons which can steer the wheels hard left and hard right (FIG. 7). If the buttons do not turn the wheels, the user presses the “Fail” button, and a troubleshooting menu appears (FIG. 8). If the buttons do turn the wheels, then the user presses the “Pass” button, and the calibration continues. Next, the system guides the user through a process that confirms that the pressure transducers are working properly. General instructions appear on a screen that also displays the values from the transducers in real-time (FIG. 9). The user applies pressure to the steering wheel to ensure that the transducer values change when pressure is applied. If the transducer values do not change when pressure is applied, the user presses the “Fail” button, and a troubleshooting screen appears (FIG. 10). If the transducer values do change, the user presses the “Pass” button, and the calibration continues. Next, the system guides the user through a process that confirms that the wheel angle sensor is working. General instructions appear on a screen that also displays the value from the wheel angle sensor in real-time (FIG. 11). The user turns the steering wheel to ensure that the wheel angle sensor value changes when the wheels move. If the sensor value does not change when the wheels move, the user presses the “Fail” button, and a troubleshooting screen appears (FIG. 12). If the sensor value does change, the user presses the “Pass” button, and the calibration continues. Step 2—GPS Master Antenna Location Entry The next step of the calibration for a ground vehicle is the GPS Master Antenna Location Entry. At this step of the process, the user generally enters the locations and/or orientations of important vehicle components relative to important control point(s) of the vehicle. In this example, the user is asked to enter the location of the master GPS antenna, which is responsible for vehicle positioning, in relation to the pivot point of the vehicle. While they are not explicitly shown in this example, other components that may need to be positioned or oriented relative to vehicle coordinates include, but are not limited to, gyroscopes, accelerometers, inclinometers, radar sensors, sonic sensors, optical sensors, pseudolite transmitters, propellers, landing gear, headlamps, engines, and other key system components. For the GPS Master Antenna Location Entry, the user is first given a basic set of instructions that are specific to the type of vehicle that has been selected (FIG. 13) and then is asked to enter the x lever-arm of the vehicle (FIG. 14). The x lever-arm is defined as the longitudinal location of the GPS antenna relative to the pivot point of the vehicle, with a positive number indicating a direction toward the front of the vehicle. In the case of a standard wheeled tractor, for example, the pivot point is usually defined as a point on the ground beneath the center of the rear axle. After the x lever-arm is measured and entered by the user, the computer checks that the input is valid. Invalid inputs would include a number that is unreasonably small or large for the type of vehicle that has been selected. As an example, for a wheeled farm tractor model that is known to have a cab that extends from 0.5 meters to 2.0 meters in front of the rear axle, only values between 0.5 and 2.0 may be considered valid. If the number is not within the defined limits, the preferred calibration wizard implementation displays a warning to the user, which allows the user to accept the invalid entry or to return to the screen that will allow the user to reenter the value. Another embodiment can force the user to reenter the value after displaying a message describing that the number was outside of predefined limits. In the next part of the GPS Master Antenna Location Entry, the user is given a basic set of instructions that are specific to the type of vehicle that has been selected and then is asked to enter the y lever-arm of the vehicle (FIG. 15). The y lever-arm is defined as the lateral location of the GPS antenna relative to the center line of the vehicle, with a positive number indicating a direction toward the left side of the vehicle. After the y lever-arm is measured and entered by the user, the computer checks that the input is valid. Invalid inputs would include a number that is unreasonably small or large for the type of vehicle that has been selected. As an example, for a wheeled farm tractor model that is known to have a cab that is centered on the vehicle and is 2 meters wide, only values between −1.0 and 1.0 may be considered valid. If the number is not within the defined limits, the preferred calibration wizard implementation displays a warning to the user, which allows the user to accept the invalid entry or to return to the screen that will allow the user to reenter the value. Another embodiment can force the user to reenter the value after displaying a message describing that the number was outside of predefined limits. In the next part of the GPS Master Antenna Location Entry, the user is given a basic set of instructions that are specific to the type of vehicle that has been selected and then is asked to enter the z lever-arm of the vehicle (FIG. 16). The z lever-arm is defined as the lateral location of the GPS antenna relative to the ground when the vehicle is on flat and level ground, with a positive number indicating up. After the z lever-arm is measured and entered by the user, the computer checks that the input is valid. Invalid inputs would include a number that is unreasonably small or large for the type of vehicle that has been selected. As an example, for a wheeled farm tractor model that is known to be approximately 3.5 meters tall, only values between 3.0 and 4.0 may be considered valid. If the number is not within the defined limits, the preferred calibration wizard implementation displays a warning to the user, which allows the user to accept the invalid entry or to return to the screen that will allow the user to reenter the value. Another embodiment can force the user to reenter the value after displaying a message describing that the number was outside of predefined limits. Once the x, y, and z lever arms have been successfully entered, the GPS Master Antenna Location Entry step is marked as having been successfully completed, and the user interface automatically takes the user to the next step of the calibration. It is worth noting that, in this example, this step does not necessarily have to take place before the next step for a successful calibration. However, as a practical matter, both this step and the next step require the user to make physical measurements and observations of the vehicle, so it simplifies the calibration process to have these two steps take place in immediate succession. Step 3—Wheel Base Measurement Entry The next step of the calibration for a wheeled ground vehicle is the Wheel Base Measurement Entry. In the case of a standard wheeled vehicle, the wheel base is required by the control system. For an articulated wheeled vehicle, the wheel base and articulation joint measurements are needed. For other vehicle types, other important physical vehicle parameters may be required by the control system, which include, but are not limited to, vehicle weight, height, width, length, rudder size, wing span, number of engines, and other relevant physical quantities. For the Wheel Base Measurement Entry, the user is given a basic set of instructions and then is asked to enter the wheel base of the vehicle (FIG. 17). For a vehicle with two axles, the wheel base is defined as the linear distance between the front and rear axle of the vehicle when the steering is in the straight-ahead position. After the wheel base is measured and entered by the user, the computer checks that the input is valid. Invalid inputs would include a negative number or a number that is unreasonably small or large for the type of vehicle that has been selected. For example, a farm tractor model that is known to have a wheel base length of approximately 4 meters may only consider numbers with 5% of the nominal value (between 3.8 meters and 4.2 meters) to be valid. If the number is not within the defined limits, the preferred calibration wizard implementation displays a warning to the user, which allows the user to accept the invalid entry or to return to the screen that will allow the user to reenter the value. Another embodiment can force the user to reenter the value after displaying a message describing that the number was outside of predefined limits. After entering the wheel base length, the wizard looks at the selected vehicle type. If the vehicle is a standard, front-axle steered vehicle, this calibration step is marked as having been successfully completed, and the user interface automatically begins the next step of the calibration. If the vehicle is an articulated vehicle, the user is asked to provide a measurement of the location of the articulation point. This can be, for example, a measurement from the front axle to the articulation joint or a measurement from the rear axle to the articulation point. After the articulation point distance is measured and entered by the user, the computer checks that the input is valid. Invalid inputs would include a negative number or a number that is unreasonably small or large for the type of vehicle that has been selected. For example, a farm tractor model that is known to have an articulation joint that is about 2 meters behind the front axle may only consider numbers with 5% of the nominal value (between 1.9 meters and 2.1 meters) to be valid. If the number is not within the defined limits, the preferred calibration wizard implementation displays a warning to the user, which allows the user to accept the invalid entry or to return to the screen that will allow the user to reenter the value. Another embodiment can force the user to reenter the value after displaying a message describing that the number was outside of predefined limits. Once the articulation measurement has been successfully entered, this step of the calibration is marked as having been successfully completed, and the user interface automatically takes the user to the next step of the calibration Step 4—GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration The next step of the calibration for a ground vehicle is the GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration. At this step, the user generally initiates the self-calibration procedure for any relevant sensors on the vehicle. In this example, the vehicle is kept still while the GPS receiver uses satellite measurements to precisely determine the relative locations of two or more GPS antennas on the vehicle. Other sensors that could require self-calibration might include, but are not limited to, gyroscopes, accelerometers, inclinometers, radar sensors, sonic sensors, optical sensors, absolute pressure sensors, relative pressure sensors, and temperature sensors. Note that some sensors may not require calibration, may not have a self-calibration process, or may already be calibrated before they are received by the user or before they are installed on the machine. For this calibration step, the user is given a basic set of instructions (FIG. 18) and then is asked to stop moving the vehicle and begin the multi-antenna roof array calibration (FIG. 19). On this screen, the user is also given the option of skipping the calibration step in case the sensor has already been calibrated. If the user presses the button to begin the calibration, a screen appears reminding the user not to move the vehicle, and timers appear on the screen to indicate the progress of the calibration (FIG. 20). If, instead, the user presses the button to skip the calibration, a warning screen appears to make sure that the user is making the correct decision (FIG. 21). At this point, the user may decide not to skip the survey, and the screen (FIG. 19) appears again. Once the GPS antennas have been calibrated, this calibration step is marked as having been successfully completed, and the user interface automatically takes the user to the next step of the calibration process. It is worth noting that in the example given here, this step does not necessarily have to take place after the previously-listed steps for a successful calibration. However, self-calibration of sensors, such as gyroscopes or inclinometers, may require the user to define their location and orientation within the vehicle as a part of previous calibration steps before they are self-calibrated. Step 5—Pressure Transducer Calibration The next step of the calibration for a wheeled tractor as described above is the Pressure Transducer Calibration. At this step, the user generally calibrates a sensor that is used to determine when the user is turning the steering wheel in an attempt to disengage the automatic control function. In this example, the user is asked to attempt to turn the steering wheel while the steering system is engaged. The controls computer measures the output of one or more pressure sensors on the vehicle and stores these values into memory. Other sensors that can be used to determine if the user is attempting to steer the vehicle include, but are not limited to, current sensors, voltage sensors, rotational sensors, strain gauges, and optical sensors. These sensors can be attached to one of several points on the vehicle including the hydraulic system or the steering wheel shaft. For this calibration step, the user is given a basic set of instructions and is asked to describe the physical installation configuration of the vehicle (FIG. 22). The user is then asked to attempt to turn the steering wheel to the left while automatic steering is engaged (FIG. 23) and then to the right. If the calibration is successful, this calibration step is marked as having been successfully completed, and the user interface automatically takes the user to the next step of the calibration process. If the calibration fails, the user is warned that the procedure failed, and instructions are given to increase the likelihood of success. If the calibration fails three consecutive times, the user is given instructions for replacing any components that may have failed. It is worth noting that in the example given here, this step does not necessarily have to take place after the previously-listed steps for a successful calibration. Step 6—Wheel Angle Sensor Limit Detection The next step of the calibration procedure is the Wheel Angle Sensor Limit Detection. At this step, the user moves the wheels to determine the polarity of the wheel angle sensor (mounted in the “normal” or “reversed” position) and the measurement limits of the wheel angle sensor. The polarity calibration is useful in cases where a wheel angle sensor can be mounted in multiple configurations, such as an “aftermarket” system installation that is designed for a variety of vehicle types. The measurement limit calibration can be used by the software to disengage the steering actuation when the wheels are at a hard limit. The calibration value can also be used to provide data points for the wheel angle sensor calibration. This calibration step begins by displaying the raw wheel angle sensor measurement to the user and asking the user to determine if the sensor installation is reversed or normal (FIG. 24). Next, the user is asked to turn the wheels to the hard left position and to press a button when the wheels are in the hard left position (FIG. 25). The system then collects raw wheel angle measurements for some period of time (for example, 10 seconds), and the measurements are averaged (FIG. 26). The same actions are then indicated for the hard right position (FIGS. 27 and 28). Several error conditions can cause the system to display a message to the user and guide the user to perform this step again. For example, if the user has indicated that the sensor is in the normal position and the hard right measurement is less than the hard left measurement, there is an error. Also, if the user has indicated that the sensor is in the reversed position and the hard left measurement is less than the hard right measurement, there is an error. If the hard left and hard right measurements are the same value, an error is reported. If either measurement is very near to the physical limits of the sensor, the sensor is mounted incorrectly, and instructions are sent to the user to remount the sensor. If the sensor measurements vary too much during the averaging phase, the sensor noise is too high, and an error message is displayed to the user. The results of this calibration are stored to memory for use by the control system, and they are used in the Wheel Angle Sensor Calibration. Step 7—Wheel Angle Sensor Calibration The next step of the calibration for a wheeled tractor is the Wheel Angle Sensor Calibration. The overall objective of this calibration is to map raw wheel angle sensor measurements to a physical wheel angle, an average of the physical wheel angle of the left and right steering tire (it is known in the art that, in many cases, the left and right wheels of a front wheel steered vehicle are designed to be different), an articulation angle, or a characteristic of the physical motion of the vehicle (such as heading rate or curvature). The preferred embodiment maps the wheel angle sensor to the curvature of the vehicle, where the curvature of the vehicle is the heading rate of the vehicle divided by the speed of the vehicle. There are many ways to perform this calibration. For example, external measurements can be taken to map wheel angle sensor measurements to physical wheel angles. Also, automated procedures for calibrating such a sensor using vehicle motion are described in other publications. Such procedures can readily be used with this calibration wizard. These are only provided as examples, and there are many other ways to perform this calibration, all of which can be included in the calibration wizard. The preferred technique for performing the wheel angle sensor calibration is to guide the user through the process of performing the calibration using vehicle motion. This is preferred to the process of using external measurements because on-board vehicle sensors can be used, and additional sensors are not required. This is also preferred to a fully-automated process that uses vehicle motion but does not allow the user to control the motion of the vehicle. Such a process requires the vehicle to drive a relatively long and winding path, and an automated procedure may cause the vehicle to drive off the field that has been designated for use in vehicle calibration. In other words, by allowing the user to interact with the wheel angle sensor calibration process, a smaller area of land is required to perform the calibration. Due to the complexity of the wheel angle calibration process, the user is provided with a tutorial, or an interactive set of instruction describing the process. This tutorial is shown in FIG. 29 through FIG. 37. In the first screen, the user has the option to “Skip Tutorial,” which will skip the tutorial screens and bring the user directly to the interactive calibration screen (FIG. 38). This is useful for trained or experienced users who are familiar with the wheel angle calibration and do not require the tutorial. As with most of the calibration screens, the user is also able to “Cancel” the calibration and return to the main menu of the system. After pressing the “Continue” button, the user will be guided through the tutorial. The remaining tutorial screens allow the user to move forward or backwards through the calibration tutorial screens or cancel the calibration. The functions of the interactive calibration screen (FIG. 38) are described in the tutorial. A “GO/STOP” button allows the user to pause the calibration at any time. This is useful if the vehicle is approaching the edge of the field, and the user wants to manually bring the vehicle back toward the center of the field. The Big/Small Left/Right buttons allow the user to determine which wheel angle position is to be tested and, therefore, guide the path that the vehicle will take during the calibration. The “Recalculate Calibration Curves” button will draw a best line to fit the data points collected (for example, using a polynomial fit—2nd nd order polynomial fit is the preferred embodiment) and display that line relative to the points that have been collected. The “Discard” button allows the user to discard a point that appears to be invalid. The “Toggle Plot” button allows the user to view the information in different forms or to change the axis scaling of the plot. Pressing “Accept New Calibration” will cause the calibration to end, and, if successful, the system will store the calibration values in memory and move on to the next step of the calibration wizard. Errors can occur in several ways, e.g., not enough points to fit a line through the data, not enough data points on the left side or on the right side to ensure a good calibration, no data points near zero, and one or more data points that are inconsistent with the rest of the data points. In the case of an error, the error is described to the user, and the user is returned to the interactive calibration screen. The Wheel Angle Sensor Calibration of a wheeled tractor relies on the measurements from a successfully completed wheel angle sensor limit detection (step 6), the safety provided by a successful pressure transducer calibration (step 5), the orientation data provided by a successful GPS multi-antenna self-calibration (step 4), and the vehicle's physical dimensions (steps 2 and 3). If these earlier steps have not been successfully completed, the results of this calibration will be invalid, and the vehicle control system performance will likely be unacceptable to the user. Therefore, the calibration wizard preferably ensures that these steps have been successfully performed, in the correct order, before beginning this calibration. Step 8—Steering Actuator Calibration The next step of the calibration for a wheeled tractor is the Steering Actuator Calibration. The overall objective of this calibration is to map raw steering commands to a physical steering characteristic. In the preferred embodiment, this is a wheel angle rate, using the wheel angle as described in the Wheel Angle Sensor Calibration. In the case of a servo actuator, this can be a wheel angle instead of a wheel angle rate. There are many ways to perform this calibration. For example, external measurements can be taken to sense hydraulic flow rates. Also, automated procedures for calibrating an actuator, with or without vehicle motion, are described in other publications. Such procedures can readily be used within this calibration wizard. These are only provided as examples. There are many other ways to perform this calibration, all of which can be included into the calibration wizard. The preferred technique for performing the steering actuator calibration is to guide the user through the process of performing the calibration using vehicle motion. This is preferred to the process of using external measurements because the on-board vehicle sensors can be used, and additional sensors are not required. This is also preferred to a fully-automated process that uses vehicle motion but does not allow the user to control the motion of the vehicle. Such a process requires the vehicle to drive a relatively long and winding path, and an automated procedure may cause the vehicle to drive off the field that has been designated for use in vehicle calibration. In other words, by allowing the user to interact with the steering actuator calibration process, a smaller area of land is required to perform the calibration. Due to the complexity of the steering actuator calibration process, the user is provided with a tutorial or an interactive set of instructions describing the process. This tutorial is shown in FIGS. 39 through 48. In the first screen (FIG. 39), the user has the option to “Skip Tutorial,” which will skip the tutorial screens and bring the user directly to the interactive calibration screen (FIG. 49). This is useful for trained or experienced users who are familiar with the steering actuator calibration and do not require the tutorial. As with most of the calibration screens, the user is also able to “Cancel” the calibration and return to the main menu of the system. After pressing the “Continue” button, the user will be guided through the tutorial. The remaining tutorial screens allow the user to move forward or backwards through the calibration tutorial screens or cancel the calibration. The functions of the interactive calibration screen (FIG. 49) are described in the tutorial. A “GO/STOP” button allows the user to pause the calibration at any time. This is useful if the vehicle is approaching the edge of the field, and the user wants to manually bring the vehicle back toward the center of the field. The Big/Small Left/Right buttons allow the user to determine which steering command is to be tested and, therefore, guide the path that the vehicle will take during the calibration. The “Recalculate Calibration Curves” button will draw a best line to fit the data points collected (for example, using a polynomial fit—left and right linear fits allowing for a deadband is the preferred embodiment) and display that line relative to the points that have been collected. The “Discard” button allows the user to discard a point that appears to be invalid. The “Toggle Plot” button allows the user to view the information in different forms or to change the axis scaling of the plot. Pressing “Accept New Calibration” will cause the calibration to end, and, if successful, the system will store the calibration values in memory and move on to the next step of the calibration wizard. Errors can occur in several ways, e.g., not enough points to fit a line through the data, not enough data points on the left side or on the right side to ensure a good calibration, no data points near zero, and one or more data points that is inconsistent with the rest of the data points. In the case of an error, the error is described to the user, and the user is returned to the interactive calibration screen. The Steering Actuator Calibration of a wheeled tractor relies on the measurements from a successfully calibrated wheel angle sensor (steps 6 and 7) and the safety provided by a successful pressure transducer calibration (step 5). If these earlier steps have not been successfully completed, the results of this calibration will be invalid, and the vehicle control system performance will likely be unacceptable to the user. Therefore, the calibration wizard preferably ensures that these steps have been successfully performed, in the correct order, before beginning this calibration. Step 9—Control System On-Path Gain Tuning Once the sensors and actuators necessary for automatic control have been calibrated, the vehicle steering control system can be tuned. Tuning may not be necessary, especially for a new vehicle for which default controller tuning parameters work well. However, it is generally preferred to have a technique to tune the control system since age and other factors are likely to affect the physical characteristics of the vehicle, such as hydraulic flows and pressures, tire tread and pressure, and components added to the vehicle which affect mass distribution and dynamics. Automatic or “adaptive” techniques for tuning control system gains are well described in the art. Such techniques can easily fit into this calibration wizard process. For example, the calibration wizard can cause the user to choose to always adapt the control system, to only adapt the control system in certain circumstances (such as during periods of large command inputs), to only adapt the control system when a special control system adaptation mode is used, or to never adaptively change the control system. Manual methods of control system tuning are also well understood in the art. Tools such as proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, root locus design, Bode design, Linear Quadratic Regulation (LQR), successive loop closure, pole placement, and H-infinity are just a few of the control system design techniques and tools that are well understood in the art. The important point to note is that, in the preferred embodiment, all of the previously-performed calibration steps must have been performed before the control system is tuned, or the user is likely to experience poor control system results and may even face unsafe vehicle conditions. In the preferred embodiment, one of two control systems is selected by the system depending on the state of the vehicle relative to the desired vehicle path. The first, called On-Path mode, is used when the vehicle is very close to the path it is attempting to follow. The second, called Line Acquisition mode, is used when the vehicle is not near the desired path. For the preferred On-Path control system, a successive loop closure approach is used. For a wheeled tractor, the inner-most loop is wheel angle, or steering, control; the second loop is heading control; and the third loop is lateral position control, including an integral control term on lateral position. For such a control system, it is generally preferred, especially on the first pass at gain tuning, to tune these gains in this order (from inner (or first) loop to outer (or third) loop). The calibration guides the user to perform these steps in the preferred order. The steering gain is tuned using the interactive screen shown in FIG. 50. The user can engage the steering system by pressing the GO button. When steering is engaged, the GO button turns into a STOP button. Pressing the STOP button disengages the steering system. While steering is engaged, the user can command the vehicle to steer in circles of different radii. For example, the button “40L” drives the vehicle in a 40 meter radius circle to the left, and the button “20R” drives the vehicle in a 20 meter radius circle to the right. By pressing different buttons while driving the vehicle, the user can watch the steering behavior as the vehicle transitions from circles with different radii and adjust the steering control gain accordingly. An on-screen plot shows the user how quickly the transition occurred and whether there was overshoot in the steering response. This is not the only way to perform the steering gain tuning. Other techniques, including automated techniques, are possible and are well understood in the art. Once the user is satisfied with the steering response, the user can “Accept Parameters,” at which point the system will guide the user to the next step of the calibration. The heading gain is tuned using the interactive screen shown in FIG. 51. The user can engage the steering system by pressing the GO button. When steering is engaged, the GO button turns into a STOP button. Pressing the STOP button disengages the steering system. While steering is engaged, the user can command the vehicle to steer to various headings. This controller will only work well if the steering gains have already been tuned adequately. For example, if the button “5L” is pressed, the vehicle will try to steer to a heading that is 5 degrees to the left of the original heading (the heading of the vehicle when the “GO” button was pressed). If the button “15R” is pressed, the vehicle will try to steer to a heading that is 15 degrees to the right of the original heading. By pressing different buttons while driving the vehicle, the user can watch the steering behavior as the vehicle transitions between different headings and adjust the heading control gain accordingly. An on-screen plot shows the user how quickly the transition occurred and whether there was overshoot in the heading response. This is not the only way to perform the heading gain tuning. Other techniques, including automated techniques, are possible and are well understood in the art. Once the user is satisfied with the heading response, the user can “Accept Parameters,” at which point the system will guide the user to the next step of the calibration. The lateral position error gain is tuned using the interactive screen shown in FIG. 52. The user can engage the steering system by pressing the GO button. When steering is engaged, the GO button turns into a STOP button. Pressing the STOP button disengages the steering system. While steering is engaged, the user can command the vehicle to steer in a straight line with various offsets. This controller will only work well if the steering gains and heading gains have already been tuned adequately. For example, if the button “0.1L” is pressed, the vehicle will try to steer along a straight line that is offset 0.1 meters to the left of the original line (the line matching the position and heading of the vehicle when the “GO” button was pressed). If the button “0.25R” is pressed, the vehicle will try to steer along a straight line that is offset 0.25 meters to the right of the original line. By pressing different buttons while driving the vehicle, the user can watch the steering behavior as the vehicle transitions between different offset lines and adjust the lateral position error control gain accordingly. An on-screen plot shows the user how quickly the transition occurred and whether there was overshoot in the lateral error response. The user can also choose to tune the response of the system to a steady lateral error bias by tuning the Integral Rate gain. This can be done in many ways, such as by driving on side hills or by applying steady pressure to a directional braking pedal on the vehicle and observing how quickly the bias is corrected. This is not the only way to perform the lateral error gain and integral rate tuning. Other techniques, including automated techniques, are possible and are well understood in the art. Once the user is satisfied with the lateral error response, the user can “Accept Parameters,” at which point the system will guide the user to the next step of the calibration. Step 10—Control System Line Acquisition Gain Tuning In the preferred embodiment, Line Acquisition mode relies on the gains used for On-Path mode. Therefore, it is desirable to tune line acquisition gains after the On-Path gains have been tuned and On-Path performance is acceptable. If On-Path gains have not been tuned adequately, it will be difficult or impossible to tune line acquisition performance to acceptable levels. The line acquisition gains are tuned using the interactive screen shown in FIG. 53. The user can drive away from a pre-programmed row and engage the steering system by pressing the GO button. By observing how well the vehicle acquires the row, the user can adjust the six gains on the screen to improve performance. The “?” button adjacent to each line acquisition control gain provides a help menu that explains how to tune the gain. These menus could alternatively appear as a line acquisition gain tuning tutorial. A general help screen is shown in FIG. 54. The six screens describing the six specific gain tuning techniques are shown in FIGS. 55-60. This is not the only way to perform the line acquisition gain tuning. Other techniques, including automated techniques, are possible and are well understood in the art. Once the user is satisfied with the line acquisition response, the user can “Accept Parameters,” at which point the system will guide the user to the next step of the calibration. In the preferred embodiment, this is actually the last step of the calibration, so the calibration wizard displays a screen describing that calibration and tuning are now complete, and the user is able to operate the system normally. Hydraulically-Steered Tracked Tractor The calibration steps used to calibrate the steering of a hydraulically-steered tracked tractor are identical or similar to the steps used to calibrate the steering of a wheeled tractor, as described below: Step 1: System Test The System Test is only a minor modification to the System Test described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 2: GPS Master Antenna Location Entry The GPS Master Antenna Location Entry is identical to the GPS Master Antenna Location Entry described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 3: GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration The GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration is identical to the GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 4: Pressure Transducer Calibration The Pressure Transducer Calibration is only a minor modification to the Pressure Transducer Calibration described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 5: Steering Actuator Calibration The Steering Actuator Calibration is only a minor modification to the Steering Actuator Calibration described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 6: Control System Gain Tuning—On-Path Step 7: Control System Gain Tuning—Line Acquisition The Control System Gain Tuning steps (both On-Path and Line Acquisition) are only a minor modification to the Control System Gain Tuning steps described above for a wheeled vehicle. Electronically-Steered Tracked Tractor The calibration steps used to calibrate the steering of an electronically-steered tracked tractor are mostly identical or similar to the steps used to calibrate the steering of a wheeled tractor, as described below: Step 1: System Test The System Test is only a minor modification to the System Test described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 2: GPS Master Antenna Location Entry The GPS Master Antenna Location Entry is identical to the GPS Master Antenna Location Entry described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 3: GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration The GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration is identical to the GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 4: Electronic-Steering Wheel Sensor Calibration The Electronic-Steering Wheel Sensor Calibration is somewhat different that the calibration for a wheeled vehicle. This calibration is described below. Step 5: Steering Actuator Calibration The Steering Actuator Calibration is only a minor modification to the Steering Actuator Calibration described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 6: Control System Gain Tuning—On-Path Step 7: Control System Gain Tuning—Line Acquisition The Control System Gain Tuning steps (both On-Path and Line Acquisition) are only a minor modification to the Control System Gain Tuning steps described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 4—Wheel Sensor Calibration For the example of a particular electronically-steered tracked tractor, the John Deere series 8000T or 9000T tractors, the steering wheel nominally sends three analog voltage signals to steering computer. These voltages indicate the position of the steering wheel in a redundant manner (i.e., any one voltage is sufficient to determine the position of the steering wheel, but three are used so that the computer can reliably sense a failure in one of the signals). One way to steer the vehicle is to program the computer on the vehicle to accept steering commands from a device other that the steering wheel and to use these commands to automatically steer the vehicle. This case is simple and well understood and fits well within the calibration wizard process described here. For the case of an aftermarket steering control system installed on the vehicle, it is not always possible to send steering commands directly to the computer. This could be because the tractor computer is not programmed to accept such commands or because the vehicle manufacturer does not provide this interface to users. When steering commands are not sent directly to the tractor computer through an auxiliary port, it is still possible to steer the vehicle by emulating the voltage signals sent by the steering wheel. When this approach is used, these voltages must be calibrated by the steering control system so that (1) the control system can sense the voltages and determine that the user is trying to turn the wheel (i.e., the steering wheel is not centered), and (2) the control system can generate new voltages to send to the steering computer that are consistent with each other and that represent the desired steering response of the vehicle. FIG. 61 through 66 show the steps used to perform this calibration. First, the user is instructed to center the steering wheel (FIG. 61). When the “Start Averaging” button is pressed, the system averages the sensed voltages for some period of time (for example, 10 seconds) (FIG. 62). These values are then recorded into memory, and the user is instructed to turn the steering wheel hard left (FIG. 63). When the “Start Averaging” button is pressed, the system averages the sensed voltages for some period of time (for example, 10 seconds) (FIG. 64). These values are then recorded into memory, and the user is instructed to turn the steering wheel hard right (FIG. 65). When the “Start Averaging” button is pressed, the system averages the sensed voltages for some period of time (for example,10 seconds) (FIG. 66). Once all three positions have been averaged, if the values are valid, the user is given the option to accept the calibration (FIG. 67). If the calibration is accepted, the values are stored to semi-permanent memory, and the calibration continues to the next step. In the case of an error or if the user does not accept the calibration values, the calibration step is restarted by the calibration wizard. Note that this step of the calibration must be performed before the steering control system is able to accurately steer the vehicle. Therefore, this step is required before any of the subsequent steps, which require the control system to actually steer the vehicle. CAN Bus Steered Tracked Tractor The calibration steps used to calibrate the steering of an CAN Bus steered tracked tractor are identical or similar to the steps used to calibrate the steering of a wheeled tractor, as described below: Step 1: System Test The System Test is only a minor modification to the System Test described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 2: GPS Master Antenna Location Entry The GPS Master Antenna Location Entry is identical to the GPS Master Antenna Location Entry described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 3: GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration The GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration is identical to the GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 4: Steering Actuator Calibration The Steering Actuator Calibration is only a minor modification to the Steering Actuator Calibration described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 5: Control System Gain Tuning—On-Path Step 6: Control System Gain Tuning—Line Acquisition The Control System Gain Tuning steps (both On-Path and Line Acquisition) are only a minor modification to the Control System Gain Tuning steps described above for a wheeled vehicle. Electronically-Steered Rubber Tire Gantry Crane The calibration steps used to calibrate the steering of an electronically-steered rubber tire gantry crane are mostly identical or similar to the steps used to calibrate the steering of a wheeled tractor, as described below: Step 1: System Test The System Test is only a minor modification to the System Test described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 2: GPS Master Antenna Location Entry The GPS Master Antenna Location Entry is identical to the GPS Master Antenna Location Entry described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 3: Wheel Base Measurement Entry The Wheel Base Measurement Entry is identical to the Wheel Base Measurement Entry described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 4: GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration The GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration is identical to the GPS Multi-Antenna Self-Calibration described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 5: Pressure Transducer Calibration The Pressure Transducer Calibration is only a minor modification to the Pressure Transducer Calibration described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 6: Wheel Angle Sensor Calibration The Wheel Angle Sensor Calibration is somewhat different that the calibration for an electronically-steered rubber tire gantry crane. This calibration is described below. Step 7: Control System Gain Tuning—On-Path Step 8: Control System Gain Tuning—Line Acquisition The Control System Gain Tuning steps (both On-Path and Line Acquisition) are only a minor modification to the Control System Gain Tuning steps described above for a wheeled vehicle. Step 6—Wheel Angle Sensor Calibration The next step of the calibration for a rubber tire gantry is the Wheel Angle Sensor Calibration. The overall objective of this calibration is the same as for a wheeled tractor—to map raw wheel angle sensor measurements to a physical wheel angle, an average of the physical wheel angle of the left and right steering tire (it is known in the art that, in many cases, the left and right wheel of a front wheel steered vehicle are designed to be different), an articulation angle, or a characteristic of the physical motion of the vehicle (such as heading rate, or curvature). The preferred embodiment maps the wheel angle sensor to the curvature of the vehicle, where the curvature of the vehicle is the heading rate of the vehicle divided by the speed of the vehicle. There are many ways to perform this calibration. For example, external measurements can be taken to map wheel angle sensor measurements to physical wheel angles. Also, automated procedures for calibrating a sensor using vehicle motion are described in other publications. Such procedures can readily be used within this calibration wizard. These are only provided as examples. There are many other ways to perform this calibration, all of which can be included into the calibration wizard. The preferred technique for performing the wheel angle sensor calibration for a rubber tire gantry is to first guide the user through the process of recording the hard left and hard right values for the wheel angle sensor and then to determine the straight ahead value for the wheel angle sensor using vehicle motion. This is done instead of the circle driving method used for the wheeled tractor because, due to a lack of ground space, it is generally not possible to drive a gantry crane in circles. The calibration wizard first guides the user to turn the wheels to the hard left position and then press the “Continue” button (FIG. 68). The calibration wizard next guides the user to turn the wheels to the hard right position and then press the “Continue” button (FIG. 69). In both of these screens, the user can watch the measured wheel angle value as the wheels move. At the end of these two steps, an error can occur if both numbers are equal or if either number lies outside of the expected range for the sensor. If no error condition exists, the calibration wizard moves on to the next step. The next step of the calibration asks the user to drive the vehicle forward in a straight line for a pre-defined distance (for example, 100 feet) (FIG. 70). After pressing the “Continue” button, the system tracks how far the vehicle has traveled using GPS or some other sensor. The system indicates the distance traveled so far to the user (FIG. 71). Once the full distance has been traveled, the wheel angle measurement for the centered position is computed, e.g., by taking the average wheel angle measurement during the entire straight path. If the line followed by the vehicle is not sufficiently straight, the user is warned, and the straight line driving step of the calibration is restarted. Straightness can be determined in one of many ways. For example, if the difference between the minimum and maximum vehicle heading during the pass exceeds a pre-defined amount (such as 5 degrees), the path may be considered to be not sufficiently straight. The hard left, hard right, and straight ahead wheel angle sensor values are used to compute a best line to fit the data points collected (for example, using a polynomial fit—2nd order polynomial fit is the preferred embodiment). An error is reported to the user, and the calibration is restarted from the beginning if the center value does not lie between the hard left and hard right values. During the straight line driving calibration process, a constant heading bias can also be calibrated (in addition to measuring the straight ahead wheel angle sensor value, as described above). The calibrated heading bias is the difference between the mean measured heading of the vehicle during the pass and the heading of the straight line driven by the vehicle. The heading of the line driven can be computed using the vehicle positions during the pass. For example, a straight line can be fitted through the data using a least-squares technique, or a straight line can be fitted through the first and last point on the line. This is important since a heading bias can have a significant negative impact on control system performance. The forgoing detailed description has described only a few of the many possible implementations of the present invention. For this reason, this detailed description is intended by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation. It is only the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the scope of this invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>For the first time in history, microprocessor, control system, and satellite navigation technologies are being combined to put heavy machine control systems into the hands of agricultural users. In the year 2000, the first hands-free, sub-inch steering control systems were sold in North America. An example of such a system is the AutoFarm™ GPS 5001 AutoSteer™ System by IntergriNautics Corp., which is the assignee of the present invention. Today, thousands of farm vehicles are equipped with vehicle control systems to enable hands-free steering in operational fields. Designing a system to control the motion of vehicles with non-linear sensors and actuators, varying vehicle dimensions, varying dynamic responses, and differing actuators (e.g., steering mechanisms) can be very difficult. Due to the complex nature of farm vehicles and the challenges of steering a huge vehicle to sub-inch precision, accurate system calibration is important to ensure the highest level of vehicle performance. The order in which calibration steps are performed is important to properly calibrate a vehicle control system, and it is not generally obvious which calibration steps must be performed before others. Although some vehicle control systems have a graphical user interface to make the calibration process more user-friendly, the person performing the calibration must still know which calibration steps to perform before others. Accordingly, the calibration of vehicle control systems typically requires a trained expert, such as an engineer or highly-trained technician, who knows the proper order of the calibration steps. It is desired to simplify the installation and calibration procedures of vehicle control systems used on farm and other vehicles so calibration can be performed by a service mechanic or untrained user instead of an engineer or highly-trained technician. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims. By way of introduction, the preferred embodiments described below provide a vehicle control system with user-guided calibration. In one embodiment, a vehicle control system is provided, wherein calibration of the vehicle control system comprises a plurality of calibration steps and wherein at least one of the plurality of calibration steps must be performed before at least one other of the plurality of calibration steps in order for the vehicle control system to control state trajectory of a vehicle within a degree of performance. The vehicle control system comprises an output device and circuitry operative to provide an output, via the output device, that guides a user through the plurality of calibration steps in a particular order to ensure that the at least one of the plurality of calibration steps is performed before the at least one other of the plurality of calibration steps. The circuitry can additionally or alternatively be operative to determine which of the calibration steps, if any, to present as a next calibration step based on whether a given calibration step is successful. Other embodiments are provided, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or in combination with one another. The embodiments will now be described with reference to the attached drawings. | 20040730 | 20070529 | 20060202 | 67987.0 | G06F700 | 1 | BEAULIEU, YONEL | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH USER-GUIDED CALIBRATION | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
|
10,903,857 | ACCEPTED | Security system and method with realtime imagery | A security alarm system that provides secure, realtime video and/or other realtime imagery of a secured location to one or more emergency response agencies over a high-speed communications link, such as an Internet link. Realtime video and/or realtime imagery, along with other useful information is therefore placed directly into the hands of those who are called upon and trained to respond to a potential emergency. As such, the emergency response agencies and their personnel are better informed. This, in turn, allows the personnel to be better prepared in their response to potential emergencies or acts of terrorism, saving manpower, money, lives and reducing the number of false alarms. | 1. A security system comprising: an imaging device positioned at a secured location; a computer system associated with a central monitoring station, said computer system configured to: receive real-time imagery data from said secured location; process the received imagery data; generating additional information associated with the received data; and transmit the received imagery data and the additional information to a computer system associated with a response agency. 2. The security system of claim 1, wherein: the real-time imagery data received from said secured location includes biometric information from an individual located at the secured location; and the computer system associated with the central monitoring station is further configured to analyze the biometric information. 3. The security system of claim 2, wherein: the computer system associated with the central monitoring station is further configured to retrieve information concerning the individual who is present at the secured location based on the analysis of the biometric information; and wherein the additional informational information is the retrieved information concerning the individual. 4. The security system of claim 1, wherein the additional information is automatically generated by the computer system. 5. The security system of claim 1, wherein the additional information is generated by personnel associated with the central monitoring station. 6. The security system of claim 1, wherein the additional information is voice data. 7. The security system of claim 6, wherein the computer system associated with the central monitoring station is configured to transmit the voice data using voice over internet protocol. 8. The security system of claim 1, wherein the additional information is related to the secured location. 9. The security system of claim 8, wherein the additional information reflects a structural attribute associated with the secured location. 10. The security system of claim 8, wherein the additional information reflects a physical condition associated with the secured location. 11. A method of securing a location comprising the steps of: generating real-time imagery data at a secured location; transmitting the real-time imagery data to a central monitoring station over a network connection; processing the received imagery data at the central monitoring station; generating additional information associated with the received imagery data; and transmitting the received imagery data and the additional information to a response agency over a network connection. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the real-time imagery data received from the secured location includes biometric information from an individual located at the secured location 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of: analyzing the biometric information; retrieving information concerning the individual located at the secured location; and wherein the additional information transmitted to the response agency includes the information retrieved concerning the individual located at the secured location. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the additional information is automatically generated by a computer system associated with the central monitoring station. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the additional information is generated by personnel associated with the central monitoring station. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the additional information is voice data. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of transmitting the additional information includes transmitting the additional information over the network using voice over internet protocol. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the additional information is related to the secured location. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the data related to the secured location reflects a structural attribute associated with the secured location. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the data related to the secured location reflects a physical condition associated with the secured location. | This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/339,462, filed on Jan. 10, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/271,744, filed on Oct. 17, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/393,942, filed on Jul. 8, 2002, where the entire content of all three applications are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is directed to security alarm systems, including residential and commercial security alarm systems, as well as other types of security systems designed to safeguard property, people and the public at large against potential emergencies including acts of terrorism. More particularly, the present invention involves enhancing security alarm systems through the use of realtime video or realtime image information, as well as other types of information to assist those who have been entrusted with the job of responding to these situations. 2. Background Information Security alarm systems are widely used to protect property as well as personal safety. Typically, these systems do so by generating an alarm in response to any number of events, such as unauthorized entry, fire, a medical emergency or manual alarm activation. Some systems provide a service which remotely monitors the status of the security alarm system. Thus, if the security alarm system generates an alarm, an alarm notification signal is transmitted via a hardwire and/or wireless communications link to a central station. Upon receiving the alarm notification signal, security service personnel at the central station may attempt to contact the client (i.e., the party at the secured location) to verify the alarm. If it is appropriate to do so, the security service personnel may, upon confirmation of the alarm, contact an emergency response agency (e.g., the police department, the fire department or an emergency medical team). More recently, security services have added video capability to their security alarm systems. Thus, in addition to transmitting an alarm notification signal, the security alarm system also transmits a video signal to the central station. Like the alarm notification signal, the video signal is transmitted from the secured location to the central station over a hardwire and/or wireless connection. While video does provide additional information, the value of that additional information is of limited value if it is not available to the appropriate emergency response agency or agencies and their highly trained professional emergency response personnel. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention enhances security alarm systems, and security services in general, by providing secure realtime video or image information, as well as other pertinent information relating to the emergency, to the appropriate emergency response agency or agencies. The enhancement places realtime video, image or other information directly into the hands of those who are called upon and trained to respond to potential emergencies, such as medical emergencies, fire, threats of violence and even acts of terrorism. These agencies and their personnel are then better informed. This, in turn, allows them to be better prepared in responding to and hopefully preventing such emergencies. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an enhanced security alarm system, and more generally, an enhanced security alarm service with realtime video, or imaging capability, as well as the capability to provide other pertinent and/or critical information. It is also an object of the present invention to provide the appropriate emergency response agency or agencies with realtime video, image or other information so emergency response agency personnel are better informed with respect to a potential emergency. It is still another object of the present invention to provide the appropriate emergency response agency or agencies with realtime imagery and/or other additional information to assist emergency response agency personnel in assessing a potential emergency and in making proper decisions regarding response strategies, manpower and equipment. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned and other objectives are achieved through a security system that includes an imaging device positioned at a secured location and means, associated with a central station, for receiving and processing realtime imagery which is generated by the imaging device and received over a communications link. The system also includes means, associated with an emergency response agency, for receiving, processing and displaying realtime imagery generated by the imaging device and received over a communications link from the central station. In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned and other objectives are achieved through a security system that includes an imaging device positioned at a secured location and a server, which includes means for receiving realtime imagery from the imaging device. The system also includes a computer system associated with a central station, where the computer system comprises means for processing realtime imagery received from the server over a network connection. In addition, the system includes a computer system associated with an emergency response agency, where the computer system comprises means for processing and displaying the realtime imagery which is received over a network connection from the computer system associated with the central station. In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned and other objectives are achieved by a method of securing a location. The method involves generating realtime imagery of a secured location and transmitting this realtime imagery to a security system central station over a network connection. The realtime imagery is then transmitted from the security system central station to an emergency response agency over a network connection. At the emergency response agency, the realtime imagery is displayed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional security alarm system with video capability. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a security alarm system in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a security alarm system providing realtime video for one or more emergency response agencies and emergency response personnel, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 is flowchart illustrating a method for providing secure, realtime video of a secured location to an emergency response agency, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for selecting one or more cameras which provide realtime video for use in a security alarm system, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS To facilitate an understanding of the present invention, reference will be made to a “secured location.” It will be understood that the term “secured location” may refer to residences, commercial properties, public venues, such as hospitals and sports arenas, government facilities, military installations and any other location, outside or inside, which is protected by a security alarm system or, more generally, a security system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be understood that the term “alarm” refers to any type of alarm, unless otherwise specified, such as an alarm which is, for example, activated in response to a forced/unauthorized entry, smoke/fire, a medical emergency or manual alarm activation. FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional security alarm system 100 which has a video capability. As shown, the system 100 includes at least one camera and one or more alarm sensors (i.e., transducers) positioned at a number of secured locations 101-105. The security system 100 also includes a central monitoring station 107 which is typically staffed by personnel employed by a security service. At the central station 107, there is equipment 109 including computer hardware and software that is capable of receiving, processing and displaying the video information which is transmitted from one or more secured locations. The security alarm system 100 depicted in FIG. 1 works in the following manner. When one or more of the alarm sensors positioned, for example, at the secured location 103 detect an alarm condition, an alarm notification signal is transmitted from the secured location 103 to the central station 107, along with a video signal. The video signal is then processed and displayed for security service personnel, who may proceed by placing a telephone call to the secured location 103 to verify the alarm. If the alarm is confirmed, the security service personnel will typically call the local 911 operator or some other designated telephone number assigned to the appropriate emergency response agency. The 911 operator would then relay the information (i.e., the alarm notification) to the appropriate emergency response agency. The emergency response agency, based solely on the telephone call from the 911 operator, then dispatches their own personnel, with little or no additional information which might have been otherwise provided by the video. FIG. 2 illustrates a security alarm system 200 in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As shown, there is a central monitoring station 201 which is connected to a number of secured locations 203207 via a high-speed communications link 209 (e.g., a high-speed telephone or cable connection). At each secured location 203-207, there is at least one video camera and one or more alarm sensors. The central station 201 is also connected via a high-speed communications link to one or more emergency response agencies 211-215. In accordance with the present invention, the central monitoring station 201 may be associated with a private security service or a government agency. In addition, the emergency response agencies may be local, state or federal agencies. If an alarm sensor positioned at secured location 203, for example, detects an alarm condition, an alarm notification signal and a realtime video signal are transmitted to the central monitoring station 201 over the high-speed communications link 209. At the central station 201, the realtime video is received, processed and, if desired, displayed using the computer system 217. Additionally, the realtime video may be recorded, i.e., stored for later use. While FIG. 2 shows the computer system 217 physically located at the central monitoring station 201, it will be understood that the computer system 217 may, in fact, be placed at a location other than the location of the central monitoring station 201. In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the video signal is simultaneously transmitted from the computer system 217 associated with the central station 201 to a computer system, or systems, associated with each of one or more emergency response agencies 211-215. The computer systems associated with the emergency response agencies 211-215 are similar to computer system 217, as they are employed to receive, process and display realtime video. It should be noted that the computer system 217 associated with the central station 201 and the computer systems associated with the emergency response agencies 211-215 may record the realtime video for later use. Like computer system 217, any computer system associated with the one or more emergency response agencies 211-215 may be physically located at the corresponding emergency response agency or, alternatively, placed in a location other than the location of the emergency response agency. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the video would only be displayable at an emergency response agency upon entry of a valid password, thus preventing unauthorized individuals from accessing the video. In other exemplary embodiments, authorization to access the video may or may not be necessary; if required, however, authorization may be automated, thus precluding the need to enter a valid password. By providing realtime video for the emergency response agencies 211-215, the trained personnel at these agencies are better equipped to assess a potential emergency in realtime, as they have been trained to do, and make more timely and informed decisions regarding the way in which they respond. FIG. 3 illustrates, in greater detail, a security alarm system 300 for a given secured location 301, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As shown, there is at least one camera and one or more alarm sensors positioned at the secured location 301. The at least one camera and the one or more alarm sensors communicate with a server 303 over a hardwired and/or wireless connection. The security alarm system 300 includes a computer system 307 associated with the central monitoring station 305. The computer system 307, which comprises hardware and software, is configured to communicate with the server 303 over a high-speed communications link 304. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the communications link 304 is achieved over the Internet, using hardwire (e.g., high-speed telephone or cable lines) and/or wireless technology. It will be understood that the communications link 304 may be achieved over network connections other than Internet connections, for instance, intranet connections, virtual private network (VPN) connections, or a combination thereof. The computer system 307 is also configured to communicate with computer systems, including hardware and software, associated with each of a number of emergency response agencies 309-313 over a high-speed communications link similar to communications link 304. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 shows that the realtime video may also be transmitted to various mobile emergency response units 315-319. In the case of the police department, a mobile emergency response unit may consist of one or more police officers in a police vehicle. In the case of the fire department, a mobile emergency response unit may consist of fire fighting personnel in a fire truck. In the case of an emergency medical team, the mobile response unit may consist of emergency medical technicians in an ambulance. As these emergency response units are mobile, the high-speed communications link between a corresponding emergency response agency, for example, emergency response agency 309 and mobile emergency response unit 315, is achieved, at least in part, by a wireless connection. As one skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the mobile equipment employed by the emergency response units 315-319 to receive, process and display the video might take the form of a laptop computer, a mobile telephone or personal digital assistant, or any other type of portable communications device that is capable of receiving, processing and displaying video over a high-speed communications link, such as an Internet link. By placing the video directly into the hands of the emergency response units, those who are specifically charged with responding to a potential emergency now have a great deal more information to assist them in assessing and responding to the emergency situation. FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting a method of providing realtime video for various emergency response agencies over high-speed communications links in conjunction with a security alarm system, such as the security alarm system 300 in FIG. 3. It will be understood that this method is exemplary and that other methods employing steps similar to those described below may be used to achieve similar results. Furthermore, it will be understood that this method may be implemented through a combination of computer hardware and software associated with the server 303 at the secured location 301, the computer systems associated with the central station 305 and the one or more emergency response agencies 309-313 and, if applicable, the communications devices associated with the mobile emergency response units 315-319. Further still, the method illustrated in FIG. 4 involves the establishment of Internet connections; however, as set forth above, other networks and other network connections may be used. Referring first to step 401, the video 303, following a power-on and initialization process, monitors the status of the one or more sensors positioned at the secured location 301. This step may involve, for example, repeatedly determining the value of a multi-bit data register, where each bit reflects the status of a corresponding alarm sensor. If, in accordance with the “NO” path out of decision step 403, it is determined that the status of the one or more alarm sensors has not changed (i.e., that there is no indication of an alarm situation), the server 303 will continue to monitor the status of the sensors. If, however, the server 303 detects a change in the status of one or more alarm sensors, in accordance with the “YES” path out of decision step 403, the server 303 initiates the process of establishing an Internet connection with the computer system 307 associated with the central station 305 using the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the server 303 and the IP address of the computer system 307, as shown by step 405. As soon as the connection is established, the server 303 transmits an alarm notification signal to the computer system 307, as well as a realtime signal associated with one or more cameras positioned at the secured location 301, per step 407. Upon receiving the alarm notification signal at the central station 305, the realtime video information associated with the realtime video signal is displayed using computer system 307, as indicated by step 409. In a preferred embodiment, information identifying the secured location 301 (e.g., a name or postal address associated with the secured location) is simultaneously displayed along with any other pertinent information that might be of assistance to the security service personnel at the central station 305. Upon receiving the alarm notification signal at the central station 305, a number of emergency response agencies associated with the secured location 301 are identified, as shown in step 411. The process of identifying and, for that matter, selecting these agencies may be achieved by maintaining the identity (e.g., the IP address) of all possible emergency response agencies associated with the secured location. The selection and identification of specific agencies, from amongst the list of all possible agencies, will depend on a number of factors. One factor may be the type of alarm generated at the secured location 301. For this to be a factor, the alarm notification signal transmitted by the server 303 must identify the type of alarm which triggered the transmission of the alarm notification and realtime video signals. Moreover, the computer system 307 must be capable of distinguishing or extracting that information from the alarm notification signal. Another factor may be the address (i.e., the postal address) of the secured location. Thus, for example, if the server 303 transmits an alarm notification signal indicating an unauthorized entry at 115 East Main Street, the police department or, if appropriate, a particular police precinct responsible for the geographical region covering 115 East Main Street would be identified and selected as a result of step 411. If, on the other hand, the alarm notification signal indicated a fire at 115 East Main Street, the fire department would be identified and selected as a result of step 411. In accordance with step 413, once the appropriate emergency response agency (or agencies) has been identified and selected, an Internet connection is established between the computer system 307 and the computer system associated with the identified and selected emergency response agency, for example, emergency response agency 309. Again, the Internet connection would be based on the IP address of computer system 307 and the IP address of the computer system at the emergency response agency 309. Then, in accordance with a preferred embodiment and step 415, the computer system 307 begins transmitting the realtime video signal to the computer system associated with the emergency response agency 309 via the Internet connection. Prior to generating the Internet connection between the computer system 307 and the computer system associated with the selected emergency response agency, in accordance with step 413, it may be desirable to have computer system 307 transmit a message, control signal or the like to the computer associated with the emergency response agency, where the message or control signal provides an alarm notification. In addition, the message or control signal may contain a network address (e.g., a URL). Establishing the Internet connection, per step 413, and initiating the transmission of the realtime video occurs if the emergency response agency personnel navigate to that network address. It should be noted that the alarm notification may be provided in a form other than a network message or control signal. It may, for example, take the form of a telephone call to the emergency response agency, to convey the network address at which the realtime video may be accessed. In order to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing the realtime video signal, the computer system at the emergency response agency 309 may prompt the operator to enter a secure password, as shown in step 417. If the operator does not enter a valid password, in accordance with the “NO” path out of decision step 419, the computer system at the emergency response agency 309 will reprompt the operator. After a number of unsuccessful attempts to enter a valid password, the connection between the computer system 307 and the computer at emergency response agency 309 may be terminated. In one alternative embodiment, the computer system 307 may, after the establishment of the Internet connection with the computer system associated with the emergency response agency 309, require that a valid password be entered before transmitting the realtime video signal to the emergency response agency 309. In either case, the entry of a valid password, in accordance with the “YES” path out of decision step 419 results in realtime video being simultaneously displayed on the computer systems associated with the central station 305 and the emergency response agency 309, per method steps 409 and 421. In another alternative embodiment, entry of a password would be unnecessary. As stated above, authorizing access to the realtime video may be automated in some instances. If, as shown in FIG. 3, the realtime video signal is forwarded from the computer system associated with the emergency response agency 309 to communications equipment associated with one or more mobile response units 315-319, method steps 413-421 depicted in FIG. 4, or substantially similar steps would be executed. The result would include the establishment of an Internet connection, or other network connections as suggested above, between the computer system associated with the emergency response agency 309 and the communications equipment associated with one or more mobile response units 315-319, based on the IP address of the computer system at the emergency response agency 309 and the present mobile IP address of communications equipment associated with each of the one or more mobile response units 315-319, where it will be understood that mobile IP addresses may change during the existence of the Internet connection depending upon the geographical location of the corresponding mobile response unit and the strength of the network signal over which the mobile unit is communicating. In another embodiment of the present invention, an Internet connection may be established between the server 303 at the secured location and a computer system associated with the at least one or more emergency response agencies 309-313. As such, realtime video would be transmitted from the server 303 directly to the one or more emergency response agencies. However, there are advantages associated with routing the realtime video signal through the security service central station 305. One important advantage is, the security service personnel at the central station 305 may be able to prevent the transmission, or terminate the transmission, if it is determined that the alarm is false, before the emergency response agency expends time and manpower responding to the alarm. In still another alternative embodiment, the server 303, as mentioned above, may transmit a video signal that includes video from multiple cameras positioned at the secured location 301. If this is the case, the computer system 307 associated with the central station 305 will distinguish video information associated with one camera from video information associated with another camera or cameras positioned at the secure location 301. This may, for example, be accomplished by including an identification code in the header portion of each video packet transmitted from the server 303, where the identification code identifies the video information contained in the corresponding video packet as being associated with a specific one of the multiple cameras. Further in accordance with this alternative embodiment, the central station 305, by virtue of its ability to distinguish one stream of video information from another, the computer system 307 at the central station 305 can display the video associated with each of the multiple cameras either separately, simultaneously, selectively or in a repetitive, cyclical sequence. FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method that may be employed to handle the selection and display of video from multiple cameras positioned at a secured location. As shown in step 501, the operator at the central station 305, and/or the operator at the emergency response agency 309 selects single camera or, if applicable, multiple camera mode. If the operator selects the single camera mode, in accordance with the “YES” path out of decision step 503, the operator then selects the camera or particular video stream of interest, per step 505. Step 505 may be achieved by displaying a list of cameras from which the operator may select. If there is only one camera positioned at the secured location 301, step 505 may be accomplished automatically, without the need for the operator to make a selection. The video associated with the selected camera would then be displayed, per method step 507 and the “NO” path out of decision step 509, until the process is terminated according to the “YES” path out of decision step 509. If the operator selects the multiple camera mode, in accordance with the “NO” path out of decision step 503, the operator then selects the cameras or video streams of interest, as shown in step 511. The operator then selects the display option according to step 513. As stated, the various display options may include simultaneously displaying each of the multiple video streams, for example, on a split screen or multiple screens, or by displaying each on a full screen in a repeating sequence. The video would then be displayed, according to step 515, based on the operator selections, until the process is terminated per the “YES” path out of decision step 509. Thus far, the present invention has been described in terms of a security alarm system in which realtime video information is transmitted from a video server at a secured location to an appropriate emergency response agency, and possibly, to appropriate mobile emergency response units via a security service central station over high-speed communications links. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate other uses for the present invention. One such alternative use is the ability for a homeowner or business owner (herein “the client”) to periodically check on the secured location. Assuming the high-speed communications link is, once again, implemented over the Internet, the client connects to a web-site associated with the security service central station. Then, through selectable on-screen options, the client establishes a connection with the video server at his or her place of residence or business. Realtime video would then be transmitted to the client, who could then display the video on a desktop or mobile communication device, including an Internet capable mobile telephone or personal digital assistant. Thus, for example, a homeowner would be able to check on things at home, an anxious parent would be able to check on a child, and a business owner would be able to make sure things were secure at his or her place of business. Although the focus thus far has been on realtime video, imaging devices other than video cameras may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Alternative imaging devices may include, for example, infrared (IR) sensors or passive millimeter-wave (PMMW) sensors to name just a few. Like the video camera described above with reference to the security alarm system 300 illustrated in FIG. 3, an alternative imaging device, such as an IR sensor or a PMMW sensor, would be installed and operated in a substantially similar manner. Thus, images generated by any alternative device would be transmitted over a high-speed communications link, such as communications link 304, to the computer system 307 associated with the central station 305. The images would also be transmitted in realtime, as described above, from the computer system 307 to one or more appropriate response agencies 309-313 and/or response units 315-319. As stated, one alternative to the video camera is an IR sensor. IR sensors are well-known. They are particularly common in military imaging applications. IR sensors are capable of detecting heat emissions from objects that are within the sensor's field of view. Objects emitting less heat generally appear relatively dark in an IR image, whereas objects emitting more heat generally appear bright in the IR image. Since IR sensors respond to heat rather than visible light, as do standard video cameras, IR sensors may be used in situations where there is little or no ambient light. Such situations might include providing images of large open areas, such as government or military installations, particularly at night, or large indoor facilities, such as warehouses, where there is, as stated, little or no ambient light. Once again, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 3, realtime IR images would be transmitted over a high-speed communications link 304, to computer system 307 associated with the central station 305, and to similar computer systems associated with the one or more emergency response agencies 309-313 and/or emergency response units 315319. Another alternative to the video camera is the passive millimeterwave (PMMW) sensor. Unlike IR and optical wavelength sensors, PMMW sensors respond to extremely small wavelengths. Consequently, they can penetrate, among other things, opaque solids including fabrics, leather and sheetrock. Moreover, the energy emissivity of objects at these wavelengths is approximately 10× that of IR wavelengths. Accordingly, PMMW sensors would be useful in detecting concealed objects or other contraband made of plastic, metal and other like materials, perhaps at airports, rail and/or bus stations, public gatherings, sporting events and government and/or military facilities. Images of concealed weapons or other potentially dangerous items, as well as images of those concealing them would, as described above in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, be transmitted over a high-speed communications link 304, to computer system 307 associated with the central station 305, and to similar computer systems associated with the one or more emergency response agencies 309-313 and/or emergency response units 315-319. Further in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, information other than realtime images, which could nevertheless assist response agencies respond to potential emergencies, may be transmitted along with the realtime imagery. This additional information would be accessible to the computer system 307, which is associated with the central station 305. Thus, when the computer system 307 receives an alarm notification signal from the server 303, it may employ the identity information contained therein, as explained above and retrieve any additional information. The additional information would then be available for transmission to the one or more emergency response agencies 309-313, along with the realtime imagery. In one example, the additional information may provide a cursory assessment of the potential emergency situation. For instance, the additional information may define the type of alarm that was generated at the secured location 301 (e.g., fire, unauthorized entry, medical emergency). The additional information may describe the extent of the potential emergency, such as, the degree to which a fire has spread throughout the secured location 301. Still further, the additional information may simply establish that one or more individuals appear to be present at the secured location 301. Regardless, it will be appreciated that this additional information may be automatically generated by the computer system 307, associated with the central monitoring station 305, and forwarded to the one or more emergency response agencies 309-313. Alternatively, the additional information may be generated by security service personnel and forwarded over the high-speed communications link in the form of a text signal, a voice signal, or various equivalents thereof. In another example, the additional information may include data relating to the secured location 301. This additional information may relate, for example, to a structural attribute(s) associated with the secured location, such as a building layout, a floor plan or locations of cameras positioned throughout the secured location. Thus, if the realtime imagery indicates an intruder at the secured location 301, the additional information may provide law enforcement personnel the location of all possible escape routes. In the event of a fire, such information may provide the best way into and out of a building. Alternatively, the additional information may specify items or things maintained at the secured location (e.g., hazardous materials). Having this information might provide an indication as to what an intruder is seeking at the secured location. Still further, the additional information may convey certain conditions at the secured location, for example, the temperature, pressure, toxicity levels or the presence of particular chemical compounds in the air. Of course, in order to convey this latter information, the security system in place at the secured location would have to include the appropriate sensors. In still another example, the additional information may provide data about a particular person or persons who have been detected from analyzing the realtime imagery. For instance, certain imaging sensors that have the capability to provide very high resolution images may be employed to provide facial, thumb, eye or other biometric scans. This information may be transmitted to the computer system 307 at central station 305. The computer system 307 could then analyze the biometric information, for example, by comparing the biometric information to information stored in a database to which the computer system 307 has access. If, based on the analysis of the biometric information, a concern arises over a given individual entering the secure location, property, building or event, an alarm or other similar signal may be generated in order to alert the appropriate emergency response agency. Moreover, the realtime images of and/or additional information relating to the secured location, property, building or event, as well as information relating to the individual may be transmitted to the appropriate emergency response agency in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as described herein. Consider, for instance, a sports event which is attended by tens-of thousands of spectators. In accordance with the above-identified example, each spectator, upon entering the sports venue, would knowingly or unknowingly be exposed to a facial scan. The facial scans would be transmitted to computer system 307 which, in turn, compares the facial scans to data stored in a database (e.g., a government database). It will be understood that the computer system 307 in the present example may be located at, or more generally stated, associated with a government agency such as the National Security Agency (NSA). If a comparison between a given facial scan and data stored in the database gives rise to a security concern over a particular individual, the computer system 307 may generate an alarm signal or an equivalent thereof in order to immediately notify the appropriate emergency response agency, or agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In addition, personal information about that individual, stored in the database, or other databases, may be immediately accessed and transmitted to the emergency response agency, as well as realtime imagery of the sports venue and/or other related information (e.g., the section, row and seat number on the ticket the individual presented upon entering the sports venue), in order to assist emergency response agency personnel in locating and/or tracking the individual within the sports venue. In yet another example, the additional information may take the form of sound. A sensor, such as a microphone, or multiple sensors could be strategically positioned about the secure location 301 (e.g., the sensors may be colocated with each of the one or more cameras positioned at the secure location 301). Like the realtime video, or other realtime imagery, the sound signals generated by the sensor, or sensors, would be transmitted to the computer system 307 over a high-speed communications link 304, and ultimately to the computer systems associated with the emergency response agencies 309-313 and/or the emergency response units 315-319. Moreover, sound reproduction devices may also be positioned at the secure location 301, in order to facilitate two-way communication between emergency response personnel and one or more individuals at the secure location 301, should doing so prove to be advantageous. In a related example, the additional information may take the form of voice data, where the voice data may be transmitted from the secured location 301 to the computer system 307 at the central monitoring station 305, and from there to the appropriate one or more emergency response agencies 309-313 and/or emergency response units 315-319. Likewise, voice data may be transmitted from an emergency response unit or agency to the secured location. The transmission of said voice data may be achieved over the network or any portion thereof using Internet Voice or, as it is more commonly known, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). In general, VoIP permits parties to place telephone calls or communicate voice over a broadband network connection using packet switching technology. VoIP is well-known. This added feature, however, will provide an efficient and convenient way for emergency response personnel to communicate with one or more parties at or in the secured location 301, be they additional emergency response personnel, property owners, victims or otherwise. In accordance with one embodiment employing VoIP, voice transmission and receive equipment may be located at one or more positions at or in the secured location 301. The equipment may include, for example, a speaker(s), a receiver(s) and a codec(s) for converting the voice signals to and from digital signals. Upon the generation of an alarm signal, a channel may be established between an IP address associated with the secured location 301 and an IP address associated with the compute system 307 at the central monitoring station 305, one or more emergency response agencies 309-313 and/or one or more emergency response units 315-319. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the high speed communications link 304 may be employed to carry signals to the imaging sensor at the secured location 301 for the purpose of controlling, for example, the field of view of the image sensor, the image focus, or which of several sensors are to provide imagery at a given time. The ability to remotely control one or more image sensors at the secured location 301, using control signals transmitted over a high-speed communications link, along with some of the aforementioned additional information such as a building layout or floor plan, may provide emergency response personnel with the ability to follow (i.e., track) a person or ongoing situation in realtime, thereby enhancing the agency's chances of apprehending the person or averting the emergency situation. It is clear that numerous modifications and alternative embodiments and aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. The above description is to be construed as illustrative only, and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. The details of the present invention described above may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the exclusive use of any modification which comes within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention is directed to security alarm systems, including residential and commercial security alarm systems, as well as other types of security systems designed to safeguard property, people and the public at large against potential emergencies including acts of terrorism. More particularly, the present invention involves enhancing security alarm systems through the use of realtime video or realtime image information, as well as other types of information to assist those who have been entrusted with the job of responding to these situations. 2. Background Information Security alarm systems are widely used to protect property as well as personal safety. Typically, these systems do so by generating an alarm in response to any number of events, such as unauthorized entry, fire, a medical emergency or manual alarm activation. Some systems provide a service which remotely monitors the status of the security alarm system. Thus, if the security alarm system generates an alarm, an alarm notification signal is transmitted via a hardwire and/or wireless communications link to a central station. Upon receiving the alarm notification signal, security service personnel at the central station may attempt to contact the client (i.e., the party at the secured location) to verify the alarm. If it is appropriate to do so, the security service personnel may, upon confirmation of the alarm, contact an emergency response agency (e.g., the police department, the fire department or an emergency medical team). More recently, security services have added video capability to their security alarm systems. Thus, in addition to transmitting an alarm notification signal, the security alarm system also transmits a video signal to the central station. Like the alarm notification signal, the video signal is transmitted from the secured location to the central station over a hardwire and/or wireless connection. While video does provide additional information, the value of that additional information is of limited value if it is not available to the appropriate emergency response agency or agencies and their highly trained professional emergency response personnel. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention enhances security alarm systems, and security services in general, by providing secure realtime video or image information, as well as other pertinent information relating to the emergency, to the appropriate emergency response agency or agencies. The enhancement places realtime video, image or other information directly into the hands of those who are called upon and trained to respond to potential emergencies, such as medical emergencies, fire, threats of violence and even acts of terrorism. These agencies and their personnel are then better informed. This, in turn, allows them to be better prepared in responding to and hopefully preventing such emergencies. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an enhanced security alarm system, and more generally, an enhanced security alarm service with realtime video, or imaging capability, as well as the capability to provide other pertinent and/or critical information. It is also an object of the present invention to provide the appropriate emergency response agency or agencies with realtime video, image or other information so emergency response agency personnel are better informed with respect to a potential emergency. It is still another object of the present invention to provide the appropriate emergency response agency or agencies with realtime imagery and/or other additional information to assist emergency response agency personnel in assessing a potential emergency and in making proper decisions regarding response strategies, manpower and equipment. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned and other objectives are achieved through a security system that includes an imaging device positioned at a secured location and means, associated with a central station, for receiving and processing realtime imagery which is generated by the imaging device and received over a communications link. The system also includes means, associated with an emergency response agency, for receiving, processing and displaying realtime imagery generated by the imaging device and received over a communications link from the central station. In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned and other objectives are achieved through a security system that includes an imaging device positioned at a secured location and a server, which includes means for receiving realtime imagery from the imaging device. The system also includes a computer system associated with a central station, where the computer system comprises means for processing realtime imagery received from the server over a network connection. In addition, the system includes a computer system associated with an emergency response agency, where the computer system comprises means for processing and displaying the realtime imagery which is received over a network connection from the computer system associated with the central station. In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned and other objectives are achieved by a method of securing a location. The method involves generating realtime imagery of a secured location and transmitting this realtime imagery to a security system central station over a network connection. The realtime imagery is then transmitted from the security system central station to an emergency response agency over a network connection. At the emergency response agency, the realtime imagery is displayed. | 20040802 | 20080129 | 20050331 | 66587.0 | 12 | CROSLAND, DONNIE L | SECURITY SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH REALTIME IMAGERY | SMALL | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,903,938 | ACCEPTED | Metal capacitor stacked with a MOS capacitor to provide increased capacitance density | An on-chip capacitive device comprises a semiconductor substrate, a MOS capacitor formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a metal interconnect capacitor formed at least in part in a region above the MOS capacitor. The MOS capacitor and the metal interconnect capacitor are connected in parallel to form a single capacitive device. The capacitance densities of the MOS capacitor and the metal interconnect capacitor are, thereby, combined. Advantageously, significant capacitance density gains can be achieved without additional processing steps. | 1. An integrated circuit comprising: a semiconductor substrate; a MOS capacitor formed on the semiconductor substrate; and a metal interconnect capacitor formed at least in part in a region above the MOS capacitor; wherein the MOS capacitor and the metal interconnect capacitor are connected in parallel to form a single capacitive device. 2. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein the MOS capacitor comprises: one or more first terminals formed in the semiconductor substrate near the surface of the semiconductor substrate; a dielectric formed on top of the semiconductor substrate; and one or more second terminals formed on top of the dielectric, at least one second terminal overlapping at least one first terminal. 3. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein the MOS capacitor includes one or more first terminals comprising n-doped regions formed in the semiconductor substrate near the surface of the semiconductor substrate. 4. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein the MOS capacitor includes one or more first terminals comprising p-doped regions formed in the semiconductor substrate near the surface of the semiconductor substrate. 5. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein the MOS capacitor comprises a dielectric containing silicon dioxide formed on top of the semiconductor substrate. 6. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein the MOS capacitor comprises: a dielectric formed on top of the semiconductor substrate; and one or more second terminals comprising polysilicon formed on top of the dielectric. 7. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein the MOS capacitor is operative in an accumulation regime. 8. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein the MOS capacitor is operative in an inversion regime. 9. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein the metal interconnect capacitor includes one metal level comprising two or more patterned metal features separated by a dielectric. 10. The integrated circuit of claim 9 wherein the two or more metal features are arranged so they are interdigitated. 11. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein the metal interconnect capacitor comprises: two or more metal levels, each metal level comprising two or more patterned metal features separated by a dielectric; and a plurality of vertical contacts that electrically connect patterned metal features in one metal level to patterned metal features in a different metal level. 12. The integrated circuit of claim 11 wherein the two or more patterned metal features on at least one metal level are arranged so they are interdigitated. 13. The integrated circuit of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of vertical contacts that electrically connect the MOS capacitor to the metal interconnect capacitor. 14. The integrated circuit of claim 13 wherein the MOS capacitor comprises: one or more first terminals formed in the semiconductor substrate near the surface of the semiconductor substrate; and a plurality of source/drain regions doped at a concentration greater than about 1018 cm−3 formed in the one or more first terminals at those locations where vertical contacts land on a first terminal. 15. The integrated circuit of claim 14 wherein each source/drain region is doped with dopants of the same conductive type as the dopant used in the respective first terminal that the source/drain region occupies. 16. A method of forming an integrated circuit comprising: forming a MOS capacitor on a semiconductor substrate; and forming a metal interconnect capacitor at least in part in a region above the MOS capacitor; wherein the MOS capacitor and the metal interconnect capacitor are connected in parallel to form a single capacitive device. 17. A method for forming an integrated circuit of claim 16 wherein forming the MOS capacitor does not require additional processing steps over the processing steps required to form the remainder of the integrated circuit. 18. A method for forming an integrated circuit of claim 16 wherein forming the metal interconnect capacitor does not require additional processing steps over the processing steps required to form the remainder of the integrated circuit. 19. An on-chip capacitive device comprising: a semiconductor substrate; a MOS capacitor formed on the semiconductor substrate; and a metal interconnect capacitor formed at least in part in a region above the MOS capacitor; wherein the MOS capacitor and the metal interconnect capacitor are connected in parallel. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to integrated circuits, and more specifically to capacitive devices in integrated circuits. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As analog circuits have been integrated with digital circuits on Complementary-Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuits, the capacitor has come to dominate analog circuit design. In many cases, capacitor devices consume a large part of an integrated circuit's total area. As a result, decreasing the size of capacitor devices will allow an integrated circuit to be smaller, and, thereby, allow the integrated circuit to be produced more cost effectively. Integrated circuits typically contain one or more of three types of capacitors. The first type is a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS) capacitor. In such a device, the near-surface region of a doped semiconductor substrate acts as one terminal of the capacitor. The gate conductor is used as the other terminal, and the gate oxide acts as the capacitor dielectric. The second type of capacitor is formed using two or more metal interconnects. Typically, two metal lines are electrically biased to opposite polarities and are placed in close proximity to one another in order to form the terminals of the capacitor. A dielectric material such as silicon dioxide fills the region between the interconnects. The metal lines may be interdigitated to increase the effective capacitive area of the device. An example of an interdigitated metal interconnect capacitor can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,858 to Gupta et al., which is incorporated by reference. Finally, the third type of capacitor comprises a Metal-Isolation-Metal (MIM) capacitor. In such a device, a regular metal interconnect feature acts as one terminal of the capacitor. A specially deposited thin dielectric and a specially deposited metal level act to create the dielectric and second terminal, respectively. Each of the three types of capacitors has substantial limitations when used alone. Among the above-mentioned devices, the MOS capacitor provides the highest capacitance density, typically 4-13 fF/μm2 in 0.13 μm and 90 nm technologies, depending on the gate dielectric thickness. However, MOS capacitors do not make use of the space above the capacitor for creating additional capacitance. Typically, the space above the MOS capacitor is blocked off from levels of metallization. Moreover, capacitors created by metal interconnects suffer from low capacitance and, as a result, by themselves are not an area-efficient way to create capacitive devices on integrated circuits. Typical capacitance density is approximately 1-2 fF/μm2. Likewise, MIM capacitors have low capacitance density, approximately 1 fF/μm2, and, as a result, are also not area efficient. Moreover, the forming of MIM capacitors requires at least two additional lithographic masks and their associated processing. Cost of implementation, therefore, may be very high. For the foregoing reasons, a new capacitive device with a higher capacitance density and without additional implementation costs is highly desirable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention addresses the above-identified need by providing a novel design for effectively increasing capacitance density without increasing processing costs. The design achieves this by stacking vertically MOS capacitors with metal interconnect capacitors and providing interconnection in such a way as to combine capacitance densities. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an on-chip capacitive device comprises a semiconductor substrate, a MOS capacitor formed on the substrate, and a metal interconnect capacitor formed at least in part in a region above the MOS capacitor. The MOS capacitor and the metal interconnect capacitor are connected in parallel to form a single capacitive device. The capacitance densities of the MOS capacitor and the metal interconnect capacitor are, thereby, combined. Compared to the MOS capacitor alone, a design incorporating an illustrative embodiment of the present invention will increase the capacitance density by approximately 7-50%. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the MOS capacitor comprises a first terminal formed in the semiconductor substrate near the surface of the semiconductor substrate, a dielectric formed on top of the substrate, and a second terminal formed on top of the dielectric. The second terminal substantially overlaps the first terminal. The metal interconnect capacitor, on the other hand, comprises five metal levels formed in the region above the MOS capacitor, each metal level containing two patterned metal features separated by a dielectric. A plurality of vertical contacts connects patterned metal features in one metal level to patterned metal features in other metal levels. To gain the ultimate capacitance density advantage, additional vertical contacts are used to connect the MOS capacitor and metal interconnect capacitor in parallel. Advantageously, formation of the on-chip capacitive device in the illustrative embodiment does not require additional processing steps over the processing steps required to form the remainder of the integrated circuit. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A shows a sectional view of an on-chip capacitive device consistent with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1B shows another sectional view of the FIG. 1A capacitive device with the cutting plane perpendicular to that in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C shows the physical layout of the gate and diffusion levels of the FIG. 1A capacitive device. FIG. 1D shows the physical layout of the first metal level, “M1,” of the FIG. 1A capacitive device. FIG. 1E shows the physical layout of the second metal level, “M2,” of the FIG. 1A capacitive device. FIG. 2 shows an electrical schematic of an equivalent circuit of the FIG. 1A capacitive device. FIG. 3 shows a packaged integrated circuit consistent with FIG. 1A capacitive device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The vertical direction is defined herein as that direction normal to the surface of the substrate. The horizontal direction is defined herein as that direction parallel to the surface of the substrate. The term “level” is defined herein as a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate containing one or more patterned features. The term “capacitance density” is defined herein as capacitance per unit area of the integrated circuit. The present invention will be illustrated below in conjunction with an illustrative embodiment of an on-chip capacitive device. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the particular circuitry arrangements of the illustrative embodiment. For example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the conductivity types of the devices in a given circuit design may be reversed, e.g., n-type devices may be replaced by p-type devices. These and other modifications to the illustrative embodiment will be apparent to those skilled in the art. FIGS. 1A-1E combine to show an on-chip capacitive device comprising aspects of the present invention. The on-chip device comprises two sub-elements: a MOS capacitor and a metal interconnect capacitor. A plurality of vertical contacts is used to connect the respective sub-elements in such a way as to combine their respective capacitance densities. The MOS capacitor of the illustrative embodiment is shown most clearly in FIGS. 1A-1C. The MOS capacitor comprises a substrate 100, a gate conductor 200, a dielectric 300, and a n-doped region 110 formed in the substrate. Moreover, the MOS capacitor further comprises highly n-doped source/drain regions 120 formed in those places where vertical contacts land. The operation of the MOS capacitor will be apparent to one skilled in the art. In the illustrative embodiment, the application of a positive electrical bias to the gate 200 relative to the n-doped region 110 will induce positive charge on the gate. In response to the associated electric field, the n-doped region 110 supplies negatively-charged majority carriers (electrons) to the surface region of the substrate nearest the gate 200. In this “accumulation” regime, the capacitance versus bias characteristics will be relatively flat, and the MOS capacitor will act very much like a conventional parallel plate capacitor. Alternatively, a negative electrical bias can be applied the gate 200 relative to the n-doped region 110. In this situation, there are two regimes of capacitance behavior. In the “depletion” regime, negatively-charged majority carriers (electrons) in the n-doped region 110 move away from the surface region of the substrate nearest the gate 200 leaving positively-charged, immobile donor impurities to balance the negative charge on the gate. This has the effect of increasing the “effective” dielectric thickness and thereby decreasing the capacitance of the device. In the “inversion” regime, the value of the negative charge on the gate 200 is sufficiently large to induce a large number of positively-charged minority carriers (holes) to migrate to the surface region of the substrate nearest the gate. In this regime, the MOS capacitor again behaves like a parallel plate capacitor so long as the bias voltage is held constant or only modulated at low frequency. Accordingly, high capacitance values can be achieved with the MOS capacitor in either the accumulation or inversion regimes. Referring to FIG. 1C, it can be observed that both the gate 200 and the n-doped region 110 are patterned as single plates that occupy the majority of the area comprising the entire on-chip capacitive device. Such a shape is preferable because it will tend to maximize the total capacitance achieved by the MOS capacitor. However, it is to be appreciated that many other shapes are possible in accordance with this invention. For instance, the gate and diffusion levels can be patterned as a plurality of discrete lines or as combinations of lines and plates. Now referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, heavily doped source/drain regions 120 are preferably formed where vertical contacts land on the n-doped region 110. The vertical contacts are commonly filled with doped polysilicon, tungsten or aluminum. One skilled in the art will recognize that the heavily doped source/drain regions help to eliminate the unwanted non-ohmic current-voltage characteristics inherent in metal-to-semiconductor contacts. With sufficient doping of the source/drain regions, nearly ohmic contacts can be produced with near-linear current-voltage characteristics in both directions of current flow and with relatively low contact resistance. For instance, nearly ohmic contact behavior can be obtained between an aluminum contact and n-type silicon if the surface concentration of the dopant in the silicon is greater than about 1019 cm−3. The MOS capacitor is preferably formed using the same processing steps used to form other circuit structures in the remainder of the integrated circuit. The formation of the MOS capacitor, thereby, does not demand additional processing steps with their associated costs. For instance, the dielectric 300 is preferably formed at the same time a gate oxide layer or a sacrificial oxide layer is formed in the remainder of the integrated circuit. Likewise, the n-doped regions, the source/drain regions, and the gates would be formed when creating these same types of structures in other parts of the integrated circuit. Gates 200 may comprise polysilicon or other suitable gate materials. The dielectric 300 may comprise silicon dioxide or other suitable dielectrics. Methods for forming such structures are commonly practiced in the semiconductor processing art and will be known to those skilled in this art. These processing steps include, but are not limited to: deposition, growth, etching, lithography, polishing, cleaning, stripping, annealing and ion implanting. These processing steps are described in detail in a number of publications, including S. Wolf and R. N. Tauber, Silicon Processing for the VLSI Era, Volume 1 (1986), which is incorporated by reference. The sub-elements of the illustrative embodiment's metal interconnect capacitor are also shown in FIGS. 1A-1E. The metal interconnect capacitor comprises five metal levels, labeled “M1” through “M5,” respectively. The first metal level, M1, lies closest to the substrate. Each metal level contains two patterned metal features that are in close proximity to one another but are not in touching contact. Each patterned metal feature, in turn, comprises a plurality of metal fingers to create capacitive plates, and one or more contact busses to interconnect the fingers and allow interconnection with other levels. Referring to FIGS. 1D and 1E, M1 level comprises metal contact busses 410, 412 and 414, and metal fingers, represented collectively by 411 and 415. M2 level comprises metal contact busses 420 and 424, and metal fingers, represented collectively by 422 and 426. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, dielectric 304 fills the regions between the metal features and a plurality of metal contacts, represented collectively by vertical contacts 510 and 514, interconnects the various metal levels. There are various methods by which the capacitance density of a metal interconnect capacitor can be increased. In the illustrative embodiment, the two patterned metal features comprising a given metal level are interdigitated. That is, each metal feature is shaped like a metal comb, wherein metal fingers extend from a larger bus that interconnects the various fingers. The fingers of the two metal features are placed such that they are interdigitated as shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E, and dielectric 304 fills the regions between the fingers. The interdigitation of the metal features increases the effective area of the capacitive elements. Like in a simple parallel plate capacitor, the greater the effective area of the metal features, the greater the capacitance density of the device. While the interdigitation of comb features provides the preferable means of increasing this effective area, one should note that many alternative configurations could also be utilized and still come within the scope of this invention. For example, the metal features could be arranged in concentric rings. A second method of increasing the capacitance density of the metal interconnect capacitor is by stacking metal levels vertically and then wiring each level such that the capacitance of each level is additive. One skilled in the art will recognize that the capacitance of two or more capacitors wired in parallel is the sum of the capacitance of each individual capacitor. Accordingly, a plurality of vertical contacts 510, 514 is utilized in the illustrative embodiment to electrically connect the metal features of the various metal levels so that the capacitive elements of each level act in parallel. In other words, the vertical contacts 510, 514 branch the electrical current going to the various metal features so that a portion of the current flows through each metal terminal. Finally, increases in capacitance density can be achieved by spacing the metal features of the metal interconnect capacitor closer to one another and by use of a dielectric material with a higher dielectric constant. Typically, the process used to form the metal features will determine the maximum metal line width and minimum spacing between the lines. For instance, the minimum spacing between features is frequently limited by the capabilities of lithography and reactive ion etching. When this minimum spacing is violated, an electrical short may be formed between adjacent terminals and the device will not be functional. The use of an interlevel dielectric with a higher dielectric constant will also increase the capacitance density of the capacitive device, but, if used in the remainder of the integrated circuit, will also increase the unwanted parasitic capacitance of the metal interconnects outside the capacitive device. This will result in higher RC (resistance-capacitance) induced time delays for these interconnects that are usually unacceptable in higher performance integrated circuits. As a result, ideally, a dielectric with a higher dielectric constant could be used in the capacitive device while a dielectric with a lower dielectric constant could be used as the interlevel dielectric in the remainder of the integrated circuit. While possible, such concurrent use would require significant additional processing, including the use of additional lithographic masks. Referring to FIGS. 1B, 1D and 1E, one will note that numerous vertical contacts 510, 514 are utilized to electrically connect one metal level to another metal level. Preferably, as in the illustrative embodiment, numerous vertical contacts connect the various levels so as to reduce the total contact resistance between the metal levels. One skilled in the art will recognize that this has the advantage of avoiding any issues associated with RC induced time delays. Moreover, using more than one contact between any two metal levels reduces the chances that a single defective contact will significantly impact the functionality of the total capacitive device. While the illustrative embodiment is composed of five metal layers, it should be recognized that any number of metal levels greater than or equal to one would fall under the scope of the present invention. Advantageously, the components of the metal interconnect capacitor in the present invention are capable of being formed using the same processing steps utilized for creating the metal interconnect features for the remainder of the integrated circuit. Like the MOS capacitor, these processing steps are commonly practiced and will be known to those skilled in the art. These processing steps include, but are not limited to: deposition, growth, etching, lithography, polishing, cleaning, stripping and annealing. These processing steps are also described in, e.g., S. Wolf and R. N. Tauber, Silicon Processing for the VLSI Era, Volume 1 (1986). The metal features and contacts used in the metal interconnect capacitor may comprise any known metal, including, but not limited to aluminum, tungsten or copper. Moreover, the dielectric 304 may comprise silicon dioxide or some other suitable dielectric. In accordance with the invention, an increased capacitance density for the total on-chip capacitive device is achieved by wiring the MOS capacitor and the metal interconnect capacitor in parallel. Doing so, again, creates the situation wherein the capacitances of the two types of capacitors are additive. One method by which vertical contacts are used to interconnect the two types of capacitors in the illustrative embodiment is best shown in FIG. 1B. As mentioned earlier, a plurality of vertical contacts 510, 514 connects the metal features on each metal level to like features on other metal levels such that the levels of the metal interconnect capacitor are wired in parallel. Moreover, vertical contacts, represented collectively by vertical contact 520, electrically connect metal contact bus 414 of M1 to the gate 200. Finally, vertical contacts, represented collectively by vertical contact 500, electrically connect metal contact busses 410 and 412 of M1 to the n-doped region 110. As discussed previously with respect to vertical contacts 510, 514, numerous vertical contacts are preferably utilized to connect the various M1 contact busses to the gate 200 and to the n-doped region 110. As before, the reason for using a plurality of contacts is to reduce total contact resistance and provide some redundancy for defective contacts. Of course, the particular number of contacts used may be varied in alternative embodiments. FIG. 1B shows the capacitance achieved by the MOS capacitor, “C1,” and the capacitance achieved by the metal interconnect capacitor, collectively marked “C2.” FIG. 2 shows the equivalent circuit schematic of the illustrative embodiment. The equivalent circuit shows to C1 wired in parallel to C2. The result is an on-chip capacitive device wherein the capacitance density is the sum of the capacitance densities of the MOS capacitor and the metal interconnect capacitor. When compared to a MOS capacitor alone, an approximately 7-50% gain in capacitance density will be achieved. This benefit can, advantageously, be accomplished without additional processing steps. In implementing an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of identical die are typically formed in a repeated manner on a surface of a wafer. Each die includes a device described herein, and may include other structures or circuits. The individual die are cut or diced from the wafer, then packaged as an integrated circuit. FIG. 3 shows an integrated circuit die consistent with this invention packaged in a typical plastic leadframe package. The packaged die comprises a leadframe 600, the die 604, and a plastic mold 608. One skilled in the art would know how to dice wafers and package die to produce integrated circuits. Integrated circuits so manufactured are considered part of this invention. It should also be emphasized that the particular embodiments of the invention as described herein are intended to be illustrative only. For example, as previously noted, different device conductivity types can be used in the MOS capacitor. Also, the number and configuration of metal layers in the metal interconnect capacitor may be varied, as well as their manner of interconnection with each other and with the MOS capacitor. In addition, other embodiments of the invention may use significantly different structural arrangements of the various elements. These numerous other alternative embodiments within the scope of the following claims will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>As analog circuits have been integrated with digital circuits on Complementary-Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuits, the capacitor has come to dominate analog circuit design. In many cases, capacitor devices consume a large part of an integrated circuit's total area. As a result, decreasing the size of capacitor devices will allow an integrated circuit to be smaller, and, thereby, allow the integrated circuit to be produced more cost effectively. Integrated circuits typically contain one or more of three types of capacitors. The first type is a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS) capacitor. In such a device, the near-surface region of a doped semiconductor substrate acts as one terminal of the capacitor. The gate conductor is used as the other terminal, and the gate oxide acts as the capacitor dielectric. The second type of capacitor is formed using two or more metal interconnects. Typically, two metal lines are electrically biased to opposite polarities and are placed in close proximity to one another in order to form the terminals of the capacitor. A dielectric material such as silicon dioxide fills the region between the interconnects. The metal lines may be interdigitated to increase the effective capacitive area of the device. An example of an interdigitated metal interconnect capacitor can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,858 to Gupta et al., which is incorporated by reference. Finally, the third type of capacitor comprises a Metal-Isolation-Metal (MIM) capacitor. In such a device, a regular metal interconnect feature acts as one terminal of the capacitor. A specially deposited thin dielectric and a specially deposited metal level act to create the dielectric and second terminal, respectively. Each of the three types of capacitors has substantial limitations when used alone. Among the above-mentioned devices, the MOS capacitor provides the highest capacitance density, typically 4-13 fF/μm 2 in 0.13 μm and 90 nm technologies, depending on the gate dielectric thickness. However, MOS capacitors do not make use of the space above the capacitor for creating additional capacitance. Typically, the space above the MOS capacitor is blocked off from levels of metallization. Moreover, capacitors created by metal interconnects suffer from low capacitance and, as a result, by themselves are not an area-efficient way to create capacitive devices on integrated circuits. Typical capacitance density is approximately 1-2 fF/μm 2 . Likewise, MIM capacitors have low capacitance density, approximately 1 fF/μm 2 , and, as a result, are also not area efficient. Moreover, the forming of MIM capacitors requires at least two additional lithographic masks and their associated processing. Cost of implementation, therefore, may be very high. For the foregoing reasons, a new capacitive device with a higher capacitance density and without additional implementation costs is highly desirable. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention addresses the above-identified need by providing a novel design for effectively increasing capacitance density without increasing processing costs. The design achieves this by stacking vertically MOS capacitors with metal interconnect capacitors and providing interconnection in such a way as to combine capacitance densities. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an on-chip capacitive device comprises a semiconductor substrate, a MOS capacitor formed on the substrate, and a metal interconnect capacitor formed at least in part in a region above the MOS capacitor. The MOS capacitor and the metal interconnect capacitor are connected in parallel to form a single capacitive device. The capacitance densities of the MOS capacitor and the metal interconnect capacitor are, thereby, combined. Compared to the MOS capacitor alone, a design incorporating an illustrative embodiment of the present invention will increase the capacitance density by approximately 7-50%. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the MOS capacitor comprises a first terminal formed in the semiconductor substrate near the surface of the semiconductor substrate, a dielectric formed on top of the substrate, and a second terminal formed on top of the dielectric. The second terminal substantially overlaps the first terminal. The metal interconnect capacitor, on the other hand, comprises five metal levels formed in the region above the MOS capacitor, each metal level containing two patterned metal features separated by a dielectric. A plurality of vertical contacts connects patterned metal features in one metal level to patterned metal features in other metal levels. To gain the ultimate capacitance density advantage, additional vertical contacts are used to connect the MOS capacitor and metal interconnect capacitor in parallel. Advantageously, formation of the on-chip capacitive device in the illustrative embodiment does not require additional processing steps over the processing steps required to form the remainder of the integrated circuit. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. | 20040730 | 20100803 | 20060202 | 99617.0 | H01L2120 | 0 | LUU, CHUONG A | METAL CAPACITOR STACKED WITH A MOS CAPACITOR TO PROVIDE INCREASED CAPACITANCE DENSITY | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H01L | 2,004 |
|
10,904,029 | ACCEPTED | Diiodothyroacetic acid and method of use | The present invention relates to a method of administering an effective amount of a diiodothyroacetic acid in order to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass in human individuals. | 1. A method of promoting lean body mass in a human individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual a lean body mass promoting effective amount of diiodothyroacetic acid. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said diiodothyroacetic acid consists of 3,3′ diiodothyroacetic acid and 3,5 diiodothyroacetic acid. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said diiodothyroacetic acid may be selected from the group consisting of all isomers, esters, salts, ethers and analogs thereof. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein administration may be selected from the group consisting of peroral, transdermal, sublingual, intranasal, and parenteral. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the diiodothyroacetic acid is administered in a daily dose of about 1 microgram to about 6 milligrams. 6. A method of shifting the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass in a human individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual a proportion shifting effective amount thereof. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said diiodothyroacetic acid consists of 3,3′ diiodothyroacetic acid and 3,5 diiodothyroacetic acid. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein said diiodothyroacetic acid may be selected from the group consisting of isomers, esters, salts, ethers and analogs thereof. 9. The method of claim 6, wherein administration may be selected from the group consisting of peroral, transdermal, sublingual, intranasal, and parenteral. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the diiodothyroacetic acid is administered in a daily dose of about 1 microgram to about 6 milligrams. 11. A method increasing 3,5,3′ triiodothyronine levels in humans by the administration of an effective amount of diiodothyroacetic acid. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said diiodothyroacetic acid consists of 3,3′ diiodothyroacetic acid and 3,5 diiodothyroacetic acid. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein said diiodothyroacetic acid may be selected from the group consisting of all isomers, esters, salts, ethers and analogs thereof. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein administration may be selected from the group consisting of peroral, transdermal, sublingual, intranasal, and parenteral. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the diiodothyroacetic acid is administered in a daily dose of about 1 microgram to about 6 milligrams. | BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Over recent years obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Obesity contributes to more than 300,000 deaths each year and according to federal guidelines, half the population is overweight and a third is obese. Obesity is defined as an excess proportion of total body fat correlating with a body weight greater than 20 percent of ideal body weight (IBW). Body Mass Index (BMI) is another method to determine whether or not an individual is obese. BMI utilizes a mathematical equation consisting of weight and height measurements in order to determine total body fat. A BMI between 25-29.9 indicates an individual is overweight. Causes for obesity include genetic, environmental, economic, emotional, and physiological factors. These factors can then lead to the over consumption of total calories. The amount of total calories consumed versus the amount of total calories burned determines the amount of fat stored for energy reserves. Calories or Kcals (kilocalories) are defined as the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1 degree Celsius. The amount of total calories burned is defined as the calories utilized by exercise plus basal metabolic rate (BMR) or resting metabolic rate (RMR). BMR represents the amount of calories needed to maintain IBW at rest. Increasing BMR results in fewer calories stored as fat and can promote weight loss if the amount calories burned is greater than the amount of calories ingested. One of the main factors that controls BMR is the percentage of lean body weight. Standard medical therapy for obesity includes oral prescription medications. Most of these medications are designed to regulate appetite by releasing serotonin or catecholamine. For instance Sanorex, Mazanor, Adipex-P, and Meridia are common appetite suppressant medications. However most of these medications can only be used on a short term basis and are scheduled as controlled substances due to the fact that they can become addictive. Other side effects include increased heart rate, blood pressure, constipation and insomnia. Merida is the only appetite suppressant that has been approved for long term use. Another long term pharmaceutical approach to weight loss is the fat absorption inhibitor Xenical. Xenical works by blocking about 30 percent of dietary fat from being absorbed. Enzymes in the digestive system, called lipases, assist in the digestion of dietary fats. Xenical attaches to the lipases and inhibits the digestion of dietary fat as triglycerides into absorbable free fatty acids and monoglycerides, which are then excreted in the bowel. Xenical literature recommends not ingesting more than 30 percent of total calories from dietary fat per day due to concerns regarding loose bowels. It appears that a common and unpleasant side effect of Xenical includes flatulence and loose bowels when a high fat diet is consumed during Xenical treatment. The previously mentioned weight control methods do not take into account the importance of maintaining or increasing the lean body mass in the process of weight loss. Medical methods to decrease body fat often contribute to the catabolic wasting of lean body mass. Increased lean body mass enhances metabolism and helps in losing fat weight, as well as maintaining the accomplished weight reduction. Diminished lean body mass decreases metabolism and results in difficulties in maintaining healthy body weight. An ideal weight management approach should be to reduce body weight to acceptable levels by restoring the optimal proportions of fat to lean body mass. By maintaining or increasing the lean body mass while simultaneously reducing body fat, the weight loss regimen would serve the general purpose of improving the overall health of the individual. The present invention relates to a method of administering an effective amount of an iodothyroacetic acid analog in order to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass in a human individual. Iodothyronines traditionally have been utilized to treat thyroid disorders such as hypo and hyper thyroidism. The most common iodothyronines consist of tetraiodothyronine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), diiodothyronine (T2), and monoiodothyronine (T1) but also include the acetic acid analogs Tetraiodothyroacetic Acid (TETRAC or TA4) and Triiodothyroacetic Acid (TRIAC or TA3). We purpose for the first time that the use of diiodothyroacetic acid (TA2) is novel and unobvious due to its ability to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass without causing sympathomimetic stimulation, loose bowel or addictive symptomology commonly associated with obesity related prescription and over the counter medications. This unobvious function can also increase the variables associated with physical performance for the regulation of athletic function in humans. The thyroid gland, in response to stimulation by TSH, produces 3,5,3′,5′-tetratiodothyronine (T4), T3, and reverseT3. The synthesis of these hormones requires the amino acid tyrosine and the trace mineral iodine. Within the cells of the thyroid gland, iodide is oxidized to iodine by hydrogen peroxide, a reaction termed the organification of iodide. Iodine then binds to the number 3 position in the tyrosyl ring in a reaction catalyzed by the thyroid peroxidase enzyme, a reaction yielding 3-monoiodotyrosine (MIT). A subsequent addition of another iodine to the number 5 position of the tyrosyl residue on MIT creates 3,5-diiodotyrosine (DIT). T4 is created by the condensation or coupling of two DIT molecules. Within the thyroid, smaller amounts of DIT can also condense with MIT to form either T3 or reverseT3. Iodothyronines have been patented for a number of applications. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,691 by Bachynsky demonstrates a method for inducing human weight loss. U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,569 by Latham et al. describes a method for the use of iodothyronine polymers for the treatment of thyroid disorders. U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,255 by Lavin et al. describes a method for the treatment of dermal skin atrophy using thyroid hormone compounds. The iodothyroacetic acid analogs utilized in this invention consist of all isomers, esters, salts, ethers, metabolites and analogs of diiodothyroacetic acid. This naturally occurring acetic acid analog is a direct metabolite of triiodothyronine (T3) and triiodothyroacetic acid (Triac) as demonstrated in Endocrinology October 1990; 127(4): 1617-24 and Endocrinology July 1989; 125(1): 424-32. It should be understood that this invention is not construed as limited in scope by the details contained therein, as it is apparent to those skilled in the art that modification in materials and methods can be made without deviating from the scope of the invention. U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,691 by Bachynsky describes a method for human weight reduction with 2,4-dinitrophenol and a thyroid hormone. The dinitrophenol is administered to elevate body temperature, while the thyroid preparation is utilized maintain T3 levels that were present at the onset of the treatment. This invention represents an improvement in standard weight loss preparations due to the combination of dinitrophenol and T3. This combination represents an improvement in the use of dinitrophenol for weight loss although dinitrophenol is toxic and may lead to adverse reactions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,691 by Bachynsky addresses weight loss while the present invention focuses on shifting the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass. This combination represents an improvement in the use of dinitrophenol for weight loss although dinitrophenol is toxic and may lead to adverse reactions. U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,569 by Latham et al. describes a method for the synthesis of various iodothyronine polymers for use in the treatment of thyroid disorders. Since these iodothyronine polymers are released by digestive proteolysis it is expected that they would have a long physiologic effect because of the sustained release from the polymers of the monomeric thyroid hormones and thus give stable, consistent pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of thyroid hormone deficiencies. This combination represent an improvement in the use of iodothyronines for the treatment of thyroid hormone deficiencies although these polymers do not address the use of diiodothyroacetic acid to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass. U.S. Pat. 6,380,550 by Lavin describes a method for treating dermal atrophy of the skin. Lavin has found that topical application of a composition comprising at least one thyroid hormone compound or thyroid hormone-like compound in a pharmacologically acceptable base is effective in treating dermal atrophy of the skin. It also provides an improved cosmetic appearance to aging, atrophied, steroid-affected, or sun damaged skin. This combination represents a novel and unobvious use of iodothyronines for the treatment of dermal atrophy of the skin although this invention does not address the use of diiodothyroacetic acid to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass. SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a method of administering an effective amount of an iodothyroacetic acid in order to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass in a human individual. This unobvious function can also increase the variables associated with physical performance for the regulation of athletic function in humans. The method comprises administering to humans an effective amount of a composition consisting of an iodothyroacetic acid such as but not limited to all isomers, esters, salts, ethers, metabolites and analogs of 3,3′ diiodothyroacetic acid and 3,5 diiodothyroacetic acid. Diiodothyroacetic acid exerts a direct enhancement of metabolic rate via an increase in oxygen consumption and body temperature. This increase in metabolic rate results in an enhancement of the utilization of orally consumed nutrients. 3,3′ diiodothyroacetic acid is a precursor to T3, Triac, and T2. Small increases in T3 result in increased protein synthesis for muscle tissue accretion. Thus the said compound can be given to humans either in conjunction with or without a high protein diet (1.25 to 1.8 grams protein/kilogram of body weight) and proper anaerobic training program in order to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass for the regulation body weight. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The chemical term iodothyroacetic acid may refer to but is not limited to 3,3′ diiodothyroacetic acid and 3,5 diiodothyroacetic acid. Possible alternatives include all isomers, esters, salts, ethers, metabolites and analogs of diiodothyroacetic acid. This invention concerns a diiodothyroacetic acid and all previously mentioned alternatives. The previous examples of various diiodothyroacetic acids are presented by way of illustration only. It should be understood that this invention is not construed as limited in scope by the details contained therein, as it is apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications in materials and methods can be made without deviating from the scope of the invention. The iodoamino acids TA4 and TA3 are products of deamination and oxidative decarboxylation of T4 and T3 and have been detected in serum by direct RIA measurements. Reported mean concentrations in the serum of healthy adults have been 8.7 nanograms per deciliter and 2.6 nanograms per deciliter for TA3 and 28 nanograms per deciliter for TA4. Serum TA4 levels are reduced during fasting and in patients with severe illness, although the percentage of conversion of T4 to TA4 is increased. The concentration of serum TA3 remains unchanged during the administration of replacement doses of T4 and T3. It has been suggested that intracellular rerouting of T3 to TA3 during fasting is responsible for the maintenance of normal serum TSH levels in the presence of low T3 concentrations. The sulfate conjugate 3,3′-diiodothyroacetic acid (3,3′-TA2S) was discovered in plasma, and occasionally in bile, of 6-propyl-2-thiouracil-treated rats after administration of T3 as shown in Endocrinology October 1990; 127(4): 1617-24. The significant plasma 3,3′-TA2S levels, even in unanesthetized animals, illustrate the physiological relevance of this T3 metabolite. Diiodothyroacetic acid is a direct naturally occurring metabolite of T3, Triac, and T2, which has never been investigated or sold as a new drug therefore it may be sold as a dietary supplement. The biosynthetic pathway of diiodothyroacetic acid is unique in that it possesses several direct pathways to different thyroid hormones in contrast to other acetic acid analogs such as T3A and T4A. Diiodothyroacetic acid has direct reversible pathways to T3, Triac and T2. The ability to increase the levels of these different thyroid hormones is one aspect of diiodothyroacetic acid uniqueness. The other aspect is its ability to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass via small increases in T3 for enhanced protein synthesis and muscle tissue accretion. Without being bound to any theory, effective administration of diiodothyroacetic acid shifts the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass due to its location in the thyroid biosynthetic pathway. Diiodothyroacetic acid exerts a direct enhancement of metabolic rate via an increase in oxygen consumption and body temperature. This increase in metabolic rate results in an enhancement of the utilization of orally consumed nutrients. Diiodothyroacetic acid acts as a precursor hormone resulting in specific small increases in T3, Triac, and T2. Small increases in T3 facilitate protein synthesis for muscle anabolism. In the present method of promoting lean body mass, diiodothyroacetic acid should be administered in a daily dose of from about 1 mcg to about 6 mg. It is preferred that the daily dose be divided into a plurality of individual doses. It is further preferred that three to six individual doses be used. In any case, the individual doses are preferably from about 100 mcg to about 1 mg each. After every 4 weeks of continual use, a 2-week cessation period is recommended. Thus the said compound can be given to humans either in conjunction with or without a high protein diet (1.25 to 1.8 grams protein per kilogram of body weight) and proper anaerobic training program in order to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass for the purpose of body weight regulation. After an extensive review of the scientific literature and previous patents regarding the ability of diiodothyroacetic acid to alter body composition, it then became the focus of this invention that all isomers, esters, salts, ethers, metabolites and analogs of diiodothyroacetic acid could be administrated perorally as an effective means to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass in humans. The oral daily doses can be between 1 mcg to 6 mg per day. The preferred daily dosing schedule should be divided into 3-6 sub dose applications per day in order maintain adequate blood hormone concentrations. In addition to peroral use, several other routes including transdermal, sublingual, intranasal, and parenteral administration may be effectively utilized. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF INVENTION <EOH>Over recent years obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Obesity contributes to more than 300,000 deaths each year and according to federal guidelines, half the population is overweight and a third is obese. Obesity is defined as an excess proportion of total body fat correlating with a body weight greater than 20 percent of ideal body weight (IBW). Body Mass Index (BMI) is another method to determine whether or not an individual is obese. BMI utilizes a mathematical equation consisting of weight and height measurements in order to determine total body fat. A BMI between 25-29.9 indicates an individual is overweight. Causes for obesity include genetic, environmental, economic, emotional, and physiological factors. These factors can then lead to the over consumption of total calories. The amount of total calories consumed versus the amount of total calories burned determines the amount of fat stored for energy reserves. Calories or Kcals (kilocalories) are defined as the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1 degree Celsius. The amount of total calories burned is defined as the calories utilized by exercise plus basal metabolic rate (BMR) or resting metabolic rate (RMR). BMR represents the amount of calories needed to maintain IBW at rest. Increasing BMR results in fewer calories stored as fat and can promote weight loss if the amount calories burned is greater than the amount of calories ingested. One of the main factors that controls BMR is the percentage of lean body weight. Standard medical therapy for obesity includes oral prescription medications. Most of these medications are designed to regulate appetite by releasing serotonin or catecholamine. For instance Sanorex, Mazanor, Adipex-P, and Meridia are common appetite suppressant medications. However most of these medications can only be used on a short term basis and are scheduled as controlled substances due to the fact that they can become addictive. Other side effects include increased heart rate, blood pressure, constipation and insomnia. Merida is the only appetite suppressant that has been approved for long term use. Another long term pharmaceutical approach to weight loss is the fat absorption inhibitor Xenical. Xenical works by blocking about 30 percent of dietary fat from being absorbed. Enzymes in the digestive system, called lipases, assist in the digestion of dietary fats. Xenical attaches to the lipases and inhibits the digestion of dietary fat as triglycerides into absorbable free fatty acids and monoglycerides, which are then excreted in the bowel. Xenical literature recommends not ingesting more than 30 percent of total calories from dietary fat per day due to concerns regarding loose bowels. It appears that a common and unpleasant side effect of Xenical includes flatulence and loose bowels when a high fat diet is consumed during Xenical treatment. The previously mentioned weight control methods do not take into account the importance of maintaining or increasing the lean body mass in the process of weight loss. Medical methods to decrease body fat often contribute to the catabolic wasting of lean body mass. Increased lean body mass enhances metabolism and helps in losing fat weight, as well as maintaining the accomplished weight reduction. Diminished lean body mass decreases metabolism and results in difficulties in maintaining healthy body weight. An ideal weight management approach should be to reduce body weight to acceptable levels by restoring the optimal proportions of fat to lean body mass. By maintaining or increasing the lean body mass while simultaneously reducing body fat, the weight loss regimen would serve the general purpose of improving the overall health of the individual. The present invention relates to a method of administering an effective amount of an iodothyroacetic acid analog in order to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass in a human individual. Iodothyronines traditionally have been utilized to treat thyroid disorders such as hypo and hyper thyroidism. The most common iodothyronines consist of tetraiodothyronine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), diiodothyronine (T2), and monoiodothyronine (T1) but also include the acetic acid analogs Tetraiodothyroacetic Acid (TETRAC or TA4) and Triiodothyroacetic Acid (TRIAC or TA3). We purpose for the first time that the use of diiodothyroacetic acid (TA2) is novel and unobvious due to its ability to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass without causing sympathomimetic stimulation, loose bowel or addictive symptomology commonly associated with obesity related prescription and over the counter medications. This unobvious function can also increase the variables associated with physical performance for the regulation of athletic function in humans. The thyroid gland, in response to stimulation by TSH, produces 3,5,3′,5′-tetratiodothyronine (T4), T3, and reverseT3. The synthesis of these hormones requires the amino acid tyrosine and the trace mineral iodine. Within the cells of the thyroid gland, iodide is oxidized to iodine by hydrogen peroxide, a reaction termed the organification of iodide. Iodine then binds to the number 3 position in the tyrosyl ring in a reaction catalyzed by the thyroid peroxidase enzyme, a reaction yielding 3-monoiodotyrosine (MIT). A subsequent addition of another iodine to the number 5 position of the tyrosyl residue on MIT creates 3,5-diiodotyrosine (DIT). T4 is created by the condensation or coupling of two DIT molecules. Within the thyroid, smaller amounts of DIT can also condense with MIT to form either T3 or reverseT3. Iodothyronines have been patented for a number of applications. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,691 by Bachynsky demonstrates a method for inducing human weight loss. U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,569 by Latham et al. describes a method for the use of iodothyronine polymers for the treatment of thyroid disorders. U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,255 by Lavin et al. describes a method for the treatment of dermal skin atrophy using thyroid hormone compounds. The iodothyroacetic acid analogs utilized in this invention consist of all isomers, esters, salts, ethers, metabolites and analogs of diiodothyroacetic acid. This naturally occurring acetic acid analog is a direct metabolite of triiodothyronine (T3) and triiodothyroacetic acid (Triac) as demonstrated in Endocrinology October 1990; 127(4): 1617-24 and Endocrinology July 1989; 125(1): 424-32. It should be understood that this invention is not construed as limited in scope by the details contained therein, as it is apparent to those skilled in the art that modification in materials and methods can be made without deviating from the scope of the invention. U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,691 by Bachynsky describes a method for human weight reduction with 2,4-dinitrophenol and a thyroid hormone. The dinitrophenol is administered to elevate body temperature, while the thyroid preparation is utilized maintain T3 levels that were present at the onset of the treatment. This invention represents an improvement in standard weight loss preparations due to the combination of dinitrophenol and T3. This combination represents an improvement in the use of dinitrophenol for weight loss although dinitrophenol is toxic and may lead to adverse reactions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,691 by Bachynsky addresses weight loss while the present invention focuses on shifting the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass. This combination represents an improvement in the use of dinitrophenol for weight loss although dinitrophenol is toxic and may lead to adverse reactions. U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,569 by Latham et al. describes a method for the synthesis of various iodothyronine polymers for use in the treatment of thyroid disorders. Since these iodothyronine polymers are released by digestive proteolysis it is expected that they would have a long physiologic effect because of the sustained release from the polymers of the monomeric thyroid hormones and thus give stable, consistent pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of thyroid hormone deficiencies. This combination represent an improvement in the use of iodothyronines for the treatment of thyroid hormone deficiencies although these polymers do not address the use of diiodothyroacetic acid to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass. U.S. Pat. 6,380,550 by Lavin describes a method for treating dermal atrophy of the skin. Lavin has found that topical application of a composition comprising at least one thyroid hormone compound or thyroid hormone-like compound in a pharmacologically acceptable base is effective in treating dermal atrophy of the skin. It also provides an improved cosmetic appearance to aging, atrophied, steroid-affected, or sun damaged skin. This combination represents a novel and unobvious use of iodothyronines for the treatment of dermal atrophy of the skin although this invention does not address the use of diiodothyroacetic acid to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to a method of administering an effective amount of an iodothyroacetic acid in order to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass in a human individual. This unobvious function can also increase the variables associated with physical performance for the regulation of athletic function in humans. The method comprises administering to humans an effective amount of a composition consisting of an iodothyroacetic acid such as but not limited to all isomers, esters, salts, ethers, metabolites and analogs of 3,3′ diiodothyroacetic acid and 3,5 diiodothyroacetic acid. Diiodothyroacetic acid exerts a direct enhancement of metabolic rate via an increase in oxygen consumption and body temperature. This increase in metabolic rate results in an enhancement of the utilization of orally consumed nutrients. 3,3′ diiodothyroacetic acid is a precursor to T3, Triac, and T2. Small increases in T3 result in increased protein synthesis for muscle tissue accretion. Thus the said compound can be given to humans either in conjunction with or without a high protein diet (1.25 to 1.8 grams protein/kilogram of body weight) and proper anaerobic training program in order to shift the proportion between lean body mass and adipose tissue in favor of lean body mass for the regulation body weight. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? | 20041020 | 20110405 | 20060420 | 91976.0 | A61K31198 | 3 | MERCIER, MELISSA S | DIIODOTHYROACETIC ACID AND METHOD OF USE | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | A61K | 2,004 |
|
10,904,256 | ACCEPTED | APPARATUS FOR PEDESTRIAN RAILING WITH SNAP-IN SPACER AND METHOD OF MAKING | A sturdy aluminum pedestrian and bicyclist safety railing that reduces the amount of welding required during construction, comprising top and bottom rigid bars, each having a longitudinal, radially extending exterior passage and a plurality of aluminum pickets mounted within said bar top and bottom channels and held apart by a plurality of spacer plugs that interlock and snap snugly into each top and bottom bar channel and act as spacers to separate the pickets. The top and bottom bars may be welded together at each end of the railing to hold the entire unit together, retaining the plurality of rigid pickets that are substantially perpendicular (or inclined) to the top and bottom bars. The pickets are supported in the top and bottom bar channels without welding for increased strength and reduced cost of construction. | 1. An improved pedestrian and bicyclist safety railing comprising: a rigid top aluminum bar having a longitudinal, recessed channel protruding outwardly relative to the center of said bar, said bar channel having a predetermined cross-sectional configuration that includes a pair of tabs forming upper and lower channel portions in said bar channel; a second bottom bar substantially identical to said first bar; a plurality of elongated, rigid pickets having substantially a predetermined cross section, with the width of one dimension of said rectangle being sized for a snug fit into said lower bar channel portions; a plurality of snap-in spacer plugs having the same cross-sectional configuration as the cross-section of said bar channel including a pair of recessed portions for receiving said passage tabs for holding and interlocking said spacer plug within said bar passage, said spacer plugs being sized in length to provide the desired distance apart between said pickets when in spaced engagement between adjacent pickets; and means for joining said first bar and said second bar in a parallel configuration with said plurality of pickets connected between said first bar and said second bar in a common plane, and spaced apart by a plurality of snap-in spacer plugs. 2. A safety railing as in claim 1, including: said spacer plugs each being positioned between a pair of adjacent pickets and mounted within the top bar and the bottom bar, the end face of each spacer plug being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each spacer plug for engaging in contact with the side wall of a picket for holding said picket in position. 3. An improved safety railing as in claim 1, including: a first rigid post and a second rigid post welded to said top bar and said bottom bar; and means for anchoring said first post and said second post to a concrete anchor connected to said first post and said second post. 4. An improved safety railing as in claim 1, to eliminate the welding joints between the pickets and the top and bottoms support bars in the guard railing, said guard railing being constructed of aluminum. 5. An improved safety railing as in claim 1 wherein: said safety railing being suitable for mounting on an inclined surface, said spacer plugs having end faces angled substantially equal to the inclined angle of the safety railing relative to the longitudinal axis of the safety plugs for snug engagement with each picket to separate adjacent pickets. 6. A method of constructing an aluminum safety railing comprising the steps of: forming a top bar and a bottom bar of aluminum and including a longitudinal channel disposed radially, outwardly in a predetermined direction and sized to receive the end portions of a plurality of aluminum pickets; disposing a plurality of aluminum pickets, each having one end mounted within said top bar channel and the opposite end mounted in the bottom bar channel; said pickets being sized to fit snugly in said top bar channel and said bottom bar channel; disposing a plurality of spacer plugs snapped into and interlocked with said top bar channel and said bottom bar channel, spaced between each of said picket top portion and bottom portions and snugly engaged between adjacent pickets within said top bar channel and said bottom bar channel for rigidly holding said pickets in place without welding; and connecting a support bar rigidly joining said top bar to said bottom bar at each end to form a guard railing; and connecting a plurality of posts to said guard railing for anchoring into the earth. 7. A method as in claim 6, including the steps of: providing an end picket at each end of the guard railing; and welding the end pickets, top and bottom, to said top bar and said bottom bar, rigidly locking said remaining pickets and spacer plugs in place. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a pedestrian railing used as a barrier or guard to protect pedestrians and bicyclists, and specifically, to an aluminum picket railing and the method of construction that reduces production costs significantly, while increasing structural strength. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Guard railings are used near public conveyances such as walkways and bicycle paths to protect pedestrian traffic and cyclists for safety purposes. Although there are many variations in the construction of barriers, one type of guard railing uses a plurality of vertical, spaced apart aluminum pickets that are welded at top and bottom to horizontal or inclined bars. Metal posts are connected at spaced intervals that anchor the guard railing to the ground. The disadvantages of welding numerous vertical aluminum pickets (at both ends) to top and bottom horizontal or inclined bars are loss of material strength and its expense. Although welding certainly provides very rigid construction and prevents removal or separation of the pickets from the railing itself, welding does weaken aluminum within one inch of the weld joint and is very costly and time consuming at the time of construction. The choice of aluminum is because of its ability to withstand harsh outdoor environments without rusting or severe oxidation. Aluminum is a difficult metal to weld. The prior art shows a variety of different types of railing constructions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,346,872, issued Aug. 31, 1982 shows a balustrade construction that employs screw fasteners in construction. U.S. Pat. No. 2,590,929 issued Apr. 1, 1952 shows a railing that is pre-fabricated. U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,688 issued Jul. 22, 1997 shows railings with continuous spacers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,240 issued Apr. 6, 1993 shows an aluminum railing apparatus that uses screw fasteners. U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,697, issued May 6, 1986 shows another balustrade construction from extruded aluminum. U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,954 issued Feb. 29, 2000 shows a railing assembly that utilizes screw fasteners for construction. U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,486 issued Mar. 28, 2000 shows a method of assembling a fence. When used by government for pedestrian walkways or bicycle paths, the barrier or guard railing should be rigidly constructed for use not only in protecting pedestrian traffic on walkways or cyclists on pathways but also to prevent theft or damage by people trying to deliberately damage public property. Thus, it is important that the railing be of a rigid, permanent type construction that cannot be readily disassembled, while at the same time being of reduced cost and complexity. This is especially true in the public arena where there is a requirement for large numbers of pedestrian and bicycle railings. The present invention provides an improved pedestrian railing and method of construction that includes a rigid structure and method of manufacture that greatly reduces construction costs without reducing strength or rigidity of the entire structure. The improved pedestrian railing and method of construction is also easier to install and allows for replacement of pickets without the need for a welder. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A pedestrian railing and the method of construction comprising top and bottom parallel horizontal or inclined bars that each include a recessed, specially configured channel, disposed continuously along a predetermined segment of the railing bar exterior surface facing or projecting outwardly substantially radially. Each of the railing bars (top and bottom) has the same specially configured channel, viewed in cross-section. Each pedestrian railing top and bottom bar external channel that protrudes from a peripheral section is substantially u-shaped in cross section. The channel walls parallel sides have coplanar, perpendicular, inwardly directed tabs, mid-length, separated at their ends by a space. The coplanar tabs divide the bar channel into two separate passageways. The railing bar channel is sized in width to receive (snugly) the end portion of a rectangular picket that fits into the recessed railing bar channel portions between the channel side walls. When the picket is in place, each picket end engages each bar channel and, abuts vertically the channel tabs that are used for holding each vertical picket in position in the vertical direction between top and bottom railing bars. The end face of each rectangular picket may be formed or cut at a ninety degree angle to the longitudinal axis of the picket for railings that are substantially positioned horizontally on flat ground but may be cut at an angle when used with top and bottom bars in a railing that is disposed inclined on a hill wherein the pickets are at relatively acute angles between the top and bottom rails. The end face of each picket in the inclined case can be cut at the appropriate angle, so that the angle between the top and bottom rail and the picket is equal to the end face angle cut on each of the picket ends to make each picket fit snugly within the channel. A plurality of picket separating spacer plugs are used in the pedestrian railing construction to rigidly separate (at top and bottom) each vertical picket from an adjacent picket, and to hold the vertical pickets firmly in place. The spacer plugs are elongated, rigid, metal bars that are shaped in cross section to interlock and snap into each top and bottom railing bar channel. A spacer plug has a cross-sectional shape and area (somewhat like an I-beam cross section) that is used to hold each bar picket in position laterally and is employed between each picket within the bar channel. Because of the spacer plug's unique cross-sectional shape, the spacer plug snaps snugly longitudinally into the top and bottom railing bar channels during the manufacture of the entire railing assembly when the pickets and spacer plugs are inserted. Once in place, each adjacent picket is separated rigidly by a separate snap-in spacer plug that is mounted in the top railing bar channel and the bottom railing bar channel. The spacer plug has end faces that are at a ninety degree angle to the longitudinal axis of the spacer plug when used in railings wherein the railing is mounted on flat ground representing the horizontal earth plane. In the situation where the entire railing is inclined at an angle relative to the earth's horizontal plane, such as a hill, the end face of each spacer plug may be angularly cut (not perpendicular) relative to the longitudinal axis of each spacer plug to accommodate the inclined angle so that the end face of each spacer plug fits snugly against the picket end portion in the bar channel that is used for the inclined environment. The cross-sectional shape of the space plug can be made to save the amount of metal used. The ends of the pedestrian railing assembly are rigidly held together by vertical end bars that are welded to both the top and the bottom horizontal railing bars, once the pickets and spacer plugs are in place, adding tremendous rigidity to the entire rectangular structure. The last picket at each end of the entire guard railing structure is welded in place, top and bottom, to lock in the other pickets and spacer plugs. A plurality of vertical support posts, which are preferably aluminum, are permanently attached to the ground in concrete pads and the top railing bar and the bottom railing bar. The posts are vertically disposed and placed apart as necessary and support the entire railing structure above the ground. The pickets can be arranged in a plumb line on an incline as are the support posts under certain hill conditions if required. By using snap-in, rigid spacer plugs along with a plurality of pickets that all fit within top and bottom railing bar channels that project radially away from the periphery of the top bar and the bottom bar, the entire picket and railing bar assembly can be assembled and manufactured without welding each of the pickets individually to the top and bottom railing bars, except for the end pickets. It is an object of this invention to provide an improved, aluminum pedestrian safety railing of increased strength and at reduced construction costs. It is another object of this invention to provide an improved safety guard railing for use as a safety barrier along public walkways to protect pedestrian traffic and bicycle paths to protect cyclists that is non-complex to assemble, yet rigid in construction. These and other important objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become clear as this description proceeds. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the general description, serve to explain principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a pedestrian and bicycle guard railing in accordance with the present invention, in a front elevational view. FIG. 2 shows a side elevational view in cross section through A-A of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a back elevational view partially cut away, of the railing post. FIG. 4 shows a cutaway, exploded, perspective view of segments of the top and bottom bars, a picket, and top and bottom snap-in spacer plugs used in the present invention. FIG. 5a shows a side elevational view in cross section of a post connected to the top bar in the present invention. FIG. 5b shows a side elevational view in cross section of a post connected to the bottom bar in the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the top end of a post in a perspective view without the top bar for connection of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view, partially cutaway, of the top bar, a picket and the spacer plug mounted in the top bar channel. FIG. 8a shows a side elevational view, partially cut away (with some pickets deliberately left out for clarity) mounted on an inclined hill. FIG. 8b is a side elevational view, partially cut away, showing a portion of the top rail as it is connected to at least two pickets and two spacer bars at an incline. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, the present invention is shown as a pedestrian or bicycle guard railing 10 made of aluminum that is used particularly for pedestrian walkways or bicycle paths as a guard or barrier. The railing 10 may be made in any desired length depending on the particular environment. The guard railing 10 is typically firmly mounted and connected to concrete base 21 which may be a walkway or retaining wall. The railing 10 is anchored by rigid aluminum posts 16 mounted to aluminum plates 20 that are bolted with anchor bolts 20a into the concrete base 21. This allows the railing 10 to be anchored to the ground in a vertical, upright position and held firmly in place. The anchor bolts 20a (including anchor nuts) can be used to anchor the railing 10 into concrete base 21 with metal plate 20 that is rigidly attached to the railing post 16 described below. As shown in FIG. 1, two vertical aluminum posts 16 are used to rigidly support the railing 10 in a vertical position and attach the railing 10 firmly to concrete 21. The railing 10 is shown in FIG. 1 on level ground. The railing 10 includes a top picket support bar 12 which is extruded aluminum and a bottom picket support bar 14 which is extruded aluminum, which can be made in indeterminate lengths or cut as desired and as explained herein. The top bar 12 and the bottom bar 14 are identical in cross-sectional shape, configuration and size. Top bar 12 and the bottom bar 14 each have identical cross-sectional areas and shapes that include a longitudinal passageway (see FIG. 4) disposed along a portion of the exterior surface (periphery) of each of the bars 12 and 14. In fact, the top bar 12 is the same bar for use as bottom bar 14. These bars 12 and 14 support a plurality of pickets 18. A plurality of pickets 18 are rigid aluminum bars that are vertically positioned and mounted between the upper bar 12 and the lower bar 14, the picket ends within the longitudinal recessed channels of the upper bar 12 and the lower bar 14. When the railing 10 is mounted on level ground, the pickets 18 are perpendicular to top rail 12 and bottom rail 14 and each picket end faces are cut perpendicular to the picket longitudinal axis. At each end of the railing 10, is a u-shaped curved, rigid aluminum bar 1120 that is welded at each end to top bar 12 and bottom bar 14. The end bars 1120 give rigidity to the entire structure. The end pickets 18e are welded at top and bottom at 18w to hold the spacer plugs and other pickets 18 in place. FIG. 2, a side view through line A-A of FIG. 1, shows one of at least two vertical posts 16 that supports the entire railing 10 above the ground and is anchored to the ground. The post 16 is connected (welded) to the upper bar 12 and the lower bar 14. The posts 16 are typically welded to the upper bar 12 and the lower bar 14 for rigidity and are spaced at regular intervals along the entire railing 10. The posts 16 act to support the entire structure vertically and anchor the railing 10 to concrete in the earth for permanency. FIG. 3 shows the post 16 in relationship to upper bar 12 and lower bar 14 disposed on one side of the railing 10 on the opposite side as shown in FIG. 1. Referring now to FIG. 4, the structural relationship between the upper bar 12 and the identical lower bar 14 with respect to vertical pickets 18 is shown. The railing 10 is constructed by placing a plurality of pickets 18, which in this case happen to be rectangular in cross section, and sized in width “w” to fit as the same width of the bar channel 12a to fit snugly within the elongated channel 12a disposed in top bar 12. The channel 12a walls extend the entire length of each bar. Tabs 12b act as a stop for the upper end and lower end of each picket 18. The width “w” of each picket 18 is such that each picket fits snugly within passageway 12a in the elongated channel along the length of the extruded, aluminum bar 12. Note that because of the cross-sectional shape of the channel passageway and walls 12a and tabs 12b which project laterally and inwardly, the channel 12a can receive snap-in spacer plugs 22, (which are extruded aluminum bars of a predetermined length, which also snap snugly into the elongated channel 12a) that are used to separate and retain pickets 18 apart from each other. Bar 14 is used as the lower support bar in the railing 10 shown in FIG. 1 and also receives snap-in spacer plugs 22. The vertical pickets 18 can be spaced and held physically apart by a snap-in spacer plug 22 the length of which determines the fixed distance between adjacent pickets which may be inches or feet as desired. During manufacture and assembly of the railing 10, the snap-in spacer plugs 22 are manually snapped into the channel 12a and channel 14a and are positioned between each picket 18. The snap-in spacer plugs 22 can be extruded and cut in desired lengths or can be cut on site when the railing 10 is assembled. Pickets 18 can also be cut in desired lengths. The snap-in spacer plugs 22 have a unique cross-sectional configuration. The walls 22b form a u-shaped portion that snugly engages or fits within walls 12a in the outer channel and a pair of flanges 22a that fit in inner channel 12d formed by tabs 12b to interlock the snap-in spacer plug in the channel. The tabs 12b are tapered on their ends to facilitate engagement with the flanges 22a of the snap-in spacer plugs 22. Spacer plug flanges 22a are tapered and inclined from a center longitudinal axis off of the end portion of each spacer plug wall 22b to touch tabs 12b on the bottom for a snug fit while reducing the amount of aluminum material required by the tapered flange 22a construction. The snap-in construction of the spacer plugs renders the railing easier to install so that less labor is required to complete the task. As shown in FIG. 1, it should be noted that once the railing 10 is assembled such that all the pickets 18 and snap-in spacer plugs 22 are in place, the end pickets 18e are welded at 18w, and the end bars 1120 are then welded at each end top and bottom to bars 12 and 14 forming an integral, rigid unit from which the spacer plugs 22 and pickets 18 can not be removed. The anchoring posts 16 are welded to the top bar 12 as shown in FIGS. 5a and 6. FIG. 5a also shows how picket 18 fits within the passage 12a and the fact that post 16 is welded along 16a to firmly attach the upper bar 12 to the post 16. FIG. 6 shows the top portion of post 16 and the rectangularly shaped end face 16a that are formed in the upper portion in FIG. 6 of post 16 that engages a flat segment on the support bars 12 suitable for welding for attaching the bar 12 to the top portion of post 16 at end face 16a. FIG. 5b shows how the bottom bar 14 is attached typically to vertical post 16. The bottom bar 14 has a cut recessed portion 14c, which is a rectangular cutout portion from the bar 14 to allow the bar 14 to be welded along points 14w at the top and bottom of the bar to the post 16 exterior surface. This is different than the attachment to the top bar 12 to post 16 as shown in FIG. 5a. The vertical picket 18 end would fit within channel 14a along the bottom bar 14. By cutting out a rectangular segment along the length of bar 14 that fits the width of post 16, there is a snug fit in conjunction with the weld points 14w to rigidly hold the bar 14 and support the entire unit to post 16. Referring now to FIG. 7, the snap-in spacer plug 22 is shown mounted between pickets 18 with respect to the upper bar 12 in a typical arrangement. The top and bottom ends of each of the pickets 18 fits in the lower portion of the passage 12a against the tabs 12b. The spacer plugs 22 fit snugly against each of the pickets 18 holding each picket firmly in place on each side. In this way, the pickets 18 cannot be removed from the railing. The snap-in spacer plugs 22 hold each picket 18 vertically and firmly in place at top and bottom. Note that there is no welding between the pickets 18 and the top bar 12 and the bottom bar 14 (except the outermost end pickets) and the spacer plugs 22. Spacer bar flange 22a engages tabs 12b and wall segment 12 cc that retains and interlocks snap-in spacer bar 22 in place in inner channel 12d. The method of assembling the railing 10 without having to weld the pickets 18 to the top and bottom bars 12 and 14 while still maintaining the pickets 18 spaced apart rigidly in an integral unit greatly increases strength and reduces the cost of the manufacture of the railing while maintaining a rigid structure. The structural integrity of the railing and safety as a guard and barrier is not sacrificed in its construction. The perpendicular end faces of the pickets engage the top and bottom bar channel walls 12cc while the perpendicular end faces 22a of spacer plugs 22 engage the sides of pickets 18, firmly holding all of the pieces in place. FIGS. 8a and 8b show an alternate embodiment of the invention. The railing 100 as shown in FIG. 8a is mounted on an earth incline relative to gravity and a plumb line (such as a hill) that may have an angle alpha relative to a flat (perpendicular to a plumb line) area. In this case the pickets 180 are mounted plumb vertically and parallel to the plumb vertical support posts 160 which would represent a plumb line relative to the ground. The configuration top support bar 120 and the bottom support bar 140 remain the same as shown in the preferred embodiment in FIGS. 1 through 7 in terms of their cross-sectional shape and the relationship between the spacer bars and the pickets. However, to ensure a snug fit on an incline, the ends of the pickets 180, the end face 180a and the bottom end face of the picket 180a must be angled to accommodate fitting snugly in the bar channel 120 for receiving the pickets. Also, spacer bars 220 have their end faces 220a cut at an angle alpha to properly engage the sides of each picket 180 for a flush engagement as shown in FIG. 8a. Thus in the method employed as shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b, once the angle of incline is determined, then the end faces 180a of the pickets 180 are cut at a similar angle so that the pickets fit in the top and bottom support bar 120 and 140 channels. Also the spacer plug end faces 220a are cut at the same angle that is necessary to ensure snug engagement against adjacent pickets 180 to keep them firmly in place. The spacer bar lengths can be individually cut in length of different lengths for a “custom fit” to space the pickets at different distances apart in the same railing. The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. | <SOH> FIELD OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates generally to a pedestrian railing used as a barrier or guard to protect pedestrians and bicyclists, and specifically, to an aluminum picket railing and the method of construction that reduces production costs significantly, while increasing structural strength. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A pedestrian railing and the method of construction comprising top and bottom parallel horizontal or inclined bars that each include a recessed, specially configured channel, disposed continuously along a predetermined segment of the railing bar exterior surface facing or projecting outwardly substantially radially. Each of the railing bars (top and bottom) has the same specially configured channel, viewed in cross-section. Each pedestrian railing top and bottom bar external channel that protrudes from a peripheral section is substantially u-shaped in cross section. The channel walls parallel sides have coplanar, perpendicular, inwardly directed tabs, mid-length, separated at their ends by a space. The coplanar tabs divide the bar channel into two separate passageways. The railing bar channel is sized in width to receive (snugly) the end portion of a rectangular picket that fits into the recessed railing bar channel portions between the channel side walls. When the picket is in place, each picket end engages each bar channel and, abuts vertically the channel tabs that are used for holding each vertical picket in position in the vertical direction between top and bottom railing bars. The end face of each rectangular picket may be formed or cut at a ninety degree angle to the longitudinal axis of the picket for railings that are substantially positioned horizontally on flat ground but may be cut at an angle when used with top and bottom bars in a railing that is disposed inclined on a hill wherein the pickets are at relatively acute angles between the top and bottom rails. The end face of each picket in the inclined case can be cut at the appropriate angle, so that the angle between the top and bottom rail and the picket is equal to the end face angle cut on each of the picket ends to make each picket fit snugly within the channel. A plurality of picket separating spacer plugs are used in the pedestrian railing construction to rigidly separate (at top and bottom) each vertical picket from an adjacent picket, and to hold the vertical pickets firmly in place. The spacer plugs are elongated, rigid, metal bars that are shaped in cross section to interlock and snap into each top and bottom railing bar channel. A spacer plug has a cross-sectional shape and area (somewhat like an I-beam cross section) that is used to hold each bar picket in position laterally and is employed between each picket within the bar channel. Because of the spacer plug's unique cross-sectional shape, the spacer plug snaps snugly longitudinally into the top and bottom railing bar channels during the manufacture of the entire railing assembly when the pickets and spacer plugs are inserted. Once in place, each adjacent picket is separated rigidly by a separate snap-in spacer plug that is mounted in the top railing bar channel and the bottom railing bar channel. The spacer plug has end faces that are at a ninety degree angle to the longitudinal axis of the spacer plug when used in railings wherein the railing is mounted on flat ground representing the horizontal earth plane. In the situation where the entire railing is inclined at an angle relative to the earth's horizontal plane, such as a hill, the end face of each spacer plug may be angularly cut (not perpendicular) relative to the longitudinal axis of each spacer plug to accommodate the inclined angle so that the end face of each spacer plug fits snugly against the picket end portion in the bar channel that is used for the inclined environment. The cross-sectional shape of the space plug can be made to save the amount of metal used. The ends of the pedestrian railing assembly are rigidly held together by vertical end bars that are welded to both the top and the bottom horizontal railing bars, once the pickets and spacer plugs are in place, adding tremendous rigidity to the entire rectangular structure. The last picket at each end of the entire guard railing structure is welded in place, top and bottom, to lock in the other pickets and spacer plugs. A plurality of vertical support posts, which are preferably aluminum, are permanently attached to the ground in concrete pads and the top railing bar and the bottom railing bar. The posts are vertically disposed and placed apart as necessary and support the entire railing structure above the ground. The pickets can be arranged in a plumb line on an incline as are the support posts under certain hill conditions if required. By using snap-in, rigid spacer plugs along with a plurality of pickets that all fit within top and bottom railing bar channels that project radially away from the periphery of the top bar and the bottom bar, the entire picket and railing bar assembly can be assembled and manufactured without welding each of the pickets individually to the top and bottom railing bars, except for the end pickets. It is an object of this invention to provide an improved, aluminum pedestrian safety railing of increased strength and at reduced construction costs. It is another object of this invention to provide an improved safety guard railing for use as a safety barrier along public walkways to protect pedestrian traffic and bicycle paths to protect cyclists that is non-complex to assemble, yet rigid in construction. These and other important objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become clear as this description proceeds. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the general description, serve to explain principles of the present invention. | 20041101 | 20070130 | 20050310 | 90294.0 | 1 | FERGUSON, MICHAEL P | APPARATUS FOR PEDESTRIAN RAILING WITH SNAP-IN SPACER AND METHOD OF MAKING | SMALL | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,904,364 | ACCEPTED | Recycable electric junction box applicable to automotive vehicles | A recyclable electric junction box applicable to automotive vehicles, of the type comprising at least one casing housing a series of circuits inside materialized in one or more printed circuit boards with a series of electroconducting tracks on at least one of its sides, and with a series of components assembled on said plates, welded on said tracks and responsible for carrying out at least one power stage and one signal stage. | 1. A recyclable junction box applicable to automotive vehicles, of the type comprising at least one casing housing a series of circuits inside materialized in one or more printed circuit boards with a series of electroconducting tracks on at least one of their sides, and with a series of components arranged on said boards, welded on said tracks and responsible for carrying out at least one power stage and one signal stage, characterized in that it furthermore comprises detection means for detecting a series of parameters or circumstances defining working conditions of at least said components, and an electronic system, associated and in collaboration with said detection means, for at least storing data representative of said parameters or circumstances in at least one memory comprised therein. 2. A junction box according to claim 1, characterized in that said detection means furthermore operate to detect a series of parameters or circumstances defining working conditions of said electroconducting tracks. 3. A box according to claim 2, characterized in that the detection means comprise at least one temperature sensor and at least one current sensor. 4. A box according to claim 3, characterized in that the detection means furthermore comprise at least one voltage sensor. 5. A box according to claim 4, characterized in that the detection means comprise a plurality of temperature sensors for detecting at least maximum temperatures and minimum temperatures, a plurality of current sensors for detecting at least maximum currents, and a plurality of voltage sensors for detecting at least maximum voltages, said detections being carried out in at least the mentioned components and/or in at least different areas of the mentioned electroconducting tracks. 6. A box according to claim 2, characterized in that the detection means furthermore comprise at least one accelerometer for detecting at least maximum vibration conditions in said box. 7. A box according to claim 2, characterized in that the detection means furthermore comprise at least one hydrometer for detecting internal humidity levels of the box which are above a certain threshold. 8. A box according to claim 2, characterized in that said electronic system is adapted to obtain a series of data concerning the functioning of said components related at least to the number of operations each one carries out and/or to the type and number of functions they carry out, the electronic system recording said functioning data in at least said memory. 9. A box according to claim 8, characterized in that the electronic system is adapted to access the data stored in the memory to manage it, process it and carry out a series of calculations with it. 10. A box according to claim 9, characterized in that the electronic system, by means of said calculations, carries out an estimate of the approximate remaining useful life of the box and records the results of said calculations and/or the result of said estimate in at least said memory. 11. A box according to claim 2, characterized in that said electronic system comprises at least one microprocessor linked in a two-way nature to said memory, which is at least one. 12. A box according to claim 2, characterized in that said memory has stored therein a series of data introduced at the origin related to information concerning the box and/or the content thereof. 13. A box according to claim 12, characterized in that said information concerning the box comprises at least information of the group including at least: year of manufacture, manufacturer, total weight, hazardous material content, location thereof, recyclable material content, list of components that can be reused, information related to precautions to take into account for the disassembly of the box. 14. A box according to claim 2, characterized in that said electronic system comprises at least one communication interface to transmit said data stored in said memory to an external receiver. 15. A box according to claim 14, characterized in that said external receiver is connected to a computer. 16. A box according to claim 15, characterized in that said computer is provided with software for managing and processing said data, and for carrying out a series of calculations with them. 17. A box according to claim 16, characterized in that the computer, by means of calculations, carries out an estimate of the approximate remaining useful life of the box and informs the user of the suitable treatment thereof and the possible recycling options at the end of its useful life. | FIELD OF THE ART The present invention is generally related to an electric junction box applicable to automotive vehicles, and particularly to an electric junction box having components which are monitored for recycling purposes. PRIOR STATE OF THE ART With the latest advances observed in the technology applied to the automotive field, a series of new devices has arisen in automotive vehicles, such as electric junction boxes which, even though they remarkably comply with their task, also provide a series of drawbacks which were not previously taken into consideration, such as a greater difficulty to locate a possible breakdown thereof. Another one of said drawbacks is the ecological impact said devices may have on the environment, once their useful life has concluded, if they are not correctly managed. A series of proposals attempting to minimize said drawbacks are those provided by the following documents: U.S. patent application 2002/0059156 (focused on reducing said difficulty in locating a possible breakdown) proposes a diagnostic device based on artificial intelligence for carrying out a concentrated management of electrical devices and of control of an automobile. One of the elements forming the device is an electric junction box diagnostic device for diagnosing the states of the different fuses and relays included in one of said junction boxes, and communicating the result of said diagnosis to the drive through several output means linked to a central diagnostic processing unit connected, among others, to said diagnostic unit of said electric junction box. Said diagnosis is not only focused on the electric junction boxes, and when it is focused on such boxes, it is focused only on the fuses and relays, without referring to other possible electrical or electronic components that the boxes may include. On the other hand, the diagnostic unit is not autonomous, since it needs the remaining elements of the device to carry out its function. The objective of the proposal made in said document is clearly focused on the preventive maintenance and repair of malfunctioning vehicle parts, all this focused on a short term, i.e. the driver knows as soon as possible when a component of the vehicle begins to malfunction. The objective of the recycling is not posed in said application. One example of an invention which is clearly focused on minimizing the previously mentioned drawback of the possible ecological impact said junction boxes have on the environment once their useful life has concluded is Spanish patent ES-A-2178588, granted to the present applicant, which relates to an interconnection, control and management box for an automobile with a reduced environmental impact. Said environmental impact can mainly be reduced by manufacturing both the box and the components it houses with low ecological impact materials. For example and more specifically, it is proposed that the dielectric substrate of several printed circuit boards comprised in the box are made of a halogenated substance-free material, or that the weldings of a series of components connected to said printed circuit boards comprise a lead-free filler material. Another proposal provided in said patent is that of not excessively overloading said components, to that end the components are operatively intercoupled so that each one takes on multiple functions which will not be required at the same time or which are susceptible to simultaneously operating without excessively thermally loading the component involved. The reduction of the number of components, the size and final weight of the box, as well as the use of recycled plastics for the production of plastic parts, are also achieved with the proposed invention. What said patent does not propose is the fact of recycling the entire junction box, since the proposal is centered on the different elements separately forming it. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION It is necessary to provide a novel proposal in terms of the recycling of junction boxes, as a whole or parts thereof, which allows re-installing said boxes in a vehicle when it is known that it is still in good conditions, either because not too much time has elapsed since they were manufactured or because their components have not been subjected to an excessive stress. To reach the conclusion that one of said boxes is in good conditions, by means of the present invention, a diagnosis similar to the one proposed in the first previously described background is carried out, but besides being more thorough, not only focused on the fuses and relays, but also on the rest of the components and elements forming the box, it is directed in more of a long-term, specifically on when the box must be removed from the vehicle carrying it either to repair it or because the rest of the vehicle is rendered useless, for example, because of an accident. Therefore, the objective is completely different and clearly focused on recycling for reducing environmental contamination. The present invention relates to a recyclable electric junction box applicable to automotive vehicles, of the type comprising at least one casing housing a series of circuits inside materialized in one or more printed circuit boards with a series of electroconducting tracks on at least one of its sides, and with a series of components assembled on said plates, welded on said tracks and responsible for carrying out at least one power stage and one signal stage. The box furthermore comprises detection means for detecting a series of parameters or circumstances defining working conditions of at least said components, and an electronic system, associated and in collaboration with said detection means, for at least storing data representative of said parameters or circumstances in at least one memory comprised therein, which also incorporates, preferably from the factory, information concerning the box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENT EXAMPLES The previous features and other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following description of a series of embodiment examples, which must be taken in an illustrative and non-limiting manner. The present invention relates to a recyclable electric junction box applicable to automotive vehicles, comprising a casing housing a series of circuits inside materialized in one or more printed circuit boards with a series of electroconducting tracks on at least one of their sides, and with a series of components assembled on said boards, welded on said tracks and responsible for carrying out at least one power stage and one signal stage. The proposed box furthermore comprises detection means for detecting a series of parameters or circumstances defining working conditions of at least said components, and an electronic system, associated and in collaboration with said detection means, for at least storing data representative of said parameters or circumstances in at least one memory comprised therein. For one preferred embodiment example, said detection means furthermore operate for detecting a series of parameters or circumstances defining working conditions of said electroconducting tracks. The detection means comprise at least one temperature sensor, and preferably a plurality of temperature sensors, for detecting at least maximum temperatures and minimum temperatures, and at least one current sensor, and preferably a plurality of current sensors, for detecting at least maximum currents, both in the components and in the different areas of the electroconducting tracks, or in other parts of the box considered susceptible to undergoing critical temperatures and/or currents. For one preferred embodiment example, the detection means furthermore comprise at least one voltage sensor, and preferably a plurality of voltage sensors, for detecting at least maximum voltages to which the components and/or electroconducting tracks are subjected. By means of the mentioned sensors, it is possible to know if, for example, a component has been subjected to working conditions exceeding those for which it has been designed, which would obviously have an effect on decreasing the possibilities of the reuse thereof. Another one of the circumstances defining the working conditions of the box during its life is the stress to which it is subjected due to vehicle vibrations. It is because of this that the detection means furthermore comprise at least one accelerometer for detecting at least maximum vibration conditions in the box. An additional, more elaborated embodiment includes at least one hydrometer in the detection means for detecting the internal humidity levels of the box exceeding a certain threshold, and thus verifying the correct functioning of the seal system it incorporates. In addition to storing in a memory said data representing said parameters or circumstances which the box is experiencing, obtained as a result of the detection means detailed above, the same memory or other additional memories have stored, from the factory, a series of fixed data introduced at the origin related to information concerning the box and/or the content thereof. Such information concerning the box comprises at least information of the group including at least: year of manufacture, manufacturer, total weight, hazardous material content, location thereof, recyclable material content, list of components that can be reused, information related to precautions to take into account for the disassembly of the box, or any other information considered appropriate for the purpose of knowing up to what point it can be reused, once a junction box is removed from a vehicle, with the desirable level of detail, or if this is not the case, which components can be recycled and/or reused. This information obviously can be, and in fact will be able to be, amplified and improved as new models of junction boxes arise, while the technology sustaining them evolves at the same time. The electronic system is also adapted to obtain a series of data concerning the functioning of said components, related at least to the number of operations each one carries out and/or to the type and number of functions they carry out, the electronic system recording said functioning data in at least said memory. The electronic system is adapted to access the data stored in the memory in order to manage it, process it and carry out a series of calculations with it, by means of which it carries out an estimate of the approximate remaining useful life of the box and records the results of said calculations and/or the result of said estimate in at least said memory. It is deduced from the foregoing that there is a two-way nature between the memory and some elements of the electronic system which both record data in the memory and read it therefrom to carry out the mentioned calculations. At least one of said elements is a control chip, generally a microprocessor, having a two-way communication with said memory and with the sufficient calculation capacity for carrying out said task. With this, the person accessing the memory would directly obtain the results of the useful life estimate calculations, rather than the data, without needing to carry out additional calculations. In order for the person interested in obtaining information concerning one of the proposed boxes, either a recycling operator or maintenance mechanic, to access said information, either solely the data or even the results of the explained calculations, the electronic system included in the box comprises at least one communication interface for transmitting the data stored in the memory/memories incorporating an external receiver, which is preferably connected to a computer, although instead of a computer, any other device external to the box which a person skilled in the art deems suitable for this purpose can be used, such as a hand-held reading terminal. On the other hand, the communications can be carried out both directly through a connecting cable connected to said communication interface, and by a wireless system deemed suitable, such as is the case of infrared or radio frequency communication, for example. In another embodiment example in which the electronic system does not have the necessary elements for carrying out said calculations, or simply for greater safety, it is possible to carry out the calculations by means of said device external to the box. Said computer is provided with software for managing and processing the data and carrying out therewith the mentioned calculations to finally carry out said estimate of the approximate remaining useful life of the box, and if said life is very short, i.e. the box is not completely reusable, to estimate the useful life remaining for the different components forming it for the purpose of taking advantage of them, for example, to be used as spare parts when repairing another similar box, thus reducing the ecological impact as only the components which, in a certain manner, cannot be reused are disposed of. Likewise, the external device will obtain information of how to correctly disassemble and manage the junction box, also called distribution box, if it is not reused in the end. On the other hand, it is stressed that the proposed box will preferably be formed by low ecological impact materials, which will be duly indicated by means of the corresponding introduction of data related to information concerning the box in a corresponding memory, as has been explained above. Evidently, when deciding if a box, or part of it, can be re-installed in a vehicle, safety issues will also be taken into account, i.e. a box in which it is not sure that it can function practically as if it were new will not be reused, safety of the vehicle occupants being priority over the recycling of the boxes. On the other hand, it is finally indicated that a person skilled in the art could introduce changes and modifications in the described embodiment examples without exceeding the scope of the invention as it is defined in the attached claims. | <SOH> FIELD OF THE ART <EOH>The present invention is generally related to an electric junction box applicable to automotive vehicles, and particularly to an electric junction box having components which are monitored for recycling purposes. | 20041105 | 20060912 | 20060511 | 84060.0 | G06F1500 | 0 | RAYMOND, EDWARD | RECYCABLE ELECTRIC JUNCTION BOX APPLICABLE TO AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
||
10,904,441 | ACCEPTED | TRANSFER SWITCH DEVICE AND METHOD | This disclosure is concerned with devices and methods for voltage source transfer switching that reduces or eliminates transformer saturation due to DC flux built up during a transfer event. First and second voltage sources (primary and alternate) are connectable to a load via corresponding switches. A transformer is connected downstream of the switches. A controller operates the switches according to various transfer methods wherein a switching time is determined to minimize downstream saturation current. | 1. A method of switching between first and second voltage sources, comprising: disconnecting the first voltage source from a load; computing volt-second areas under voltage waveforms of the first and second voltage sources in real time; determining a switching time to minimize downstream saturation current based on the real-time computation of the volt-second areas; and connecting the second voltage source to the load at the determined switching time. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the real-time computation of the volt-second areas includes assigning a polarity to each volt-second area based on the polarity of the corresponding voltage. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein connecting the second voltage source to the load at the determined switching time includes connecting the second voltage source to the load in response to the absolute values of the areas under the waveforms of the first and second voltage sources being approximately equal and their polarities being opposite. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein connecting the second voltage source to the load at the determined switching time includes connecting the second voltage source to the load in response to the sum of the absolute values of the areas under the waveforms of the first and second voltage sources being approximately equal to the absolute value of the area under the waveform of a complete half cycle of the second voltage, and their polarities being the same. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein disconnecting the first voltage source from the load includes deactivating a first switch. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein connecting the second voltage source to the load at the predetermined switching time includes activating a second switch. 7. A method of switching between first and second voltage sources, comprising: disconnecting the first voltage source from a load; determining fluxes corresponding to the first and second voltages in real time; determining a switching time to minimize downstream saturation current based on the real-time flux determination.; and connecting the second voltage source to the load at the determined switching time. 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the real time determination of fluxes includes measuring the fluxes. 9. The method of claim 7 wherein the real-time determination of the fluxes includes computing the time integrals of the voltages. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein connecting the second voltage source to the load at the determined switching time includes connecting the second voltage source to the load in response to the time integrals of the first and second voltages being approximately equal. 11. The method of claim 7, wherein disconnecting the first voltage source from the load includes deactivating a first switch. 12. The method of claim 7, wherein connecting the second voltage source to the load at the predetermined switching time includes activating a second switch. 13. A transfer switch system, comprising: a first switch connectable to a first voltage source; a second switch connectable to a second voltage source; a controller connected to the first and second switches to activate and deactivate the first and second switches to selectively connect the first or the second switch to a load via a transformer; the controller having inputs for receiving signals representing the voltage levels of the first and second voltage sources and the voltage applied to the load transformer, wherein upon a predetermined condition, the controller: deactivates the first switch to disconnect the first voltage source from the load, computes volt-second areas under voltage waveforms of the first and second voltage sources in real time; determines a switching time to minimize downstream saturation current based on the real-time computation of the volt-second areas; and connects the second voltage source to the load at the determined switching time. 14. The transfer switch system of claim 13, wherein the real-time computation of the volt-second areas includes assigning a polarity to each volt-second area based on the polarity of the corresponding voltage. 15. The transfer switch system of claim 14, wherein the controller activates the second switch in response to the absolute values of the areas under the waveforms of the first and second voltage sources being approximately equal and their polarities being opposite. 16. The transfer switch system of claim 14, wherein the controller activates the second switch in response to the sum of the absolute values of the areas under the waveforms of the first and second voltage sources being approximately equal to the absolute value of the area under the waveform of a complete half cycle of the second voltage, and their polarities being the same. 17. A transfer switch system, comprising: a first switch connectable to a first voltage source; a second switch connectable to a second voltage source; a controller connected to the first and second switches to activate and deactivate the first and second switches to selectively connect the first or the second switch to a load via a transformer; the controller having inputs for receiving signals representing the voltage levels of the first and second voltage sources and the voltage applied to the load transformer, wherein upon a predetermined condition, the controller: deactivates the first switch to disconnect the first voltage source from the load, determines fluxes corresponding to the first and second voltages in real time; determines a switching time to minimize downstream saturation current based on the real-time flux determination.; and connects the second voltage source to the load at the determined switching time. 18. The transfer switch system of claim 17, wherein the real time determination of fluxes includes measuring the fluxes. 19. The transfer switch system of claim 17, wherein the real time determination of the fluxes includes computing the time integrals of the voltages. 20. The transfer switch system of claim 19, wherein the controller activates the second switch in response to the time integrals of the first and second voltages being approximately equal. 21. An uninterruptible power supply system, comprising: a first voltage source; a second voltage source; a first switch connected to the first voltage source; a second switch connected to the second voltage source; a transformer having an input connected to the first and second switches to selectively connect the transformer to the first or second voltage source, the transformer having output terminals connectable to a load; and a controller connected to the first and second switches to activate and deactivate the first and second switches to selectively connect the first or the second switch to the transformer; the controller receiving signals representing the voltage levels of the first and second voltage sources and the voltage applied to the transformer input, wherein upon a predetermined condition, the controller: deactivates the first switch to disconnect the first voltage source from the transformer; computes volt-second areas under voltage waveforms of the first and second voltage sources in real time; determines a switching time to minimize downstream saturation current based on the real-time computation of the volt-second areas; and connects the second voltage source to the transformer at the determined switching time. 22. The transfer switch system of claim 21, wherein the real-time computation of the volt-second areas includes assigning a polarity to each volt-second area based on the polarity of the corresponding voltage. 23. The transfer switch system of claim 22, wherein the controller activates the second switch in response to the absolute values of the areas under the waveforms of the first and second voltage sources being approximately equal and their polarities being opposite. 24. The transfer switch system of claim 22, wherein the controller activates the second switch in response to the sum of the absolute values of the areas under the waveforms of the first and second voltage sources being approximately equal to the absolute value of the area under the waveform of a complete half cycle of the second voltage, and their polarities being the same. 25. An uninterruptible power supply system, comprising: a first voltage source; a second voltage source; a first switch connected to the first voltage source; a second switch connected to the second voltage source; a transformer having an input connected to the first and second switches to selectively connect the transformer to the first or second voltage source, the transformer having output terminals connectable to a load; and a controller connected to the first and second switches to activate and deactivate the first and second switches to selectively connect the first or the second switch to the transformer; the controller receiving signals representing the voltage levels of the first and second voltage sources and the voltage applied to the transformer input, wherein upon a predetermined condition, the controller: deactivates the first switch to disconnect the first voltage source from the transformer; determines fluxes corresponding to the first and second voltages in real time; determines a switching time to minimize downstream saturation current based on the real-time flux determination; and connects the second voltage source to the transformer at the determined switching time. 26. The transfer switch system of claim 25, wherein the real time determination of fluxes includes measuring the fluxes. 27. The transfer switch system of claim 26, wherein the real time determination of the fluxes includes computing the time integrals of the voltages. 28. The transfer switch system of claim 27, wherein the controller activates the second switch in response to the time integrals of the first and second voltages being approximately equal. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/521,045, filed Feb. 10, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. This application is related to U.S. Pat. No. ______, “STATIC TRANSFER SWITCH DEVICE AND METHOD,” filed on the same day as the present application and incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND The present invention relates generally to voltage transfer switches, and more particularly, to AC voltage source transfer methods for switch systems having a transformer downstream of the transfer switch. Voltage transfer switches are commonly used to switch between a primary and one or more alternate power sources in the event of failure or instability of the primary source. Such transfer switches are commonly used in applications that require continuity of power, such as in hospitals and critical processes in both industrial and commercial settings. For example, in a power system having a primary voltage source and one alternate voltage source, fist and second switches are associated with the primary and alternate voltage sources, respectively. The switches are activated by a controller, such that upon a failure of the primary source, the first switch is opened to remove the primary voltage source from a load and the second switch is subsequently closed to connect the alternate source to the load, hence maintaining power to the load. Generally, the second switch is turned on as soon as possible after the load is disconnected from the primary source in an attempt to minimize the voltage disruption at the load side. However, in systems having a transformer connected downstream of the switches, this can cause a problem when the two sources are not initially synchronized, since the transformer would saturate due to the dc flux built up during the transfer event. The transformer saturations are highly undesirable since they can cause large saturation currents to flow, which in turn can cause system failure due to source overloading or upstream protective breakers tripping. The present application addresses these shortcomings associated with the prior art. SUMMARY This disclosure is concerned with devices and methods for voltage source transfer switching that reduces or eliminates transformer saturation due to DC flux built up during a transfer event. First and second voltage sources (primary and alternate) are connectable to a load via corresponding switches. A transformer is connected downstream of the switches. A controller operates the switches according to various transfer methods to minimize downstream saturation current. One method includes computing the volt-seconds area of the load and alternate voltages in real time. Prior to and during the primary source failure, the controller continuously computes the target volt-seconds value, i.e., the area under the load voltage curve, and it computes a compensating area on the alternate source voltage curve. When a transfer is initiated, the controller waits until the target volt-second area is approximately equal to or complements the compensating volt-second area before it turns on the appropriate switch to connect the alternate source to the load. In another transfer method, two flux quantities are computed continuously prior to a transfer event. The first flux corresponds to the flux that is generated by the load voltage when it drives the transformer, and the second corresponds to an imaginary flux that would be generated by the alternate source if it were driving the transformer. Upon a primary source failure, the controller transfers the load to the alternate source when the two flux quantities are equal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an AC voltage transfer system. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate two sets of voltage waveforms showing balanced voltage conditions. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a transfer method disclosed herein. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate two voltage waveforms and corresponding flux waveforms. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of another transfer method disclosed herein. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an uninterruptible power supply system including an AC voltage transfer switch system 100. The transfer switch system 100 includes a first, or primary, voltage source 110 and a second, or alternate voltage source 111. The first and second voltage sources 110, 111 are connected to a load 120 via a transformer 122. First and second switches 130, 131 are connected to the first and second voltage sources 110, 111, respectively, and a controller 134 activates the switches 130, 131. Devices suitable for the switches 130, 131 include SCRs, IGBTs, Triacs, etc. The controller 134 may comprise, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP) or any suitable programmable logic device. The controller 134 receives the voltage levels of the first and second voltage sources V1 and V2, and the load voltage Vload as inputs. The load voltage Vload here is defined as the output voltage of the transfer switch applied to the transformer primary. Under normal conditions, the first switch 130 is closed as shown in FIG. 1, connecting the first source 110 (primary source) to the load 120. In the event that the first source 110 fails while the second source 111 (alternate source) is available, the controller 134 detects the condition, and turns off the first switch 130 and subsequently turns on the second switch 131, maintaining power to the load 120. In known transfer switch systems, the second switch 131 is typically turned on as soon as possible after the load 120 is disconnected from the first voltage source 110 in an attempt to minimize the voltage disruption at the load 120. If the two sources 110, 111 are not initially synchronized, the transformer 122 will saturate due to the DC flux built up during the transfer event. The transformer saturations are highly undesirable since they can cause large saturation currents to flow, which in turn can cause system failure due to source overloading or upstream protective breakers tripping. To avoid transformer saturation, the optimum time to transfer from the first source 110 to the second source 111 is determined. In one embodiment, the transfer time is determined by computing the volt-seconds area of the load and alternate voltages. FIGS. 2A and 2B show waveforms for the load voltage 210 and alternate voltage 212. When the primary source 110 fails, the controller 134 keeps track of the amount of volt-seconds, i.e., the area under the load voltage curve 210 (At) from the time of the last zero-cross until the first switch 130 is turned off, and it computes a compensating area for the alternate source curve 212 (Ac). Polarity is assigned to each volt-seconds area based on the polarity of the corresponding voltage, for example a positive polarity is assigned to the area under the positive voltage and a negative polarity is assigned to the area under the negative voltage. When a transfer is initiated, the controller 134 waits until the target volt-sec area is approximately equal to (as in FIG. 2A) or complements (as in FIG. 2B) the compensating volt-sec area before it turns on the second switch 131. This results in little or no dc flux built up in the transformer 122 during transfer. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate two different balanced conditions for transferring from the first to the second voltage source. In FIG. 2A, At and Ac have different signs (At·Ac<0). In FIG. 2B, At and Ac have the same sign (At·Ac>0). As noted above, At is the target volt-second area of the load voltage, and Ac is the compensating volt-second area of the alternate voltage. FIG. 2B also includes Af, which represents the full half-cycle volt-second area of the alternate voltage. The quantity Ac involves an event that occurs in the future (after the transfer occurs), and therefore can not be exactly determined. However, assuming that the alternate voltage 212 does not change considerably from the previous cycle before the transfer, the quantity Ac at any given time t can be approximated from Ac(t)=Af−Ar(t), where Af is the previous full half-cycle volt-second area, and Ar is the running integral of the volt-sec area from zero-cross to time t. Thus, to avoid transfer saturations, in the situation shown in FIG. 2A, the controller 134 operates the switches 110, 111 such that the absolute values of At and Ac are equal (|At|=|Ac|). Defining quantity S1 as S1=At+Ac, the controller 134 turns on the second switch 111 so that S1=0 when (At·Ac<0). Referring now to FIG. 2B, the controller 134 operates the switches 110, 111 such that the quantities At and Ac added together equal a full half-cycle volt-second area of the alternate voltage (At+Ac=Af). Defining quantity 52 as S2=At+Ac−Af, the controller 134 turns on the second switch 111 so that S2=0 when (At·Ac>0). FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a specific implementation of the volt-second area method for transferring from the first voltage source 110 to the second voltage source 111. In block 310, the load voltage Vload(k) and the alternate voltage V2(k) are sampled at a predetermined sample rate, for example, 15 kHz. The target volt-sec area At is calculated in block 312 by integrating the load voltage Vload At(k+1)=At(k)+Vload(k). At each zero-cross of the load voltage Vload, the target volt-second area At(K) is reset, except after a command to transfer occurs. In block 314, the running alternate volt-sec area Ar(k) is calculated by integrating the alternate voltage V2: Ar(k+1)=Ar(k)+Valt(k). The running volt-sec area Ar(k) is also reset to zero at every zero-cross of the alternate voltage V2, except after a command to transfer occurs. In block 316, the maximum half-cycle volt-second area is calculated by latching the value of Ar(k) at every zero-cross, before resetting Ar(k). The compensating volt-sec area Ac(k) is calculated in block 318 based on the difference between the previous half-cycle volt-second area Af and the the running integral of the volt-sec area Ar Ac(k)=Af−Ar(k). In block 320, the S1 and S2 values are calculated: S1(k)=At(k)+Ac(k) and S2(k)=At(k)+Ac(k)−Af. In block 322, the controller 134 performs the transfer when S1(k)=0 (At·Ac<0) or when S2(k)=0 (At·Ac>0). In another embodiment, two flux quantities are computed continuously prior to a transfer event. The first flux corresponds to the flux that is generated by the load voltage Vload when it drives the transformer 122, and the second flux corresponds to an imaginary flux that would be generated by the second voltage source 111, if it were driving the transformer 122. It can be shown that the optimum transfer point is achieved when these two flux quantities are equal. FIG. 4 shows two sets waveforms for the load voltage Vload and alternate voltage V2. The top waveforms are voltage curves for load voltage 210 and alternate voltage 212, and the bottom waveforms are the corresponding flux curves for the load voltage 220 and alternate voltage 222. The controller 134 performs the transfer when the fluxes are equal—shown by the broken line 230. Ignoring the effect of leakage impedance of the transformer 122, the fluxes built up on the transformer 122 due to the application of the first voltage source 110 and the second voltage source 111 satisfy the following differential equations: ⅆ ϕ 1 ( t ) ⅆ t ≈ V 1 ( t ) ⅆ ϕ 2 ⅆ t ( t ) ≈ V 2 ( t ) where V1(t) and V2(t) are the first and second source voltages and φ1(t), φ2(t) are the fluxes corresponding to each voltage. The fluxes φ1(t), φ2(t) can be computed by solving the above differential equations at any given time: φ1(t)∫=V1(t)dt φ2(t)∫V2(t)dt In the generalized flux method, the optimum transfer is achieved when the two flux quantities defined above are equal in values: φ1(t)=φ2(t). FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a specific implementation of the generalized flux method for transferring from the first voltage source 110 to the second voltage source 111. In block 350, the output voltage Vload(k) and the alternate voltage Valt(k) are sampled at a predetermined sample rate, for example 15 kHz. In blocks 352 and 354, the load and alternate fluxes φ1, φ2 are determined by integrating the load and alternate voltages, respectively: φload(k+1)=φload(k)+Vload(k), φalt(k+1)=φalt(k)+Valt(k) The DC component is removed from both flux quantities periodically prior to transfer using any known techniques. In block 356, the transfer is performed when the flux quantities are equal: φload(k)=φalt(k). Rather than balancing the volt-second area or fluxes to be exactly equal, as discussed above, some error tolerance can be used in the balanced condition to provide a trade off between reduced transfer time and some amount of transformer saturation current. Denoting the tolerance as zcth, the balanced conditions above can be rewritten as follows: Volt-second area method where At·Ac<0: |S1|=|At+Ac|≦zcth; and where At·Ac>0: |S2|=|At+Ac−Af|≦zcth. For the generalized flux method: |φ1−φ2≦zcth. The methods described above use volt-second area and flux information that are computed continuously online. In these methods, the optimum switching times for transferring to the alternate source are not known until conditions that guarantee the minimization or elimination of the transformer saturation occur in real time. Known approaches determine optimum switching time based on offline voltage waveform analysis. Such methods, for example, may include determination of optimum switching time delay based on the last known measured phase angle difference between the two sources. In this case, the relationship between the optimum switching delay and the sources phase difference is first derived offline by imposing certain assumptions on the voltage waveforms during the transfer event. Clearly, this approach limits the effectiveness of the method when the actual voltage waveform during transfer deviates from the assumed shape. The methods disclosed herein, on the other hand, do not posses this drawback since the volt-second area and fluxes are continuously computed online based on actual real time voltage waveforms during transfer events. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. It should also be evident that the exemplary embodiments disclosed above may be readily applied to other similar or known power systems where transferring from one source of A/C power to another is necessary, such as a standard UPS system where the first source of power is an A/C voltage inverter and the second source of power is the utility or an A/C voltage generator. Consequently, all such similar applications are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present invention relates generally to voltage transfer switches, and more particularly, to AC voltage source transfer methods for switch systems having a transformer downstream of the transfer switch. Voltage transfer switches are commonly used to switch between a primary and one or more alternate power sources in the event of failure or instability of the primary source. Such transfer switches are commonly used in applications that require continuity of power, such as in hospitals and critical processes in both industrial and commercial settings. For example, in a power system having a primary voltage source and one alternate voltage source, fist and second switches are associated with the primary and alternate voltage sources, respectively. The switches are activated by a controller, such that upon a failure of the primary source, the first switch is opened to remove the primary voltage source from a load and the second switch is subsequently closed to connect the alternate source to the load, hence maintaining power to the load. Generally, the second switch is turned on as soon as possible after the load is disconnected from the primary source in an attempt to minimize the voltage disruption at the load side. However, in systems having a transformer connected downstream of the switches, this can cause a problem when the two sources are not initially synchronized, since the transformer would saturate due to the dc flux built up during the transfer event. The transformer saturations are highly undesirable since they can cause large saturation currents to flow, which in turn can cause system failure due to source overloading or upstream protective breakers tripping. The present application addresses these shortcomings associated with the prior art. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>This disclosure is concerned with devices and methods for voltage source transfer switching that reduces or eliminates transformer saturation due to DC flux built up during a transfer event. First and second voltage sources (primary and alternate) are connectable to a load via corresponding switches. A transformer is connected downstream of the switches. A controller operates the switches according to various transfer methods to minimize downstream saturation current. One method includes computing the volt-seconds area of the load and alternate voltages in real time. Prior to and during the primary source failure, the controller continuously computes the target volt-seconds value, i.e., the area under the load voltage curve, and it computes a compensating area on the alternate source voltage curve. When a transfer is initiated, the controller waits until the target volt-second area is approximately equal to or complements the compensating volt-second area before it turns on the appropriate switch to connect the alternate source to the load. In another transfer method, two flux quantities are computed continuously prior to a transfer event. The first flux corresponds to the flux that is generated by the load voltage when it drives the transformer, and the second corresponds to an imaginary flux that would be generated by the alternate source if it were driving the transformer. Upon a primary source failure, the controller transfers the load to the alternate source when the two flux quantities are equal. | 20041110 | 20080401 | 20050825 | 86182.0 | 1 | AMAYA, CARLOS DAVID | TRANSFER SWITCH DEVICE AND METHOD | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,904,443 | ACCEPTED | STATIC TRANSFER SWITCH DEVICE AND METHOD | Devices and methods for improved voltage source transfer switching. First and second voltage sources (primary and alternate) are connectable to a load via corresponding first and second switches, which may comprise SCRs. A controller operates the switches according to various transfer methods. In some transfer methods, the timing of the switching operation is critical. For example, switching times may be optimized to reduce or prevent transformer saturation due to the dc flux built up during the transfer event. The controller force commutates off the primary source switch by turning on the appropriate alternate source switch for a brief period of time. In this case, the alternate source switches are “pulsed” (rather than being turned on continuously), so that the switches will naturally commutate off at the next current zero cross. Subsequently, the volt-second balancing control logic will permanently turn on these switches at the appropriate time. | 1. A method of controlling switches to switch between first and second voltage sources, comprising: turning off a first switch associated with the first voltage source; temporarily pulsing on a second switch associated with the second voltage source; and turning on the second switch. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein pulsing on the second switch includes pulsing the second switch as many times as is necessary to minimize the output voltage disturbance. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein pulsing on the second switch includes pulsing on the second switch as many times as is necessary to commutate off the first switch. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second switches include SCRs having gate terminals, wherein pulsing on the second switch includes applying a voltage pulse to the gate terminal of an SCR of the second switch. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a switching time to minimize downstream saturation current; and turning on the second switch at the determined switching time. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the second switch is pulsed on prior to the determined switching time. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein determining the second switch includes analyzing waveforms of the first and second voltage sources. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein analyzing the waveforms includes computing the area under the voltage waveforms. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the switching time is determined in response to the absolute values of the areas under the waveforms of the first and second voltage sources being approximately equal. 10. The method of claim 7, wherein analyzing the waveforms includes computing the time integral of the first and second voltages. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the switching time is determined in response to the time integrals of the first and second voltages being approximately equal. 12. A transfer switch system, comprising: a first switch connectable to a first voltage source; a second switch connectable to a second voltage source; and a controller connected to the first and second switches to activate and deactivate the first and second switches to selectively connect the first or the second switch to a load via a transformer; the controller having inputs for receiving signals representing the voltage levels of the first and second voltage sources and the voltage applied to the load, wherein upon a predetermined condition, the controller temporarily pulses on the second switch and thereafter, turns on the second switch. 13. The transfer switch system of claim 12, wherein the first and second switches include SCRs. 14. The transfer switch system of claim 12, wherein the controller pulses on the second switch as many times as is necessary to minimize the output voltage disturbance. 15. The transfer switch system of claim 12, wherein the controller pulses on the second switch as many times as is necessary to commutate off the first switch. 16. The transfer switch system of claim 12, wherein the controller determines a switching time to minimize downstream saturation current and turns on the second switch at the switching time. 17. The transfer switch system of claim 16, wherein the controller temporarily pulses the second switch prior to the switching time. 18. The transfer switch system of claim 16, wherein the controller determines the switching time in response to the signals representing the voltage levels of the first and second voltage sources. 19. An uninterruptible power supply system, comprising: a first voltage source; a second voltage source; a first switch connected to the first voltage source; a second switch connected to the second voltage source; a transformer having an input connected to the first and second switches to selectively connect the transformer to the first or second voltage source, the transformer having output terminals connectable to a load; and a controller connected to the first and second switches to activate and deactivate the first and second switches to selectively connect the first or the second switch to the transformer; the controller receiving signals representing the voltage levels of the first and second voltage sources and the voltage applied to the transformer input, wherein upon a predetermined condition, the controller temporarily pulses on the second switch and thereafter, turns on the second switch. 20. The transfer switch system of claim 19, wherein the first and second switches include SCRs. 21. The transfer switch system of claim 19, wherein the controller pulses on the second switch as many times as is necessary to minimize the output voltage disturbance. 22. The transfer switch system of claim 19, wherein the controller pulses on the second switch as many times as is necessary to commutate off the first switch. 23. The transfer switch system of claim 19, wherein the controller determines a switching time to minimize downstream saturation current and turns on the second switch at the switching time. 24. The transfer switch system of claim 23, wherein the controller temporarily pulses the second switch prior to the switching time. 25. The transfer switch system of claim 23, wherein the controller determines the switching time in response to the signals representing the voltage levels of the first and second voltage sources. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a nonprovisional application of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/521,046, filed Feb. 10, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. This application is related to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. ______, “Transfer switch device and method,” filed on the same day as the present application and incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND The present invention relates generally to voltage transfer switches, and more particularly, to AC voltage source transfer methods for switch systems having a transformer downstream of the transfer switch. Voltage transfer switches are commonly used to switch between a primary and one or more alternate power sources in the event of failure or instability of the primary source. Such transfer switches are commonly used in applications that require continuity of power, such as in hospitals and critical processes in both industrial and commercial settings. For example, in a power system having a primary voltage source and one alternate voltage source, fist and second switches are associated with the primary and alternate voltage sources, respectively. The switches are activated by a controller, such that upon a failure of the primary source, the first switch is opened to remove the primary voltage source from a load and the second switch is subsequently closed to connect the alternate source to the load, hence maintaining power to the load. The “static switches” used for this switching function typically employ silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) devices. The controller applies signals to the SCRs' gate terminals to gate them into conduction and to commutate them off as necessary based on the condition of the primary and alternate voltage sources. Generally, the second switch is turned on as soon as possible after the load is disconnected from the primary source in an attempt to minimize the voltage disruption at the load side. In some situations, however, the timing of turning off the first switch and turning on the second switch is optimized based on the make-up of the system. For example, in systems having a transformer connected downstream of the switches, switching may be optimized to prevent the transformer from saturating due to the dc flux built up during the transfer event. Such transformer saturations are highly undesirable since they can cause large saturation currents to flow, which in turn can cause system failure due to source overloading or upstream protective breakers tripping. In such optimized system, the additional delay that results from waiting for the optimum point to transfer may cause increased output voltage waveform disturbance and load current discontinuity, which are not acceptable to some critical loads. Additionally, when SCRs are used in such a voltage transfer switch optimized for minimum downstream transformer saturation currents, there are cases where the SCRs will not naturally commutate off for a significant period of time. This may prevent the controller from turning on the appropriate alternate source SCRs at the optimum time without creating a cross conduction situation, thus extending the transfer time. The present application addresses these shortcomings associated with the prior art. SUMMARY This disclosure is concerned with devices and methods for improved voltage source transfer switching. First and second voltage sources (primary and alternate) are connectable to a load via corresponding first and second switches that are comprised of SCRs. A controller operates the SCRs according to various transfer methods. In some transfer methods, the timing of the switching operation is critical. For example, switching times may be optimized to reduce or prevent transformer saturation due to the dc flux built up during the transfer event. The controller temporarily turns on the appropriate alternate source devices for some controlled brief period of time in order to minimize the output voltage disturbance and/or commutate off the primary devices. The controller force commutates off the primary source SCRs by turning on the appropriate alternate source devices for a brief period of time. In this case, the alternate source SCRs gates drives are “pulsed” (rather than being turned on continuously), so that the SCR's will naturally commutate off at the next current zero cross. Subsequently, the volt-second balancing control logic will permanently turn on these SCRs at the appropriate time. The pulsing action may be repeated as many times as necessary until the required volt-second balanced is achieved, in order to reduce the voltage disturbance and load current discontinuity during the transfer event. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an AC voltage transfer system. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate two sets of voltage waveforms showing balanced voltage conditions. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a transfer method disclosed herein. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate two voltage waveforms and corresponding flux waveforms. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of another transfer method disclosed herein. FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a transfer operation with standard control of the system's SCRs. FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate a transfer operation with a pulsing on of the system's SCRs. FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a transfer operation with multiple on pulses of varying width. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an AC voltage transfer switch system 100. The transfer switch system 100 includes a first, or primary, voltage source 110 and a second, or alternate voltage source 111. The first and second voltage sources 110, 111 are connected to a load 120 via a transformer 122. First and second switches 130, 131 are connected to the first and second voltage sources 110, 111, respectively, and a controller 134 activates the switches 130, 131. In the illustrated embodiment, the switches 130, 131 comprise first and second silicon controlled rectifiers (SCR) 130a, 130b and 131a, 131b. The controller 134 may comprise, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP) or any suitable programmable logic device. The controller 134 receives the voltage levels of the first and second voltage sources V1 and V2, and the load voltage Vload as inputs. The load voltage Vload here is defined as the output voltage of the transfer switch applied to the transformer primary. Under normal conditions, the controller biases the first switch 130 to connect the first source 110 (primary source) to the load 120. In the event that the first source 110 fails while the second source 111 (alternate source) is available, the controller 134 detects the condition, and operates the switches 130, 131 to disconnect the first voltage source 110 from the load 120 and subsequently connect the second voltage source, maintaining power to the load 120. In certain switching schemes, the timing of the switching operation is critical. However, in some configurations, the SCRs will not naturally commutate off for a significant period of time. This may prevent the controller from turning on the appropriate alternate source SCRs at the optimum time. For example, in known transfer switch systems, the second switch 131 is typically turned on as soon as possible after the load 120 is disconnected from the first voltage source 110 in an attempt to minimize the voltage disruption at the load 120. If the two sources 110, 111 are not initially synchronized, the transformer 122 will saturate due to the DC flux built up during the transfer event. The transformer saturations are highly undesirable since they can cause large saturation currents to flow, which in turn can cause system failure due to source overloading or upstream protective breakers tripping. To avoid transformer saturation, the optimum time to transfer from the first source 110 to the second source 111 is determined. This optimum time results in additional delay in transfer, which may cause output voltage waveform disturbance that is not acceptable to some critical loads. Additionally, failure of the SCRs to commutate off at the desired time may prevent the controller from turning on the appropriate alternate source SCRs at the optimum time without creating a cross conduction situation, thus extending the transfer time. In one embodiment, the transfer time is determined by computing the volt-seconds area of the load and alternate voltages. FIGS. 2A and 2B show waveforms for the load voltage 210 and alternate voltage 212. When the primary source 110 fails, the controller 134 keeps track of the amount of volt-seconds, i.e., the area under the load voltage curve 210 (At) from the time of the last zero-cross until the first switch 130 is turned off, and it computes a compensating area for the alternate source curve 212 (Ac). When a transfer is initiated, the controller 134 waits until the target volt-sec is approximately equal to (as in FIG. 2A) or complements (as in FIG. 2B) the compensating volt-sec area before it turns on the second switch 131. This results in no dc flux built up in the transformer 122 during transfer. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate two different balanced conditions for transferring from the first to the second voltage source. In FIG. 2A, At and Ac have different signs (At·Ac<0). In FIG. 2B, At and Ac have the same sign (At·Ac>0). As noted above, At is the target volt-second area of the load voltage, and Ac is the compensating volt-second area of the alternate voltage. FIG. 2B also includes Af, which represents the full half-cycle volt-second area of the alternate voltage. The quantity Ac involves an event that occurs in the future (after the transfer occurs), and therefore can not be exactly determined. However, assuming that the alternate voltage 212 does not change considerably from the previous cycle before the transfer, the quantity Ac at any given time t can be approximated from Ac(t)=Af−Ar(t), where Af is the previous full half-cycle volt-second area, and Ar is the running integral of the volt-sec area from zero-cross to time t. Thus, to avoid transfer saturations, in the situation shown in FIG. 2A, the controller 134 operates the switches 110, 111 such that the absolute values of At and Ac are equal (|At|=|Ac|). Defining quantity S1 as S1=At+Ac, the controller 134 turns on the second switch 111 so that S1=0 when (At·Ac<0). Referring now to FIG. 2B, the controller 134 operates the switches 110, 111 such that the quantities At and Ac added together equal a full half-cycle volt-second area of the alternate voltage (At+Ac=Af). Defining quantity S2 as S2=At+Ac−Af, the controller 134 turns on the second switch 111 so that S2=0 when (At·Ac>0). FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a specific implementation of the volt-second area method for transferring from the first voltage source 110 to the second voltage source 111. In block 310, the load voltage Vload(k) and the alternate voltage V2(k) are sampled at a predetermined sample rate, for example, 15 kHz. The target volt-sec area At is calculated in block 312 by integrating the load voltage Vload: At(k+1)=At(k)+Vload(k). At each zero-cross of the load voltage Vload, the target volt-second area At(K) is reset, except after a command to transfer occurs. In block 314, the running alternate volt-sec area Ar(k) is calculated by integrating the alternate voltage V2: Ar(k+1)=Ar(k)+V alt(k). The running volt-sec area Ar(k) is also reset to zero at every zero-cross of the alternate voltage V2, except after a command to transfer occurs. In block 316, the maximum half-cycle volt-second area is calculated by latching the value of Ar(k) at every zero-cross, before resetting Ar(k). The compensating volt-sec area Ac(k) is calculated in block 318 based on the difference between the previous half-cycle volt-second area Af and the the running integral of the volt-sec area Ar. Ac(k)=Af−Ar(k). In block 320, the S1 and S2 are calculated: S1(k)=At(k)+Ac(k) and S2(k)=At(k)+Ac(k)−Af In block 322, the controller 134 performs the transfer when S1(k)=0(At·Ac<0) or when S2(k)=0(At·Ac>0). In another embodiment, two flux quantities are computed continuously prior to a transfer event. The first flux corresponds to the flux that is generated by the load voltage Vload when it drives the transformer 122, and the second flux corresponds to an imaginary flux that would be generated by the second voltage source 111, if it were driving the transformer 122. It can be shown that the optimum transfer point is achieved when these two flux quantities are equal. FIG. 4 shows two sets waveforms for the load voltage Vload and alternate voltage V2. The top waveforms are voltage curves for load voltage 210 and alternate voltage 212, and the bottom waveforms are the corresponding flux curves for the load voltage 220 and alternate voltage 222. The controller 134 performs the transfer when the fluxes are equal—shown by the broken line 230. Ignoring the effect of leakage impedance of the transformer 122, the fluxes built up on the transformer 122 due to the application of the first voltage source 110 and the second voltage source 111 satisfy the following differential equations: ⅆ ϕ 1 ( t ) ⅆ t ≈ V 1 ( t ) ⅆ ϕ 2 ⅆ t ( t ) ≈ V 2 ( t ) where V1(t) and V2(t) are the first and second source voltages and φ1(t), φ2(t) are the fluxes corresponding to each voltage. The fluxes φ1(t), φ2(t) can be computed by solving the above differential equations at any given time: ϕ 1 ( t ) = ∫ V 1 ( t ) ⅆ t ϕ 2 ( t ) = ∫ V 2 ( t ) ⅆ t In the generalized flux method, the optimum transfer is achieved when the two flux quantities defined above are equal in values: φ1(t)=φ2(t). FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a specific implementation of the generalized flux method for transferring from the first voltage source 110 to the second voltage source 111. In block 350, the output voltage Vload(k) and the alternate voltage Valt(k) are sampled at a predetermined sample rate, for example 15 kHz. In blocks 352 and 354, the load and alternate fluxes φ1, φ2 are determined by integrating the load and alternate voltages, respectively: φload(k+1)=φload(k)+Vload(k); φalt(k)+Valt(k) The DC component is removed from both flux quantities periodically prior to transfer using any known techniques. In block 356, the transfer is performed when the flux quantities are equal: φload(k)=φalt(k). Rather than balancing the volt-second area or fluxes to be exactly equal, as discussed above, some error tolerance can be used in the balanced condition to provide a trade off between reduced transfer time and some amount of transformer saturation current. Denoting the tolerance as zcth, the balanced conditions above can be rewritten as follows: Volt-second area method where At·Ac<0: |S1|=|At+Ac|≦zcth; and where At·Ac>0: |S2|=|At+Ac−Af|≦zcth. For the generalized flux method: |φ1−φ2|≦zcth. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the switches 130, 131 comprise SCRs 130a, 130b and 131a, 131b. There are cases where certain SCRs will not naturally commutate off for a significant period of time, which could result in hampering a precisely timed switching operation. For example, this may prevent the volt-second balancing control from turning on the appropriate alternate source SCRs 131a, 131b at the optimum time without creating a cross conduction situation, thus extending the transfer time. FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate such a situation for a three phase SCR based transfer switch system, illustrating a transfer from the primary source to the alternate source following a 35% voltage droop failure on the primary source, with the alternate source leading the preferred source by 30 degrees. FIG. 6A shows the load voltage waveforms 410 for each of the three phases. FIG. 6B shows the SCR firing signals 412, and FIGS. 6C and 6D show the transformer fluxes 414 and load currents 416, respectively. With standard control of the SCRs, the transfer time for the transfer illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D is 15.2 milliseconds and the load sees a significant voltage disturbance due to the transfer. To improve the transfer time and minimize the voltage disturbance seen by the load, the controller operates to force commutate off the preferred SCRs. This is accomplished by turning on the appropriate alternate source devices for a brief period of time. In this case, the alternate source SCRs' gate drives are “pulsed” (rather than being turned on continuously), so that the SCRs will naturally commutate off at the next current zero-cross. Subsequently, the controller will permanently turn on these SCRs at the appropriate time to achieve the desired volt-second balancing. For example, FIGS. 7A-7D show the waveforms for such optimized control of the SCRs. The voltage waveforms 420 are shown in FIG. 7A and the SCR firing signals 422 are shown in FIG. 7B. FIGS. 7C and 7D illustrate the transformer fluxes 424 and load currents 426, respectively. To achieve the desired commutation of the SCRs, the firing signals include pulses 430, 432 shown in FIG. 7B. It can be seen that during transfer the voltage delivered to the load in FIG. 7A is of a higher average value than the voltage delivered to the load in FIG. 6A. Therefore, this technique provides significant reduction in the voltage disturbance seen by the load during transfer. It should be obvious that the technique described can be employed to minimize voltage disturbance in an optimized volt-second balance system, even for cases where forced commutation of the SCRs is not necessary. The controller determines if the volt-seconds applied to the transformer (during the pulsing on period) will not adversely affect the desired action of the volt-second balance control. Various methods may be employed to achieve this. For example, for the first embodiment of the volt-second balance system, the following two requirements may be used to provide conditions for pulsing on: (1) The control just recently missed the opportunity to turn on the SCR at a volt-second balance point (2) The resulting volt-seconds applied does not exceed a value that could cause excessive saturation currents. Since S1(t) and S2(t) represent the amount of volt-seconds that will be applied when the SCR is fired at time t, these quantities can be used to qualify the above conditions. Assuming that no more than half the rated volt-seconds will be applied to the transformer due to the forced commutation pulse, it can be easily shown that the following conditions satisfy the above two requirements: For the balanced case where At·Ac<0: OnPulseCondition = { zcth < S1 < 1 2 Af if At > 0 - 1 2 Af < S1 < - zcth otherwise For the balanced case where At·Ac>0: OnPulseCondition = { zcth < S2 < 1 2 Af if At < 0 - 1 2 Af < S2 < - zcth otherwise For the second embodiment of the volt-second balance system, the following may be used to provide the conditions for pulsing on: (1) The pulsing on should only be applied when the polarity of the alternate voltage is such that the absolute value of the transformer flux (φload) will be reduced. This condition ensures that the application of the on pulse will not result in the transformer being saturated. (2) The pulsing on should NOT be applied when the polarity of the alternate voltage is such that the amount of dc flux created—which is given as the difference between the load and alternate flux—is currently being driven toward zero. Pulsing on the alternate switch at this condition will prevent the flux balance condition—which would have occurred shortly if the pulse were not applied—to be delayed and thereby increasing the transfer time. The first condition is satisfied if the alternate voltage and the load flux fload have different signs. For the second condition, define as the amount of dc flux that would be created, then this quantity is being driven toward zero if the alternate voltage and fd have the same signs. Therefore to satisfy the second condition, the pulsing on should only be allowed if the signs of and fd are different. Combining the two requirements, the on pulse condition for the second embodiment of a volt-second balance system can then be written as OnPulseCondition=(φload·Valt)<0 and (φd·Valt)<0 It should be noted here that the on pulse signal that controls the alternate switch can be continuously applied for as long as the above condition remains satisfied. It should also be obvious that the on pulse may be repeated as many time as necessary until the required volt-second balance condition is achieved, and the switch is permanently turned on. This is illustrated in FIG. 8A-D for a three phase SCR based transfer switch system illustrating an extreme case in which a transfer occurs from a primary source which has 120% nominal voltage and 55 Hz frequency to an alternate source with 80% nominal voltage and 63 Hz frequency. The transfer follows a single-phase short-to-neutral fault on the primary source that occurred at a given point in the voltage waveform. FIGS. 8A-D show the waveforms employing the above on pulse conditions. The voltage waveforms 440 are shown in FIG. 8A and the SCR firing signals 442 are shown in FIG. 8B. FIGS. 8C and 8D illustrate the transformer fluxes 444 and load currents 446, respectively. In FIG. 8B, the firing signals include pulses 450 and 452 shown which have varying pulse width defined by the satisfaction of the on pulse conditions above and repeated for more than one time. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present invention relates generally to voltage transfer switches, and more particularly, to AC voltage source transfer methods for switch systems having a transformer downstream of the transfer switch. Voltage transfer switches are commonly used to switch between a primary and one or more alternate power sources in the event of failure or instability of the primary source. Such transfer switches are commonly used in applications that require continuity of power, such as in hospitals and critical processes in both industrial and commercial settings. For example, in a power system having a primary voltage source and one alternate voltage source, fist and second switches are associated with the primary and alternate voltage sources, respectively. The switches are activated by a controller, such that upon a failure of the primary source, the first switch is opened to remove the primary voltage source from a load and the second switch is subsequently closed to connect the alternate source to the load, hence maintaining power to the load. The “static switches” used for this switching function typically employ silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) devices. The controller applies signals to the SCRs' gate terminals to gate them into conduction and to commutate them off as necessary based on the condition of the primary and alternate voltage sources. Generally, the second switch is turned on as soon as possible after the load is disconnected from the primary source in an attempt to minimize the voltage disruption at the load side. In some situations, however, the timing of turning off the first switch and turning on the second switch is optimized based on the make-up of the system. For example, in systems having a transformer connected downstream of the switches, switching may be optimized to prevent the transformer from saturating due to the dc flux built up during the transfer event. Such transformer saturations are highly undesirable since they can cause large saturation currents to flow, which in turn can cause system failure due to source overloading or upstream protective breakers tripping. In such optimized system, the additional delay that results from waiting for the optimum point to transfer may cause increased output voltage waveform disturbance and load current discontinuity, which are not acceptable to some critical loads. Additionally, when SCRs are used in such a voltage transfer switch optimized for minimum downstream transformer saturation currents, there are cases where the SCRs will not naturally commutate off for a significant period of time. This may prevent the controller from turning on the appropriate alternate source SCRs at the optimum time without creating a cross conduction situation, thus extending the transfer time. The present application addresses these shortcomings associated with the prior art. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>This disclosure is concerned with devices and methods for improved voltage source transfer switching. First and second voltage sources (primary and alternate) are connectable to a load via corresponding first and second switches that are comprised of SCRs. A controller operates the SCRs according to various transfer methods. In some transfer methods, the timing of the switching operation is critical. For example, switching times may be optimized to reduce or prevent transformer saturation due to the dc flux built up during the transfer event. The controller temporarily turns on the appropriate alternate source devices for some controlled brief period of time in order to minimize the output voltage disturbance and/or commutate off the primary devices. The controller force commutates off the primary source SCRs by turning on the appropriate alternate source devices for a brief period of time. In this case, the alternate source SCRs gates drives are “pulsed” (rather than being turned on continuously), so that the SCR's will naturally commutate off at the next current zero cross. Subsequently, the volt-second balancing control logic will permanently turn on these SCRs at the appropriate time. The pulsing action may be repeated as many times as necessary until the required volt-second balanced is achieved, in order to reduce the voltage disturbance and load current discontinuity during the transfer event. | 20041110 | 20081202 | 20050825 | 84474.0 | 1 | CAVALLARI-SEE, DANIEL | STATIC TRANSFER SWITCH DEVICE AND METHOD | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,904,609 | ACCEPTED | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING TONER CONCENTRATION | A device to measure toner concentration can include a selector that selects a type of developer material to be measured and a sensor that detects an amount of light reflected off a developer material. A controller within the device can determine a value corresponding to a toner concentration of the developer material based on the amount of light detected by the sensor. | 1. A toner concentration measuring device, comprising: a selector that selects a type of developer material to be measured; a sensor that detects an amount of light reflected off a developer material; and a controller that determines a value corresponding to a toner concentration of the developer material based on the amount of light detected by the sensor. 2. The toner concentration measuring device of claim 1, further comprising: a light source that emits light on the developer material. 3. The toner concentration measuring device of claim 1, further comprising: a memory that stores at least one toner concentration value corresponding to the amount of light received by the sensor, and the controller retrieving the toner concentration value from the memory based on the amount of light received by the sensor. 4. The toner concentration measuring device of claim 1, further comprising: a fiber optic bundle assembly that includes, at least one emitter fiber; at least one detector fiber, wherein the emitter fiber is coupled to a light source and the detector fiber is coupled to the sensor. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the fiber optic bundle assembly including a plurality of emitter fibers and a plurality of detector fibers, wherein the emitter fibers and the detector fibers are randomized so that emitter fibers and the detector fibers are uniformly distributed throughout an end of the fiber bundle assembly. 6. The device of claim 4, further comprising: an enclosure that receives at least a portion of the optic bundle assembly, the enclosure including a transparent window in which the light emitted from the emitter fiber is transmitted through the window and the light received through the window is transmitted to the detector fiber. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the window is oriented at substantially 45 degrees to the fiber optic bundle assembly. 8. The device of claim 1, further comprising an amplifier coupled to the sensor, wherein the amplifier is configured to control a gain of the sensor. 9. The device of claim 2, wherein the light source emits diffused light. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is portable. 11. A method for measuring toner concentration, comprising: accepting a user input for a type of developer material to be measured; detecting an amount of reflected light off a developer material; and determining a value corresponding to a toner concentration of the developer material based on the amount of light detected. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: emitting light to the developer material. 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: storing at least one toner concentration value corresponding to the amount of received light; and outputting the toner concentration value if a detected light is substantially the amount of light that corresponds to the toner concentration value. 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: adjusting a gain and/or offset of the detected light based on a selected type of developer material. 15. A computer readable medium or a modulated signal being encoded to perform the method of claim 11. 16. A computer readable medium or a modulated signal being encoded to perform the method of claim 13. 17. A computer readable medium or a modulated signal being encoded to perform the method of claim 14. 18. A toner concentration measuring device, comprising: means for accepting a user input for a type of developer material to be measured; means for detecting an amount of reflected light off a developer material; and means for determining a value corresponding to a toner concentration of the developer material based on the amount of light detected. 19. The toner concentration measuring device of claim 18, further comprising: means for storing at least one toner concentration value corresponding to the amount of received light. 20. The toner concentration device of claim 18, further comprising: means for adjusting a gain and/or offset of the detected light based on a selected type of developer material. | BACKGROUND The present disclosure is directed to printing systems, and in particular to method and apparatus for measuring toner concentration in a developer material. In a typical electrophotographic printing process, an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductive member corresponding to an original document is developed by bringing a developer material into contact with the photoconductive member. Generally, the developer material includes toners adhering triboelectrically to carrier granules. The toners are attracted from the carrier granules to the latent image forming a toner image on the photoconductive member. The toner image is then transferred from the photoconductive member to a copy sheet. The toners are then heated to permanently affix the toner image to the copy sheet. U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,441 to Koji Masuda discloses a supplying device for supplying toner and carrier to a developer container in conformity with an output of a detector where an intensity of an electric field for shifting the carrier from the developer bearing member to an image bearing member is greater than an intensity of an electric field formed between a nonimage portion of the electrostatic latent image formed on the image bearing member and the developer bearing member. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0228157 to Seung-Young Byun et al. discloses a method of detecting toner depletion in an image forming apparatus that includes comparing an accumulation pixel number Qt that is obtained by accumulating and counting a number of pixels of a printed image with a reference pixel number Qr calculated from an amount of toner received in a developing unit, and recognizing that the image forming apparatus is in a toner low state if the accumulation pixel number Qt is larger than the reference pixel number Qr. U.S. Pat. No. 6,687,477 to Motoharu Ichida et al. discloses a toner recycling control system that stably feeds a liquid developer of an appropriate concentration to a liquid developing apparatus employing a high-viscosity liquid developer, appropriately adjusts the concentration of residual developer collected after development and after transfer, and feeds the adjusted developer to the developing apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 6,606,463 to Eric M. Gross et al. discloses a toner maintenance system for an electrophotographic developer unit that includes a sump for storing a quantity of developer material including toner material, a first member for transporting developer material from sump, a viewing window in communication with toner material in the sump, an optical sensor for measuring reflected light off the viewing window and toner material, and generating a signal indicative thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,071 to Yuichiro Kanoshima et al. discloses an integration density acquiring unit for a consumption information management apparatus that acquires integration density from an image signal sent from an image processing section, and an information converting unit that calculates a quantity of consumer toner by multiplying the integration density by a specified coefficient to send the quantity to a cumulative consumption information calculating unit. U.S. Pat. No. 6,496,662 to John Andrew Buchanan discloses a toner chamber having a transparent window at its bottom, and a reflective surface also at the bottom. An optical emitter and receiver periodically senses for returned light, which indicates toner low. U.S. Pat. No. 6,377,760 to Yoshihiro Hagiwara discloses a toner concentration measuring apparatus that measures a concentration of a toner in a developer and having a first and second light guiding devices whose end surfaces project into a duct traversed by developer fluid, and a light receiving device for receiving light transmitted from the first light guiding device to the second light guiding device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,342 to Tomohiro Masumura discloses a toner concentration sensor that has a pair of optical members for optically coupling a light emitting device and a photodetector. The optical members are disposed with a gap therebetween for introducing liquid developer to measure transparency of the liquid developer and to evaluate the toner concentration. U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,184 to Yong-Baek Yoo et al. discloses a developer film forming device for forming a developer film and a sensing device including a light source unit for emitting colored light corresponding to a range of wavelengths for which light transmissivity is relatively low to a developer film of a selected color developer, and a photodetector for receiving the light emitted by the light source unit and transmitted through the developer film. Thus, a thin developer film is formed and the concentration of developer is measured by emitting light in the range of wavelengths. SUMMARY It is desirable to regulate the addition of toners to the developer material in order to ultimately control the triboelectric characteristics (tribo) of the developer material. However, control of the triboelectric characteristics of the developer material are generally considered to be a function of the toner concentration within the developer material. Therefore, for practical purposes, attempts are usually made to control the concentration of toners in the developer material. Toner tribo is an important parameter for development and transfer of toners. Constant toner tribo would be an ideal case. Unfortunately, toner tribo varies with time and environmental changes. Since toner tribo is almost inversely proportional to toner concentration (TC), the toner tribo variation can be compensated by controlling the toner concentration. Toner concentration is usually measured by a toner concentration (TC) sensor. However, during a normal course of operation, certain operating conditions, for example, low area coverage and other conditions can cause toners to reside in the developer housing for a long period of time. This may cause the TC sensor to report erroneous TC readings. Therefore, in order to bring the electrophotographic printing system into normal operation, known procedures involve taking samples from the developer housing and taking it to a laboratory for analysis. This procedure is often repeated for optimal performance and is time consuming. Thus, a device to measure toner concentration according to an exemplary embodiment can include a selector that selects a type of developer material to be measured and a sensor that detects an amount of light reflected off a developer material. A controller within the device determines a value corresponding to a toner concentration of the developer material based on the amount of light detected by the sensor. In various embodiments, the device is portable. In various embodiments, the device includes a light source that emits light at the developer material. Preferably, the light source is diffused light. Methods according an embodiment includes accepting a user input for a type of developer material, detecting an amount of light reflected off a developer material, and determining a value corresponding to a toner concentration of the developer material based on the amount of light detected. These and other features and advantages are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the methods and apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with references to the following figures, wherein: FIG. 1 illustrates a functional diagram of an exemplary electrophotographic printing system; FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary optical toner concentration (OTC) device; FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary OTC device; FIG. 4 is a graph that shows exemplary responses of cyan, magenta, yellow, red and blue toner as a function of percent toner concentration (% TC); FIG. 5 is a graph that shows an exemplary response of a black toner as a function of % TC; and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an exemplary operation of measuring toner concentration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary electrophotographic printing system that generally employs a photoconductive belt 110. An original document can be positioned in a document handler 120 on a raster input scanner (RIS) 130. The RIS 130 contains document illumination lamps, optics, a mechanical scanning drive and a charge coupled device (CCD) array. The RIS 130 captures the original document and converts it to a series of raster scan lines. This information is transmitted to an electronic subsystem (ESS) 140 which controls a raster output scanner (ROS) 150. The photoconductive belt 110 moves in the direction of arrow 112 to advance successive portions of the belt sequentially through the various processing stations A-F disposed about its path of movement. The photoconductive belt 110 is entrained about stripping roller 114, tensioning roller 116 and drive roller 118. As the drive roller 118 rotates, it advances the photoconductive belt 110 in the direction of arrow 112. Initially, a portion of the photoconductive surface passes through charging station A. At charging station A, a corona generating device 160 charges the photoconductive belt 110 to a relatively high, substantially uniform potential. Then, at exposure station B, the ESS 140 receives the image signals representing the desired output image and processes these signals to convert them to a continuous tone or grayscale rendition of the image which is transmitted to the raster output scanner (ROS) 150. The ROS 150 may include a laser with rotating polygon mirror. The ROS 150 illuminates the charged portion of photoconductive belt 110, and thereby cause the photoconductive belt 110 to record an electrostatic latent image thereon corresponding to the continuous tone image received from ESS 140. As an alternative, ROS 150 may employ a linear array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged to illuminate the charged portion of photoconductive belt 110 on a raster-by-raster basis. After the electrostatic latent image has been recorded on photoconductive surface 119, the photoconductive belt 110 advances the latent image to development station C, where toners, in the form of liquid or dry particles, are electrostatically attracted to the latent image using commonly known techniques. The latent image attracts toners from the carrier granules forming a toner image thereon. As successive electrostatic latent images are developed, toners are depleted from the developer material. After the electrostatic latent image is developed, the toner image present on photoconductive belt 110 advances to transfer station D. A print sheet from a sheet stack 174 is advanced to the transfer station D, by a sheet feeding apparatus 170. The sheet feeding apparatus 170 includes a feed roll 172 contacting the uppermost sheet of the sheet stack 174. Feed roll 172 rotates to advance the uppermost sheet from the sheet stack 174 into vertical transport 176. The vertical transport 176 directs the advancing sheet into a registration transport 178 and past image transfer station D to receive an image from photoconductive belt 110 in a timed sequence so that the toner image formed thereon contacts the advancing sheet at transfer station D. The transfer station D may include a corona generating device 180 which sprays ions onto the back side of the sheet. This attracts the toner image from photoconductive surface 119 to the sheet. After transfer, the sheet continues to move in the direction of arrow 192 by way of belt transport 190 which advances the sheet to fusing station E. The fusing station E can include a fuser assembly 210 which permanently affixes the transferred toner image to the sheet. The fuser assembly 210 includes a heated fuser roller 212 and a pressure roller 214 with the toner image on the sheet contacting fuser roller 212. After the print sheet is separated from photoconductive surface 119 of photoconductive belt 110, the residual toner/developer and paper fiber particles adhering to photoconductive surface 119 are removed at cleaning station F. The cleaning station F includes a rotatably mounted fibrous brush in contact with photoconductive surface 119 to disturb and remove paper fibers and a cleaning blade to remove the nontransferred toners. The blade may be configured in either a wiper or doctor position depending on the application. Subsequent to cleaning, a discharge lamp (not shown) floods photoconductive surface 119 with light to dissipate any residual electrostatic charge remaining thereon prior to the charging thereof for the next successive imaging cycle. Referring back to station C, four developer dispensers 2001-4 may be included in the printing system 100 and may be positioned parallel to one another and aligned vertically with a prescribed interval between neighboring dispensers 2001-4. For example, the developer dispenser 2001 may be a yellow developer dispenser dispensing a yellow toner, the developer dispenser 2002 may be a magenta developer dispenser dispensing a magenta toner, the developer dispenser 2003 may be a cyan developer dispenser dispensing a cyan toner, and the developer dispenser 2004 may be a black developer dispenser dispensing a black toner. Each of the developer dispensers 2001-4 may include a developing roller 2041-4, a supply roller 2021-4, and a toner accommodating developer housing 2061-4. Each of the toner developer housings 2061-4 is filled with their respective toners yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. A connecting/separating mechanism (not shown) is provided to horizontally move a corresponding developer dispenser 2001-4 to bring the developing roller 2041-4 into and out of contact with the surface of the photoconductive belt 110. Toner dispensers (not shown), on signal from the ESS 140, dispenses toners into their respective developer housings 2061-4 of the developer dispensers 2001-4 based on signals from toner concentration sensors 2081-4. It is desirable to regulate the addition of toners to the developer material in order to ultimately control the triboelectric characteristics (tribo) of the developer material. This is due to the fact that toner tribo is an important parameter for development and transfer of toners to a sheet. Constant toner tribo would be an ideal case. Unfortunately, toner tribo varies with time and environmental changes. Control of the triboelectric characteristics of the developer material are generally considered to be a function of the toner concentration within the developer material. Therefore, for practical purposes, attempts are usually made to control the concentration of toners in the developer material. Since toner tribo is almost inversely proportional to toner concentration (TC), the toner tribo variation can be compensated by controlling the toner concentration. Toner concentration is measured by a toner concentration (TC) sensor. However, during normal course of operation, various operating conditions may cause the TC sensor to report erroneous TC readings. For example, TC sensors 2081-4 embedded in the develop housings 2061-4 tend to drift with time and developer material state. The ability to measure actual TC values at the printing system site would allow for quick recalibration of the TC sensors 2081-4 and reduce the printing system down time. FIG. 2 is an exemplary optical toner concentration (OTC) device 300. The OTC device 300 can be portable, easy to carry, and provides for TC measurements at the printing system site. In various embodiments, the OTC device 300 can include a battery as a power source. Alternatively, a power line can be provided to connect the OTC device 300 to a power source. Although various light sources can be used, it is preferred that the OTC device 300 utilize diffuse light and diffuse light reflectance from the developer material to infer toner concentration (TC). The OTC device 300 includes a light source 302, a photodetector 304, a controller 306, a memory 308, a display 310 and a probe 312. The OTC device 300 can be further provided with an optional communication port 314 that allows the OTC device 300 to communication with a computer or a network. Using the communication port 314, the OTC device 300 may communicate with the computer or network for data logging, calibration information, trouble shooting, upgrades and the like. The controller 306 controls the overall operation of the OTC device 300. The light source 302 can be a light emitting diode (LED) that emits light selected from the visible or non-visible spectrum. According to one embodiment, the LED emits infrared radiation at a wavelength of about 940 nm. The light travels along a fiber optic bundle 311 to a probe head 312 which may be inserted through a port of a toner developer housing. Alternatively, a sample of the developer material may be taken out of the developer housing and the probe head 312 is inserted into the sample. The probe head 312 emits the light on the developer material and receives the reflected light from the developer material. The reflected light then transmits through the optic fiber bundle 311 to the OTC device 300. Within the OTC device 300, the photodetector 304 detects the reflected light. According to one embodiment, the photodetector 304 can be a silicon photodiode. The amount of light detected by the photodetector 304 is a function of toner concentration (TC). The amount of light detected by the photodetector 304 can be used as an index to a lookup table stored in the memory 308, which will output a value that is used by the display 310 to display a reading corresponding to a percent toner concentration (TC) detected in the developer material. Preferably, the memory 308 is a non-volatile memory such as a Flash memory. Further details of the lookup table will be discussed referencing FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 3 is another exemplary OTC device 400 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The OTC device 400 includes a light emitting diode 402 that emits diffuse light into a fiber optic bundle assembly 411. The fiber optic bundle assembly 411 includes emitter fibers 412 and detector fibers 413 that are randomized so that the emitter fibers 412 and detector fibers 413 are uniformly distributed throughout the proximal (common) end 414 of the bundle assembly 411. The common end 414 is protected from the developer material by an enclosure 416 fitted with a window 417 which can include the probe 415. The window 417 can be made of glass, plastic or a transparent material. According to one embodiment, the window is oriented at substantially 45 degrees to the fiber optic bundle assembly 411. This configuration aids in minimizing the specular (mirror-like) reflections back into the fiber optic bundle assembly 411, that is, any specular light from the window 417, either from the inner or outer surfaces, will be directed back towards the enclosure 416. The inner surface of the enclosure 416 is configured to be minimally reflective, and thereby absorbing the specular reflections. The diffused light emitted from the emitter fibers 412 of the fiber optic bundle assembly 411 is directed to a developer material in which the toner concentration is to be measured. The diffused light reflected from the developer material is received by the detector fibers of the fiber optic bundle assembly 411 and transmitted to a photodiode 403. The photodiode 403 converts the received light into electrical signals having a magnitude that is proportional to the amount of light received by the photodiode 403. The electrical signals are received as input to an amplifier 406 that amplifies the electrical signals to a magnitude compatible with the microcontroller 407 operation parameters. The microcontroller 407 uses the received electrical signals as an index to the memory 408 to retrieve a corresponding percent TC which is displayed at the display 408. The gain and offset of the electrical signals may vary depending on whether black or color developer materials are being measured. For instance, the reflectance of the black toner is usually lower than that of the colored toners. The base carrier without the toners usually has a brownish color and has nominal reflectance. Colored developer materials, which may be a mixture of the base carrier and colored toners (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, red, blue, and etc.) reflect light better than the mixture of the base carrier and black toner. This is because the black toner absorbs light and causes the reflected light from the developer mixture to decrease. It is desirable that similar readings be obtained for the various color developer materials and black developer material so that the user need not memorize or use a “cheat sheet” to correlate various readings with various developer materials measured. For instance, the gain and offset parameters may be adjusted by the OTC device so that the optical toner concentration (OTC) count falls within the range of 350-500 counts/percent TC. In various instances, the gain for black developer material can be made roughly 8 times that of color developer materials to make the gain comparable to color developer materials. For color developer materials, however, a 50% offset may be subtracted to achieve a greater sensitivity over the 2% to 8% nominal sensing range. Gains and offsets may be varied by adjusting the amount of current sent to the LED 402 and/or by varying the feedback voltage to the amplifiers 405 and 406. As described above, the amount of light reflected off the developer material is a function of toner concentration (TC). FIG. 4 is a graph that shows the responses of toners cyan, magenta, yellow, red and blue as a function of percent TC. The graphs in FIGS. 4 and 5 assume that the gains and offset parameters have been adjusted so that the optical toner concentration (OTC) count falls within the range of 350-500 counts/percent TC. For a black developer material, as shown in FIG. 5, the amount of light reflected by the developer material is high when the percent TC is low. Conversely, the amount of light reflected by the developer material is low when the percent TC is high. As discussed above, color developer material including a mixture of carrier and a colored toner reflects light better than the base carrier and cause an increase in the amount of light reflected by the developer material as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in the graph, in the cyan developer material, for example, when the percent TC is approximately 7.0, this may correspond to a count of 500. When the percent TC is approximately 5.0, this may correspond to a count of 1400. This correlation between the percent TC and count at various increment points, for example, percent TC per 10 count increments may be stored as a lookup table in a non-volatile memory, which is subsequently used to determine percent TC in a developer material. Similar correlations may be ascertained for the other color developer materials, that is, magenta, yellow, red, blue and etc., and stored in the non-volatile memory. FIG. 5 is a graph of a response of the black developer material as a function of percent TC. A black toner, on the other hand, absorbs light and causes the reflected light from the developer mixture to decrease with increasing percent TC. As described with respect to FIG. 4, correlations may be ascertained for the black toner and stored in the non-volatile memory. Referring back to FIG. 3, a user selection interface (or selector) 401 can be provided on the OTC device 400 so that the user can select the type of the developer material. For advanced users, the user selection interface 401 may provide further calibration features. FIG. 6 is a flowchart that illustrates an operation of an exemplary OTC device. The operation starts at step S100 and continues to step S110. At step S110, a developer material type is received. At step S120, depending on the type of developer material, various coefficients, such as gains and offsets are compensated for the selected developer material type. Then, at step S130, a light source is activated to transmit light. The operation then continues to step S140. At step S140, the reflected light of the transmitted light is received. Then, at step S150, the received reflected light is interpolated to determine a percent toner concentration corresponding to the amount of the received light. At step S160, the percent toner concentration is displayed. At step S170, a determination is made whether another developer material is being measured. If there is another developer material being measured, then the operation continues to step S110 to repeat the process. Otherwise, the operation continues to step S180 where the operation ends. When performing static or dynamic measurements, the following considerations may be taken to ensure a stable and accurate reading of the toner concentration. In the case of static measurements, a sample is extracted from the developer housing. The sample could be sufficient to result in a 5 mm thick layer in front of the probe. The probe is place in the sample. A selection is made on the type of the developer material. A switch is switched to activate a light source that emits a light to the probe. A waiting period such as 5 seconds is recommended for the readings to stabilize. A toner concentration is then read. In the case of dynamic measurements, the probe is place in a sample port of the developer housing. A selection is made on the type of the developer material. A switch is switched to activate a light source that emits a light to the probe. A waiting period such as 20 to 60 seconds is recommended for the readings to stabilize. A toner concentration is then read. In various exemplary embodiments outlined above, the OTC device may be implemented using a programmed microprocessor, a microcontroller, peripheral integrated circuit elements, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other integrated circuit, a hardwired electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit, a programmable logic devices such as PLD, PLA, FPGA or PAL, or the like. In general, any device capable of implementing a finite state machine that is in turn capable of implementing the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 may be used to implement the OTC device. Moreover, various selective portions of the OTC device may be implemented as software routines. While various exemplary embodiments have been described, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, and not limiting. Various changes may be made. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present disclosure is directed to printing systems, and in particular to method and apparatus for measuring toner concentration in a developer material. In a typical electrophotographic printing process, an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductive member corresponding to an original document is developed by bringing a developer material into contact with the photoconductive member. Generally, the developer material includes toners adhering triboelectrically to carrier granules. The toners are attracted from the carrier granules to the latent image forming a toner image on the photoconductive member. The toner image is then transferred from the photoconductive member to a copy sheet. The toners are then heated to permanently affix the toner image to the copy sheet. U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,441 to Koji Masuda discloses a supplying device for supplying toner and carrier to a developer container in conformity with an output of a detector where an intensity of an electric field for shifting the carrier from the developer bearing member to an image bearing member is greater than an intensity of an electric field formed between a nonimage portion of the electrostatic latent image formed on the image bearing member and the developer bearing member. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0228157 to Seung-Young Byun et al. discloses a method of detecting toner depletion in an image forming apparatus that includes comparing an accumulation pixel number Qt that is obtained by accumulating and counting a number of pixels of a printed image with a reference pixel number Qr calculated from an amount of toner received in a developing unit, and recognizing that the image forming apparatus is in a toner low state if the accumulation pixel number Qt is larger than the reference pixel number Qr. U.S. Pat. No. 6,687,477 to Motoharu Ichida et al. discloses a toner recycling control system that stably feeds a liquid developer of an appropriate concentration to a liquid developing apparatus employing a high-viscosity liquid developer, appropriately adjusts the concentration of residual developer collected after development and after transfer, and feeds the adjusted developer to the developing apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 6,606,463 to Eric M. Gross et al. discloses a toner maintenance system for an electrophotographic developer unit that includes a sump for storing a quantity of developer material including toner material, a first member for transporting developer material from sump, a viewing window in communication with toner material in the sump, an optical sensor for measuring reflected light off the viewing window and toner material, and generating a signal indicative thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,071 to Yuichiro Kanoshima et al. discloses an integration density acquiring unit for a consumption information management apparatus that acquires integration density from an image signal sent from an image processing section, and an information converting unit that calculates a quantity of consumer toner by multiplying the integration density by a specified coefficient to send the quantity to a cumulative consumption information calculating unit. U.S. Pat. No. 6,496,662 to John Andrew Buchanan discloses a toner chamber having a transparent window at its bottom, and a reflective surface also at the bottom. An optical emitter and receiver periodically senses for returned light, which indicates toner low. U.S. Pat. No. 6,377,760 to Yoshihiro Hagiwara discloses a toner concentration measuring apparatus that measures a concentration of a toner in a developer and having a first and second light guiding devices whose end surfaces project into a duct traversed by developer fluid, and a light receiving device for receiving light transmitted from the first light guiding device to the second light guiding device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,342 to Tomohiro Masumura discloses a toner concentration sensor that has a pair of optical members for optically coupling a light emitting device and a photodetector. The optical members are disposed with a gap therebetween for introducing liquid developer to measure transparency of the liquid developer and to evaluate the toner concentration. U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,184 to Yong-Baek Yoo et al. discloses a developer film forming device for forming a developer film and a sensing device including a light source unit for emitting colored light corresponding to a range of wavelengths for which light transmissivity is relatively low to a developer film of a selected color developer, and a photodetector for receiving the light emitted by the light source unit and transmitted through the developer film. Thus, a thin developer film is formed and the concentration of developer is measured by emitting light in the range of wavelengths. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>It is desirable to regulate the addition of toners to the developer material in order to ultimately control the triboelectric characteristics (tribo) of the developer material. However, control of the triboelectric characteristics of the developer material are generally considered to be a function of the toner concentration within the developer material. Therefore, for practical purposes, attempts are usually made to control the concentration of toners in the developer material. Toner tribo is an important parameter for development and transfer of toners. Constant toner tribo would be an ideal case. Unfortunately, toner tribo varies with time and environmental changes. Since toner tribo is almost inversely proportional to toner concentration (TC), the toner tribo variation can be compensated by controlling the toner concentration. Toner concentration is usually measured by a toner concentration (TC) sensor. However, during a normal course of operation, certain operating conditions, for example, low area coverage and other conditions can cause toners to reside in the developer housing for a long period of time. This may cause the TC sensor to report erroneous TC readings. Therefore, in order to bring the electrophotographic printing system into normal operation, known procedures involve taking samples from the developer housing and taking it to a laboratory for analysis. This procedure is often repeated for optimal performance and is time consuming. Thus, a device to measure toner concentration according to an exemplary embodiment can include a selector that selects a type of developer material to be measured and a sensor that detects an amount of light reflected off a developer material. A controller within the device determines a value corresponding to a toner concentration of the developer material based on the amount of light detected by the sensor. In various embodiments, the device is portable. In various embodiments, the device includes a light source that emits light at the developer material. Preferably, the light source is diffused light. Methods according an embodiment includes accepting a user input for a type of developer material, detecting an amount of light reflected off a developer material, and determining a value corresponding to a toner concentration of the developer material based on the amount of light detected. These and other features and advantages are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the methods and apparatus. | 20041118 | 20070320 | 20060518 | 68238.0 | G03G1500 | 0 | TRAN, HOAN H | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING TONER CONCENTRATION | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G03G | 2,004 |
|
10,904,689 | ACCEPTED | CYCLONIC DIRT SEPARATION MODULE | The invention relates to dirt separator module comprising a dirt-separation housing having an inlet and an outlet opening and defining a cyclonic airflow separator, and a suction source fluidly connected with the dirt-separation housing. A separator plate and a cylindrical wall of the dirt-separation housing form a toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber in the dirt-separator for aiding in the separation of dirt from a suction airstream developed by the suction source. The separator plate has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall of the dirt-separation housing, creating a gap between the outer edge of the separator plate and the inner wall of the dirt tank. A further embodiment includes dual cyclonic separators fluidly connected through a filter assembly. A further embodiment includes a cyclonic separator in the form of a tangential helical ramp. | 1. A vacuum cleaner module comprising: a module housing; a dirt separation housing removably mounted in the module housing and defining a cyclonic airflow chamber for separating contaminants from a dirt-containing airstream, the housing further comprising an inlet opening for the cyclonic chamber adapted to be connected to a suction cleaning nozzle and an airstream outlet opening in an upper central portion of the dirt separation housing and in communication with the inlet opening; an airstream suction source mounted in the module housing and fluidly connected to the cyclonic chamber inlet opening, the cyclonic airflow chamber and the airstream outlet opening to establish and maintain a tangential flow of a dirt-containing airstream within the cyclone airflow chamber as the airstream flows between the cyclonic chamber inlet opening and the airstream outlet opening for separating dirt from the air stream in the cyclonic airflow chamber; a support element mounted in an upper portion of said dirt separator housing; a dirt-collecting chamber within the module housing and beneath the cyclonic airflow chamber to collect dirt separated from the dirt-containing airstream in the cyclonic airflow chamber; and a separator plate mounted to a lower portion of the support element above the dirt-collecting bin, and separating the cyclonic airflow chamber from the dirt collecting chamber. 2. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 wherein the support element is cylindrical and has openings for passage of the dirt-separated airstream prior to exit of said airstream from said dirt separation housing through the airstream outlet. 3. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 2 and further comprising a filter element between the cyclonic airflow chamber and the support element. 4. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 3 wherein the filter element is a fine mesh. 5. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 wherein the separator plate extends radially from the support element toward the housing. 6. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 5 wherein the separator plate forms a gap with the housing for passage of dirt particles from the cyclone separation chamber to the dirt-collecting chamber. 7. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 6 wherein the gap between the separator plate and the housing is annular. 8. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 7 wherein the separator plate is circular and the housing has a cylindrical wall adjacent the separator plate. 9. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 5 wherein the separator plate is circular and the housing has a cylindrical wall adjacent the separator plate. 10. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 2 wherein the cylindrical support element, the separator plate and the dirt separation housing define a toroidal chamber that forms the cyclonic airflow chamber. 11. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 10 and further comprising a filter positioned between the cyclonic airflow chamber and the airstream outlet opening. 12. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 11 wherein the filter comprises a fine mesh. 13. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 and further comprising a filter positioned downstream of the airstream outlet opening. 14. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 wherein the suction source is mounted beneath the dirt separation housing. 15. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 14 wherein the suction source has an inlet downstream from the airstream opening to draw the dirt-containing airstream into the cyclonic airflow chamber. 16. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 wherein the dirt separation housing also defines the dirt-collecting chamber. 17. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 and further comprising a dirt cup that defines the dirt collecting chamber and the dirt cup is removably mounted to the dirt separation housing. 18. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 17 wherein the dirt cup is also removably mounted to the module housing. 19. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 and further comprising a dirt cup that defines the dirt collecting chamber and the dirt cup is removably mounted to the module housing. 20. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 wherein the cyclonic airflow chamber is formed in part by a tangential helical ramp. 21. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 20 and further comprising a direction change portal between the cyclonic airflow chamber and the airstream outlet opening in the dirt separation housing so that the airstream changes whereby the airstream changes direction before passing through the airstream outlet opening. 22. A vacuum cleaner module according to claim 1 wherein the dirt separation housing further comprises a second cyclonic airflow chamber having an airstream inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber and an airstream outlet in communication with the airstream suction source. 23. A vacuum cleaner module according to claim 22 wherein the second cyclonic airflow chamber is at least in part defined by a frustroconical wall that decreases in diameter from a lower end to an upper end. 24. A vacuum cleaner module according to claim 23 and further comprising a fluid passage between the airstream outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber and the airflow inlet of the second cyclonic airflow chamber. 25. A vacuum cleaner comprising; a dirt separator housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber for separating contaminants from a dirt-containing airstream, said dirt separator housing further comprising a cyclonic chamber inlet and an airstream outlet in fluid communication with each other; an airstream suction source fluidly connected to the cyclonic airflow chamber for transporting dirt-containing air from a source of a dirt-containing airstream to the cyclonic airflow chamber, said suction source selectively establishing and maintaining the dirt-containing airstream from said source of a dirt-containing airstream to said cyclonic chamber inlet and for maintaining tangential flow of the dirt-containing airstream within the cyclone airflow chamber for separating dirt from the air stream in the cyclonic airflow chamber; a support element positioned within said dirt separation housing and mounting a separator plate that forms a toroidal chamber within the dirt separation housing with a cylindrical side wall and upper wall of the dirt separation housing; a dirt-collecting bin beneath the separator plate within the dirt separation housing and forming a dirt collecting chamber; and wherein the relative cross-sectional areas of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area at the separator plate is in the range of 0.75 to 0.95. 26. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 25 wherein the airstream outlet is in a lower portion of the housing. 27. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 25 wherein the relative cross-sectional area of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area is in the range of 0.8 to 0.92. 28. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 25 wherein the relative cross-sectional area of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area is about 9. 29. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing defining a first cyclonic airflow chamber for separating contaminants from a dirt-containing airstream, said housing further comprising an airstream inlet and an airstream outlet in fluid communication with said first cyclonic airflow chamber; a nozzle base including a suction opening, said suction opening being fluidly connected with said airstream inlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber; the housing further including a second cyclonic airflow chamber having an airstream inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber and an airstream outlet; the second cyclonic airflow chamber is at least in part defined by a frustroconical wall that decreases in diameter from a lower end to an upper end, a fluid passage between the airstream outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber and the airflow inlet of the second cyclonic airflow chamber; a first dirt-collecting bin beneath said first cyclonic airflow chamber for collecting dirt separated from the airstream in the first cyclonic airflow chamber; and an airstream suction source fluidly connected to the suction opening and to the first and second cyclonic airflow chambers for transporting a dirt-containing airstream from the suction opening through the first and second cyclonic airflow chambers, wherein the suction source is adapted to selectively establish and maintain the flow of the dirt-containing airstream from the suction opening through said first and second cyclonic airflow chambers. 30. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 29 wherein the airstream suction source is downstream of the outlet of the second cyclonic airflow chamber. 31. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 29 wherein the outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber if formed by a perforated wall. 32. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 31 wherein the first cyclonic airflow chamber is formed at least in part from a substantially cylindrical housing wall and the perforated wall is spaced radially inwardly of the substantially cylindrical housing wall. 33. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 32 wherein the perforated wall is substantially cylindrically shaped. 34. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 29 wherein the second cyclonic airflow chamber has an opening at an upper portion thereof for passage of dirt separated from the airstream. 35. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 29 and further comprising a second dirt-collecting bin in communication with an upper end of the second cyclonic air flow chamber for collection of dirt from the airstream in the second cyclonic airflow chamber. 36. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction nozzle opening adapted to draw dirt from a surface to be cleaned; a cyclonic separator having an inlet opening communicating with the suction nozzle and an outlet opening for exhausitng cleaned air; an airstream suction source fluidly connected to cyclonic separator outlet opening for selectively establishing and maintaining a dirt-containing airstream from the suction nozzle opening through the cyclonic separator; wherein the cyclonic separator comprises an upstream cyclone and a downstream cyclone; the upstream cyclone including a first end and a second end, and the downstream cyclone having a first end and a second end, wherein the upstream cyclone is substantially cylindrical in shape between the first and second ends thereof, wherein the upstream and downstream cyclones are arranged relative to one another so that the orientation of the downstream cyclone is substantially inverted with respect to the orientation of the upstream cyclone, and wherein the downstream cyclone is frusto-conical in shape between the first and second ends thereof. 37. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 36 and further comprising a perforated plate in a flow path between the upstream and downstream cyclones. | CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of Ser. No 10/249,113, filed Mar. 17, 2003, which a continuation in part of Ser. No. 09/849,143, filed May 4, 2001, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/201,933, filed May 5, 2000 and U.S. Provisional Application 60/269,044, filed Feb. 15, 2001, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to suction cleaners, and in particular to a separator for a suction cleaner. In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a separator with a cyclonic airflow path to separate dirt and debris from air drawn into the cleaner. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a separator that deposits the dirt and debris in a collection receptacle. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a separator including a supplementary fine particle filter. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,710 to van der Molen discloses an upright vacuum cleaner with a wheeled base with a suction opening and a handle pivotally mounted to the base. A cyclone separator is mounted on the handle to remove dust and dirt from an airstream that is withdrawn through the suction opening in the base. The cyclone separator is formed by a cylindrical housing that has a tangential inlet in the cylindrical side wall and a central outlet at an upper portion of the housing. A motor driven suction source is mounted above the cyclone separator and is in communication with the central outlet of the cyclone separator to draw dust-laden air from the suction opening through the cyclone separator. A cylindrical screen filter is positioned within the cyclone separator between an outer cyclone chamber and the central outlet to screen entrained particles the have not been separated in the cyclone chamber from the air. A removable dirt cup below the cyclone separator collects the dust and dirt separated from the air. Other upright vacuum cleaners with cyclonic separator mounted on an upright handle and with post cyclone separators mounted in cyclone separator housing are disclosed in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,563,622 to Dyson, 6,003,196 to Wright et al., 6,341,404 to Salo et al. and 6,026,540 to Wright et al. U.S. Pat. No. 2,071,975 discloses a canister vacuum cleaner that has a wheeled base with a suction nozzle opening and a canister cyclone separator connected to the suction nozzle opening through a hose. The cyclone separator has a cyclone separation housing in which entrained dirt is separated from air and a dirt cup below the cyclone separation housing for collecting the thus separated dirt. The air is removed from the cyclone separation housing through a central tubular member that is formed by a series of baffles through which the air enters the tubular member. A disc is mounted to the bottom of the tubular member and acts as a baffle between the dirt cup and the cyclone separator. U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,780, issued Jul. 31, 1990, to Usmani, discloses a central vacuum system having a cylindrical dirt tank with an interior cylindrical wall adjacent to a tangential inlet. Dirt-laden air drawn into the tangential inlet circulates about the interior of the cylindrical tank to the outside of the interior cylindrical wall. Entrained particulates are separated from the airstream and drop to the bottom of the cylindrical dirt tank. Exhaust air, which may carry smaller particulates, is drawn through a pleated cylindrical filter that is carried on a spindle inside the interior cylindrical wall. Waste air that passes through the filter is drawn through an exhaust opening and is exhausted from the central vacuum cleaner through an exhaust outlet. U.S. Pat. No. 2,943,698, issued Jul. 5, 1968, to Bishop discloses a cylindrical dirt tank having a tangential air inlet, an interior frusto-conical shield, and a cylindrical filter element held in place by a frame comprising a cylindrical wire mesh or perforate screen. After dirt-laden air is introduced into the tank through the inlet, heavier dirt particles fall into a bottom portion of the dirt tank while waste air and any fine particles left in the waste air are exhausted through an air exhaust outlet. The filter element is interposed between the dirt tank and the air exhaust outlet to filter fine particles from the exhaust air. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, a vacuum cleaner module comprises a module housing, a dirt-separation housing removably mounted in the module housing and defining a cyclonic airflow chamber for separating contaminants from a dirt-containing airstream and including an inlet opening for the cyclonic chamber adapted to be connected to a suction cleaning nozzle and an airstream outlet opening in an upper central portion of the dirt-separation housing and in communication with the inlet opening. An airstream suction source is mounted in the dirt-separation housing and is fluidly connected to the cyclonic chamber inlet opening, the cyclonic airflow chamber and the airstream outlet opening to establish and maintain a tangential flow of a dirt-containing airstream within the cyclone airflow chamber as the airstream flows between the cyclonic chamber inlet opening and the airstream outlet opening for separating dirt from the airstream in the cyclonic airflow chamber. A dirt-collecting chamber is mounted within the dirt-separation housing and beneath the cyclonic airflow chamber to collect dirt separated from the dirt-containing airstream in the cyclonic airflow chamber. A support element is mounted in an upper portion of the dirt separator housing and mounts a separator plate at a lower portion thereof above the dirt-collecting bin, and separating the cyclonic airflow chamber from the dirt-collecting chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the support element is cylindrical and has openings for passage of the dirt-separated airstream prior to exit of said airstream from said dirt-separation housing through the airstream outlet. A filter element can be positioned between the cyclonic airflow chamber and the support element. In one embodiment, the filter element is a fine mesh. In a preferred embodiment, the separator plate extends radially from the support element toward a side wall of the housing. The separator plate forms a gap with the housing side wall for passage of dirt particles from the cyclone separation chamber to the dirt-collecting chamber. The side wall of the housing is cylindrical at the separator plate and the gap between the separator plate and the housing side wall is annular. Thus, the separator plate is circular and the housing has a cylindrical wall adjacent the separator plate. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the relative cross-sectional areas of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area at the separator plate is generally in the range of 0.75 to 0.95. Preferably, the relative cross-sectional area of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area is in the range of 0.8 to 0.92. In a most preferred embodiment of the invention, the relative cross-sectional area of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area is about 9. In another preferred embodiment, the cylindrical support element, the separator plate and the dirt-separation housing define a toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber that forms the cyclonic airflow chamber. In a one embodiment, a filter is positioned between the cyclonic airflow chamber and the airstream outlet opening. The filter can be a fine mesh. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a filter is positioned downstream of the airstream outlet opening and upstream of the suction source. Preferably, the suction source is mounted beneath the dirt-separation housing. Typically, the suction source has an inlet downstream from the airstream opening to draw the dirt-containing airstream into the cyclonic airflow chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the dirt-separation housing also defines the dirt-collecting chamber. In another embodiment of the invention, a dirt cup defines the dirt-collecting chamber and the dirt cup is removably mounted to the dirt-separation housing and is also or alternately removably mounted to the module housing. The vacuum cleaner module is adapted to be used with a suction nozzle that can be a part of a base that is movable along a floor surface or with a tool on the end of a hose for above floor cleaning. Further according to the invention, the dirt separation housing further comprises a second cyclonic airflow chamber having an airstream inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber and an airstream outlet in communication with the airstream suction source. In one embodiment, the second cyclonic airflow chamber is at least in part defined by a frustroconical wall that decreases in diameter from a lower end to an upper end. Preferably, a fluid passage is positioned between the airstream outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber and the airflow inlet of the second cyclonic airflow chamber; Further according to the invention, a vacuum cleaner comprises a dirt separator housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber for separating contaminants from a dirt-containing airstream includes a cyclonic chamber inlet and an airstream outlet in fluid communication with each other. An airstream suction source is fluidly connected to the cyclonic airflow chamber for transporting dirt-containing air from a source of a dirt-containing airstream to the cyclonic airflow chamber. The suction source is adapted to selectively establish and maintain the dirt-containing airstream from the source of the dirt-containing airstream to said cyclonic chamber inlet and for maintaining tangential flow of the dirt-containing airstream within the cyclone airflow chamber for separating dirt from the air stream in the cyclonic airflow chamber. A support element is positioned within said dirt-separation housing and mounts a separator plate that forms a toroidal chamber within the dirt-separation housing with a cylindrical side wall and upper wall of the dirt-separation housing. A dirt-collecting bin is positioned beneath the separator plate within the dirt-separation housing and forms a dirt-collecting chamber. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the relative cross-sectional areas of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area at the separator plate is generally in the range of 0.75 to 0.95. Preferably, the relative cross-sectional area of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area is in the range of 0.8 to 0.92. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the relative cross-sectional area of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area is about 9. In one embodiment of this invention, the airstream outlet is in a lower portion of the housing. In a further embodiment, a separator plate is positioned between the first cyclonic airflow chamber and the first dirt-collecting bin. The relative cross-sectional area of the separator plate with respect to the housing is in the range of 0.75 to 0.95. In a further embodiment according to the invention, the cyclonic airflow chamber is formed by a tangential helical ramp. In a further embodiment, there is a direction change portal between the cyclonic airflow chamber and the airstream outlet opening in the dirt separation housing so that the airstream changes whereby the airstream changes direction before passing through the airstream outlet opening. Still further according to the invention, a vacuum cleaner comprises a housing defining a first cyclonic airflow chamber for separating contaminants from a dirt-containing airstream, the housing including an airstream inlet and an airstream outlet a nozzle base including a suction opening that is fluidly connected with the airstream inlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber. The housing further includes a second cyclonic airflow chamber having an airstream inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber and an airstream outlet. The second cyclonic airflow chamber is at least in part defined by a frustroconical wall that decreases in diameter from a lower end to an upper end. A fluid passage within the housing extends between the airstream outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber and the airflow inlet of the second cyclonic airflow chamber. A first dirt-collecting bin is positioned beneath the first cyclonic airflow chamber for collecting dirt separated from the airstream in the first cyclonic airflow chamber and an airstream suction source is fluidly connected to the suction opening and to the first and second cyclonic airflow chambers for transporting the dirt-containing airstream from the suction opening through the first and second cyclonic airflow chamber. The suction source is adapted to selectively establish and maintain the flow of the dirt-containing airstream from the suction opening through said first and second cyclonic airflow chambers. In one embodiment, the airstream suction source is downstream of the outlet of the second cyclonic airflow chamber. In another embodiment, the outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber if formed by a perforated wall. Preferably, the first cyclonic airflow chamber is formed at least in part from a substantially cylindrical housing wall and the perforated wall is spaced radially inwardly of the substantially cylindrical housing wall. Typically, the perforated wall is substantially cylindrically shaped but other shapes of the perforated wall can be used. In a preferred embodiment, the second cyclonic airflow chamber has an opening at an upper portion thereof for passage of dirt separated from the airstream. Further, a second dirt-collecting bin is in communication with an upper end of the second cyclonic air flow chamber for collection of dirt from the airstream in the second cyclonic airflow chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the frusto-conical wall also defines a wall of the second dirt-collecting bin. Further, the second dirt-collecting bin is axially spaced from the first dirt-collecting bin. Most preferably, the second dirt-collecting bin is positioned axially above the first dirt-collecting bin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front view of a suction cleaner housing with cyclonic dirt separation according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the suction cleaner of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the suction cleaner of FIGS. 1-2. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a dirt collection assembly of the suction cleaner of FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a module housing and a motor housing of the suction cleaner of FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 6 is a front view of a cylindrical separator of the suction cleaner of FIGS. 1-5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view through line 7-7 of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 8-8 of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 9-9 of FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a cut-away perspective view of the suction cleaner of FIGS. 1-9 showing air flow around the cylindrical separator in the dirt collection assembly. FIG. 11 is a cut-away perspective view of the cylindrical separator of FIGS. 1-10 showing an internal axial air flow. FIG. 12 is a cut-away perspective view of a further embodiment of a cyclonic separator for a suction cleaner according to the invention. FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view of the cyclonic separator of FIG. 12. FIG. 13A is a front cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a cyclonic separator according to the invention. FIG. 13B is a front cross-sectional view, like FIG. 13A of a further embodiment of a cyclonic separator according to the invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 14-14 of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a cut-away perspective view of a further embodiment of a dirt collection assembly with cyclonic dirt separation according to the invention. FIG. 15A is a schematic illustration of the dirt collection assembly of FIG. 15 with a conventional vacuum cleaner. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a dirt collection assembly with cyclonic dirt separation according to the invention. FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a filter assembly for the dirt collection assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a cyclonic separator of the dirt collection assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. 19 is a plan view of the dirt collection assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the dirt collection assembly taken through line 20-20 of FIG. 19. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a vacuum cleaner module 10 comprises a module housing 12, a motor housing 14, and a dirt collection assembly 16. The module housing 12 includes a two-piece handle 18, an upper cord wrap 20, and an air inlet 22 conduit. The module housing 12 further includes first and second switches 36, 38. The motor housing 14 includes a lower cord wrap 24, an exhaust air vent 26 and a floor suction conduit 28. The dirt collection assembly 16 comprises a dirt separation housing 30, a housing cap 32, and a tank latch 34. Each of the dirt collection assembly 16, module housing 12, and motor housing 14 are configured to be assembled to present a smooth, continuous appearance, and to be generally fluid-tight. The dirt collection assembly 16, as shown in FIG. 4, includes the dirt-separation housing lower portion 30, the dirt separation housing upper portion 32 and the tank latch 34, and further includes a cylindrical separator 40, a secondary filter cup 120, a gasket 58, a separator plate 42, a cylindrical preliminary filter 44, and a top plate 46. Dirt-separation housing 30 includes an air inlet opening 31. Dirt separation housing upper portion 32 includes tank latch recess 33 for receiving tank latch 34. Tank latch 34 is an integral molding including a body portion 96, two generally downwardly depending leaf springs 98, and two rearwardly extending catches 100. Cylindrical separator 40 is a hollow cylinder and includes in its interior radially inwardly projecting ribs 110, and on its exterior twist-and-lock grooves 86. Secondary filter cup 120 includes an upper rim 122, cylindrical side wall 124, and bottom wall 126. Gasket 58 is annular and resilient for forming a compressive seal. Separator plate 42 is substantially annular, having an outer radial flange 88, and further including an inner portion having upwardly extending separator plate radial ribs 92 joined at a central hub and defining a central cavity 56, and separator plate apertures 94 defined radially between radial ribs 92. Separator plate 42 further includes filter alignment slots 85 adjacent radial ribs 92. Separator plate 42 further includes a depending skirt 95, skirt 95 having inwardly projecting tabs 84 for receipt in twist-and-lock grooves 86. Preliminary filter 44 includes a filter element 48 in the form of a fine mesh screen, and upper and lower filter frames 50, 51. Lower filter frame 51 includes alignment tabs 53 for receipt in alignment slots 85 of separator plate 42. Top plate 46 includes upwardly projecting studs 52 and a downwardly projecting frusto-conical portion 54. Filter element 48 has been found to be effective with a fine mesh having openings as small as 40 microns. Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, ribs 110 of separator 40 each having an upper end 112 slightly recessed from the upper end of separator 40. Separator 40 receives cup 120 so that ribs 110 support rim 122, suspending cup 120 within separator 40, rim 122 being substantially flush with the upper end of separator 40. Separator plate 42, with gasket 58, is then received on separator 40 in a twist-and-lock arrangement using tabs 84 and grooves 86, creating a sealing arrangement between plate 42 and separator 40, and holding cup 120 in place against ribs 110. Prior to placement of plate 42 on separator 40, preliminary filter 44 is aligned on separator plate 42 using tabs and slots 53, 85, coaxial with cylindrical separator 40. Support element 54 is configured to fill central cavity 56 formed in the separator plate 42 to sandwich preliminary filter 44 therebetween. Preliminary filter 44 is thereby sealingly received between the top plate 46 and the separator plate 42 when the support element 54 of the top plate 46 is received in the central cavity 56 of the separator plate 42. The pins 52 projecting from the top plate 46 are received in recesses (not shown) on the underside of the housing cap 32 for holding and aligning the top plate 46 to the housing cap 32. Referring again to FIG. 4, and to FIG. 9, the dirt collection assembly 16 comprises dirt-separation housing 30 having a generally cylindrical interior, and having a central aperture 76 on the bottom thereof. The cylindrical separator 40 is coaxially received within the dirt-separation housing 30, so that the open end of the hollow cylindrical separator 40 is aligned with and sealingly engages the perimeter of the central aperture 76 of the dirt-separation housing 30. The cylindrical separator 40 is preferably affixed to tank 30 at central aperture 76, such as by welding. The assembly comprising the housing cap 32, top plate 46, preliminary filter 44, and separator plate 42 are received within the upper end of dirt-separation housing 30 as separator plate 42 is received on the cylindrical separator 40 in the twist-and-lock arrangement of tabs and grooves 84, 86. The perimeter of the top plate 46 includes a canted lip 82 configured to fit inside the upper edge of the tank 30 in a sealing fit. The top plate 46 is fixed within the housing cap 32, so that when the top plate is fit within the top of the dirt-separation housing 30, the exterior of the housing cap 32 aligns with the exterior of the dirt-separation housing 30 to provide a uniform flush surface. The separator plate 42 includes a radial flange 88 having a diameter less than the interior diameter of the dirt-separation housing 30, resulting in an annular gap 90 between the separator plate 42 and the side walls of the dirt-separation housing 30. The motor housing 14 having exhaust air vent 26, shown in FIG. 5, further comprises a motor cage housing 60 having exhaust vents 68, a motor/impeller assembly 62, an impeller gasket 64 and a motor cover 66. The motor/impeller assembly 62 includes motor brushes 63, impeller intake 65, and motor electrical connections (not shown). Motor/impeller assembly 62 is closely received within motor cage housing 60, motor cage housing 60 further comprising integral ribs (not shown) that cooperate with the exterior of motor/impeller assembly 62 in a nesting relationship. Motor cover 66 includes a raised intake port 70 having apertures 72. Gasket 64 is configured to create a fluid seal between motor cover 66 and motor/impeller assembly 62 so that impeller intake 65 is in sealed fluid communication with intake port 70. Motor cage housing 60 and motor cover 66 are configured to enclose motor/impeller assembly 62 and gasket 64, providing sealed fluid communication between the motor cover 66 and exhaust vents 68, through motor/impeller assembly 62. Motor housing 14 is configured to mate with the bottom of the module housing 12 so that the motor cover 66 sealingly fills central aperture 74, and the bottom of the module housing 12 sealingly covers the motor housing 14. Assembly of the motor cage housing 60 within the motor housing 14, and further assembly of the motor housing 14 to the module housing 12, therefore creates a sealed fluid path between the interior of the module housing 12 at apertures 72 of the motor cover 66, to exhaust outlet 26 of motor housing 14, through motor/impeller assembly 62. Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, the dirt collection assembly 16 can be assembled and inserted into the module housing 12 so that the cylindrical separator 40 within the tank 30 is aligned with and fluidly connected with the motor cover 66, and the inlet aperture 31 of the dirt-separation housing 30 is further fluidly connected with the air inlet 22, as particularly shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. Dirt collection assembly 16 is held in module housing 12 by tank latch 34 as will be further described below. The air inlet 22 is therefore fluidly connected to the exhaust air vent 26 of the motor housing 14 through the inlet opening 31 of the dirt-separation housing 30, the preliminary filter element 44, the separator plate 42, the hollow cylindrical separator 40, the apertures 72 of the raised portion 70 of the motor cover 66, the motor impeller assembly 62, and the exhaust vent 68 of the motor cage housing 60. The user controls the suction cleaner by activating one of the switches 36, 38 to supply power to the motor impeller assembly 62. When the motor impeller assembly 62 is activated, a suction force is generated at the motor cover 66, causing a flow of air from the motor cover 66 through the motor impeller assembly 62, motor cage housing 60 and into the motor housing 14, and then to atmosphere through the exhaust air vent 26. A post-motor filter (not shown) is configured to fully occupy, and is inserted in, the space between exhaust vents 68 and exhaust air vent 26. When the motor cover 66 is sealingly and fluidly connected to the cylindrical separator 30, as in when the dirt collection assembly 16 is fully installed in the module housing 12, the motor/impeller assembly 62 is an airstream suction source that is fluidly connected to the cyclonic chamber inlet opening 22 through the cyclonic airflow chamber 80, filter 44, filter 120 and outlet openings 72 to establish and maintain a tangential flow of dirt-containing airstream within the cyclone airflow chamber 80 as the airstream flows between the cyclonic chamber inlet opening 31 and the airstream outlet opening 72 for separating dirt from the airstream in the cyclonic chamber 80. A suction hose or nozzle of known construction is generally attached to the air inlet 22 for use in cleaning a surface. As air is drawn into the air inlet 22, the air inlet 22 imparts a tangential component to the inlet air, as shown in FIG. 10, as it enters the dirt-separation housing 30 through the aperture 31. The air enters the dirt-separation housing 30 in a toroidal section of the dirt tank formed between top plate 46 and separator plate 42, and between the preliminary filter 44 and the interior tank wall. As the air flows in a tangential direction about the dirt-separation housing 30, heavier particles of dirt and debris are propelled outwardly by centrifugal force and fall under the force of gravity through the gap 90 formed between the radial flange 88 of the separator plate 42 and the dirt-separation housing 30 into a dirt collecting chamber 102 in the lower portion of the dirt-separation housing 30. It has been found that separator plate 42 acts as a separator between two air velocity zones, one existing in the toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber 80 having a relatively high rotational air velocity, and a second zone in the dirt collecting chamber 102 separated from the toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber 80, below separator plate 42, having a much lower rotational air velocity. The high rotational air velocity in the toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber 80 forces dirt particles contained in the airstream to the outside of the chamber where they will be drawn through the gap 90 to the outside of flange 88. As the airstream flows into the zone beneath the separator plate 42 and the air velocity decreases, the dirt particles will fall out of the airstream and collect and the dirt-separation housing 30. It has been found that narrowing the gap 90, in the sense of having a high ratio of the surface area of the plate 42 to the overall cross-sectional area of the housing, is beneficial to maintaining the two air velocity zones. This must be balanced with maintaining a gap 90 large enough to enable passage of larger dirt particles such as hair, carpet fuzz, etc. A relative plate surface area in the range of 0.75 to 0.95 with respect to the housing cross-sectional area is effective in defining the two air velocity zones while enabling the passage of large dirt particles, with the preferred ratio of surface areas being 0.8 to 0.92, or optimally 0.9. The air flow circulates tangentially about the interior of the tank 30 until it is drawn inwardly toward the preliminary filter element 44, as shown in FIG. 11. As the air flow passes through the preliminary filter element 44, the filter element 44 prevents larger dirt particles and debris, that did not fall to the lower portion of the dirt-separation housing 30, from passing into the interior of filter element 44 and then into the interior of separator 40 and filter cup 120. The air is then drawn downwardly between separator plate radials 92 through separator plate apertures 94 (see FIG. 8), through filter cup 120 which traps additional finer particles, and passes axially through the hollow interior of the cylindrical separator 40, then through apertures 72 and the motor housing 14 to atmosphere through the post motor filter (not shown) and the exhaust air vent 26. Dirt and debris, when collected in the dirt-separation housing 30, can be discarded by removing the dirt collection assembly 16 from the module housing 12. Dirt collection assembly 16 is retained in module housing 12, as stated above, by tank latch 34 on housing cap 32. Leaf springs 98 bias latch 34 upwardly by pressing against the bottom of recess 33, forcing the catches 100 underneath a lip 35 of the handle 18, thereby retaining the housing cap 32 against the handle 18. Latch 34 is released by depressing the latch body 96 against the biasing force of the leaf springs 98, thereby releasing the catches 100 from the lip 35. The dirt collection assembly 16 can then be tilted away from the housing portion 12. With the dirt collection assembly 16 removed from the module housing 12, the assembly comprising housing cap 32, top plate 46, preliminary filter 44 and separator plate 42, can be removed from dirt-separation housing 30 and cylindrical separator 40 as a unit by counter-clockwise rotation of the twist-and-lock arrangement of tabs and grooves 84, 86. The upper portion of the dirt-separation housing 30 and the filter cup 120 are thus open so that they can be emptied by a user. Filter cup 120 can further be removed from separator 40 for cleaning, and top plate 46 can be further separated from the separator plate 42 for cleaning or replacement of the preliminary filter assembly 44. Upon reassembly as described above, dirt collection assembly 16 is replaced in module housing 12 by inserting the lower portion of the assembly 16 into the housing portion 12 and tilting it inwardly until catches 100 resiliently slide past lip 35 to bias upwardly and engage lip 35 and hold assembly 16 in place in module housing 12. Referring to FIG. 12, a further embodiment of a cyclonic dirt separator 140 according to the invention comprises a cylindrical cyclone chamber 150 having an upper wall 142 and a sidewall 144, the sidewall 144 terminating in a lower offset lip 146. An annular collar 148 depends from upper wall 142, the collar 148 being centered in the cylindrical chamber 150. An exhaust outlet 154 in the upper wall 142 and within the annular collar 148 is fluidly connected with a suction source (see FIG. 14). Sidewall 144 further includes a tangential air inlet 152 aligned proximate the upper wall 142 for generating a tangential airflow in the chamber 150 parallel to the upper wall 142. The cyclonic dirt separator 140 further comprises a primary filter element 168. In a preferred embodiment, the primary filter element 168 comprises a cylindrical fine mesh screen 170 retained by the collar 148 that depends from upper wall 142 of the chamber 150. Cyclonic dirt separator 140 further comprises a separator plate 158 in the form of a solid disc having an upstanding annular collar 164. In the preferred embodiment, the upstanding annular collar 164 is aligned with the depending collar 148 of the upper wall 142 so that the cylindrical screen 170 is retained at the ends thereof by each of the collars 148, 164. In this manner, separator plate 158 is suspended from upper wall 142, forming a toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber 150 between the cylindrical screen 170 and the sidewall 144, and between the upper wall 142 and the separator plate 158, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, air inlet 152 is vertically aligned between upper wall 142 and separator plate 158 such that the tangential airflow generated from tangential air inlet 152 is directed into the toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber 150. With further reference to FIGS. 13-14, the tangential airflow, containing particulate matter, passes through tangential air inlet 152 and into toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber 150 to travel around the cylindrical screen 170. As the air travels about the toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber 150, heavier dirt particles are forced toward sidewall 144. These particles will fall under the force of gravity through a gap 166 defined between an edge 162 of separator plate 158 and the sidewall 144. Referring particularly to FIG. 13, dirt particles falling through the gap 166 drop through the open end 156 of chamber 150 and are collected in the dirt cup 160. The upper end of dirt cup 160 is received in a nesting relationship in lower offset lip 146 of the sidewall 144 to seal the cyclone chamber 150 to the dirt cup 160. As the inlet air traverses through toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber 150, casting dirt particles toward sidewall 144, the inlet air will be drawn through cylindrical screen 170, through exhaust outlet 154, exhaust/suction conduit 196, through a secondary (pre-motor) filter 192 to the suction source 190. The secondary filter 192 removes additional particulate matter from the exhaust airstreams prior to the airstreams being drawn through the suction source 190. A post-motor filter 194 can also be provided downstream of the suction source 190 to remove additional fine particulate matter from the exhaust airstream before it is released to the atmosphere. Dirt cup 160 is removably connected to chamber 150. Accumulated dirt can be discarded by axially displacing dirt cup 160 from cyclone chamber 150 so that it disengages from offset lip 146. Dirt cup 160 can then be removed from chamber 150 to discard accumulated dirt. A further embodiment of a cyclonic separator 440 is shown in FIG. 13A. the cyclonic separator 440 comprises a cylindrical cyclone chamber 450 having an upper wall 442 and a sidewall 444, the sidewall 444 terminating in a lower offset lip 446. A substantially cylindrical filter assembly 468 depends from upper wall 442, being centered in the cylindrical chamber 450. An exhaust outlet 454 in the upper wall 442 and within the filter assembly 468 is fluidly connected with a suction source 490. Sidewall 444 further includes a tangential air inlet 452 aligned proximate the upper wall 442 for generating a tangential airflow in the chamber 450 parallel to the upper wall 442. In a preferred embodiment, the filter assembly 468 comprises a plurality of apertures 470 passing through the wall of the assembly 468 and fluidly connecting air inlet 452 with exhaust outlet 454. Cyclonic dirt separator 440 further comprises a separator plate 458 in the form of a solid disc. Separator plate 458 is secured by fasteners 472 to a lower end of cylindrical filter assembly 468, parallel to upper wall 442, forming a toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber 480 between the cylindrical filter assembly 468 and the sidewall 444, and between the upper wall 442 and the separator plate 458, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, air inlet 452 is vertically aligned between upper wall 442 and separator plate 458 such that the tangential airflow generated from tangential air inlet 452 is directed into the toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber 480. As in the previous embodiment, the tangential airflow, containing particulate matter, passes through tangential air inlet 452 and into toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber 480 to travel around the cylindrical filter assembly 468. As the air travels about the toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber 480, heavier dirt particles are forced toward sidewall 444. These particles will fall under the force of gravity through a gap 466 defined between an edge 462 of separator plate 458 and the sidewall 444. Dirt particles falling through the gap 466 drop through the open end 456 of chamber 450 and are collected in the dirt cup 460. The upper end of dirt cup 460 is received in a nesting relationship in lower offset lip 446 of the sidewall 444 to seal the cyclone chamber 450 to the dirt cup 460. As the inlet air traverses through toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber 480, casting dirt particles toward sidewall 444, the inlet air will be drawn through the apertures 470 in cylindrical filter assembly 468, through exhaust outlet 454, exhaust/suction conduit 496, through a secondary (pre-motor) filter 492 to the suction source 490. The secondary filter 492 removes additional particulate matter from the exhaust airstreams prior to the airstreams being drawn through the suction source 490. A post-motor filter 494 can also be provided downstream of the suction source 490 to remove additional fine particulate matter from the exhaust airstream before it is released to the atmosphere. Dirt cup 460 is removably connected to chamber 450. Accumulated dirt can be discarded by axially displacing dirt cup 460 from cyclone chamber 450 so that it disengages from offset lip 446. Dirt cup 460 can then be removed from chamber 450 to discard accumulated dirt. Referring now to FIG. 13B, where like numerals have been used to designate like parts, a dirt separator 140 has a tangential inlet opening 152 in an upper portion of the cylindrical wall 144 and a central outlet opening 154 extending through the upper wall 142 thereof. An annular array of louvers 172 is mounted centrally within the dirt separator 140 and defines a cyclone separation chamber 150 with the cylindrical wall 144 of the dirt separator 140. A cylindrical wall 174 extends downwardly from the upper wall 142 from the central outlet opening 154 to define an outlet passage within the cylindrical space of the louvers 172. A cylindrical separator plate 158 is removably mounted to the annular wall 174 beneath the louvers 172 and separates the dirt separator 140 from the dirt collector 160 (FIG. 13). A further embodiment of a cyclonic separator 300 is depicted in FIGS. 15 and 15A. The cyclonic separator 300 comprises a dirt bin 310 having a cylindrical configuration with an exterior wall 312, a bottom wall 314 having a central opening 316 integral with a hollow cylindrical shaft 318 extending from bottom wall 314. Shaft 318 includes an upper end 320 and extends coaxially within bin 310 so that upper end 320 extends above an upper end 322 of exterior wall 312 of dirt bin 310. Dirt bin 310 further comprises a tangential inlet opening 324 passing through the exterior wall 312 of the dirt bin 310, located proximate the upper end 322 of the exterior wall 312 of the dirt bin 310. The cyclonic separator 300 further comprises a cyclonic insert 330 having a substantially hollow cylindrical body 332, cylindrical body 332 shown as having a neck portion 334 in a central area thereof, so that the diameter of the cylindrical body 332 is slightly narrower at neck portion 334. Cylindrical body 332 is further contemplated as being uniform in diameter, i.e. eliminating neck portion 334. Cyclonic insert 330 further comprises an annular bottom portion 336. Annular bottom portion 336 includes a central opening 338 configured to closely conform to the exterior of the central shaft 318 of the dirt bin 310. Bottom portion 336 is connected to the exterior wall of the cylindrical portion 332 of the cyclonic insert 330, and further includes a separator flange 340. Separator flange 340 extends downwardly at an obtuse angle beyond the exterior wall of the cylindrical body 332. The cylindrical body 332 of the cyclonic insert 330 has a diameter less than the diameter of the cylindrical dirt bin 310, so that when the cyclonic insert 330 is inserted into the dirt bin 310, a toroidal portion 342 is formed therebetween. The separator flange 340 does not extend to cylindrical wall 312, leaving a gap 344 between the separator flange 340 and the interior of the cylindrical wall 312 of the dirt bin 310. The interior of the dirt bin 310 is thus divided into two toroidal portions 342, 346, the first toroidal portion 342 being between the cyclonic insert 330 and the wall 312 of the dirt bin 310, and the second toroidal portion 346 formed between the central shaft 318 and the cylindrical wall 312 of the dirt bin 310, beneath the separator flange 340. The cyclonic insert 330 further comprises an upper annular flange portion 348 integrally formed with the cylindrical body 332 of the cyclonic insert 330, the flange portion 348 having an outer diameter equivalent to the outer diameter of the dirt bin 310 and configured to be received in an engaging and sealing manner on the upper edge 322 of the exterior wall 312 of the dirt bin 310. The cylindrical body 332 of the cyclonic insert 330 further comprises two wall portions, an impervious upper wall portion 352 and a lower wall portion 354 having a plurality of perforations 356 passing therethrough. Perforations 356 are contemplated as being of uniform size and spacing, or of being arranged in a non-uniform pattern of varying apertures, as required to develop the most advantageous airflow pattern. The cyclonic insert 330 further includes a plurality of canted vanes 358 arranged in a ring about the interior of the cyclonic insert 330 at the necked portion 334 of the cylindrical body 332. The vanes 358 include a central opening 360 configured to closely receive the central shaft 318 of the dirt bin 310. The necked portion 334, and the vanes 358, substantially divide the volume between the cyclonic insert 330 and the central shaft 318 of the dirt bin 310 into two toroidal portions 362, 364. The first toroidal portion 362 is bounded on its interior by the central shaft 318 of the dirt bin 310, and on its exterior by the perforated section 354 of the cylindrical portion of the dirt bin 310. The second toroidal portion 364 is bounded on its interior by the central shaft 318 of the dirt bin 310 and on its exterior by the solid portion 352 of the cylindrical portion of the cyclonic insert 330. the second toroidal portion 364 is bounded at its lower end by the vanes 358 and at its upper end by a frusto-conical chamber 368 defined by a frusto-conical wall 376. The cyclonic separator 300 further comprises a secondary cyclone chamber 370, the chamber 370 comprising an outer cylindrical wall 372, a lower annular wall 374 and frusto-conical wall 376. The bottom wall 374 of the chamber 370 has an annular perimeter 378 for abutting the perimeter edge 350 of the cyclone insert 330 to present a flush appearance and to resist removal of the chamber 370 from the insert 330. The chamber 370 further comprises a chamber cap 380, being a disk having a depending rim 382 for receipt in an upper portion 384 of the cylindrical chamber 370 in a sealing manner. The exterior wall 372, lower wall 374 and frusto-conical wall 376 of the chamber 370 are integrally formed, forming a substantially toroidal receptacle 386. The frusto-conical wall 376 is shorter than the exterior walls 372 of the chamber 370 resulting in a gap 388 between a top edge 390 of the hollow frusto-conical wall 376 and the lid 380 of the chamber 370. Prior to assembly, therefore, the cyclonic separator 300 comprises a cylindrical dirt bin 310 having a concentric cylindrical shaft 314 passing from an aperture 316 and a flat bottom 314 to above the upper edge 322 of the dirt bin 310, forming a single toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber therebetween. Inserting the cyclonic insert 330 in a sealing engagement with the upper edge 322 of the dirt bin 310 divides the interior of the dirt bin 310 into two toroidal portion 342, 346 to the outside of the insert 330. The toroidal portions 342, 346 are separated by the separator flange 340 of the cyclonic insert 330, except for a gap 344 between separator flange 340 and wall 312. The interior of the insert 330 is divided into toroidal sections 362, 364 inside the cylindrical body 332 of the insert 330. The toroidal sections 362, 364 are defined by the vanes 358. The central shaft 318 still projects above the top 322 of the bin 310 and the upper flange 348 of the cyclonic insert 330. Attaching the secondary cyclone chamber 370 and its lid 380 places the upper end 320 of the central shaft 318 within the hollow frusto-conical wall 376 of the secondary cyclone chamber 370. The cyclonic separator 300 is now sealed from the atmosphere except for the tangential inlet 324 of the dirt bin 310 and the central outlet 316 at the base 314 of the dirt bin 310. The tangential inlet 324 and outlet 316 are fluidly connected through the dirt bin 310, perforations 356 of the cyclonic insert 330, through the toroidal sections 362, 364 within the cyclonic insert 330 and through the upper end 320 of the central shaft 318. The cyclonic separator, when used in a suction cleaner 396, will have a vacuum source 392 fluidly connected to the outlet opening 316, thereby forming a vacuum within the cyclonic separator 300 and at the tangential inlet 324 to the dirt bin 310. Inlet 324 will be fluidly connected to nozzle opening 396 of a surface cleaning apparatus 394 through a suction flow path 398. Dirt-laden air will be drawn through the inlet 324 into the first toroidal section 342, the air flow having a tangential component due to the orientation of inlet 324. As the dirt-laden air is circulated about the perimeter of the dirt bin 310, the dirt will be driven toward the outer wall 312 of dirt bin 310 and tend to fall towards the bottom wall 314 to the outside of the separator flange 340. As the air circulates about dirt bin 310, the air will be drawn inwardly toward the perforations 356 in the lower portion 354 of the cylindrical portion 332 of the cyclonic insert 330. Heavier particles of dirt will fall to the bottom of the dirt bin. The separator flange 340 acts to discourage dirt particles from being recirculated in the air flow adjacent the perforations 356. The air passing through the perforations 356 continues to carry finer particulates that were not heavy enough to be deposited in the bottom of the dirt bin 310. The perforations 356 substantially pass perpendicularly through the surface 354 of the cyclonic insert 330 to further encourage deflection of dirt particles from the perforations and thereby removing them from the airflow. As the air flow passes through the perforations 356, it begins traveling essentially along the outside of the central shaft 318. It is been found that this air flow still maintains some rotational velocity. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the airflow will strike vanes 358. Vanes 358 will increase the rotational velocity component to the air flow. The air flow in the upper toroidal portion 364 will therefore have a tangential component to encourage additional cyclonic action in the toroidal section 364. As the air flow travels to the frusto-conical chamber 368, the rotational velocity of the air flow will increase, driving dirt particles toward the frusto-conical wall 376 of the secondary cyclone chamber 370. In addition, the axial velocity components will push the dirt particles to the top opening 390. The tangential component will then direct the dirt particles to the outer secondary cyclonic chamber 370, through the gap 388. With very little airflow in the outer chamber of the secondary cyclonic chamber 370, the velocity of the dirt particles drops dramatically and the dirt particles fall to the bottom 386 of the secondary cyclonic chamber 370. The remaining airflow, and those particles not having sufficient centripetal energy to be driven to the outside of the frusto-conical wall 376, will be drawn through the top end 320 of the central shaft 316, to be drawn to the vacuum source fluidly connected to the outlet opening 316. A fine particulate filter (not shown) is inserted in the exhaust airstream to remove those fine particulates not extracted by the cyclonic separator. An additional embodiment of a cyclonic separator 200 for a suction cleaner is shown in FIGS. 16-20. Cyclonic separator 200 comprises a dirt bin 202, a cyclonic housing 204, first and second filter frames 208, 212, first and second filter seals 206, 214, filter medium 210, and filter chamber lid 216. The dirt bin 202 is cylindrical in configuration, having an outer wall 220, a bottom wall 222 having a central opening 224, and a central cylindrical shaft 226 encompassing the aperture 224, the cylindrical shaft 226 being concentric with the outer wall 220 of the dirt bin 202. The central shaft 226 has an upper end 228 substantially even with an upper end 230 of the dirt bin outer wall 220. The dirt bin thereby comprises a toroidal receptacle encompassed by the outer wall 220 and the central shaft 226, and by the dirt bin lower surface 222 and the upper edges 228, 230 of the central shaft 226 and outer wall 220. The cyclone housing 204 is cylindrical, having an exterior diameter equal to the diameter of the dirt bin 202. The cyclone housing 204 comprises a central cylindrical filter chamber 240 having an outer wall 242, the diameter of the cylindrical filter chamber 240 being smaller than the exterior diameter of the cyclone housing 204, but concentric therewith. The annular region defined between the outer wall 242 of the filter chamber 240 and the outer wall of the cyclone housing 204 comprises a spiral channel 250. Channel 250 begins at an upper portion 252 of the cyclone housing 204 with an inlet opening 254. The channel 250 then follows the perimeter of the cyclone housing in a downward spiral fashion to a channel outlet 256 on a lower portion of the cyclone housing 204. The upper portion of the filter chamber 240 comprises a filter chamber opening 258. A lower portion of the filter chamber 240 comprises a central opening 260, an annular filter seat 262 surrounding the central opening 260 on the lower portion of the filter chamber 240, and an annular perforated inlet section 264. The annular filter seat 262 is bounded on its interior and exterior edges by a raised rim 266, each raised rim being annular and perpendicular to the base of the filter chamber 240. The filter chamber lid 216 is a flat disc having a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical filter chamber 240, and having an annular depending rim 268 inset from the edge of lid 216 and adapted to be closely received within the opening 258 of filter chamber 240. Filter chamber lid 216 further comprises two additional depending annular rims 270 each having a diameter corresponding to one of the rims 266 surrounding the annular filter seat 262 in the lower portion of the filter chamber 240. The rims 270 bound an annular filter seat 272, the annular filter seat 272 being centered on the underside of the circular filter chamber lid 216 for alignment with the filter seat 262. The first and second filter frames 208, 212 are identical in construction. The filter frames 208, 212 comprise a flat annular mating surface 280 including a pair of pin projections 282 and a pair of pin receiving openings 284 evenly spaced about the perimeter of the mating surface 280 so that the pins 282 of the first filter frame can be received in the openings 284 of the second filter frame, and vice versa, so that the mating surfaces 280 of the first and second filter frames 208, 212 can abut in a flush manner. Referring to the first filter frame 208 for the purpose of describing the construction of the filter frames 208, 212, the first filter frame 208 further comprises a number of ribs 286 depending from the mating surface 280 of the filter frame 208 in a slightly splayed manner, being substantially perpendicular to the plane of the mating surface 280 but canted slightly away from this center line of the filter frame 208. The ribs 286 terminate in an annular base 290. Based 290 comprises an inner annular rim 288 and an annular ring 292 with a raised outer rim 294. The raised outer rim 294, the ring 292 and the rim 288 form a shallow annular cavity 296 for receiving a lower portion of the filter medium 210. Each of the filter frames 208, 212 further comprises an annular recess 298 on a face opposite the mating surface 280, the recess 298 configured to receive annular filter seal 206, 214. The filter medium 210 is a hollow cylindrical arrangement of a pleated filter paper, the hollow cylinder having a diameter and wall thickness substantially corresponding to the width of the annular ring 292 of the filter frame 208. The filter medium 210 has a height substantially equal to the distance between the annular rings 292 of the first and second filter frames 208, 212 when the frames 208, 212 are assembled with their respective mating surfaces 280 in abutment. The cyclone separator 200 is assembled by placing the cyclone housing 204 in a sealing engagement with the upper end 230 of the dirt bin 202. The outer wall of the cyclone housing 204 aligns with the outer wall 220 of the dirt bin 202, and the upper end 228 of the central shaft 226 sealing engages the central opening 260 of the cyclone housing 204. The filter frame is assembled by placing a first filter seal 206 in the annular recess 298 of the first filter frame 208, placing the hollow cylindrical filter medium 210 over the first filter frame 208 so that the lower portion of the filter medium 210 is received in the annular recess 296 of the first filter frame 208, then inserting the second filter frame 212 into the filter medium 210 until the mating surface 280 of the second filter frame 212 abuts the mating surface 280 of the first filter frame 208 in a flush manner. The upper portion of the filter medium 210 is thus received in the annular recess 296 of the second filter frame 212. The second filter seal is then placed in the annular recess 298 of the second filter frame 212. The filter assembly is then placed into the cyclone housing 204 so that the annular base of the first filter frame 208 is received in the annular filter seat 262 of the cyclone housing 204. The filter chamber lid 216 can then be placed over the filter chamber opening 258 so that the depending rim 268 resides immediately inside the filter chamber wall 242, and the annular base of the second filter frame 212 can be received in the annular filter seat 272 of the filter chamber lid 216 between the rims 270. The assembled cyclonic separator is now fluidly sealed from the atmosphere except for the inlet opening 254 of the spiral channel 250, and the outlet opening 224 at the base of the dirt bin 202. The inlet opening 254 and outlet opening 224 are fluidly connected through the spiral channel 250 into the interior of the dirt bin 202 and then through the annular inlet section 264 into the filter chamber 240. Any fluid flow must then pass through the filter medium 210 to reach the central opening 260 at the base of the filter chamber 240, from whence it travels through the central shaft 226 to the outlet opening 224. In a suction cleaner, the suction source is applied to the outlet opening 224, thereby drawing a vacuum throughout the fluid path just described and the inlet opening 254 is then directed by known structures to a surface or object to be cleaned, thereby drawing dirt laden air into the cyclonic separator. The tangential flow through the spiral channel 250 will reduce the velocity in the particles in the air, causing them to fall under gravity into the toroidal dirt chamber of the dirt bin 202. The air flow is further subjected to a severe change in direction as it must flow upwardly through the annular inlet section 264 of the filter chamber 240 before it can pass through the filter medium 210 to the exhaust outlet 224. While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined in the appended claims. | <SOH> FIELD OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention relates to suction cleaners, and in particular to a separator for a suction cleaner. In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a separator with a cyclonic airflow path to separate dirt and debris from air drawn into the cleaner. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a separator that deposits the dirt and debris in a collection receptacle. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a separator including a supplementary fine particle filter. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>According to the invention, a vacuum cleaner module comprises a module housing, a dirt-separation housing removably mounted in the module housing and defining a cyclonic airflow chamber for separating contaminants from a dirt-containing airstream and including an inlet opening for the cyclonic chamber adapted to be connected to a suction cleaning nozzle and an airstream outlet opening in an upper central portion of the dirt-separation housing and in communication with the inlet opening. An airstream suction source is mounted in the dirt-separation housing and is fluidly connected to the cyclonic chamber inlet opening, the cyclonic airflow chamber and the airstream outlet opening to establish and maintain a tangential flow of a dirt-containing airstream within the cyclone airflow chamber as the airstream flows between the cyclonic chamber inlet opening and the airstream outlet opening for separating dirt from the airstream in the cyclonic airflow chamber. A dirt-collecting chamber is mounted within the dirt-separation housing and beneath the cyclonic airflow chamber to collect dirt separated from the dirt-containing airstream in the cyclonic airflow chamber. A support element is mounted in an upper portion of the dirt separator housing and mounts a separator plate at a lower portion thereof above the dirt-collecting bin, and separating the cyclonic airflow chamber from the dirt-collecting chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the support element is cylindrical and has openings for passage of the dirt-separated airstream prior to exit of said airstream from said dirt-separation housing through the airstream outlet. A filter element can be positioned between the cyclonic airflow chamber and the support element. In one embodiment, the filter element is a fine mesh. In a preferred embodiment, the separator plate extends radially from the support element toward a side wall of the housing. The separator plate forms a gap with the housing side wall for passage of dirt particles from the cyclone separation chamber to the dirt-collecting chamber. The side wall of the housing is cylindrical at the separator plate and the gap between the separator plate and the housing side wall is annular. Thus, the separator plate is circular and the housing has a cylindrical wall adjacent the separator plate. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the relative cross-sectional areas of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area at the separator plate is generally in the range of 0.75 to 0.95. Preferably, the relative cross-sectional area of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area is in the range of 0.8 to 0.92. In a most preferred embodiment of the invention, the relative cross-sectional area of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area is about 9. In another preferred embodiment, the cylindrical support element, the separator plate and the dirt-separation housing define a toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber that forms the cyclonic airflow chamber. In a one embodiment, a filter is positioned between the cyclonic airflow chamber and the airstream outlet opening. The filter can be a fine mesh. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a filter is positioned downstream of the airstream outlet opening and upstream of the suction source. Preferably, the suction source is mounted beneath the dirt-separation housing. Typically, the suction source has an inlet downstream from the airstream opening to draw the dirt-containing airstream into the cyclonic airflow chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the dirt-separation housing also defines the dirt-collecting chamber. In another embodiment of the invention, a dirt cup defines the dirt-collecting chamber and the dirt cup is removably mounted to the dirt-separation housing and is also or alternately removably mounted to the module housing. The vacuum cleaner module is adapted to be used with a suction nozzle that can be a part of a base that is movable along a floor surface or with a tool on the end of a hose for above floor cleaning. Further according to the invention, the dirt separation housing further comprises a second cyclonic airflow chamber having an airstream inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber and an airstream outlet in communication with the airstream suction source. In one embodiment, the second cyclonic airflow chamber is at least in part defined by a frustroconical wall that decreases in diameter from a lower end to an upper end. Preferably, a fluid passage is positioned between the airstream outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber and the airflow inlet of the second cyclonic airflow chamber; Further according to the invention, a vacuum cleaner comprises a dirt separator housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber for separating contaminants from a dirt-containing airstream includes a cyclonic chamber inlet and an airstream outlet in fluid communication with each other. An airstream suction source is fluidly connected to the cyclonic airflow chamber for transporting dirt-containing air from a source of a dirt-containing airstream to the cyclonic airflow chamber. The suction source is adapted to selectively establish and maintain the dirt-containing airstream from the source of the dirt-containing airstream to said cyclonic chamber inlet and for maintaining tangential flow of the dirt-containing airstream within the cyclone airflow chamber for separating dirt from the air stream in the cyclonic airflow chamber. A support element is positioned within said dirt-separation housing and mounts a separator plate that forms a toroidal chamber within the dirt-separation housing with a cylindrical side wall and upper wall of the dirt-separation housing. A dirt-collecting bin is positioned beneath the separator plate within the dirt-separation housing and forms a dirt-collecting chamber. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the relative cross-sectional areas of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area at the separator plate is generally in the range of 0.75 to 0.95. Preferably, the relative cross-sectional area of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area is in the range of 0.8 to 0.92. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the relative cross-sectional area of the separator plate with respect to the housing cross sectional area is about 9. In one embodiment of this invention, the airstream outlet is in a lower portion of the housing. In a further embodiment, a separator plate is positioned between the first cyclonic airflow chamber and the first dirt-collecting bin. The relative cross-sectional area of the separator plate with respect to the housing is in the range of 0.75 to 0.95. In a further embodiment according to the invention, the cyclonic airflow chamber is formed by a tangential helical ramp. In a further embodiment, there is a direction change portal between the cyclonic airflow chamber and the airstream outlet opening in the dirt separation housing so that the airstream changes whereby the airstream changes direction before passing through the airstream outlet opening. Still further according to the invention, a vacuum cleaner comprises a housing defining a first cyclonic airflow chamber for separating contaminants from a dirt-containing airstream, the housing including an airstream inlet and an airstream outlet a nozzle base including a suction opening that is fluidly connected with the airstream inlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber. The housing further includes a second cyclonic airflow chamber having an airstream inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber and an airstream outlet. The second cyclonic airflow chamber is at least in part defined by a frustroconical wall that decreases in diameter from a lower end to an upper end. A fluid passage within the housing extends between the airstream outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber and the airflow inlet of the second cyclonic airflow chamber. A first dirt-collecting bin is positioned beneath the first cyclonic airflow chamber for collecting dirt separated from the airstream in the first cyclonic airflow chamber and an airstream suction source is fluidly connected to the suction opening and to the first and second cyclonic airflow chambers for transporting the dirt-containing airstream from the suction opening through the first and second cyclonic airflow chamber. The suction source is adapted to selectively establish and maintain the flow of the dirt-containing airstream from the suction opening through said first and second cyclonic airflow chambers. In one embodiment, the airstream suction source is downstream of the outlet of the second cyclonic airflow chamber. In another embodiment, the outlet of the first cyclonic airflow chamber if formed by a perforated wall. Preferably, the first cyclonic airflow chamber is formed at least in part from a substantially cylindrical housing wall and the perforated wall is spaced radially inwardly of the substantially cylindrical housing wall. Typically, the perforated wall is substantially cylindrically shaped but other shapes of the perforated wall can be used. In a preferred embodiment, the second cyclonic airflow chamber has an opening at an upper portion thereof for passage of dirt separated from the airstream. Further, a second dirt-collecting bin is in communication with an upper end of the second cyclonic air flow chamber for collection of dirt from the airstream in the second cyclonic airflow chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the frusto-conical wall also defines a wall of the second dirt-collecting bin. Further, the second dirt-collecting bin is axially spaced from the first dirt-collecting bin. Most preferably, the second dirt-collecting bin is positioned axially above the first dirt-collecting bin. | 20041123 | 20070724 | 20050616 | 85337.0 | 1 | HOPKINS, ROBERT A | CYCLONIC DIRT SEPARATION MODULE | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,904,762 | ACCEPTED | SWITCHABLE POLARIZER | A switchable polarizer assembly, having a coupler, a polarizer module with a plurality of apertures, each aperture adapted for a desired transition, an antenna adapter and a central waveguide with a center longitudinal axis passing through the coupler and the antenna adapter. Positioned inline with the central waveguide, between the coupler and the antenna adapter, the polarizer module is offset relative to the center longitudinal axis, rotatable to alternatively align each of the plurality of apertures with the central waveguide. A coupling means may be present to couple rotation of the polarizer module to rotation of the antenna adapter. The apertures may be, for example, zero or ninety degree angular transitions and or circular to rectangular waveguide cross sectional area transitions. | 1. A switchable polarizer assembly, comprising: a polarizer module having a plurality of apertures, each aperture adapted for a desired transition; and a central waveguide having a center longitudinal axis; the polarizer module positioned inline with the central waveguide; the polarizer module offset relative to the center longitudinal axis, rotatable to alternatively align each of the plurality of apertures with the central waveguide. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures is a horizontal aperture and a vertical aperture; the horizontal aperture formed as a pass through transition; the vertical aperture formed as a ninety degree transition. 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the transitions is between a circular and a rectangular waveguide cross section. 4. The assembly of claim 1, further including an antenna adapter adjacent a front side of the polarizer. 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the antenna adapter is rotatable about the center longitudinal axis of the waveguide. 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the antenna adapter is coupled to the polarizer whereby rotation of the antenna adapter produces an offset rotation of the polarizer module. 7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the coupling between the antenna adapter and the polarizer module is a plurality of pins projecting from a front face of the polarizer module that engage a plurality of grooves formed in a back mating surface of the antenna adapter. 8. A switchable polarizer assembly, comprising; a coupler having a polarizer recess and an antenna adapter recess; a polarizer module having a plurality of apertures transitions, each aperture adapted for a desired transition; an antenna adapter; and a central waveguide, having a center longitudinal axis, extending through the coupler and the antenna adapter; the antenna adapter recess centered upon the center longitudinal axis and the polarizer recess offset from the center longitudinal axis; the polarizer module positioned in the polarizer recess, whereby rotation of the polarizer module alternatively aligns each of the plurality of aperture transitions with the central waveguide; the antenna adapter positioned in the antenna adapter recess, retaining the polarizer module within the polarizer recess. 9. The assembly of claim 8, further including a plurality of pins projecting from a front face of the polarizer module that engage a plurality of grooves formed in a back mating surface of the antenna adapter; the plurality of pins and the plurality of grooves operating to transfer rotation of the antenna adapter about the center longitudinal axis to an offset rotation of the polarizer module. 10. The assembly of claim 8, further including a coupling means between the polarizer module and the antenna adapter; the coupling means operating to transfer rotation of the antenna adapter about the center longitudinal axis to an offset rotation of the polarizer module. 11. The assembly of claim 8, further including a mounting bracket coupled to the coupler; the mounting bracket retaining the antenna adapter, rotatable, in the antenna adapter recess. 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the mounting bracket is adapted to mate with a reflector dish. 13. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the plurality of apertures is a horizontal aperture and a vertical aperture; the horizontal aperture formed as a pass through transition; the vertical aperture formed as a ninety degree transition. 14. The assembly of claim 8, wherein at least one of the apertures is a transition between a circular and a rectangular waveguide cross section. 15. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the central waveguide extends to two equipment connection points on the coupler. 16. The assembly of claim 8, further including retaining means for keying the antenna adaptor into a desired orientation with respect to the coupler. 17. A switchable polarizer assembly, comprising: a coupler; a polarizer module having a plurality of apertures, each aperture adapted for a desired transition; an antenna adapter; and a central waveguide with a center longitudinal axis passing through the coupler and the antenna adapter; positioned inline with the central waveguide, between the coupler and the antenna adapter, the polarizer module offset relative to the center longitudinal axis, rotatable to alternatively align each of the plurality of apertures with the central waveguide. 18. The assembly of claim 17, further including a means for coupling between the antenna adapter and the polarizer module whereby rotation of the antenna adapter drives rotation of the polarizer module. 19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the means for coupling is a plurality of pins on the polarizer module that engage a plurality of slots on the antenna adapter. | BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to equipment useful in high frequency radio communications systems. More particularly, the invention is concerned with a switchable polarizer for changing the polarization of signals passing through a waveguide. 2. Description of Related Art Rotator elements placed in-line with a waveguide are useful for changing the polarization of a signal prior to further processing. For example, waveguides associated with antennas often incorporate switchable polarizer functionality to allow conversion of the antenna between horizontal and vertical polarization. The geometries of standard in-line polarizer transition elements are well known in the art. Prior switchable polarizer solutions have typically incorporated one of three general approaches. First, the polarizer element may be removable. A user alternatively installs one or another dedicated component by fully disassembling the waveguide and inserting a separate transition element designated for each desired polarization. Where no transition is required, the polarizer element is typically a straight pass through waveguide section to minimize electrical losses. This approach requires the inventory and storage, perhaps for years, of redundant transition components until they are needed, if ever. Second, the transition components may be formed as a plurality of plates that bolt together in alternative configurations for each desired polarization. Further developments of this approach have used pins and slots to allow rotation of the various plates between polarization configurations without requiring complete removal and restacking of the plurality of plates. However, each of the transitions between the separate plates inhibits electrical signal flow, creating an electrical loss and contributing to an overall tolerance error that increases with the number of separate components. High manufacturing tolerances required to minimize these effects significantly contributes to the cost of this solution. Further, the plurality of plates increases the length of the resulting assembly, increasing overall structural requirements. When no polarization change is required, the plates are adaptable into a stacked straight pass through waveguide section configuration. A third solution is to form a single transition component having transition cavities and faces formed complementary to dual orthogonal polarizations depending upon the connection orientation of the associated waveguides. This solution reduces the number of overall components required and thereby the associated transition errors and or tolerance losses related to the prior multiple separate components. However, where no signal change is desired, rather than allowing the signal to pass through without transition, this solution performs a signal translation having a net effect of zero degrees. Therefore, this solution forces a compromise wherein a significant electrical loss is incorporated by the transition element whether or not a polarization change is desired. Further, the orientation of associated transmitter or receiver equipment may be fixed, for example for environmental sealing and or cooling purposes, preventing their rotation with respect to a waveguide mounting point. Depending upon the specific equipment combination used, a waveguide cross-section transition between, for example, a circular to rectangular waveguide may also be required as a further additional component located for example, between an antenna and a transmitter or receiver. Competition within the waveguide and RF equipment industries has focused attention upon improving electrical performance, reduction of the number of overall unique components, as well as reductions of manufacturing, installation and or configuration costs. Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus that overcomes deficiencies in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serves to explain the principles of the invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded isometric view of a switchable polarizer assembly according to the invention, adapted for use with a reflector antenna. FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric view of FIG. 1, assembled. FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of a front side of a dual port polarizer module. FIG. 4 is a schematic isometric view of a back side of the dual port polarizer module of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic isometric view of a front side of an antenna adapter. FIG. 6 is a schematic isometric view of a back side of the antenna adapter of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of FIG. 2, with the polarizer module in the zero degree, horizontal, position. FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of FIG. 2, with the polarizer module in the ninety degree, vertical, position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-8. In this embodiment, a switchable polarizer function according to the invention is incorporated into the coupling assembly 10 of a reflector antenna. The reflector antenna reflector dish, not shown, is connectable to a mounting bracket 15. A feed assembly, not shown, of the reflector antenna is adapted to mate with the alignment collar 17 of an antenna adapter 20 rotationally coupled to a polarizer module 25 located in the polarizer recess 30 of a coupler 35. The coupler 35 is shown is a “hot standby coupler” which further divides a signal path between two transmitters and or receivers, not shown, mountable to connection point(s) 36 at either side of the back end of the coupler 35. Alternatively, the coupler 35 may be any form of adaptation assembly for a desired component or further waveguide sections. The mounting bracket 15 is adapted to be retained upon the coupler 35, without interfering with rotation of the antenna adapter 20, by a plurality of mounting screws 37 or the like. A central waveguide 40 extends from the antenna feed assembly to the transmitter(s) and or receiver(s) coupled to the coupler 35. By rotating the polarizer module 25, within the polarizer recess 30, about a rotational axis offset from a center longitudinal axis of the central waveguide 40, alternative transition apertures formed in the polarizer module 25 may be positioned in-line with the central waveguide 40 to adjust a signal polarization and or adapt the waveguide cross section configuration. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the polarizer module 25 is preferably cylindrical with a flat front face 45 and a flat back face 50. Each of the apertures may be adapted for a different signal rotation angle and or waveguide configuration adaptation. For example, a pass-through horizontal aperture 55 has a zero degree rotation angle while a vertical aperture 60 has a ninety degree rotation angle. Similarly, the apertures may be formed as, for example, conversions between rectangular and circular waveguides with or without signal rotation. The geometric configuration(s) of a waveguide angular and or cross sectional transition are well known in the art and therefore further details thereof are unnecessary. Pins projecting from the front face 45 and back face 50 of the polarizer module 25 may be used to key the polarizer module 25 to a front mating surface 65 of the coupler 35 and a back mating surface 70 of the antenna adapter 20. The polarizer module 25 is rotatable about a center pin 75 that engages a central pin hole 87 within the polarizer recess 30 of the coupler 35. At the front face 45, the central pin 75 of the polarizer module 25 engages a curved adapter slot 80 formed in the back mating surface of the antenna adapter 20. Also, an offset front pin 82 of the polarizer module 25 engages a tangential slot 85 on the antenna adapter 20 back mating surface 70. Similarly, at the back face 50 an offset back pin 90 of the polarizer module 25 engages a curved coupler slot 95 of the coupler 35. The several pins and their associated mating hole and or slots operate as a means for coupling to transfer rotation of the antenna adapter 20 centered upon a center longitudinal axis of the central waveguide 40 to offset rotation of the polarizer module 25. Thereby, rotation of the antenna adapter 20 within an antenna adapter recess 97 of the coupler 35 drives rotation of the polarizer module 25 within the polarizer recess 30 such that when the antenna adapter 20 is rotated, the polarizer horizontal and vertical aperture(s) 55,60 are exchanged. The extents of each of the curved adapter and coupler slot(s) 80,95 may be adapted to operate as stops for their respective pins to prevent rotation of the polarizer module 25 beyond the end of range positions that alternatively align each polarizer module 25 aperture with the central waveguide 40. Alternative means for coupling may include, for example, gearing, cams and mechanical linkages or the like. In use, the polarization of a reflector antenna configured according to the exemplary embodiment may be adapted between vertical and horizontal polarization by uncoupling the reflector dish, loosening a retaining means such as one or more retaining screw(s) 99 or the like and rotating the antenna adapter 20 between the desired horizontal and vertical positions, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively. Because the antenna adapter 20 is rotatable within the antenna adapter recess 97 and thereby the polarizer module 25 within the polarizer recess 30 without requiring removal of the mounting bracket 15, further disassembly of the coupling assembly 10 is unnecessary. In other embodiments the invention may, for example, be applied to antennas with a circular cross section waveguide feed assembly by forming the antenna adapter 20 with a circular aperture and incorporating a circular to rectangular transition into each of the polarizer module 25 apertures. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to use with antennas but may be incorporated into any waveguide application where alternate transitions are desired. Also, while a dual transition embodiment has been described in detail, the number of transitions is limited only by the selected diameter of the polarizer module 25. Rather than a means for coupling to a dedicated antenna adapter 20, the polarizer module 25 may be driven independently by alternate rotation means, such as any form of linkage, gearing, manual or lever action. The limited number of required discrete components within the waveguide path improves both electrical performance and manufacturing efficiencies. Also, the ease of exchange between the available apertures reduces the opportunity for assembly errors and lowers maintenance costs, overall. Table of Parts 10 coupling assembly 15 mounting bracket 17 alignment collar 20 antenna adapter 25 polarizer module 30 polarizer recess 35 coupler 36 connection point 37 mounting screw 40 central waveguide 45 front face 50 back face 55 horizontal aperture 60 vertical aperture 65 front mating surface 70 back mating surface 80 curved adapter slot 82 front pin 85 tangential slot 87 central pin hole 90 back pin 95 coupler slot 97 antenna adapter recess 99 retaining screw Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to ratios, integers, components or modules having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus, methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept. Further, it is to be appreciated that improvements and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention as defined by the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to equipment useful in high frequency radio communications systems. More particularly, the invention is concerned with a switchable polarizer for changing the polarization of signals passing through a waveguide. 2. Description of Related Art Rotator elements placed in-line with a waveguide are useful for changing the polarization of a signal prior to further processing. For example, waveguides associated with antennas often incorporate switchable polarizer functionality to allow conversion of the antenna between horizontal and vertical polarization. The geometries of standard in-line polarizer transition elements are well known in the art. Prior switchable polarizer solutions have typically incorporated one of three general approaches. First, the polarizer element may be removable. A user alternatively installs one or another dedicated component by fully disassembling the waveguide and inserting a separate transition element designated for each desired polarization. Where no transition is required, the polarizer element is typically a straight pass through waveguide section to minimize electrical losses. This approach requires the inventory and storage, perhaps for years, of redundant transition components until they are needed, if ever. Second, the transition components may be formed as a plurality of plates that bolt together in alternative configurations for each desired polarization. Further developments of this approach have used pins and slots to allow rotation of the various plates between polarization configurations without requiring complete removal and restacking of the plurality of plates. However, each of the transitions between the separate plates inhibits electrical signal flow, creating an electrical loss and contributing to an overall tolerance error that increases with the number of separate components. High manufacturing tolerances required to minimize these effects significantly contributes to the cost of this solution. Further, the plurality of plates increases the length of the resulting assembly, increasing overall structural requirements. When no polarization change is required, the plates are adaptable into a stacked straight pass through waveguide section configuration. A third solution is to form a single transition component having transition cavities and faces formed complementary to dual orthogonal polarizations depending upon the connection orientation of the associated waveguides. This solution reduces the number of overall components required and thereby the associated transition errors and or tolerance losses related to the prior multiple separate components. However, where no signal change is desired, rather than allowing the signal to pass through without transition, this solution performs a signal translation having a net effect of zero degrees. Therefore, this solution forces a compromise wherein a significant electrical loss is incorporated by the transition element whether or not a polarization change is desired. Further, the orientation of associated transmitter or receiver equipment may be fixed, for example for environmental sealing and or cooling purposes, preventing their rotation with respect to a waveguide mounting point. Depending upon the specific equipment combination used, a waveguide cross-section transition between, for example, a circular to rectangular waveguide may also be required as a further additional component located for example, between an antenna and a transmitter or receiver. Competition within the waveguide and RF equipment industries has focused attention upon improving electrical performance, reduction of the number of overall unique components, as well as reductions of manufacturing, installation and or configuration costs. Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus that overcomes deficiencies in the prior art. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serves to explain the principles of the invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded isometric view of a switchable polarizer assembly according to the invention, adapted for use with a reflector antenna. FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric view of FIG. 1 , assembled. FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of a front side of a dual port polarizer module. FIG. 4 is a schematic isometric view of a back side of the dual port polarizer module of FIG. 3 . FIG. 5 is a schematic isometric view of a front side of an antenna adapter. FIG. 6 is a schematic isometric view of a back side of the antenna adapter of FIG. 5 . FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of FIG. 2 , with the polarizer module in the zero degree, horizontal, position. FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of FIG. 2 , with the polarizer module in the ninety degree, vertical, position. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? | 20041126 | 20060530 | 20060601 | 97884.0 | H01Q1900 | 0 | HO, TAN | SWITCHABLE POLARIZER | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H01Q | 2,004 |
|
10,904,836 | ACCEPTED | VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY WITH SEPARABLE AIR BAG GUIDE RETAINERS | In at least certain embodiments, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad, a trim cover extending over the seat pad and including a first and second end portion forming a release seam adjacent the seat pad, and an air bag assembly within the trim cover. In accordance with this embodiment, the air bag assembly includes an inflator and an air bag inflatable to project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam of the trim cover. Further in accordance with this embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly further includes an air bag guide including an inner panel and an outer panel associated with the air bag assembly, a first connector connected to the first and second end portions of the trim cover, and a second connector connected to outer panels. | 1. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising: a frame; a seat pad adjacent the frame; a trim cover extending over the seat pad and including a first and a second end portion forming a release seam adjacent the seat pad; an air bag assembly mounted on the frame within the trim cover in a spaced relationship from its air bag release seam, the air bag assembly including an inflator and a folded air bag that is inflated by the inflator to unfold and project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam of the trim cover; an air bag guide including an inner panel and an outer panel that are each made of flexible material and have inner and outer extremities, the inner and outer panels being associated with the air bag assembly; a first connector connected to the first and second end portions of the trim cover; and a second connector connected to the flexible inner and outer panels. 2. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the second connector separates upon inflation of the air bag, the separation of the second connector causing the separation of the first connector which causes the separation of the release seam. 3. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises a base portion comprising a first leg connected to the first end portion of the trim cover and a second leg connected to the second end portion of the trim cover. 4. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 3, wherein stitching connects the first connector to the first and second end portions of the trim cover, and wherein the first connector is a unitary member further comprising a retainer portion for connection with the second connector and a frangible portion extending between and connecting the base portion and the retainer portion. 5. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 4, wherein the first connector is made of rigid plastic and the frangible portion separates upon inflation of the air bag. 6. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 5, wherein the second connector is made of rigid plastic and the second connector comprises a unitary member comprising an inner portion, an outer portion, and a frangible portion extending between and connecting the inner and outer portions, each of the inner and outer portions of the second connector connecting to a respective one of the outer extremities of the flexible inner and outer panels. 7. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first connector has a base portion including a frangible portion and two depending legs having engagement portions on opposed sides of the frangible portion, and the second connector has two housing portions, with each of the housing portions engageable with a respective leg. 8. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising: a frame; a seat pad adjacent the frame; a trim cover extending over the seat pad and including a first and a second end portion forming a release seam adjacent the seat pad; an air bag assembly within the trim cover in a spaced relationship from its air bag release seam, the air bag assembly including an inflator and a folded air bag that is inflated by the inflator to unfold and project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam of the trim cover; an air bag guide including an inner panel and an outer panel having inner and outer extremities, the inner and outer panels being associated with the air bag assembly; a first connector extending between and connecting the first and second end portions of the trim cover; and a second connector extending between and connecting the inner and outer panels to each other, the second connector extending between the first connector and the inner and outer panels. 9. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 8, wherein the second connector separates upon inflation of the air bag, the separation of the second connector causing the separation of the first connector which causes the separation of the release seam. 10. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 9, wherein the first connector comprises a base portion comprising a first leg connected to the first end portion of the trim cover and a second leg connected to the second end portion of the trim cover. 11. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 10, wherein stitching connects the first connector to the first and second end portions of the trim cover. 12. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 10, wherein the first connector is a unitary member further comprising a retainer portion for connection with the second connector and a frangible portion extending between and connecting the base portion and the retainer portion. 13. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 12, wherein the frangible portion separates upon inflation of the air bag. 14. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 13, wherein the second connector comprises a unitary member comprising an inner portion, an outer portion, and a frangible portion extending between and connecting the inner and outer portions, each of the inner and outer portions of the second connector connecting to a respective one of the outer extremities of the flexible inner and outer panels. 15. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second connectors are made of rigid plastic. 16. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising: a frame; a seat pad mounted on the frame; a trim cover extending over the seat pad, the seat pad including a first end portion and a second end portion cooperating to form a release seam adjacent the seat pad; an air bag assembly mounted on the frame within the trim, the air bag assembly including an inflator and an air bag that is inflated by the inflator to project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam of the trim cover; an air bag guide including a first panel and a second panel, each panel having inner and outer extremities, the panels being associated with the air bag assembly; a first connector extending between and connecting the first and second end portions of the trim cover, the first connector comprising a base portion comprising a first leg connected to the first end portion of the trim cover and a second leg connected to the second end portion of the trim cover; and a second connector extending between and connecting the first and second panels to each other, the second connector extending between the first connector and the first and second panels, wherein the second connector separates upon inflation of the air bag, the separation of the second connector causing the separation of the first connector which causes the separation of the release seam. 17. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 16, wherein stitching connects the first connector to the first and second end portions of the trim cover. 18. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 17, wherein the first connector is a unitary member further comprising a retainer portion for connection with the second connector and a frangible portion extending between connecting the base portion and the retainer portion, wherein the frangible portion separates upon inflation of the air bag. 19. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 18, wherein the first and second connectors are made of rigid plastic. 20. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 19, wherein the second connector comprises a unitary member comprising an inner portion, an outer portion, and a frangible portion extending between and connecting the inner and outer portions, each of the inner and outer portions of the second connector connecting to a respective one of the outer extremities of the first and second panels. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle seat assembly, and in particular, a seat assembly including an air bag. 2. Background Art Vehicles can be equipped with side air bags, which may be in the form of a side air curtain disposed in a headliner of the vehicle, or alternatively, may be an air bag disposed within a vehicle seat assembly. One limitation of air bags that are located within a seat assembly, is that the air bag needs to break through the seating material before it can fully deploy to protect a vehicle occupant. During deployment, such an air bag may encounter foam, or other seat pad materials, and must then break through a seat trim cover in order to escape from the seat assembly. Another limitation is that the air bag should break through the cover material at a predetermined location to optimize effectiveness. Prior vehicle seat assemblies equipped with side air bags and manufacturing methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,816,610, 5,860,673, 5,938,232, 6,045,151, 6,237,934 and 6,588,838, for example. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Under the invention, a vehicle seat assembly is provided. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad adjacent the frame, and a trim cover extending over the seat pad and including a first and second end portion forming a release seam adjacent the seat pad, and an air bag assembly mounted on the frame within the trim cover in a spaced relationship from its air bag release seam. In accordance with this embodiment, the air bag assembly includes an inflator and a folded air bag that is inflated by the inflator to unfold and project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam of the trim cover. Further in accordance with this embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly further includes an air bag guide including an inner panel and an outer panel that are each made of flexible material and have inner and outer extremities, with the inner and outer panels being associated with the air bag assembly, a first connector connected to the first and second end portions of the trim cover, and a second connector connected to the flexible inner and outer panels. In at least one embodiment, the second connector separates upon inflation of the air bag causing the separation of the first connector which causes the separation of the release seam. In yet another embodiment, the first connector comprises a base portion comprising a first leg connected to the first end portion of the trim cover and a second leg connected to the second end portion of the trim cover. In at least another embodiment, the first connector is a unitary member further comprising a retainer portion for connection with the second connector and a frangible portion extending between and connecting the base portion and the retainer portion. In still yet at least another embodiment, the first connector is made of rigid plastic and the frangible portion separates upon inflation of the air bag. In still yet at least another embodiment, the second connector is made of rigid plastic and the second connector comprises a unitary member comprising an inner portion, an outer portion, and a frangible portion extending between and connecting the inner and outer portions, each of the inner and outer portions of the second connector connecting to a respective one of the outer extremities of the flexible inner and outer panels. In yet at least another embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad adjacent the frame, and a trim cover extending over the seat pad that includes a first and a second end portion forming a release seam adjacent the seat pad. In this embodiment, the seat assembly further comprises an air bag assembly within the trim cover in a spaced relationship from its air bag release seam, with the air bag assembly including an inflator and a folded air bag that is inflated by the inflator to unfold and project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam of the trim cover. In this embodiment, the seat assembly also further comprises an air bag guide including an inner panel and an outer panel having inner and outer extremities, with the inner and outer panels being associated with the air bag assembly, a first connector extending between and connecting the first and second end portions of the trim cover, and a second connector extending between and connecting the inner and outer panels to each other, with the second connector extending between the first connector and the inner and outer panels. In still yet at least another embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad mounted on the frame, a trim cover extending over the seat pad and including a first end portion and a second end portion cooperating to form a release seam adjacent the seat pad, and an air bag assembly mounted on the frame within the trim, with the air bag assembly including an inflator and an air bag that is inflated by the inflator to project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam of the trim cover. In this embodiment, the seat assembly further comprises an air bag guide including a first panel and a second panel, with each panel having inner and outer extremities, and with the panels being associated with the air bag assembly. In this embodiment, the seat assembly still further comprises a first connector extending between and connecting the first and second end portions of the trim cover, with the first connector comprising a base portion comprising a first leg connected to the first end portion of the trim cover and a second leg connected to the second end portion of the trim cover, and a second connector extending between and connecting the first and second panels to each other, with the second connector extending between the first connector and the first and second panels, wherein the second connector separates upon inflation of the air bag causing the separation of the first connector which causes the separation of the release seam. While exemplary embodiments in accordance with the invention are illustrated and disclosed, such disclosure should not be construed to limit the claims. It is anticipated that various modifications and alternative designs may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side view of a portion of a seat assembly in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of the seat assembly shown in FIG. 1, taken through line 2-2; FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the parts in a different position; FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of a detail of the seat assembly shown in FIG. 2; and FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4 showing a different embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily of scale, some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for the claims and/or a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. Moreover, except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description and in the claims indicating amounts of materials or conditions of reactions and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about” in describing the broader scope of this invention. Practice within the numerical limits stated is generally preferred. Also, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the description of a group or class of materials as suitable preferred for a given purpose in connection with the invention implies that mixtures of any two or more members of the group or class may be equally suitable or preferred. FIG. 1 shows a portion of a seat assembly 10 in accordance with the present invention. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat back 12, and seat pad 16 covered by a trim cover 18. As is well known, the seat assembly 16 includes a seat bottom (not shown). The trim cover 18 may be made of any suitable material such as cloth, vinyl or leather, etc. As is shown in FIG. 1, in at least some embodiments, a relatively rigid plastic molding 14 can be provided in the rear area of the seat assembly 10 to provide support and/or for aesthetics. In at least one embodiment, the seat pad 16 is made from a molded polymeric material, such as a polyurethane foam. The use of a polymeric foam material to construct the seat pad 16 can be cost effective and can provide the flexibility needed to easily change the shape of the seat pad for different types of seat assemblies. Of course, other types of polymeric materials may be molded to form the seat pad 16. Disposed within the seat back 12 is an air bag assembly, such as a side air bag assembly 20. While the side air bag assembly 20 is shown on the seat back 12, which is a usage for which it has particular utility, it is also possible for the side air bag assembly to be utilized with a seat bottom even though the seat back usage is specifically disclosed. Also, as illustrated, the air bag assembly 20 is located at an outboard lateral side or extremity of the seat to provide protection against adjacent vehicle structure, but it is also possible to have the side air bag assembly located at the inboard lateral side to provide protection against an adjacent vehicle occupant and to also have side air bag assemblies at both outboard and inboard locations for protection in both lateral directions. As shown in FIG. 2, the air bag assembly 20 includes an air bag 22 and an inflator 24, which is configured to supply inflation fluid such as gas to the air bag 22, thereby facilitating deployment of the air bag 22. In at least one embodiment, the air bag assembly 20 also includes a housing 40 which at least partially surrounds the air bag 22 and the inflator 24. Also shown in FIG. 2 is a portion of a seat frame 26 which can be used for mounting the seat assembly 10 to a vehicle. The seat pad 16 is disposed proximate the frame 26 and air bag assembly 20 and may be directly attached to the frame 26 at various points. The trim cover 18 includes an air bag release seam 28 which in at least one embodiment is adjacent to a side 30 of the seat pad 16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the trim cover 18 includes end portions 31, 33 that cooperate to form seam 28. The air bag assembly 20 is located within the trim cover 18 and may be conventionally mounted, such as on the frame 26, adjacent the air bag release seam 28 but in a spaced relationship from the release seam. The schematically illustrated folded air bag 22, upon deployment, is inflated by inflation fluid from the inflator 24 to unfold and project outwardly from the seat 10 through the air bag release seam 28 of the trim cover 18 (FIG. 3). With continuing reference to FIG. 2, an air bag guide of the seat back component is generally indicated by 32 and includes an inner panel 34 and an outer panel 36 that are each made of any suitable material effective to protect the seat pad 16 during deployment of the air bag 22. For example, a woven or non-woven cloth material, which may include natural or synthetic materials such as nylon. One material that is found to be effective is a polyester material, of the type from which the air bag 22 may be manufactured. Regardless of the type of material used to make the air bag guide 32, the use of the air bag guide 32 can be helpful in reducing friction on the air bag 22 as it deploys. Although a polymer such as nylon may be particularly beneficial, even a fleece material will help reduce the friction on the air bag 22. This is because the air bag guide 32 inhibits contact between the deploying air bag 22 and the seat pad 16 and helps to prevent small particles from separating from the seat pad and being introduced into the vehicle compartment. The inner and outer panels 34, 36 of the air bag guide 32 respectively include inner extremities 42,44 that can be attached suitably to the housing 40 and/or frame 26 to effectively associate the air bag guide 32 with the housing 40 of the air bag assembly 20. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the inner extremity 44 of the outer panel 36 is connected with the frame 26 and the inner extremity 42 of the inner panel 34 is connected with the housing 40 at 56. As shown in FIG. 4, the inner and outer panels 34, 36 of the air bag guide 32 respectively include outer extremities 52, 54 attached to opposed ends of a retainer assembly 50 adjacent the seam 28. The retainer assembly 50 is also attached to the trim cover 18 adjacent the seam 28. In at least the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the retainer assembly 50 comprises an outer retainer 62 connected to the end portions 31, 33 of the trim cover 18 in any suitable manner. For instance, the outer retainer 62 could be connected to the cover 18 by stitching, i.e., by being sewn, as shown, or by other conventional means such as ultrasonic welding and adhesives. In this embodiment, the retainer assembly 50 also comprises an inner retainer 64 connected to the guide 32 in any suitable manner. The inner retainer 64 is insertable into, and engagable with, the outer retainer 62. The inner and outer retainers 64, 62 can be independently made of any suitable relatively rigid material such as a rigid plastic such as nylon, PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), and can be made by any suitable process such as injection molding. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the outer extremities 52, 54 of inner and outer panels 34, 36 can be attached to the inner retainer 64 in any suitable manner. For instance, the outer extremities 52, 54 can be attached to the inner retainer 64 via stitching, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, etc., among other suitable manners. Also, in one embodiment, the inner retainer 64 could be secured to the outer extremities 52, 54 of the air bag guide 32 via in situ molding of a polymeric seat pad 16. In this embodiment, the retainer assembly 50, already attached to the trim cover 18, and the guide 32 would both be suitably placed in the polymeric, such as polyurethane, mold so that the polymeric material used to form pad 16 could form around and secure the guide 32 to the inner retainer 64 of the retainer assembly 50. In at least this embodiment, the inner and outer panels 34 and 36 could have small openings, such as holes, that can allow relatively small amounts of polymeric material to extend between the panels. These relatively small amounts would not hinder deployment of the air bag 22. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer retainer 62 of the retainer assembly 50 is a unitary member having a base portion 70 comprising a first leg 72 and a second leg 74, a retainer portion 76, and a frangible portion 78 extending between and connecting the base and retainer portions 70 and 76. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the first leg 72 of the outer retainer 62 is connected to the first end portion 31 of the trim cover 18 and the second leg 74 is connected to the second end portion 33 of the trim cover 18. The legs 72 and 74, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, are separated by a groove, or space. In other embodiments, other separation means such as a perforation, or a frangible portion can be provided between 72 and 74 in lieu of a continuous space. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer portion 76 of the outer retainer 62 includes walls 80 that form a housing 82 which an engagement portion 84 of the inner retainer 64 is received within. The inner retainer 64 includes a first arm portion 86, a second arm portion 88, and a frangible portion 90 extending therebetween. The first and second arm portions 86 and 88 each include a nose portion forming the engagement portion 84 and have end portions attached to a respective panel 34, 36 as shown in FIG. 4. The engagement portion 84 is insertable within housing 82 to engage inner retainer 64 with outer retainer 62. The frangible portions 78 and 90 of the retainers 62 and 64 can be any suitable section formed to break or rupture first on their respective retainer 62, 64. For instance, the frangible portions 78 and 90 could be a reduced thickness, as is shown with respect to retainer 62 in FIG. 4, a section having perforations or portions removed, or a section made of weaker material relative to that of the remainder of retainers 62, 64. In at least one embodiment, the air bag guide 32 is effective to prohibit all contact between the deploying air bag 22 and the seat pad 16. This can help to prevent energy loss from the air bag 22 by decreasing friction and protecting the seat pad 16 from damage. This, in turn, can also help to reduce the deployment time for the air bag 22 and/or the amount of inflation fluid required to deploy the air bag. In at least one embodiment, the inner and outer panels 34 and 36 of the air bag guide 32 form a deployment channel 38 for the air bag 22. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the deployment channel 38 is oriented to facilitate deployment of the air bag 22 through the seam 28 in the trim cover 18. Upon deployment of the air bag assembly 20, as shown schematically in FIG. 3, the deploying air bag 22 causes relative movement of the flexible inner and outer panels 34 and 36 away from each other which then provide a guiding function of the unfolding air bag 22 as it moves between the panels toward the air bag release seam 28 and eventually tears open the release seam for outward projection of the air bag to provide the occupant protection. Furthermore, as the air bag 22 deploys through the deployment channel 38, the air bag guide 32 acts as a blocking member that forms a barrier on two sides 39, 41 of the air bag 22, thereby inhibiting contact between the air bag 22 and the seat pad 16. Thus, the seat pad 16 is moved away from the air bag 22 as it deploys through the deployment channel 38. As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the attachment of the outer extremities 52, 54 to opposed ends of the inner retainer 64 adjacent the seam 28 helps to facilitate deployment of the air bag 22 through the seam 28. This is because the deployment channel 38 opens as the air bag 22 is deployed, and this causes the inner retainer 64 to rupture at frangible portion 90. As the legs 86 and 88 of inner retainer 64 separate, they engage walls 80 causing the frangible portion 78 of outer retainer 62 to rupture adjacent the seam 28 directing the deploying air bag 22 to exert an outward force on the trim cover 18 at the seam 28; this helps to open the seam 28 to provide an easy exit for the air bag 22. Also, retainer assembly 50 helps to ensure that the air bag 22 will deploy in the predetermined desired manner through seam 28. Because of retainer assemblys 50 relatively consistent manufacturing process, use of retainer assembly 50 can help ensure relatively consistent deployment of air bag in seat assemblies 10 employing the use of retainer assembly 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the seam 28 can be sewn, or otherwise attached, at locations 56, 58, where the legs 72, 74 of the outer retainer 62 are connected with end portions 31, 33 of the trim cover 18. This helps to transfer the force from the air bag guide 32, and facilitates separation of the seam 28. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the seam 28 can also be optionally sewn, or the ends of the cover be otherwise attached, at location 60. FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of the retainer assembly 50′. The retainer assembly 50′ is similar in construction and in operation to the retainer assembly 50 shown in FIG. 4. The outer retainer 62′ is shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 to have a base portion 70′ connected to the first end portion 31 and second end portion 33 of trim cover 18. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the base portion 70′ has depending leg portions 57 having engagement portions 59 that depend from base portion 70′ away from tear seam 28 towards the air bag guide 32. The base portion 70′ in FIG. 5 also has a frangible portion 55 adjacent seam 28 that separates opposing leg portions of the base portion. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the inner retainer 64′ has housing members 61 attached to panels 34, 36. The engagement portions 59 are insertable within housing members 61. The frangible portion 55 of the base portion 70′, upon deployment of the air bag assembly 20, will rupture as the inner and outer panels 34 and 36 move relative to each other. This directs the air bag 22 towards the release seam 28 to eventually tear open the release seam so the air bag can project outward of the release seam 28 to provide occupant protection. While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle seat assembly, and in particular, a seat assembly including an air bag. 2. Background Art Vehicles can be equipped with side air bags, which may be in the form of a side air curtain disposed in a headliner of the vehicle, or alternatively, may be an air bag disposed within a vehicle seat assembly. One limitation of air bags that are located within a seat assembly, is that the air bag needs to break through the seating material before it can fully deploy to protect a vehicle occupant. During deployment, such an air bag may encounter foam, or other seat pad materials, and must then break through a seat trim cover in order to escape from the seat assembly. Another limitation is that the air bag should break through the cover material at a predetermined location to optimize effectiveness. Prior vehicle seat assemblies equipped with side air bags and manufacturing methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,816,610, 5,860,673, 5,938,232, 6,045,151, 6,237,934 and 6,588,838, for example. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Under the invention, a vehicle seat assembly is provided. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad adjacent the frame, and a trim cover extending over the seat pad and including a first and second end portion forming a release seam adjacent the seat pad, and an air bag assembly mounted on the frame within the trim cover in a spaced relationship from its air bag release seam. In accordance with this embodiment, the air bag assembly includes an inflator and a folded air bag that is inflated by the inflator to unfold and project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam of the trim cover. Further in accordance with this embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly further includes an air bag guide including an inner panel and an outer panel that are each made of flexible material and have inner and outer extremities, with the inner and outer panels being associated with the air bag assembly, a first connector connected to the first and second end portions of the trim cover, and a second connector connected to the flexible inner and outer panels. In at least one embodiment, the second connector separates upon inflation of the air bag causing the separation of the first connector which causes the separation of the release seam. In yet another embodiment, the first connector comprises a base portion comprising a first leg connected to the first end portion of the trim cover and a second leg connected to the second end portion of the trim cover. In at least another embodiment, the first connector is a unitary member further comprising a retainer portion for connection with the second connector and a frangible portion extending between and connecting the base portion and the retainer portion. In still yet at least another embodiment, the first connector is made of rigid plastic and the frangible portion separates upon inflation of the air bag. In still yet at least another embodiment, the second connector is made of rigid plastic and the second connector comprises a unitary member comprising an inner portion, an outer portion, and a frangible portion extending between and connecting the inner and outer portions, each of the inner and outer portions of the second connector connecting to a respective one of the outer extremities of the flexible inner and outer panels. In yet at least another embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad adjacent the frame, and a trim cover extending over the seat pad that includes a first and a second end portion forming a release seam adjacent the seat pad. In this embodiment, the seat assembly further comprises an air bag assembly within the trim cover in a spaced relationship from its air bag release seam, with the air bag assembly including an inflator and a folded air bag that is inflated by the inflator to unfold and project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam of the trim cover. In this embodiment, the seat assembly also further comprises an air bag guide including an inner panel and an outer panel having inner and outer extremities, with the inner and outer panels being associated with the air bag assembly, a first connector extending between and connecting the first and second end portions of the trim cover, and a second connector extending between and connecting the inner and outer panels to each other, with the second connector extending between the first connector and the inner and outer panels. In still yet at least another embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad mounted on the frame, a trim cover extending over the seat pad and including a first end portion and a second end portion cooperating to form a release seam adjacent the seat pad, and an air bag assembly mounted on the frame within the trim, with the air bag assembly including an inflator and an air bag that is inflated by the inflator to project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam of the trim cover. In this embodiment, the seat assembly further comprises an air bag guide including a first panel and a second panel, with each panel having inner and outer extremities, and with the panels being associated with the air bag assembly. In this embodiment, the seat assembly still further comprises a first connector extending between and connecting the first and second end portions of the trim cover, with the first connector comprising a base portion comprising a first leg connected to the first end portion of the trim cover and a second leg connected to the second end portion of the trim cover, and a second connector extending between and connecting the first and second panels to each other, with the second connector extending between the first connector and the first and second panels, wherein the second connector separates upon inflation of the air bag causing the separation of the first connector which causes the separation of the release seam. While exemplary embodiments in accordance with the invention are illustrated and disclosed, such disclosure should not be construed to limit the claims. It is anticipated that various modifications and alternative designs may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. | 20041201 | 20080129 | 20060601 | 91928.0 | B60R2116 | 0 | WEBB, TIFFANY LOUISE | VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY WITH SEPARABLE AIR BAG GUIDE RETAINERS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | B60R | 2,004 |
|
10,904,889 | ACCEPTED | COOLING SYSTEM FOR HIGH DENSITY HEAT LOAD | A cooling system for transferring heat from a heat load to an environment has a volatile working fluid. The cooling system includes first and second cooling cycles that are thermally connected to the first cooling cycle. The first cooling cycle is not a vapor compression cycle and includes a pump, an air-to-fluid heat exchanger, and a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger. The second cooling cycle can include a chilled water system for transferring heat from the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger to the environment. Alternatively, the second cooling cycle can include a vapor compression system for transferring heat from the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger to the environment. | 1. A cooling system for transferring heat from a heat load to a heat exchange system, the cooling system comprising: a volatile working fluid; a pump; a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the pump and in thermal communication with the heat load; and a second heat exchanger having a first fluid path in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger and the pump, and a second fluid path connected to the heat exchange system, the first and second fluid paths being in thermal communication with one another. 2. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the first heat exchanger comprises an air-to-fluid heat exchanger. 3. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the first heat exchanger is in direct thermal contact with a heat source. 4. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the second heat exchanger comprises a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger. 5. The cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a flow regulator positioned between the pump and the first heat exchanger. 6. A cooling system for transferring heat from a heat load to an environment, the cooling system a first cooling cycle comprising a volatile working fluid and a second cooling cycle thermally connected to the first cooling cycle, wherein the first cooling cycle comprises a pump, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the pump and in thermal communication with the heat load, and a second heat exchanger having a first path for the working fluid connecting the first heat exchanger to the pump and a second path connected to the second cooling cycle, said first and second fluid paths being in thermal communication with one another; and wherein the second cooling cycle comprises a refrigeration system in thermal communication with the environment. 7. The cooling system of claim 6, wherein the refrigeration system comprises: a compressor connected to one end of the second fluid path; a condenser in thermal communication with the environment, the condenser having an inlet connected to the compressor and an outlet connected to another end of the second path; and an expansion device positioned between the outlet of the condenser and the other end of the second path. 8. A cooling system for transferring heat from a heat load to an environment, the cooling system comprising: a first cooling cycle containing a volatile working fluid; and a second cooling cycle thermally connected to the first cooling cycle; wherein the first cooling cycle comprises: a pump; a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the pump and in thermal communication with the heat load; and a second heat exchanger having a first fluid path for the working fluid in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger and the pump, and a second fluid path comprising a portion of the second cooling cycle, wherein the first and second fluid paths are in thermal communication with one another, and wherein the second cooling cycle comprises a chilled water system in thermal communication with the environment. 9. A cooling system for transferring heat from a heat load to an environment, the cooling system comprising: a pump for pumping a volatile working fluid through the system; a first heat exchanger connected to the pump and having a fluid path in thermal communication with the heat load; and a second heat exchanger having first and second fluid paths in thermal communication with one another, wherein the first fluid path provides fluid communication from the first heat exchanger to the pump, and wherein the second fluid path is adapted to connect the first heat exchanger to another cooling system that is in thermal communication with the environment. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/527,527, filed Dec. 5, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND The present disclosure generally relates to cooling systems, and more particularly, to a cooling system for a high density heat load. Electronic equipment in a critical space, such as a computer room or telecommunications room, requires precise, reliable control of room temperature, humidity, and airflow. Excessive heat or humidity can damage or impair the operation of computer systems and other components. For this reason, precision cooling systems are operated to provide cooling in these situations. However, problems may occur when cooling such high density heat loads using a direct expansion (DX) cooling system. Existing DX systems for high-density loads monitor air temperatures and other variables to control the cooling capacity of the system in response to load changes. Thus, existing DX systems require rather sophisticated controls, temperature sensors, and other control components. Therefore, a need exists for a cooling system that is responsive to varying density heat loads and that requires less control of valves and other system components. Moreover, conventional computer room air conditioning systems require excessive floor space for managing high-density heat loads. The present disclosure is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above. SUMMARY A cooling system is disclosed for transferring heat from a heat load to an environment. The cooling system has a working fluid, which is a volatile working fluid in exemplary embodiments. The cooling system includes first and second cooling cycles that are thermally connected to one another. The first cooling cycle includes a pump, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the pump through piping and is in thermal communication with the heat load, which may be a computer room, electronics enclosure, or other space. The first heat exchanger can be an air-to-fluid heat exchanger, for example. In addition, a flow regulator can be positioned between the pump and the first heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger includes first and second fluid paths in thermal communication with one another. The second heat exchanger can be a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger, for example. The first fluid path for the working fluid of the cooling system connects the first heat exchanger to the pump. The second fluid path forms part of the second cooling cycle. In one embodiment of the disclosed cooling system, the second cooling cycle includes a chilled water system in thermal communication with the environment. In another embodiment of the disclosed cooling system, the second cooling cycle includes a refrigeration system in thermal communication with the environment. The refrigeration system can include a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion device. The compressor is in fluid communication with one end of the second fluid path of the second heat exchanger. The condenser, which can be an air-to-fluid heat exchanger, is in fluid communication with the environment. The condenser has an inlet connected to the compressor and has an outlet connected to another end of the second fluid path through the second heat exchanger. The expansion device is positioned between the outlet of the condenser and the other end of the second fluid path. The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing summary, a preferred embodiment, and other aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure will be best understood with reference to the following detailed description of specific embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a cooling system according to certain teachings of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a cooling system according to certain teachings of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a cycle diagram of the disclosed cooling system. FIG. 4 illustrates a cycle diagram of a typical vapor compression refrigeration system. While the disclosed cooling system is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described herein in detail. The figures and written description are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concepts in any manner. Rather, the figures and written description are provided to illustrate the inventive concepts to a person of ordinary skill in the art by reference to particular embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the disclosed cooling system 10 includes a first cooling cycle 12 in thermal communication with a second cycle 14. The disclosed cooling system 10 also includes a control system 100. Both the first and second cycles 12 and 14 include independent working fluids. The working fluid in the first cycle is any volatile fluid suitable for use as a conventional refrigerant, including but not limited to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), or hydrochloro-fluorocarbons (HCFCs). Use of a volatile working fluid eliminates the need for using water located above sensitive equipment, as is sometimes done in conventional systems for cooling computer room. The first cycle 12 includes a pump 20, one or more first heat exchangers (evaporators) 30, a second heat exchanger 40, and piping to interconnect the various components of the first cycle 12. The first cycle 12 is not a vapor compression refrigeration system. Instead, the first cycle 12 uses the pump 20 instead of a compressor to circulate a volatile working fluid for removing heat from a heat load. The pump 20 is preferably capable of pumping the volatile working fluid throughout the first cooling cycle 12 and is preferably controlled by the control system 100. The first heat exchanger 30 is an air-to-fluid heat exchanger that removes heat from the heat load (not shown) to the first working fluid as the first working fluid passes through the first fluid path in first heat exchanger 30. For example, the air-to-fluid heat exchanger 30 can include a plurality of tubes for the working fluid arranged to allow warm air to pass therebetween. It will be appreciated that a number of air-to-fluid heat exchangers known in the art can be used with the disclosed cooling system 10. A flow regulator 32 can be connected between the piping 22 and the inlet of the evaporator 30 to regulate the flow of working fluid into the evaporator 30. The flow regulator 32 can be a solenoid valve or other type of device for regulating flow in the cooling system 10. The flow regulator 32 preferably maintains a constant output flow independent of the inlet pressure over the operating pressure range of the system. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the first cycle 12 includes a plurality of evaporators 30 and flow regulators 32 connected to the piping 22. However, the disclosed system can have one or more than one evaporator 30 and flow regulators 32 connected to the piping 22. The second heat exchanger 40 is a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger that transfers the heat from the first working fluid to the second cycle 14. It will be appreciated that a number of fluid-to-fluid heat exchangers known in the art can be used with the disclosed cooling system 10. For example, the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger 40 can include a plurality of tubes for one fluid positioned in a chamber or shell containing the second fluid. A coaxial (“tube-in-tube”) exchanger would also be suitable. In certain embodiments, it is preferred to use a plate heat exchanger. The first cycle 12 can also include a receiver 50 connected to the outlet piping 46 of the second heat exchanger 40 by a bypass line 52. The receiver 50 may store and accumulate the working fluid in the first cycle 12 to allow for changes in the temperature and heat load. In one embodiment, the air-to-fluid heat exchanger 30 can be used to cool a room holding computer equipment. For example, a fan 34 can draw air from the room (heat load) through the heat exchanger 30 where the first working fluid absorbs heat from the air. In another embodiment, the air-to-fluid heat exchanger 30 can be used to directly remove heat from electronic equipment (heat load) that generates the heat by mounting the heat exchanger 30 on or close to the equipment. For example, electronic equipment is typically contained in an enclosure (not shown). The heat exchanger 30 can mount to the enclosure, and fans 34 can draw air from the enclosure through the heat exchanger 30. Alternatively, the first exchanger 30 may be in direct thermal contact with the heat source (e.g. a cold plate). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the heat transfer rates, sizes, and other design variables of the components of the disclosed cooling system 10 depend on the size of the disclosed cooling system 10, the magnitude of the heat load to be managed, and on other details of the particular implementation. In the embodiment of the disclosed cooling system 10 depicted in FIG. 1, the second cycle 14 includes a chilled water cycle 60 connected to the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger 40 of the first cycle 12. In particular, the second heat exchanger 40 has first and second portions or fluid paths 42 and 44 in thermal communication with one another. The first path 42 for the volatile working fluid is connected between the first heat exchanger 30 and the pump. The second fluid path 44 is connected to the chilled water cycle 60. The chilled water cycle 60 may be similar to those known in the art. The chilled water system 60 includes a second working fluid that absorbs heat from the first working fluid passing through the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger 40. The second working fluid is then chilled by techniques known in the art for a conventional chilled water cycle. In general, the second working fluid can be either volatile or non-volatile. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the second working fluid can be water, glycol or mixtures thereof. Therefore, the embodiment of the first cycle 12 in FIG. 1 can be constructed as an independent unit that houses the pump 20, air-to-fluid heat exchanger 30, and fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger 40 and can be connected to an existing chilled water service that is available in the building housing the equipment to be cooled, for example. In the embodiment of the disclosed cooling system 10 in FIG. 2, the first cycle 12 is substantially the same as that described above. However, the second cycle 14 includes a vapor compression refrigeration system 70 connected to the second portion or flow path 44 of heat exchanger 40 of the first cycle 12. Instead of using chilled water to remove the heat from the first cycle 12 as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the refrigeration system 70 in FIG. 2 is directly connected to or is the “other half” of the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger 40. The vapor compression refrigeration system 70 can be substantially similar to those known in the art. An exemplary vapor compression refrigeration system 70 includes a compressor 74, a condenser 76, and an expansion device 78. Piping 72 connects these components to one another and to the second flow path 44 of the heat exchanger 40. The vapor compression refrigeration system 70 removes heat from the first working fluid passing through the second heat exchanger 40 by absorbing heat from the exchanger 40 with a second working fluid and expelling that heat to the environment (not shown). The second working fluid can be either volatile or non-volatile. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the second working fluid can be any conventional chemical refrigerant, including but not limited to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), or hydrochloro-fluorocarbons (HCFCs). The expansion device 78 can be a valve, orifice or other apparatus known to those skilled in the art to produce a pressure drop in the working fluid passing therethrough. The compressor 74 can be any type of compressor known in the art to be suitable for refrigerant service such as reciprocating compressors, scroll compressors, or the like. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the cooling system 10 is self-contained. For example, the vapor compression refrigeration system 70 can be part of a single unit that also houses pump 20 and fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger 30. During operation of the disclosed system, pump 20 moves the working fluid via piping 22 to the air-to-fluid heat exchanger 30. Pumping increases the pressure of the working fluid, while its enthalpy remains substantially the same. (See leg 80 of the cycle diagram in FIG. 3). The pumped working fluid can then enter the air-to-fluid heat exchanger or evaporator 30 of the first cycle 12. A fan 34 can draw air from the heat load through the heat exchanger 30. As the warm air from the heat load (not shown) enters the air-to-fluid heat exchanger 30, the volatile working fluid absorbs the heat. As the fluid warms through the heat exchanger, some of the volatile working fluid will evaporate. (See leg 82 of the cycle diagram in FIG. 3). In a fully loaded system 10, the fluid leaving the first heat exchanger 30 will be a saturated vapor. The vapor flows from the heat exchanger 30 through the piping 36 to the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger 40. In the piping or return line 36, the working fluid is in the vapor state, and the pressure of the fluid drops while its enthalpy remains substantially constant. (See leg 84 of the cycle diagram in FIG. 3). At the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger 40, the vapor in the first fluid path 42 is condensed by transferring heat to the second, colder fluid of the second cycle 12 in the second fluid path 44. (See leg 86 of the cycle diagram in FIG. 3). The condensed working fluid leaves the heat exchanger 40 via piping 44 and enters the pump 20, where the first cycle 12 can be repeated. The second cooling cycle 14 operates in conjunction with first cycle 12 to remove heat from the first cycle 12 by absorbing the heat from the first working fluid into the second working fluid and rejecting the heat to the environment (not shown). As noted above, the second cycle 14 can include a chilled water system 60 as shown in FIG. 1 or a vapor compression refrigeration system 70 as shown in FIG. 2. During operation of chilled water system 60 in FIG. 1, for example, a second working fluid can flow through the second fluid path 44 of heat exchanger 40 and can be cooled in a water tower (not shown). During operation of refrigeration system 70 in FIG. 2, for example, the second working fluid passes through the second portion 44 of fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger 40 and absorbs heat from the volatile fluid in the first cycle 12. The working fluid evaporates in the process. (See leg 92 of the typical vapor-compression refrigeration cycle depicted in FIG. 4). The vapor travels to the compressor 74 where the working fluid is compressed. (See leg 90 of the refrigeration cycle in FIG. 4). The compressor 74 can be a reciprocating, scroll or other type of compressor known in the art. After compression, the working fluid travels through a discharge line to the condenser 76, where heat from the working fluid is dissipated to an external heat sink, e.g., the outdoor environment. (See leg 96 of the refrigeration cycle in FIG. 4). Upon leaving condenser 76, refrigerant flows through a liquid line to expansion device 75. As the refrigerant passes through the expansion device 75, the second working fluid experiences a pressure drop. (See leg 94 of the refrigeration cycle in FIG. 4.) Upon leaving expansion device 75, the working fluid flows through the second fluid path of fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger 40, which acts as an evaporator for the refrigeration cycle 70. Conventional cooling systems for computer rooms or the like take up valuable floor space. The present cooling system 10, however, can cool high-density heat loads without consuming valuable floor space. Furthermore, in comparison to conventional types of cooling solutions for high-density loads, such as computing rooms, cooling system 10 conserves energy, because pumping a volatile fluid requires less energy than pumping a non-volatile fluid such as water. In addition, pumping the volatile fluid reduces the size of the pump that is required as well as the overall size and cost of the piping that interconnects the system components. The disclosed system 10 advantageously uses the phase change of a volatile fluid to increase the cooling capacity per square foot of a space or room. In addition, the disclosed system 10 also eliminates the need for water in cooling equipment mounted above computing equipment, which presents certain risks of damage to the computing equipment in the event of a leak. Moreover, since the system is designed to remove sensible heat only, the need for condensate removal is eliminated. As is known in the art, cooling air to a low temperature increases the relative humidity, meaning condensation is likely to occur. If the evaporator is mounted on an electronics enclosure, for example, condensation may occur within the enclosure, which poses significant risk to the electronic equipment. In the present system, the temperature in the environment surrounding the equipment is maintained above the dew point to ensure that condensation does not occur. Because the disclosed cooling system does not perform latent cooling, all of the cooling capacity of the system will be used to cool the computing equipment. The disclosed cooling system 10 can handle varying heat loads without the complex control required on conventional direct expansion systems. The system is self-regulating in that the pump 20 provides a constant flow of volatile fluid to the system. The flow regulators 32 operate so as to limit the maximum flow to each heat exchanger 30. This action balances the flow to each heat exchanger 30 so that each one gets approximately the same fluid flow. If a heat exchanger is under “high” load, then the volatile fluid will tend to flash off at a higher rate than one under a lower load. Without the flow regulator 32, more of the flow would tend to go to the “lower” load heat exchanger because it is the colder spot and lower fluid pressure drop. This action would tend to “starve” the heat exchanger under high load and it would not cool the load properly. The key system control parameter that is used to maintain all sensible cooling is the dewpoint in the space to be controlled. The disclosed cooling system 10 controls the either the chilled water or the vapor compression system so that the fluid going to the above mentioned heat exchangers 30 is always above the dewpoint in the space to be controlled. Staying above the dewpoint insures that no latent cooling can occur. The foregoing description of preferred and other embodiments is not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the inventive concepts conceived by the Applicants. In exchange for disclosing the inventive concepts contained herein, the Applicants desire all patent rights afforded by the appended claims. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims include all modifications and alterations to the full extent that they come within the scope of the following claims or the equivalents thereof. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present disclosure generally relates to cooling systems, and more particularly, to a cooling system for a high density heat load. Electronic equipment in a critical space, such as a computer room or telecommunications room, requires precise, reliable control of room temperature, humidity, and airflow. Excessive heat or humidity can damage or impair the operation of computer systems and other components. For this reason, precision cooling systems are operated to provide cooling in these situations. However, problems may occur when cooling such high density heat loads using a direct expansion (DX) cooling system. Existing DX systems for high-density loads monitor air temperatures and other variables to control the cooling capacity of the system in response to load changes. Thus, existing DX systems require rather sophisticated controls, temperature sensors, and other control components. Therefore, a need exists for a cooling system that is responsive to varying density heat loads and that requires less control of valves and other system components. Moreover, conventional computer room air conditioning systems require excessive floor space for managing high-density heat loads. The present disclosure is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>A cooling system is disclosed for transferring heat from a heat load to an environment. The cooling system has a working fluid, which is a volatile working fluid in exemplary embodiments. The cooling system includes first and second cooling cycles that are thermally connected to one another. The first cooling cycle includes a pump, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the pump through piping and is in thermal communication with the heat load, which may be a computer room, electronics enclosure, or other space. The first heat exchanger can be an air-to-fluid heat exchanger, for example. In addition, a flow regulator can be positioned between the pump and the first heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger includes first and second fluid paths in thermal communication with one another. The second heat exchanger can be a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger, for example. The first fluid path for the working fluid of the cooling system connects the first heat exchanger to the pump. The second fluid path forms part of the second cooling cycle. In one embodiment of the disclosed cooling system, the second cooling cycle includes a chilled water system in thermal communication with the environment. In another embodiment of the disclosed cooling system, the second cooling cycle includes a refrigeration system in thermal communication with the environment. The refrigeration system can include a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion device. The compressor is in fluid communication with one end of the second fluid path of the second heat exchanger. The condenser, which can be an air-to-fluid heat exchanger, is in fluid communication with the environment. The condenser has an inlet connected to the compressor and has an outlet connected to another end of the second fluid path through the second heat exchanger. The expansion device is positioned between the outlet of the condenser and the other end of the second fluid path. The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. | 20041202 | 20120911 | 20050609 | 65731.0 | 4 | ABDUR RAHIM, AZIM | COOLING SYSTEM FOR HIGH DENSITY HEAT LOAD | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,904,943 | ACCEPTED | METHOD, PRODUCT, AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING RESOLUTION SERVICES, REGISTRATION SERVICES, AND SEARCH SERVICES | A WHOIS record of a domain name is retrieved at a first time, the WHOIS record including an expiry date of a second time, a time difference value can be calculated between the first time and the second time, and the time difference value provided to a user. Time difference value can be determined to satisfy at least one condition including a threshold value. An indication can be provided to the user that the at least one condition has been satisfied such as notifying the user of domain name expiration status, storing the domain name in a user expiration watch list, monitoring the domain name for expiration upon or after the second time, and attempting to register the domain name with a selected domain name registration provider after the second time or upon determining that either the domain name may soon be available for registration or available for registration. The WHOIS record can be retrieved in response to receiving or obtaining a request such as a resource location request, domain name resolution request, search engine request, WHOIS request, domain name availability request, and domain name registration request. | 1. A method comprising: retrieving a WHOIS record of a domain name at a first time, said WHOIS record including an expiry date of a second time; calculating a time difference value between said first time and said second time; and, providing said time difference value to a user. 2. The method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said providing said time difference value to the user includes determining that said time difference value satisfies at least one condition. 3. The method, as set forth in claim 2, further including providing an indication to a user that said at least one condition has been satisfied. 4. The method, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said at least one condition includes at least one threshold value. 5. The method, as set forth in claim 1, further including retrieving said WHOIS record in response to one of a receiving and obtaining a request. 6. The method, as set forth in claim 5, wherein the request is one of a resource location request, domain name resolution request, search engine request, WHOIS request, domain name availability request, and domain name registration request. 7. The method, as set forth in claim 5, further including a user sending said request, said request including said domain name. 8. The method, as set forth in claim 5, further including inputting one or more identifiers from a user interface element, wherein the one or more identifiers are used as part of said request. 9. The method, as set forth in claim 8, wherein said inputting the one or more identifiers from said user interface element includes inputting the one or more identifiers into one of a browser location field, text box, command line, and speech to text interface. 10. The method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said providing said indication to the user includes at least one of a notifying the user of said domain name expiration status, storing said domain name in a user expiration watch list, and monitoring said domain name for expiration upon or after said second time. 11. The method, as set forth in claim 10, further including attempting to register said domain name with a domain name registration provider after said second time or upon determining that either said domain name may soon be available for registration or said domain name is available for registration. 12. The method, as set forth in claim 1, further including determining before said second time that said domain name is not available for registration. 13. The method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said domain name is one of a valid domain name and fictitious domain name. 14. A method for providing content to a user comprising: retrieving said content for said user; determining that said content includes at least one domain name; providing said content to said user; and, providing said user with one of a domain name aftermarket status and capability of determining aftermarket status of said at least one domain name at any time upon or after said determining that said content includes said at least one domain name. 15. The method, as set forth in claim 14, wherein said retrieving said content for said user includes retrieving said content from at least one of a WHOIS record and search engine results in response to one of a receiving and obtaining a request. 16. The method, as set forth in claim 15, wherein the request is one of a resource location request, domain name resolution request, search engine request, WHOIS request, domain name availability request, and domain name registration request. 17. The method, as set forth in claim 14, wherein said domain name is one of a valid domain name and fictitious domain name. 18. The method, as set forth in claim 14, wherein said determining said aftermarket status of said at least one domain name includes consulting a domain name status database indicating whether the domain name is soon to be available for registration, sale, license, or lease by one of a registrant, domain name broker, auction service, and listing service. 19. A method for presenting enhanced search results from a request to search internet content comprising: retrieving at least one search result from said request to search said internet content wherein said at least one search result includes an uniform resource identifier (URI) having a domain name, said URI corresponding to said internet content; generating at least one hyperlink corresponding to each said URI having said domain name, each said hyperlink capable of accessing additional information relating to one of an URI and domain name wherein said additional information is selected from a group consisting of domain name after market status information, sitemap information when said URI does not correspond to said sitemap information, and homepage information when said URI does not correspond to said homepage information; generating said enhanced search results by combining each said search result having said URI with each said hyperlink corresponding to each said URI; and, presenting said enhanced search results. 20. A method for processing input comprising: receiving input including at least one identifier prefix and at least one identifier from one of a internet search engine user interface and location field user interface wherein said at least one identifier is one of a keyword, valid domain name, fictitious domain name, telephone number, IP address, international standard book number, universal price code, trademark, patent number, social security number, screen name, username, alias, phrase, and slogan and said at least one identifier prefix is one of a Edit prefix for editing, Handle prefix for aliasing, List prefix for listing, Status prefix for obtaining status, History prefix for listing a history, Watch prefix for adding to a watch list, Renew prefix for renewing, Transfer prefix for transferring, Escrow prefix for escrowing, Consolidate prefix for consolidating, Auction prefix for auctioning, Bid prefix for bidding, Value prefix for valuating, Buy prefix for buying, Sell prefix for selling, Lease prefix for leasing, Generate prefix for generating, WHOIS prefix for obtaining contact information, Expire prefix for determining an expiry date, Registrar prefix for listing a corresponding domain name registration provider, Tools prefix for accessing technical information, Redirect prefix for redirecting, Lock prefix for locking, Email prefix for accessing e-mail services, WebHost prefix for accessing hosting services, Incorporate prefix for accessing business formation services, Trademark prefix for accessing trademark information, Geo prefix for accessing location information, and Dial prefix for accessing dialing services from said at least one identifier; and, performing an operative function upon said at least one identifier in accordance with said at least one identifier prefix. | RELATED APPLICATIONS This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/598,134 filed Jun. 21, 2000, which claims the benefit of the following patent applications, which are hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/532,500 filed Mar. 21, 2000, by Schneider, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/525,350 filed Mar. 15, 2000, by Schneider, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,082, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/160,125 filed Oct. 18, 1999, now abandoned, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/157,075 filed Oct. 1, 1999, by Schneider, now abandoned, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/143,859 filed Jul. 15, 1999, by Schneider. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention generally relates to information services, and more specifically relates to a method, product, and apparatus for integrating and enhancing resolution services, registration services, and search services. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The Internet is a vast computer network consisting of many smaller networks that span the world. A network provides a distributed communicating system of computers that are interconnected by various electronic communication links and computer software protocols. Because of the Internet's distributed and open network architecture, it is possible to transfer data from one computer to any other computer worldwide. In 1991, the World-Wide-Web (WWW or Web) revolutionized the way information is managed and distributed. The Web is based on the concept of hypertext and a transfer method known as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) which is designed to run primarily over a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) connection that employs a standard Internet setup. A server computer may issue the data and a client computer displays or processes it. TCP may then convert messages into streams of packets at the source, then reassemble them back into messages at the destination. Internet Protocol (IP) handles addressing, seeing to it that packets are routed across multiple nodes and even across multiple networks with multiple standards. HTTP protocol permits client systems connected to the Internet to access independent and geographically scattered server systems also connected to the Internet. Client side browsers, such as Netscape Navigator and/or Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE) provide a graphical user interface (GUI) based client applications that implement the client side portion of the HTTP protocol. One format for information transfer is to create documents using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). HTML pages are made up of standard text as well as formatting codes that indicate how the page should be displayed. The client side browser reads these codes in order to display the page. A web page may be static and requires no variables to display information or link to other predetermined web pages. A web page is dynamic when arguments are passed which are either hidden in the web page or entered from a client browser to supply the necessary inputs displayed on the web page. Common Gateway Interface (CGI) is a standard for running external programs from a web server. CGI specifies how to pass arguments to the executing program as part of the HTTP server request. Commonly, a CGI script may take the name and value arguments from an input form of a first web page which is be used as a query to access a database server and generate an HTML web page with customized data results as output that is passed back to the client browser for display. The Web is a means of accessing information on the Internet that allows a user to “surf the web” and navigate the Internet resources intuitively, without technical knowledge. The Web dispenses with command-line utilities, which typically require a user to transmit sets of commands to communicate with an Internet server. Instead, the Web is made up of millions of interconnected web pages, or documents, which may be displayed on a computer monitor. The Web pages are provided by hosts running special servers. Software that runs these Web servers is relatively simple and is available on a wide range of computer platforms including PC's. Equally available is a form of client software, known as a Web browser, which is used to display Web pages as well as traditional non-Web files on the client system. A network resource identifier such as a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) is a compact string of characters for identifying an abstract or physical resource. URIs are the generic set of all names and addresses that refer to objects on the Internet. URIs that refer to objects accessed with existing protocols are known as Uniform Resource Locators (URLs). A URL is the address of a file accessible on the Internet. The URL contains the name of the protocol required to access the resource, a domain name, or IP address that identifies a specific computer on the Internet, and a hierarchical description of a file location on the computer. For example the URL “http://www.example.com/index.html”, where “http” is the scheme or protocol, “www.example.com” is the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN), and “index.html” is the filename located on the server. Because an Internet address is a relatively long string of numbers (e.g., 31.41.59.26) that is difficult to remember, Internet users rely on domain names, memorable and sometimes catchy words corresponding to these numbers, in order to use electronic mail (e-mail) and to connect to Internet sites on the Web. The Domain Name System (DNS) is a set of protocols and services on a network that allows users to utilize domain names when looking for other hosts (e.g., computers) on the network. The DNS is composed of a distributed database of names. The names in the DNS database establish a logical tree structure called the domain name space. Each node or domain in the domain name space is named and may contain subdomains. Domains and subdomains are grouped into zones to allow for distributed administration of the name space. The DNS provides a mechanism so backup databases may be identified in case the first one becomes unavailable. DNS databases are updated automatically so that information on one name server does not remain out-of-date for long. A client of the DNS is called a resolver; resolvers are typically located in the application layer of the networking software of each TCP/IP capable machine. Users typically do not interact directly with the resolver. Resolvers query the DNS by directing queries at name servers, which contain parts of the distributed database that is accessed by using the DNS protocols to translate domain names into IP addresses needed for transmission of information across the network. A domain name consists of two parts: a host and a domain. Technically, the letters to the right of the “dot” (e.g., gen-eric.com) are referred to as Top Level Domains (TLDs), while hosts, computers with assigned IP addresses that are listed in specific TLD registries are known as second-level domains (SLDs). For the domain name “gen-eric.com”, “.com” is the TLD, and “gen-eric” is the SLD. Domain name space is the ordered hierarchical set of all possible domain names either in use or to be used for locating an IP address on the Internet. TLDs are known as top-level domains because they comprise the highest-order name space available on the Internet. Second-level domains, as well as third-level domains (3LDs) such as “eric.gen-eric.com”, are subsidiary to TLDs in the hierarchy of the Internet's DNS. There are two types of top-level domains, generic and country code. Generic top-level domains (gTLDs) were created to allocate resources to the growing community of institutional networks, while country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) were created for use by each individual country, as deemed necessary. More than 240 national, or country-code TLDs (e.g., United States (.us), Japan (.jp), Germany (.de), etc.) are administered by their corresponding governments, or by private entities with the appropriate national government's acquiescence. A small set of gTLDs does not carry any national identifier, but denote the intended function of that portion of the domain space. For example, “.com” was established for commercial networks, “.org” for not-for-profit organizations, and “.net” for network gateways. The set of gTLDs was established early in the history of the DNS and has not been changed or augmented in recent years (COM, ORG, GOV, and MIL were created by January 1985, NET in July 1985, and INT was added in November 1988). A growing set of tools and services have enabled users to choose many techniques suited for improved navigation and access to content on a network such as the Internet. Different services are used to access desired content. There are resolution services for the DNS which receives a domain name (e.g., “example.com) from a client for translation into an IP address to access the resources of a specific network addressable device (e.g., web server) on a network such as the Internet. The function of translating a domain name into a corresponding IP address is known as name resolution. Name resolution is performed by a distributed system of name servers that run specialized software known as resolvers to fulfill the resource location request of the client by the successive hierarchical querying of the resource records from zone files. There are registration services such as the registration of domain names. Domain name registration for a given Network Information Center (NIC) authority may be accessed by a TCP/IP application called WHOIS, which queries a NIC database to find the name of network and system administrators, system and network points-of-contact, and other individuals who are registered in appropriate databases. Domain names are identifiers used for accessing resources and retrieving registrant domain name information. The availability of a domain name from a NIC authority for a given TLD is determined by submitting a WHOIS request. Resource location is determined by resolving a query in the DNS and domain name availability is determined by using a WHOIS service to query an appropriate NIC database. There are search services to access searchable databases of network resources that are relied upon daily by millions of users. When a client system receives a search request, a query may be sent to a server connected to the Internet to retrieve Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) that satisfy the search request. Web page results are typically generated and displayed to the client in a batch of hyperlinks that access network resources. In general, these areas remain as separate services and only a few examples may be demonstrated with respect to the integration of these separate areas. For instance, steps for integration of services have been demonstrated in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/130,136 filed Apr. 20, 1999, by Schneider entitled “Method and system for integrating resource location and registration services”, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/160,125 filed Oct. 18, 1999, by Schneider, entitled “Method and system for integrating resource location, search services, and registration services”, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/525,350 filed Mar. 15, 2000, by Schneider, entitled “Method for integrating domain name registration with domain name resolution.” U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,367 issued on Jul. 7, 1998 by Wesinger Jr., et al., entitled, “Automated on-line information service and directory, particularly for the world wide web” provides a graphical front end to the WHOIS database, with additional hypertext link integration. Links are embedded in the results such that, clicking on a specific result, WHOIS is queried once again with respect to the selected information. This action would produce the same result as if the user had copied down the selected information, navigated to WHOIS and entered the selected information in the lookup field. The '367 patent automates the WHOIS tool with respect to itself and does not consider automating extended functions of resolution requests or search requests to access other network resources. Due to domain name registration growth, it requires more labor to find a desirable domain name that is available. As a result companies such as Oingo, Inc., for example, now provide domain name variation services that help registrars increase domain name sales by identifying and suggesting words and phrases related in meaning to the terms sought to be registered. Other improvements to registration services include generating permutations of available domain names in response to supplying a plurality of keywords as a part of a registration request. Currently, the only way to register a domain name is by initiating a registration request. There are no services that combine the use of other requests (e.g., search request, resolution request, etc.) in response to an initiated registration request. Resolution requests are most commonly generated in response to input provided to the location field of a web browser. The main use of a web browser location field is for resolving URLs to access resources. Entering a URL in the location field serves as a means to access that URL. Because the function of the location field is critical for accessing resources, the design of such location fields have rivaled much competition and innovation between existing web browser products from companies such as Netscape and Microsoft. Improvements to better track and organize sites of URLs that users have visited such as Bookmark folders, URL history, and the personal toolbar are all examples of functionality designed to help users navigate. Other improvements include spell checking and an autocomplete feature from the URL history as text is entered into the location field. A more recent feature called Smart Browsing is integrated into Netscape Navigator that uses Internet Keywords so users may streamline the use of URLs and get fast access to web sites using the browser's location field. Any single or multiword strings typed into the browser's location field that does not include a “.” are sent via HTTP to a server at “netscape.com”. The keyword server pulls the string and compares it to several separate lists of keyword-URL pairs. If the keyword system finds a match, it redirects the user's browser to the URL of the keyword-URL pair. Failing a match against the lists, the user's browser is redirected to a Netscape Search page with the typed string as the search query. The “.” versus “ ” is a key factor in determining what services are used. The detection of a “.” implies a domain name whereas the detection of a “ ” implies a search request. The autosearch feature of Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE) is another example of an improvement to the location field of a web browser. The details of the autosearch feature is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,459 issued on Dec. 28, 1999 by Belfiore, et al., entitled, “Intelligent automatic searching for resources in a distributed environment.” The '459 patent specifies a mechanism for a computer system to automatically and intelligently determine what a user intended when the user entered text within the location field of a web browser. Often users improperly enter URLs or enter search terms in a user interface element that requires URLs. If the user enters text that is not a URL, the system may first try to construct a valid URL from the user-entered text. If a valid URL can not be constructed, the browser then automatically formats a search engine query using the user-entered text and forwards the query to an Internet search engine. In addition, the '459 patent specifies a template registry that categorizes the specific suitability of a plurality of search engines to locate web sites related to a determined meaning of the specified text. The template is an entry in the registry that includes replaceable characters that may be replaced with the processed text. An example template registry entry that causes the Yahoo! search engine to be called is “http://msie.yahoo.com/autosearch?%s”. The %s is filled in with information regarding the search terms. Furthermore, the '459 patent specifies a method which provides for automatically deleting prefix terms from input that are identified as not necessary to perform a search based on the determined meaning of the entered input. Directive terms such as “go” or “find” followed by search terms may be entered within the location field. Such users intend for the web browser to locate web pages that are identified by terms within the text. As the directive terms do not contain content that is useful in conducting a search, these prefix terms are dropped from the text. Though prefixes may help process keywords in a more specific way, there are no such prefixes in use for specifying how domain names may be processed through a user interface element used for search requests, resolution requests, and registration requests. For example, search engine web sites have specified a list of prefixes to assist in performing a more specific search request. Any such prefixes have no relevance to domain names [e.g., valid domain names (VDNs) and fictitious domain names (FDNs)] but to that of keywords and phrases. There have been advances with respect to submitting keyword search requests to search engines. RealNames and other companies like Netword use plain language as a means for resource location and have developed their own version of resolution services. Using simplified network addresses in the form of keywords/phrases as opposed to the conventional form of URLs in the DNS, offers the possibility to further contemplate the differences between search requests and resource location. Though an observable fact, little if any has been done to provide integration tools to support these differences. To date, the only advancement demonstrated are the partnerships made with RealNames and different portal web sites. When a search request is performed, input may be forwarded to a RealNames server concurrent with the original search request and if there are any matches, the first result displayed may be a registered RealName which links to a registered web site followed by displaying the search results from the search request. Though RealNames demonstrates using keywords and phrases from a search request for resource location, there are no methods for detecting a domain name or URL as input from a search request. In effect, a domain name is processed as a literal string or keyword. For example, when a popular web site such as “news.com” is processed from input there is a high probability that the URL “http://news.com” would be displayed within the top few search results. There are no systems that provide such a URL as a first result. However, when a domain name is reserved and has no web site or the domain name corresponds to a web site with little traffic (e.g., web pages having no META tags, etc.), there are no search results, and in turn, no hyperlinks are displayed. This observation is apparent upon surveying the search results of hundreds of search engines, which clearly indicate that a domain name is processed as a literal string only without consideration for processing input in any way aside from that of a search request. There have been some improvements by providing links to other vendors such as processing the search request and responding with a link for a book search at “amazon.com” or the like, but there are no such links that provide vendor domain name related services or online identity services in response to a search request. FIG. 1a depicts a typical output from a search portal web site for the input “zipnames.com”. Results are returned to output such as “found no document matching your query”, and generates hyperlinks that use the input as a search request from another URL. Such links may redirect to shopping sites and reference sites or to other search engines. FIGS. 1b and 1c depict output from a metasearch site for the input “zipnames.com”. Again, the output depicts links that are generated for searching input at another web address. It is clear from these results that no provisions have been made to detect the presence of a domain name before processing a search request. If a search request may detect that a domain name is processed as is and/or as a network address then steps of resource location and the use of resolution services or registration services may be made in addition to the search request. No search engines or existing services make use of the “.” delimiter to extend searching into the realm of processing resolution and/or registration services. Any results that are returned from a search request are based on finding a database match to the domain name as a keyword or literal string. Currently, there are no search engines or resources that generate a link for WHOIS results in response to receiving a network address such as a domain name, FQDN, or URL and may be listed or redirected as part of search results. To date, search services, resolution services, and registration services have remained as separate services. New utility may be demonstrated by combining these separate services into a unified service. Accordingly, in light of the above, there is a strong need in the art for a system and method for integrating and enhancing resolution services, search services, and registration services. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention enables the seamless integration between resource location, search, and registration services. The invention enables a search request to be processed as a literal string, network address, or both. The present invention generates and displays at least one hyperlink at the top of standard search results where the link may access a URI or NIC registration of an available domain name in the form of “keyword.TLD”. The invention enables a plurality of identifiers to be processed as input and displayed as a resolution request. The present invention enables the integration of metalinks as part of search results and registration results. The invention enables the use of identifier prefixes as a command language. The present invention enables a user to edit, list, obtain the status and history, select, renew, transfer, escrow, auction, bid, valuate, purchase, sell, lease, redirect, lock, web host, incorporate, trademark, locate, and dial a domain name. The present invention enables more specific error messages to be generated in response to an input request. The invention enables search results to be integrated a part of the results from a registration request. The present invention enables the integration of metalinks (e.g., maps, after market domain name information, etc.) as part of results from a WHOIS request. The invention enables distributed WHOIS caching to minimize network connection bandwidth. The present invention enables the real-time display of registrant information that corresponds to a current URI. The invention enables automatic notification of any identifiers that may soon be available in response to accessing such an identifier. In general, in accordance with the present invention, a method includes retrieving a WHOIS record of a domain name at a first time, the WHOIS record including an expiry date of a second time, calculating a time difference value between the first time and the second time, and providing the time difference value to a user. Time difference value can be determined to satisfy at least one condition including a threshold value. An indication can be provided to the user that the at least one condition has been satisfied such as notifying the user of domain name expiration status, storing the domain name in a user expiration watch list, monitoring the domain name for expiration upon or after the second time, and attempting to register the domain name with a selected domain name registration provider after the second time or upon determining that either the domain name may soon be available for registration or available for registration. The WHOIS record can be retrieved in response to receiving or obtaining a request such as a resource location request, domain name resolution request, search engine request, WHOIS request, domain name availability request, and domain name registration request. In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, a method for providing content to a user includes, retrieving the content for the user, determining that the content includes at least one domain name, providing the content to the user, and providing the user with one of a domain name aftermarket status and capability of determining aftermarket status of the at least one domain name at any time upon or after the determining that the content includes the at least one domain name. The content can be retrieved from at least one of a WHOIS record and search engine results in response to one of a receiving and obtaining a request such as a resource location request, domain name resolution request, search engine request, WHOIS request, domain name availability request, and domain name registration request. The aftermarket status of the at least one domain name can be determined by consulting a domain name status database indicating whether the domain name is soon to be available for registration, sale, license, or lease by one of a registrant, domain name broker, auction service, and listing service. In accordance with yet other aspects of the present invention, a method for presenting enhanced search results from a request to search internet content includes retrieving at least one search result from the request to search the internet content wherein the at least one search result includes an uniform resource identifier (URI) having a domain name, the URI corresponding to the internet content, generating at least one hyperlink corresponding to each the URI having the domain name, each the hyperlink capable of accessing additional information relating to one of an URI and domain name wherein the additional information is selected from a group consisting of domain name after market status information, sitemap information when the URI does not correspond to the sitemap information, and homepage information when the URI does not correspond to the homepage information, generating the enhanced search results by combining each the search result having the URI with each the hyperlink corresponding to each the URI, and presenting the enhanced search results. In accordance with still other aspects of the present invention, a method for processing input includes receiving input including at least one identifier prefix and at least one identifier from one of a internet search engine user interface and location field user interface and performing an operative function upon the at least one identifier in accordance with the at least one identifier prefix wherein the identifier prefix selects identifier management type functions. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method includes one of a parsing and generating a search request to search internet content from one or more identifiers, performing an internet content search in accordance with said search request, retrieving at least one search result from said internet content search, one of a parsing and generating at least one domain name from the one or more identifiers, and determining whether said at least one domain name is available for registration either one of a before, during, and after presenting said at least one search result from said internet content search. In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a method includes one of a parsing and generating at least one domain name from one or more identifiers, performing a domain name availability request having said at least one domain name, retrieving at least one result from said domain name availability request, generating a search request to search internet content, said search request including the one or more identifiers, and determining whether to perform an internet content search in accordance with said search request either one of a before, during, and after presenting said at least one retrieved result from said domain name availability request. In accordance with yet additional aspects of the present invention, a system which implements substantially the same functionality in substantially the same manner as the methods described above is provided. In accordance with other additional aspects of the present invention, a computer-readable medium that includes computer-executable instructions may be used to perform substantially the same methods as those described above is provided. The foregoing and other features of the invention are hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail one or more illustrative aspects of the invention, such being indicative, however, of but one or a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1a illustrates an exemplary prior art web page after search results have been returned in response to a domain name being entered into a search text box. FIG. 1b illustrates an exemplary prior art top portion of a web page after search results have been returned from many search engines in response to a domain name being entered into a search text box. FIG. 1c illustrates the bottom portion of the web page depicted in FIG. 1b. FIG. 1d is a block diagram of an exemplary distributed computer system in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1e is a diagram depicting the location field or web page search request used in a conventional web browser. FIG. 1f is a block diagram illustrating exemplary information records stored in memory in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2a is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed by a prior art system for providing search results. FIG. 2b is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed by a prior art system for providing search results including a hyperlink for any registered keyword or phrase. FIG. 2c is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed for determining how to process received input in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3a is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed for processing a resolution or registration request from a search request having a valid domain name in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3b is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed for integrating metalinks as part of search results in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3c is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed for processing a resolution or registration request from a search request having a fictitious domain name in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3d is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed for integrating search results with available domain names that correspond to a given search request in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4a is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed for processing a renewal request in response to detecting a “renew” domain name prefix from an input request in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4b is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed for processing a registration request in response to detecting a “register” domain name prefix from an input request in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4c is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed for processing a transfer request in response to detecting a “transfer” domain name prefix from an input request in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4d is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed for processing a purchase request in response to detecting a “buy” domain name prefix from an input request in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4e is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed for processing a sale request in response to detecting a “sell” domain name prefix from an input request in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 5a is a diagram depicting an exemplary configuration settings interface in accordance with the present invention for selecting how an input request may be processed. FIG. 5b illustrates a web page having a request form and resulting content from the use of such a request form in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6a illustrates the prior art for the typical output of a search request. FIG. 6b illustrates modifications to the output of the search request that extends the functionality of the search results in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6c illustrates the page source of the output discussed in FIG. 6b in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7a is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed by a prior art system for registering a domain name. FIG. 7b is a top level flowchart illustrating the step performed of providing an error message in response to the determination that a domain name can not be generated or parsed in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7c is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed for providing search services in response to registration services in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7d is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed for integrating search results with registration results in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7e is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed for extending functionality of WHOIS results in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7f illustrates the prior art of a typical WHOIS output for a domain name. FIG. 7g illustrates the page source of modified WHOIS output to extend functionality in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the steps performed for extending the functionality of an input request in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 9a is an illustration of how results may be displayed in a web browser in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 9b is a flowchart illustrating a methodology for notifying a client that a domain name is available or may soon be available for registration in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. FIG. 1d illustrates an exemplary system for providing a distributed computer system 100 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention and may include client computers or any network access apparatus 110 connected to server computers 120 via a network 130. The network 130 may use Internet communications protocols (IP) to allow clients 110 to communicate with servers 120. The network access apparatus 110 may include a modem or like transceiver to communicate with the electronic network 130. The modem may communicate with the electronic network 130 via a line 116 such as a telephone line, an ISDN line, a coaxial line, a cable television line, a fiber optic line, or a computer network line. Alternatively, the modem may wirelessly communicate with the electronic network 130. The electronic network 130 may provide an on-line service, an Internet service provider, a local area network service, a wide area network service, a cable television service, a wireless data service, an intranet, a satellite service, or the like. The client computers 110 may be any network access apparatus including hand held devices, palmtop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), notebook, laptop, portable computers, desktop PCs, workstations, and/or larger/smaller computer systems. It is noted that the network access apparatus 110 may have a variety of forms, including but not limited to, a general purpose computer, a network computer, a network television, an internet television, a set top box, a web-enabled telephone, an internet appliance, a portable wireless device, a television receiver, a game player, a video recorder, and/or an audio component, for example. Each client 110 typically includes one or more processors, memories, and input/output devices. An input device may be any suitable device for the user to give input to client computer 110, for example: a keyboard, a 10-key pad, a telephone key pad, a light pen or any pen pointing device, a touchscreen, a button, a dial, a joystick, a steering wheel, a foot pedal, a mouse, a trackball, an optical or magnetic recognition unit such as a bar code or magnetic swipe reader, a voice or speech recognition unit, a remote control attached via cable or wireless link to a game set, television, and/or cable box. A data glove, an eye tracking device, or any MIDI device may also be used. A display device may be any suitable output device, such as a display screen, text-to-speech converter, printer, plotter, fax, television set, or audio player. Although the input device is typically separate from the display device, they could be combined; for example: a display with an integrated touchscreen, a display with an integrated keyboard, or a speech-recognition unit combined with a text-to-speech converter. The servers 120 may be similarly configured. However, in many instances server sites 120 include many computers, perhaps connected by a separate private network. In fact, the network 130 may include hundreds of thousands of individual networks of computers. Although the client computers 110 are shown separate from the server computers 120, it should be understood that a single computer may perform the client and server roles. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the computer environment 100 shown in FIG. 1d is intended to be merely illustrative. The present invention may also be practiced in other computing environments. For example, the present invention may be practiced in multiple processor environments wherein the client computer includes multiple processors. Moreover, the client computer need not include all of the input/output devices as discussed above and may also include additional input/output devices. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may also be practiced via Intranets and more generally in distributed environments in which a client computer requests resources from a server computer. During operation of the distributed system 100, users of the clients 110 may desire to access information records 122 stored by the servers 120 while utilizing, for example, the Web. Furthermore, such server systems 120 may also include one or more search engines having one or more databases 124. The records of information 122 may be in the form of Web pages 150. The pages 150 may be data records including as content plain textual information, or more complex digitally encoded multimedia content, such as software programs, graphics, audio signals, videos, and so forth. It should be understood that although this description focuses on locating information on the World-Wide-Web, the system may also be used for locating information via other wide or local area networks (WANs and LANs), or information stored in a single computer using other communications protocols. The clients 110 may execute Web browser programs 112, such as Netscape Navigator or MSIE to locate the pages or records 150. The browser programs 112 enable users to enter addresses of specific Web pages 150 to be retrieved. Typically, the address of a Web page is specified as a URI or more specifically as a URL. In addition, when a page has been retrieved, the browser programs 112 may provide access to other pages or records by “clicking” on hyperlinks (or links) to previously retrieved Web pages. Such links may provide an automated way to enter the URL of another page, and to retrieve that page. FIG. 1e more specifically illustrates an exemplary selection of common operative components of a web browser program 112. The web browser 112 enables a user to access a particular web page 150 by typing the URL for the web page 150 in the location field 154. The web page 150 contents corresponding to the URL from the location field 154 may be displayed within the client area of the web browser display window 158, for example. Title information from the web page 150 may be displayed in the title bar 160 of the web browser 112. The web page 150 contents may further include a user interface element such as that of an input text box 162 for inputting search requests and, in turn, search results having identifiers 164 such as a hyperlink or URL. FIG. 1f illustrates a block diagram of a processor 166 coupled to a storage device such as memory 170 in a client 110 and/or server 120 computing system. Stored in memory may be information records 122 having any combination of exemplary content such as lists, files, and databases. Such records may include for example: configuration settings 174, keyword/phrase registry 176, FDN registry 178, TLD cache 180, prefix database 182, Templates, 186, WHOIS cache 188, Available/expired names 190, Domain watch list 192, History folder 194, Bookmarks 196, and domain name status database 198. These information records are further introduced and discussed in more detail throughout the disclosure of this invention. FIG. 2a is a toplevel flowchart illustrating the steps of an exemplary prior art system for processing a search request. A client system, network access apparatus 110, servlet, applet, stand-alone executable program, command line of a device such as a phone browser, or user interface element such as a text box object or location field 154 of a web browser 112, receives and parses a search request in step 210. The search request is sent to a server system 120 including a search engine/database 124 and search results having identifiers are retrieved in step 215 by the client system 110. The search request is generally passed as a query to access a database stored on the server system 120 and the retrieved identifiers may represent network resources in the form of URLs or hyperlinks. Results, if any, are then notified, accessed, and/or displayed in step 220. FIG. 2b is a toplevel flowchart illustrating the steps of an exemplary prior art system for combining search results of a search request and any portion of the search request having a registered phrase or keyword. A network access apparatus 110, servlet, applet, stand-alone executable program, command line of a device such as a phone browser, or user interface element such as a text box object or location field 154 of a web browser 112, receives and parses in step 210 input such as text or voice. A combine flag is then cleared in step 225. A determination may be made in step 230 by consulting a keyword/phrase registry 176 as to whether the search request includes a registered phrase or keyword, and if not, then search results are retrieved in step 215. Since the combine flag is determined in step 235 to not be set, then results if any, are provided in step 220. However when it is determined in step 230 that the search request does include a registered phrase or keyword, then at least one URI may be retrieved in step 240 that corresponds to the registered keyword or phrase. A determination may be made in step 245 as to whether to redirect results to the retrieved URI. If so, then the page source of the URI is accessed in step 250 and results, if any, may then be notified, accessed, and/or displayed in step 220. However when it is determined in step 245 that results are not redirected to the URI then the combine flag is set in step 255 and search results may be retrieved in step 215. Since the combine flag is determined in step 235 to be set, the hyperlink of the retrieved URI is combined in step 260 with search results, and such results if any, may then be notified, accessed, and/or displayed in step 220. FIG. 2c is a flowchart showing steps in accordance with the present invention for determining how to process received input 210. After input is received and/or any flags that may have been cleared, it may be determined in step 265 whether input includes no “.” delimiters or “ ” delimiters only. When this is the case, then no domain name or IP address is present and input may be processed as a search request or it may further be determined in step 230, whether input includes a registered phrase or keyword by consulting a keyword/phrase registry 176, otherwise it may be determined in step 270 whether input includes “.” delimiters only or no “ ” delimiters. When the presence of the “.” delimiter is determined, the input may include either an IP address or domain name. When a domain name is detected, the validity of the domain name is determined. When input includes both at least one “ ” delimiter and at least one “.” delimiter then it is determined in step 275 whether the input includes more than one identifier. When more than one identifier has been determined, then a window or frame for each identifier is generated and/or displayed in step 280. For example, when input such as “news.com wired.com” is received as input for a resolution request or search request, a window for each domain name is opened (e.g., tiled as a split screen) for accessing content from each web site. FIG. 3a is a toplevel flowchart illustrating the steps for integrating registration and/or resolution services with search services in accordance with the present invention. When it is determined in step 230 that the search request does not include a registered phrase or keyword, then it may further be determined in step 310 whether the request includes a valid domain name (VDN). For example, a TLD cache 180 may be used as part of one aspect for determining validity. Validity of URI syntax is provided in T. Berners-Lee, “Informational RFC (Request for Comment) 1630: Universal Resource Identifiers in WWW—A Unifying Syntax for the Expression of Names and Addresses of Objects on the Network as used in the World-Wide Web”, Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), June 1994, “http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc1630.html”, which is herein incorporated by reference. When the request is determined in step 310 to include a valid domain name, it may then be determined in step 315 whether to perform a search request with the input as a literal string. Search results may be retrieved in step 215. A search request may be initiated by selecting an exact phrase option from a listbox or by surrounding the input with a delimiter such as the quote sign (e.g., “example.com”) to process the detected domain name as a literal string, otherwise a domain name detected from input may be processed as a registration and/or resolution request. When it is determined that the input is instead processed in step 315 as a resolution and/or registration request, then the resolvability and/or availability of the domain name may be determined in step 320. When the domain name is determined in step 320 to be not resolvable, then the domain name is processed in step 325 as a registration request. Domain name resolution is explained in P. Mockapetris, “Informational RFC (Request for Comment) 1035: Domain Names—Implementation and Specification”, Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), November 1987, “http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc1035.html”, which is herein incorporated by reference. A WHOIS request is performed to determine domain name availability. When a domain name is already registered (e.g., determined not available), registrant information may be provided to the client system. However, when the domain name is available, a registration form may be processed and submitted to a registrar and/or registry and to it's partners and/or affiliates. Specification of the WHOIS protocol is provided in K. Harrenstien, M. Stahl, and E. Feinler, “Informational RFC (Request for Comment) 954: NICNAME/WHOIS”, Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), October 1985, “http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc954.html”, which is herein incorporated by reference. When it is determined in step 320 that the domain name is resolvable and further determined in step 330 that the search request includes a valid URI then the page source of the URI may be accessed in step 250 and results, if any, may then be notified, accessed, and/or displayed in step 220. When the search request does not include a valid URI as determined in step 330, then a valid URI may be generated in step 335 and the page source of the URI may then be accessed in step 250. FIG. 3b illustrates how search results may be enhanced by providing links to URIs of meta-information generated from domain names in accordance with the present invention. When it is determined in step 315 that a valid domain name is to be processed as a search request, the determination of whether to integrate links of meta-information or “metalinks” may be determined in step 340. When metalinks are to be integrated then at least one metalink may be generated in step 345 and included with any search results (step 215) where such metalinks may access any permutation of the following; URI of the domain name, WHOIS of the domain name, page source of the URI, HEAD request of URI, sitemap of URI, and domain name status or the like. Domain name status may indicate whether the domain name is available for sale, license, or lease by the registrant or through an auction and/or listing service. If metalinks are not integrated, then search results may be retrieved in step 215. Templates 186 may be used to generate metalinks. In a hierarchical naming system such as the DNS, a first domain may represent the highest level domain (HLD). A HLD that is determined not resolvable is referred to as a Top Level Domain Alias (TLDA) whereas a resolvable HLD is referred to as a Top Level Domain (TLD). Any domain name that is not valid or any domain name having a TLDA is called a fictitious domain name (FDN). More information on FDNs may be found in co-pending patent applications (60/125,531; 60/135,751; 60/143,859; 09/532,500). FIG. 3c illustrates how FDNs may be integrated with search services in accordance with the present invention. When it is determined in step 230 that the search request does not include a registered phrase or keyword, then it may further be determined in step 350 whether the search request includes a FDN, by consulting a FDN registry 178. When the request is determined in step 350 to include a FDN, it then may be determined in step 315 whether to perform a search request with the input as a literal string. Search results may be retrieved in step 215. A search request may be initiated by selecting an exact phrase option from a listbox or surrounding the FDN with a delimiter such as the quote sign (e.g., “top.stories”) to process the detected FDN as a literal string, otherwise a FDN detected from input may be processed as a registration and/or resolution request. When it is determined that the input is instead processed in step 315 as a resolution and/or registration request, then the resolvability and/or availability of the FDN may be determined in step 320. However, when it is determined not to process the input in step 315 as a search request, then it may be determined in step 360 whether the FDN is registered. When the FDN is to be registered, then a valid URI having a VDN is generated in step 365 from the FDN and the page source of the URI is accessed in step 250 and results, if any, may then be notified, accessed, and/or displayed in step 220. However, when it is determined in step 360 that the FDN is not registered, then the FDN may be processed in step 370 as a registration request. More information with respect to processing step 365 and/or step 370 may be found in co-pending patent applications (60/125,531; 60/135,751; 60/143,859; 09/532,500). FIG. 3d illustrates how search results may be enhanced by providing links to URIs generated from keywords in accordance with the present invention. When it is determined that input is not a VDN, FDN, or registered keyword/phrase then it may be further determined in step 375 whether input is processed as an enhanced search request by consulting the configuration settings 174. If not, then search results are retrieved in step 215. However, when an enhanced search request is determined in step 375 to be processed, then it may be determined in step 380 whether the search request is a single keyword. When the search request is a single keyword then at least one hyperlink is generated in step 385 and displayed at the top of search results (step 215) where additional links/metalinks may access the URI, WHOIS, and/or NIC registration of an available domain name in the form of “keyword.TLD”. For example, “cars” is an entered keyword and returns metalinks of “cars.com”, “cars.net”, or the like in addition to search results on the keyword “cars”. When a search request has more than one keyword then at least one hyperlink may be generated in step 390 and displayed at the top of search results (step 215). A link/metalink may access the URI, WHOIS, and/or NIC registration of available domain name in the form of “combinedkeywords.TLD” (e.g., “best price” yields “bestprice.com” and “pricebest.com”, etc.). The availability of such generated domain names may be determined in real-time by performing a plurality of WHOIS requests. Links may be displayed for all domain names determined available for registration. Additional domain names may be generated and/or determined available by adding word variations to a domain name (e.g., the word “now” yields “nowbestprice.com”, “bestpricenow.com”). A domain name may be considered an object having many properties or attributes, methods, and events. For instance, a domain name may be bought, sold, leased, escrowed, transferred, edited, auctioned, listed, locked, trademarked, dialed, e-mailed, registered, and resolved or the like. A domain name may be considered a global network identifier. All such attributes may be used as prefixes for determining how a domain name is processed during any kind of request (e.g., resolution, search, and/or registration request). For instance, a prefix and domain name may be entered into a search text box, directly from the location field of a web browser, or received as text from a speech to text decoder. Similar to how the MSIE Autosearch feature processes search request prefixes as specified in the '459 patent, more prefixes may be defined to satisfy requests other than that of search requests. A template 186 may be defined for each domain name prefix and used for generating a corresponding URL to perform a specific request, function, or result. For instance, the command “transfer example.com” or “transfer example.com from RegistrarA to RegistrarB” may be entered. The prefix “transfer” is detected and a search engine script or the MSIE Autosearch feature will insert the domain name “example.com” into a template to generate a URL which is used to redirect the client to registrar services for the specific purpose of transferring “example.com” from a current registrar to a newly selected registrar. FIGS. 4a through 4e illustrate steps performed for some commonly used prefixes. However, similar steps may be applied by those skilled in the art for any prefix and/or suffix that may perform an operative function for numerous types of identifiers (e.g., domain name, telephone number, IP address, ISBN, UPC, SKU, Driver's License, Trademark Number, Patent Number, Social Security Number, keyword, FDNs, screen name, username, alias, handle, phrase, slogan, etc.). Other domain name prefixes are shown in more detail in FIG. 5b. FIG. 4a illustrates how a “renew” prefix may be used as part of a search request to initiate registration services in accordance with the present invention. After a search request is received and parsed in step 210, it is then determined in step 410 whether the prefix “renew” was parsed. If not, then it may be determined in step 230 as to whether the search request includes a registered phrase or keyword. When it is determined in step 410 that the prefix “renew” was parsed, it is then determined in step 412 how the prefix request is processed. First, it may be determined in step 415 whether the request includes a registered phrase or keyword. If so, then the registered phrase or keyword is redirected in step 420 to a registrar for the purposes of processing in step 450 a renewal registration request. When it is determined in step 415 that the request does not include a registered phrase or keyword, then it may be determined in step 425 whether the request includes a valid domain name. If so, then the valid domain name is redirected in step 430 to a registrar for the purposes of processing in step 450 a renewal registration request. When it is determined in step 425 that the request does not include a valid domain name, then it may be determined in step 435 whether the request includes a FDN. If so, then the FDN is redirected in step 440 to a registrar for the purposes of processing in step 450 a renewal registration request. When it is determined in step 435 that the search request does not include a FDN, then search results may be retrieved in step 215. FIG. 4b illustrates how a “register” prefix may be used as part of a search request to initiate registration services in accordance with the present invention. After it is determined in step 410 that the prefix “renew” was not parsed, it then may be determined in step 455 whether the prefix “register” was parsed. If not, then it may be determined in step 230 as to whether the search request includes a registered phrase or keyword. When it is determined in step 455 that the prefix “register” was parsed, it is then determined in step 412 how the prefix request is processed. If the parsed prefix does not result in processing a registration request in step 460 then search results may be retrieved in step 215. FIG. 4c illustrates how a “transfer” prefix may be used as part of a search request to initiate transfer services in accordance with the present invention. After it is determined in step 455 that the prefix “register” was not parsed, it then may be determined in step 465 whether the prefix “transfer” was parsed. If not, then it may be determined in step 230 as to whether the search request includes a registered phrase or keyword. When it is determined in step 465 that the prefix “transfer” was parsed, it is then determined in step 412 how the prefix request is processed. If the parsed prefix does not result in processing a transfer request in step 470 then search results may be retrieved in step 215. FIG. 4d illustrates how a “buy” prefix may be used as part of a search request to initiate purchasing services in accordance with the present invention. After it is determined in step 465 that the prefix “transfer” was not parsed, it then may be determined in step 475 whether the prefix “buy” was parsed. If not, then it may be determined in step 230 as to whether the search request includes a registered phrase or keyword. When it is determined in step 475 that the prefix “buy” was parsed, it is then determined in step 412 how the prefix request is processed. If the parsed prefix does not result in processing a purchase request in step 480 then search results may be retrieved in step 215. FIG. 4e illustrates how a “sell” prefix may be used as part of a search request to initiate selling services in accordance with the present invention. After it is determined in step 475 that the prefix “buy” was not parsed, it then may be determined in step 485 whether the prefix “sell” was parsed. If not, then it may be determined in step 230 as to whether the search request includes a registered phrase or keyword. When it is determined in step 485 that the prefix “sell” was parsed, it is then determined in step 412 how the prefix request is processed. If the parsed prefix does not result in processing a selling request in step 490 then search results may be retrieved in step 215. FIG. 5a illustrates user modifiable configuration settings 174, which may be accessed for determining how to process an input request. Configuration settings 174 may include general features 520, search features 530, and registration features 540. General feature settings 520 may include a method for selecting redirection to a registrar and/or search engine. Such settings may further include the enabling of a watch list (see FIG. 9b), prefixes (e.g., registration commands), and/or the enabling of metalinks. Enhanced search features 530 may include combining search results with the generation of domain names in response to a search request and/or providing a means for registering any input determined to be available (e.g., VDN, FDN, keyword or phrase). Enhanced registration features 540 may include combining registration results with the results of a search request from the input of a registration request and/or the ability to include resource location in response to a registration request. Other configuration settings that are not shown may be applied by those skilled in the art to perform any aspect of the present invention. FIG. 5b illustrates a web page having a request form and resulting content from the use of such a request form. A web page 150 may include a user interface element such as a location field 154 or search text box 162 for receiving an input request. Other user interface elements such as button objects 550, list boxes 554, and menu lists may also be included. For example, button objects 550 (e.g., Search, Resolve, Multi) may be used to process an input request. A Search button may process input as a search request. A Resolve button may process input as a resolution request. A Multi button may integrate the results of a search, resolution and/or registration request. For this illustration, a list box 554 may include a plurality of prefixes used for processing an identifier such as a domain name as input received from a location field 154 or search text box 162. For example, When “best price” is entered as input, results of generated domain names determined to be available 560 are displayed in conjunction with search results for “best price” 564. In addition, metalinks may also be integrated 568 with search results and/or resolution request. For instance, the search engine may consult a domain name status database 198 and determine that the domain name “bestprice.com” is currently for sale. A metalink for accessing more information on the sale or after market status of the domain name is generated and integrated 568 with search results. Identifier prefixes may be used as a command language by entering such a prefix in conjunction with an identifier and/or other parameters into a user interface element such as a microphone with speech to text translation, a web browser location field 154, a web page search text box 162, or command line of a computing device, etc. Such prefixes may also be selected from a list of prefixes as a means for processing an identifier as input. A prefix database 182 may be used in conjunction with templates 186 to generate a URI that may be used for processing an operative function upon the identifier that corresponds to the selected prefix. The following are examples of how prefixes may be used for domain names. “Edit example.com” may enable a registrant of the domain name “example.com” to edit contact information stored in the registrar database. “Handle example.com” may enable a user to list or edit any handles that may correspond to the domain name “example.com”. “List example.com” may enable a user to display all records that may correspond to “example.com”. “Status example.com” may enable a user to review the current status of “example.com”. “History example.com” may enable a user to review the transaction history of “example.com”. “Watch example.com” may enable a user to add “example.com” to a watch list for notifying the user as to similar domain names registered or to notify that “example.com” is available or may soon be available for registration. “Renew example.com” enables a registrant to extend the expiry date of “example.com” and provide the option of transferring from one registrar to another. “Transfer example.com RegistrarA to RegistrarB” may enable a registrant to transfer “example.com” from a current registrarA to a new registrarB. “Escrow example.com” may enable a registrant to hold “example.com” in escrow for the purposes of transferring the domain name. “Consolidate example.com” may enable a registrant to list all of the registered domain names of a registrant or given handle for the purpose of minimizing renewal payments across a portfolio of domain names. “Auction example.com” may enable a registrant to list “example.com” for auction”. “Bid example.com” may enable an entity to make a bid on “example.com”. “Value domain name” may enable a user to receive an estimate of the book value or inventory value for “example.com”. “Buy example.com” may enable an entity to make a solicitation for purchase or to purchase “example.com” from the current registrant. “Sell example.com” may enable a registrant to list “example.com” for sale. “Lease example.com” may enable an entity to make a solicitation for leasing or to lease “example.com” from the current registrant. “Generate example.com” may generate a variety of related domain names that are available (e.g., “firstexample.com”, “anotherexample.com”, etc.). “WHOIS example.com” may enable a user to list the WHOIS record for “example.com”. “Expire example.com” may enable a user to list the expiration date for “example.com”. “Registrar example.com” may enable a user to list which registrar “example.com” is registered with. “Tools example.com” may enable an entity to use online tools to find more information on “example.com” such as zone files, nameservers, subdomains, and the like. An example of such online tools may be accessed from a URL such as “http://domtools.com/domtools/”. “Redirect example.com” may enable a registrant to configure “example.com” to redirect to another URL. “Lock example.com” may enable a registrant to assure that “example.com” may not be transferred to another registrar until the registrant unlocks the domain name. “Email example.com” may enable a registrant to sign up for email services for “example.com”. “Webhost example.com” may enable a registrant to sign up for web hosting services for “example.com”. “Inc example.com” or “LLC example.com” may enable a registrant to submit articles or incorporation/organization and form a business entity for “example.com”. “Trademark example.com” may enable a registrant to file a trademark for “example.com”. “Geo example.com” may enable a user to receive GPS coordinates from a GPS system or the current latitude/longitude for “example.com”. “Dial example.com” may enable a user to make a telephone call to a phone number designated by the registrant of “example.com”. For instance, the URL “http://example.com/index.html” may launch a dialer program or redirect to an Internet telephone protocol for contacting the registrant instead of or in addition to accessing a web site. Domain names are generally used as identifiers to access a web site or the like. There are no such domain names used for the explicit purpose of dialing a telephone number instead of accessing a web site. Specification of an Internet telephone protocol is provided in A. Vaha-Sipila, “Informational RFC (Request for Comment) 2806: URLs for Telephone Calls”, Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), April 2000, “http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc2806.html”, which is herein incorporated by reference. FIG. 6a illustrates a typical output from the results of a search request. The search request used is the phrase “software patent”. For illustrative purposes, only the first four search results are shown. The first line of a given result may be underlined indicating a hyperlink reference. The hyperlink accesses the URL displayed in the last line of each given search result. FIG. 6b illustrates modifications made to the output of the search request to extend functionality of the search results. A second line of metalinks may be added to each search result enabling the user to retrieve meta-information about the URI such as WHOIS, Homepage, <META> tag Information, Page Source, Sitemap information, and after market domain name status. Steps (420, 430) for providing such added results are shown in FIG. 4. For instance, the URI for a sitemap may be determined from a variety of methods including access to a sitemap database 184, which may be compiled from a web site such as “sitemap.net” or maintained by having a “crawler” program interrogate the web site of the URI by searching for a sitemap link on the homepage or any other accessible web page or by finding a directory called “sitemap” or a filename called “sitemap.htm” (or “.html”). The after market domain name status may be determined in a similar manner to that of a sitemap. A domain name status database 198 may be maintained by having a “crawler” program interrogate a myriad of after market web sites that list and/or auction domain names. FIG. 6c illustrates the page source of the output shown in FIG. 6b. By extracting the domain name from the URI, other URIs may be generated and displayed to yield meta-information based on the context of the original URI. Though direct links to meta-information are shown; such links may first access a central source and then URI redirection may be applied to track visits, IP addresses, previous URIs, demographic information, etc. for the purposes such as accounting, marketing, advertising, and distribution. When a domain name is received as input to a registration service, the availability of the domain name is determined. If the domain name is not available, registrant information is returned and the client is notified that the domain name in question is not available and may provide the option of checking the availability of other domain names. When a domain name is available, a user may be presented with the choice of registering the domain name. Upon completion of registration, another domain name may then be checked for availability. FIG. 7a illustrates such a registration service. A device such as a network access apparatus 110, servlet, applet, stand-alone executable program, or a user interface element such as a text box object, receives and parses input in step 704. It is then determined in step 706 whether a valid domain name may be parsed or generated from input. When input can not be processed as a registration request then an error message may be provided in step 708 otherwise a registration request may be processed in step 710 for each valid domain name. To process such a request, availability of the domain name 306 may be determined in step 714. If the domain name 704 is determined to not be available in step 314, then a record from a corresponding WHOIS database may be retrieved and displayed in step 718. Because WHOIS requests are so heavily relied on, methods for minimizing network bandwidth of these services are considered preferable. For instance, a browser 112 may be configured to first access a client WHOIS cache and/or a series of distributed WHOIS caches 188 to increase lookup performance. Such caches may be distributed in a manner similar to the DNS wherein each WHOIS cache may make further hierarchical reference to the next successive WHOIS cache until a definitive result has been found. When the domain name 704 is determined available in step 714, then such information may be displayed accordingly, prompting the client to register the domain name in step 722. When it is determined in step 722 that the client may wish to register the domain name 704, further information may be displayed to assist the user in registering the domain name in step 726. FIG. 7b is a top-level flowchart showing how an error message may be used in accordance with the present invention. When it is determined in step 706 that a valid domain name may not be parsed or generated from input, a more specific error message is provided in step 730 that may include hyperlinks to determine whether input may be a registered identifier in another namespace or a link to process input as a search and/or resolution request. In addition, further options such as modifying configuration settings 174 may also be included as hyperlinks in such a resulting web page or error message. FIG. 7c is a flowchart illustrating a methodology for performing a search request after a completed registration request. After the registration request is processed in step 710, it may be determined in step 740 by accessing configuration settings 174 whether a search request may be processed. More specifically, it may be further determined in step 744 whether received input is to be processed as a search request in step 748. When this is the case, a search request is constructed from the identifier (e.g., domain name) and processed in step 748 and results if any may then be notified, accessed, and/or displayed in step 752. FIG. 7d is a flowchart illustrating a methodology for combining the results of performing a search request while processing a registration request. When input is parsed and received in step 704 it is determined in step 760 whether search results may be combined with results from the registration request (step 710) by accessing configuration settings 174. When this is the case, search results from input may be retrieved in step 764. If not, then it may be determined in step 768 whether input includes any keywords. If there are no keywords then it may be determined in step 706 whether a valid domain name may be parsed or generated from input. If so, then a registration request may be processed in step 710, otherwise search results from input may be retrieved in step 764. When any keywords have been detected, at least one domain name for each keyword and/or combination of at least two keywords may be generated in step 780. Results of a registration request including search results, if any, may be provided in step 784. FIG. 7e is a flowchart illustrating a methodology for providing metalinks with the results of a registration request (e.g., WHOIS request). When it is determined in step 714 that a domain name is not available, a record from the WHOIS database may be displayed including metalinks for accessing <META> tag information from the URI of a domain name to access content from corresponding web site, a hyperlink for dialing or faxing a telephone number, a hyperlink for accessing a map or guide to locate a postal address and/or surrounding local services, and a hyperlink for accessing the after market status of the domain name which may include a sale price by the registrant or from an auction and/or listing service. FIG. 7f depicts the results of a WHOIS request for a domain name. The input request used may be the domain name “example.com”. FIG. 7g illustrates a methodology for extending functionality of WHOIS results by modifying the page source of a typical WHOIS request. For instance, the domain name “example.com” may be converted into a hyperlink reference and/or metalink 792 so that a user may readily visit the homepage and/or sitemap of “example.com”. Also illustrated are hyperlinks 794 for accessing geographic information (e.g. maps) that corresponds to the domain name, and hyperlinks for dialing the telephone 796 so that the source or registrant of the domain name may be readily contacted if so desired. In addition, a hyperlink reference may be added to indicate that the domain name is available for sale 798 enabling access to an auction site, listing service, domain name broker, or the like. The domain name status database 198 is consulted in response to the WHOIS request and zero or more hyperlinks of after market information may be generated and integrated into the page source from the results of the WHOIS request. Referring now to FIG. 8, steps are illustrated which show how a resolution request or search request may be modified to extend functionality. A device such as a network access apparatus 110, command line, servlet, applet, script, stand alone executable program having an input object such as a text, or web browser 112 receives 710 input having a domain name. When input is received in step 710, it may be determined in step 810 whether the input is a valid URI. When the input is a valid URI, then a second URI may be generated in step 815 from the domain name of the valid URI for accessing a WHOIS record corresponding to the domain name. However when the input is not a valid URI, then a URI may be generated in step 820 from the input and then a second URI may be generated in step 815 from the domain name of the generated URI to access a WHOIS record corresponding to the domain name. In either case, a web page with two frames may be generated and displayed in step 825 having both the content of the generated or valid URI (810, 820) and the second URI 815. Turning now to FIG. 9a, illustrations of web pages are displayed which correspond to steps shown in FIG. 8. A client 110 web browser 112 having a web page 910 may be used to connect to a server 120 via the Internet 130 that runs a CGI script 914. The location field of the web browser 112 is suppressed and the web page 910 displays at least two frames. The first frame is the web based location field 918 and the second frame 922 may be used to display the contents 150 of a web address. An input device (e.g. keyboard, mouse, pen light, touch screen, or microphone etc.) of a client computer or network access apparatus 110 is used to receive a web address as input either directly from a hyperlink (not shown) in the web page 910, or from the location field 918 of the web page 910. A URL GET or POST request may be generated from the input and the browser 112 forwards the request to a server 120, which processes the request by executing a CGI script 912 to generate output (as discussed in FIG. 8) by requesting the generated pages 910′ and sending the content (930, 934) to the browser 112. The location field 918 of the first frame may either persist by displaying the input or may be cleared for the next web address. The content 150 of the input URI may be displayed in a first frame 930 of the web page 910′ whereas the content of the second frame 934 may be dynamically generated by corresponding the extracted domain name from the input URI as a search term to generate a second URI which corresponds to a WHOIS record of the domain name. For instance, when a first URI “http://www.example.com/page1.htm” is received as input, a script extracts “example.com” from the URI and generates a second URI: “http://www.networksolutions.com/cgi-bin/whois/whois?example.com” Both the first URI and second URI may be generated as frames and displayed as a web page 910′. The content of the first page 922 may already have the results of the URI “http://www.example.com/page1.htm”, in which case, a third frame 926 having hyperlinks of dynamically generated URI meta-information such as WHOIS, Homepage, <META> tag information, Page Source, Sitemap, and after market status information (as discussed in FIG. 6b) may be displayed. These hyperlinks dynamically extract the domain name from the current URI to form metalinks on the fly so that at any given time one may access meta-information of the current URI. For instance, when clicking on the WHOIS metalink, the web page 910′ as discussed above is generated and may display meta content as a split screen or in a pop-up window, etc. The following discussion introduces certain concepts required for understanding the object oriented developer environment and the object oriented programming environment employed to construct the preferred embodiment and carry out the methods of the present invention. It is assumed here that the reader is familiar with the notion that an “object”, for purposes of computer modeling, comprises a plurality of data items or properties, has a behavior, responds to messages from other objects, and issues messages to other objects. It will be understood that the invention could be made and used with any object-oriented development environment, such as C++, Java, or other object-oriented programming environment. Various terms have emerged in the art to capture various aspects of “object-oriented” approaches. These terms include the words encapsulation, classes, inheritance, message-passing, and polymorphism. The term “classes” relates to objects of similar types. Objects of the same class are grouped together and have certain properties, attributes, or behaviors in common. Classes may be organized into hierarchies of subclasses in which the procedures and attributes of the class are inherited by its subclasses. Thus, a “subclass” is a group of objects that have some properties, attributes, behaviors, or procedures with other groups of objects, but could have other properties, attributes, behaviors, or procedures that are different. The term “attribute” or “property” relates to data items or information or behavior that relates to a particular object. The term “inheritance” means the sharing of properties, and in some cases, attributes and behaviors, that characterizes a subclass by its parent class. The notion of inheritance purportedly allows for easier maintenance and extension of computer programs since creation of subclasses purportedly allows the program code used to created the parent class to be readily modified and reused for subclasses. An object's “procedures” or “methods” are operations upon data items, attributes, and/or properties so as to cause a computing result and provide a response. Certain aspects of object-oriented programming techniques are utilized in the present invention so as to provide extended functionality to the user interface as applied to network systems. There is a specific model called document object model (DOM) that defines a set of classes used for the manipulation of document objects. JavaScript is a scripting language that relies on DOM when making function calls for Internet related applications. Most of these objects are directly related to characteristics of the Web page or browser. There is a class of objects specifically applied to the manipulation of URLs, which for the purposes of discussion is called a URI object. In an aspect of the present invention a new object is instantiated called a MetaURI Object, which inherits the properties and is a subclass of the URI object. In addition, other objects (e.g. WHOIS Object, HLD Object, etc.) are instantiated, which are subclasses of the MetaURI object. It is desirable for a user to obtain meta-information at any given time during a user's navigation experience (e.g. on the Internet, Intranet or a web cache or file system offline, etc.). As each URI is accessed the properties of the MetaURI object are updated including any other related objects such as the WHOIS object to reflect values associated with the current URI. In turn, any associated document objects are automatically updated as well. There are many applications for the WHOIS object. For instance, the WHOIS object may be integrated into bookmarks 196 (including favorites folder), URL history folder 194, or even as part of the location field 154. In addition, by using any menu such as a right-click menu or an action menu, an extra option is listed to retrieve WHOIS information based on the URI properties of the selected object. A modified WHOIS function is programmed to extract a domain name from the URI property to be passed as a parameter for retrieving contact information from the proper WHOIS database. Bookmarks in Netscape are stored in an HTML file having an anchor reference tag for maintaining the properties of a given bookmark when used in conjunction with a bookmark viewer. The following is an example of one such reference. <A HREF=“http://164.195.100.11/netahtml/search-adv.htm” ADD_DATE=“952124784” LAST_VISIT=“25920000” LAST_MODIFIED=“25920000”>USPTO</A> In another aspect of the present invention modifications may be made to the bookmark viewer so that an extra WHOIS field may be added to the anchor reference when a page is bookmarked. <A HREF=“http://164.195.100.11/netahtml/search-adv.htm” ADD_DATE=“952124784” LAST_VISIT=“25920000” LAST_MODIFIED=“25920000” WHOIS=“http://www.networksolutions.com/cgi- bin/whois/whois?uspto.gov”>USPTO</A> The history folder 194 or domain name status database 198 may be modified in a similar manner except that due to its size such data is saved in a compressed format. For instance, by enabling the history folder 194 to correspond metalinks in real-time while surfing the network, a WHOIS cache 188 may be generated as each URI is being requested. This information may be used for reviewing registrant information while offline from the network, for example. Domain names that are soon to be available may be distributed in advance to a user so that domain names of interest may be selected and reserved in a preordering queue on either the client or server side. Registration information is completed and a registration form is submitted to or by a registrar when the soon to be available domain name that is selected does become available. FIG. 9b is a flowchart illustrating a methodology for notifying a client that a domain name is available or may soon be available for registration. A WHOIS record may be retrieved by initiating a WHOIS request or retrieved in response to processing a resolution request, search request, and registration request. Whatever the case, whenever a WHOIS record is retrieved (step 950), the expiration date for the domain name of the WHOIS record is parsed and compared in step 954 to the current date. When the difference between the expiration date and current date is determined in step 958 to be less than a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 30 days), a client may be notified in step 962 that the domain name may soon be available. Upon notification, the client may determine in step 966 whether to add the domain name to a watch list for further notification upon domain name availability. If so, then the domain name is stored in a watch list 192 and monitored for domain name availability in step 970. Metalinks may be included with any notification for accessing the WHOIS record of the domain name and corresponding URI. When the difference is determined in step 962 to be greater than the threshold, the WHOIS record may be stored and/or displayed in step 974. The threshold value (not shown) may be modified in the configuration settings 174. Though the above aspects demonstrate how URIs may be resolved based upon a web-based version of a location field, similar teachings may be applied to those skilled in the art by providing a user interface element such as a text box object as input. The text box object may be located anywhere and on any web page including a text box that may be embedded or displayed as part of an on-line advertisement. The text box object may be used in a stand-alone application (e.g., instant messaging, custom toolbar, etc.) or stored on magnetic and/or optical media that may be non-volatile, writable, removable, or portable. The text box object may be incorporated as an applet or servlet and embedded in other applications. The text box may be integrated in the task bar or any part of the GUI's OS, or the OS bypassed and a user interface element overlaid as a graphic on a display device based on modifications to a video card and/or it's associated firmware or software drivers. A command line text box may be further overlaid as an interactive object in other embodiments such as Internet television, cable television, digital television, or interactive television through an Internet appliance or set top box. Those skilled in the art may make and use software program that functions as a browser plug-in. Such a program may be downloaded and installed for integration into the command line of a device or location field 154 of a browser program 112. Modifying the source code of the browser program 112 itself, if need be, may be more desirable, in effect, enabling tens of millions of users to take advantage of integrated name resolution and registration services. In the case of MSIE, modifications may be made to the script on the server “auto.search.msn.com” that generates the “response.asp” web page and all unresolved domain names may be redirected to a licensed registrar rather than processed as a search request. A template may be created and used in the registry of the MSIE autosearch feature. The template may further include which server to access for transparently performing a WHOIS request and/or access the server of a desired registration service of an accredited registrar. Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred aspect or aspects, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described items referred to by numerals (components, assemblies, devices, compositions, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such items are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any item which performs the specified function of the described item (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary aspect or aspects of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been described above with respect to only one of several illustrated aspects, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other aspects, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. The description herein with reference to the figures will be understood to describe the present invention in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in a variety of applications and devices. It will be readily apparent that various changes and modifications could be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The Internet is a vast computer network consisting of many smaller networks that span the world. A network provides a distributed communicating system of computers that are interconnected by various electronic communication links and computer software protocols. Because of the Internet's distributed and open network architecture, it is possible to transfer data from one computer to any other computer worldwide. In 1991, the World-Wide-Web (WWW or Web) revolutionized the way information is managed and distributed. The Web is based on the concept of hypertext and a transfer method known as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) which is designed to run primarily over a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) connection that employs a standard Internet setup. A server computer may issue the data and a client computer displays or processes it. TCP may then convert messages into streams of packets at the source, then reassemble them back into messages at the destination. Internet Protocol (IP) handles addressing, seeing to it that packets are routed across multiple nodes and even across multiple networks with multiple standards. HTTP protocol permits client systems connected to the Internet to access independent and geographically scattered server systems also connected to the Internet. Client side browsers, such as Netscape Navigator and/or Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE) provide a graphical user interface (GUI) based client applications that implement the client side portion of the HTTP protocol. One format for information transfer is to create documents using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). HTML pages are made up of standard text as well as formatting codes that indicate how the page should be displayed. The client side browser reads these codes in order to display the page. A web page may be static and requires no variables to display information or link to other predetermined web pages. A web page is dynamic when arguments are passed which are either hidden in the web page or entered from a client browser to supply the necessary inputs displayed on the web page. Common Gateway Interface (CGI) is a standard for running external programs from a web server. CGI specifies how to pass arguments to the executing program as part of the HTTP server request. Commonly, a CGI script may take the name and value arguments from an input form of a first web page which is be used as a query to access a database server and generate an HTML web page with customized data results as output that is passed back to the client browser for display. The Web is a means of accessing information on the Internet that allows a user to “surf the web” and navigate the Internet resources intuitively, without technical knowledge. The Web dispenses with command-line utilities, which typically require a user to transmit sets of commands to communicate with an Internet server. Instead, the Web is made up of millions of interconnected web pages, or documents, which may be displayed on a computer monitor. The Web pages are provided by hosts running special servers. Software that runs these Web servers is relatively simple and is available on a wide range of computer platforms including PC's. Equally available is a form of client software, known as a Web browser, which is used to display Web pages as well as traditional non-Web files on the client system. A network resource identifier such as a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) is a compact string of characters for identifying an abstract or physical resource. URIs are the generic set of all names and addresses that refer to objects on the Internet. URIs that refer to objects accessed with existing protocols are known as Uniform Resource Locators (URLs). A URL is the address of a file accessible on the Internet. The URL contains the name of the protocol required to access the resource, a domain name, or IP address that identifies a specific computer on the Internet, and a hierarchical description of a file location on the computer. For example the URL “http://www.example.com/index.html”, where “http” is the scheme or protocol, “www.example.com” is the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN), and “index.html” is the filename located on the server. Because an Internet address is a relatively long string of numbers (e.g., 31.41.59.26) that is difficult to remember, Internet users rely on domain names, memorable and sometimes catchy words corresponding to these numbers, in order to use electronic mail (e-mail) and to connect to Internet sites on the Web. The Domain Name System (DNS) is a set of protocols and services on a network that allows users to utilize domain names when looking for other hosts (e.g., computers) on the network. The DNS is composed of a distributed database of names. The names in the DNS database establish a logical tree structure called the domain name space. Each node or domain in the domain name space is named and may contain subdomains. Domains and subdomains are grouped into zones to allow for distributed administration of the name space. The DNS provides a mechanism so backup databases may be identified in case the first one becomes unavailable. DNS databases are updated automatically so that information on one name server does not remain out-of-date for long. A client of the DNS is called a resolver; resolvers are typically located in the application layer of the networking software of each TCP/IP capable machine. Users typically do not interact directly with the resolver. Resolvers query the DNS by directing queries at name servers, which contain parts of the distributed database that is accessed by using the DNS protocols to translate domain names into IP addresses needed for transmission of information across the network. A domain name consists of two parts: a host and a domain. Technically, the letters to the right of the “dot” (e.g., gen-eric.com) are referred to as Top Level Domains (TLDs), while hosts, computers with assigned IP addresses that are listed in specific TLD registries are known as second-level domains (SLDs). For the domain name “gen-eric.com”, “.com” is the TLD, and “gen-eric” is the SLD. Domain name space is the ordered hierarchical set of all possible domain names either in use or to be used for locating an IP address on the Internet. TLDs are known as top-level domains because they comprise the highest-order name space available on the Internet. Second-level domains, as well as third-level domains (3LDs) such as “eric.gen-eric.com”, are subsidiary to TLDs in the hierarchy of the Internet's DNS. There are two types of top-level domains, generic and country code. Generic top-level domains (gTLDs) were created to allocate resources to the growing community of institutional networks, while country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) were created for use by each individual country, as deemed necessary. More than 240 national, or country-code TLDs (e.g., United States (.us), Japan (.jp), Germany (.de), etc.) are administered by their corresponding governments, or by private entities with the appropriate national government's acquiescence. A small set of gTLDs does not carry any national identifier, but denote the intended function of that portion of the domain space. For example, “.com” was established for commercial networks, “.org” for not-for-profit organizations, and “.net” for network gateways. The set of gTLDs was established early in the history of the DNS and has not been changed or augmented in recent years (COM, ORG, GOV, and MIL were created by January 1985, NET in July 1985, and INT was added in November 1988). A growing set of tools and services have enabled users to choose many techniques suited for improved navigation and access to content on a network such as the Internet. Different services are used to access desired content. There are resolution services for the DNS which receives a domain name (e.g., “example.com) from a client for translation into an IP address to access the resources of a specific network addressable device (e.g., web server) on a network such as the Internet. The function of translating a domain name into a corresponding IP address is known as name resolution. Name resolution is performed by a distributed system of name servers that run specialized software known as resolvers to fulfill the resource location request of the client by the successive hierarchical querying of the resource records from zone files. There are registration services such as the registration of domain names. Domain name registration for a given Network Information Center (NIC) authority may be accessed by a TCP/IP application called WHOIS, which queries a NIC database to find the name of network and system administrators, system and network points-of-contact, and other individuals who are registered in appropriate databases. Domain names are identifiers used for accessing resources and retrieving registrant domain name information. The availability of a domain name from a NIC authority for a given TLD is determined by submitting a WHOIS request. Resource location is determined by resolving a query in the DNS and domain name availability is determined by using a WHOIS service to query an appropriate NIC database. There are search services to access searchable databases of network resources that are relied upon daily by millions of users. When a client system receives a search request, a query may be sent to a server connected to the Internet to retrieve Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) that satisfy the search request. Web page results are typically generated and displayed to the client in a batch of hyperlinks that access network resources. In general, these areas remain as separate services and only a few examples may be demonstrated with respect to the integration of these separate areas. For instance, steps for integration of services have been demonstrated in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/130,136 filed Apr. 20, 1999, by Schneider entitled “Method and system for integrating resource location and registration services”, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/160,125 filed Oct. 18, 1999, by Schneider, entitled “Method and system for integrating resource location, search services, and registration services”, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/525,350 filed Mar. 15, 2000, by Schneider, entitled “Method for integrating domain name registration with domain name resolution.” U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,367 issued on Jul. 7, 1998 by Wesinger Jr., et al., entitled, “Automated on-line information service and directory, particularly for the world wide web” provides a graphical front end to the WHOIS database, with additional hypertext link integration. Links are embedded in the results such that, clicking on a specific result, WHOIS is queried once again with respect to the selected information. This action would produce the same result as if the user had copied down the selected information, navigated to WHOIS and entered the selected information in the lookup field. The '367 patent automates the WHOIS tool with respect to itself and does not consider automating extended functions of resolution requests or search requests to access other network resources. Due to domain name registration growth, it requires more labor to find a desirable domain name that is available. As a result companies such as Oingo, Inc., for example, now provide domain name variation services that help registrars increase domain name sales by identifying and suggesting words and phrases related in meaning to the terms sought to be registered. Other improvements to registration services include generating permutations of available domain names in response to supplying a plurality of keywords as a part of a registration request. Currently, the only way to register a domain name is by initiating a registration request. There are no services that combine the use of other requests (e.g., search request, resolution request, etc.) in response to an initiated registration request. Resolution requests are most commonly generated in response to input provided to the location field of a web browser. The main use of a web browser location field is for resolving URLs to access resources. Entering a URL in the location field serves as a means to access that URL. Because the function of the location field is critical for accessing resources, the design of such location fields have rivaled much competition and innovation between existing web browser products from companies such as Netscape and Microsoft. Improvements to better track and organize sites of URLs that users have visited such as Bookmark folders, URL history, and the personal toolbar are all examples of functionality designed to help users navigate. Other improvements include spell checking and an autocomplete feature from the URL history as text is entered into the location field. A more recent feature called Smart Browsing is integrated into Netscape Navigator that uses Internet Keywords so users may streamline the use of URLs and get fast access to web sites using the browser's location field. Any single or multiword strings typed into the browser's location field that does not include a “.” are sent via HTTP to a server at “netscape.com”. The keyword server pulls the string and compares it to several separate lists of keyword-URL pairs. If the keyword system finds a match, it redirects the user's browser to the URL of the keyword-URL pair. Failing a match against the lists, the user's browser is redirected to a Netscape Search page with the typed string as the search query. The “.” versus “ ” is a key factor in determining what services are used. The detection of a “.” implies a domain name whereas the detection of a “ ” implies a search request. The autosearch feature of Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE) is another example of an improvement to the location field of a web browser. The details of the autosearch feature is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,459 issued on Dec. 28, 1999 by Belfiore, et al., entitled, “Intelligent automatic searching for resources in a distributed environment.” The '459 patent specifies a mechanism for a computer system to automatically and intelligently determine what a user intended when the user entered text within the location field of a web browser. Often users improperly enter URLs or enter search terms in a user interface element that requires URLs. If the user enters text that is not a URL, the system may first try to construct a valid URL from the user-entered text. If a valid URL can not be constructed, the browser then automatically formats a search engine query using the user-entered text and forwards the query to an Internet search engine. In addition, the '459 patent specifies a template registry that categorizes the specific suitability of a plurality of search engines to locate web sites related to a determined meaning of the specified text. The template is an entry in the registry that includes replaceable characters that may be replaced with the processed text. An example template registry entry that causes the Yahoo! search engine to be called is “http://msie.yahoo.com/autosearch?%s”. The %s is filled in with information regarding the search terms. Furthermore, the '459 patent specifies a method which provides for automatically deleting prefix terms from input that are identified as not necessary to perform a search based on the determined meaning of the entered input. Directive terms such as “go” or “find” followed by search terms may be entered within the location field. Such users intend for the web browser to locate web pages that are identified by terms within the text. As the directive terms do not contain content that is useful in conducting a search, these prefix terms are dropped from the text. Though prefixes may help process keywords in a more specific way, there are no such prefixes in use for specifying how domain names may be processed through a user interface element used for search requests, resolution requests, and registration requests. For example, search engine web sites have specified a list of prefixes to assist in performing a more specific search request. Any such prefixes have no relevance to domain names [e.g., valid domain names (VDNs) and fictitious domain names (FDNs)] but to that of keywords and phrases. There have been advances with respect to submitting keyword search requests to search engines. RealNames and other companies like Netword use plain language as a means for resource location and have developed their own version of resolution services. Using simplified network addresses in the form of keywords/phrases as opposed to the conventional form of URLs in the DNS, offers the possibility to further contemplate the differences between search requests and resource location. Though an observable fact, little if any has been done to provide integration tools to support these differences. To date, the only advancement demonstrated are the partnerships made with RealNames and different portal web sites. When a search request is performed, input may be forwarded to a RealNames server concurrent with the original search request and if there are any matches, the first result displayed may be a registered RealName which links to a registered web site followed by displaying the search results from the search request. Though RealNames demonstrates using keywords and phrases from a search request for resource location, there are no methods for detecting a domain name or URL as input from a search request. In effect, a domain name is processed as a literal string or keyword. For example, when a popular web site such as “news.com” is processed from input there is a high probability that the URL “http://news.com” would be displayed within the top few search results. There are no systems that provide such a URL as a first result. However, when a domain name is reserved and has no web site or the domain name corresponds to a web site with little traffic (e.g., web pages having no META tags, etc.), there are no search results, and in turn, no hyperlinks are displayed. This observation is apparent upon surveying the search results of hundreds of search engines, which clearly indicate that a domain name is processed as a literal string only without consideration for processing input in any way aside from that of a search request. There have been some improvements by providing links to other vendors such as processing the search request and responding with a link for a book search at “amazon.com” or the like, but there are no such links that provide vendor domain name related services or online identity services in response to a search request. FIG. 1 a depicts a typical output from a search portal web site for the input “zipnames.com”. Results are returned to output such as “found no document matching your query”, and generates hyperlinks that use the input as a search request from another URL. Such links may redirect to shopping sites and reference sites or to other search engines. FIGS. 1 b and 1 c depict output from a metasearch site for the input “zipnames.com”. Again, the output depicts links that are generated for searching input at another web address. It is clear from these results that no provisions have been made to detect the presence of a domain name before processing a search request. If a search request may detect that a domain name is processed as is and/or as a network address then steps of resource location and the use of resolution services or registration services may be made in addition to the search request. No search engines or existing services make use of the “.” delimiter to extend searching into the realm of processing resolution and/or registration services. Any results that are returned from a search request are based on finding a database match to the domain name as a keyword or literal string. Currently, there are no search engines or resources that generate a link for WHOIS results in response to receiving a network address such as a domain name, FQDN, or URL and may be listed or redirected as part of search results. To date, search services, resolution services, and registration services have remained as separate services. New utility may be demonstrated by combining these separate services into a unified service. Accordingly, in light of the above, there is a strong need in the art for a system and method for integrating and enhancing resolution services, search services, and registration services. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention enables the seamless integration between resource location, search, and registration services. The invention enables a search request to be processed as a literal string, network address, or both. The present invention generates and displays at least one hyperlink at the top of standard search results where the link may access a URI or NIC registration of an available domain name in the form of “keyword.TLD”. The invention enables a plurality of identifiers to be processed as input and displayed as a resolution request. The present invention enables the integration of metalinks as part of search results and registration results. The invention enables the use of identifier prefixes as a command language. The present invention enables a user to edit, list, obtain the status and history, select, renew, transfer, escrow, auction, bid, valuate, purchase, sell, lease, redirect, lock, web host, incorporate, trademark, locate, and dial a domain name. The present invention enables more specific error messages to be generated in response to an input request. The invention enables search results to be integrated a part of the results from a registration request. The present invention enables the integration of metalinks (e.g., maps, after market domain name information, etc.) as part of results from a WHOIS request. The invention enables distributed WHOIS caching to minimize network connection bandwidth. The present invention enables the real-time display of registrant information that corresponds to a current URI. The invention enables automatic notification of any identifiers that may soon be available in response to accessing such an identifier. In general, in accordance with the present invention, a method includes retrieving a WHOIS record of a domain name at a first time, the WHOIS record including an expiry date of a second time, calculating a time difference value between the first time and the second time, and providing the time difference value to a user. Time difference value can be determined to satisfy at least one condition including a threshold value. An indication can be provided to the user that the at least one condition has been satisfied such as notifying the user of domain name expiration status, storing the domain name in a user expiration watch list, monitoring the domain name for expiration upon or after the second time, and attempting to register the domain name with a selected domain name registration provider after the second time or upon determining that either the domain name may soon be available for registration or available for registration. The WHOIS record can be retrieved in response to receiving or obtaining a request such as a resource location request, domain name resolution request, search engine request, WHOIS request, domain name availability request, and domain name registration request. In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, a method for providing content to a user includes, retrieving the content for the user, determining that the content includes at least one domain name, providing the content to the user, and providing the user with one of a domain name aftermarket status and capability of determining aftermarket status of the at least one domain name at any time upon or after the determining that the content includes the at least one domain name. The content can be retrieved from at least one of a WHOIS record and search engine results in response to one of a receiving and obtaining a request such as a resource location request, domain name resolution request, search engine request, WHOIS request, domain name availability request, and domain name registration request. The aftermarket status of the at least one domain name can be determined by consulting a domain name status database indicating whether the domain name is soon to be available for registration, sale, license, or lease by one of a registrant, domain name broker, auction service, and listing service. In accordance with yet other aspects of the present invention, a method for presenting enhanced search results from a request to search internet content includes retrieving at least one search result from the request to search the internet content wherein the at least one search result includes an uniform resource identifier (URI) having a domain name, the URI corresponding to the internet content, generating at least one hyperlink corresponding to each the URI having the domain name, each the hyperlink capable of accessing additional information relating to one of an URI and domain name wherein the additional information is selected from a group consisting of domain name after market status information, sitemap information when the URI does not correspond to the sitemap information, and homepage information when the URI does not correspond to the homepage information, generating the enhanced search results by combining each the search result having the URI with each the hyperlink corresponding to each the URI, and presenting the enhanced search results. In accordance with still other aspects of the present invention, a method for processing input includes receiving input including at least one identifier prefix and at least one identifier from one of a internet search engine user interface and location field user interface and performing an operative function upon the at least one identifier in accordance with the at least one identifier prefix wherein the identifier prefix selects identifier management type functions. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method includes one of a parsing and generating a search request to search internet content from one or more identifiers, performing an internet content search in accordance with said search request, retrieving at least one search result from said internet content search, one of a parsing and generating at least one domain name from the one or more identifiers, and determining whether said at least one domain name is available for registration either one of a before, during, and after presenting said at least one search result from said internet content search. In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a method includes one of a parsing and generating at least one domain name from one or more identifiers, performing a domain name availability request having said at least one domain name, retrieving at least one result from said domain name availability request, generating a search request to search internet content, said search request including the one or more identifiers, and determining whether to perform an internet content search in accordance with said search request either one of a before, during, and after presenting said at least one retrieved result from said domain name availability request. In accordance with yet additional aspects of the present invention, a system which implements substantially the same functionality in substantially the same manner as the methods described above is provided. In accordance with other additional aspects of the present invention, a computer-readable medium that includes computer-executable instructions may be used to perform substantially the same methods as those described above is provided. The foregoing and other features of the invention are hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail one or more illustrative aspects of the invention, such being indicative, however, of but one or a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. | 20041206 | 20111011 | 20080103 | 94363.0 | G06F1516 | 0 | COULTER, KENNETH R | METHOD, PRODUCT, AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING RESOLUTION SERVICES, REGISTRATION SERVICES, AND SEARCH SERVICES | SMALL | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
|
10,904,981 | ACCEPTED | Polyurethane material for a golf ball cover | A curative blend for a thermosetting polyurethane material that allows for a polyurethane material with greater durability is disclosed herein. The curative blend is composed of a diethyl-2,4-toluene-diamine and a second curing agent. A preferred polyurethane prepolymer is a polytetramethylene ether glycol terminated 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate polyurethane prepolymer. The thermosetting polyurethane is preferably utilized as a cover for a golf ball. The cover is preferably formed over a core and boundary layer. | 1. A golf ball comprising: a core; and a cover formed over the core, the cover composed of a thermosetting polyurethane material formed from reactants comprising a polytetramethylene ether glycol terminated 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate polyurethane prepolymer and a curative blend comprising diethyl-2,4-toluene-diamine and a second curing agent; wherein the cover has an aerodynamic surface geometry thereon. 2. The golf ball according to claim 1 further comprising at least one boundary layer disposed between the core and the cover. 3. The golf ball according to claim 2 wherein the boundary layer is composed of a blend of ionomers. 4. The golf ball according to claim 1 wherein the second curative is N,N′-dialkylamino-diphenyl-methane. 5. The golf ball according to claim 1 wherein the second curative is an aliphatic diamine. 6. A golf ball comprising: a core comprising a polybutadiene mixture; a boundary layer formed over the core; and a cover formed over the boundary layer, the cover composed of a thermosetting polyurethane material formed from reactants comprising a polytetramethylene ether glycol terminated 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate polyurethane prepolymer and a curative blend comprising diethyl-2,4-toluene-diamine in an amount of 50 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend and a second curative in an amount of 50 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend; wherein the cover has an aerodynamic surface geometry thereon. 7. The golf ball according to claim 6 wherein the second curative is N,N′-dialkylamino-diphenyl-methane. 8. The golf ball according to claim 6 wherein the second curative is an aliphatic diamine. 9. The golf ball according to claim 6 wherein the cover has a thickness ranging from 0.020 inch to 0.030 inch. 10. A golf ball comprising: a core comprising a polybutadiene mixture, the core having a diameter ranging from 1.35 inches to 1.64 inches and having a PGA compression ranging from 50 to 90; a boundary layer formed over the core, the boundary layer composed of a blend of ionomer materials, the boundary layer having a thickness ranging from 0.020 inch to 0.075 inch, the blend of ionomer materials having a Shore D hardness ranging from 50 to 75 as measured according to ASTM-D2240; and a cover formed over the boundary layer, the cover composed of a thermosetting polyurethane material formed from reactants comprising a 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate polyurethane prepolymer and a curative blend comprising diethyl-2,4-toluene-diamine in an amount of 50 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend and a second curative in an amount of 50 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend, wherein the thermosetting polyurethane material has a Shore D hardness ranging from 30 to 60 as measured according to ASTM-D2240, a thickness ranging from 0.020 inch to 0.030 inch, and an aerodynamic surface geometry thereon. 11. The golf ball according to claim 10 wherein the second curative is N,N′-dialkylamino-diphenyl-methane. 12. The golf ball according to claim 10 wherein the second curative is an aliphatic diamine. 13. The golf ball according to claim 10 wherein the cover is reaction injection molded. 14. The golf ball according to claim 10 wherein the 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate polyurethane prepolymer is a polytetramethylene ether glycol terminated 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate polyurethane prepolymer. 15. The golf ball according to claim 10 wherein the 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate polyurethane prepolymer is an ester terminated 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate polyurethane prepolymer. 16. The golf ball according to claim 10 wherein the cover is cast. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thermosetting polyurethane material. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermosetting polyurethane material for a cover of a golf ball. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally golf balls are made by molding a cover around a core. The core may be wound or solid. A wound core typically comprises elastic thread wound about a solid or liquid center. Unlike wound cores, solid cores do not include a wound elastic thread layer. Solid cores typically may comprise a single solid piece center or a solid center covered by one or more mantle or boundary layers of material. The cover may be injection molded, compression molded, or cast over the core. Injection molding typically requires a mold having at least one pair of mold cavities, e.g., a first mold cavity and a second mold cavity, which mate to form a spherical recess. In addition, a mold may include more than one mold cavity pair. In one exemplary injection molding process each mold cavity may also include retractable positioning pins to hold the core in the spherical center of the mold cavity pair. Once the core is positioned in the first mold cavity, the respective second mold cavity is mated to the first to close the mold. A cover material is then injected into the closed mold. The positioning pins are retracted while the cover material is flowable to allow the material to fill in any holes caused by the pins. When the material is at least partially cured, the covered core is removed from the mold. As with injection molding, compression molds typically include multiple pairs of mold cavities, each pair comprising first and second mold cavities that mate to form a spherical recess. In one exemplary compression molding process, a cover material is pre-formed into half-shells, which are placed into a respective pair of compression mold cavities. The core is placed between the cover material half-shells and the mold is closed. The core and cover combination is then exposed to heat and pressure, which cause the cover half-shells to combine and form a full cover. As with the above-referenced processes, a casting process also utilizes pairs of mold cavities. In a casting process, a cover material is introduced into a first mold cavity of each pair. Then, a core is held in position (e.g. by an overhanging vacuum or suction apparatus) to contact the cover material in what will be the spherical center of the mold cavity pair. Once the cover material is at least partially cured (e.g., a point where the core will not substantially move), the core is released, the cover material is introduced into a second mold cavity of each pair, and the mold is closed. The closed mold is then subjected to heat and pressure to cure the cover material thereby forming a cover on the core. With injection molding, compression molding, and casting, the molding cavities typically include a negative dimple pattern to impart a dimple pattern on the cover during the molding process. Materials previously used as golf ball covers include balata (natural or synthetic), gutta-percha, ionomeric resins (e.g., DuPont's SURLYN®), and polyurethanes. Balata is the benchmark cover material with respect to sound (i.e. the sound made when the ball is hit by a golf club) and feel (i.e. the sensation imparted to the golfer when hitting the ball). Natural balata is derived from the Bully Gum tree, while synthetic balata is derived from a petroleum compound. Balata is expensive compared to other cover materials, and golf balls covered with balata tend to have poor durability (i.e. poor cut and shear resistance). Gutta percha is derived from the Malaysian sapodilla tree. A golf ball covered with gutta percha is considered to have a harsh sound and feel as compared to balata covered golf balls. Ionomeric resins, as compared to balata, are typically less expensive and tend to have good durability. However, golf balls having ionomeric resin covers typically have inferior sound and feel, especially as compared to balata covers. A golf ball with a polyurethane cover generally has greater durability than a golf ball with a balata cover. The polyurethane covered golf ball generally has a better sound and feel than a golf ball with an ionomeric resin cover. Polyurethanes may be thermoset or thermoplastic. Polyurethanes are formed by reacting a prepolymer with a polyfunctional curing agent, such as a polyamine or a polyol. The polyurethane prepolymer is the reaction product of, for example, a diisocyanate and a polyol such as a polyether or a polyester. Several patents describe the use of polyurethanes in golf balls. However, golf balls with polyurethane covers usually do not have the distance of other golf balls such as those with covers composed of SURLYN® materials. Gallagher, U.S. Pat. No. 3,034,791 discloses a polyurethane golf ball cover prepared from the reaction product of poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol and toluene-2,4-diisocyanates (TDI), either pure TDI or an isomeric mixture. Isaac, U.S. Pat. No. 3,989,568 (“the '568 patent) discloses a polyurethane golf ball cover prepared from prepolymers and curing agents that have different rates of reaction so a partial cure can be made. The '568 patent explains that “the minimum number of reactants is three.” Specifically, in '568 patent, two or more polyurethane prepolymers are reacted with at least one curing agent, or at least one polyurethane prepolymer is reacted with two or more curing agents as long as the curing agents have different rates of reaction. The '568 patent also explains that “[o]ne of the great advantages of polyurethane covers made in accordance with the instant invention is that they may be made very thin . . . ”, and “[t]here is no limitation on how thick the cover of the present invention may be but it is generally preferred . . . that the cover is no more than about 0.6 inches in thickness.” The examples in the '568 patent only disclose golf balls having covers that are about 0.025 inches thick. Similar to Isaac, PCT International Publication Number WO 99/43394 to Dunlop Maxfli Sports Corporation, discloses using two curing agents to control the reaction time for polyurethane formation. The two curing agents are a dimethylthio 2,4-toluenediamine and diethyl 2,4-toluenediamine, which are blended to control the reaction rate of a toluene diisocyanate based polyurethane prepolymer or a 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate based polyurethane prepolymer. Dusbiber, U.S. Pat. No. 4,123,061 (“the '061 patent”) discloses a polyurethane golf ball cover prepared from the reaction product of a polyether, a diisocyanate and a curing agent. The '061 patent discloses that the polyether may be polyalkylene ether glycol or polytetramethylene ether glycol. The '061 patent also discloses that the diisocyanate may be TDI, 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (“MDI”), and 3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-biphenylene diisocyanate (“TODI”). Additionally, the '061 patent discloses that the curing agent may be either a polyol (either tri- or tetra-functional and not di-functional) such as triisopropanol amine (“TIPA”) or trimethoylol propane (“TMP”, or an amine-type having at least two reactive amine groups such as: 3,3′ dichlorobenzidene; 3,3′ dichloro 4,4′ diamino diphenyl methane (“MOCA”; N,N,N′,N′ tetrakis (2-hydroxy propyl) ethylene diamine; or Uniroyal's Curalon L which is an aromatic diamine mixture. Hewitt, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,432 (“the '432 patent”) discloses a thermoplastic polyesterurethane golf ball cover formed from a reaction product of a polyester glycol (molecular weight of 800-1500) (aliphatic diol and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid) with a para-phenylene diisocyanate (“PPDI” or cyclohexane diisocyanate in the substantial absence of curing or crosslinking agents. The '432 patent teaches against the use of chain extenders in making polyurethanes. The '432 patent states, “when small amounts of butanediol-1,4 are mixed with a polyester . . . the addition results in polyurethanes that do not have the desired balance of properties to provide good golf ball covers. Similarly, the use of curing or crosslinking agents is not desired . . . .” Holloway, U.S. Pat. No. 4,349,657 (“the '657 patent” discloses a method for preparing polyester urethanes with PPDI by reacting a polyester (e.g. prepared from aliphatic glycols having 2-8 carbons reacted with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids having 4-10 carbons) with a molar excess of PPDI to obtain an isocyanate-terminated polyester urethane (in liquid form and stable at reaction temperatures), and then reacting the polyester urethane with additional polyester. The '657 patent claims that the benefit of this new process is the fact that a continuous commercial process is possible without stability problems. The '657 patent further describes a suitable use for the resultant material to be golf ball covers. Wu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,673 (“the '673 patent” discloses a polyurethane prepolymer cured with a slow-reacting curing agent selected from slow-reacting polyamine curing agents and difunctional glycols (i.e., 3,5-dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine, 3,5-dimethylthio-2,6-toluenediamine, N,N′-dialkyldiamino diphenyl methane, trimethyleneglycol-di-p-aminobenzoate, polytetramethyleneoxide-di-p-aminobenzoate, 1,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol, ethylene glycol, and mixtures of the same). The polyurethane prepolymer in the '673 patent is disclosed as made from a polyol (e.g., polyether, polyester, or polylactone) and a diisocyanate such as MDI or TODI. The polyether polyols disclosed in the '673 patent are polytetramethylene ether glycol, poly(oxypropylene) glycol, and polybutadiene glycol. The polyester polyols disclosed in the '673 patent are polyethylene adipate glycol, polyethylene propylene adipate glycol, and polybutylene adipate glycol. The polylactone polyols disclosed in the '673 patent are diethylene glycol initiated caprolactone, 1,4-butanediol initiated caprolactone, trimethylol propane initiated caprolactone, and neopentyl glycol initiated caprolactone. Cavallaro, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,191 discloses a golf ball having core, mantle layer and cover, wherein the mantle layer is either a vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer, functionalized styrene-butadiene elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, metallocene polymer or blends of the same and thermoset materials. Wu, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,974 discloses golf balls having covers and cores that incorporate urethane ionomers (i.e. using an alkylating agent to introduce ionic interactions in the polyurethane and thereby produce cationic type ionomers). Sullivan, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,831 (“the '831 patent”) discloses a golf ball having a multi-layer cover wherein the inner cover layer has a hardness of at least 65 Shore D and the outer cover layer has a hardness of 55 Shore D or less, and more preferably 48 Shore D or less. The '831 patent explains that this dual layer construction provides a golf ball having soft feel and high spin on short shots, and good distance and average spin on long shots. The '831 patent provides that the inner cover layer can be made from high or low acid ionomers such as SURLYN®, ESCOR® or IOTEK®, or blends of the same, nonionomeric thermoplastic material such as metallocene catalyzed polyolefins or polyamides, polyamide/ionomer blends, polyphenylene ether/ionomer blends, etc., (having a Shore D hardness of at least 60 and a flex modulus of more than 30000 psi), thermoplastic or thermosetting polyurethanes, polyester elastomers (e.g. HYTREL®), or polyether block amides (e.g. PEBAX®), or blends of these materials. The '831 patent also provides that the outer cover layer can be made from soft low modulus (i.e. 1000-10000 psi) material such as low-acid ionomers, ionomeric blends, non-ionomeric thermoplastic or thermosetting materials such as polyolefins, polyurethane (e.g. thermoplastic polyurethanes like TEXIN®, PELETHANE®, and thermoset polyurethanes like those disclosed in Wu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,673), polyester elastomer (e.g. HYTREL®), or polyether block amide (e.g. PEBAX®), or a blend of these materials. Hebert, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,172 (“the '172 patent” discloses a multilayer golf ball giving a “progressive performance” (i.e. different performance characteristics when struck with different clubs at different head speeds and loft angles) and having an outer cover layer formed of a thermoset material with a thickness of less than 0.05 inches and an inner cover layer formed of a high flexural modulus material. The '172 patent provides that the outer cover is made from polyurethane ionomers as described in Wu, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,974, or thermoset polyurethanes such as TDI or methylenebis-(4-cyclohexyl isocyanate) (“HMDI”, or a polyol cured with a polyamine (e.g. methylenedianiline (MDA)), or with a trifunctional glycol (e.g., N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-hydroxpropyl)ethylenediamine). The '172 also provides that the inner cover has a Shore D hardness of 65-80, a flexural modulus of at least about 65,000 psi, and a thickness of about 0.020-0.045 inches. Exemplary materials for the inner cover are ionomers, polyurethanes, polyetheresters (e.g. HYTREL®), polyetheramides (e.g., PEBAX®), polyesters, dynamically vulcanized elastomers, functionalized styrene-butadiene elastomer, metallocene polymer, blends of these materials, nylon or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer. Wu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,870 (“the '870 patent” discloses golf balls having covers composed of a polyurea composition. The polyurea composition disclosed in the '870 patent is a reaction product of an organic isocyanate having at least two functional groups and an organic amine having at least two functional groups. One of the organic isocyanates disclosed by the '870 patent is PPDI. Although the prior art has disclosed golf ball covers composed of many different polyurethane materials, none of these golf balls have proven completely satisfactory. Dissatisfaction, for example, remains with processing and manufacturing the balls, especially with controlling the reaction time of the curative and prepolymer. If the “gel time” for formation of a polyurethane material is too fast, the time to place a core in a hemispherical cavity with the gelling pre-polyurethane material and to mate the hemispherical cavity with a corresponding hemispherical cavity is greatly reduced thereby leading to processing problems like air pockets, and centering of the core. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a more durable polyurethane material for a golf ball cover. The polyurethane material is formed from polytetramethylene ether glycol terminated 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate-based polyurethane prepolymer and a curative blend composed of diethyl-2,4-toluene-diamine and a second curing agent having the same equivalent weight as 4,4′-methylenebis-(2,6-diethyl)-aniline. The equivalent weight of a compound is determined by dividing its molecular weight by the number of its functionality groups. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a golf ball of the present invention including a cut-away portion showing a core, a boundary layer, and a cover. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a golf ball of the present invention including a cut-away portion core and a cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As illustrated in FIG. 1, a golf ball is generally indicated as 10. The golf ball 10 preferably includes a core 12, a boundary layer 14 and a cover 16. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, the golf ball 10 may only include a core 12 and a cover 16. The cover 16 is composed of a thermosetting polyurethane material of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the cover 16 is formed over a boundary layer 14 and core 12, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the cover 16 is formed over the core 12, as shown in FIG. 2. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the core may be solid, hollow, multi-piece or liquid-filled, the boundary layer may be partitioned into additional layers, and the golf ball may have a wound layer without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The polyurethane material of the present invention is formed from reactants comprising at least one polyurethane prepolymer and a curative comprising a diethyl-2,4-toluene-diamine. The diethyl-2,4-toluene-diamine is preferably present in an amount of 25 to 75 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend, more preferably 30 to 70 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend, even more preferably 35 to 65 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend, and most preferably 50 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend. A preferred diethyl-2,4-toluene-diamine is available from Albemarle Corporation of Baton Rouge, La. under the tradename ETHACURE® 100 or EHTACURE® 100 LC. A preferred second curative component of a curative blend used in a polyurethane material of the present invention is preferably N,N′-dialkylamino-diphenyl-methane. The N,N′-dialkylamino-diphenyl-methane is preferably present in an amount of 25 to 100 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend, more preferably 25 to 75 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend, yet more preferably 30 to 70 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend, even more preferably 35 to 65 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend, and most preferably 50 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend. A preferred N,N′-dialkylamino-diphenyl-methane is available from UOP Company under the brand name UNILINK 4200. The N,N′-dialkylamino-diphenyl-methane is an aromatic secondary diamine chain extender for polyurethane polymers, and it has a slower rate of reaction than conventional aromatic amines. When used in a curative blend, the N,N′-dialkylamino-diphenyl-methane slows the reaction and lowers the temperature of the reaction. The N,N′-dialkylamino-diphenyl-methane has an equivalent weight of 155, and a molecular weight of 310. The secondary diamine of the N,N′-dialkylamino-diphenyl-methane has a labile hydrogen and an alkyl group. An alternative second curative is an aliphatic diamine. A preferred aliphatic diamine is available from UOP Company under the brand name Clearlink-1000. The polyurethane prepolymer preferably uses a H12MDI based prepolymer, which includes an aliphatic based isocyanate. The polyurethane prepolymer is preferably a polytetramethylene ether glycol terminated 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate-based polyurethane prepolymers. Preferred polytetramethylene ether glycol terminated 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate-based polyurethane prepolymers are available from Uniroyal Chemical Company of Middlebury, Conn., under the tradename LW520 and LW570. The ratio of the polyurethane prepolymer to curative is determined by the nitrogen-carbon-oxygen group (“NCO” content of the polyurethane prepolymer. For example, the NCO group content of the polytetramethylene ether glycol terminated 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate-based polyurethane prepolymer is preferably in the range of 4.0% to 18.0%, more preferably in the range of 4.6.0% to 4.9%, and 7.35.0% to 7.65%. In one embodiment, the polyurethane material is cast as a cover for a golf ball. In this embodiment, prior to curing, the polyurethane prepolymer and curative blend are preferably stored separately. In general, the polyurethane material is formed by first heating and mixing the curative blend. Then, the polyurethane prepolymer and the curative blend are mixed in a chamber. The mixture from the chamber is dispensed into a hemispherical cavity prior to insertion of a golf ball precursor product. The pre-polyurethane material is cured by applying heat and pressure for a predetermined time period. A more specific process is set forth below. The polyurethane prepolymer is preferably degassed and warmed in a first holding container. The processing temperature for the polyurethane prepolymer is preferably in the range of about 70-130° F., and most preferably in the range of about 80-120° F. The polyurethane prepolymer is preferably flowable from the first holding container to a mixing chamber in a range of about 200-1100 grams of material per minute, or as needed for processing. In addition, the polyurethane prepolymer may be agitated in the first holding container, in the range of 0-250 rpm, to maintain a more even distribution of material and to eliminate crystallization. The curative blend is degassed and warmed in a second holding container. The processing temperature for the curative blend is preferably in the range of about 50-230° F., and more preferably in the range of about 80-210° F., and most preferably in the range of about 170-190° F. The curative is preferably flowable from the second holding container to the mixing chamber in the range of about 15-75 grams of material per minute, or as needed. Additives may be added to the curative blend as desired. The polyurethane prepolymer and curative blend are preferably added to the common mixing chamber at a temperature in the range of about 160-220° F. A colorant material, such as, for example, titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, and/or zinc oxide in a glycol or castor oil carrier, and/or other additive material(s) as are well known in the art, may be added to the common mixing chamber. The amount of colorant material added is preferably in the range of about 0-10% by weight of the combined polyurethane prepolymer and curative materials, and more preferably in the range of about 2-8%. Other additives, such as, for example, polymer fillers, metallic fillers, and/or organic and inorganic fillers (e.g. polymers, balata, ionomers, etc.) may be added as well to increase the specific gravity of the polyurethane material. The entire mixture is preferably agitated in the mixing chamber in the range of about 1 to 250 rpm prior to molding. A more detailed explanation of one aspect of the process is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,512, entitled Golf Balls And Methods Of Manufacturing The Same, filed on Apr. 20, 1999, assigned to Callaway Golf Company, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A more detailed explanation of the casting system is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,218, entitled Method For Forming A Thermoset Golf Ball Cover, filed on Feb. 1, 2000, assigned to Callaway Golf Company, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In another embodiment, the polyurethane material of the present invention is reaction injection molded (“RIM”) as a cover for a golf ball. RIM is a process by which highly reactive liquids are injected into a mold, mixed usually by impingement and/or mechanical mixing in an in-line device such as a “peanut mixer,” where they polymerize primarily in the mold to form a coherent, one-piece molded article. The RIM process usually involves a rapid reaction between one or more reactive components such as a polyether polyol or polyester polyol, polyamine, or other material with an active hydrogen, and one or more isocyanate-containing constituents, often in the presence of a catalyst. The constituents are stored in separate tanks prior to molding and may be first mixed in a mix head upstream of a mold and then injected into the mold. The liquid streams are metered in the desired weight to weight ratio and fed into an impingement mix head, with mixing occurring under high pressure, for example, 1,500 to 3,000 psi. The liquid streams impinge upon each other in the mixing chamber of the mix head and the mixture is injected into the mold. One of the liquid streams typically contains a catalyst for the reaction. The constituents react rapidly after mixing to gel and form polyurethane polymers. Polyureas, epoxies, and various unsaturated polyesters also can be molded by RIM. Further descriptions of suitable RIM systems is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,508, which pertinent parts are hereby incorporated by reference. The core 12 of the present invention is preferably a single solid core such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,940, assigned to Callaway Golf Company and which pertinent parts are hereby incorporated by reference, or such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,465,546, also assigned to Callaway Golf Company and which pertinent parts are hereby incorporated by reference. However, alternative embodiments have a non-solid or multiple cores such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,509, which pertinent parts are hereby incorporated by reference. In a preferred embodiment, the finished core 12 has a diameter of about 1.35 to about 1.64 inches for a golf ball 10 having an outer diameter of 1.68 inches. The core weight is preferably maintained in the range of about 32 to about 40 g. The core PGA compression is preferably maintained in the range of about 50 to 90, and most preferably about 55 to 80. As used herein, the term “PGA compression” is defined as follows: PGA compression value=180−Riehle compression value The Riehle compression value is the amount of deformation of a golf ball in inches under a static load of 200 pounds, multiplied by 1000. Accordingly, for a deformation of 0.095 inches under a load of 200 pounds, the Riehle compression value is 95 and the PGA compression value is 85. If the golf ball 10 has a boundary layer 14, the boundary layer 14 is preferably composed of a thermoplastic material. Suitable thermoplastic materials for the boundary layer 14 include: HYTREL® and/or HYLENE® products from DuPont, Wilmington, Del.; PEBAX® products from Elf Atochem, Philadelphia, Pa.; SURLYN® products from DuPont; and/or ESCOR® or IOTEK® products from Exxon Chemical, Houston, Tex. In a preferred embodiment of the golf ball 10, the boundary layer 14 comprises a high acid (i.e. greater than 16 weight percent acid) ionomer resin or a blend of one or more high acid ionomers and one or more low acid ionomers (i.e. 16 weight percent acid or less) The boundary layer 14 compositions of the embodiments described herein may include the high acid ionomers such as those developed by E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Company under the SURLYN brand, and by Exxon Corporation under the ESCOR or IOTEK brands, or blends thereof. Examples of compositions which may be used as the boundary layer 14 herein are set forth in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,869, which is incorporated herein by reference. The boundary layer 14 high acid ionomer compositions are not limited in any way to those compositions set forth in said patent. Those compositions are incorporated herein by way of examples only. The high acid ionomers which may be suitable for use in formulating the boundary layer 14 compositions are ionic copolymers which are the metal (such as sodium, zinc, magnesium, etc.) salts of the reaction product of an olefin having from about 2 to 8 carbon atoms and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having from about 3 to 8 carbon atoms. Preferably, the ionomeric resins are copolymers of ethylene and either acrylic or methacrylic acid. In some circumstances, an additional comonomer such as an acrylate ester (for example, iso- or n-butylacrylate, etc.) can also be included to produce a softer terpolymer. The carboxylic acid groups of the copolymer are partially neutralized (for example, approximately 10-100%, preferably 30-70%) by the metal ions. Each of the high acid ionomer resins which may be included in the inner layer cover compositions of the invention contains greater than 16% by weight of a carboxylic acid, preferably from about 17% to about 25% by weight of a carboxylic acid, more preferably from about 18.5% to about 21.5% by weight of a carboxylic acid. Examples of the high acid methacrylic acid based ionomers found suitable for use in accordance with this invention include, but are not limited to, SURLYN 8220 and 8240 (both formerly known as forms of SURLYN AD-8422), SURLYN 9220 (zinc cation), SURLYN SEP-503-1 (zinc cation), and SURLYN SEP-503-2 (magnesium cation). According to DuPont, all of these ionomers contain from about 18.5 to about 21.5% by weight methacrylic acid. Examples of the high acid acrylic acid based ionomers suitable for use in the present invention also include, but are not limited to, the high acid ethylene acrylic acid ionomers produced by Exxon such as Ex 1001, 1002, 959, 960, 989, 990, 1003, 1004, 993, and 994. In this regard, ESCOR or IOTEK 959 is a sodium ion neutralized ethylene-acrylic neutralized ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. According to Exxon, IOTEKS 959 and 960 contain from about 19.0 to about 21.0% by weight acrylic acid with approximately 30 to about 70 percent of the acid groups neutralized with sodium and zinc ions, respectively. Furthermore, as a result of the previous development by the assignee of this application of a number of high acid ionomers neutralized to various extents by several different types of metal cations, such as by manganese, lithium, potassium, calcium and nickel cations, several high acid ionomers and/or high acid ionomer blends besides sodium, zinc and magnesium high acid ionomers or ionomer blends are also available for golf ball cover production. It has been found that these additional cation neutralized high acid ionomer blends produce boundary layer 14 compositions exhibiting enhanced hardness and resilience due to synergies which occur during processing. Consequently, these metal cation neutralized high acid ionomer resins can be blended to produce substantially higher C.O.R.'s than those produced by the low acid ionomer boundary layer 14 compositions presently commercially available. More particularly, several metal cation neutralized high acid ionomer resins have been produced by the assignee of this invention by neutralizing, to various extents, high acid copolymers of an alpha-olefin and an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid with a wide variety of different metal cation salts. This discovery is the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,869, incorporated herein by reference. It has been found that numerous metal cation neutralized high acid ionomer resins can be obtained by reacting a high acid copolymer (i.e. a copolymer containing greater than 16% by weight acid, preferably from about 17 to about 25 weight percent acid, and more preferably about 20 weight percent acid), with a metal cation salt capable of ionizing or neutralizing the copolymer to the extent desired (for example, from about 10% to 90%). The base copolymer is made up of greater than 16% by weight of an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid and an alpha-olefin. Optionally, a softening comonomer can be included in the copolymer. Generally, the alpha-olefin has from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and is preferably ethylene, and the unsaturated carboxylic acid is a carboxylic acid having from about 3 to 8 carbons. Examples of such acids include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid, chloroacrylic acid, crotonic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and itaconic acid, with acrylic acid being preferred. The softening comonomer that can be optionally included in the boundary layer 16 of the golf ball of the invention may be selected from the group consisting of vinyl esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids wherein the acids have 2 to 10 carbon atoms, vinyl ethers wherein the alkyl groups contain 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and alkyl acrylates or methacrylates wherein the alkyl group contains 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Suitable softening comonomers include vinyl acetate, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, or the like. Consequently, examples of a number of copolymers suitable for use to produce the high acid ionomers included in the present invention include, but are not limited to, high acid embodiments of an ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, an ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer, an ethylene/itaconic acid copolymer, an ethylene/maleic acid copolymer, an ethylene/methacrylic acid/vinyl acetate copolymer, an ethylene/acrylic acid/vinyl alcohol copolymer, etc. The base copolymer broadly contains greater than 16% by weight unsaturated carboxylic acid, from about 39 to about 83% by weight ethylene and from 0 to about 40% by weight of a softening comonomer. Preferably, the copolymer contains about 20% by weight unsaturated carboxylic acid and about 80% by weight ethylene. Most preferably, the copolymer contains about 20% acrylic acid with the remainder being ethylene. The boundary layer 14 compositions may include the low acid ionomers such as those developed and sold by E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Company under the SURLYN and by Exxon Corporation under the brands ESCOR and IOTEK, ionomers made in-situ, or blends thereof. Another embodiment of the boundary layer 14 comprises a non-ionomeric thermoplastic material or thermoset material. Suitable non-ionomeric materials include, but are not limited to, metallocene catalyzed polyolefins or polyamides, polyamide/ionomer blends, polyphenylene ether/ionomer blends, etc., which preferably have a Shore D hardness of at least 60 (or a Shore C hardness of at least about 90) and a flex modulus of greater than about 30,000 psi, preferably greater than about 50,000 psi, or other hardness and flex modulus values which are comparable to the properties of the ionomers described above. Other suitable materials include but are not limited to, thermoplastic or thermosetting polyurethanes, thermoplastic block polyesters, for example, a polyester elastomer such as that marketed by DuPont under the brand HYTREL, or thermoplastic block polyamides, for example, a polyether amide such as that marketed by Elf Atochem S. A. under the brand PEBEX, a blend of two or more non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomers, or a blend of one or more ionomers and one or more non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomers. These materials can be blended with the ionomers described above in order to reduce cost relative to the use of higher quantities of ionomer. The Shore D hardness of the boundary layer 14 preferably ranges from 40 to 75, as measured according to ASTM D-2290. In a most preferred embodiment, the boundary layer 14 has a Shore D hardness in the range of 50-65. One reason for preferring a boundary layer 14 with a Shore D hardness of 75 or lower is to improve the feel of the resultant golf ball. It is also preferred that the boundary layer 14 is composed of a blend of SURLYN® ionomer resins. One preferred formulation for the boundary layer 14 has 25-50 weight percent SURLYN 8150, 25-50 weight percent SURLYN 9150, and 25-50 weight percent SURLYN 6320. Another formulation for the boundary layer 14 has 25-75 weight percent SURLYN 9150, and 25-75 weight percent SURLYN 6320. Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other ionomers may be utilized for the optional boundary layer 14 without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The Shore D hardness of the boundary layer 14 is preferably 50 to 75, more preferably from 55-65 Shore D, and most preferably 58-63 Shore D, as measured according to ASTM-D2240. The polyurethane material of the present invention preferably has a Shore D hardness ranging from 30 to 60 as measured according to ASTM-D2240, more preferably 40 to 55 Shore D, and most preferably 50 Shore D. A preferred formulation for the polyurethane material of the present invention is a polytetramethylene ether glycol terminated 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate polyurethane prepolymer (NCO group content of 7.5%), a curative blend comprising diethyl-2,4-toluene-diamine in an amount of 25 to 75 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend and an aliphatic diamine in an amount of 25 to 75 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend, and 1 to 10 parts of a triol such as trimetholyipropane (“TMP”). Another preferred formulation for the polyurethane material of the present invention is polytetramethylene ether glycol terminated 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate polyurethane prepolymer (NCO group content of 7.5%), a curative blend comprising diethyl-2,4-toluene-diamine in an amount of 50 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend and N,N′-dialkylamino-diphenyl-methane in an amount of 50 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend, and 3 parts TMP. Another preferred formulation for the polyurethane material of the present invention is an ester terminated 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate polyurethane prepolymer (NCO group content of 7.5%), a curative blend comprising diethyl-2,4-toluene-diamine in an amount of 50 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend and an aliphatic diamine in an amount of 50 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend. Another preferred formulation for the polyurethane material of the present invention is polytetramethylene ether glycol terminated 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate polyurethane prepolymer (NCO group content of 7.5%), a curative blend comprising diethyl-2,4-toluene-diamine in an amount of 50 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend and an aliphatic diamine in an amount of 50 parts per one hundred parts of the curative blend. The preferred construction of a golf ball 10 utilizing the polyurethane material of the present invention is a three-piece solid golf ball having a solid polybutadiene core 12, a boundary layer 14 composed of a blend of ionomers, and a cover 16 composed of the polyurethane material of the present invention. The core 12 is preferably compression molded, the boundary layer 14 is preferably injection molded, and the cover 16 is preferably cast or reaction injection molded. The golf ball 10 may be finished with one or two layers of a base white coating, a clear coating and an indicia. The thickness of the cover 16 preferably ranges from 0.010 inch to 0.070 inch, more preferably ranges from 0.014 inch to 0.050 inch, even preferably ranges from 0.015 inch to 0.044 inch, most preferably ranges from 0.020 inch to 0.030 inch, and is most preferably 0.025 inch. The boundary layer 14 is preferably injection molded and preferably ranges in thickness from 0.040 inch to 0.090 inch, more preferably from 0.045 inch to 0.070 inch, and most preferably from 0.050 inch to 0.060 inch. The boundary layer 14 may also be compression molded from half shells. The core 12 preferably has a diameter of between 1.35 inches and 1.60 inches, more preferably between 1.45 inches and 1.55 inches, and most preferably 1.49 inches. The core 12 preferably has a PGA compression ranging from 70-110 points, and most preferably 100 points. A more detailed description of a construction and performance properties of a golf ball utilizing the polyurethane material of the present invention is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,858, for a Golf Ball With A High Coefficient Of Restitution, issued on Sep. 2, 2002, assigned to Callaway Golf Company, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,697 for a Golf Ball With A High Coefficient Of Restitution, filed on Nov. 12, 2002, assigned to Callaway Golf Company, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. The Shore D hardness of the golf ball 10, as measured on the golf ball, is preferably between 30 Shore D points to 75 Shore D points, and most preferably between 50 Shore D points and 65 Shore D points. The hardness of the golf ball 10 is measured using an Instron Shore D Hardness measurement device wherein the golf ball 10 is placed within a holder and the pin is lowered to the surface to measure the hardness. The average of five measurements is used in calculating the ball hardness. The ball hardness is preferably measured on a land area of the cover 14. The preferred overall diameter of the golf ball 10 is approximately 1.68 inches, and the preferred mass is approximately 45.5 grams. However, those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that the diameter of the golf ball 10 may be smaller (e.g. 1.65 inches) or larger (e.g. 1.70 inches) without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, the mass may also vary without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The surface geometry of the golf ball 10 is preferably a conventional dimple pattern such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,898 for a Golf Ball With An Aerodynamic Surface On A Polyurethane Cover, which pertinent parts are hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, the surface geometry of the golf ball 10 may have a non-dimple pattern such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,615 filed on Nov. 18, 1999 for A Golf Ball Having Tubular lattice Pattern, which pertinent parts are hereby incorporated by reference. From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention and will readily understand that while the present invention has been described in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes, modifications and substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in the following appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thermosetting polyurethane material. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermosetting polyurethane material for a cover of a golf ball. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally golf balls are made by molding a cover around a core. The core may be wound or solid. A wound core typically comprises elastic thread wound about a solid or liquid center. Unlike wound cores, solid cores do not include a wound elastic thread layer. Solid cores typically may comprise a single solid piece center or a solid center covered by one or more mantle or boundary layers of material. The cover may be injection molded, compression molded, or cast over the core. Injection molding typically requires a mold having at least one pair of mold cavities, e.g., a first mold cavity and a second mold cavity, which mate to form a spherical recess. In addition, a mold may include more than one mold cavity pair. In one exemplary injection molding process each mold cavity may also include retractable positioning pins to hold the core in the spherical center of the mold cavity pair. Once the core is positioned in the first mold cavity, the respective second mold cavity is mated to the first to close the mold. A cover material is then injected into the closed mold. The positioning pins are retracted while the cover material is flowable to allow the material to fill in any holes caused by the pins. When the material is at least partially cured, the covered core is removed from the mold. As with injection molding, compression molds typically include multiple pairs of mold cavities, each pair comprising first and second mold cavities that mate to form a spherical recess. In one exemplary compression molding process, a cover material is pre-formed into half-shells, which are placed into a respective pair of compression mold cavities. The core is placed between the cover material half-shells and the mold is closed. The core and cover combination is then exposed to heat and pressure, which cause the cover half-shells to combine and form a full cover. As with the above-referenced processes, a casting process also utilizes pairs of mold cavities. In a casting process, a cover material is introduced into a first mold cavity of each pair. Then, a core is held in position (e.g. by an overhanging vacuum or suction apparatus) to contact the cover material in what will be the spherical center of the mold cavity pair. Once the cover material is at least partially cured (e.g., a point where the core will not substantially move), the core is released, the cover material is introduced into a second mold cavity of each pair, and the mold is closed. The closed mold is then subjected to heat and pressure to cure the cover material thereby forming a cover on the core. With injection molding, compression molding, and casting, the molding cavities typically include a negative dimple pattern to impart a dimple pattern on the cover during the molding process. Materials previously used as golf ball covers include balata (natural or synthetic), gutta-percha, ionomeric resins (e.g., DuPont's SURLYN®), and polyurethanes. Balata is the benchmark cover material with respect to sound (i.e. the sound made when the ball is hit by a golf club) and feel (i.e. the sensation imparted to the golfer when hitting the ball). Natural balata is derived from the Bully Gum tree, while synthetic balata is derived from a petroleum compound. Balata is expensive compared to other cover materials, and golf balls covered with balata tend to have poor durability (i.e. poor cut and shear resistance). Gutta percha is derived from the Malaysian sapodilla tree. A golf ball covered with gutta percha is considered to have a harsh sound and feel as compared to balata covered golf balls. Ionomeric resins, as compared to balata, are typically less expensive and tend to have good durability. However, golf balls having ionomeric resin covers typically have inferior sound and feel, especially as compared to balata covers. A golf ball with a polyurethane cover generally has greater durability than a golf ball with a balata cover. The polyurethane covered golf ball generally has a better sound and feel than a golf ball with an ionomeric resin cover. Polyurethanes may be thermoset or thermoplastic. Polyurethanes are formed by reacting a prepolymer with a polyfunctional curing agent, such as a polyamine or a polyol. The polyurethane prepolymer is the reaction product of, for example, a diisocyanate and a polyol such as a polyether or a polyester. Several patents describe the use of polyurethanes in golf balls. However, golf balls with polyurethane covers usually do not have the distance of other golf balls such as those with covers composed of SURLYN® materials. Gallagher, U.S. Pat. No. 3,034,791 discloses a polyurethane golf ball cover prepared from the reaction product of poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol and toluene-2,4-diisocyanates (TDI), either pure TDI or an isomeric mixture. Isaac, U.S. Pat. No. 3,989,568 (“the '568 patent) discloses a polyurethane golf ball cover prepared from prepolymers and curing agents that have different rates of reaction so a partial cure can be made. The '568 patent explains that “the minimum number of reactants is three.” Specifically, in '568 patent, two or more polyurethane prepolymers are reacted with at least one curing agent, or at least one polyurethane prepolymer is reacted with two or more curing agents as long as the curing agents have different rates of reaction. The '568 patent also explains that “[o]ne of the great advantages of polyurethane covers made in accordance with the instant invention is that they may be made very thin . . . ”, and “[t]here is no limitation on how thick the cover of the present invention may be but it is generally preferred . . . that the cover is no more than about 0.6 inches in thickness.” The examples in the '568 patent only disclose golf balls having covers that are about 0.025 inches thick. Similar to Isaac, PCT International Publication Number WO 99/43394 to Dunlop Maxfli Sports Corporation, discloses using two curing agents to control the reaction time for polyurethane formation. The two curing agents are a dimethylthio 2,4-toluenediamine and diethyl 2,4-toluenediamine, which are blended to control the reaction rate of a toluene diisocyanate based polyurethane prepolymer or a 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate based polyurethane prepolymer. Dusbiber, U.S. Pat. No. 4,123,061 (“the '061 patent”) discloses a polyurethane golf ball cover prepared from the reaction product of a polyether, a diisocyanate and a curing agent. The '061 patent discloses that the polyether may be polyalkylene ether glycol or polytetramethylene ether glycol. The '061 patent also discloses that the diisocyanate may be TDI, 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (“MDI”), and 3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-biphenylene diisocyanate (“TODI”). Additionally, the '061 patent discloses that the curing agent may be either a polyol (either tri- or tetra-functional and not di-functional) such as triisopropanol amine (“TIPA”) or trimethoylol propane (“TMP”, or an amine-type having at least two reactive amine groups such as: 3,3′ dichlorobenzidene; 3,3′ dichloro 4,4′ diamino diphenyl methane (“MOCA”; N,N,N′,N′ tetrakis (2-hydroxy propyl) ethylene diamine; or Uniroyal's Curalon L which is an aromatic diamine mixture. Hewitt, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,432 (“the '432 patent”) discloses a thermoplastic polyesterurethane golf ball cover formed from a reaction product of a polyester glycol (molecular weight of 800-1500) (aliphatic diol and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid) with a para-phenylene diisocyanate (“PPDI” or cyclohexane diisocyanate in the substantial absence of curing or crosslinking agents. The '432 patent teaches against the use of chain extenders in making polyurethanes. The '432 patent states, “when small amounts of butanediol-1,4 are mixed with a polyester . . . the addition results in polyurethanes that do not have the desired balance of properties to provide good golf ball covers. Similarly, the use of curing or crosslinking agents is not desired . . . .” Holloway, U.S. Pat. No. 4,349,657 (“the '657 patent” discloses a method for preparing polyester urethanes with PPDI by reacting a polyester (e.g. prepared from aliphatic glycols having 2-8 carbons reacted with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids having 4-10 carbons) with a molar excess of PPDI to obtain an isocyanate-terminated polyester urethane (in liquid form and stable at reaction temperatures), and then reacting the polyester urethane with additional polyester. The '657 patent claims that the benefit of this new process is the fact that a continuous commercial process is possible without stability problems. The '657 patent further describes a suitable use for the resultant material to be golf ball covers. Wu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,673 (“the '673 patent” discloses a polyurethane prepolymer cured with a slow-reacting curing agent selected from slow-reacting polyamine curing agents and difunctional glycols (i.e., 3,5-dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine, 3,5-dimethylthio-2,6-toluenediamine, N,N′-dialkyldiamino diphenyl methane, trimethyleneglycol-di-p-aminobenzoate, polytetramethyleneoxide-di-p-aminobenzoate, 1,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol, ethylene glycol, and mixtures of the same). The polyurethane prepolymer in the '673 patent is disclosed as made from a polyol (e.g., polyether, polyester, or polylactone) and a diisocyanate such as MDI or TODI. The polyether polyols disclosed in the '673 patent are polytetramethylene ether glycol, poly(oxypropylene) glycol, and polybutadiene glycol. The polyester polyols disclosed in the '673 patent are polyethylene adipate glycol, polyethylene propylene adipate glycol, and polybutylene adipate glycol. The polylactone polyols disclosed in the '673 patent are diethylene glycol initiated caprolactone, 1,4-butanediol initiated caprolactone, trimethylol propane initiated caprolactone, and neopentyl glycol initiated caprolactone. Cavallaro, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,191 discloses a golf ball having core, mantle layer and cover, wherein the mantle layer is either a vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer, functionalized styrene-butadiene elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, metallocene polymer or blends of the same and thermoset materials. Wu, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,974 discloses golf balls having covers and cores that incorporate urethane ionomers (i.e. using an alkylating agent to introduce ionic interactions in the polyurethane and thereby produce cationic type ionomers). Sullivan, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,831 (“the '831 patent”) discloses a golf ball having a multi-layer cover wherein the inner cover layer has a hardness of at least 65 Shore D and the outer cover layer has a hardness of 55 Shore D or less, and more preferably 48 Shore D or less. The '831 patent explains that this dual layer construction provides a golf ball having soft feel and high spin on short shots, and good distance and average spin on long shots. The '831 patent provides that the inner cover layer can be made from high or low acid ionomers such as SURLYN®, ESCOR® or IOTEK®, or blends of the same, nonionomeric thermoplastic material such as metallocene catalyzed polyolefins or polyamides, polyamide/ionomer blends, polyphenylene ether/ionomer blends, etc., (having a Shore D hardness of at least 60 and a flex modulus of more than 30000 psi), thermoplastic or thermosetting polyurethanes, polyester elastomers (e.g. HYTREL®), or polyether block amides (e.g. PEBAX®), or blends of these materials. The '831 patent also provides that the outer cover layer can be made from soft low modulus (i.e. 1000-10000 psi) material such as low-acid ionomers, ionomeric blends, non-ionomeric thermoplastic or thermosetting materials such as polyolefins, polyurethane (e.g. thermoplastic polyurethanes like TEXIN®, PELETHANE®, and thermoset polyurethanes like those disclosed in Wu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,673), polyester elastomer (e.g. HYTREL®), or polyether block amide (e.g. PEBAX®), or a blend of these materials. Hebert, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,172 (“the '172 patent” discloses a multilayer golf ball giving a “progressive performance” (i.e. different performance characteristics when struck with different clubs at different head speeds and loft angles) and having an outer cover layer formed of a thermoset material with a thickness of less than 0.05 inches and an inner cover layer formed of a high flexural modulus material. The '172 patent provides that the outer cover is made from polyurethane ionomers as described in Wu, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,974, or thermoset polyurethanes such as TDI or methylenebis-(4-cyclohexyl isocyanate) (“HMDI”, or a polyol cured with a polyamine (e.g. methylenedianiline (MDA)), or with a trifunctional glycol (e.g., N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-hydroxpropyl)ethylenediamine). The '172 also provides that the inner cover has a Shore D hardness of 65-80, a flexural modulus of at least about 65,000 psi, and a thickness of about 0.020-0.045 inches. Exemplary materials for the inner cover are ionomers, polyurethanes, polyetheresters (e.g. HYTREL®), polyetheramides (e.g., PEBAX®), polyesters, dynamically vulcanized elastomers, functionalized styrene-butadiene elastomer, metallocene polymer, blends of these materials, nylon or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer. Wu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,870 (“the '870 patent” discloses golf balls having covers composed of a polyurea composition. The polyurea composition disclosed in the '870 patent is a reaction product of an organic isocyanate having at least two functional groups and an organic amine having at least two functional groups. One of the organic isocyanates disclosed by the '870 patent is PPDI. Although the prior art has disclosed golf ball covers composed of many different polyurethane materials, none of these golf balls have proven completely satisfactory. Dissatisfaction, for example, remains with processing and manufacturing the balls, especially with controlling the reaction time of the curative and prepolymer. If the “gel time” for formation of a polyurethane material is too fast, the time to place a core in a hemispherical cavity with the gelling pre-polyurethane material and to mate the hemispherical cavity with a corresponding hemispherical cavity is greatly reduced thereby leading to processing problems like air pockets, and centering of the core. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is a more durable polyurethane material for a golf ball cover. The polyurethane material is formed from polytetramethylene ether glycol terminated 4,4′-dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate-based polyurethane prepolymer and a curative blend composed of diethyl-2,4-toluene-diamine and a second curing agent having the same equivalent weight as 4,4′-methylenebis-(2,6-diethyl)-aniline. The equivalent weight of a compound is determined by dividing its molecular weight by the number of its functionality groups. | 20041208 | 20060905 | 20060608 | 99576.0 | A63B3704 | 0 | GORR, RACHEL F | POLYURETHANE MATERIAL FOR A GOLF BALL COVER | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | A63B | 2,004 |
|
10,905,121 | ACCEPTED | Vehicle exterior mirror system with turn signal light assembly | A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use on a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle and a turn signal light assembly. The mirror assembly includes a reflectance element that is moveably mounted on an actuator for providing remote positioning of the reflectance element. The light assembly is fixedly mounted in the mirror assembly separate from the reflectance element whereby movement of the reflectance element is independent of the light assembly. The light assembly comprises a light source, which comprises at least one light emitting diode that preferably emits visible light having a luminous intensity of at least about 500 mcd and a dominant wavelength of at least about 530 nm when operating, at 25 degrees Celsius, at a forward voltage of less than about 5 volts and when passing a forward current of 20 milliamps. | 1. (canceled) 2. A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use on a vehicle, the vehicle including a passenger compartment and a longitudinal axis, said mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle; said exterior mirror assembly including a reflectance element, said reflectance element being moveably mounted on an actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; a turn signal light assembly fixedly mounted in said exterior mirror assembly separate from said reflectance element whereby movement of said reflectance element is independent of said turn signal light assembly; wherein said turn signal light assembly comprises a light source, said light source comprising at least one light emitting diode; said at least one light emitting diode emitting visible light having a luminous intensity of at least about 500 mcd and having a dominant wavelength of at least about 530 nm when operating, at 25 degrees Celsius, at a forward voltage of less than about 5 volts and when passing a forward current of 20 milliamps. 3. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said at least one light emitting diode is at an angle of at least approximately 20 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted on the vehicle. 4. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said signal light assembly radiates light chosen from red colored light and amber colored light. 5. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a lens and wherein said lens comprises one chosen from a segmented lens, a prismatic lens, and a Fresnel lens. 6. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a light pipe. 7. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a reflector. 8. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said at least one light emitting diode emits visible light having a luminous intensity of about 500 mcd to about 5000 mcd. 9. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said at least one light emitting diode comprises one chosen from a red light emitting diode and an amber light emitting diode. 10. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said at least one light emitting diode emits visible light having a dominant wavelength of about 530 nm to about 680 nm. 11. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element. 12. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said exterior mirror assembly comprises a breakaway joint for mounting said exterior mirror assembly to the side of the vehicle. 13. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a portion configured for facing rearward of the vehicle and another portion that wraps around the side of said exterior mirror assembly outboard the mounting of said exterior mirror assembly to the side of the vehicle. 14. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a filtering lens. 15. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said turn signal assembly includes at least one louver, said at least one louver configured in order to shield the driver from light emitted by said light source 16. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said signal light assembly is adapted for connection to a circuit comprising a photosensor, said circuit dimming the intensity of light emitted by said at least one light emitting diode when said signal light assembly operates under low ambient light conditions about said vehicle. 17. The mirror system of claim 16, wherein said photosensor is integral with said signal light assembly. 18. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said turn signal light assembly comprises a turn signal light module. 19. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said turn signal light assembly comprises a removable turn signal light module. 20. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a plurality of individual light emitting sources. 21. A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use on a vehicle, the vehicle including a passenger compartment and a longitudinal axis, said mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle; said exterior mirror assembly including a reflectance element, said reflectance element being moveably mounted on an actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; a turn signal light assembly fixedly mounted in said exterior mirror assembly separate from said reflectance element whereby movement of said reflectance element is independent of said turn signal light assembly; wherein said turn signal light assembly comprises a light source, said light source comprising at least one light emitting diode; said at least one light emitting diode emitting visible light having a luminous intensity of at least about 500 mcd when operating, at 25 degrees Celsius, at a forward voltage of less than about 5 volts and when passing a forward current of 20 milliamps; and wherein said signal light assembly comprises a lens. 22. The mirror system of claim 21, wherein said at least one light emitting diode is at an angle of at least approximately 20 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted on the vehicle. 23. The mirror system of claim 21, wherein said signal light assembly radiates light chosen from red colored light and amber colored light. 24. The mirror system of claim 21, wherein said lens comprises one chosen from a segmented lens, a prismatic lens, and a Fresnel lens. 25. The mirror system of claim 21, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a light pipe. 26. The mirror system of claim 21, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a reflector. 27. The mirror system of claim 21, wherein said at least one light emitting diode emits visible light having a luminous intensity of about 500 mod to about 5000 mcd. 28. The mirror system of claim 21, wherein said at least one light emitting diode emits visible light having a dominant wavelength of about 530 nm to about 680 nm. 29. The mirror system of claim 21, wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element. 30. The mirror system of claim 21, wherein said exterior mirror assembly comprises a breakaway joint for mounting said exterior mirror assembly to the side of the vehicle. 31. The mirror system of claim 21, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a portion configured for facing rearward of the vehicle and another portion that wraps around the side of said exterior mirror assembly outboard the mounting of said exterior mirror assembly to the side of the vehicle. 32. The mirror system of claim 21, wherein said signal light assembly is adapted for connection to a circuit comprising a photosensor, said circuit dimming the intensity of light emitted by said at least one light emitting diode when said signal light assembly operates under low ambient light conditions about said vehicle. 33. The mirror system of claim 21, wherein said turn signal light assembly comprises a removable turn signal light module. 34. The mirror system of claim 21, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a plurality of individual light emitting sources. 35. A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use on a vehicle, the vehicle including a passenger compartment and a longitudinal axis, said mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle; said exterior mirror assembly including a reflectance element, said reflectance element being moveably mounted on an actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; a turn signal light assembly fixedly mounted in said exterior mirror assembly separate from said reflectance element whereby movement of said reflectance element is independent of said turn signal light assembly; wherein said turn signal light assembly comprises a light source, said light source comprising at least one light emitting diode; said at least one light emitting diode emitting visible light having a luminous intensity of at least about 500 mod when passing a forward current of 20 milliamps; wherein said signal light assembly comprises a lens; and wherein said visible light emitted by said at least one light emitting diode has a dominant wavelength of at least about 530 mm. 36. The mirror system of claim 35, wherein said at least one light emitting diode is at an angle of at least approximately 20 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted on the vehicle. 37. The mirror system of claim 35, wherein said lens comprises one chosen from a segmented lens, a prismatic lens, and a Fresnel lens. 38. The mirror system of claim 35, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a light pipe. 39. The mirror system of claim 35, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a reflector. 40. The mirror system of claim 35, wherein said at least one light emitting diode emits visible light having a luminous intensity of about 500 mcd to about 5000 mcd. 41. The mirror system of claim 35, wherein said at least one light emitting diode emits visible light having a dominant wavelength of about 530 nm to about 680 nm. 42. The mirror system of claim 35, wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element. 43. The mirror system of claim 35, wherein said exterior mirror assembly comprises a breakaway joint for mounting said exterior mirror assembly to the side of the vehicle. 44. The mirror system of claim 35, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a portion configured for facing rearward of the vehicle and another portion that wraps around the side of said exterior mirror assembly outboard the mounting of said exterior mirror assembly to the side of the vehicle. 45. The mirror system of claim 35, wherein said signal light assembly is adapted for connection to a circuit comprising a photosensor, said circuit dimming the intensity of light emitted by said at least one light emitting diode when said signal light assembly operates under low ambient light conditions about said vehicle. 46. The mirror system of claim 35, wherein said turn signal light assembly comprises a removable turn signal light module. 47. The mirror system of claim 35, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a plurality of individual light emitting sources separated by louvers. | RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/333,412 filed Nov. 2, 1994, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/011,947 filed Dec. 16, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,659. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to security systems for vehicles and, more particularly, to remotely actuated, personal safety lighting systems. The invention is particularly adapted to incorporation in the exterior mirrors of a vehicle. Personal security in and around vehicles has become an important concern. In particular, an increasing number of assaults and robberies are committed in parking lots while occupants are entering and exiting vehicles. While remote-operated, keyless entry systems have been incorporated in vehicles in order to unlock the vehicle and illuminate interior lights, such systems merely expedite entry to the vehicle and do not, per se, enhance security around the vehicle. Accordingly, a need exists for a vehicle security system to increase the security for vehicle occupants while entering and exiting the vehicle. Any such system would need to be aesthetically pleasing and not burdensome in use. In order to include a security light system in a vehicle exterior mirror assembly, the security light must be rugged and resistant to environmental conditions such as water splash from road surfaces, rain and other precipitation as well as car washes. The assembly desirably must additionally be of relatively low cost and easy to manufacture in order to be acceptable to vehicle manufacturers. In addition, the security light desirably must be capable of matching a multiplicity of mirror housing designs. Moreover, the security light desirably is compact so as to fit into the interior cavity of conventional exterior mirror housings. For styling and aerodynamic reasons, exterior mirror housings are of determined and restricted size, shape, design, and interior volume. Moreover, the interior volume is already typically relatively cramped as it must accommodate not only the mirror reflector element itself and its movement, but also usually a manual or electric actuator that allows adjustment of the rearward field of view of the reflector remotely by the driver from the interior cabin of the vehicle. Also, since it is commercially desirable for a manufacturer of a security light to supply to a multitude of exterior mirror manufacturers, for their incorporation into their own particular exterior mirror assembly construction, it is desirable that the light be of a module type that is compact; that is weatherproofed; that is attachable and receivable by a wide variety of exterior mirror assembly designs; that is readily, standardly, and conveniently connectable to the vehicle electrical service and wiring already commonly found in conventional exterior mirror assemblies; and that is economic both for manufacture by the light module manufacturer and for the manufacturer of the complete exterior mirror assembly who will incorporate the light module into a mirror housing. Importantly, the security light must be easy to service. The vehicle repair technician must be provided with easy access to the light source in order to replace the light source during the useful life of the vehicle. Furthermore, the light source should be replaceable without removing and subsequently replacing numerous fasteners. Such fasteners are not only time-consuming to remove and replace, but are subject to getting lost as well as damaged. Most or all of the above requirements must be met in order to have a commercially viable vehicle exterior mirror assembly security system suitable for use on a vehicle, such as an automobile. Indeed, the Applicants do not know of any successful commercial incorporation of a light module into an exterior mirror assembly on an automobile and believe that their inventions are the first commercially successful applications of a light module suitable for use in the exterior mirror assembly on an automobile. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is intended to provide a personal safety feature for a vehicle in the form of a light adapted to projecting light generally downwardly on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in the area. Advantageously, the light, that preferably provides a security function, is provided as a module that is suitable for use in the exterior mirror housing designs of various vehicles. The light module is capable of low cost, easy manufacture. Furthermore, the module is compact and is substantially moisture impervious in order to resist environmental forces. Advantageously, the light module is easy to service in order to replace the light source by requiring a minimum of, preferably one or no, fasteners in order to remove the module from the exterior mirror assembly. Furthermore, the invention encompasses a signal light module with the advantages described above and with the signal light generating a light pattern discernable to drivers of overtaking vehicles but largely imperceptible to the driver of the vehicle on which the signal light itself is mounted. According to an aspect of the invention, a mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly having a reflective element and a housing for the reflective element. A light module is removably positioned within the housing. The light module projects light from the housing on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle, preferably in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The light module includes an enclosure, a light-transmitting opening in the enclosure facing downwardly or rearwardly of the vehicle, or both, a cover for the light-transmitting opening, and a light source in the enclosure. The light module may further include a serviceable, removable light source receiving means, such as a socket positioned in another opening in the enclosure and a gasket for sealing the socket in the opening, or with the mating surface of the socket to the opening being self-gasketing. In this manner, the light source can be replaced by removing the light module from the exterior mirror housing and removing the socket from the light module. The light module and the mirror housing may have mating surface configurations, which at least partially retain the light module in the housing. This may eliminate the requirement for multiple fasteners which must be removed in order to service the light module. The light module may further include a second light-transmitting opening in the enclosure facing rearwardly of the vehicle, a second cover for the second light-transmitting opening, and a second light source in the second enclosure radiating light through the second light-transmitting opening. This feature may provide a signal light for use as either a turn signal, a brake signal, or both, visible from the side of the equipped vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the second light source is a plurality of light-emitting diodes and includes louvers between the light-emitting diodes. The louvers may be skewed in a direction away from the vehicle passenger compartment in order to shield the driver from light radiated by the light-emitting diodes. The light module is preferably substantially moisture impervious in order to be resistant to environmental elements. The enclosure is preferably a unitary assembly with the lens covering the light-transmitting opening permanently joined with the remainder of the enclosure. The light source is preferably serviceably, movably received within the enclosure by a socket that engages in an opening in the enclosure. In this manner, the light source may be replaced by removing the light module from the exterior mirror housing, removing the socket from the enclosure and replacing the light source in the socket. The invention provides a universal configuration for a mirror assembly security system, which allows the vehicle manufacturer to offer a mirror assembly system having only the security light feature, which projects light from the housing on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order, for example, to create a lighted security zone in that area. Alternatively, the invention allows the vehicle manufacturer to offer a mirror assembly having an additional or a stand-alone signal light; for example, a turn signal, a brake light, or both a turn signal and a brake light. The signal light increases security for the vehicle occupant by providing signals to vehicles overtaking the equipped vehicle from the side. The signal light may be designed to be observed by other vehicles passing the equipped vehicle, but not directly by the driver of the equipped vehicle. The security system is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the exterior mirror housing on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle that extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. In this manner, a security zone is established in the vicinity of the vehicle doors where occupants enter and exit the vehicle. The signal light is adapted to projecting a pattern of light extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the equipped vehicle. In this manner, the pattern generated by the signal light cannot be substantially observed by a driver of the equipped vehicle. However, the pattern generated by the signal light may be observed by a driver of another vehicle passing the vehicle equipped according to the invention. By providing a lighted security zone adjacent the vehicle, users can observe suspicious activity around the vehicle. The pattern of light generated by a security light according to the invention establishes a security zone around, and even under, the vehicle in the important area where the users enter and exit the vehicle. The invention, further, conveniently combines a signal light that acts in unison with the vehicle's turn signal, brake light, or both, with the security light, or as a stand-alone accessory, in an exterior mirror assembly. The signal light may be designed to be observed by other vehicles passing the equipped vehicle but not directly by the driver of the equipped vehicle. These and other objects, advantages and features of this invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view taken from the front of a mirror assembly (rear of the vehicle) incorporating the invention; FIG. 2 is a rear view of the mirror assembly in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a top view of the mirror assembly in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is the same view as FIG. 1 of an alternative embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system according to the invention; FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a control system according to the invention; FIG. 7 is a breakaway perspective view of the system in FIG. 1 revealing internal components thereof; FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the lines VIII-VIII in FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the lines IX-IX in FIG. 7; FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a vehicle illustrating the security zone light pattern generated by a security light according to the invention; FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the vehicle and light pattern in FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a rear elevation of the vehicle and light pattern in FIG. 10; FIG. 13 is a side elevation of a vehicle illustrating the light pattern generated by a signal light useful with the invention; FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the vehicle and light pattern in FIG. 13; FIG. 15 is a rear elevation of the vehicle and light pattern in FIG. 13; FIG. 16 is the same view as FIG. 7 of a first alternative light source according to the invention; FIG. 17 is the same view as FIG. 7 of a second alternative light source; FIG. 18 is the same view as FIG. 7 of a third alternative light source; FIG. 19 is the same view as FIG. 7 of a fourth alternative light source; FIG. 20 is the same view as FIG. 7 of the invention embodied in an alternative mirror structure; FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view taken from the front of a mirror assembly (rear of the vehicle), according to another aspect of the invention; FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view illustrating details of the light module; FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along the lines XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 22; FIG. 24 is a front elevation of the mirror assembly in FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrating the manner in which a light module is removably mounted to an exterior rearview mirror housing; FIG. 25 is the same view as FIG. 23 of an alternative embodiment; FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view taken from the front of a mirror assembly of another alternative embodiment of the invention; FIG. 27 is a sectional view taken along the lines XXVII-XXVII in FIG. 26; FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken along the lines XXVIII-XXVIII in FIG. 26; FIG. 29 is the same perspective view as FIG. 22 of another alternative embodiment; FIG. 30 is a front elevation of the mirror assembly in FIG. 29 illustrating the light module mounted to the support bracket; and FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken along the lines XXXIII-XXXIII in FIG. 30. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now specifically to the drawings, and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, a vehicle personal security lighting system 25 includes an exterior mirror assembly 26 having a conventional reflectance element 28, a security light 30, preferably white, or clear, and a signal light 32, preferably red or red-orange, incorporated in a housing, or casing, 34. Casing 34 is connected by a neck 36 to a stationary panel or sail 38 adapted for incorporation with the forward portion of the vehicle side window assembly, and which mounts mirror assembly 26 to the door of a vehicle 40 (see FIG. 10). Reflectance element 28 may be any of several reflectors, such as glass coated on its first or second surface with a suitable reflective layer or layers, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,471, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, or an electro-optic cell including a liquid crystal, electrochromic, or electrochemichromic fluid, gel or solid-state compound for varying the reflectivity of the mirror in response to electrical voltage applied thereacross as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,824, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, as is conventional, reflectance element 28 is mounted to a bracket 43 by a positioning device such as an actuator 42. Casing 34 is mounted to bracket 43. Actuator 42 provides remote positioning of reflectance element 28 on two orthogonal axes. Such actuators are well known in the art and may include a jackscrew-type actuator 42 such as Model No. H16-49-8001 (right-hand mirror) and Model No. H16-49-8051 (left-hand mirror) by Matsuyama of Kawagoe City, Japan, as illustrated in FIG. 7, or a planetary-gear actuator 42′ such as Model No. 540 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,899) sold by Industrie Koot BV (IKU) of Montfoort, Netherlands, as illustrated in FIG. 20. As is also conventional, the entire casing 34 including actuator 42, 42′ is mounted via bracket 43 for breakaway motion with respect to stationary panel 38 by a breakaway joint assembly 44. Breakaway joint assembly 44 (FIG. 9) includes a stationary member 46 attached to vehicle 40, a pivoting member 48 to which bracket 43 and casing 34 are attached, and a wire-way 50 through which a wire cable 52 passes. Wire cable 52 includes individual wires to supply control signals to actuator 42, 42′, as well as signals to control the level of reflectivity, if reflective element 28 is of the variable reflectivity type noted above, such as an electrochromic mirror. Power may also be supplied through cable 52 for a heater 53 as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,824 in order to evaporate ice and dew from reflective element 28. With reference to FIG. 5, actuator 42, 42′ receives a first set of reversible voltage signals from a switch 54, in order to bidirectionally pivot in one axis, and a second set of reversible signals from a switch 56, in order to bidirectionally pivot in the opposite axis, as is conventional. Switches 54 and 56 are actuated by a common actuator (not shown) that is linked so that only one of the switches 54 and 56 may be actuated at a time. In this manner, actuator 42, 42′ may utilize one common conductor for both switches 54, 56. Each of the security light 30 and signal light 32 includes a light source 60 and reflector 62 behind a lens 64 (FIG. 8). Light source 60, reflector 62 and lens 64 are designed for security light 30 to project a pattern 66 of light, such as white light, through a clear, non-filtering lens, in order to establish a security zone around the vehicle (FIGS. 10-12). Pattern 66 extends rearward from mirror assembly 26. Vertically, pattern 66 contacts the ground at 68 in the vicinity of entry and exit by the vehicle occupants (FIGS. 10 and 12). Laterally, pattern 66 fans out into contact with the side 70a, 70b of the vehicle. This contact washes the sides of the vehicle to reflect the light in order to further illuminate the area in order to establish the security lighting zone (FIGS. 11 and 12). In a preferred embodiment, pattern 66 extends rearwardly from mirror assembly 26 without projecting any portion of the pattern forwardly of the mirror assembly. Signal light 32 generates a light pattern 72, which is directed generally horizontally rearwardly of vehicle 40 (FIGS. 13-15). Pattern 72 is laterally directed substantially away from side 70a, 70b of vehicle 40 so that the driver of vehicle 40 does not directly intercept pattern 72, although a minor intensity (such as 10%) of the pattern is intercepted by the driver in order to provide awareness of the actuating of the signal light. Pattern 72 fans laterally away from side 70a, 70b to an extent that is parallel the face of reflectance element 28, which is substantially perpendicular to side 70a, 70b (FIG. 14). Thus, the driver of another vehicle (not shown) passing vehicle 40 on the left or right side of vehicle 40 will intercept pattern 72 while the vehicle is behind and beside vehicle 40. Although, in the illustrated embodiment, lens 64 of signal light 32 is substantially planar, lens 64 of signal light 32 could be made to wrap around the outward side of casing 34 in order to function as a side marker for the vehicle as is required in some European countries. Vehicle mirror assembly security system 25 is actuated by a control system 74 (FIG. 5). Control system 74 includes means for actuating security light 30 including a remote transmitting device 76 and a stationary receiving device 78. Transmitting device 76 may be remotely carried by the vehicle operator and includes switches 80 and 81 in order to actuate the transmitting circuitry to transmit a signal from antenna 82, which is received by antenna 84 of receiving device 78. Receiving device 78 is mounted in the vehicle, such as in the vehicle trunk compartment, interior cabin, or within or on a mirror assembly, and includes an output 86 in order to operate remote door lock circuit 88, as is conventional. For example, an antenna, such as a metallic antenna comprising, for example, 6 to 20 gauge copper wire, and/or an RF, IR, and the like signal receiving circuit, may be incorporated into one, and preferably both, of the exterior mirror assemblies, or into the interior mirror assembly, or into vehicle glazing, trim items such as sunvisors and overhead consoles, and their like. Such an antenna can be auxiliary mounted, integrally mounted, or insert molded into or onto, for example, the exterior mirror bracket, sail, housing, bezel, or visor, or could be part of the light module. Such receiving system can be of the automatic, proximity detection type that automatically senses proximity and approach of the vehicle owner by its automatic detection of the transducer carried by the vehicle owner, without that vehicle owner having necessarily to operate neither a button on a hand-held unit. Also, the receiver may be part of, or itself be, a proximity detection system that activates and illuminates the light module of this invention whenever the vehicle is approached under conditions where vehicle security is being detected and protected. Output 86 is, additionally, provided as an input 90 of a lockout circuit 92, whose output 94 is supplied to security lamp 30. Input 90 may additionally be actuated by a timeout circuit 96, which is conventionally supplied in a vehicle in order to dim the interior lights, following a slight delay, after the occurrence of an event, such as the opening and closing of the doors of the vehicle. Signal light 32 is actuated on line 98 from either a turn indicator circuit 100 or a stop lamp indicator circuit 102, both of which are conventionally supplied with vehicle 40. In operation, when the operator actuates switch 80 of transmitting device 76, receiving device 78 produces a signal on output 86 in order to cause remote door lock circuit 88 to unlock the doors. Alternatively, actuation of switch 81 on remote transmitting device 76 causes receiving device 78 to produce a signal on output 86 to cause remote door lock circuit 88 to lock the vehicle doors. The signal on output 86 actuates security lamp 30 provided that lockout circuit 92 does not inhibit the signal. Lockout circuit 92 responds to operation of the vehicle in order to avoid actuation of security lamp 30 when the vehicle is in motion. Such lockout circuits are conventional and may be responsive to placing of the vehicle transmission in gear or sensing of the speed of the vehicle, or the like. The lockout circuit may also be included in the vehicle's ignition system, such that the security light is disabled when the engine is started and the vehicle is operating. Thus, the lamp will be off when the ignition switch is turned to start the engine. Security lamp 30 is also actuated, in response to interior lighting device timeout circuit 96, whenever the interior lights of the vehicle are being actuated by timeout circuit 96, provided that lockout circuit 92 does not inhibit the signal from security lamp 30. This is provided in order to allow security lamp 30 to be actuated in response to the entry to, or exit from, vehicle 40 without the operator utilizing transmitting device 76 to lock or unlock the doors. Signal lamp 32 is actuated in response to turn indicator circuit 100 whenever the operator moves the indicator stick in the direction of that particular signal lamp 32. Signal lamp 32 may additionally be actuated from stop lamp circuit 102 in response to the driver actuating the vehicle's brakes. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, lens 64 of signal lamp 32 is adapted to filter the light provided from lamp 32 so as to be red and is provided for vehicles 40 in which the stop lamps and rear turn indicator lamps are, likewise, red. Because signal lamp 32 shines red, pattern 72 is restricted from extending forward of the vehicle. This is in order to comply with regulations prohibiting red lights from causing confusion with emergency vehicles by shining forward of the vehicle. For vehicles having red stoplights and amber turn indicators in the rear, a vehicle mirror security assembly 25′ includes an exterior mirror assembly 26′ and a control system 74′ (FIGS. 4 and 6). Exterior mirror assembly 26′ includes a security light 30′, preferably white or clear, and a pair of signal lights 32a′ and 32b′. Signal light 32a′ is amber and is actuated directly from turn indicator circuit 100′. This amber color can be provided either by an amber light bulb or source, or a filtering lens providing an amber color. Signal light 32b′ is red, red-orange or amber, as desired by the automaker, and is actuated directly from stop lamp circuit 102′. Each of the light patterns generated by signal lights 32a′ and 32b′ substantially correspond with light pattern 72. The light pattern generated by security light 30′ is substantially equivalent to pattern 66. With the exception that turn signal indicator circuit 100′ actuates signal light 32a′ and stop lamp circuit 102′ actuates signal light 32b′, control system 74′ operates substantially identically with control circuit 74. In the illustrated embodiment, light source 60, for both security light 30 and signal light 32, may be supplied as a conventional incandescent or halogen lamp 60a (FIG. 7). Alternatively, a conventional incandescent fuse lamp 60b may be used (FIG. 16). Alternatively, a vacuum fluorescent lamp 60c, which is available in various colors, may be used (FIG. 17). Alternatively, a light-emitting diode 60d may be used (FIG. 18). As yet a further alternative, a fiber optic bundle 104 forming a light pipe may be positioned to discharge light behind lens 64. Fiber optic bundle 104 passes through breakaway joint 44 in wire-way 50 in order to transmit light from a source (not shown) within vehicle 40. By way of example, lens 64 may be supplied as a clear lens, a diffuser lens, a segmented lens, a prismatic lens, or a Fresnel lens in order to generate light patterns 66 and 72. Bracket 43 and breakaway joint 44 are marketed by Donnelly Corporation, the present assignee, of Holland, Mich. The remote actuator composed of remote transmitting device 76 and stationary receiving device 78 may be radio frequency coupled, as is conventional. Alternatively, they may be infrared coupled as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,352. Although the invention is illustrated in a mirror assembly utilizing an automatic remote actuator, it may also be applied to manual remote actuators and handset actuators. As previously set forth, reflectance element 28 may be conventional or may be supplied as an electrochromic self-dimming mirror. Although the invention is illustrated with breakaway joint 44, the invention may also be applied to mirrors that are rigidly mounted to the vehicle. An alternative vehicle personal security lighting system 25′ includes a light module 104 that is removably positioned within housing 34′ of exterior mirror assembly 26′ (FIG. 21). In addition to the opening for accepting bezel or cowling 106, mirror housing 34′ includes a downward opening 108 for receiving light module 104. Additionally, bezel 106 includes a recess 110 which defines an opening facing generally downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. Exterior mirror assembly 26 includes a bracket 43′ for mounting positioning device 42 which mounts reflective element 28. Bracket 43′ has two pairs of flexible prongs 112, which are received within sockets 114 defined on an enclosure 116 of light module 104. Prongs 112 releasably engage sockets 114 in order to retain the light module within the exterior mirror assembly in openings 108 and 110. Light module 104 may be disassembled from exterior mirror assembly 26′ by reaching behind reflective element 28 with a pair of needle-nose pliers, or the like, and sequentially compressing each of the pairs of prongs 112 in order to release the prongs from sockets 114. Thus, prongs 112 and sockets 114 provide a fastener-less system which retains the light module in the exterior mirror assembly without the use of separate fasteners. A pair of shoulders 118, which define a slot 120 therebetween, engage a protrusion from an inner surface (not shown) of housing 34′ in order to assist in stably positioning light module 104 within housing 34′. Alternatively, one or more fasteners, such as screws, clasps, latches, clips, and their like could be used. But, preferably, for ease of serviceability and for consumer acceptability, only one, and at most two, such fastener should be used. A further advantage of a fastener-less system is that it facilitates supply of a light module of this invention for use in a plurality of exterior mirror assemblies manufactured by a multitude of exterior mirror manufacturers with minimum modifications to the complete mirror assembly housing. Unitary enclosure 116 has a generally downwardly directed light-transmitting opening 122 and an opening 121 for receiving a light socket 124. Light socket 124 provides electrical connection to a light source 126, which is electrically interconnected to the vehicle through a cable 128. The socket may be self-gasketing, achieved by selection of a material in its construction, at least at the mating surface, that achieves a sealing function. Preferably, the socket, either wholly, or partially at least at its mating surface, is a resilient, somewhat flexible polymer material, preferably with a durometer hardness, measured on the SHORE A scale of less than approximately 95, more preferably less than approximately 85, and most preferably less than approximately 75 but preferably of SHORE A hardness greater than about 50, and preferably greater than about 60. Materials appropriate to achieve this, and simultaneously have the physical, mechanical, and high temperature performance needed, include silicone, urethanes, thermoplastic rubbers, and polyvinyl chloride. Preferably, the material used for the self-gasketing socket is capable of withstanding temperatures in use in excess of approximately 200N F or higher. Alternatively, a rigid construction may be used for the light socket, such as a ceramic, engineering plastic, Bakelite, nylon, polyester, filled polyester, or filled (glass and/or mineral) nylon, if a gasketing material delivering the above properties are used at the point of mating of light socket 124 and enclosure 116. Light socket 124 seals against enclosure 116 by the provision of a gasket, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is provided by the flexible nature of light socket 124. Alternatively, a separate gasket member formed of material such as silicone, neoprene, thermoplastic rubber, EPDM, polypropylene/EPDM alloy and similar elastomeric materials, preferably having the hardness properties listed above, could be inserted between the light socket and the enclosure. Light-transmitting opening 122 is covered by a cover member 130. Cover member 130 is a lens member, which affects the distribution of light emitted from light source 126. In the illustrated embodiment, cover member 130 is a clear optic lens that provides a substantially uniform puddle of light on the illuminated area adjacent the vehicle's door having a relatively wide light pattern, or flood pattern. Alternatively, cover member 130 could be a diffractive optic, a diffusive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, or a sinusoidal optic. In the illustrated embodiment, light source 126 is an incandescent lamp that is a filament optic having a minimum five-candle power. Such candle power mounted within an exterior mirror assembly of an automobile will preferably produce a ground surface illumination intensity of at least approximately 5 lux or greater, more preferably at least about 10 lux, and most preferably at least about 20 lux. Light source 126 may range in power up to 32-candle power or more. The preferred range is between approximately 5-candle power and approximately 15-candle power. It is desirable to provide as much candle power as possible without creating excessive heat within enclosure 116. If a high wattage lamp is used, a ventilation system is provided. Ventilation techniques are known in the art which allow the passage of air through the cavity 134 in which the light source is positioned while providing a substantially moisture-impervious barrier. Light module 104 additionally includes a reflector 132 surrounding light source 126, both positioned in a cavity 134, which extends to light-transmitting opening 122. The purpose of the reflector is in order to direct the light from light source 126 into the pattern of light illustrated in FIGS. 10-12. Reflector 132 may be a parabolic reflector, as illustrated in FIG. 23, but may additionally include an extended tunnel in order to provide collimation of the light beam. In the illustrated embodiment, reflector 132 is aluminum or high efficiency aluminum vacuum-deposited on a wall 133 defining cavity 134, with an optional coating of lacquer. Alternatively, wall 133 may be coated with a white paint, such as “Argent” white or a silver paint. Reflector 132 may be a separate member, such as stamped metal or an aluminized glass optic. Alternatively, light source 126 and reflector 132 may be provided as an assembly. Light module 104 includes a second cavity 140 defined in enclosure 116 and extending to a second light-transmitting opening 136. A signal light assembly 138 is positioned within cavity 140 to radiate light rearwardly with respect to the vehicle. Signal light assembly 138 includes a pair of electrical contacts 142, which protrude through grooves 144 defined in a flange 146 surrounding opening 136. Contacts 142 engage a connector 148, which provides electrical connection between signal light assembly 138 and the vehicle through cable 128 which, in turn, may piggyback or otherwise connect to existing 12-volt battery/ignition wiring already supplied in the housing to service an electrical actuator and/or a defroster heater pad. Signal light assembly 138 includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes 152 positioned on circuit board 150. A variety of emitting sources may be used as light-emitting source 90, including, but not limited to, very high intensity amber and reddish-orange light-emitting diode (LED) sources, such as solid-state light-emitting diode (LED) sources utilizing double heterojunction AlGaAs/GaAs material technology, such as very high intensity red LED lamps T-1 ¾ (5 mm) HLMP-4100/4101, available from Hewlett Packard Corporation, Palo Alto, Calif., or which use transparent substrate aluminum indium gallium phosphide (AlInGaP) material technology, commercially available from Hewlett Packard Corporation, Palo Alto, Calif. under the designation T-1 ¾ (5 mm) HLMT-DL00, HLMT-CH00, HLMT-CL00, HLMT-CH15, HLMT-CL15 and HLMT-DH00 or high power AlInGaP amber and reddish-orange lamps under the designation HLMA-CHOO/-CLOO, HLMA-DGOO/-DHOO/-DLOO, HLMA-EH2O/-EL2O, HLMA-KH00/-KL00, and HLMA-QHOO/-QLOO, or which use InGaAlP material technology available from Toshiba Corporation of Latham, N.Y., such as under the designation TLRH180D or GaAlAs/GaAlAs LED sources available from Sharp Corporation Electronics Components Group such as Model No. GL6UR31T and Model No. GL6UR3T which are red LEDs. Light emittance colors provided by such solid-state sources include orange, yellow, amber, red, and reddish-orange, desirably without need of ancillary spectral filters. The preferred solid-state light-emitting diodes, at 25N C or thereabouts, operate at a forward voltage of about 2 volts to about 5 volts; have a luminous intensity (measured at the peak of the spacial radiation pattern which may not be aligned with the mechanical axis of the source package) of a minimum, at 20 mA current, of about 500 to about 5000 mcd (typical, about 700 to about 7000 mcd); operate at a forward current of about 20 mA to about 50 mA; emit with a dominant wavelength (CIE Chromaticity Diagram) of about 530 nm to about 680 nm; and have a viewing angle 2Θ2 (where Θ2 is the off-axis angle where the luminous intensity is one half the peak intensity) of about 5N to about 25N. A lens assembly 154, which may be a polycarbonate or acrylic material, is positioned over signal light assembly 138. Lens assembly 154 may include a clear or sinusoidal optical surface 156 and a plurality of louvers 158. Louvers 158 and light-emitting diodes 152 are skewed away from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the light-emitting diodes and louvers are skewed at an angle of at least approximately 15N, more preferably approximately 20N, and most preferably approximately 25N to 30N from the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle, but preferably not more than about 45N. The purpose of the skewing is in order to allow the light radiated by the signal light assembly to be visible by drivers in vehicles to the side of vehicle 40, but to be shielded from the driver of the vehicle 40. This features prevents distraction to the driver of the vehicle equipped with the security lighting system. A cover member 160 encloses signal light assembly 138 and sinusoidal optical surface 156 by moisture-tight engagement with flange 146 of enclosure 116. In the illustrated embodiment, light-emitting diodes 152 are individually mounted at an angle on circuit board 150. In an alternative embodiment, light-emitting diodes 152 could be mounted upright, normal to circuit board 150, with the entire signal light assembly mounted at an angle with respect to the vehicle passenger compartment in order to provide proper skewing away from the driver of the vehicle equipped with the mirror assembly security system according to the invention. Also, when desired, a current limiting resistor can be mounted on circuit board 150 in series with the light-emitting diodes 152 to limit current therethrough and to mate to the 12-volt ignition/battery potential servicing the exterior mirror assembly. Enclosure 116 is made from a heat-resistant material and is substantially moisture impervious. Preferably, a polymer material is used which has a heat distortion temperature (as measured by ASTM D 648 for a 12.7×12.7×6.4 mm specimen and at 1820 kPa) of at least approximately 80N C, more preferably at least approximately 100N C, and most preferably at least approximately 120N C. A mineral-filled or glass-filled nylon or polyester or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer may be utilized for enclosure 116. In the illustrated embodiment, enclosure 116 is made from polycarbonate with cover members 130 and 160 made from a polycarbonate or acrylic. The components of enclosure 116 may be assembled by conventional sonic welding, vibration welding, or by the use of suitable adhesives. Enclosure 116 is opaque, except for cover members 130 and 160, in order to shade light. The light module fits within the cavity defined within housing 34′ by openings 108 and 110 in a manner which conforms to the styling and aerodynamic lines of the housing. In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25, a light module 104′ is provided that includes a first downwardly directed light-transmitting opening 122 but does not include a rearwardly directed light-transmitting opening in the housing bezel. Light module 104′ provides a puddle of light around the vehicle's doors, but does not include a signal light visible by drivers on the sides of the vehicle 40 equipped with light module 104′. In this manner, a mirror assembly security system, according to the invention, may be provided with a generally downwardly directed security light alone (104′) or in combination with a signal light (104), which may illuminate in unison with the vehicle's turn signal, or brake lights, or both. Alternatively, signal light 104 may be provided as a stand-alone module packaged such as described herein and achieving the advantages in terms of modularity, ease of service/installation, weather resilience, etc., described herein. Thus, it is seen that the present invention provides an exceptionally flexible design which is easily adapted to various configurations desired by the vehicle manufacturers. Additionally, because the security system is provided in a unitary module having a unitary cover member/lens, the invention may be readily adapted to many vehicle housing designs without requiring extensive re-engineering of the vehicle exterior mirror housing. In another embodiment, a light module 104″ includes side-by-side cavities 134′ and 140′ (FIGS. 26-28). Cavity 134′ terminates in a light-transmitting opening 122′, which extends both downwardly and rearwardly with respect to the vehicle. A light-directing lens, or prism, 162 in cavity 134′ captures a portion of the light radiated by light source 126′ and directs it rearwardly of the vehicle. The puddle of light produced by light module 104″ is capable of extending rearwardly of the vehicle because of the nature of light-transmitting opening 122′ and the light redirecting effect of prism 162. The second cavity 140′ in enclosure 116′ includes a light-transmitting opening 136′ which extends generally rearwardly of the vehicle. A light source 138′ is positioned within cavity 140′ and is surrounded by a reflector 164, which directs light through light-transmitting opening 136′. A diffuser assembly 154′ includes an integral cover member and louvers in order to direct light radiated by light source 138′ away from the passenger compartment of the vehicle equipped with light module 104″. A unitary cover 130′ extends over both openings 122′ and 136′. Enclosure 116′ includes a surface 166, which is configured with a groove 168, which mates with a tongue (not shown) in housing 34″ of mirror assembly 36″. The mating tongue-and-groove surface configuration is repeated on the surface of enclosure 116′, which is opposite surface 166. The tongue-and-groove configuration at least partially retains light module 104″ within housing 34″ with a fastener, such as a threaded fastener 169, between an opening in housing 34″ and extending into enclosure 116′. In the illustrated embodiment, light radiated from light source 126′ through light-transmitting opening 122′ provides a puddle of light adjacent the vehicle doors in order to produce a lighted security zone. The light radiated through light-transmitting opening 136 produced by light source 138′ provides a signal indicator, which may be a turn signal indicator, or a brake signal indicator, or both a turn signal and brake signal indicator. In another embodiment, a light module 104′″ includes a removable fastenerless attachment system 170 including a first member 172 mounted to bracket 43″ and a second member 174 mounted to enclosure 116′ (FIGS. 29-31). First member 172 is a clip connector having a pair of guide members 176a, 176b and a retaining prong 178 overlaying the guide members. Second member 174 includes a wall 180 defining a doghouse type receiving connector. Guide members 176a, 176b assist the sliding entry of first member 172 into the cavity defined within wall 180 so that prong 178 engages the wall to retain the clip within the cavity. With fastenerless attachment system 170, module 104′″ is easily and readily mounted by a simple insertion into the receiving opening in the mirror housing such that the first member is received by and engaged with the doghouse style receiving connector of the second member. To remove module 104′″ for service, a tool, such as a flathead screwdriver, is inserted in the gap between the mirror element and the lamp module and prong 178 is raised, using a lift and twist motion, while the module is being pulled outwards from the mirror housing. In a preferred embodiment, the lamp module of this invention incorporates a signal light that is a 12-watt #912 incandescent light source available from OSRAM/Sylvania, Hillsboro, N.H. (with about 12-candle power when operated at about 12.8 volts) mounted in a self-gasketing socket available from United Technologies Automotive, Detroit, Mich. under the trade name E25B-13A686-BA and fabricated of an electrical grade polyvinyl chloride injection molding compound such as to comply with Engineering Standard ESB-M4D317-A of Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Mich., which is hereby incorporated herein by reference or from a thermoplastic rubber self-gasketing socket. The socket, in turn, is housed in a unitary enclosure, as described herein, fabricated of heat resistant polycarbonate supplied by General Electric Plastics, Woodstock, Ill. under the trade name ML4389 and meeting Ford Engineering Specification ESF-M4-D100-A, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The lens is made of acrylic supplied by General Electric Plastics under the 141-701 trade name. The LEDs in the signal light, of which six are used, are HLMA-DG00 high power AlInGa solid-state light-emitting diodes supplied by Hewlett Packard Corporation with a dominant wavelength at 622 nanometers, a peak wavelength at 630 nanometers, a 30N viewing angle, and a typical luminous efficiency, at 25N C, of 197 lumens/watt. When incorporated into an exterior mirror housing and mounted on a typical automobile, the ground illumination lamp height is approximately 30 ∀ 5″ from the ground surface, and, when operated at about 12 volts, the lamp light source illuminates an approximately 2-foot by 4-foot or thereabouts ground area adjacent the vehicle with a light level of at least about 10 lux and an average light level of approximately 40 lux. Light modules of this invention, including a ground illumination lamp and a signal light incorporated into an exterior mirror assembly, were mounted and driven on vehicles through a variety of driving conditions and through varied environmental exposure, and were found to have the performance and environmental resilience required by automakers so as to be suitable for commercial use on vehicles. Although illustrated herein as being located along the bottom rim of the exterior trim housing, other locations are possible for the signal light of the invention, including the top and outboard rim of the exterior rim housing, and even elsewhere on the exterior vehicle body as appropriate. Should it be desired to vary the intensity of the signal lights so they are brightest during high ambient lighting conditions, such as on a sunny day, but so that they are dimmer when ambient conditions are lower, such as at night, the intensity of signal light can be modulated using a photosensor such as a photoresistor, photodiode, phototransistor, or their like. A photosensor that controls the intensity of the signal light so that it reduces its intensity during low ambient light driving conditions, such as by pulse width modulation on the electrical line powering the LEDs in the signal light, may be mounted integrally with the lamp module itself, or it may be part of the vehicle electronics itself, such as a photosensor mounted as a part of an automatic electrochromic mirror circuit, as part of a vehicle automatic headlamp activation circuit, as part of a headlamp daylight running light control circuit, or their like. Also, the concepts of this invention are applicable to a variety of exterior vehicular mirror assembly constructions, including one-part designs, uni-body constructions, and their like, as known in the exterior mirror assembly art. The concepts of the invention are applicable to a variety of assemblies including assemblies that use a bracket as a distinct internal structure and assemblies that do not use a bracket but rather are bracket-less assemblies where the housing itself serves as a structural element with means such as on the walls of the housing for securing an actuator and for receiving a lamp module. Also, although desirably and preferably finding utility as a security light, the exterior mirror assembly light modules of this invention are also useful for other purposes such as providing for a courtesy exterior light and a general ground illumination light when such lighting may be desired such as when a door is opening, a key is inserted, or a keyboard entry is touched, or when approach of a person to a vehicle is detected such as by voice activation, proximity detection and their like. Also, light modules using the principles and concepts described herein could be provided for mounting on the vehicle other than within an exterior mirror assembly, such as under a door within a door well or under a door body panel so as to provide ground illumination directly under a door whenever said door is opened. Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the principles of the invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates generally to security systems for vehicles and, more particularly, to remotely actuated, personal safety lighting systems. The invention is particularly adapted to incorporation in the exterior mirrors of a vehicle. Personal security in and around vehicles has become an important concern. In particular, an increasing number of assaults and robberies are committed in parking lots while occupants are entering and exiting vehicles. While remote-operated, keyless entry systems have been incorporated in vehicles in order to unlock the vehicle and illuminate interior lights, such systems merely expedite entry to the vehicle and do not, per se, enhance security around the vehicle. Accordingly, a need exists for a vehicle security system to increase the security for vehicle occupants while entering and exiting the vehicle. Any such system would need to be aesthetically pleasing and not burdensome in use. In order to include a security light system in a vehicle exterior mirror assembly, the security light must be rugged and resistant to environmental conditions such as water splash from road surfaces, rain and other precipitation as well as car washes. The assembly desirably must additionally be of relatively low cost and easy to manufacture in order to be acceptable to vehicle manufacturers. In addition, the security light desirably must be capable of matching a multiplicity of mirror housing designs. Moreover, the security light desirably is compact so as to fit into the interior cavity of conventional exterior mirror housings. For styling and aerodynamic reasons, exterior mirror housings are of determined and restricted size, shape, design, and interior volume. Moreover, the interior volume is already typically relatively cramped as it must accommodate not only the mirror reflector element itself and its movement, but also usually a manual or electric actuator that allows adjustment of the rearward field of view of the reflector remotely by the driver from the interior cabin of the vehicle. Also, since it is commercially desirable for a manufacturer of a security light to supply to a multitude of exterior mirror manufacturers, for their incorporation into their own particular exterior mirror assembly construction, it is desirable that the light be of a module type that is compact; that is weatherproofed; that is attachable and receivable by a wide variety of exterior mirror assembly designs; that is readily, standardly, and conveniently connectable to the vehicle electrical service and wiring already commonly found in conventional exterior mirror assemblies; and that is economic both for manufacture by the light module manufacturer and for the manufacturer of the complete exterior mirror assembly who will incorporate the light module into a mirror housing. Importantly, the security light must be easy to service. The vehicle repair technician must be provided with easy access to the light source in order to replace the light source during the useful life of the vehicle. Furthermore, the light source should be replaceable without removing and subsequently replacing numerous fasteners. Such fasteners are not only time-consuming to remove and replace, but are subject to getting lost as well as damaged. Most or all of the above requirements must be met in order to have a commercially viable vehicle exterior mirror assembly security system suitable for use on a vehicle, such as an automobile. Indeed, the Applicants do not know of any successful commercial incorporation of a light module into an exterior mirror assembly on an automobile and believe that their inventions are the first commercially successful applications of a light module suitable for use in the exterior mirror assembly on an automobile. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is intended to provide a personal safety feature for a vehicle in the form of a light adapted to projecting light generally downwardly on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in the area. Advantageously, the light, that preferably provides a security function, is provided as a module that is suitable for use in the exterior mirror housing designs of various vehicles. The light module is capable of low cost, easy manufacture. Furthermore, the module is compact and is substantially moisture impervious in order to resist environmental forces. Advantageously, the light module is easy to service in order to replace the light source by requiring a minimum of, preferably one or no, fasteners in order to remove the module from the exterior mirror assembly. Furthermore, the invention encompasses a signal light module with the advantages described above and with the signal light generating a light pattern discernable to drivers of overtaking vehicles but largely imperceptible to the driver of the vehicle on which the signal light itself is mounted. According to an aspect of the invention, a mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly having a reflective element and a housing for the reflective element. A light module is removably positioned within the housing. The light module projects light from the housing on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle, preferably in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The light module includes an enclosure, a light-transmitting opening in the enclosure facing downwardly or rearwardly of the vehicle, or both, a cover for the light-transmitting opening, and a light source in the enclosure. The light module may further include a serviceable, removable light source receiving means, such as a socket positioned in another opening in the enclosure and a gasket for sealing the socket in the opening, or with the mating surface of the socket to the opening being self-gasketing. In this manner, the light source can be replaced by removing the light module from the exterior mirror housing and removing the socket from the light module. The light module and the mirror housing may have mating surface configurations, which at least partially retain the light module in the housing. This may eliminate the requirement for multiple fasteners which must be removed in order to service the light module. The light module may further include a second light-transmitting opening in the enclosure facing rearwardly of the vehicle, a second cover for the second light-transmitting opening, and a second light source in the second enclosure radiating light through the second light-transmitting opening. This feature may provide a signal light for use as either a turn signal, a brake signal, or both, visible from the side of the equipped vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the second light source is a plurality of light-emitting diodes and includes louvers between the light-emitting diodes. The louvers may be skewed in a direction away from the vehicle passenger compartment in order to shield the driver from light radiated by the light-emitting diodes. The light module is preferably substantially moisture impervious in order to be resistant to environmental elements. The enclosure is preferably a unitary assembly with the lens covering the light-transmitting opening permanently joined with the remainder of the enclosure. The light source is preferably serviceably, movably received within the enclosure by a socket that engages in an opening in the enclosure. In this manner, the light source may be replaced by removing the light module from the exterior mirror housing, removing the socket from the enclosure and replacing the light source in the socket. The invention provides a universal configuration for a mirror assembly security system, which allows the vehicle manufacturer to offer a mirror assembly system having only the security light feature, which projects light from the housing on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order, for example, to create a lighted security zone in that area. Alternatively, the invention allows the vehicle manufacturer to offer a mirror assembly having an additional or a stand-alone signal light; for example, a turn signal, a brake light, or both a turn signal and a brake light. The signal light increases security for the vehicle occupant by providing signals to vehicles overtaking the equipped vehicle from the side. The signal light may be designed to be observed by other vehicles passing the equipped vehicle, but not directly by the driver of the equipped vehicle. The security system is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the exterior mirror housing on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle that extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. In this manner, a security zone is established in the vicinity of the vehicle doors where occupants enter and exit the vehicle. The signal light is adapted to projecting a pattern of light extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the equipped vehicle. In this manner, the pattern generated by the signal light cannot be substantially observed by a driver of the equipped vehicle. However, the pattern generated by the signal light may be observed by a driver of another vehicle passing the vehicle equipped according to the invention. By providing a lighted security zone adjacent the vehicle, users can observe suspicious activity around the vehicle. The pattern of light generated by a security light according to the invention establishes a security zone around, and even under, the vehicle in the important area where the users enter and exit the vehicle. The invention, further, conveniently combines a signal light that acts in unison with the vehicle's turn signal, brake light, or both, with the security light, or as a stand-alone accessory, in an exterior mirror assembly. The signal light may be designed to be observed by other vehicles passing the equipped vehicle but not directly by the driver of the equipped vehicle. These and other objects, advantages and features of this invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. | 20041216 | 20080205 | 20050526 | 98727.0 | 1 | SEMBER, THOMAS M | VEHICLE EXTERIOR MIRROR SYSTEM WITH TURN SIGNAL LIGHT ASSEMBLY | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
|||
10,905,190 | ACCEPTED | POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS AND POWER SUPPLY METHOD | A power supply apparatus and a power supply method are described, wherein the non-polar characteristics of the electrodes of a capacitor is utilized to improve the energy utilization efficiency of a battery through reciprocating switches of polarity connection between the battery and the capacitor. The voltages of the capacitors can also stay at a near constant level using the polarity reversal mechanism. | 1. A power supply apparatus, comprising: at least one voltage source; at least one capacitor, connected with the voltage source in series, wherein a plurality of electrodes of the capacitor are non-polar, the capacitor allows for reverse charging, an electrode polarity of the capacitor is reversed, and a supercapacitor serve as continuous load leveling to the voltage source; and at least one switching mechanism connected between the voltage source and the capacitor, capable of reciprocally switching the polarity connection between the voltage source and the capacitor. 2. The power supply apparatus of claim 1, wherein the switching mechanism is disposed at side of the voltage source. 3. The power supply apparatus of claim 2, wherein the switching mechanism comprises a double-pole double-throw (DPDT) switch. 4. The power supply apparatus of claim 1, wherein the switching mechanism is disposed at side of the capacitor. 5. The power supply apparatus of claim 4, wherein the switching mechanism comprises a double-pole double-throw (DPDT) switch. 6. The power supply apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bypassing mechanism that is in parallel connection with a load of the power supply apparatus in a charging stage of the battery to the capacitor. 7. The power supply apparatus of claim 6, wherein the switching mechanism comprises a three-pole double-throw (TPDT) switch that also switches the bypassing mechanism. 8. The power supply apparatus of claim 1, wherein the voltage source is selected from the group consisting of primary batteries, secondary batteries, fuel cells, combustion engines, turbo-generators and utility power grid. 9. The power supply apparatus of claim 1, wherein the capacitor is selected from the group consisting of supercapacitor, ultracapacitor and electric double layer capacitor. 10. The power supply apparatus of claim 9, wherein the capacitor has a working voltage of 1.5V or above and a capacitance of 0.5 F or above. 11. The power supply apparatus of claim 1, wherein the capacitor has two electrodes for connecting to the voltage source, and the electrodes are identical in chemical composition. 12. The power supply apparatus of claim 1, wherein the switching mechanism is selected from the group consisting of mechanical switch, electromagnetic relay, field effect transistor (FET), integrated bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and intelligent integrated electronic circuit (IIEC). 13. The power supply apparatus of claim 12, wherein the switching mechanism has a switching time of 60 seconds or shorter. 14. The power supply apparatus of claim 12, wherein the intelligent integrated electronic circuit (IIEC) can sense voltage and current of the capacitor to trigger switches in the IIEC accordingly. 15. A power supply method that is applied to a power supply system including at least one voltage source and at least one capacitor wherein a plurality of electrodes of the capacitor are non-polar, the capacitor allows for reverse charging, an electrode polarity of the capacitor is reversed, and a supercapacitor serve as continuous load leveling to the voltage source, comprising: connecting the voltage source and the capacitor in series; and reciprocally switching the polarity connection between the voltage source and the capacitor by using a switching mechanism connected between the voltage source and the capacitor. 16. The power supply method of claim 15, wherein the switching of the polarity connection is performed every time a combined voltage of the voltage source and the capacitor is substantially zero. 17. The power supply method of claim 15, wherein the step of reciprocally switching the polarity connection comprising: changing the polarity connection state between the voltage source and the switching mechanism. 18. The power supply method of claim 1.7, wherein the switching mechanism comprises a double-pole double-throw (DPDT) switch. 19. The power supply method of claim 15, wherein the step of reciprocally switching the polarity connection comprising: changing the polarity connection state between the capacitor and the switching mechanism. 20. The power supply method of claim 19, wherein the switching mechanism comprises a double-pole double-throw (DPDT) switch. 21. The power supply method of claim 15, further comprising: using a bypassing mechanism to bypass a load of the power supply system in a charging stage of the capacitor. 22. Tie power supply method of claim 21, wherein the switching mechanism comprises a three-pole double-throw (TPDT) switch that also switches the bypassing mechanism. 23. The power supply method of claim 15, wherein die switching mechanism is selected from the group consisting of mechanical switch, electromagnetic relay, field effect transistor (FET), integrated bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and intelligent integrated electronic circuit (IIEC). 24. The power supply method of claim 23, wherein the intelligent integrated electronic circuit (IIEC) senses voltage and current of the capacitor to trigger switches in the IIEC accordingly. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to power supply equipment. More specifically, the invention relates to a power supply apparatus and a power supply method that use a battery and a capacitor to deliver a stable power output. The power supply apparatus and method are capable of saving energy via reciprocal switches of the polarity connection between the battery and the capacitor. 2. Description of the Related Art Batteries have become a necessity in modern life, and are used daily in various areas from automobiles to consumer products such as cell phones, laptops and music players. Batteries depend on chemical reactions for energy conversion at charging and discharging, and are normally designed for applications using low powers. Because the chemical reactions of batteries require overcoming some energy barriers, batteries are prevented from fast charging and discharging. Though lead acid batteries are well known by high power densities as they are commonly used to start automobiles, the batteries have short service time for delivering such high currents. Theoretically, all batteries can be imparted a high power density with breakthrough in their materials. In return, the use time and lifetime of the batteries are compromised, and the devices tend to be bulky if they are made to work long. In comparison, supercapacitors utilize rapid surface adsorption and desorption for energy conversion. When the electrodes of the supercapacitors are energized at charging, ions of the electrolyte enclosed in the devices will be quickly adsorbed at the interface of electrodes and electrolyte. The ions accumulated count for the capacitance of capacitors, or energy stored in the capacitors. When supercapacitors are controlled to discharge, desorption of ions can proceed quickly as well. Hence, supercapacitors have much higher power densities than batteries. Supercapacitor is also known as ultracapacitor and electric double-layer capacitor. Activated carbon is the most popular adsorptive material for fabricating the supercapacitor. Due to the large surface area of activated carbon, supercapacitors can store several order of magnitude of energy higher than that of conventional capacitors, for example, aluminum electrolytic capacitors. For the convenience of manufacturing, both electrodes of a supercapacitor are frequently made of the same activated carbon in the same formulation and the same preparation process. By design, the two electrodes of a supercapacitor are symmetrical carrying no polarity until the supercapacitor is charged. On the contrary, batteries and conventional capacitors have designated anode and cathode made of different materials. In terms of polarity, the two electrodes of a battery are not interchangeable. It is when a supercapacitor is connected to a power source for charging that the polarity of its two electrodes is decided. The electrode hooked to the positive pole of the power source will be positively charged and the other electrode negatively charged, indicating that the polarity of the electrodes of a supercapacitor is created through charging. Once a charged supercapacitor releases its stored energy to a load completely, its electrodes resume the non-polar state. In the next charging stage, either electrode, regardless of its polarity induced in the previous charging stage, of the supercapacitor can be connected to the positive or negative pole. The forgoing switch of electrodes for charging causes no damage to the supercapacitors for the electrodes are symmetrical with the same chemical identity. Such switching of polarity connection is not permitted for batteries or conventional capacitors for the polarity of their electrodes are fixed. If the electrodes of the latter are misconnected, some catastrophe, for example, explosion, may happen. Supercapacitors can only store energy but cannot generate energy. Thus, supercapacitors belong to the class of passive device, and two shortcomings can be immediately recognized in the use of supercapacitors. One is the short use-time, and the other is the rapid falling of the capacitor voltages at discharging. Actually, the two defects are all related to the low energy content of supercapacitors. To compensate the handicaps of supercapacitors in power applications, they must work under the support of a power source such as batteries, fuel cells, generators or utility power grid. In the forgoing combination, the unique properties of high power density and fast charging of supercapacitors are fully utilized, and the power level of the power source is significantly amplified. In other words, supercapacitors serve as a load leveling to the aforementioned voltage sources to prolong their lifetime, and to minimize their sizes for the applications. There are numerous works, particularly in the electric vehicles, using the combination of supercapacitors and batteries as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,157,267 issued to Shirata, U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,195 to De Doncker, U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,696 to Matsui, U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,258 to Esser and U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,830 to Nozu, just to name a few. In these prior reports, a plural number of batteries and supercapacitors are grouped into two separate banks, respectively, disposed with electronic circuits containing converters and processors to control the power delivery and recharging of supercapacitors. Combinatory use of batteries and supercapacitors is also seen in the application of lower power consumption as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,373,152 issued to Wang for power tool. Furthermore, the hybrid of batteries and supercapacitors in conjunction with a switching mechanism for doubling the power output of the hybrid can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,049 ('049) issued to Baughman and U.S. Pat. No. 6,650,091 ('091) to Shiue. In '049, the battery and supercapacitor are switched from parallel to series connection right before the discharging to a load, whereas only the supercapacitors are switched from parallel to series connection in '091. All of the prior works using the hybrid power source rely on a bank of batteries for recharging the supercapacitors quickly so that the supercapacitors can provide continuous and stable peak powers. However, the voltages of the supercapacitors fall rapidly at discharging. On the other hand, in many household products driven by disposable or primary alkaline batteries, the end of the battery life does not mean a complete drainage of the energy content of the batteries. As a mater of fact, there is about 65% of energy unused at the time of discarding the batteries because the residual voltages of batteries have fallen below the driving voltages of the products. Therefore, a lot of energy is wasted every time when an alkaline battery is claimed dead. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As mentioned above, supercapacitor is an effective power-amplifier for either DC or AC power source. Besides the unique properties of high charge and discharge efficiency, long lifetime, as well as the high power density of supercapacitors, this invention can also utilize the symmetric configuration of two electrodes of supercapacitors to increase the performance of the same. In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides a power supply method using the non-polar characteristics of symmetric capacitors to expand the application scope of hybrid power sources consisting of batteries and supercapacitors. This invention also provides a power supply apparatus that uses the power supply method of this invention. In the power supply method of this invention, the polarity of the electrodes of the capacitor is reversed repeatedly in the charging-discharging cycles to improve the energy-utilization efficiency of the batteries and to stabilize the output voltages of the capacitors during discharging. The power supply apparatus includes at least one voltage source, at least one capacitor connected with the voltage source in series, and at least one switching mechanism connected between the voltage source and the capacitor. The switching mechanism is capable of reciprocally switching the polarity connection between the voltage source and the capacitor. In one embodiment of this invention, as long as the voltage of the supercapacitor is lower than that of a directly connected able battery, the supercapacitor receives energy from the battery. After the supercapacitor is charged to the potential of the battery, it becomes an open circuit and the battery will stop discharging. By switching the switch disposed at the supercapacitor side, the polarity connection thereof to the battery is reversed. Subsequently, the supercapacitor and the battery are made in series to jointly drive a load at their combined voltages. As the supercapacitor begins discharging and its voltage falls below that of battery, it is recharged by the battery in the reversed polarity. The reverse charging rate is determined by the potential difference between the supercapacitor and the battery. Upon complete charging of the supercapacitor, the discharge of the battery is cut off again, and then the polarity connection of the supercapacitor to the battery is switched back for the combined power of supercapacitor and battery to continuously drive the load. By using the reverse polarity charging and reciprocating switches of polarity connection of the hybrid power source including a supercapacitor and a battery, the load can be driven incessantly till the battery reaching its final nominal voltage. Another way to reverse the polarity connection of supercapacitor to battery is by disposing the switching mechanism at the battery side. Whenever the connecting poles of the battery are switched, the polarity connection of the supercapacitor is reversed and the two devices will be in series to drive a load collectively. However, in this arrangement the load will be in a back-and-forth motion as a switching is made. Actually, the polarity connection reversal of the supercapacitor is a switching of the supercapacitor and battery from previous connection state to reversed series connection. While the charging of the supercapacitor by the battery is proceeded via the previous configuration, the switching is to place the two devices in series connection to drive the load at their combined voltages. The connection switching is designed as a safety mechanism with added advantage of fast charging supercapacitor in the third embodiment of the present invention. In all three implementations, the power provided by the hybrid power source consisting of a supercapacitor and a battery initially comes from the supercapacitor because of its higher discharging rate. When the energy of the supercapacitor is depleted, the battery then succeeds the energy provision to the load. Thus, the battery has a moment of relaxation in the combinatory use with the supercapacitor. It is due to the forgoing rest that the battery in the hybrid pack can regain its voltage in comparison to no voltage rebound of the all-battery counterpart. In other words, with the load leveling of the supercapacitor, the battery can avoid over-discharging that often causes premature decay of voltages resulting in energy loss. Therefore, the energy-utilization efficiency of the battery is improved from momentary relaxation, while the discharging voltage of the supercapacitor may remain at a constant level from the sustainable charging of the battery and the reciprocating polarity reversal. None of the references cited above and none of other power applications of supercapacitors in the literature have ever put reciprocating switches of the polarity connection of supercapacitors to a charging source into an advantageous use. Through the reciprocating switches of polarity connection using simpler circuits, a steady power output from the supercapacitor can be attained. That is, one of the shortcomings of supercapacitors, i.e., the rapid falling of voltage at discharging, can be rectified with the reciprocating switches. Meanwhile, the energy-utilization of batteries, whether they are disposable or rechargeable (secondary) batteries, can be improved by using supercapacitors in conjunction with the reciprocating polarity reversal as disclosed in the present invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a working circuit of battery with a supercapacitor disposed therein. FIG. 2 shows a circuit diagram of a switching mechanism for reciprocating reversal of the polarity connection of supercapacitor to battery according to a first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 shows a circuit diagram of a switching mechanism for reciprocating reversal of the polarity connection between the battery and the supercapacitor according to a second embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of a switching mechanism that provides quick charging for the supercapacitor bypassing the load according to a third embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5A shows the voltage oscillation of a hybrid power source measured across the supercapacitor using the reciprocating switches operation in Example 1 of this invention. FIG. 5B shows the discharging curve measured across a motor driven by the combined voltage of the battery and the supercapacitor using the reciprocating switches operation in Example 1 of this invention. FIG. 5C shows the discharging curve of the battery working together with the supercapacitor in Example 1 of this invention. FIG. 5D shows the discharging curve of two batteries connected in series for driving a motor in a comparative example. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Both supercapacitor and battery are energy storage devices, but a battery can contain much more energy than a supercapacitor does. In a hybrid power source consisting of a supercapacitor and a battery, the battery is the power source of the supercapacitor, and together they can work more forcefully than the battery alone. FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a working circuit of battery with a supercapacitor disposed therein, wherein the supercapacitor 20 is graphically represented by a pair of equal-length parallel bars to symbolize the non-polar and symmetric state of the electrodes. The supercapacitor 20 is incorporated in a circuit of a battery 10 and a load 30, which may be a motor or a light bulb. With the battery 10 driving the load 30, the empty supercapacitor 20 will be charged by the battery 10 at the same time. Eventually, the supercapacitor 20 will be charged to the voltage of the battery 10, and that is the end of charging as the supercapacitor 20 becomes an open circuit. When the supercapacitor 20 is open, not only the supercapacitor 20 and the battery 10 have the same potential but also they are in parallel connection. As the electrodes of the supercapacitor 20 are polarized from the charging, they bear the same polarity of the two poles of the battery 10 connected to the supercapacitor 20. Electronically, the supercapacitor 20 is in a negative potential state negating the potential of the battery 10, so that the load 30 is stalled. First Embodiment FIG. 2 illustrates the first embodiment of this invention wherein the polarity connection of the supercapacitor 20 to the battery 10 is controlled by a double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) controller consisting of two switches. With DPDT at the state of S1-S1A and S2-S2A as shown in FIG. 2, the supercapacitor 20 will be charged by the battery 10 at the same time while the load 30 is driven by the battery 10. Even under the situation that the voltage of the battery 10 is insufficient to drive the load 30, a charging current can still pass the load 30 to charge the supercapacitor 20. The flow path of charging current is as follows: the positive pole (longer bar) of the battery 10, the load 30, S2A, S2, the supercapacitor 20, S1, S1A, and then the negative pole (shorter bar) of the battery 10. As soon as the supercapacitor 20 is charged to the potential of the battery 10, the charging current stops flowing and the load 30 will be stalled. Subsequently, by switching the DPDT to the state of S1-S1B and S2-S2B, the supercapacitor 20 is in series connection with the battery 10 so that their voltages are combined to drive the load 30. If the potential of the battery 10 is 1.5V, the hybrid power source can drive the load 30 at 3.0V. Initially, the driving power is provided by the supercapacitor 20 until the combined voltage falls to 1.5V, an then the battery 10 assumes the power delivery to the load 30. Hence, the battery 10 has a moment of rest while the supercapacitor 20 is in action. When the supercapacitor 20 and the battery 10 are directly connected, the battery 10 will charge the supercapacitor 20 so long as the supercapacitor 20 is lower in potential than the battery 10. Thus, as the supercapacitor 20 discharges, the lost energy thereof is compensated by the battery 10 to maintain a potential equalization between them. The charging rate is proportional to the potential difference between the supercapacitor 20 and the battery 10, and the charging is completed at the end of the decay of the combined voltages of the supercapacitor 20 and the battery 10. The charging route is as follows: the positive pole (longer bar) of the battery 10, the load 30, S1B, S1, the supercapacitor 20, S2, S2B and the negative pole (shorter bar) of the battery 10. Therefore, an electric field is being built across the electrodes of the supercapacitor 20 in opposite polarity even the polarity reversal is made in the middle of a discharging stage of the supercapacitor 20. In this case, the supercapacitor 20 is charged in reverse polarity. Because of the symmetric nature of the electrodes of the supercapacitor 20, the reverse polarity charging is permitted. Furthermore, the charging and discharging of the supercapacitor 20 are two reversible physical processes, that is, ion-adsorption and ion-desorption on the surface of electrodes. As soon as the ions are desorbed, vacant sites become available for adsorption. If the ions can be desorbed at a fast speed to meet a large power demand of the load 30, the supercapacitor 20 can be accordingly recharged in a short time. As the supercapacitor 20 is recharged to the negative potential of the battery 10, the polarity connection between the supercapacitor 20 and the battery 10 must be reversed again for using the energy newly stored in the supercapacitor 20 to drive the load 30 at a new combinatory voltage of the supercapacitor 20 and the battery 10. Without the reversal of polarity connection, the load 30 receives no driving force from the supercapacitor 20 or the battery 10. The foregoing operation of reciprocating switches of the polarity connection of the supercapacitor 20 to the battery 10 can be repeated till the combined voltage of the supercapacitor 20 and the battery 10 is below the driving voltage of the load 30. There are two means for deciding when to switch the polarity connection of supercapacitor to a voltage source. One of them is according to the discharge time of the supercapacitor, that is, according to a certain period of time for the supercapacitor to discharge before switching. The other is according to the residual voltage of the supercapacitor, while in this case a voltage sensor is required to trigger the switching at a predetermined potential. As a matter of fact, the discharging time and the residual voltage are related to the same discharging process, and a longer discharging time results in a lower residual voltage. In any event, the polarity connection of the supercapacitor to a charging source can be reversed at a selected point according to the application need. The reciprocating switches of polarity connection can be meticulously designed to allow the discharge voltage of the supercapacitor to maintain at a desired potential level. Comparing with the conventional discharging step of supercapacitor wherein the discharge voltage of the supercapacitor rapidly drops to zero, the reciprocating switches can advantageously impart supercapacitor discharging at a stable voltage. As a result, the supercapacitor can perform like a battery on showing a steady and slow decline of voltage at discharging. A slow decay of working voltage at discharging is crucial to the effective use of both battery and supercapacitor. When the charging source of the supercapacitor is a bank of batteries, fuel cells, combustion engines, turbo-generators, or utility power grid with abundant energy content, the reciprocating switches can quickly charge the supercapacitor to the full capacity so that the supercapacitor is always ready for a real-time and consistent provision of peak powers to any load without delay. In return, the charging source will have no danger of overloading and thus no fire hazard, plus the size and cost of the voltage source can be reduced in comparison with the counterpart without a supercapacitor and reciprocating switching on driving the same load. There is one more benefit to batteries, regardless they are primary or secondary batteries, that the efficiency of energy utilization of the batteries can be significantly improved due to the momentary relaxation in the reciprocating switches. During the relaxation, the batteries may regain their voltages from the re-distribution of active materials stored in various sites of the electrodes. Otherwise, the batteries may suffer premature and irreversible voltage decay because of continuous discharging. Therefore, the operation of reciprocating switches not only can save energy, but also can reduce the number of batteries discarded in the world. In addition, switching of the polarity connection of supercapacitor to a charging or voltage source may be conducted through mechanical switches, electromagnetic relays, field effect transistors (FETs), integrated bipolar transistors (IGBTs) or intelligent integrated electronic circuit (IIEC). By using a switching trigger, for example, a timer or a voltage detector, in conjunction with electromagnetic relays, FETs or IGBTs, the operation of reciprocating switches can be automatic and the constituted switching control may consume a minimal amount of energy. In addition, an intelligent integrated electronic circuit (IIEC) can sense the voltage and the current of the supercapacitor to trigger the switches in the IIEC accordingly. Second Embodiment FIG. 3 shows the second embodiment of the present invention on using the reciprocating switches for a load 30 moving bi-directionally, for example, a garage door, an electric curtain or an elevator. With the DPDT is set at the state as shown in FIG. 3, the battery 10 provides a current that flows as follows: the positive pole (longer bar) of the battery 10, S1, S1A, the supercapacitor 20, the load 30, S2A, S2 and the negative pole (shorter bar) of the battery 10. The current may drive the load 30, but will definitely charge the supercapacitor 20 so long as the supercapacitor 20 has a lower potential than the battery 10. When the supercapacitor 20 is charged to the negative potential of the battery 10, the current flow will cease and the load 30 will be stalled. Alternatively, the discharging of the battery 10 can be synchronized with the movements of the load 30, that is, the battery 10 terminates discharging when the load 30 stops. In the case that the driving force of the battery 10 is negated by the supercapacitor 20, the polarity connection between the battery 10 and the supercapacitor 20 must be reversed to drive the load 30. The battery 10 and the supercapacitor 20 will be in series connection as the DPDT is switched to the state of S1-S1B and S2-S2B. After the switching, the battery 10 and the supercapacitor 20 provides a current in the following flow path: the positive pole (longer bar) of the battery 10, S1, S1B, the load 30, the supercapacitor 20, S2B, S2 and the negative pole (shorter bar) of the battery 10. Meanwhile, the load 30 will moves in the opposite direction by the combined voltage of the battery 10 and the supercapacitor 20. Once the supercapacitor 20 is charged again to the negative potential of the battery 10, the reversal of polarity connection has to be repeated so that the battery 10 and the supercapacitor 20 together can continuously drive the load 30 until the battery 10 is exhausted. In the other case where the discharging of the battery 10 is synchronous with the movement of the load 30, whenever the load 30 stops at any point between its two traveling ends, the discharging of the battery 10 together with the recharging of the supercapacitor 20 are terminated. Depending on the power consumption of the load 30, the supercapacitor 20 may or may not be fully recharged at the stop. Every time when the supercapacitor 20 is fully recharged, the driving force of the battery 10 is locked and the polarity connection between the supercapacitor 20 and the battery 10 must be reversed for the hybrid power to drive the load 30. Nevertheless, with the switching scheme as shown in FIG. 3, the load 30 can only move in the opposite direction rather than continuing the prior motion before the polarity reversal. In order to make the load 30 move in the direction the operator wishes, the current provided by the hybrid power source consisting of the battery 10 and the supercapacitor 20 requires rectification by an inverter that can be made via another set of switches. Third Embodiment FIG. 4 shows the third embodiment of the present invention wherein the battery 10 quickly charges the supercapacitor 20 without passing the load 30. A trigger with three pole double throw (TPDT) consisting of three switches, wherein S1, S2 and S3 are common contacts, is employed for reversing the polarity connection between the supercapacitor 20 and the battery 10. As the TPDT is at the normally closed state (S1-S1A, S2-S2A and S3-S3A) as shown in FIG. 4, the battery 10 will charge the supercapacitor 20 by the following route: the positive pole (longer bar) of the battery 10, S3A, S3, S2A, S2, the supercapacitor 20, S1, S1A and the negative pole (shorter bar) of the battery 10. A push-latching button (not shown) can be used to initiate the charging of the supercapacitor 20. Since the charging current does not flow through the load 30, the load 30 is stationary. Moreover, as the battery 10 and the supercapacitor 20 are essentially in an electric-short state, the battery 10 can quickly charge the supercapacitor 20. When the trigger is pulled, the TPDT will be slid to the normally open state of S1-S1 B, S2-S2B and S3-S3B, and then the battery 10 and the supercapacitor 20 are in series to deliver a high-power pulse for driving the load 30. At the normally open state, the current flow path is as follows: the positive pole (longer bar) of the battery 10, the load 30, S1 B, S1, the supercapacitor 20, S2, S2B and the negative pole of the battery 10 (shorter bar). Thereby, the load 30 is energized to impart a sudden strike to an object using the combined power of the battery 10 and the supercapacitor 20. The foregoing reversal of polarity connection between the battery 10 and the supercapacitor 20 may be applied to various power tools, such as, cordless breaker, compactor, drill, hammer, hedger, nailer, nibbler, pinner, pruner, stapler, tacker, and trimmer, etc. Once the trigger is released, with TPDT returning to the normally closed state, the load 30 will be rested and the supercapacitor 20 will be quickly recharged by the battery 10 and become ready for the next firing. Functionally, the switch S3 of FIG. 4 serves as a safety switch in providing the supercapacitor 20 the quick charging and preventing the load 30 from accidental firing. According to the above embodiments, the present invention provides a simple, economic and easy-to-use implementation of connection-polarity reversal between a supercapacitor and a charging source for a real-time utilization of the supercapacitor, and the supercapacitor may behave as a battery on delivering a stable and lasting discharge current. The following examples are provided merely to demonstrate, rather than limiting, the scope of the present invention on stabilizing the working voltage of supercapacitors at discharging and on improving the energy-utilization efficiency of batteries. EXAMPLE 1 Using the arrangement as shown in FIG. 2, an alkaline AA-size (or #3) battery of 1.5V is connected to a home-made AA-size supercapacitor (S/C) rated as 2.5V×3 F and a DC motor used for toy cars. In the comparative example, the same DC motor is driven by two pieces of 1.5V alkaline AA batteries of the same brand in series. Thereby, the DC motor is driven either by the combination of battery/supercapacitor and reciprocating switches, or by batteries only. The utilization of battery in either case is compared on driving the motor to depletion of the batteries. The depletion of a battery is defined as a condition that the battery is unable to drive the motor in a non-stop discharging test. Though the battery may be able to drive the motor after overnight rest, the re-use time is short and not included in the test. FIG. 5A shows many cycles of the voltage variation of the hybrid power source measured across the S/C. Battery is known to suffer an immediate voltage drop once it starts discharging. The voltage drop is proportional to the internal resistance of the battery and the power demand of the load. In the present test, the drop is about 0.3V, while the motor consumes a maximum current of 0.5 A. Due to the reciprocating switches, the working voltage of the S/C swings in a potential window of about 2.4V. That is, the S/C can be charged to either 1.2V or −1.2V. Every time when the S/C is discharged from 1.2V to 0V, the supercapacitor will be subsequently recharged from 0V to −1.2V in the reverse polarity. Then, the S/C is discharged from −1.2V to 0V, and from there it is recharged back to 1.2V. Thus, every cycle contains 2 pairs of charging and discharging steps between 1.2V and −1.2V. The reciprocating switches prevent the discharge of the S/C from decaying and locking at 0V as in the conventional application of S/C without reverse polarity charging. Moreover, the nominal discharging voltage of the S/C can be set at a selected potential level by adjusting the switching time. FIG. 5B shows several cycles of the voltage decay measured across the motor that is driven by the alkaline battery and the S/C. As a matter of fact, FIG. 5B is the discharge curve of the hybrid power source consisting of the battery and the S/C, wherein the spiny lines are due to interference from the motor. As depicted in FIG. 5B, the hybrid power decays from about 2.5V, instead of 3V, to 0V. At the initial discharging of the hybrid, the power delivered to the motor comes from the S/C and its energy is consumed around 1.2V. Then, the battery succeeds the power delivery to drive the motor and to charge the S/C until the combined voltage becomes zero. When 0V is reached, the S/C is charged fully and negatively. Nevertheless, the motor is running on the inertia. In a matter of seconds, the polarity connection between the S/C and the battery is reversed automatically, and the two collectively drive the motor again in another cycle. Through the reciprocating switches, the motor is repeatedly driven by the hybrid pack of battery and the flip-flop S/C. Although FIG. 5B shows that the combined voltage dropped to 0V periodically, the inverting point can be set at a voltage that imparts the load an adequate force such as momentum, ignition, acceleration, actuation, torque, impetus, amplitude, or luminosity. Especially, when the battery or other voltage source contains ample energy, the S/C can be quickly refilled and the load will be driven constantly without any sign of sluggishness. In reality, the S/C for assisting battery to drive a load as the motor of a toy car may only require a capacitance of 0.5 F for the motor running persistently. FIG. 5C shows the discharge curve of the battery working with the S/C in providing non-stop propulsion to the motor. As seen from the figure, the voltage of battery declines in a flat and slow descent to 0.7V in about 11 hours. In comparison, the discharge curve of the same test using 2 pieces of 1.5V alkaline batteries connected in series is shown in FIG. 5D. The voltage of the two-battery pack decays rather quickly to 1.4V in almost 3 hours. Averagely, each battery has an end voltage of 0.7V same as the battery of the hybrid power source. It appears that whenever the voltage of an alkaline battery falls to 0.7V, its electrochemical reaction can no longer generate sufficient current for working. In the case that only batteries are used, the motor runs at a progressively decreasing speed. In the other case, the motor periodically shows noticeable deceleration as the voltage of the hybrid power source approaches zero, and the battery of the hybrid pack performs dual functions by providing energy to both the motor and the S/C. The use-time difference between the batteries in the present test may not be as large as seen here, however, with all aspects considered, the reciprocating switches operation significantly improves the energy-utilization efficiency of the battery supported by the S/C. Even at merely 10% extension of the battery use time, the reduction in environmental impact is still profound considering the multi million pieces of battery used annually in the world. As known to those skilled in the art, S/C provides load-leveling effect to battery, particularly, when the load demands power higher than the designed capability of battery. In this invention, however, the S/C also imparts momentary relaxation to the battery using the reciprocating reversal of polarity connection. Therefore, the battery can regain its voltage, and the use time of the battery is prolonged. EXAMPLE 2 The testing conditions are similar to those of Example 1, except that AA-size Ni-MH batteries of 1800 mAh capacity are used instead of the AA-size alkaline batteries. The hybrid pack consisting of the battery and the S/C is operated under reciprocating reversal of their polarity connection every 7 seconds, while the battery-only pack consisting of 2 pieces of Ni-MH batteries connected in series is also use to drive the same motor, until no energy is left to run the motor. The use-times of the hybrid pack and the battery-only one are 6.8 hours and 4.2 hours, respectively. Obviously, the reciprocating reversal of polarity has extended the use-time of the Ni-MH battery. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention covers modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to power supply equipment. More specifically, the invention relates to a power supply apparatus and a power supply method that use a battery and a capacitor to deliver a stable power output. The power supply apparatus and method are capable of saving energy via reciprocal switches of the polarity connection between the battery and the capacitor. 2. Description of the Related Art Batteries have become a necessity in modern life, and are used daily in various areas from automobiles to consumer products such as cell phones, laptops and music players. Batteries depend on chemical reactions for energy conversion at charging and discharging, and are normally designed for applications using low powers. Because the chemical reactions of batteries require overcoming some energy barriers, batteries are prevented from fast charging and discharging. Though lead acid batteries are well known by high power densities as they are commonly used to start automobiles, the batteries have short service time for delivering such high currents. Theoretically, all batteries can be imparted a high power density with breakthrough in their materials. In return, the use time and lifetime of the batteries are compromised, and the devices tend to be bulky if they are made to work long. In comparison, supercapacitors utilize rapid surface adsorption and desorption for energy conversion. When the electrodes of the supercapacitors are energized at charging, ions of the electrolyte enclosed in the devices will be quickly adsorbed at the interface of electrodes and electrolyte. The ions accumulated count for the capacitance of capacitors, or energy stored in the capacitors. When supercapacitors are controlled to discharge, desorption of ions can proceed quickly as well. Hence, supercapacitors have much higher power densities than batteries. Supercapacitor is also known as ultracapacitor and electric double-layer capacitor. Activated carbon is the most popular adsorptive material for fabricating the supercapacitor. Due to the large surface area of activated carbon, supercapacitors can store several order of magnitude of energy higher than that of conventional capacitors, for example, aluminum electrolytic capacitors. For the convenience of manufacturing, both electrodes of a supercapacitor are frequently made of the same activated carbon in the same formulation and the same preparation process. By design, the two electrodes of a supercapacitor are symmetrical carrying no polarity until the supercapacitor is charged. On the contrary, batteries and conventional capacitors have designated anode and cathode made of different materials. In terms of polarity, the two electrodes of a battery are not interchangeable. It is when a supercapacitor is connected to a power source for charging that the polarity of its two electrodes is decided. The electrode hooked to the positive pole of the power source will be positively charged and the other electrode negatively charged, indicating that the polarity of the electrodes of a supercapacitor is created through charging. Once a charged supercapacitor releases its stored energy to a load completely, its electrodes resume the non-polar state. In the next charging stage, either electrode, regardless of its polarity induced in the previous charging stage, of the supercapacitor can be connected to the positive or negative pole. The forgoing switch of electrodes for charging causes no damage to the supercapacitors for the electrodes are symmetrical with the same chemical identity. Such switching of polarity connection is not permitted for batteries or conventional capacitors for the polarity of their electrodes are fixed. If the electrodes of the latter are misconnected, some catastrophe, for example, explosion, may happen. Supercapacitors can only store energy but cannot generate energy. Thus, supercapacitors belong to the class of passive device, and two shortcomings can be immediately recognized in the use of supercapacitors. One is the short use-time, and the other is the rapid falling of the capacitor voltages at discharging. Actually, the two defects are all related to the low energy content of supercapacitors. To compensate the handicaps of supercapacitors in power applications, they must work under the support of a power source such as batteries, fuel cells, generators or utility power grid. In the forgoing combination, the unique properties of high power density and fast charging of supercapacitors are fully utilized, and the power level of the power source is significantly amplified. In other words, supercapacitors serve as a load leveling to the aforementioned voltage sources to prolong their lifetime, and to minimize their sizes for the applications. There are numerous works, particularly in the electric vehicles, using the combination of supercapacitors and batteries as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,157,267 issued to Shirata, U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,195 to De Doncker, U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,696 to Matsui, U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,258 to Esser and U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,830 to Nozu, just to name a few. In these prior reports, a plural number of batteries and supercapacitors are grouped into two separate banks, respectively, disposed with electronic circuits containing converters and processors to control the power delivery and recharging of supercapacitors. Combinatory use of batteries and supercapacitors is also seen in the application of lower power consumption as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,373,152 issued to Wang for power tool. Furthermore, the hybrid of batteries and supercapacitors in conjunction with a switching mechanism for doubling the power output of the hybrid can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,049 ('049) issued to Baughman and U.S. Pat. No. 6,650,091 ('091) to Shiue. In '049, the battery and supercapacitor are switched from parallel to series connection right before the discharging to a load, whereas only the supercapacitors are switched from parallel to series connection in '091. All of the prior works using the hybrid power source rely on a bank of batteries for recharging the supercapacitors quickly so that the supercapacitors can provide continuous and stable peak powers. However, the voltages of the supercapacitors fall rapidly at discharging. On the other hand, in many household products driven by disposable or primary alkaline batteries, the end of the battery life does not mean a complete drainage of the energy content of the batteries. As a mater of fact, there is about 65% of energy unused at the time of discarding the batteries because the residual voltages of batteries have fallen below the driving voltages of the products. Therefore, a lot of energy is wasted every time when an alkaline battery is claimed dead. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>As mentioned above, supercapacitor is an effective power-amplifier for either DC or AC power source. Besides the unique properties of high charge and discharge efficiency, long lifetime, as well as the high power density of supercapacitors, this invention can also utilize the symmetric configuration of two electrodes of supercapacitors to increase the performance of the same. In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides a power supply method using the non-polar characteristics of symmetric capacitors to expand the application scope of hybrid power sources consisting of batteries and supercapacitors. This invention also provides a power supply apparatus that uses the power supply method of this invention. In the power supply method of this invention, the polarity of the electrodes of the capacitor is reversed repeatedly in the charging-discharging cycles to improve the energy-utilization efficiency of the batteries and to stabilize the output voltages of the capacitors during discharging. The power supply apparatus includes at least one voltage source, at least one capacitor connected with the voltage source in series, and at least one switching mechanism connected between the voltage source and the capacitor. The switching mechanism is capable of reciprocally switching the polarity connection between the voltage source and the capacitor. In one embodiment of this invention, as long as the voltage of the supercapacitor is lower than that of a directly connected able battery, the supercapacitor receives energy from the battery. After the supercapacitor is charged to the potential of the battery, it becomes an open circuit and the battery will stop discharging. By switching the switch disposed at the supercapacitor side, the polarity connection thereof to the battery is reversed. Subsequently, the supercapacitor and the battery are made in series to jointly drive a load at their combined voltages. As the supercapacitor begins discharging and its voltage falls below that of battery, it is recharged by the battery in the reversed polarity. The reverse charging rate is determined by the potential difference between the supercapacitor and the battery. Upon complete charging of the supercapacitor, the discharge of the battery is cut off again, and then the polarity connection of the supercapacitor to the battery is switched back for the combined power of supercapacitor and battery to continuously drive the load. By using the reverse polarity charging and reciprocating switches of polarity connection of the hybrid power source including a supercapacitor and a battery, the load can be driven incessantly till the battery reaching its final nominal voltage. Another way to reverse the polarity connection of supercapacitor to battery is by disposing the switching mechanism at the battery side. Whenever the connecting poles of the battery are switched, the polarity connection of the supercapacitor is reversed and the two devices will be in series to drive a load collectively. However, in this arrangement the load will be in a back-and-forth motion as a switching is made. Actually, the polarity connection reversal of the supercapacitor is a switching of the supercapacitor and battery from previous connection state to reversed series connection. While the charging of the supercapacitor by the battery is proceeded via the previous configuration, the switching is to place the two devices in series connection to drive the load at their combined voltages. The connection switching is designed as a safety mechanism with added advantage of fast charging supercapacitor in the third embodiment of the present invention. In all three implementations, the power provided by the hybrid power source consisting of a supercapacitor and a battery initially comes from the supercapacitor because of its higher discharging rate. When the energy of the supercapacitor is depleted, the battery then succeeds the energy provision to the load. Thus, the battery has a moment of relaxation in the combinatory use with the supercapacitor. It is due to the forgoing rest that the battery in the hybrid pack can regain its voltage in comparison to no voltage rebound of the all-battery counterpart. In other words, with the load leveling of the supercapacitor, the battery can avoid over-discharging that often causes premature decay of voltages resulting in energy loss. Therefore, the energy-utilization efficiency of the battery is improved from momentary relaxation, while the discharging voltage of the supercapacitor may remain at a constant level from the sustainable charging of the battery and the reciprocating polarity reversal. None of the references cited above and none of other power applications of supercapacitors in the literature have ever put reciprocating switches of the polarity connection of supercapacitors to a charging source into an advantageous use. Through the reciprocating switches of polarity connection using simpler circuits, a steady power output from the supercapacitor can be attained. That is, one of the shortcomings of supercapacitors, i.e., the rapid falling of voltage at discharging, can be rectified with the reciprocating switches. Meanwhile, the energy-utilization of batteries, whether they are disposable or rechargeable (secondary) batteries, can be improved by using supercapacitors in conjunction with the reciprocating polarity reversal as disclosed in the present invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. | 20041221 | 20060801 | 20060622 | 93458.0 | H01G400 | 2 | HA, NGUYEN T | POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS AND POWER SUPPLY METHOD | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | H01G | 2,004 |
|
10,905,340 | ACCEPTED | ARMREST INSERT AND CORRESPONDING ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE | An armrest (54) for a vehicle (52) includes a substrate (70), an armrest casing (62), and an insert (56). The armrest casing (62) has an upper portion (81) with an arm-resting surface (83). The insert (56) includes a non-foam material and resides between the substrate (70) and the upper portion (81). The armrest casing (62) covers a portion of the substrate (70) and the insert (56). | 1. An armrest for a vehicle comprising: a substrate; an armrest casing having an upper portion with an arm-resting surface; and an insert at least partially comprising a non-foam material and residing between said substrate and said upper portion; said armrest casing covering at least a portion of said substrate and said insert. 2. An armrest as in claim 1 wherein said substrate is a rigid member that supports said armrest casing and said insert. 3. An armrest as in claim 1 wherein said armrest casing is formed of at least one material selected from vinyl, polyolefin, leather, and plastic. 4. An armrest as in claim 1 wherein said armrest casing covers a significant portion of said substrate and said insert. 5. An armrest as in claim 1 wherein said insert is formed at least partially of a non-foam thermoplastic material. 6. An armrest as in claim 5 wherein said insert is formed of at least one material selected from a polypropylene material, a poly carbonate material, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. 7. An armrest as in claim 1 wherein said insert is flexible. 8. An armrest as in claim 1 wherein said insert is injection molded. 9. An armrest as in claim 1 wherein said insert is a single component. 10. An armrest as in claim 1 wherein said insert directly resides within, is coupled to, and supports said armrest casing. 11. An armrest as in claim 1 wherein said insert aids in maintaining exterior shape and form of said armrest casing. 12. An armrest as in claim 1 wherein said insert maintains said armrest casing in a taught state. 13. A vehicle interior trim assembly for a vehicle comprising: an interior trim structure; and an armrest coupled to said interior trim structure and comprising; a substrate; an armrest casing having an upper portion with an arm-resting surface; and an insert at least partially comprising a non-foam material and residing between said substrate and said upper portion; said armrest casing covering at least a portion of said substrate and said insert. 14. An assembly as in claim 1 3 wherein said interior trim structure comprises at least one of a door structure, a center console structure, and a seat system structure. 15. An assembly as in claim 13 wherein said non-foam insert is flexible, is formed of a thermoplastic material, and resides within, is coupled to, and supports said armrest casing. 16. A method of forming an armrest comprising: forming a substrate; forming an armrest casing having an upper portion with an arm-resting surface; coupling said armrest casing to said substrate; forming an insert at least partially comprising a non-foam material; and inserting said insert into a pocket between said upper portion and said substrate. 17. A method as in claim 16 wherein forming said armrest casing and coupling said armrest casing to said substrate comprise over molding said armrest casing over said substrate. 18. A method as in claim 16 wherein forming said insert comprises injection molding said insert. 19. A method as in claim 16 wherein forming said insert is performed separate and externally from said substrate and said armrest casing. 20. A method as in claim 16 wherein forming said insert comprises curing said insert separate and externally from said substrate and said armrest casing. | TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to automotive interior trim and more particularly, to an armrest assembly and to components thereof. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Armrests are incorporated into vehicles for ergonomic reasons and comfort and convenience of both drivers and passengers. Armrests may be attached to or integrally formed as part of an interior door panel, a seat assembly, or a center console. Some armrests may be stationary, fixed, collapsed, extended, or rotated depending on the mounting location and the system that it is incorporated within. A traditional armrest assembly consists of four main components, a main substrate, a foam backplate, an armrest casing, and a foam element. The main substrate provides support and structure to the armrest. The foam backplate is coupled to the main substrate and the combination thereof is inserted into an armrest casing. The foam element resides within a cavity formed by the coupling of the substrate, the backplate, and the casing. The foam element provides flexibility, energy absorption, and occupant comfort. A common process utilized to manufacture and assemble a vehicle armrest, such as that contained within or on a door assembly, includes five main tasks. The process begins with the injection molding of the main substrate. A plastic material is injected into a mold, which is then cured to form the main substrate. The second task includes the “over molding” of the armrest casing, often formed of a vinyl material, over the main substrate. Following the over molding of the armrest casing, the foam backplate is attached or fastened to the substrate. The fourth task includes the injection of expandable foam through the backplate into the cavity between the substrate, the casing, and the backplate. The foam expands within the cavity and has a resulting exterior shape that is substantially similar or identical to the internal shape of the cavity. Finally, the foam is cured to form the finished armrest. Although the foam element can provide the desired characteristics for an armrest, such as flexibility and energy absorption, the process used to form and cure the foam element is time consuming and costly. The amount of time required to inject and allow the foam element to cure can be as much as several minutes. In addition, the type of material utilized to form the foam element can also be costly. As it is known in the art, it is desirable to minimize manufacturing time and costs. Thus, there exists a need for an improved armrest and process of forming an armrest that reduces manufacturing and assembly time and costs, as well as material costs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment of the present invention, an armrest for a vehicle is provided. The armrest includes a substrate, an armrest casing, and an insert. The armrest casing has an upper portion with an arm-resting surface. The insert includes a non-foam material and resides between the substrate and the upper portion. The armrest casing covers a portion of the substrate and the insert. The embodiments of the present invention provide several advantages. One such advantage is the provision of an armrest having an insert that is formed of a non-foam material. Since the insert is formed of a non-foam material, the insert may be formed using a quick forming and curing process, such as injection molding or the like. The insert is thus quickly formed and cured, which reduces manufacturing time and costs. Another advantage provided by an embodiment of the present invention is the provision of an armrest insert that may be prefabricated prior to assembly of the armrest. This further reduces manufacturing time and costs, as well as reducing armrest assembly time and costs. The prefabrication of the insert also minimizes the number of components within the armrest, by eliminating the need for a foam backplate. Additionally, another advantage provided by an embodiment of the present invention is the provision of a non-foam insert that may be prefabricated quickly in various shapes, sizes, and having various degrees or levels of material physical flexibility thus, providing increased design flexibility. The ability to provide various levels of material physical flexibility provides a desired level of comfort, energy absorption, and overall performance for a particular application. Furthermore, another embodiment of the present invention provides an armrest insert that may be easily placed within an armrest assembly to support an armrest casing, without use of fasteners or special tools or equipment. Again providing manufacturing and assembly ease. The present invention itself, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of this invention reference should now be had to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying figures and described below by way of examples of the invention wherein: FIG. 1 is a traditional exploded perspective view of an armrest assembly incorporating an injected foam insert. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a door assembly incorporating an armrest assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an armrest assembly incorporating an insert in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest assembly of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a method of manufacturing and assembling an armrest assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION While the present invention is described primarily with respect to an armrest for door assembly of an automotive vehicle, the present invention may be adapted to various armrests. The present invention may be applied to ground-based vehicles, to aeronautical vehicles, to watercraft, and to other vehicle and non-vehicle applications. The present invention may be applied to armrests included in a console, a center console, an interior vehicle panel, an interior panel wheel well cover, a door panel, or to other armrests known in the art. In the following description, various operating parameters and components are described for one constructed embodiment. These specific parameters and components are included as examples and are not meant to be limiting. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a traditional exploded perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an armrest assembly 10 are shown incorporating an injected foam insert 12. The armrest assembly 10 includes the insert 12, the substrate 14, and a foam backplate 16. The insert 12 is formed of a foam material and resides on a top surface 18 of the substrate 14. The insert also resides between the top surface 18 and an armrest casing 20. The armrest casing covers interior protruding and exterior surfaces of the substrate 22. A reinforcement member 24 is coupled to the substrate 22 to provided added strength within a handle region 26 of the armrest assembly 10. During manufacturing and assembly of the armrest assembly 10 the armrest casing 20 is formed over the substrate 14. The foam backplate 16 is coupled to the upper exterior side 28 of the substrate 14. The substrate 14, the armrest casing 20, and the foam backplate 16 form a cavity, indicated by arrow 30. Expandable foam is injected into the cavity 30 through an injection point 32. The foam expands within and fills the cavity 30. Although the insert 12 is shown within the exploded view of FIG. 1, similar to the separately formed substrate 14 and foam backplate 16, the insert 12 is injected into the cavity 30 as stated and is formed subsequent to the coupling of the foam backplate 16 to the substrate 14. The time to inject and allow the foam insert 12 to expand and cure can require several minutes. Also, when polyurethane foam is utilized the reagents to form the foam are susceptible to environmental parameter changes, such as atmospheric moisture (humidity), temperature, and pressure changes. These parameter changes can have substantially adverse affect upon the consistency of the resulting foam insert from day to day or even batch to batch. Furthermore, according to conventional methods, after the polyurethane foam has been injected and cured, copious quantities of scrap remain, which require additional time and labor to clean up, which adds to the cost of production. Moreover, the disposal of the scraps and the byproducts from synthesizing polyurethanes can be costly. In addition, due to the complexity, smell, and messiness of preparing the polyurethane foams or any foams in general, it is typically not practical for the armrest assembly to be produced in one location as the preparation of the foam requires an additional, separate work station, which further adds to costs of manufacturing. What is more, many foam inserts are not recyclable and thus the armrest assemblies are not recyclable when a corresponding automotive vehicle is scrapped. Thus, the injection of some urethane foams can be prohibitive. The present invention overcomes these traditional armrest assembly associated disadvantages and limitations. This will become evident in view of the following description and accompanying figures. Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a door assembly 50 for a vehicle 52 is shown incorporating an armrest or an armrest assembly 54 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The armrest assembly 54 includes an insert 56, which is formed at least partially of a non-foam material. The armrest assembly 54 includes a main body 58, which protrudes within the interior 60 of the vehicle 12. An armrest casing 62 resides over the armrest assembly 54 and has an upper portion 64 with an arm-resting surface 66. Although the armrest assembly 54 is shown as part of a door assembly and coupled to a door structure 68, the armrest assembly 54 may be part of or coupled to other vehicle interior systems, structures, and panels, such as a center console structure, a seat system structure, and a rear interior panel. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, an exploded perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the armrest assembly 54 are shown incorporating the insert 56 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The armrest assembly 54 includes the insert 56, the armrest casing 62, and the main substrate 70. In one embodiment, the insert 56 is a single integrally formed component that is somewhat cup-shaped with an open bottom 72. The insert 56 may be formed in various sizes and shapes. The insert 56 may be formed to have a similar shape as a traditional combination of a foam insert and foam back plate, such as the combination of the insert 12 and the foam backplate 16. The insert 56 resides substantially on the top surface 76 of the substrate 70 and within a pocket, indicated by arrow 78, between the top surface 76 and the armrest casing 62. The insert 56 provides support to the armrest casing 62. The insert 56 aids in maintaining the shape of the armrest casing 62 and in so doing maintaining the casing 62 in a taught state. The insert 56 may have any number of attachment passages 74 such as, for example, the passage of fasteners therethrough. The insert 56 includes an interior-supporting member 82, a top-supporting member 84, and an exterior member 86. The interior-supporting member 82, and the top-supporting member 84 support the armrest casing 62. The top-supporting member 84 and the exterior member 86 “closes-up” the pocket 78 and may be coupled to the door structure 68. In closing the pocket 78 the members 84 and 86 create an air chamber 88, which may be utilized as a dampener to absorb energy exerted on the armrest assembly 54. A center hanging member 90 may be coupled to and limit the vertical displacement of the top-supporting member 84. The center member 90 may also increase rigidity of the insert 56. Any number of center members may be utilized. As stated, the insert 56 is formed at least partially of a non-foam material. The insert 56 may be formed of any thermoplastic material and any number of material combinations. In one example embodiment, the insert 56 is formed entirely of a non-foam material, such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). The materials of the insert 56 may be modified to provide varying levels of flexibility and energy absorption. For example, materials having a lower durometer may be utilized to provide a “spongier”, softer, or “springier” feel and response characteristic, whereas materials having a higher durometer may be utilized to provide a stiffer, harder, or less forgiving feel and response characteristic. The armrest casing 62 includes an upper portion 81 with an arm-resting surface 83. The armrest casing 62 covers the protruding interior portion 92 of the substrate 70, as well as the interior-supporting member 82 and the top-supporting member 84. The armrest casing 62 may be formed utilizing methods known in the art and formed of various materials. The armrest casing 62 may be formed of plastic, vinyl, leather, cloth, or other armrest covering material. The armrest casing 62 may be formed of polyvinyl chloride or other thermoplastic polyolefin-based elastomers. The substrate 70 provides structural support and shape for the armrest assembly 54. The substrate 70 is a single rigid molded component. The substrate 70 may be formed of various thermoplastic materials and any combination thereof. The substrate 70 may be formed of a polyolefin-based resin, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or ACS. The substrate 70 includes door trim attachment elements or channels 94 and may include insert attachment elements, such as the outer edge guide 96. The channels 94 may allow for the passage of fasteners therethrough and may align with the passages 74. The interior-supporting member 82 rests against the outer edge guide 96. The substrate 70 may also include an additional guide or keying configuration for attaching the insert 56 to the substrate 70 for proper and desired orientation of the insert 56 relative to the substrate 70. Although there are a specific number of attachment elements shown, any number may be utilized. The armrest assembly 54 may also include a reinforcement member 98 for added strength and rigidity in areas, such as in a door handle region 99, where such added strength is desired. The reinforcement member 98 may also be formed of various materials including those mentioned above with respect to the substrate 70. Referring now to FIG. 6, a method of manufacturing and assembling the armrest assembly 54 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In step 100, the substrate 70 is formed. The substrate 70 may be formed using conventional methods known in the art. The substrate 70 may, for example, be injection molded. In step 102, the insert 56 is formed. The insert 56 is formed separately and externally from the substrate 70 and the armrest casing 62. The insert 56 is formed at least to some extent with a non-foam material. In step 102A, the insert 56 may be injection molded or formed using some other method known in the art. In step 102B, the insert 56 is cured. When the insert 56 is injection molded, as is known in the art, the cure time is quick, typically within 2-3 seconds. The insert 56 is also cured separately and externally from the substrate 70 and the armrest casing 62. In step 104, the insert 56 is placed on or attached to the substrate 70. In the example embodiment shown, the insert 56 is placed on or attached to the top surface 76. The insert 56 may be coupled to the top surface 76 using attachment mechanisms known in the art, such as guides, clips, fasteners, and adhesives. In step 106, the armrest casing 62 is formed. The armrest casing 62 is formed to have the upper portion 81 with the arm-resting surface 83. The armrest casing 62 is formed separate from the insert 56 and the substrate 70, also using methods known in the art. In step 1 08, the armrest casing 62 is applied over or attached to the insert 56 and/or the substrate 70. The substrate 70 and the insert 56 may be placed within the armrest casing 62. In step 110, the insert 56 is placed within or inserted into the pocket 78 between the substrate 70 and the upper portion 81. In step 112, the armrest casing 62 is formed and coupled to the substrate 70. A temporary mold may be placed on the substrate 70 that is similar in size and shape as the insert 56. The temporary mold may be formed of steel or other suitable material for the molding of the armrest casing 62 thereon. The armrest casing 62 is “over molded” over or onto the temporary mold and the substrate 70. In step 113, the insert 56 may be placed on or attached to the substrate 70 and inserted in the armrest casing 62. Similar to step 104, the insert 56 may be placed on or attached to the top surface 76. The insert 56 may be coupled to the top surface 76 using attachment mechanisms as stated above. In step 114, the armrest casing 62 is formed and coupled to the substrate 70. The armrest casing 62 is over molded onto the insert 56 and the substrate 70. This is unlike traditional methods where an armrest casing is over molded onto a substrate followed by injection of a foam material between the armrest casing and the substrate. In step 116, the armrest assembly 54 may be coupled to an interior trim structure, such as the door structure 68. The above-described steps are meant to be illustrative examples; the steps may be performed sequentially, synchronously, simultaneously, or in a different order depending upon the application. The present invention provides an armrest assembly that incorporates an armrest insert formed of a non-foam material. The use of a non-foam material provides decreased material costs of an armrest insert. The insert may be formed separate from the armrest assembly and simplifies manufacturing and assembly steps and minimizes manufacturing and assembly time and costs. The present invention provides such advantages with reduced labor. The present invention also provides an armrest with desired performance characteristics, due to the flexible nature of the insert. While the invention has been described in connection with one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that the specific mechanisms and techniques which have been described are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, numerous modifications may be made to the methods and apparatus described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Armrests are incorporated into vehicles for ergonomic reasons and comfort and convenience of both drivers and passengers. Armrests may be attached to or integrally formed as part of an interior door panel, a seat assembly, or a center console. Some armrests may be stationary, fixed, collapsed, extended, or rotated depending on the mounting location and the system that it is incorporated within. A traditional armrest assembly consists of four main components, a main substrate, a foam backplate, an armrest casing, and a foam element. The main substrate provides support and structure to the armrest. The foam backplate is coupled to the main substrate and the combination thereof is inserted into an armrest casing. The foam element resides within a cavity formed by the coupling of the substrate, the backplate, and the casing. The foam element provides flexibility, energy absorption, and occupant comfort. A common process utilized to manufacture and assemble a vehicle armrest, such as that contained within or on a door assembly, includes five main tasks. The process begins with the injection molding of the main substrate. A plastic material is injected into a mold, which is then cured to form the main substrate. The second task includes the “over molding” of the armrest casing, often formed of a vinyl material, over the main substrate. Following the over molding of the armrest casing, the foam backplate is attached or fastened to the substrate. The fourth task includes the injection of expandable foam through the backplate into the cavity between the substrate, the casing, and the backplate. The foam expands within the cavity and has a resulting exterior shape that is substantially similar or identical to the internal shape of the cavity. Finally, the foam is cured to form the finished armrest. Although the foam element can provide the desired characteristics for an armrest, such as flexibility and energy absorption, the process used to form and cure the foam element is time consuming and costly. The amount of time required to inject and allow the foam element to cure can be as much as several minutes. In addition, the type of material utilized to form the foam element can also be costly. As it is known in the art, it is desirable to minimize manufacturing time and costs. Thus, there exists a need for an improved armrest and process of forming an armrest that reduces manufacturing and assembly time and costs, as well as material costs. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In one embodiment of the present invention, an armrest for a vehicle is provided. The armrest includes a substrate, an armrest casing, and an insert. The armrest casing has an upper portion with an arm-resting surface. The insert includes a non-foam material and resides between the substrate and the upper portion. The armrest casing covers a portion of the substrate and the insert. The embodiments of the present invention provide several advantages. One such advantage is the provision of an armrest having an insert that is formed of a non-foam material. Since the insert is formed of a non-foam material, the insert may be formed using a quick forming and curing process, such as injection molding or the like. The insert is thus quickly formed and cured, which reduces manufacturing time and costs. Another advantage provided by an embodiment of the present invention is the provision of an armrest insert that may be prefabricated prior to assembly of the armrest. This further reduces manufacturing time and costs, as well as reducing armrest assembly time and costs. The prefabrication of the insert also minimizes the number of components within the armrest, by eliminating the need for a foam backplate. Additionally, another advantage provided by an embodiment of the present invention is the provision of a non-foam insert that may be prefabricated quickly in various shapes, sizes, and having various degrees or levels of material physical flexibility thus, providing increased design flexibility. The ability to provide various levels of material physical flexibility provides a desired level of comfort, energy absorption, and overall performance for a particular application. Furthermore, another embodiment of the present invention provides an armrest insert that may be easily placed within an armrest assembly to support an armrest casing, without use of fasteners or special tools or equipment. Again providing manufacturing and assembly ease. The present invention itself, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. | 20041229 | 20070605 | 20060629 | 70588.0 | B60N246 | 0 | PEDDER, DENNIS H | ARMREST INSERT AND CORRESPONDING ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | B60N | 2,004 |
|
10,905,469 | ACCEPTED | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING VEHICLE NOISE | A system and method for reducing or eliminating noise generated in a vehicle by contact between components of similar or identical materials isolate the components using a dissimilar material disposed between the components of similar or identical materials. An isolator made of a second material, such as a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is disposed between a glovebox hinge retainer and glovebox door hinge made of a first material that provides desired structural characteristics for an instrument panel assembly, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS. The glovebox hinge retainer may be integrally formed with the instrument panel with the isolator comprising an integrally formed projection in a glovebox surround that extends between at least one side of the hinge retainer and the glovebox door hinge after installation of the glovebox door. | 1. A system for reducing interior noise in a vehicle, the system comprising: an instrument panel having an opening for installation of a storage compartment with an access door, the instrument panel including at least two hinge retainers made of a first material; an access door for the storage compartment having at least two hinges cooperating with the at least two hinge retainers and a corresponding hinge pin to allow opening and closing of the access door, the access door being made of the first material; and an isolator disposed between at least one side of each of the at least two hinges and the at least two hinge retainers, the isolator being made of a second material to reduce noise otherwise generated by contact between the hinge and the hinge retainer. 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a storage compartment surround made of the second material, the storage compartment surround being inserted into the opening before installation of the access door, wherein the isolator is integrally formed in the storage compartment surround. 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the isolator includes an aperture for receiving the hinge pin. 4. The system of claim 2 wherein the isolator extends only about half way around the hinge pin. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the first material comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and the second material comprises a thermoplastic polyolefin. 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first material comprises polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and the second material comprises a thermoplastic polyolefin. 7. The system of claim 6 wherein the second material comprises polypropylene. 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the storage compartment comprises a glovebox and wherein the access door comprises a glovebox door. 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least two hinge retainers are integrally molded into the instrument panel. 10. A method for reducing interior noise associated with an instrument panel having a glovebox door hinge and hinge retainer made of a first material, the method comprising: positioning an isolator made of a second material between at least one side of each glovebox door hinge and a corresponding glovebox hinge retainer. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of positioning an isolator made of a second material comprises: securing a glovebox surround to the instrument panel, the glovebox surround including integrally molded isolators that extend at least partially between the glovebox door hinge and corresponding hinge retainer. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the isolators extend about half way around a corresponding hinge pin that extends through the glovebox door hinge and corresponding hinge retainer. 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the hinge retainer is integrally molded in the instrument panel. 14. A vehicle interior assembly comprising: an instrument panel made of a first material and having an opening for a glovebox, the instrument panel including at least one integrally formed hinge retainer having a hole for receiving a hinge pin to secure a glovebox door; a glovebox surround made of a second material extending into the opening for the glove box and secured to the instrument panel, the surround having a cut-out corresponding to each integrally formed hinge retainer so that the hinge retainer projects through the cut-out when the surround is secured to the instrument panel, the surround including at least one integrally formed isolator extending at least partially along at least one side of each hinge retainer; and a glovebox door having at least one hinge cooperating with the at least one hinge retainer and isolator to pivotally secure the glovebox door with a hinge pin that extends through the hinge, isolator, and hinge retainer. 15. The assembly of claim 14 wherein the first material comprises an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and the second material comprises a thermoplastic polyolefin. 16. The assembly of claim 14 wherein the at least one integrally formed isolator extends about half way around an associated hinge pin. 17. The assembly of claim 14 wherein the at least one isolator includes a hole to accommodate an associated hinge pin. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system and method for reducing noise associated with interior vehicle components. BACKGROUND ART Vehicle component suppliers and manufacturers continually attempt to improve vehicle occupant safety while providing aesthetically pleasing accessories and convenient vehicle amenities. Numerous compartments for storing personal items are often provided, typically including a glovebox or glove compartment with a hinged door attached to the passenger side of the instrument panel. Manufacturers are continually examining new materials, designs, and assembly procedures for various instrument panel components to meet consumer demand for aesthetically pleasing and functional features, reduce costs, and maintain or improve occupant safety. Use of similar or identical materials that provide desired structural characteristics for components that may contact each other may result in undesirable buzz, rattles, squeaks, or other noise during operation of the vehicle. In particular, use of materials such as polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) or similar materials to provide desirable structural characteristics for various components of a vehicle instrument panel may result in undesirable buzz, squeaks, or rattles (BSR). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes a system and method for reducing or eliminating noise generated in a vehicle by contact between components of similar or identical materials that isolate the components using a dissimilar material disposed between the components of similar or identical materials. In one embodiment, the invention includes a glovebox hinge retainer and glovebox door hinge made of a first material and an isolator made of a second material disposed between the glovebox hinge retainer and the glovebox door hinge. The first material may be PC/ABS or a similar material to provide desired structural characteristics with the second material being a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) such as polypropylene (PP) or similar material. The glovebox hinge retainer may be integrally formed in the instrument panel with the isolator comprising an integrally formed projection in a glovebox surround that extends between at least one side of the hinge retainer and the glovebox door hinge when installed. The glovebox surround may be secured to the instrument panel using one or more conventional fasteners. A hinge pin may be used to secure the glovebox door hinge to the hinge retainer to allow opening and closing of the glovebox door. Other embodiments of the present invention include a method for reducing or eliminating noise in a vehicle interior by positioning an isolator between a glovebox door hinge and hinge retainer, the isolator being made of a different or dissimilar material than the glovebox door hinge and hinge retainer. The present invention provides a number of advantages. For example, the present invention allows use of materials having desired structural characteristics while reducing or eliminating noise associated with contact between components made of a similar or identical material. Various embodiments of the present invention provide for an integrally formed or molded isolator so that additional parts and assembly are not required to eliminate noise. In addition, an integrally formed isolator reduces tolerancing and stack-up requirements that would otherwise be associated with separate or discrete parts required to reduce or eliminate noise. The above advantages and other advantages and features of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a cutaway view of an instrument panel or dashboard in a system for reducing interior noise in a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a glovebox hinge and hinge retainer with an integrally formed isolator according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 illustrates a glovebox surround and instrument panel in a system or method for reducing interior noise according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a close-up illustrating an isolator extending along a hinge retainer according to one embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative implementation of an isolator for use in a system or method for reducing interior noise according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features of the present invention as illustrated and described with reference to any one of the Figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other Figures to produce embodiments of the present invention that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of the present invention may be desired for particular applications or implementations. FIG. 1 illustrates a representative application for a system or method for reducing vehicle interior noise according to one embodiment of the present invention. System 10 includes a vehicle interior assembly 12 having a storage compartment, such as a glovebox or glove compartment, with an associated access door 14 secured to a surround or closeout 16, which is secured to an instrument panel or dashboard 18. Door 14 preferably includes an appropriate handle and latching mechanism generally represented by reference numeral 20 to facilitate opening and closing. In this embodiment, glovebox door 14 is secured to instrument panel 18 by one or more hinge assemblies 22, 24. Each hinge assembly 22, 24 includes a hinge retainer 30 that may be integrally formed or molded in instrument panel 18, or provided as a separate component secured to the instrument panel depending upon the particular application and implementation. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various advantages associated with having an integrally molded or formed hinge retainer. Integrally formed hinge retainer 30 projects through a corresponding aperture or hole in glovebox surround 16 and includes an appropriate hole or aperture for receiving a hinge pin. During assembly, glovebox hinge 32 is secured to hinge retainer 30 by hinge pin 34. According to the present invention, an isolator 36 extends along at least one side of each hinge retainer 30 to isolate glovebox hinge 32 from hinge retainer 30, i.e. to reduce or prevent contact between hinge retainer 30 and glovebox hinge 32. Although the representative application illustrated includes two hinge assemblies, the present invention applies equally to applications and implementations having a single hinge assembly or multiple hinge assemblies. In various vehicle applications, glovebox door 14 and instrument panel 18 may be made of a similar or identical material to provide desired structural characteristics. For example, glovebox door 14 and instrument panel 18 may be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS), which have desired structural characteristics for various vehicle applications. Contact between components made of these types of materials may result in undesirable interior noise during vehicle operation, often referred to as buzz, rattles, or squeaks (BSR), etc. According to the present invention, isolator 36 is made of a second material, such as a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), to reduce or eliminate contact between components of similar or identical material and the resulting undesirable noise. In one embodiment, isolator 36 extends radially about halfway around hinge pin 34 on one side of each hinge retainer 30 and is integrally formed or molded in glovebox surround or closeout 16. Isolator 36 and glovebox surround 16 are made of a TPO, such as polypropylene in this embodiment, to effectively isolate contact between glovebox hinge 32 and hinge retainer 30, which are made of a material to provide desired structural characteristics, such as PC/ABS. FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a glovebox hinge and hinge retainer with an integrally formed isolator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Hinge retainer 30 extends through a corresponding aperture in glovebox closeout or surround 16, which includes an integrally formed or molded isolator 36 of unitary construction. In this embodiment, isolator 36 is implemented by a U-shaped extension or rib that extends radially about halfway around hinge pin 34. To provide the desired isolation between glovebox hinge 32 and corresponding hinge retainer 30, isolator 36 is provided along the inside edge of each hinge retainer 30. Depending upon the particular application, isolator 36 may be provided as a separate component and/or may be provided both sides of each hinge retainer 30. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various advantages associated with having an integrally formed or molded isolator 36. In particular, an integrally formed or molded isolator 36 reduces assembly operations and assures that the isolator is present in every assembly without an additional quality assurance inspection or check. Positioning of isolator 36 on either the inside or outside of hinge retainers 30 provides additional clearance and reduces tolerancing requirements for the opening in glovebox surround 16 associated with hinge retainer 30 while providing the desired isolation to reduce or eliminate noise that may be generated by contact between retainer 30 and hinge 32. FIG. 3 illustrates a glovebox surround and instrument panel in a system or method for reducing interior noise according to one embodiment of the present invention. Instrument panel 18 is made of a first material having desired structural properties or characteristics and includes an opening for installation of a storage compartment, such as a glovebox or glove compartment. Instrument panel 18 includes at least one integrally formed hinge retainer 30 having a hole for receiving a hinge pin to secure a glovebox door. Glovebox surround 16 is made of a second material and extends into the opening for the storage compartment or glovebox of instrument panel 18. Glovebox surround or closeout 16 is secured to instrument panel 18 using conventional fasteners or other commercial fastening methods. As illustrated, glovebox surround 16 includes openings or cut-outs corresponding to each hinge retainer 30 so that the hinge retainers project through the associated cut-outs when surround 16 is secured to instrument panel 18. Glovebox surround 16 includes at least one integrally formed or molded isolator 36 extending at least partially along at least one side of each hinge retainer 30. A glovebox door having at least one hinge cooperating with hinge retainers 30 may then be secured to hinge retainer 30 by one or more associated hinge pins 34. FIG. 4 is a close-up illustrating an isolator extending alongside a hinge retainer according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in this embodiment, isolator 36 comprises an integrally formed projection extending from glovebox surround 16 along an opening that accommodates hinge retainer 30, which is integrally formed in the instrument panel. Isolator 36 includes an open ended, U-shaped or open end construction 40 to facilitate assembly while providing the desired isolation between hinge retainer 30 and a glovebox door hinge (not shown). Isolator 36 extends radially about halfway or about 180° around hinge pin 34. FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative implementation of an isolator for use in a system or method for reducing interior noise according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, integrally formed isolator 36′ includes a projection or rib extending along an opening for a hinge retainer 30 having a closed end construction 42 with an associated through hole to accommodate a hinge pin to secure a glovebox door to hinge retainer 30. As illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 1-5 a method for reducing interior noise associated with an instrument panel having a glovebox door hinge and hinge retainer made of a first material includes positioning an isolator made of a second material between at least one side of each glovebox door hinge and corresponding glovebox hinge retainer. In one embodiment, the isolators are positioned by securing a glovebox surround to the instrument panel where the glovebox surround includes openings to accommodate the hinge retainers of the instrument panel and integrally molded isolators associated with each opening such that the isolators extend between the hinge retainers and the associated glovebox door hinge after assembly or installation. The isolators may extend about halfway around a corresponding hinge pin that extends through the glovebox door hinge and corresponding hinge retainer to form a U-shaped extension or rib. Alternatively, the isolators may include a closed end or projection having a through hole to accommodate the associated hinge pin. As such, the present invention allows use of materials having desired structural characteristics for typical vehicle applications while reducing or eliminating noise associated with contact between components made of a similar or identical material. Various embodiments of the present invention provide for an integrally formed or molded isolator so that additional parts and assembly are not required to eliminate noise. In addition, an integrally formed isolator reduces tolerancing and stack-up requirements that would otherwise be associated with separate or discrete parts required to reduce or eliminate noise. While the best mode for carrying out the invention has been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention as defined by the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>Vehicle component suppliers and manufacturers continually attempt to improve vehicle occupant safety while providing aesthetically pleasing accessories and convenient vehicle amenities. Numerous compartments for storing personal items are often provided, typically including a glovebox or glove compartment with a hinged door attached to the passenger side of the instrument panel. Manufacturers are continually examining new materials, designs, and assembly procedures for various instrument panel components to meet consumer demand for aesthetically pleasing and functional features, reduce costs, and maintain or improve occupant safety. Use of similar or identical materials that provide desired structural characteristics for components that may contact each other may result in undesirable buzz, rattles, squeaks, or other noise during operation of the vehicle. In particular, use of materials such as polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) or similar materials to provide desirable structural characteristics for various components of a vehicle instrument panel may result in undesirable buzz, squeaks, or rattles (BSR). | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention includes a system and method for reducing or eliminating noise generated in a vehicle by contact between components of similar or identical materials that isolate the components using a dissimilar material disposed between the components of similar or identical materials. In one embodiment, the invention includes a glovebox hinge retainer and glovebox door hinge made of a first material and an isolator made of a second material disposed between the glovebox hinge retainer and the glovebox door hinge. The first material may be PC/ABS or a similar material to provide desired structural characteristics with the second material being a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) such as polypropylene (PP) or similar material. The glovebox hinge retainer may be integrally formed in the instrument panel with the isolator comprising an integrally formed projection in a glovebox surround that extends between at least one side of the hinge retainer and the glovebox door hinge when installed. The glovebox surround may be secured to the instrument panel using one or more conventional fasteners. A hinge pin may be used to secure the glovebox door hinge to the hinge retainer to allow opening and closing of the glovebox door. Other embodiments of the present invention include a method for reducing or eliminating noise in a vehicle interior by positioning an isolator between a glovebox door hinge and hinge retainer, the isolator being made of a different or dissimilar material than the glovebox door hinge and hinge retainer. The present invention provides a number of advantages. For example, the present invention allows use of materials having desired structural characteristics while reducing or eliminating noise associated with contact between components made of a similar or identical material. Various embodiments of the present invention provide for an integrally formed or molded isolator so that additional parts and assembly are not required to eliminate noise. In addition, an integrally formed isolator reduces tolerancing and stack-up requirements that would otherwise be associated with separate or discrete parts required to reduce or eliminate noise. The above advantages and other advantages and features of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. | 20050106 | 20061226 | 20060706 | 73312.0 | B60R706 | 0 | PATEL, KIRAN B | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING VEHICLE NOISE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | B60R | 2,005 |
|
10,905,489 | ACCEPTED | SEARCH ENGINE FOR A VIDEO RECORDER | The present invention is directed to a search engine for a video recorder. One embodiment of the present invention operates in an environment that includes one or more set-top boxes connected to or integrated within one or more output devices. The set-top boxes are used to transfer shows from a broadcast input source to one or more types of storage devices and to play back the shows from the storage devices to the output devices, either in a delayed-live fashion or at a later time of the user's choosing. The set-top box displays a graphical user interface (GUI), which gives the user the ability to watch and/or record timeslot based programming, to order on-demand programming, and to playback previously recorded shows that reside on a local or remote storage device. A search engine is added to the GUI that lets the search for shows and receive results in an enhanced manner. | 1. A method for searching for shows comprising: providing a search engine application; receiving one or more characters in said search engine application; matching said characters using said search engine application to one or more database entries; providing one or more results from said database entries; presenting said results on an output device, including organizing said results into one or more optional categories; providing for a user to select one of said results; and providing for said user to perform an action using said one of said results. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said database entries are related to timeslot based programming. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said database entries are related to on-demand programming. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said database entries are related to saved shows. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said optional categories includes an actor or actress name category. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein said optional categories includes a category for multiple instances of a same show. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of receiving one or more characters further comprises: providing an alpha-numeric input area on said output device; and providing for the selection of one of said characters using said alpha-numeric input area. 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising: determining whether one or more entries in said an alpha-numeric input area are no longer valid; disabling said entries that are no longer valid; and providing a visual indication to a user as to which of said entries are no longer valid. 9. The method of claim 8 wherein said visual indication comprises making inaccessible said entries that are no longer valid. 10. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of receiving one or more characters further comprises providing a keyword search field. 11. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of providing for said user to perform an action comprises providing for said user to watch said result. 12. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of providing for said user to perform an action comprises providing for said user to record said result. 13. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of providing for said user to perform an action comprises providing for said user to schedule said result to be recorded later. 14. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of providing for said user to perform an action comprises providing for said user to obtain additional information about said result. 15. A system for searching for shows comprising: a search engine application; one or more characters configured to be received using said search engine application; one or more database entries configured to be used by said search engine application to match to said characters; one or more results configured to be displayed from said database entries on an output device, including organizing said results into one or more optional categories; and an device for selecting one of said results and for performing an action using said one of said results. 16. The system of claim 15 wherein said database entries are related to timeslot based programming. 17. The system of claim 15 wherein said database entries are related to on-demand programming. 18. The system of claim 15 wherein said database entries are related to saved shows. 19. The system of claim 15 wherein said optional categories includes an actor or actress name category. 20. The system of claim 15 wherein said optional categories includes a category for multiple instances of a same show. 21. The system of claim 15 wherein said search engine application further comprises further comprises an alpha-numeric input area configured to be provided on said output device. 22. The system of claim 21 wherein said alpha-numeric input area further comprises a mechanism for determining whether one or more entries in said an alpha-numeric input area are no longer valid and for disabling said entries that are no longer valid. 23. The system of claim 21, further comprising visual indication configured to be provided to a user indicating which of said entries are no longer valid. 24. The system of claim 23 wherein said visual indication comprises making inaccessible said entries that are no longer valid. 25. The system of claim 15 wherein said search engine application includes a keyword search field. 26. The system of claim 15 wherein said action comprises watching said result. 27. The system of claim 15 wherein said action comprises watching said result. 28. The system of claim 15 wherein said action comprises obtaining additional information about said result. 29. A computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein for causing a computer to search for a show, comprising, computer readable program code means for causing a computer to provide a search engine application; computer readable program code means for causing a computer to receive one or more characters in said search engine application; computer readable program code means for causing a computer to match said characters using said search engine application to one or more database entries; computer readable program code means for causing a computer to provide one or more results from said database entries; computer readable program code means for causing a computer to present said results on an output device, including organizing said results into one or more optional categories; computer readable program code means for causing a computer to provide for a user to select one of said results; and computer readable program code means for causing a computer to provide for said user to perform an action using said one of said results. 30. The computer program product of claim 29 further comprising: computer readable program code means for causing a computer to present said priorities to a user; and computer readable program code means for causing a computer to change said priorities. 31. A method for searching for shows comprising: providing a pre-defined list to a user; narrowing said pre-defined list based upon one or more inputs from said user to achieve a narrower pre-defined list; invoking a background search engine application; matching one or more characteristics of said narrower pre-defined list to one or more database entries; providing one or more results from said database entries; presenting said results on an output device providing for said user to select one of said results; and providing for said user to perform an action using said one of said results. 32. The method of claim 31 wherein said database entries are related to timeslot based programming. 33. The method of claim 31 wherein said database entries are related to on-demand programming. 34. The method of claim 31 wherein said database entries are related to saved shows. 35. The method of claim 31 wherein said step of providing for said user to perform an action comprises providing for said user to watch said result. 36. The method of claim 31 wherein said step of providing for said user to perform an action comprises providing for said user to record said result. 37. The method of claim 31 wherein said step of providing for said user to perform an action comprises providing for said user to schedule said result to be recorded later. 38. The method of claim 31 wherein said step of providing for said user to perform an action comprises providing for said user to obtain additional information about said result. | All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to search engines, and more particularly to a search engine for a video recorder system that has enhanced presentation and searching capabilities. 2. Background of the Invention Video recorders are devices that are used in conjunction with a television set to enhance the user's entertainment experience. A user watches an output device, such as a television set, while the video recorder, which is either attached to or incorporated within the output device, is used for such things, for example, as tuning to particular stations, recording the shows, playing back previously recorded shows, and searching for shows to watch now or schedule for recording later. In the past, a user searched for shows using a magazine such as “TV Guide”. The user would scan through the pages of the magazine until the appropriate show was located and then would manually tune their television to that channel. More recently, a program guide was provided with analog cable. Instead of a magazine, a specific channel was dedicated to the program guide and similar to a magazine, pages of the program guide were displayed on the screen and the user watched the pages on the screen to find a show that the user could then tune to or schedule to record. As digital cable became more common, a more interactive program guide (IPG) was provided. While not only displaying pages similar to a magazine, the user was able to provide input and actively search for shows, rather than passively wait for the appropriate page to appear on the screen. For instance, the user could move forward in time to see shows in the future and the user could move between channels as well. IPGs also gave the user the ability to select shows automatically for tuning or recording by providing input to the IPG. Magazine and IPG searches are “timeslot based” meaning one can find shows based on the show's timeslot. If the show airs at 9:00 AM every Sunday, then the show is found in the magazine under the 9:00 AM timeslot on Sunday and likewise in the IPG. This creates a problem because oftentimes two or more entries of interest to a user are located a great distance apart spatially in a timeslot based grid. Take for example a user who wants to consider all shows where one of the characters is “Big Bird”. Such entries might be located, for instance, Monday through Friday at 10:00 AM on channel 5 when the show “Sesame Street” is aired, as well as on Sunday at 5:00 PM on channel 33, when “Sesame Street the Movie” is aired. In such a case, the only way the user could discover all of these entries is to scan through the entire timeslot based program guide for the entire week examining every entry. From the user's perspective, this is a problematic and overly time-consuming method of searching for shows. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a search engine for a video recorder having enhanced search and presentation capabilities. One embodiment of the present invention operates in an environment that includes one or more set-top boxes connected to or integrated within one or more output devices. The set-top boxes are used to transfer shows from a broadcast input source to one or more types of storage devices (e.g., hard drives) and to play back the shows from the storage devices to the output devices, either in a delayed-live fashion or at a later time of the user's choosing. The set-top box displays a graphical user interface (GUI), which gives the user the ability to watch and/or record timeslot based programming, to order on-demand programming, and to playback previously recorded shows that reside on a local or remote storage device. A search engine is included in the GUI. In one embodiment, the search engine comprises an on-screen, alpha-numeric interface area that lets the user select letters or numbers using an input device such as a remote control. As the user selects letters or numbers, the system interfaces with one or more databases to locate entries that have a possibility of being matches with the user's initial selection from the alpha-numeric interface area. As the user proceeds to select more letters or numbers, the system continues using the database to narrow the potential results to output to the screen. In one embodiment, the alpha-numeric interface area is modified after each selection by making invalid letters and numbers inaccessible to the user, for instance by making it unselectable. In another embodiment, the search engine comprises a keyword search engine. First, the user types in a keyword in an input field area. The system examines the first letter of the keyword and uses the database to find possible matches. The system then continues by examining the second and subsequent letters entered into the input field area until appropriate results are obtained. In one embodiment, the results are organized using categories. For instance, results may be obtained by creating folders of all shows where a certain actor or actress appears, where their name matches the selections by the user. Alternatively, matching shows may be listed by show title, show type, or other appropriate category. Identical instances of the same show that are aired at different times or on different channels may be displayed as a single folder on-screen which allows the user to open the folder to find the instance of the show most appropriate to them. Once a result is found by the user, they may view the show, find out more information about the show, record the show, or schedule the show to be recorded later. In one embodiment, the search engine utilizes a common key that is used as the basis for a search of three separate types of databases. The first type of database comprises data relating to timeslot based programming, the second type of database comprises data related to on-demand programming, the third type of database comprises data related to previously recorded shows that are available to the set-top box in use. The common key is used to query each database to find database entries that match the key. Such keys are then used to output a list of results that match the search from all three databases. In one embodiment, the search engine utilizes such factors, for instance, as title, category (e.g., horror or comedy), time, actors, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only: FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a set-top box. FIG. 2 is a diagram of a configuration for one of the multiple tuners associated with the video recorder. FIG. 3 shows a configuration for a single decoder. FIG. 4 is a diagram of a typical tuner arrangement for use with a live TV signal. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a typical tuner arrangement for use when transferring a signal to a storage device. FIG. 6 shows an arrangement for when a user is watching a show that has already been transferred to a storage device. FIG. 7 shows an arrangement for when a user is watching a show on the storage device while another show is being transferred to the storage device. FIG. 8 shows the structure of a search engine that is used in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows the structure of a search engine that is used in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows the structure of a search engine that is used in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a search engine that is used in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of a search engine in a linking model according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart shoeing the operation of a search engine in an acting on model according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of some of the components of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of some of the components of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing one example of a search engine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of a search engine that is used in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of a search engine that is used in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of a search engine that is used in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing one example of a search engine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram of some of the components of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a theme view according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a search engine for a video recorder that has enhanced output and search capabilities. A video recorder as used herein refers to a device capable of transferring broadcast signals and stored content to an output device, transferring broadcast signals to a storage device (e.g., hard drive), and retrieving the broadcast signals from the storage device. The terms video recorder, personal video recorder (PVR), and digital video recorder (DVR) are used herein interchangeably. Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes an embodiment of a video recorder is shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 1. A video recorder 5 is an internal or external component of a set-top box 10. The video recorder 5 includes some or all of a combination of software, hardware, and firmware. In one embodiment, the video recorder 5 uses a storage device 6, such as a hard drive that is internal or external to the set-top box 10 where shows are saved. The set-top box 10 connects to an output device 20, which facilitates the use of broadcast signals, such as live television signals, video on demand broadcasts, downloads of Internet content, viewing of web pages, and viewing of content previously transferred to the storage device 6. In the example of FIG. 1, set-top box 10 is shown as being external to output device 20. It should be understood by someone having ordinary skill in the art, that set-top box 10 may be internal to output device 20 as well. A GUI 7 that includes an IPG 8 is provided, which is displayed on the output device 20. GUI 7 in conjunction with IPG 8 allows the user to control the video recorder 5, typically using a remote control 60. For instance, the user may search the IPG 8 and select shows which are then scheduled to be transferred to storage device 6. The software or firmware that controls set-top box 10 may be installed locally or it may be downloaded from the Internet as needed when configuring new set-top boxes or when updating existing ones. Set-top box 10 is connected to output device 20 via a transmission line 30. Broadcast signals are received by the set-top box 10 via broadcast input source 40, which may be connected to either an antenna, cable television outlet, or other suitable input source. One or more tuner systems 45 are configured to allow the system to utilize broadcast signals from multiple channels. The video recorder component 5 includes a storage device 6 in conjunction with a volatile memory 46, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM). Typically, the broadcast input received along line 40 is handled by the tuner 45. The signal is temporarily resident in memory 46 using a circular buffer or other cache before being transferred more or less permanently to storage device 6. The tuner system 45 works in conjunction with the storage device 6 so that for each tuner in the system, each can simultaneously transfer broadcast signals to the storage device 6, or display channels up to the given number of tuners on output device 20. Set-top box 10 receives power through a line 50. Set-top box 10 receives user input entered from a handheld remote control 60 over a wireless link 70. Wireless link 70 may be an infrared (IR) link, a radio frequency (RF) link, or any other suitable type of link. A bi-directional data path 80 is provided to set-top box 10, through which set-top box 10 can access a network 90, either local, global, or both. Transmission line 40 may provide data from a variety of input sources including cable, satellite, or electromagnetic waves. In one embodiment of the present invention, the PVR uses multiple tuners. Each of the tuners is normally associated with one encoder and one cache, which may be a fixed or variable size cache (for a live signal) or a fixed file in the case where the incoming signal is merely transferred to the storage device 6. FIG. 2 shows various configurations for one of the multiple tuners associated with the PVR. Video stream 200 is provided to tuner 210, which passes the signal to encoder 220, which transfers the data in a cache 230. This configuration is used for analog use of a live TV signal. An alternate configuration includes a video stream 240, which is then provided to tuner 245, which is then passed to encoder 250 and then to fixed file block 260. This configuration is useful for the analog transfer of a signal. For digital channels, encoder blocks 220 and 250 are removed, since the signal has already been digitized. FIG. 3 shows a configuration for a single decoder. Cache 300 provides data to decoder 310, which outputs video signal 320. This arrangement is useful for watching live TV. Alternatively, fixed file block 330 provides data to decoder 340, which outputs a video signal 350. This embodiment is useful for playing back a show that has already been transferred to the storage device (e.g., hard drive). Each decoder shown in FIG. 3 is associated with a tuner/encoder pair. For a live TV signal, FIG. 4 shows an example of a typical arrangement, where video signal 400 is transmitted to tuner 410 then to encoder 420 and to cache 430. After it leaves cache 430 it is decoded in block 440 and the outgoing video signal 450 is displayed on the television. It should be noted that a delay interval 460 of a given (x) number of seconds occurs between the time the signal reaches encoder 420 and is output by decoder 440. Therefore, a live TV signal is typically a signal that has been delayed by (x) seconds. If a user is watching a program and is currently transferring the program to a storage device as well, a cache, as shown in block 430 of FIG. 4 is not used. Instead, a fixed buffer 500, shown in FIG. 5 is used. If the user is watching a show that has already been transferred to the storage device, the decoder is decoupled from the encoder (i.e., it reads from a different cache than the encoder), which continues to encode and cache the live video signal. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 6, where video signal 600 is tuned at block 605 and encoded at block 610 and stored in buffer 620. Fixed buffer 630 is used to provide data to decoder 640, which provides the output signal 650. Finally, if a user is watching a show that resides already on the storage device while another show is currently being transferred to the storage device, two different fixed buffers are implemented. This embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. Video signal 700 is tuned at block 705 and encoded at block 710 and stored in a first fixed buffer 720. A second fixed buffer 730 is used to watch the previously saved show, by transmitting and decoding the data at block 740 and displaying the output video signal 750 on a television. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the set-top box displays a graphical user interface (GUI), which gives the user the ability to watch and/or record timeslot based programming, to order on-demand programming, and to playback previously recorded shows that reside on a local or remote storage device (including a connected set-top box in another room of the user's house, for instance). The search engine is typically implemented as software resident on memory internal to the set-top box, such as a hard drive or Random Access Memory. But the search engine may also be implemented in part as firmware or hardware. The search engine code may also reside on a remote memory, either in another set-top box connected in a network, a shared hard drive, or as an Internet download. In one embodiment, the search engine is integrated into three separate types of databases. The first type of database comprises data relating to timeslot based programming, the second type of database comprises data related to on-demand programming, the third type of database comprises data related to previously recorded shows that are available to the set-top box in use. Each type of database may be a single database or multiple databases of the same type. Moreover, if several separate databases of the same type are used, they may reside on a single storage location or they may be networked across multiple storage locations. For simplicity, each type of database is referred to as a “database”, but it should be understood that, for instance, a timeslot based database includes typical timeslot based guide data, that is available to the user for free, and also timeslot based pay per view programming that incurs additional fees to the user which might reside in a different database physically. FIG. 8 shows the structure of a search engine that is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Search engine 800 includes input field 810 where the user inputs a search. Input field 810 is configured to operate in conjunction with timeslot based programming database 820, on-demand programming database 830, and saved shows database 840. In another embodiment, the search engine utilizes a common key that is used as the basis for a search of each of the thee separate databases. The common key is used to query each database to find database entries that match the key. Such keys are then used to output a list of results that match the search from all three databases. FIG. 9 shows the structure of a search engine for a video recorder that uses a common key. Search engine 910 is a component of application 900 includes common key field 920 where a search 930 is entered. Search 930 is used as data to search for entries in an appropriate field 940, 950, and 960 in databases 970, 980, and 990 that match common key field 920. Once the appropriate fields 940-960 are located in the databases, each row in the column relating to the appropriate fields 940-960 is searched to match an entry 995 and 996, for instance, with search 930. The search of FIG. 9 is achieved by any available programming language, for instance query based languages for databases. In one embodiment, the search engine utilizes such factors, for instance, as title, category (e.g., horror), time, actors, etc. In this embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, search engine 1000 is a component of application 1010 includes fields, such as title 1020, category 1021, time 1022, and actor or actress 1023 where a search is entered. Fields 1020-1023 are shown by purpose of example only, other fields are possible as well. The search is used as data to search for entries in appropriate fields in timeslot based database 1040, on-demand based database 1042, and saved shows database 1044. Each database includes, at least fields for title 1050-1052, category 1060-1062, time 1070-1072, and actor or actress 1080-1082. Each database 1040,1042, and 1044 may have other fields as well, which are not shown for the purpose of simplicity. Entries 1090 and 1091 are used to query databases 1040,1042, and 1044 in the appropriate database querying programming language. For instance, entries 1090 and 1091 might be “Hollywood Squares” and “10:00 AM”. In such a case, entries 1090 and 1091 are compared to the entries in each row of databases 1040, 1042, and 1044 along columns 1060-1062 and 1070-1072. Once entries matching the query in both rows 1098 and 1099 are obtained, the results 1095 can be output to the user for further selection. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a search engine according to an embodiment of the present invention. At block 1100, a search engine is presented to the user. At block 1110, the user inputs one or more search terms for one or more categories. At block 1120, the search term for each category is used to find a matching entry in a first database. At block 1130, the search term for each category is used to find a matching entry in a second database. At block 1140, the search term for each category is used to find a matching entry in a third database. At block 1150, it is determined if one or more matches were found in the first, second, or third databases. If not, the search was not successful and this is conveyed to the user at block 1160. Otherwise, the results are sorted at block 1170 and presented to the user at block 1180. The results can be presented to the user, for instance, buy providing a visual indication to the type of show found. On-demand programming may be indicated as such, while timeslot based and saved programming may receive different visual indicators. The present invention can be used in a “linking” model or an “acting on” model. In the linking model, results that are chosen that are “on demand” or “pay-per-view” (i.e., timeslot based) cause a link to be invoked that send the user to a separate application that allows the user to get more information and/or begin a process of ordering and paying for the show. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the steps involved in a search that uses the “linking” model. At block 1200 a search engine is presented to the user. At block 1210, the user inputs one or more search terms in one or more categories. At block 1220, the search term for each category is used to find a matching entry in a first, second and third database. At block 1230, it is determined if a timeslot based broadcast is found. If so, a link is provided that allows the user to tune to that broadcast at block 1240. After block 1240 or if no a timeslot based broadcast is found, it is determined if a timeslot based pay-per-view entry was found at block 1250. If so, the user is provided with a link to a page where the user can order the pay-per view program at block 1260. After block 1260 or if no timeslot based pay-per-view entry was found, then at block 1270, it is determined if an on-demand entry was found. If so, then at block 1280, a link is provided to a page where the user can purchase the on-demand programming. After block 1280 or if no on-demand entry was found, then at block 1290, it is determined if a show that has been saved on the local set-top box's hard drive or a connected hard drive is found. If so, a link is provided at block 1295 that allows the user to retrieve the saved show from the appropriate storage device. Otherwise the search was unsuccessful for saved shows at block 1299. In the “acting on” model a single application controls the entire process of searching, purchasing, and watching, without linking to a separate application. The “acting on” model is illustrated in FIG. 13. At block 1300 a search engine is presented to the user. At block 1310, the user inputs one or more search terms in one or more categories. At block 1320, the search term for each category is used to find a matching entry in a first, second and third database. At block 1330, all of the matching entries are obtained. At block 1340, it is determined if only a saved show was found. If so, the saved show is obtained from a storage device at block 1350. Otherwise, at block 1360, it is determined, if only a broadcast entry was found. If so, the system tunes to that entry at block 1370. Otherwise all entries are displayed at block 1380 and the user chooses the appropriate action that is invoked by the current application at block 1390. The operation of one embodiment of a set-top box is shown in FIG. 14. An input signal 1400 arrives at tuner 1410 and is encoded at block 1420. A storage device 1430 comprises a variable delay cache 1440 and a fixed buffer 1450. If the user is watching live television, the input signal 1400 is typically handled first in variable delay cache 1440. In this example, variable delay cache has a structure that is logically circular. The size of the cache controls the amount of delay. As signals are received in the cache 1440 they are added to the tail 1480 of the cache 1440. As new signals are received, they eventually move to the head 1490 of the cache 1440. At that time, they are decoded at block 1460 and transferred as an output signal 1470 to an output device such as a television, for instance. The delay between the head 1490 and the tail 1480 is adjustable or can be completely eliminated to have a true “live television” experience. Variable delay cache 1440 is shown being a circular buffer, however, the actual locations in the storage device 1430 need not be contiguous or even reside on the same storage device. Instead, they can be in disparate locations on storage device 1430 and connected, for instance using pointers or other memory reference techniques, so that there is an ability to produce the data in a logical manner, but an actual contiguous space in storage device 1430 need not be reserved for the variable delay cache 1440. Moreover storage device 1430 can be used to represent the storage devices of multiple video recorder connected in a computer network arrangement. FIG. 15 shows the operation of a set-top according to another embodiment of the present invention. An input signal 1500 arrives at tuner 1510 and is encoded at block 1520. A storage device 1530 comprises a variable delay cache 1540 and a fixed buffer 1550. If the user is watching live television, the input signal 1500 is handled first in variable delay cache 1540. In this example, variable delay cache has a structure that is a linked list of files wherein each file represents one or more frames of the video that arrives along input signal 1500. The size of the linked list controls the amount of delay. As signals are received in the cache 1540 they are added to the tail 1580 of the cache 1540. As new signals are received, they eventually move to the head 1590 of the cache 1540. At that time, they are decoded at block 1560 and transferred as an output signal 1570 to an output device such as a television, for instance. The delay between the head 1590 and the tail 1580 is adjustable or can be completely eliminated to have a true “live television” experience. Variable delay cache 1540 in linked list form connects each frame by a pointer structure, wherein a first frame 1595 and a second frame 1596 in storage device 1530 appear to be logically located near each other, or contiguous in storage device 1530, but actually first frame 1595 and second frame 1596 may be located far apart on storage device 1530 and are logically linked by pointer reference 1597. It should be noted that the search engine of the present invention can be configured to be utilized with any one or all three of the above database types. The search engine may be of multiple types according to the present invention. One type comprises a keyword type search, which has been used by way of example in FIGS. 8-15. In another embodiment, the search engine comprises an on-screen, alpha-numeric interface area that lets the user select letters or numbers using an input device such as a remote control. As the user selects letters or numbers, the system interfaces with one or more databases to locate entries that have a possibility of being matches with the user's initial selection from the alpha-numeric interface area. As the user proceeds to select more letters or numbers, the system continues using the database to narrow the potential results to output to the screen. In one embodiment, the alpha-numeric interface area is modified after each selection by making invalid letters and numbers inaccessible to the user, for instance by making it appear opaque and un-selectable. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 16. Interface screen 1600 includes an optional video or additional information area 1604, an alpha-numeric input area 1606, and a search results area 1608. Alpha-numeric input area 1606 includes a plurality of letters and numbers more or less reproducing on a screen the options that are available to a user of a keyboard. By use of an input device 1610, such as a remote control, the user can navigate alpha-numeric input area 1606 and select letters and/or numbers in an iterative process. When the user selects a letter or number, the system uses that letter or number to search one or more databases 1620. The one or more databases 1620 may be accessed, for instance, in the manner shown with respect to FIGS. 8-15 or in any other manner known to those skilled in the art. The single letter or number search typically will elicit many results which are displayed in search results area 1608, however, it will also nullify many possible selections in alpha-numeric input area 1606. For instance, an initial selection of the letter “Z” might produce hundreds of results, yet none of them contain the combination of “ZQ”. Thus the system will modify alpha-numeric input area 1606 to make the letter “Q” opaque or otherwise inactive. Thus as the user continues to select letters or numbers, the possible results continue to narrow and the possible valid entries in alpha-numeric input area 1606 continue to be reduced. The same iterative process may be implemented using a keyword search, rather than an alpha-numeric input area. In such a case, the iterative process may be repeated, as each subsequent letter is typed in by the user into a search engine keyword search field. The steps taken by a search engine according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown in FIG. 17. At block 1700 a character is received for searching. At block 1710 the database is searched for matching entries. At block 1720 the matching entries are displayed on the screen. At block 1730 the alpha-numeric characters that are no longer valid are disabled, for instance by making those characters inaccessible on the screen. At block 1740, it is determined if the user has selected one of the results that are output to the screen using their input device. If so, a match is found and a further action is performed by the user with respect to the show at block 1760. Such a further action includes, for instance, recording the show, scheduling the show to be recorded in the future, watching the show, or receiving additional information about the show. Otherwise, no match has been found yet, so at block 1750 the system waits for the user to input an additional character and the process repeats at block 1710. In one embodiment, the results of a successful search query are organized using categories. For instance, results may be obtained by creating folders of all shows where a certain actor or actress appears, where their name matches the selections by the user. Alternatively, matching shows may be listed by show title, show type, or other appropriate category. Identical instances of the same show that are aired at different times or on different channels may be displayed as a single folder on-screen which allows the user to open the folder to find the instance of the show most appropriate to them. Once a result is found by the user, they may view the show, find out more information about the show, record the show, or schedule the show to be recorded later. The steps taken by a search engine according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 18. In this embodiment, the name of an actor or actress is promoted to a category if a match occurs in the database and all instances of shows where the actor or actress appears are organized within the new category. At block 1800 a character is received for searching. At block 1810 the database is searched for matching entries. At block 1820 it is determined if an actor or actress with a name matching the search entry is found. If so, a new category is created under the actor's name at block 1830 and any subsequent shows to be output by the search engine are organized in the new category. After the category is created, or if no actor name is found, the matching entries are displayed on the screen at block 1840. At block 1850 the alpha-numeric characters that are no longer valid are disabled, for instance by making those characters inaccessible on the screen. At block 1860, it is determined if the user has selected one of the results that are output to the screen using their input device. If so, a match is found, and a further action is performed by the user with respect to the show at block 1870. Such a further action includes, for instance, recording the show, scheduling the show to be recorded in the future, watching the show, or receiving additional information about the show. Otherwise, no match has been found yet, so at block 1880 the system waits for the user to input an additional character and the process repeats at block 1810. The steps taken by a search engine according to another embodiment of the present invention are shown in FIG. 19. In this embodiment, shows that match the user's search query are organized in such a manner that the same instances of matched shows that are repeated at different times, or on different days, or on different channels, are all organized into a single folder when the results are output to the screen. At block 1900 a character is received for searching. At block 1910 the database is searched for matching entries. At block 1920 it is determined if multiple instances of the same show are found. If so, a new category is created under the name of the show that has multiple instances at block 1930 and any subsequent shows to be output by the search engine are organized in the new category. After the category is created, or if no shows having multiple instances are found, the matching entries are displayed on the screen at block 1940. At block 1950, it is determined if the user has selected one of the results that are output to the screen using their input device. If so, a match is found, and a further action is performed by the user with respect to the show at block 1960. Such a further action includes, for instance, recording the show, scheduling the show to be recorded in the future, watching the show, or receiving additional information about the show. Otherwise, no match has been found yet, so at block 1970 it is determined if the user selected one of the categories, if any, that are displayed on the screen. If so, the matching entries within the category are displayed at block 1980 and block 1950 repeats. Otherwise, no match has been found yet, so the system waits for the user to input an additional character at block 1990 and the process repeats at block 1910. FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of the present invention that organizes search results on the screen in an enhanced manner, for instance by using one or more of the processes described with respect to FIGS. 17-19. Interface screen 2000 includes an optional video or additional information area 2004, an input area 2006, and a search results area 2008. Input area 2006 in this embodiment uses a keyword search engine, although it might also use interchangeably an alpha-numeric input area. By use of an input device 2010, such as a remote control, the user can utilize input area 2006 and input letters and/or numbers in an iterative process. When the user selects a letter or number, the system uses that letter or number to search one or more databases 2020. The single letter or number search typically will elicit many results which are displayed in search results area 2008, if the number of results are below a certain threshold. For instance, results exceeding 100 might not be displayed and the system might wait until it has received a narrow enough search to display less than 100 results on the screen. In this example the character “S” was first input into keyword search field 2060. “S” retrieved too many results and nothing was displayed until the user input a second character “E” into field 2060, so that cursor 2080 was waiting for a third character to be input. The search of databases 2020 with the character string “SE” brought up several different types of results. First, Categories 2030 and 2040 were created after matching the actor's name field in database 2020 to the “SE” character string representing Sean Connery and Sean Penn. Within categories 2030 and 2040 would be individual instances of movies where these actors appeared. Secondly, A category 2050 was created to hold several instances of the same show called “Sesame Street”. Within category 2050 would be a plurality of either times, days, or channels where the same show having the title “Sesame Street” occurs. Third, an entry 2070 was created for the pay-per-view movie “Seabiscuit”, which was obtained by searching a separate or integrated database shown as databases 2020. Output area 2008 could also include media-on-demand matches and matches to shows that are already saved in a storage medium, such as a hard disk of the current or an attached set-top box. FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram that illustrates the components of an embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 21 is intended to be a conceptual diagram and does not necessarily reflect the exact physical construction and interconnections of these components. Set-top box 10 includes processing and control circuitry 2100, which controls the overall operation of the system, the processing and control circuitry includes such components as processors, registers, buses, and other circuitry needed to operate a computing device. Coupled to the processing and control circuitry 2100 are one or more TV tuners 2110, a storage device 2120, a communication device 2130, and a remote interface 2140. Tuners 2110 receive broadcast signals on transmission line 2160, which may originate from an antenna, a cable television outlet, a satellite connection, or another suitable broadcast input source. Processing and control circuitry 2100 provides audio and video output to device 2198 via a line 2170. Remote interface 2140 receives signals from remote control 60 via wireless connection 70. Communication device 2130 is used to transfer data between set-top box 10 and one or more remote processing systems, such as a server 2180, via a data path 2190. Server 2180 includes, for instance, a web server, or other set-top boxes connected in a network arrangement, where data from the web or resources from connected set-top boxes are available via data path 2190. Processing and control circuitry 2100 may include one or more of devices such as general-purpose microprocessors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, various types of signal conditioning circuitry, including analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, input/output buffers, etc. Storage device 2120 may include one or more physical memory devices, which may include volatile storage devices, non-volatile storage devices, or both. For example, storage device 2120 may include both random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, various forms of programmable and/or erasable ROM, flash memory, or any combination of these devices. Communication device 2130 may be a conventional telephone modem, an Integrated Services Digital Network adapter, a Digital Subscriber Line adapter, a cable television modem, or any other suitable data communication device. Instructions 2195 typically are resident in storage device 2120. Instructions 2195 control the overall functionality of the system, including the GUI, IPG, and the presentation of search engines. For instance, a search engine may be presented to a user and based on the search, instructions 2195 might tell set-top box 10 to use processing and control circuitry to search one or more databases in both storage device 2120 and along data path 2190. The results might, for instance, per instructions 2195, be retrieved, sorted, and presented to the user on output device 2198 as links, or they could be invoked directly, for instance, to cause output device 2198 to use tuners 2110 to tune to a specific channel. It should be noted that for simplicity of use, the search engine of the present invention need not be presented to the user on an output device. Instead, the search engine may be in the background, and hence invisible to the user, yet still used to access results that the user selects. In this embodiment, a “theme view” is used to guide the background search engine in its task of obtaining results. The theme view presents a series of lists to the user that allows the user to narrow down the potential set of results, without inputting characters into a search engine prompt. The theme view operates, for instance, by presenting a first broad list of themes (i.e., family, news, and sports). By selecting one of the choices, a sub-category list is presented (i.e., family→cartoons, sports→football, sports,→basketball). By narrowing down the potential results in this manner, the user avoids typing in keywords and narrows the pool of potential results for the search engine. Once the pre-defined lists have become as narrow as possible, the search engine still searches as shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention and presents the results. This step of searching, however, is transparent to the user and occurs in the background instead of as a result of an affirmative action by the user. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a theme view according to an embodiment of the present invention. At step 2200 a pre-defined list is presented to a user. The pre-defined list can be created from any of a number of locations, but is typically provided by the set-top box provider. The pre-defined list has an entry that the user selects at block 2210. The system waits at block 2220 until the selection is made. When the user makes the selection, the system determines if it can narrow the list further at block 2230. If so, the list is narrowed at block 2240 and the process repeats at block 220 using the narrowed, pre-defined list. Once the narrowest list is found, a background search engine is invoked at block 2250. At block 2260, the search engine searches a database of timeslot based programming for members of the narrowed list. At block 2270, the search engine searches a database of non-timeslot based programming for members of the narrowed list. At block 2280, the search engine searches a database relating to shows saved in the storage device (hard drive) of the current and any connected set-top boxes for members of the narrowed list. At block 2290, the user is presented with the results. As discussed with other embodiments of the present invention, members of each list are determined by keywords that are stored in the databases associated with each entry that the user can search for. Hence, if the user had narrowed the list down to sports, football and this is the narrowest invocation of the list, then keywords of sports and football, which are potentially associated with each entry in all of the databases are searched for. When a show in any of the databases is found that has these associated characteristics, it becomes a member of the narrowed list and it is added to the list of results that the search engine will output to the user. Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to search engines, and more particularly to a search engine for a video recorder system that has enhanced presentation and searching capabilities. 2. Background of the Invention Video recorders are devices that are used in conjunction with a television set to enhance the user's entertainment experience. A user watches an output device, such as a television set, while the video recorder, which is either attached to or incorporated within the output device, is used for such things, for example, as tuning to particular stations, recording the shows, playing back previously recorded shows, and searching for shows to watch now or schedule for recording later. In the past, a user searched for shows using a magazine such as “TV Guide”. The user would scan through the pages of the magazine until the appropriate show was located and then would manually tune their television to that channel. More recently, a program guide was provided with analog cable. Instead of a magazine, a specific channel was dedicated to the program guide and similar to a magazine, pages of the program guide were displayed on the screen and the user watched the pages on the screen to find a show that the user could then tune to or schedule to record. As digital cable became more common, a more interactive program guide (IPG) was provided. While not only displaying pages similar to a magazine, the user was able to provide input and actively search for shows, rather than passively wait for the appropriate page to appear on the screen. For instance, the user could move forward in time to see shows in the future and the user could move between channels as well. IPGs also gave the user the ability to select shows automatically for tuning or recording by providing input to the IPG. Magazine and IPG searches are “timeslot based” meaning one can find shows based on the show's timeslot. If the show airs at 9:00 AM every Sunday, then the show is found in the magazine under the 9:00 AM timeslot on Sunday and likewise in the IPG. This creates a problem because oftentimes two or more entries of interest to a user are located a great distance apart spatially in a timeslot based grid. Take for example a user who wants to consider all shows where one of the characters is “Big Bird”. Such entries might be located, for instance, Monday through Friday at 10:00 AM on channel 5 when the show “Sesame Street” is aired, as well as on Sunday at 5:00 PM on channel 33, when “Sesame Street the Movie” is aired. In such a case, the only way the user could discover all of these entries is to scan through the entire timeslot based program guide for the entire week examining every entry. From the user's perspective, this is a problematic and overly time-consuming method of searching for shows. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is directed to a search engine for a video recorder having enhanced search and presentation capabilities. One embodiment of the present invention operates in an environment that includes one or more set-top boxes connected to or integrated within one or more output devices. The set-top boxes are used to transfer shows from a broadcast input source to one or more types of storage devices (e.g., hard drives) and to play back the shows from the storage devices to the output devices, either in a delayed-live fashion or at a later time of the user's choosing. The set-top box displays a graphical user interface (GUI), which gives the user the ability to watch and/or record timeslot based programming, to order on-demand programming, and to playback previously recorded shows that reside on a local or remote storage device. A search engine is included in the GUI. In one embodiment, the search engine comprises an on-screen, alpha-numeric interface area that lets the user select letters or numbers using an input device such as a remote control. As the user selects letters or numbers, the system interfaces with one or more databases to locate entries that have a possibility of being matches with the user's initial selection from the alpha-numeric interface area. As the user proceeds to select more letters or numbers, the system continues using the database to narrow the potential results to output to the screen. In one embodiment, the alpha-numeric interface area is modified after each selection by making invalid letters and numbers inaccessible to the user, for instance by making it unselectable. In another embodiment, the search engine comprises a keyword search engine. First, the user types in a keyword in an input field area. The system examines the first letter of the keyword and uses the database to find possible matches. The system then continues by examining the second and subsequent letters entered into the input field area until appropriate results are obtained. In one embodiment, the results are organized using categories. For instance, results may be obtained by creating folders of all shows where a certain actor or actress appears, where their name matches the selections by the user. Alternatively, matching shows may be listed by show title, show type, or other appropriate category. Identical instances of the same show that are aired at different times or on different channels may be displayed as a single folder on-screen which allows the user to open the folder to find the instance of the show most appropriate to them. Once a result is found by the user, they may view the show, find out more information about the show, record the show, or schedule the show to be recorded later. In one embodiment, the search engine utilizes a common key that is used as the basis for a search of three separate types of databases. The first type of database comprises data relating to timeslot based programming, the second type of database comprises data related to on-demand programming, the third type of database comprises data related to previously recorded shows that are available to the set-top box in use. The common key is used to query each database to find database entries that match the key. Such keys are then used to output a list of results that match the search from all three databases. In one embodiment, the search engine utilizes such factors, for instance, as title, category (e.g., horror or comedy), time, actors, etc. | 20050106 | 20110705 | 20060706 | 64594.0 | G06F1730 | 1 | THAI, HANH B | SEARCH ENGINE FOR A VIDEO RECORDER | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,005 |
|
10,905,509 | ACCEPTED | CURRENT SENSOR | A current sensor is described that uses a plurality of magnetic field sensors positioned around a current carrying conductor. The sensor can be hinged to allow clamping to a conductor. The current sensor provides high measurement accuracy for both DC and AC currents, and is substantially immune to the effects of temperature, conductor position, nearby current carrying conductors and aging. | 1. A device for measuring electric current comprised of a plurality of magnetic field sensors positioned around a current carrying conductor, where each sensor is sensitive to one vector component of the magnetic field generated by the electric current, where the sensors are positioned along one or more continuous closed paths encircling the conductor, where the sensors have substantially identical sensitivity along each closed path, where the sensors are equally spaced along the length of each closed path, and where the vector direction of sensitivity for each sensor is oriented to be tangential with the closed path at each sensor location. 2. The device in claim 1 where the magnetic field sensors are selected from the list including but not limited to Hall effect, magnetoresistive, giant magnetoresistive and magnetostrictive sensors. 3. The device in claim 1 where the continuous closed path is a circle or an ellipse. 4. The device in claim 1 where the outputs of the magnetic field sensors are averaged together to generate an output signal that is proportional to the current in the conductor enclosed by the sensor array. 5. The magnetic field sensors in claim 1 where the sensor sensitivity to magnetic field is proportional to a reference voltage applied to the sensor element. 6. The device in claim 1 where the reference voltage is adjusted to compensate for temperature variations in the sensitivity of the magnetic field sensor. 7. The device in claim 1 where the number of sensors is selected to range from 3-1000 elements, and more preferably from the range of 6-35 elements, to reduce the effects of external magnetic fields on the output signal that represents the current in the conductor. 8. The device in claim 1 where the diameter of the curve and the sensor's sensitivity to magnetic field are chosen to provide the desired device response to electric current in the conductor. 9. The device in claim 1 where the sensors are physically mounted on two or more separate support members, each of which can be slid, moved, detached or rotated to allow installation and removal of the device from the conductor without breaking the conductor along its length. 10. The device in claim 1 where each sensor provides an output signal comprised of a DC offset voltage that does not depend on the magnetic field, together with an additional voltage that varies in magnitude and polarity with the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field at the sensor. 11. The device in claim 1 where half of the sensors are oriented such that their output responses to a magnetic field have one polarity, and half of the sensors are oriented such that their output responses to a magnetic field have the opposite polarity. The sensor outputs having the same polarity are averaged to create two averaged signals containing both a DC offset and a signal that varies with the magnitude and polarity of the magnetic field at the sensors. The two resulting averaged signals are differenced to generate an output signal free of any DC offset. 12. The device in claim 1 where the sensors are located in a housing that is electrically conductive to provide Faraday shielding from external electric fields. 13. The device in claim 1 where the sensors are located in an electrically insulating housing that has an electrically conductive coating on the inside and/or outside surfaces to provide Faraday shielding for the magnetic field sensors. 14. The device in claim 1 where the housing is configured to minimize the effects of currents induced in the housing by the magnetic field associated with the current-carrying conductor, by minimizing the presence of eddy current paths that encircle the magnetic flux lines generated by the conductor current and intersect the magnetic field sensors. 15. The device in claim 1 where the sensors and printed circuit boards are potted in a compound to provide protection from the external environment, and is selected from the list that includes but is not limited to silicone, epoxy, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyurethane. 16. The device in claim 1 where the reference voltage is adjusted by an error signal derived from a temperature sensor located inside the current sensor housing. 17. The device in claim 1 where the reference voltage is adjusted by an error signal derived from the DC output offset voltage of-one or more of the magnetic field sensors, where the DC output offset voltage has a temperature dependence that is substantially the same as the temperature dependence of the magnetic field sensor to magnetic fields generated by the current carrying conductor. 18. The device in claim 1 where the reference voltage is adjusted by an error signal derived from the output of one or more of the magnetic field sensors, where the sensor output comprises a signal proportional to the current being sensed, a DC offset voltage and a second signal proportional to the magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet or electromagnet located in the current measurement device, and where the second signal has a temperature dependence that is substantially the same as the temperature dependence of the magnetic field sensor to magnetic fields generated by the current carrying conductor. 19. The device in claim 1 where the reference voltage is adjusted by an error signal derived from the output of one or more separate reference magnetic field sensors having substantially the same temperature dependence as the magnetic field sensors arranged around the current carrying conductor, where the reference magnetic field sensors are separate from the magnetic field sensors used to measure the conductor current and are placed in a reference magnetic field generated by an electromagnet or a permanent magnet generating a substantially constant root-mean-squared (RMS) magnitude magnetic field, where the reference sensor output comprises a signal proportional to the reference magnetic field, and where the reference sensor output has a temperature dependence that is substantially the same as the temperature dependencies of the magnetic field sensors to magnetic fields generated by the current carrying conductor. 20. The device in claim 1 where the reference voltage is controlled by an electronic look-up table programmed into a digital memory device. 21. The permanent magnet or electromagnet in claim 19 where the electromagnet or permanent magnet are oriented relative to the magnetic field sensors to allow detection of the fringing magnetic fields generated by the electromagnet or permanent magnet, so that at each magnetic field sensor they do not substantially interfere with the magnetic field generated by the current carrying conductor. 22. The device in claim 1 where the sensors are located on more than one closed path, where the closed paths have different radii to provide different sensitivities to the current in the conductor. 23. The device in claim 1 where the output signal has sufficient bandwidth to measure currents containing DC, low frequency, power frequency and power frequency harmonic signals. 24. The device in claim 1 where the output signal has sufficient dynamic range, bandwidth and accuracy to measure currents used in calculating power flow in electrical power systems for the purpose of calculating revenues. 25. The device in claim 1 where the output signal has sufficient dynamic range, bandwidth and accuracy to measure currents used in power system relays including but not limited to protection relays, distance relays and line fault relays. 26. The device in claim 1 where the output signal has sufficient dynamic range and bandwidth to measure currents containing DC, low frequency, power frequency and power frequency harmonic signals found on DC power lines. 27. The device in claim 1 where the sensors are located on more than one closed path, where a first closed path has sensors with substantially identical sensitivities of sensitivity A, but sensors in a second or other closed path has sensors with substantially identical sensitivities of sensitivity B which can differ from sensitivity A, resulting in each closed path of sensors providing an output having a different sensitivity to the current in the conductor. 28. The device in claim 1 where the device housing is designed so that the measurement accuracy is maintained after repeated application and removal of the device from a continuous conductor. 29. The device in claim 1 where the device is designed so that the measurement accuracy is maintained after rotating the device around the current carrying conductor, or tilted relative to the axis of the current carrying conductor. 30. The device in claim 1 where a known current is passed through a second conductor running parallel to the conductor being monitored, and passing through the sensor array. The measured response in the sensor array is separated from the output signal and is used to calibrate the sensor array. 31. The device in claim 1 where the housing is electrically conductive to allow eddy currents in the housing, and the sensors are located in a trough in the housing, so that the housing guides and homogenizes the flux lines generated by the current in the conductor to reduce calibration errors caused by sensor misalignment, sensor gain errors, and external magnetic fields. 32. The device in claim 1 where the housing design is selected from the list including but not limited to an electrically insulating layer interposed between the electrically conducting housing components, or a housing made from a conducting material having a relatively high electrical resistivity of 0.001 ohm-cm to 1000 ohm-cm, to reduce the effects of eddy currents on the calibration error of the device. 33. The housing in claim 32 where the housing material is a poor electrically conductive material selected from the list including but not limited to bismuth, stainless steel, carbon-filled polymer or metal/carbon filled epoxy. 34. A method to compensate for the temperature dependence of a current sensor based on magnetic field sensors comprising a temperature sensor located inside the sensor housing, a signal processor to generate an error signal, and a voltage regulator controlled by the error signal that controls the reference voltage for the magnetic field sensors, such that the current sensor output is substantially independent of temperature. 35. A method to compensate for the temperature dependence of a current sensor based on magnetic field sensors where the DC output offset voltage of the magnetic field sensors has a temperature dependence that is substantially the same as the temperature dependence of the magnetic field sensor to magnetic fields generated by a current carrying conductor, comprising a signal processor that measures the DC offset voltage of each array of magnetic field sensors having the same polarity, averaging the two DC offset voltages together, and generating an error signal that controls the reference voltage for the magnetic field sensors, such that the current sensor output is substantially independent of temperature. 36. A method to compensate for the temperature dependence of a current sensor based on magnetic field sensors, comprising a solenoid coil positioned in proximity to one magnetic field sensor, an amplifier to amplify the output of said magnetic field sensor, a signal processor that generates an error signal from the signal created by the solenoid coil and detected by the magnetic field sensor and rejects signals generated by other magnetic fields, a voltage regulator controlled by the error signal that generates the reference voltage for the magnetic field sensors, and an amplifier that removes the voltage from the current sensor output that is created by the solenoid coil, such that the current sensor output is substantially independent of temperature, and where the one magnetic field sensor signal has a temperature dependence that is substantially the same as the temperature dependence of the remaining magnetic field sensors. 37. The method in claim 36 where the signal processor is a synchronous electronic detector. 38. A method to compensate for the temperature dependence of a current sensor based on magnetic field sensors, comprising a permanent magnet positioned in proximity to one magnetic field sensor, an amplifier to amplify the output of said magnetic field sensor, a signal processor that generates an error signal from the signal created by the permanent magnet and detected by the magnetic field sensor, a voltage regulator controlled by the error signal that generates the reference voltage for the magnetic field sensors, and an amplifier that removes a DC voltage from the current sensor output that is created by the permanent magnet, such that the current sensor output is substantially independent of temperature, and where the one magnetic field sensor signal has a temperature dependence that is substantially the same as the temperature dependence of the remaining magnetic field sensors. 39. A method to compensate for the temperature dependence of a current sensor based on magnetic field sensors, comprising a magnetic field sensor positioned inside a solenoid coil, where the solenoid coil and magnetic field sensor are oriented so that their magnetic field direction of generation or detection are substantially perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current in the main conductor being monitored, an amplifier to amplify the output of said magnetic field sensor, a signal processor that generates an error signal from the signal created by the solenoid coil and detected by the magnetic field sensor and rejects signals generated by other magnetic fields, and a voltage regulator controlled by the error signal that generates the reference voltage for the magnetic field sensors, such that the current sensor output is substantially independent of temperature, and where the one magnetic field sensor signal has a temperature dependence that is substantially the same as the temperature dependence of the remaining magnetic field sensors. 40. The method in claim 39 where the signal processor is a synchronous electronic detector. 41. A method to compensate for the temperature dependence of a current sensor based on magnetic field sensors, comprising, a secondary conductor loop passing through the current sensor aperture and substantially parallel to the main current carrying conductor, an amplifier to generate a constant root-mean-squared current in the secondary conductor, a signal processor that generates an error signal from the signal created by the secondary conductor and detected by the magnetic field sensor array and rejects signals generated by other magnetic fields, and a voltage regulator controlled by the error signal that generates the reference voltage for the magnetic field sensors, such that the current sensor output is substantially independent of temperature. 42. A method for measuring electric current comprised of a plurality of magnetic field sensors positioned around a current carrying conductor, where each sensor is sensitive to one vector component of the magnetic field generated by the electric current, where the sensors are positioned along one or more continuous closed paths encircling the conductor, where the sensors have substantially identical sensitivity along each closed path, where the sensors are equally spaced along the length of the closed path, and where the vector direction of sensitivity for each sensor is oriented to be tangential with the closed path at each sensor location. | CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/481,906 filed Jan. 16, 2004 and entitled “CURRENT SENSOR”, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STATEMENT This invention was made with Government support under contract DE-FG03-01 ER83228 awarded by the Department of Energy. The Government has certain rights to this invention. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a clamp-on current sensor for measuring alternating and direct electrical current such as the current of a high-voltage power transmission line or a substation bus conductor. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART A variety of current measurement techniques are known in the art, including current transformers, Rogowski coil transformers, resistive shunts in series or in parallel with a current-carrying conductor, magnetic field point sensors, magnetic field line integral sensors, and line integral optical current sensors. Current transformers consist of two or more windings, each winding consisting of one or more turns of wire, around a continuous core having a high magnetic permeability to concentrate the magnetic flux lines generated by current flowing in the windings. The ratio of turns in the windings determines the turns ratio of the transformer. Clamp-on current transformers introduce a break in the core to permit its installation around a current carrying conductor without breaking the conductor. Current transformers only respond to AC currents unless special steps are taken to actively switch the magnetization direction or strength in the core. Furthermore, at high voltages found in power transmission systems, current transformers become extremely large and heavy and contain insulating mineral oil in order to satisfy the dielectric requirements of the application. A Rogowski coil consists of a coil winding placed around a core having a magnetic permeability similar to air. A current-carrying conductor is passed through the coil, and generates an output voltage that is proportional to the time derivative of the current in the conductor. The real-time current can be estimated by time-integrating the signal from the Rogowski coil. Rogoswki coils require an AC current to generate an output signal, and their output amplitude is proportional to the frequency of the current. A resistive shunt consists of a resistor connected to a current-carrying conductor in such a manner as to allow at least some of the conductor current to pass through the resistive element. The resulting voltage drop across the resistive element is a measure of the current flowing through the element. The resistive element can be placed in series with the current-carrying conductor, whereby all the conductor current passes through the resistive element, or it can be placed in parallel with a portion of the current-carrying conductor, whereby it shunts a known portion of the current away from the conductor. Resistive current sensors can measure AC or DC currents, and are relatively easy to use when the currents to be measured are small, i.e. less than 100 Amperes. Field sensors take advantage of the magnetic field generated by the current in a conductor. By placing a point magnetic field sensor near the conductor, the sensor output signal is proportional to the current in the conductor. By using a magnetic field sensor of the proper type, this current sensor can respond to AC or DC currents, and can have a wide frequency response. Calibration is difficult to achieve or maintain with this approach. Stray magnetic fields generated by other currents located nearby will also cause measurement errors. Optical current sensors use the Faraday effect in an optical solid to change the travel time, polarization state or optical phase of an optical signal, in direct proportion to the magnetic field present along the optical path. By creating a closed optical path that encircles a current carrying conductor, the resulting signal is proportional to the current, and is substantially immune to interfering magnetic fields from other conductors, the position of the conductor relative to the sensor structure, and the size of the conductor. The sensor can be made to respond to DC or AC currents, and it can have a high bandwidth. Optical current sensors are difficult to design as a clamp-on device, and they suffer from high costs. The most accurate current sensors take advantage of Ampere's law, which states that the line integral of the magnetic field along a closed path encircling a current is proportional to the current. More importantly, the integral is not sensitive to the details of the path shape, the spatial distribution of the current within the closed integration path, or the presence of any currents that do not pass through the closed integration path. The current transformer achieves this by having a closed path of high permeability core. The Rogowski coil achieves this by having a coil encircling the conductor with uniform turns per inch along the winding. The optical current sensor achieves this by having an optical sensor element encircling the conductor, such as a block of glass through which a hole has been machined to allow a conductor to pass through and in which the optical beam propagates in a closed path encircling the hole, or an optical fiber that carries the optical signal and can be formed into a closed loop or loops around the current carrying conductor. Current sensors that rely on one or two point magnetic field sensors do not approach a good approximation of Ampere's law, and are therefore prone to inaccuracies due to the presence of external magnetic fields and the position of the conductor relative to the sensor(s). Baker discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,211, issued Feb. 20, 1996, a current probe using a Hall sensor that can be calibrated by using a switched coil to introduce a known current into the conductor under test and measuring the response of the Hall sensor. The response can be used to calibrate the Hall sensor output in response to currents in the conductor under test. This method requires the induction of a test current into the conductor being monitored, which may be difficult when high currents are being measured on a power line. Berkcan discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,395 issued Oct. 17, 1995, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,257 issued Aug. 1, 1995, a method of using a coil to generate a magnetic field that is sensed by two point magnetic field sensors, or two line integrating magnetic field sensors, to create a calibration of the ratio of the responses from the pair of sensors. The ratio is then used to calibrate the response of the sensor pair to the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the conductor under test. This method suffers from being sensitive to stray magnetic fields in the vicinity of the conductor under test, resulting in erroneous readings from the sensor pair. Several attempts have been made to provide separate point sensors to compensate for the presence of external magnetic fields not generated by the current in the conductor of interest. Marx disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,124,642 issued Jun. 23, 1992 the use of two coil sensors placed on opposing sides of a current carrying conductor to measure the current. The two coils are oppositely polarized, and the two signals are differenced to provide a signal that is substantially proportional to the time derivative of the current in the conductor, and less sensitive to stray magnetic fields. Friedl discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,610 issued Jan. 16, 1990, the use of two or more coil sensors to measure the current in a conductor while reducing the errors caused by stray magnetic fields. Arnoux et al. disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 6,215,296 issued Apr. 10, 2001 the use of two point magnetic field sensors to measure the current in a conductor, with one sensor being shielded or otherwise located to provide compensation for external stray magnetic fields. Lienhard discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,495, issued Dec. 17, 1985, the use of two sensors located near a conductor to measure the current carried by the conductor. All of the disclosed techniques are attempts to approximate Ampere's law with two sensors. This approach does not eliminate errors due to stray magnetic fields, and requires careful geometric stability of the sensor locations to maintain calibration. Berkcan discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,257 issued Aug. 1, 1995 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,313 issued Oct. 31, 1995, the use of two point sensors or two line integral sensors to measure the current in a conductor. The sensors are mounted near the conductor, and the ratio response of the two sensors to the conductor current is calibrated during construction. A separate coil is also disclosed that is driven by an adjustable current to reduce or null the magnetic field at the sensors. Other than reducing the magnetic flux at the sensors, there is no clear advantage of this approach. Hall or Magneto-resistive sensors have been coupled with a core having a high magnetic permeability to focus the magnetic flux lines through the sensor. Marasch et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,759,840 issued Jul. 6, 2004, Becker et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,229 issued Jan. 16, 2001, McLyman in U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,163 issued Apr. 7, 1992, Radosevich et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,545,456 issued Apr. 8, 2003, Baran et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,837 issued Aug. 15, 1989, Comeau et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,276 issued Dec. 10, 1985, all disclose methods of this type. However, these methods suffer from measurement errors due to magnetic saturation of the core material, hysteresis effects in the core material, temperature dependent magnetic permeability of the core material, and non-linearity of the core material. In addition, the methods are only applicable to the measurement of AC currents. Hastings et al. discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 4,841,235, issued Jun. 20, 1989, the use of spaced pole pieces with magneto-resistive sensors placed between the pole pieces, and flux shunting pieces between adjacent pole pieces to shunt excessive flux from the sensors and prevent sensor damage. The pole pieces and shunting pieces also provide magnetic shielding for the sensors from stray magnetic fields. This approach suffers from errors due to high permeability materials being present near the sensors, incomplete shielding from stray magnetic fields, and rigid geometric alignment required to maintain calibration. Karrer et al. disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 6,366,076 issued Apr. 2, 2002, the use of a Rogowski coil together with a magnetic field point sensor such as a Hall sensor to create a current sensor with a wide bandwidth capability. The point sensor is used to measure DC and low frequency currents, while the Rogowski coil provides sensitive measurements of high frequency currents. However, this approach does not address errors caused by stray magnetic fields, and it is generally difficult to seamlessly combine signals covering different frequency ranges. Several methods have been disclosed to measure current using a number of point sensors arranged around a current carrying conductor. Moriwaki discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,326 issued Feb. 10, 1998 the use of two or four coil or Hall sensors situated around a current carrying conductor to measure the current in the conductor, with half of the sensors oriented with opposing polarity, and the opposing polarity signals amplified by a difference amplifier to substantially reduce stray magnetic field effects. However, the efficacy of the method is not disclosed, as no mention of Ampere's law is referred to when determining the positions of the sensors relative to the conductor, and the device is does not clamp on to the conductor. McCormack et al. disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 6,825,650 issued Nov. 30, 2004, the use of more than one Rogowski coils spaced around a circular path the encircles the current carrying conductor, with the gap between adjacent coils allowing the passing through of the current carrying conductor. Also, two concentric rings of coils are disclosed to reduce the effects of stray magnetic fields. The two concentric rings do not provide effective cancellation of errors due to stray magnetic fields, and no mention of approximating Ampere's law is made in the disclosed method. Wakatsuki et al. disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,809 issued Sep. 17, 1991 the use of a plurality of magneto-resistive elements connected in series that are disposed on a circular path centered on the conductor and encircling the current carrying conductor. The method relies on the use of magneto-resistive elements, which are nonlinear, saturate and damage easily in high magnetic fields, and have large temperature sensitivities. Baurand et al. disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,205 issued Nov. 24, 1987, the use of a plurality of series-connected air-core coils located on a polygon encircling a current carrying conductor. The method is limited to measuring AC currents. Sorenson, Jr. discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 6,717,397 issued Apr. 6, 2004, the use of two sets of series connected coils positioned on two circular paths of differing radii and centered on a current carrying conductor. The two sets of coils provide a difference signal that can be used to reduce the errors caused by stray magnetic fields. The method does not eliminate errors due to stray magnetic fields, and is limited to the measurement of AC currents. Stanley discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 6,531,862 issued Mar. 11, 2003, the use of multiple current sensors to measure the current in a conductor, by separating the total current into individual sub-conductors, each of which is measured with a current sensor such as a closed loop Hall current sensor. The sensor signals are summed to give the desired total signal. Since the noise associated with each current sensor is uncorrelated, the signal to noise ratio of the summed signal improves as the square root of the number of current sensors used. This approach is unnecessarily complicated. Stauth, et al. disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 6,781,359 issued Aug. 24, 2004, an assembly consisting of a Hall effect sensor, a magnetic core and an electrical conductor. The Hall sensor and the core are located near a notch in the conductor. The method suffers from magnetic saturation of the core material, hysteresis effects in the core material, temperature dependent magnetic permeability of the core material, and nonlinearity of the core material all causing measurement errors. In addition, the method is only applicable to the measurement of AC currents and it does not eliminate errors due to stray magnetic fields. Wells discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,052, issued Dec. 15, 1992, the use of a Hall sensor to measure current in a conductor by locating the sensor near the conductor. Juds et al. disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 6,271,656 issued Aug. 7, 2001, the use of a Hall sensor positioned next to a conductor to measure current. Lindsey et al. discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 6,555,999, issued Apr. 29, 2003, the use of a point magnetic field sensor placed within an insulating column. Bruchmann discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 6,472,878 issued Oct. 29, 2002 the use of a U-shaped conductor with the Hall sensor placed in close proximity with the conductor to double the magnetic field at the sensor. The methods do not account for, or eliminate, errors caused by stray magnetic fields, conductor size, conductor position or current distribution over the cross-section of the conductor. Alley discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 4,823,075, issued Apr. 18, 1989, the use of a Hall sensor placed in a null coil to measure current in a nearby current carrying conductor. The current in the null coil is adjusted to cancel the magnetic field measured by the Hall sensor, resulting in a null coil current that is proportional to the conductor current. The method does not account for errors caused by stray magnetic fields. Selcuk discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,175, issued Oct. 20, 1998 the use of more than one point magnetic field sensor placed in each of two high magnetic permeability arms that can be clamped around a current carrying conductor. A nulling coil placed around each arm is driven by an adjustable current to null the magnetic field at each sensor element. The adjustable current is a measure of the current in the conductor. The arms also shield the point sensors from stray magnetic fields. This method suffers from the disadvantages of the errors attributed to a high permeability material near the sensors, incomplete elimination of errors from stray magnetic fields, and additional errors caused by imperfect mating of the surfaces of the two arms, causing incomplete flux capture. Temperature compensation of a Hall sensor using a Read only memory lookup table is disclosed by jerrim in U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,416, issued Apr. 27, 1982. The method uses a lookup table generated by a temperature calibration run to provide temperature compensation for the Hall sensor. Clamp-on and slipover current sensors have been previously disclosed and are well known in the art. For example, Maraio, et al. discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 5,426,360 issued Jun. 20, 1995 the use of a split core of high permeability material to form a current transformer that can be fastened around a conductor without breaking the conductor. This approach suffers from saturation of the core at high currents, and errors caused by imperfect contact between the ends of the two halves of the core. The reluctance of the magnetic circuit is dominated by the air gaps between the halves and repeatable performance is difficult to achieve. Edwards discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,769, issued Oct. 15, 1991, the use of a C-shaped main coil and a pair of compensating coils at the open ends of the main coil to compensate for the opening in the main coil. This method does not compensate for strong stray magnetic fields, and requires an integration of the output signal to represent the current in the conductor. In addition, the calibration factor depends on the conductor size and its position in the C-shaped main coil. Several disclosures address current sensors located far from the current carrying conductor. Heroux discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,649 issued in Sep. 29, 1992, the use of two sets of triaxial sensor coils to measure estimate the current in a conductor far removed from the sensing array. Strasser discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,027 issued on Dec. 12, 1989, the use of multiple magnetic field sensors to calculate the current in a conductor situated a distance away from the sensors. These methods assume that the conductor generates the dominant magnetic field at the sensor array, the geometry is assumed to be well known and unchanging, and ferrous materials are assumed not be in the vicinity of the sensors or the conductor. These assumptions lead to large errors in practical applications. The power utility industry measures current and voltage to calculate power flow and energy transferred between suppliers and customers. There are several standards defined by the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the International Electricity Committee (IEC) that determine the magnitude and phase angle accuracy requirements for devices used to measure current when used for revenue metering or system protection. For example, ANSI/IEEE Standard C57.13 requires that a current transformer must have an amplitude error of no greater than +/−0.3% and a phase angle error of no greater than +/−15 minutes of arc over a wide range of currents, regardless of temperature, stray magnetic fields, conductor size or installation environment. IEC Standard 100044-7 has a similar current transformer requirement of +/−0.2% magnitude error and +/−110 minutes of arc in phase angle error. The only current sensors that can meet these requirements must either replicate or closely mimic Ampere's law. The prior art current sensors mentioned above that use one or a few point magnetic field sensors cannot meet these stringent accuracy requirements, and generally have magnitude accuracies that fall in the range of 1%-20%. Magnetic field sensors such as Hall sensors and Magneto-resistive sensors are notoriously inaccurate in conditions as wide-ranging as −50 degrees C. to +85 degrees C., time spans of a decade, large fault currents of >100,000 Amperes, or when subjected to mechanical stress. There exists a need for a current sensor that can meet the accuracy requirements for revenue metering in power utility applications, is lightweight, low cost, has a bandwidth from DC to >10 kiloHertz, and can be clamped in place without having to disconnect the conductor being monitored. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Briefly, a current sensor for applications including but not limited to DC, 50 Hz and 60 Hz power lines (or substation bus conductors) is described that consists of a plurality of magnetic field sensors oriented and located around a current carrying conductor. The magnetic field sensors are preferably Hall effect sensors, although a variety of other magnetic field sensors can be substituted. The sensors are attached to two printed circuit boards that are placed in two protective housings. The two housings are hinged together, allowing the two housings to close around a continuous conductor without breaking the conductor at either end. The magnetic field sensors are selected to be sensitive to one vector component of the magnetic field, and the sensitivity axis of each sensor is oriented to be tangential to a circle circumscribing, and approximately centered on, the current carrying conductor. As such, the sensors monitor the azimuthal component of the magnetic field, which is directly related to the conductor current. The number of sensors is selected to provide an accurate approximation to Ampere's law. The magnetic field sensor outputs are combined in a summing amplifier. The output of the summing amplifier is passed through a filter circuit to compensate for time delays in the magnetic field sensors and the amplifier. The filter output passes through a second amplifier to provide a desired amplitude gain, resulting in an output voltage or current that is substantially proportional to the current in the current carrying conductor. Additional circuitry is disclosed that adjusts the output signal from the magnetic field sensors to make the output signal substantially immune to changes in temperature. One advantage of the present invention is that it is very low in weight. Another advantage of the present invention is that revenue accuracy measurements can be achieved for power system applications. Another advantage of the present invention is that relaying accuracy measurements can be achieved for power system applications. Another advantage of the present invention is that low cost components are used for its fabrication, resulting in a low total sensor cost. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is independent of conductor position within the sensor window. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is independent of conductor tilt relative to the sensor housing. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is maintained over a wide operating temperature range as large as −50 degrees C. to +85 degrees C. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is independent of the rotation angle of the housing. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is independent of stray magnetic fields generated by current carrying conductors located nearby. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is independent of the application of mechanical shocks to the sensor housing. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is maintained because no magnetic core is included in the sensor design. Another advantage of the present invention is that the sensor can provide high accuracy measurements of direct currents as well as alternating currents. Another advantage of the present invention is that the sensor can provide high accuracy measurements of alternating currents having frequencies up to 100 kHz. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy can be maintained after extreme temperature excursions as high as 175 degrees C. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is maintained during and after exposure to high currents, since there is no magnetic core to saturate or damage. Another advantage of the present invention is that the design lends itself to simple manufacturing techniques. Another advantage of the present invention is that the sensor can be clamped onto a conductor, and maintains high accuracy without requiring precise mating of the clamping members. Another advantage of the present invention is that multiple sensor arrays can be located in the same housing to provide multiple output signals each of which has a different output ratio compared with the current being measured. Another advantage of the present invention is that no shielding of the sensors from stray magnetic fields is required, since the sensor makes a close approximation to Ampere's law. Another advantage of the present invention is that the signal to noise ratio of the sensor output is greater than the signal to noise ratio of the each sensor element, since the signals add together linearly with the number of sensors, but the noise component, being uncorrelated between sensors, adds as the square root of the number of sensors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1A is a drawing of the current sensor. FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the current sensor electronic circuit. FIG. 2 is a plot of the measurement error versus the number of sensor elements used in the design. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the temperature compensation circuit using a temperature sensor to adjust the reference voltage. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the temperature compensation circuit using the DC offset of the current sensors to adjust the reference voltage. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of the temperature compensation circuit using an electromagnet or permanent magnet to generate a signal in one of the current-sensing magnetic field sensors to adjust the reference voltage. FIG. 5B is a drawing of one half of the current sensor, showing the location of the electromagnet or permanent magnet. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of the temperature compensation circuit using an electromagnet to generate a signal in a separate magnetic field sensor to adjust the reference voltage. FIG. 6B is a drawing of one half of the current sensor, showing the location of the electromagnet or permanent magnet on the printed circuit board. FIG. 6C is a drawing showing the side view of the solenoid coil and the magnetic field sensor used for compensation. FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of the temperature compensation circuit using a separate conductor carrying a known current that is detected by the array of magnetic field sensors to generate a signal that adjusts the reference voltage. FIG. 7B is a drawing showing the side cross section of the current sensor encircling the conductor, with the secondary conductor position indicated. FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of the use of multiple arrays of magnetic field sensors to provide different sensitivities to the measured current. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the housing showing the trough used to contain the printed circuit board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A current sensor for applications including but not limited to DC, 50 Hz and 60 Hz power lines is described that consists of a plurality of magnetic field sensors oriented and located around a current carrying conductor. The magnetic field sensors are preferably Hall effect sensors, although a variety of other magnetic field sensors can be substituted, including but not limited to magnetoresistive, giant magnetoresistive, or magnetostrictive sensors. The current sensor is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Two printed circuit boards 102 are placed in two protective, hermetically sealed housings 101 and arranged to form a closed path around a current carrying conductor 106. The housings are hinged together at hinge 105, allowing the two housings 101 to close around a continuous conductor without breaking the conductor at either end. The two housings are locked together with a fastener at 103. A plurality of magnetic field sensors 104 are placed on each printed circuit board. Wiring provides electrical connections between the two printed circuit boards. The magnetic field sensors 104 are selected to be sensitive to one vector component of the magnetic field, and the sensitivity axis of each sensor is oriented to be tangential to a circle circumscribing, and approximately centered on, the current carrying conductor. The sensors are equally spaced along the circumference of the above-mentioned circle. As such, the sensors monitor the azimuthal component of the magnetic field, which is directly related to the conductor current through Ampere's law. The magnetic field sensor outputs 107 are combined in a summing amplifier 108. The output of the summing amplifier is passed through a filter circuit 109 to compensate for time delays in the magnetic field sensors and the amplifier. The filter is preferentially a low-pass filter with a cutoff frequency set by the upper frequency range desired, in parallel with a high pass filter having a cut-off frequency well above the frequency range of interest for measurements. The low pass filter removes undesired high frequency noise, whereas the high pass filter provides a phase lead compensation for periodic signals to compensate for a phase lag due to a time delay in the magnetic field sensors. The filter output passes through a second amplifier 110 to provide a desired amplitude gain, resulting in an output voltage or current at 111 that is substantially proportional to the current in the current carrying conductor. The total number of sensors and the spacing between the sensors along the sensing path is determined by the accuracy required and the proximity of other magnetic fields or materials with high magnetic permeability. Computer modeling is used to calculate the expected error in the magnitude ratio and phase angle of the output signal, when the sensor is located near a second current carrying conductor, near a metallic object having a large magnetic permeability, or when the encircled current carrying conductor is not centered in the sensor housings, or is not collinear with the central axis of the housings. Limits in the variations in the sensitivity of each magnetic field sensor are modeled to determine the variation in sensitivity due to stray magnetic fields and due to rotation of the sensor housings around the current carrying conductor. An example of a calculation is shown in FIG. 2, where the error in amplitude measurement is plotted as a function of the number of equally spaced sensor elements 104. The errors are introduced by the presence of a second conductor placed 60 mm away from the current carrying conductor, and carrying a current of 25% in magnitude of the main current. For this particular disturbance case, the number of sensors required to achieve <0.3% errors is at least 6 elements. It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that other perturbation conditions exist, including but not limited to conductor off-centering, conductor tilt, secondary conductor locations and current levels, variations in responsivity of the sensor elements, conductor diameter, and sensor element position along the sensing circle. In the subsequent FIGS. 3-7, the circuit diagrams detail the circuitry on one of the two printed circuit boards comprising the complete current sensor. It is to be understood that a complete current sensor is comprised of two of the printed circuit boards, with a summing amplifier that adds together the outputs of each printed circuit board to provide a final output signal for the current sensor. This is shown in FIGS. 3-7. Also, the number of magnetic field sensors on each printed circuit board has been selected for illustration purposes to be six. However, someone skilled in the art will recognize that the number of sensors is adjustable to other values, with the precise number depending on the size of the individual magnetic field sensors relative to the size of the overall current sensor housing, the power supply requirements, and the desired immunity to external magnetic fields. It is important to realize that four or fewer magnetic field sensors will not be sufficient for the current sensor to achieve a magnitude accuracy equal to, or less than 0.3% and a phase angle accuracy equal to, or less than 0.1 degrees of phase. The magnetic field sensors are electronic integrated circuits with an output signal that is composed of a DC offset voltage that does not depend on magnetic field intensity, superimposed with a second voltage that varies with the magnitude and polarity of the magnetic field created by the electrical current in the conductor (e.g. a 60 Hz sinusoidal signal). To achieve the highest sensitivity, the DC offset voltage must be removed from the output signal. The disclosed method is shown in FIG. 3, which shows the circuitry for one of the two printed circuit boards comprising the current sensor. This is achieved by orienting half of the magnetic field sensors 302 with a positive polarity (that is, the output voltage increases when a magnetic field is generated in the clockwise direction around the current carrying conductor), and half of the magnetic field sensors 311 with the negative polarity (that is, the output voltage increases when a magnetic field is generated in the counter-clockwise direction around the current carrying conductor). The signals from the positive polarity sensors are summed together using impedance elements 303, and the signals from the negative polarity sensors are summed together separately using impedance elements 304. Each summed signal has a DC offset voltage that is the average of the DC offset voltages of the individual magnetic field sensors, and a signal voltage that is proportional to the average magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensors. Since the same magnetic field sensors are used throughout, the DC offset voltages of the two averaged signals will be effectively equal. The two averaged signals are then differenced in amplifier 305 to create an output signal that has no DC offset voltage, but contains a voltage that is proportional to the average magnetic field seen by all of the magnetic field sensors and thus gives a measure of the current flowing through the conductor. The signal is then passed through a filter 306 and amplifier 307 to generate an output signal 308. A second identical circuit mounted in a second housing provides a second output signal 312 that is substantially in phase with the output 308. The two signals 308 and 312 are summed in summing amplifier 313 to generate an output signal 314 that is substantially in phase with the measured current and proportional in magnitude to the measured current. In this way, very small conductor currents can be amplified to generate an output signal that is easily detected. Furthermore, the output signal has a bandwidth that extends down to DC currents. All magnetic field sensors have a sensitivity that varies with the ambient temperature, age and mechanical stress. A major challenge for the use of magnetic field sensors to achieve accurate current measurement is to compensate for these variations to create a current sensor with a ratio and phase angle accuracy that is substantially independent of temperature, mechanical stress and age. Several methods to achieve this are described below. In all cases, use is made of the fact that a magnetic field sensor normally provides an output signal that is proportional to the power supply voltage applied to the sensor. This can be used to compensate the sensor output for sensitivity variations over temperature, time and mechanical stress. A first embodiment of temperature compensation is shown in FIG. 3. The ambient temperature of the printed circuit board is detected by temperature sensor 309 and used to generate a voltage that is proportional to temperature, or a digital number that is proportional to temperature. The error voltage is generated in signal processor 310 using an analog amplifier, or it may be generated by a digital look-up table stored in an electronic memory that is addressed by a number representing the ambient temperature, and provides a digital number that is converted to an analog voltage using a conventional digital-to-analog converter. The error voltage controls a voltage regulator 301 that generates the power supply voltage for all of the magnetic field sensors. As the temperature of the printed wiring board varies, the sensitivity of the magnetic field sensors varies. For example, the output signal may vary by +3% over a temperature change of 100 degrees C. This is compensated by an equal and opposite variation in the power supply voltage of −3% over the temperature range of 100 degrees C., resulting in an output signal that is proportional to the current in the current carrying conductor but substantially unaffected by ambient temperature. Using this technique, the temperature dependence of the output signal can be reduced to 0.2% over a temperature range of 100 degrees C. In another embodiment of temperature compensation shown in FIG. 4, the DC offset voltage of each magnetic field sensor has a temperature dependence that is similar to the temperature dependence of each sensor's sensitivity to magnetic fields. The DC offset voltages of the positive and negative polarity sensors are monitored using impedance elements 401 to generate a voltage that is the average of the DC offset voltages of all of the magnetic field sensors, but substantially insensitive to conductor current or any stray magnetic fields. This voltage is fed to signal processor 402. The error voltage generated by signal processor 402 may be achieved using an analog amplifier, or it may be generated by a digital look-up table stored in an electronic memory that is addressed by a number representing the DC offset voltage, and provides a digital number that is converted to an analog voltage using a conventional digital-to-analog converter. This voltage controls a voltage regulator 301 that generates the power supply voltage for all of the magnetic field sensors. As the temperature of the printed wiring board varies, the sensitivity of the magnetic field sensors varies. For example, the output signal may vary by +3% over a temperature change of 100 degrees C. The DC offset voltages of the magnetic field sensors also vary by +0.5% over a temperature range of 100 degrees C. The DC offset variation is used to create an equal and opposite variation in the power supply voltage of −3% over the temperature range of 100 degrees C., resulting in a DC offset voltage that maintains a constant value as the ambient temperature is varied. As a result, the output signal is proportional to the current in the current carrying conductor but substantially unaffected by ambient temperature. In this way, the DC offset voltage variations are used to compensate the sensitivity of the magnetic field sensors as the ambient temperature is varied. Note that this method can be used in the presence of DC magnetic fields, because both sensor polarities are used to generate the DC offset voltage. The resulting DC offset voltage is substantially independent of any applied magnetic field. In a third embodiment of temperature compensation shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a magnetic field is generated in the vicinity of one or more of the magnetic field sensors. The magnetic field can be a DC field created by a permanent magnet 509 in close proximity to one magnetic field sensor 507, or a DC or AC field generated by an electromagnet such as a solenoid 503. The magnetic field sensor 507 should be selected to have a temperature dependence that is substantially the same as the average temperature dependence of the entire array of magnetic field sensors. If a DC magnetic field is used, then the current sensor can only be used to measure AC currents. If an AC magnetic field is used, then the current sensor can be used to measure DC and AC currents. The magnitude of the extra magnetic field in the region surrounding the magnetic field sensor is kept as stable as possible. For the permanent magnet 509, this is achieved by selecting the permanent magnet material to have thermally stable properties, and includes materials such as Alnico and Samarium-Cobalt. For the solenoid 503, a stable magnetic field is achieved by constructing the solenoid coil mandrel from stable materials selected from the list including but not limited to Alumina, glass or Zirconia, and driving the coil 503 with a constant current generator formed by sinusoidal oscillator 501 and trans-admittance amplifier 502. The oscillator frequency is preferably selected to lie outside the measurement bandwidth desired for the current sensor. For example, an oscillator frequency of 1 kHz can be used for a current sensor designed to operate at nominally 60 Hz. The resulting DC or AC signal at the output of the individual magnetic field sensor 507 is sent to amplifier 504. The signal processor 505 converts the output of amplifier 504 into an error voltage. If the additional magnetic field is a DC field, then the signal processor 504 is an adjustable attenuator or amplifier. If the additional magnetic field is an AC field, then the signal processor 504 is comprised of an adjustable attenuator and amplifier fed by a synchronous detector that generates an error voltage. The synchronous detector performs the function of a narrowband filter, generating an output voltage that is proportional to the root-mean-squared amplitude of the AC signal generated by magnetic field sensor 507 at the modulation frequency of the signal source 501. The error voltage is used to control a voltage regulator 301 that generates the power supply voltage for all of the magnetic field sensors. In this way, the output signal of one sensor due to the stable extra magnetic field is used to compensate the sensitivity of all of the magnetic field sensors as the ambient temperature is varied. Note that this will result in an extra signal being created at the output of the complete current sensor. For the solenoid approach, this can be substantially removed by subtracting the voltage 506 from the current sensor output that is proportional to the extra magnetic field generated by the solenoid. When using a permanent magnet, the signal 506 is a DC voltage that removes the offset voltage generated by magnetic field sensor 507. In a fourth embodiment of temperature compensation shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, a separate magnetic field sensor 604 is placed inside of a stable solenoid coil 603 that is in turn driven by a constant current generator. The magnetic field generated by the solenoid coil 603 is an AC field. The solenoid coil 603 and the magnetic field sensor 604 are oriented in such a way that the direction of the generated and detected magnetic field is substantially perpendicular to the sensitivity axis of the magnetic field sensors 302 already present on the printed circuit board 606. The magnetic field sensor 604 should be selected to have a temperature dependence that is substantially the same as the average temperature dependence of the entire array of magnetic field sensors. The magnitude of the extra magnetic field in the region surrounding the magnetic field sensor 604 is kept as stable as possible. For the solenoid 603, a stable magnetic field is achieved by constructing the solenoid coil mandrel from stable materials selected from the list including but not limited to Alumina, glass or Zirconia, and driving the coil 603 with a constant current generator formed by sinusoidal oscillator 601 and trans-admittance amplifier 602. The oscillator frequency is preferably selected to lie outside the measurement bandwidth desired for the current sensor. For example, an oscillator frequency of 1 kHz can be used for a current sensor designed to operate at nominally 60 Hz. The resulting AC signal at the output of the individual magnetic field sensor 604 is sent to signal processor 605 that converts the output of the magnetic field sensor 604 into an error voltage. The signal processor 605 is comprised of an adjustable attenuator and amplifier fed by a synchronous detector. The synchronous detector performs the function of a narrowband filter, generating an output voltage that is proportional to the amplitude of the AC signal generated by magnetic field sensor 604 at the modulation frequency of the signal source 601. The error voltage is used to control a voltage regulator 301 that generates the power supply voltage for the magnetic field sensors 302 and 604. In this way, the output signal of one sensor due to the stable extra magnetic field is used to compensate the sensitivity of all of the magnetic field sensors as the ambient temperature is varied. Note that this will not result in an extra signal being created at the output of the complete current sensor, which simplifies the technique as compared with the approach described in FIG. 5. In a fifth embodiment of temperature compensation shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a separate conductor 703 is located in the aperture of the current sensing device near the measured conductor 707. A precise calibration current is injected through this conductor by a sinusoidal oscillator 701 and trans-admittance amplifier 702 located in the sensor housing 708, preferably at a frequency that is well separated from frequencies occurring in the main current carrying conductor. The sensor array detects the calibration signal as well as the main signal in the main conductor. A preferred frequency for this signal is >1 kHz, or low frequencies such as quasi-DC where the current switches polarity every few seconds. The resulting AC signal at the output of the difference amplifier 305 is sent to signal processor 705 that generates an error voltage. The signal processor 705 is comprised of an adjustable attenuator and amplifier fed by a synchronous detector that generates an error voltage. The synchronous detector performs the function of a narrowband filter, generating an output voltage that is proportional to the amplitude of the AC current flowing in conductor 703 at the modulation frequency of the signal source 701, and excluding any signals at other frequencies. The error voltage is used to control a voltage regulator 301 that generates the power supply voltage for all of the magnetic field sensors. In this way, the output signal from the sensor array due to the stable extra current passing through the sensor aperture is used to compensate the sensitivity of all of the magnetic field sensors as the ambient temperature is varied. Note that this will result in an extra signal being created at the output of the complete current sensor. This can be substantially removed by subtracting a voltage 709 from the current sensor output that is proportional to the extra current flowing in the conductor 703. More than one set of sensors can be placed along a curve that encircles a current carrying conductor. As an example shown in FIG. 8, three sets of magnetic field sensors 801, 802 and 803 are placed along curves at three different radii from the center of the current sensor, forming three separate sensor arrays on printed circuit boards 804. Since the magnetic field generated by the current carrying conductor varies inversely with the distance from the center of the current carrying conductor, the three sets of magnetic field sensors will produce output signals having three different ratios. Different sensor sensitivities and different amplifier gains used for each array 801, 802 or 803 can further provide adjustability of the ratio of each array's output signal. This is a useful feature when a current sensor is required to meet metering accuracy of 0.3% over a range of 10 Amps to 1000 Amps, as well as provide accurate representations of the current when fault currents occur that can have peak values as high as 100,000 Amps. As shown in the cross-section in FIG. 9, the current sensor housing consists of a plate with a trough 903. The printed circuit board 906 carrying the magnetic field sensors 905 and other associated circuitry is mounted into the trough and preferably potted in a flexible compound 907 selected from the list including but not limited to silicone, epoxy, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyurethane. A top lid 901 is fastened to the lower assembly with bolts or other suitable fastening means, interposed between which is a sealing and insulating gasket 902 fabricated from a material selected from the list including but not limited to EPDM rubber, silicone and Viton rubber. The potting and gasket form a hermetic seal to protect the printed circuit board 906 from the outside environment. The housing is preferably fabricated from a metal, but it can be fabricated from an insulating material provided that metallic shielding is placed around the printed circuit boards 906 to provide Faraday shielding of the electronic circuitry from external electric fields. The use of a poor electrically conductive material such as bismuth, stainless steel, carbon-filled polymer or metal/carbon filled epoxy prevents substantial eddy currents from being generated, which can cause measurement errors in both ratio magnitude and phase angle. However, for these materials the Faraday shielding of the printed wiring board is reduced compared with that provided by highly conductive metals such as copper or aluminum. The use of Aluminum as a housing material provides the added benefit that eddy currents induced in the housing by the magnetic field generated by the current carrying conductor can be exploited to homogenize the magnetic field distribution near the magnetic field sensors. As shown in FIG. 9, an aluminum top plate is secured to the bottom plate with a means that minimizes the creation of closed current paths that encircle the printed circuit board. This can be achieved by using electrically insulating fasteners and an electrically insulating gasket material 902 between the top and bottom plates. When measuring currents, the magnetic field generated by the current carrying conductor is homogenized by eddy currents induced in the sides, top and bottom of the trough containing the printed circuit board, resulting in improved immunity to errors induced by external magnetic fields, external materials with high magnetic permeability, and rotation or translation of the current sensing device. Moreover, eddy currents can be deleterious to device operation when they encircle the path along which the magnetic field sensors are located. To minimize this effect, the ends of each plate with trough 900 shown in FIG. 9 are fabricated to reduce the effects of eddy currents on the ratio accuracy and phase angle of the current measuring device. The ends of each plate with trough 900 can be modified to have no material present, or they can be modified with a thin slot 904 to prevent eddy current paths from encircling the path along which the sensors are located. In either case, the open end of each plate with trough 900 is then filled with an electrically insulating potting compound to form a hermetically sealed surface. An example of a current sensor is given below. A total of eight Hall effect magnetic field sensors with matched sensitivities to magnetic fields are placed on each printed circuit board. Four sensors have positive orientation, and four sensors have negative orientation. The outputs of the sensors are averaged and differenced, and the two printed circuit board outputs are summed to generate an output voltage. The output voltage is phase shifted with a passive filter circuit. The magnetic field sensors are temperature compensated using the method shown in FIG. 3. The resulting current sensor has an aperture opening of 2.5 inches, and a sensitivity of 2 volts per kiloamp. The ratio is linear to within 0.1% of reading from 10 Amps to 1500 Amps (AC rms), and has a noise floor of 1 Amp rms with a bandwidth of DC −5 kHz. The output phase angle is stable to within +/−5 minutes over all test conditions. The ratio error is +/−0.3% over a temperature range of −40 to +85 degrees Celcius. Repeated opening and closing of the clamping mechanism results in ratio errors of <0.05%. Rotating the current sensor around the current carrying conductor results in errors of <0.1%. Tilting the current sensor relative to the current carrying conductor by +/−30 degrees results in ratio errors of <0.3%. The ratio error varies by <0.2% as the conductor is moved anywhere within the sensor's aperture. Varying the size of the conductor from 1 inch to 2 inch diameter results in ratio errors of <0.05%. When the current sensor is closed, and placed next to (in contact with) a conductor carrying 1000 Amps, the resulting signal level is <0.1 Amp of induced signal, resulting in a rejection ratio of >80 dB for currents that do not pass through the current sensor aperture. While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. | <SOH> FIELD OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to a clamp-on current sensor for measuring alternating and direct electrical current such as the current of a high-voltage power transmission line or a substation bus conductor. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION <EOH>Briefly, a current sensor for applications including but not limited to DC, 50 Hz and 60 Hz power lines (or substation bus conductors) is described that consists of a plurality of magnetic field sensors oriented and located around a current carrying conductor. The magnetic field sensors are preferably Hall effect sensors, although a variety of other magnetic field sensors can be substituted. The sensors are attached to two printed circuit boards that are placed in two protective housings. The two housings are hinged together, allowing the two housings to close around a continuous conductor without breaking the conductor at either end. The magnetic field sensors are selected to be sensitive to one vector component of the magnetic field, and the sensitivity axis of each sensor is oriented to be tangential to a circle circumscribing, and approximately centered on, the current carrying conductor. As such, the sensors monitor the azimuthal component of the magnetic field, which is directly related to the conductor current. The number of sensors is selected to provide an accurate approximation to Ampere's law. The magnetic field sensor outputs are combined in a summing amplifier. The output of the summing amplifier is passed through a filter circuit to compensate for time delays in the magnetic field sensors and the amplifier. The filter output passes through a second amplifier to provide a desired amplitude gain, resulting in an output voltage or current that is substantially proportional to the current in the current carrying conductor. Additional circuitry is disclosed that adjusts the output signal from the magnetic field sensors to make the output signal substantially immune to changes in temperature. One advantage of the present invention is that it is very low in weight. Another advantage of the present invention is that revenue accuracy measurements can be achieved for power system applications. Another advantage of the present invention is that relaying accuracy measurements can be achieved for power system applications. Another advantage of the present invention is that low cost components are used for its fabrication, resulting in a low total sensor cost. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is independent of conductor position within the sensor window. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is independent of conductor tilt relative to the sensor housing. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is maintained over a wide operating temperature range as large as −50 degrees C. to +85 degrees C. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is independent of the rotation angle of the housing. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is independent of stray magnetic fields generated by current carrying conductors located nearby. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is independent of the application of mechanical shocks to the sensor housing. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is maintained because no magnetic core is included in the sensor design. Another advantage of the present invention is that the sensor can provide high accuracy measurements of direct currents as well as alternating currents. Another advantage of the present invention is that the sensor can provide high accuracy measurements of alternating currents having frequencies up to 100 kHz. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy can be maintained after extreme temperature excursions as high as 175 degrees C. Another advantage of the present invention is that high accuracy is maintained during and after exposure to high currents, since there is no magnetic core to saturate or damage. Another advantage of the present invention is that the design lends itself to simple manufacturing techniques. Another advantage of the present invention is that the sensor can be clamped onto a conductor, and maintains high accuracy without requiring precise mating of the clamping members. Another advantage of the present invention is that multiple sensor arrays can be located in the same housing to provide multiple output signals each of which has a different output ratio compared with the current being measured. Another advantage of the present invention is that no shielding of the sensors from stray magnetic fields is required, since the sensor makes a close approximation to Ampere's law. Another advantage of the present invention is that the signal to noise ratio of the sensor output is greater than the signal to noise ratio of the each sensor element, since the signals add together linearly with the number of sensors, but the noise component, being uncorrelated between sensors, adds as the square root of the number of sensors. | 20050107 | 20070116 | 20050721 | 97168.0 | 0 | NGUYEN, VINH P | CURRENT SENSOR | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
|||
10,905,598 | ACCEPTED | IN SITU DOPED EMBEDDED SIGE EXTENSION AND SOURCE/DRAIN FOR ENHANCED PFET PERFORMANCE | Disclosed is an integrated circuit structure and a method of making such a structure that has a substrate and P-type and N-type transistors on the substrate. The N-type transistor extension and source/drain regions comprise dopants implanted into the substrate. The P-type transistor extension and source/drain regions partially include a strained epitaxial silicon germanium, wherein the strained silicon germanium comprises of two layers, with a top layer that is closer to the gate stack than the bottom layer. The strained silicon germanium is in-situ doped and creates longitudinal stress on the channel region. | 1. An integrated circuit transistor structure comprising: a substrate; an N-type transistor having an N-type gate stack on said substrate and N-type extension and source/drain regions in said substrate adjacent said N-type gate stack; a P-type transistor having a P-type gate stack on said substrate and P-type extension and source/drain regions in said substrate adjacent said P-type gate stack; wherein said P-type extension and source/drain regions partially include a boron doped strained silicon germanium, and wherein said strained silicon germanium comprises two portions, wherein a top portion of said strained silicon germanium extends under said P-type gate stack more than a bottom portion of said strained silicon germanium. 2. The structure in claim 1, further comprising a channel region in said substrate below said P-type gate stack, wherein said strained silicon germanium creates longitudinal stress on said channel region of P-type transistor. 3. The structure in claim 2, where said strained silicon germanium is separated from said channel region of said P-type transistor. 4. The structure in claim 1, where germanium concentration in said strained silicon germanium is between about 10% and 50%. 5. The structure in claim 1, where boron concentration in said strained silicon germanium is more than about 1×1020/cm3. 6. The structure in claim 1, wherein said strained silicon germanium is in-situ doped with said boron. 7. The structure in claim 1, wherein said strained silicon germanium extends above the top of said substrate. 8. An integrated circuit transistor structure comprising: a substrate; an first-type transistor having an first-type gate stack on said substrate and first-type extension and source/drain regions in said substrate adjacent said first-type gate stack; a second-type transistor having a second-type gate stack on said substrate and second-type extension and source/drain regions in said substrate adjacent said second-type gate stack; wherein said second-type extension and source/drain regions partially include strained silicon, and wherein said strained silicon comprises two portions, wherein a top portion of said strained silicon extends under said second-type gate stack more than a bottom portion of said strained silicon. 9. The structure in claim 8, further comprising a channel region in said substrate below said second-type gate stack, wherein said strained silicon creates longitudinal stress on said channel region of second-type transistor. 10. The structure in claim 9, where said strained silicon is separated from said channel region of said second-type transistor. 11. The structure in claim 8, where germanium concentration in said strained silicon is between about 10% and 50%. 12. The structure in claim 8, where boron concentration in said strained silicon is more than about 1×1020/cm3. 13. The structure in claim 8, wherein said strained silicon is in-situ doped with an impurity. 14. The structure in claim 8, wherein said strained silicon extends above the top of said substrate. 15. A method of forming transistors in an integrated circuit structure, said method comprising: forming well regions for a P-type transistor and an N-type transistor in a substrate; forming gate stacks for said P-type transistor and said N-type transistor on said substrate; doping areas of said substrate adjacent said gate stacks accordingly to form P-type transistor extension and source/drain regions and N-type transistor extension and source/drain regions; removing upper proportions of said P-type transistor extension and source/drain regions to create an opening adjacent the gate stack of said P-type transistor using a two step etching process, such that a top portion of said opening extends under said P-type gate stack more than a bottom portion of said opening; and epitaxially growing boron doped strained silicon germanium in said openings by selective epitaxy process. 16. The method in claim 15, wherein said strained silicon germanium creates longitudinal stress on the well region of P-type transistor. 17. The method in claim 15, further comprising forming halo implants before forming said P-type transistor extension and source/drain regions and said N-type transistor extension and source/drain regions. 18. The method in claim 15, further comprising forming spacers on said gate stacks before forming said P-type transistor extension and source/drain regions and said N-type transistor extension and source/drain regions. 19. The method in claim 18, wherein said spacers are used as masking layer for said removing of said upper proportions of said P-type transistor extension and source/drain regions. 20. The method in claim 15, where germanium concentration in said strained silicon germanium is between about 10% and 50%, and wherein boron concentration in said strained silicon germanium is more than about 1×1020/cm3. 21. A method of forming transistors in an integrated circuit structure, said method comprising: forming well regions for a first-type transistor and a second-type transistor in a substrate; forming gate stacks for said first-type transistor and said second-type transistor on said substrate; doping areas of said substrate adjacent said gate stacks accordingly to form first-type transistor extension and source/drain regions and second-type transistor extension and source/drain regions; removing upper proportions of said second-type transistor extension and source/drain regions to create an opening adjacent the gate stack of said second-type transistor using a two step etching process, such that a top portion of said opening extends under said second-type gate stack more than a bottom portion of said opening; and epitaxially growing strained silicon in said openings by selective epitaxy process. 22. The method in claim 21, wherein said strained silicon creates longitudinal stress on the well region of second-type transistor. 23. The method in claim 21, further comprising forming halo implants before forming said first-type transistor extension and source/drain regions and said second-type transistor extension and source/drain regions. 24. The method in claim 21, further comprising forming spacers on said gate stacks before forming said first-type transistor extension and source/drain regions and said second-type transistor extension and source/drain regions. 25. The method in claim 24, wherein said spacers are used as masking layer for said removing of said upper proportions of said second-type transistor extension and source/drain regions. 26. The method in claim 21, where germanium concentration in said strained silicon is between about 10% and 50%, and wherein boron concentration in said strained silicon is more than about 1×1020/cm3. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention generally relates to an integrated circuit structure that has P type and N type transistors where strained silicon germanium in the P type extension and source/drain regions creates longitudinal stress on the channel region of the P type transistors. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART U.S. Pat. No. 6,621,131 to Murthy (hereinafter “Murthy”) discloses embodiments that were satisfactory for the purposes for which they were intended. The disclosure of Murthy, in its entirety, is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present invention for purposes including, but not limited to, indicating the background of the present invention and illustrating the state of the art. It has been shown that the strain in the silicon channel can affect the mobility of CMOS transistor carriers significantly. Compressive longitudinal stress along the channel is known to help the PFET (P-type field effect transistor) drive current while it degrades the NFET (N-type field effect transistor) performance. There have been many proposals to improve both NFET and PFET device performance using tensile and compressive longitudinal stresses, respectively, which include modulating middle of line (MOL) nitride liner and spacer intrinsic stresses and STI (shallow trench isolation) material changes individually for the two MOSFETs (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors) using masks. The stress state in the channel that can be imposed by any of these approaches is typically a few hundred MPa. Another approach is to use SiGe-based strained silicon substrates where SiGe is used as part of the whole substrate. When silicon is grown epitaxially on the “relaxed” SiGe layer, a tensile strain results in the Si, which improves electron mobility. Hole mobility is more difficult to enhance in this approach since a very large Ge percentage is required. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention presents a method of forming transistors and a resulting structure. The invention begins by forming shallow trench isolations (STI), well implants and anneals, and then forming gate stacks for P-type and N-type transistors on a substrate. Following gate stack formation, typical implants for Vt adjustment, Halo, extension and source/drain are carried out, with typical spacer formation for related implants, followed by dopant activation anneal. Then, the first-type transistors are protected, and upper proportions of the second-type transistor source/drain regions are removed using etching to create openings adjacent the gate stacks of the second-type transistors. This etching process first performs isotropic or semi-isotropic etching on the P-type transistor extension and source/drain regions, which has large lateral to vertical etch ratio, and, after the first etching, performs anisotropic or semi-isotropic etching on the P-type transistors extension and source/drain regions, which has smaller lateral etch. This creates an undercut below the spacers of the P-type transistors such that a portion of the spacers of the P-type transistors overhangs the openings. Then, the invention epitaxially grows strained silicon germanium in the openings. A portion of the substrate below the gate stacks of the P-type transistors comprises a channel region and the strained silicon germanium creates longitudinal stress on the channel region. The process of epitaxially growing the strained silicon germanium is a selective epitaxy process and can be in-situ doped with boron. The invention uses protective caps over the gate stacks of the P-type transistors to protect gates of the P-type transistors during the process of removing the upper portions of the P-type transistors extension and source/drain regions and prevent growth on the gates during subsequent SiGe epitaxy process. This produces an integrated circuit structure that has a substrate and P-type and N-type transistors on the substrate. The N-type transistor extension and source/drain regions comprise dopants implanted into the substrate. The P-type transistor extension and source/drain regions can partially include Boron doped strained epitaxial silicon germanium. Instead of boron, any appropriate impurity whether now known or developed in the future can be used with the invention and boron is only used as an example herein. The strained silicon germanium creates longitudinal stress on the channel region. The strained epitaxial silicon germanium comprises two layers, with the top layer being closer to the gate stack than the bottom layer. These, and other, aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a partially completed integrated circuit structure according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a partially completed integrated circuit structure according to the invention; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a partially completed integrated circuit structure according to the invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a partially completed integrated circuit structure according to the invention; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a partially completed integrated circuit structure according to the invention; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a partially completed integrated circuit structure according to the invention; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a partially completed integrated circuit structure according to the invention; and FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the nonlimiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1-7 illustrate one embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1, item 100 represents a silicon substrate, and item 102 represents a buried oxide (BOX). Layer 104 is a silicon on insulator (SOI) layer that has shallow trench isolation (STI) region 107 formed therein, and remaining Si regions 106 that are doped with well implants accordingly for PFET and NFET. The top thin layer of regions 106 will become the channels of the transistors. Layer 108 is an oxide layer that will become the gate oxides for the different transistors. Gate oxides of different thickness may be formed on the same chip by using multiple steps of oxidation, masking and etching. Layer 110 represents a gate conductor (polysilicon, metal, alloy, etc.) of the transistors, and the top part of layer 110 has gate predoping implants (denoted as layer 112/114), for NFETs and PFETs, respectively. Layer 116 is an oxide, which is optional, layer 118 is a nitride, and layer 120 is an oxide hard mask. In the case where a soft mask process is used, then layer 120 is not necessary. The portion of the structure shown on the left side of FIG. 1 will become an N-type field effect transistor (NFET) 130 and the structure shown on the right side of FIG. 1 will become a P-type field effect transistor (PFET) 135. Therefore, the gate doping 112, 114, and the well region doping 106 will be different for the different types of transistors. The different methodologies and materials that could be used to form the structure shown in FIG. 1 are well-known to those ordinarily skilled in the art (see Murthy) and a detailed discussion of such methodologies is avoided herein so as to focus the reader's attention upon the salient features of the invention. In FIG. 2, the gate stack structures are formed using well-known processing steps. With the invention, the nitride layer 118 covers the gate stacks, which prevents SiGe growth on the gate during epitaxy. Thin thermal oxides 212, 222 are then grown on the exposed areas of the polysilicon gate 214. In addition, sidewall spacers 210, 220 are formed along the sidewalls of the gate conductors. The source/drain regions and extensions 200, 202, 204, 206 for the NFET 130 and PFET 135 type devices utilize different doping materials/concentrations, as is well known to those ordinarily skilled in the art. Other implants that may be performed include Vt adjustment implants, Halo implants, etc. The dopants in the pre-doping layer 112, 114 are diffused down to the bottom of gate 110 after the source/drain activation anneal, to form the gate conductors 214, 224. The dopant implant into the PFET source/drain will be etched and in-situ boron doped, and SiGe will be grown therein. A simple spacer process used an example here, but other more complex spacer schemes may be employed, such as using spacers for Halo/Extension implant, and multiple spacers for source/drain implants. Then, some of the multiple spacers may be removed so as to bring the recess and SiGe epitaxy closer to the gate stack in the following steps. In FIG. 3, a protective covering 300 is formed over the NFET structure 130 using well-known patterning techniques. Layer 300 may be an oxide layer or nitride layer. In the processing shown in FIG. 4, the invention performs a multiple step etching process to create openings in the extension and source/drain regions 204, 206 of the PFET structures 135. More specifically, the invention first performs isotropic or semi-isotropic etching on the PFET 135 extension and source/drain regions 204, 206, which has large lateral to vertical etch ratio (etches at a higher rate laterally than vertically). This forms the initial openings 402 in extension and source/drain regions 204, 206. After the first etching, the invention then performs a second anisotropic or semi-isotropic etching on the source/drain regions 206 to deepen the openings as shown by item 400, but with smaller lateral etch. In the case where the second etch is semi-isotropic, the opening 402 is further etched by this semi-isotropic etching. A portion of the originally doped extension and source/drain region 204, 206 remains in the structure after the first and second etching, so that epitaxial interface of silicon germanium and silicon is within the extension and source/drain region, to control the junction leakage and short channel effect. At the same time, this remaining portion of the source/drain region 204, 206 is to be minimized within the control of etch processes and the extension and source/drain formation processes, so that the SiGe is closer to the gate stack. This requirement determines the lateral to vertical etch ratio and the etch amount of the first and second etch. Next, as shown in FIG. 5, silicon germanium 500, 502, 504 is epitaxially grown in the openings 400, 402. Instead of silicon germanium, any strain producing material whether now know or developed in the future can be used with the invention, and silicon germanium is only used as an example. This can be done in multiple steps or continuously. Item 500 represents the portion of the silicon germanium that fills the opening 400; item 502 represents the portion of the silicon germanium that fills openings 402; and item 504 represents additional silicon germanium that is grown above the openings 400, 402 and above the top of the substrate 104. Item 504 is optional. While the silicon germanium is illustrated using three different identification numbers 500, 502, 504, as would be understood by one ordinarily skilled in the art, region 500, 502, 504 could comprise a continuous and uninterrupted layer of silicon germanium. The process of epitaxially growing the silicon germanium in FIG. 5 comprises a selective epitaxy process, which grows silicon germanium on the exposed silicon surface, but does not SiGe grow on dielectric layers, such as nitride or oxide. Also, this epitaxial process can be done in the presence of an appropriate dopant impurity (such as boron), such that the silicon germanium grows with the dopant included therein, without there being a need to implant additional dopants later in subsequent processing. Instead of boron, any appropriate impurity whether now known or developed in the future can be used with the invention and boron is only used as an example herein. Therefore, the silicon germanium 500, 502, 504 is referred to as an in-situ doped layer. The Ge concentration in the SiGe film can be 10-50%, and more precisely 15-30%. The boron doping level in the SiGe can be larger than 1×1020/cm3. As is understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art, epitaxially grown silicon germanium is pseudomorphic to the silicon substrate and hence compressively strained, when the Ge concentration and thickness is chosen so that the film does not relax at the epitaxy temperature and subsequent process steps. This compressively strained SiGe in the extension and source/drain apply longitudinal stress to the channel region. As explained above, by straining the channel region, the performance of the PFET is substantially improved. Further, by first undercutting the opening 402 beneath the spacers, the silicon germanium 502 is formed very close to the channel region to maximize the stress that is applied to the channel region, and reduce the extension resistance as boron doped SiGe has lower resisitivity than Si. This maximizes the performance of the PFET device 135. However, lateral etching of layer 400 is limited so as to make sure the SiGe/Si interface is within the implanted source/drain, so as to control the junction leakage and short channel effect. FIGS. 6-7 illustrate processing steps to complete the structure. More specifically, in FIG. 6, the protective layer 300 is removed. HF etch can be used if layer 300 is an oxide layer. Then a nitride RIE process selective to silicon and SiGe can be used to remove the nitride cap layer 118. Alternatively, a hot phosphorous acid etch can be used to remove nitride layer 118 and spacers 210 and 220, and then form a new spacer for silicide. If layer 300 is nitride, then the removal of layer 300 and 118 can be combined in one step. The processing shown in FIGS. 6-7 can comprise any number of well-known material removal steps as will be understood by one ordinarily skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. The oxide layer 116 is removed during silicide preclean. Then, typical Ni silicide and multiple levels of metal contacts and interconnects can be formed, as well known to one ordinarily skilled in the art. FIG. 8 shows the inventive method of forming transistors in an integrated circuit structure in flowchart form. In item 800, the invention forms well regions for a first type (e.g., N-type) transistor and a second-type (e.g., P-type) transistor in a substrate, and in item 802, forms gate stacks for the P-type transistor and the N-type transistor on the substrate. Then, optional halo implants can be made in item 804. Next, spacers are formed on the gate stacks in item 806 before doping areas of the substrate adjacent the gate stacks accordingly to form the P-type transistor extension and source/drain regions and the N-type transistor extension and source/drain regions in item 808. Then, upper proportions of the P-type transistor extension and source/drain regions are removed to create openings adjacent the gate stack of the P-type transistor using a two step etching process, in item 810, such that a top portion of the opening extends under the P-type gate stack more than a bottom portion of the opening. The spacers can be used as a masking layer for removing the upper proportions of the P-type transistor extension and source/drain regions. Then, the boron doped strained silicon germanium is grown in the openings by selective epitaxy process 812. Again, the strained silicon germanium creates longitudinal stress on the well region of P-type transistor. The stress produced with the invention is longitudinal and compressive and causes hole mobility enhancements. The compressive stress inherent from the embedded SiGe 500, 502, 504 can cause significant compression in the channel. This longitudinal stress can enhance hole mobility considerably. This invention has added the benefit of higher boron activation with the in-situ boron doped epitaxial SiGe compared with implant and annealed Si. By using a two step etching, the amount of in-situ doped SiGe in the extension is increased so as to reduce extension resistance, and the distance of SiGe in the extension and source/drain to the gate channel is reduced so as to increase the stress in the channel, while still contain the whole SiGe in the implant formed extension and source/drain region so that junction leakage and short channel effect is controlled. While the invention has been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, different materials for covering gates and NFET and the different removal processes can be used. While a SOI substrate is used in the embodiments shown, the invention is equally applicable to bulk silicon substrates. In the preferred embodiment, silicon recess and SiGe epitaxy is done after the source/drains are formed and dopant activation anneal is already carried out. It is also possible to do the silicon recess and in-situ boron doped SiGe epitaxy in between extension implant and dopant activation anneal. The same advantage can be obtained, with the consideration given to the fact that B will diffuse out from SiGe during dopant activation anneal and hence adjusting the amount of lateral etching. In this integration scheme, the source/drain implant for PFET may be omitted, and source/drain is formed by B in the SiGe and B diffused out from the SiGe. | <SOH> FIELD OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention generally relates to an integrated circuit structure that has P type and N type transistors where strained silicon germanium in the P type extension and source/drain regions creates longitudinal stress on the channel region of the P type transistors. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention presents a method of forming transistors and a resulting structure. The invention begins by forming shallow trench isolations (STI), well implants and anneals, and then forming gate stacks for P-type and N-type transistors on a substrate. Following gate stack formation, typical implants for Vt adjustment, Halo, extension and source/drain are carried out, with typical spacer formation for related implants, followed by dopant activation anneal. Then, the first-type transistors are protected, and upper proportions of the second-type transistor source/drain regions are removed using etching to create openings adjacent the gate stacks of the second-type transistors. This etching process first performs isotropic or semi-isotropic etching on the P-type transistor extension and source/drain regions, which has large lateral to vertical etch ratio, and, after the first etching, performs anisotropic or semi-isotropic etching on the P-type transistors extension and source/drain regions, which has smaller lateral etch. This creates an undercut below the spacers of the P-type transistors such that a portion of the spacers of the P-type transistors overhangs the openings. Then, the invention epitaxially grows strained silicon germanium in the openings. A portion of the substrate below the gate stacks of the P-type transistors comprises a channel region and the strained silicon germanium creates longitudinal stress on the channel region. The process of epitaxially growing the strained silicon germanium is a selective epitaxy process and can be in-situ doped with boron. The invention uses protective caps over the gate stacks of the P-type transistors to protect gates of the P-type transistors during the process of removing the upper portions of the P-type transistors extension and source/drain regions and prevent growth on the gates during subsequent SiGe epitaxy process. This produces an integrated circuit structure that has a substrate and P-type and N-type transistors on the substrate. The N-type transistor extension and source/drain regions comprise dopants implanted into the substrate. The P-type transistor extension and source/drain regions can partially include Boron doped strained epitaxial silicon germanium. Instead of boron, any appropriate impurity whether now known or developed in the future can be used with the invention and boron is only used as an example herein. The strained silicon germanium creates longitudinal stress on the channel region. The strained epitaxial silicon germanium comprises two layers, with the top layer being closer to the gate stack than the bottom layer. These, and other, aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. | 20050112 | 20070213 | 20060713 | 61933.0 | H01L2994 | 0 | HAFIZ, MURSALIN B | IN SITU DOPED EMBEDDED SIGE EXTENSION AND SOURCE/DRAIN FOR ENHANCED PFET PERFORMANCE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H01L | 2,005 |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.